[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BRIAN NESTANDE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2024

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my 
good friend and former California State Assemblyman Brian Nestande, who 
passed away at his home in Palm Desert earlier this month. Brian was a 
dedicated leader in the Coachella Valley who has left us far too soon, 
and he will be deeply missed.
  Born in Orange County, California, on January 10, 1964, Brian was 
exposed to the world of public service and politics at an early age. 
Brian's father, Bruce, was a staff member for then-California Governor 
Ronald Reagan and later an elected member of the State Assembly and 
Orange County Board of Supervisors. After graduating from California 
State University, Fullerton in 1991, Brian started his own political 
career by taking a position as the Deputy Campaign Manager for the 
successful congressional campaign of Michael Buffington in Santa 
Barbara County. A few years later, Brian managed then-Palm Springs 
Mayor Sonny Bono's congressional campaign, which was also successful. 
He went on to serve as Sonny's Chief of Staff. In 1998, it was Brian 
who made the unforgettable phone call to me to share the shocking and 
tragic news of Sonny's death.
  After Sonny's passing, Brian went on to serve as Chief of Staff to 
Congresswoman Mary Bono from 1998 until 2000. He launched a government 
affairs consulting business named Nestande and Associates, and worked 
collaboratively with clients on alternative energy and healthcare 
issues. In 2008, Brian's own name was on the ballot for the first time 
and he was elected to the California State Assembly, where he would 
serve until 2014. In Sacramento, Brian was a tireless advocate for the 
Coachella Valley and Riverside County, working on important local 
issues like the Salton Sea and improving our infrastructure. After his 
time in the Assembly, Brian joined the County of Riverside where he 
served as Deputy CEO, coordinating legislative priorities with state 
and federal representatives in the region.
  Brian is survived by his wife Gina; his son Hayden; his daughter 
Sophia; and his stepchildren Sadie, Tad, Mason, Molly and Savana. I 
extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Nestande family, 
his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Brian. Although he 
may be gone, the many contributions he made to his community and family 
have left an enduring legacy.

                          ____________________