[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21156]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ALICE SANTANA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of 
Alice Santana, a woman of many roles--a wife, a mother, a friend, a 
business woman, a community activist, a rising star in the ranks of the 
Office of Economic Opportunity, a political advisor, a supporter and 
kingmaker--just to name a few. Alice was tough, exuberant, and smart in 
every one of her roles. She brought her awesome zest for life to 
others, and enjoyed the pleasure of working and playing, while 
wholeheartedly advocating the causes in which she believed.
  Alice came to Santa Cruz with her family in 1962 when the circle of 
those committed to action for social change and support for the arts 
was small indeed in Santa Cruz County. This was an emerging time of 
change--Cabrillo Community College had just been established, UCSC was 
on the verge of opening its doors, and Alice was a forceful and driving 
member within that small circle for reform. Alice's commitment 
continued with resiliency. There is hardly an arts organization or 
initiative for social change in this county that did not benefit from 
Alice's truly generous support.
  It is no secret that Alice Santana has always been an ardent 
Democrat. Her willingness to generously support endeavors that didn't 
always look shiny and bright, in a community dominated by the other 
party, was a critical force for change. She was an early and crucial 
supporter for Leon Panetta, our first Democratic Congressman. Alice 
supported and worked hard for Henry Mello, Supervisor, State 
Assemblyman and the State Senator. She worked vigorously for my races 
as well as for Fred Keeley, our current State Assemblyman. And at the 
local level, she was an important and initial supporter for a line of 
Democratic Second District Supervisors, Ralph Sanson, Dale Dawson, 
Robley Levy, and Ellen Pirie. We all owe much to Alice.
  Alice not only supported politicians, she played the game too, and 
she played it well--from the early 60's as an activist at Community 
Action Board hearings, to the days when she was an energetic delegate 
at both state and national conventions. She delighted in these 
opportunities. Alice had an unremitting passion for making a 
difference. When she saw the opportunity to act, she did not let it 
pass, and her mark on our community has been profound.
  In addition to all of Alice's accomplishments, it is just as 
important to remember her enthusiasm for life, her enjoyment in the 
great pleasures of our world--good food, good drink, good conversation, 
and the company of good friends. Alice loved elegant and vivid clothes, 
jewelry, silver, ivory and gold, and a good martini. I have always 
enjoyed her hospitality, and was often transported by vibrant tales of 
her travels--to New York and Guam, Cairo and Portugal. With Manuel, 
Leonard, Patricia, and Angelina, I am proud to honor the warmth, love, 
and courage personified in Alice.

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