[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING GARY SANDY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my 
colleagues John Garamendi and Doris Matsui, to honor the life and 
legacy of Yolo County Supervisor Gary Sandy. Supervisor Sandy grew up 
in Vacaville, California and lived in Woodland. California for nearly 
40 years where he devoted his life to public service.
  Supervisor Sandy graduated from Sonoma State University ``With 
Distinction'' in 1985 and was later awarded the prestigious Coro 
Foundation Fellowship in Public Affairs. Supervisor Sandy also received 
a master's degree in organizational development from the University of 
San Francisco and completed the University of California, Davis 
Executive Program.
  Supervisor Sandy has been active in our community for decades. He 
served as a member of the Woodland City Council from 1989 through 1996 
and was mayor of the City of Woodland from 1994 through 1996. Between 
2010 and 2018, Supervisor Sandy was a trustee for the Yuba Community 
College District, where he was twice elected president of the board. In 
2018, he was elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors for 
District 3; and in 2020, Mr. Sandy served as the chair to the board 
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  He was a treasured member of our community who advocated for matters 
of mental health, homelessness, agricultural land preservation, 
economic development, and education. Supervisor Sandy was a leading 
voice as the chair to the Yolo County Housing Commission and assisted 
in the creation of Yolo County's Commission to Address Homelessness 
supporting countywide policy, strategy, and funding recommendations to 
address homelessness and housing issues. Mr. Sandy was a leader in 
promoting practices and technologies that aid in water conservation. He 
furthered these initiatives as a representative to the Yolo County 
Water Resources Association and the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency.
  Supervisor Sandy's colleagues remembered him as a kind, wise, and 
personable man. His gift was not in what he had to say, but rather in 
the way he made you feel. Supervisor Sandy brought a sense of warmth 
and humor into every conversation he had. We will miss his friendship 
and unwavering support.
  Beyond his work, Supervisor Sandy was deeply devoted to his family. 
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary, his children, Owen, 
Grayson, and Bayley, his grandchildren, and his sister, Shirley. 
Supervisor Sandy will be remembered for his love of his family and the 
people he served.
  Mr. Speaker, Gary Sandy was a dedicated public servant and leader in 
our community.

                          ____________________