[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MICHAEL OWENS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Cardenas) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American and 
Angeleno who is the definition of a public servant, Michael Owens.
  I have had the honor to serve as an elected official for 27 years, 
and I have learned that the backbone of every office is having a team 
of dedicated people who work directly with our community members.
  Just as it is in Congress, a Los Angeles city councilmember's 
district team has the biggest impact on the constituents they serve, 
and Michael made an impact on thousands of constituents.
  Michael changed the lives of those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, 
and all the families of the San Fernando Valley.
  Michael Owens served Councilmember Bob Blumenfield for 15 years, 
first as his director of constituent affairs and later as district 
director. In these roles, he oversaw more than 10 staffers and the 
delivery of millions of dollars of city resources to their 
constituents.
  Before getting involved in politics, he was a paralegal and director 
of legal affairs at the Motion Picture Association.
  Michael lived in my district in the community of North Hills. He was 
a leader in his homeowner association, bringing the knowledge he had 
from the city to make his community a better place for all its 
residents.
  He was known by Councilmember Blumenfield as the ``constituent 
whisperer'' for his ability to hear constituents' most difficult 
problems and find solutions for them. No problem was too big or too 
small for Michael.
  As district director, he ensured the district office he served was a 
space where students with disabilities could develop vital career 
skills.
  We lost Michael in April. He joins his parents and late husband, 
Camron. My heart goes out to Michael's family, his sister Susan, Uncle 
Bob, and cousin Sara, and to Bob Blumenfield and his entire staff 
during this difficult time.
  Michael represents the Angeleno and American spirit of going above 
and beyond to serve the community that gave him so much.


                       Honoring Irma Cantu Acosta

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Irma Cantu Acosta, a 
beloved leader, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
  As a former small business owner and realtor, I saw firsthand the 
efforts of Irma to help families and young real estate agents attain 
the American Dream.
  Irma was born in a small rural town in southwest Texas, and in the 
fifties, her family moved to Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.
  Irma began her career in real estate, a field where she helped 
thousands of families navigate the real estate market. Her passion was 
helping working families find a house they could call home.
  In 2000, she led the creation of the National Association of Hispanic 
Real Estate Professionals, the largest voice and champion for Latino 
homeownership and empowerment, which is now tens of thousands of 
members strong. From the local to the national level, she mentored 
thousands of clients and colleagues with her warm, reassuring smile and 
valuable insight.
  Irma is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband, Ernie, 
and her three children, four grandchildren, and one great-
granddaughter.
  Today, I stand to celebrate and honor the incredible life of my 
friend, Irma Cantu Acosta, someone who believed that we can all aspire 
for our own piece of the American Dream.

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