[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 200 (Monday, December 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1133-E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SHARON RANALS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEVIN MULLIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 1, 2025

  Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an exemplary public 
servant who has dedicated her career to serving the residents of my 
hometown of South San Francisco, California. After nearly five decades 
in public service our City Manager, Sharon Ranals, is retiring.
  Sharon graduated from Reed College and later earned a Master's in 
Public Administration from San Francisco State University, embarking on 
a lifelong career in municipal government that commenced in Colorado 
Springs and continued with steady promotions in South San Francisco, 
culminating with her appointment as City Manager in 2023. Sharon began 
her career with the City of South San Francisco in 1980 as a part-time 
employee in the Parks and Recreation Department. She became a full-time 
staff member in 1984 and steadily advanced through roles of increasing 
responsibility. Her experience rising through the organization provided 
valuable insight into the challenges of local government and the 
importance of collaboration to achieve results. Over the years, she has 
hired and promoted dozens of talented City staff and is especially 
proud of leading high-functioning teams with low turnover, as well as 
fostering the professional growth and success of her colleagues. Her 
approach of ``take the blame and give the credit'' has been one of the 
keys to her success.
  Throughout her tenure, Sharon championed the work of South San 
Francisco's dedicated City teams and their many accomplishments. Under 
their leadership, the city has grown as a global hub for biotechnology, 
accelerated the construction of new housing, and maintained a high 
standard for public safety and emergency response. South San Francisco 
has continued to expand access to responsive, technology-driven police 
services, collaborative library and recreation programming, and 
reliable public works and infrastructure maintenance--the award-winning 
Water Quality Control Plant and strong internal operations reflect a 
commitment to service excellence. Central to these efforts has been a 
focus on sustainability and on creating a thriving environment for both 
residents and businesses.
  Sharon played a key role in the planning, development, and 
improvement of many public buildings and spaces throughout the city. 
Her work helped bring to life the Municipal Services Building, Alice 
Pena Bulos Recreation Center and Preschool, Terrabay Gymnasium and 
Recreation Center, Roberta Teglia Senior Center, Community Learning 
Center, and after-school facilities on South San Francisco Unified 
School District campuses. At Orange Memorial Park, she supported 
projects including the picnic shelter, sculpture garden, Joseph 
Fernekes Recreation Center, new sports fields, and the award-winning 
water capture system. She was instrumental in securing funding and 
advancing the vision for the co-located Library with the Parks and 
Recreation Center and the new Aquatics Center.
  Her commitment to public spaces also extends to parks and open space. 
She contributed to the renovation of Sellick and Westborough Parks, the 
creation of Avalon and Alta Loma Parks, the expansion of Sign Hill's 
open space, and improvements at Oyster Point, Civic Campus Park, and 
neighborhood playgrounds. She led successful grant efforts for projects 
like Centennial Way and oversaw the development of new amenities along 
the trail, a preschool in Westborough, and a new park on Linden Avenue.
  Beyond infrastructure, Sharon supported the community through special 
events such as Day in the Park, the establishment of the City's public 
art program, and advocacy for expanded childcare and senior services.
  She has built strong partnerships with outside agencies, the South 
San Francisco Unified School District, and local organizations. During 
the COVID-19 pandemic, she and a core team remained on-site at City 
Hall to ensure continuity of operations and support for both staff and 
the public. She also led the City's emergency coordination during major 
storms and flooding in 2022 to 2023.
  Her contributions have been recognized by the California Association 
of Parks & Recreation Commissioners and Board Members with their 
Outstanding Professional Award, the California Parks and Recreation 
Society's Professional Merit Award, South San Francisco Historical 
Society's Victor John Feudale Award, and by the Institute for Local 
Government as a Local Government Champion--reflecting her professional 
excellence and community impact.
  Throughout her tenure as City Manager, Sharon has exemplified a 
tireless work ethic, accessibility, innovation, community engagement, 
and sound stewardship of public resources--addressing pressing 
challenges including economic resilience, infrastructure renewal, 
affordable housing, climate adaptation,

[[Page E1134]]

public safety, equity, and more. Sharon was Leslie Knope of Parks and 
Recreation fame before there was a Leslie Knope. She exemplifies the 
true Leslie Knope philosophy: public service is working hard at work 
worth doing alongside people you love.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues please join me in congratulating 
Sharon Ranals for an exemplary record of service to the City of South 
San Francisco, commending her for tireless dedication of time and 
talent, and wishing her all the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________