[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 69 (Monday, April 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SARAH AGUILAR AS CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF 
                                THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 20, 2026

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, each year, I have the honor of recognizing 
women on the Central Coast whose leadership, service, and dedication 
have made a lasting impact on our community through the Women of the 
Year Award. This year, it is my pleasure to recognize Sarah Aguilar of 
Oak View, for her outstanding contributions to animal welfare, public 
service, and community engagement.
  Sarah Aguilar became Director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services 
in September 2022 and has since transformed the agency through 
innovative leadership, transparency, and collaboration. With a 
background in business and prior leadership roles in animal welfare 
organizations across the country, she brought a collaborative approach 
to an agency that had long faced significant challenges. Under her 
stewardship, the care of more than 6,000 animals at county's three 
shelters annually has been reimagined through programs that prioritize 
humane outcomes, community partnership, and transparency, helping 
change the atmosphere for volunteers and staff in a positive way.
  Among her most notable achievements is the creation of the ``Dog Day 
Fostering'' program, an initiative that has enabled more than 2,000 
community members to provide shelter dogs with enrichment, 
socialization, and exposure to potential adopters. This has reduced 
stress on animals, increased adoption rates, and strengthened community 
investment in the wellbeing of shelter pets.
  Ms. Aguilar has also demonstrated leadership through securing a 
$200,000 grant from the UC Davis Koretz School of Shelter Medicine to 
establish a ``Pawsitive Care Coordinator.'' This bridges the gap 
between human social services and animal care, ensuring that 
individuals facing hardships are not forced to surrender beloved pets 
due to lack of resources.
  Her dedication extends beyond policy and program development to 
direct, hands-on action. In one instance, Ms. Aguilar personally 
intervened to rehabilitate and transport a high-risk shelter dog to a 
safe, permanent home hours away. An act of courage and compassion that 
not only saved that animal's life but inspired ongoing rescue efforts 
for others in need.
  In a field often challenged by limited resources and complex public 
demands, Ms. Aguilar has remained steadfast, advocating for sustainable 
funding, developing fundraising strategies, and maintaining a 
solutions-oriented approach in the face of fiscal uncertainty.
  I am proud to recognize Sarah Aguilar as a Woman of the Year for her 
inspiring leadership, her deep commitment to both people and animals, 
and the lasting difference she continues to make in the Santa Barbara 
County community.

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