[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18078]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ROGER PALOMINO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 2004

  Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge 
Roger Palomino's distinguished career in public service to California's 
San Joaquin Valley. Through a lifetime of dedication he has led a 
remarkable career advocating for and empowering low-income families to 
achieve self-sufficiency in this economically challenged region.
  A native of Fresno, California, Mr. Palomino earned a bachelor's 
degree in Criminology from California State University-Fresno in 1964 
and quickly began a 30-year career in the juvenile justice system. 
During this time he served in almost every capacity of the juvenile 
justice system including as administrative director of both juvenile 
institutions and probation services. An expert in the field of juvenile 
corrections, Mr. Palomino has lent his expertise to countless local, 
state and federal juvenile justice agencies and task forces dedicated 
to eradicating juvenile violence and crime.
  It was his understanding of the root causes of juvenile delinquency 
that led Mr. Palomino to join the Fresno County Economic Opportunities 
Commission, where he has spent the last 10 years working as Executive 
Director. The Fresno County EOC is one of the largest community action 
agencies in the United States, providing social services and promoting 
economic development through a variety of programs. Under his 
leadership and innovation Fresno County EOC has experienced both growth 
and programmatic expansion. With a current annual operating budget of 
more than $100 million and 1,400 employees, Fresno County EOC continues 
to function as a critical lifeline for many struggling families in 
California's Central Valley. The agency provides such critical needs as 
pre-school, vocational education, preventive health care, and job 
placement services. Mr. Palomino and the Fresno County EOC have truly 
undertaken a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of Central 
Valley families.
  Mr. Palomino's distinguished career has made him a highly respected 
community leader both in Fresno and the entire San Joaquin Valley. His 
dedication is evident in the number of local community organizations in 
which he participates in an effort to improve the local economy and 
create jobs. He is a gifted administrator and a tireless advocate for 
positive social change and the underserved. Throughout my years in 
Congress, I have come to respect Mr. Palomino for his passion in 
helping low-income Valley families.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Roger 
Palomino in celebration of his years in public service and contribution 
to the community. I wish him continued success.

                          ____________________