[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 9, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H5061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAYOR ROBERT FOSTER

  (Mr. Garcia of California was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Mayor Bob Foster.
  Bob was an incredible friend, a mentor, and a leader who gave so much 
to our country, our community, and my city of Long Beach.
  As mayor of Long Beach for 8 years, he transformed the city into an 
economic powerhouse, and he led us through the 2008 financial crisis. 
He signed historic agreements to clean our air, to clean our water, and 
to clean our ports. He made our city government more efficient and 
responsive to residents.
  Bob was also a successful businessman and CEO who brought his 
experience and support for working people to city hall. His vision and 
work led to the creation of our new civic center and downtown library. 
We honored that legacy when we named the new council chambers the Bob 
Foster Civic Chambers. It was one of the last actions we took when I 
was mayor of Long Beach.
  His commitment to public service continued even after he left office. 
He and his family supported charities, nonprofits, and so many others 
across our city. They included mental health programs, initiatives for 
students and libraries, and Cal State, Long Beach.
  Mr. Speaker, I first met Bob when I was a student at Cal State, Long 
Beach, and he served as a trustee for the California State University 
system. We served together again when I was elected to the city council 
and he was elected as mayor of Long Beach.
  I was proud to support his agenda when I was on that council. When I 
ran for mayor, nobody did more to help my campaign than Bob. I was 
honored that he trusted me to be his successor for our community. His 
support was invaluable. I am honored that he trusted me, but most 
importantly, I am honored to have just known him.
  His leadership is known across our community. He was a great friend 
and a great mentor. I enjoyed his advice, our talks, and, most 
importantly, his jokes. I will miss him terribly. All of our love is 
with his wife, Nancy, and his family.
  Mr. Speaker, to his wife, Nancy, I will say that we love her so much. 
We support her. We thank her for all her work to our city, as well. We 
will continue to work and honor his incredible legacy.


                          Honoring Skip Keesal

  Mr. GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Skip Keesal.
  Skip was a force, a friend, and a devoted leader in our community. He 
helped shape our country, our State, and the city of Long Beach. He 
dedicated his life to helping others and always doing the right thing. 
He knew everybody. Whether it was events he would have with U.S. 
Senators or with community members, he was as comfortable with those in 
power and in business as he was with community activists and the folks 
working across our community.
  He was a giant in the legal profession, establishing one of the most 
admired law firms in California and one of the most powerful firms when 
it comes to maritime across the country.
  Throughout his professional success, he maintained a deep commitment 
to our city and our people. He was the most respected and giving 
philanthropist in the city of Long Beach. Nobody did more than Skip.
  He was tireless in his work for both the law firm and to countless 
charities and projects. The impact of his work will go on. It was a 
privilege to know him, to have worked alongside him, and to learn from 
him. I will miss our lunches, his advice, and his friendship.
  Mr. Speaker, my thoughts are always with Beth, his family, and those 
who loved him.


                          Honoring Bob Maxson

  Mr. GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Bob Maxson.
  Bob was the president of Cal State, Long Beach for 12 years, and he 
was also my biggest mentor in life. I am forever grateful for his 
friendship and guidance over the years.
  More than anything, he was an incredible leader and teacher who 
devoted his life to the university and its students. His vision of 
excellence and effort to put student success front and center at CSULB 
turned it into the powerhouse it is today in our State.
  He was the first president in the CSU system to win the Association's 
University President of the Year award by its own students. He won it 
so many times that the award was named in his honor. He coined the 
nickname ``The Beach,'' of which Cal State, Long Beach is now known by. 
He enthusiastically supported its students and athletic teams across 
the campus.
  Mr. Speaker, I first met Bob when I served as student body president. 
His kindness, support, and mentorship changed the course of my life. I 
know for so many other people, he was a constant presence. We stayed in 
touch throughout my entire time in office. He supported me when I was 
mayor, supported me when I got to Congress, and I spoke to him just a 
few months before he recently passed.
  I have never stopped being grateful for his service to our 
university, to our students, and to our community. We will always be 
grateful. My thoughts are with his family and the Cal State, Long Beach 
community.
  Go Beach.

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