[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GARY EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary 
Edwards, the City of Sonoma's 2026 Honorary Alcalde, honoring more than 
two decades of service and leadership in support of the Sonoma 
community.
  The Honorary Alcalde program, established in 1975, recognizes a 
Sonoma resident whose long-term volunteer service, leadership, and 
quiet dedication have made a meaningful difference in the community. 
The title ``Alcalde,'' the Spanish word for mayor, reflects Sonoma's 
early civic history and remains a ceremonial honor today.
  Mr. Edwards has a background working in cheese marketing, a career 
path he pursued since he graduated from Analy High School in 1977. He 
is currently the owner of Sage Marketing LLC, a company he founded in 
1991 to connect cheese and dairy producers with re-sellers and 
consumers.
  Gary Edwards brings out the best in our community with his work in 
civic positions. He served on the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory 
Commission (SVCAC) and the Planning Commission. From 2014 to 2018, 
Edwards served on the Sonoma City Council. Also, he served two terms on 
the Board of the Redwood Empire Food Bank and is newly serving on the 
Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley.
  Mr. Edwards is widely known for his hands-on approach to service, 
including improving and cleaning up our parks, organizing Sonoma's 
annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner for more than 20 years, and his 
efforts to rebuild the City of Paradise after it was destroyed by 
wildfires in 2017. His service also includes leadership roles with 
local Rotary clubs, support for youth and education programs, and 
assisting our community through food insecurity.
  Mr. Edwards celebrates this honor alongside his wife, Ruth, his 
daughter, Madeline, and his son, Sullivan.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Edwards' passion, leadership, and determination have 
profoundly impacted our Sonoma community. It is with great honor and 
deep appreciation that we recognize his invaluable contributions here 
today.

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