[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27880]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING CIRCUIT RIDER PRODUCTIONS

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 22, 2007

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Circuit Rider Productions, a non-profit corporation that has harmonized 
the work of providing human services for at-risk youth with a mission 
to help restore and sustain Sonoma County's ecological resources. The 
work done by Circuit Rider Productions has been of immense value to the 
community of northern Sonoma County.
  Circuit Rider Productions was founded in 1976 by Fred Beeman and Ed 
Kissam with the mission to reach out to people and places in need of 
help. The organization's original project took a Federal grant and 
taught young people to use video production technology and to film a 
documentary about a project which employed low-income youth to plant 
trees. The fusion of job training, youth services, and environmental 
restoration formed the core of services that Circuit Rider Productions 
has continued to offer in the 30 years since.
  The organization is currently comprised of two divisions: Resources 
and Programs for Youth Family and Community; and the Center for 
Ecological Restoration and Stewardship. The first set of programs work 
with youth in northern Sonoma County on issues such as drug and alcohol 
abuse and gang activity. Through no-cost community counseling, programs 
in schools, and court referrals, young people who are at risk for 
substance abuse or involvement with gang activities receive help from 
the various Circuit Rider programs focusing on life and communication 
skills, self-confidence building, and responsible decision making.
  The Center for Ecological Restoration and Stewardship focuses on 
providing landowners and communities with the information they need to 
make sound decisions about watersheds. Through an analysis program and 
ecological restoration services, the organization can provide the 
training necessary to help get these projects off the ground. With a 
particular emphasis on controlling invasive species and restoring 
native species, Circuit Rider has been a leader in responsible 
environmental restoration.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate that we congratulate Circuit Ride 
Productions for the many wonderful contributions this organization has 
made to our community. By taking a comprehensive approach to working 
with at-risk youth, and providing more than abstract job training, they 
have bettered the lives of countless young people while providing 
important and scientifically sound guidance in ecological restoration.

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