[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING LUIS SANTANA

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luis 
Santana, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2026 Climate 
Crisis Champion of the Year for Lake County in recognition of his 
leadership in strengthening our community's commitment to a sustainable 
future.
  Born in Deer Park, California, Mr. Santana graduated from California 
State University, Sacramento, with a Bachelor of Science in 
Environmental Science and a minor in Geology. He then went on to 
achieve a Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management from Oregon 
State University and a Grant Writing Certificate from San Diego State 
University. He served as a Scientific Aid for the California Department 
of Fish and Wildlife, a Biological Science Technician for the U.S. 
Forest Service, and then a Restoration Specialist with the Yurok Tribe. 
After working for four years as a Fisheries Biologist, he has made the 
Fish and Wildlife Director of Robinson Rancheria Donoxa Fish and 
Wildlife Department in 2025.
  In this role, Mr. Santana has been able to secure millions of dollars 
of funding and thousands of hours in human resources to ensure that 
Lake County remains sustainable and healthy. He has secured grants and 
completed projects that will help ensure the land in Lake County 
remains clean, accessible, and safe for future generations. To protect 
the lands of Robinson Rancheria, he integrates traditional ecological 
knowledge with modern scientific approaches to develop effective 
community-centered conservation strategies. He ensures projects go 
smoothly by working closely with tribal partners, property owners, 
government agencies, and academic institutions to protect vulnerable 
species and habitats.
  Mr. Santana is dedicated to mentoring and engaging with the 
community. One of his primary goals as the Wildlife Director of 
Robinson Rancheria Donoxa Fish and Wildlife Department is to ensure 
that future generations are better custodians of our land. He works to 
create real opportunities for young people to engage with and 
participate in hands-on environmental work.
  Mr. Santana's dedication to Lake County is evident to everyone in his 
community. He was recognized as the Biologist of the Year from the 
Native American Fish and Wildlife Society in 2025. He also served as 
the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory 
Committee, and he is a member of the American Fisheries Society, the 
Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, the Rocky Mountain Elk 
Foundation, the California Deer Association, Trout Unlimited, 
California Waterfowl Association, and Ducks Unlimited. Mr. Santana is 
married to Thonyoon Chao and who runs the Chao Santana Farm in Upper 
Lake, California. They are blessed with two children named Lucas Chao 
Santana and Eleanor Chao Santana.
  Mr. Speaker, Luis Santana, has been recognized across the Lake County 
community for his work preserving the wildlife, land, and culture 
across the lands of the Robinson Rancheria. Therefore, it is fitting 
and proper that we honor him here today.