[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE LATE BILL BRAND

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 20, 2024

  Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of my 
friend, Bill Brand, Mayor of Redondo Beach. Mayor Brand passed away on 
Friday, February 9th at home alongside friends and family. He valiantly 
fought stage-four lung cancer over the past four and a half years, 
while remaining in office. He survived his specific cancer longer than 
any other diagnosed in the United States.
  Bill Brand was born in Dallas, Texas, and moved to the South Bay 
region of Los Angeles County in 1966. He vividly remembered his first 
sight of the Seaside Lagoon and called it ``finding heaven.'' Bill 
dedicated his life to serving people. He saw the need to champion 
access to open space for South Bay residents and created a non-profit 
organization in 2004, the South Bay Parkland Conservancy, which is 
dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and public use of coastal 
land resources in the South Bay. This organization continues to grow 
and serve our coastal communities as a steward of our environment, 
carrying on Bill's legacy.
  Bill Brand expanded on his work in public service, first as a Member 
of the Redondo Beach City Council, and finally as Mayor, a position he 
served until his last day. He was a fierce advocate for many 
environmental and coastal priorities, and it was a great honor to work 
with him to champion these issues.
  Bill is survived by his loving wife, Deirdre. He served his community 
fervidly despite the difficulty of his condition. His tremendous will 
was a demonstration of his love and dedication for his community. He 
was a remarkable public servant, and it was a privilege to know him and 
call him a friend. May his memory live on in his many contributions to 
the community.

                          ____________________