[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PABLO H. CATANO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2025

  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved 
public servant from the 43rd Congressional District of California, and 
a favorite son of the City of Hawthorne, the Honorable Pablo H. Catano.
  Pablo Catano was born in Texas on June 29, 1939, and moved to 
California with his high school sweetheart in 1954. They raised three 
children, two daughters and a son, Pablo, Jr., who tragically passed 
away in 1985. Pablo worked as a machinist at Rockwell International, 
where he contributed to the development of the escape hatch on the 
Apollo 11 spacecraft. His time at Rockwell also ignited his passion for 
social justice and political involvement through his active role in the 
union.
  Pablo later became a political activist. He was proud of having 
marched with labor leader Cesar Chavez, and he worked with local 
politicians and various community organizations. He was admired by 
elected leaders for his activism and knowledge of city politics in 
Hawthorne and surrounding communities. This led to Pablo being hired as 
a District Representative for both California State Senators Teresa 
Hughes and Edward Vincent.
  A pillar of the community, Pablo was supportive of and served on the 
board of several organizations in Hawthorne, which included Moneta 
Gardens Improvement, Behavioral Health Services, Hawthorne Lions Club, 
and the Hawthorne Moose Lodge 1746, just to name a few.
  In 2001, Pablo Catano was elected to the Hawthorne City Council, 
becoming the first Chicano/Latino elected official in the city. His 
leadership was recognized when he assumed the role of mayor pro 
tempore, and after serving two terms on the city council, he retired in 
2009 to focus on his health following a stroke.
  Pablo Hernandez Catano passed away on November 3, 2024, leaving 
behind to cherish his memory, his daughters Sylvia and Cynthia, 
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many close 
friends. On March 20, 2025, I will join Pablo's family, friends, and 
the entire Hawthorne community when the City of Hawthorne hosts a 
celebration of life for a great public servant, a devoted family man, 
and my friend, the Honorable Pablo Catano.

                          ____________________