[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RICHARD FREEDMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2024

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Richard Freedman, a community icon and tremendous writer in the 
city of Vallejo. Mr. Freedman, who passed away at the age of 67, leaves 
behind an indelible legacy of service to the City of Vallejo, the 
Vallejo Times-Herald, and the Solano County community.
  Born and raised in Northern California, Mr. Freedman demonstrated his 
passion for writing from a young age. After earning his bachelor's 
degree from San Jose State University, Mr. Freedman started working at 
the Valley Times, beginning a lifelong career in writing and reporting.
  For 27 years, Mr. Freedman worked for the Vallejo Times-Herald, 
capturing a cult following with his witty and captivating style of 
writing. While writing for the Vallejo Times-Herald he served as a 
reporter, wrote his own weekly column, and ultimately became the 
Herald's longtime community editor. In addition, Mr. Freedman oversaw 
the Vallejo Times-Herald's Community Christmas Card every year, helping 
raise nearly $500,000 to help feed members of our community.
  Mr. Freedman's critical work as a journalist earned him wide-spread 
recognition and cemented his position as a legend in the California 
journalism community. In 2009, he was awarded Journalist of the Year by 
the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame, and in 2013 he was awarded the 
Humanitarian of the Year by Theta Pi Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 
in Vallejo. His critical contributions made him a beacon of light 
within his community and brought joy and laughter to those around him.
  Mr. Freedman will be remembered for his decades of service to the 
City of Vallejo and for the impact his life and writing had on our 
community. His enduring spirit will live on in his family and the 
community he dedicated his life to serving. I would like to extend my 
deepest sympathies to Mr. Freedman's loved ones. I know they and the 
people of California will join me in celebrating his life and legacy.

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