[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 67 (Thursday, April 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E324-E325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ROBERT ASHE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert 
Ashe, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2025 Climate 
Crisis Champion of the Year for Sonoma County for his extensive 
volunteer efforts to restore and protect the Santa Rosa Creek and 
surrounding areas. He exemplifies the power of grassroots environmental 
stewardship as seen through founding the Friends of the Prince Memorial 
Greenway.
  Mr. Ashe was born and raised in Lancaster, California. He attended 
Antelope Valley College, where he studied police administration before 
working for over 35 years in the automotive parts industry in Los 
Angeles. After moving to Sonoma County, Mr. Ashe found a new calling as 
a custodian at Park Side Elementary School in Sebastopol, where he 
worked for 13 years. Known affectionately as ``Mr. Bob,'' he was more 
than just a caretaker, serving as a mentor, a friend and an educator to 
those around him. Mr. Ashe led efforts on

[[Page E325]]

recycling, composting and environmental responsibility, instilling in 
students a deep respect for sustainability.
  In 2020, Mr. Ashe turned his passion for environmental care into 
action by volunteering at the Prince Memorial Greenway, a beloved but 
often overlooked natural space in our city of Santa Rosa. What began as 
simple trash cleanups soon expanded into a comprehensive restoration 
effort. Mr. Ashe currently dedicates an average of 25 hours a week to 
maintaining the Greenway and its surrounding parks, trails and creek 
areas. His work includes vegetation management, graffiti removal, trail 
upkeep and clearing potential hazards, all critical efforts in helping 
the Greenway remain a safe and thriving space for residents and 
wildlife alike.
  Recognizing the power of collective action, Mr. Ashe founded the 
Friends of the Prince Memorial Greenway, a volunteer group dedicated to 
the ongoing restoration and beautification of the area in 2023. Under 
his leadership, the group contributes over 125 volunteer hours per 
month to cleaning and maintaining the Greenway. With each passing 
season, the number of volunteers continues to grow as more community 
members are inspired to join the cause. Beyond cleanup efforts, the 
Friends of the Prince Memorial Greenway advocates for the Greenway's 
role in connecting downtown residents and businesses, bringing people 
together through nature, art and sustainable transportation 
initiatives.
  Mr. Ashe's impact extends beyond his environmental work. He is a 
dedicated and compassionate member of our community, always willing to 
lend a hand to those in need. His leadership is not only measured in 
the number of volunteer hours logged or the pounds of trash he removes, 
but in the inspiration, he provides to others. Whether through his 
advocacy, mentorship or hands-on service, Mr. Ashe has shown one 
individual's commitment to their community can create lasting change.
  Mr. Speaker, Robert Ashe's dedication to environmental stewardship 
and public service embodies the spirit of the Climate Crisis Champion 
of the Year award. His work to rehabilitate and maintain Sonoma 
County's natural spaces ensures these cherished environments remain 
accessible, clean and beautiful for future generations of our 
community. It is fitting and proper that we recognize him today as 
Sonoma County's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

                          ____________________