[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9600]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING GEORGE TORNEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PYRAMID ALTERNATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 20, 2007

  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor George Torney, who 
became the Executive Director of Pyramid Alternatives in the City of 
Pacifica on August 6, 1976, and has served San Mateo County for 31 
years. Under his leadership and guidance, Pyramid expanded its horizons 
beyond alcohol to recognize addictive personalities as they relate to 
all substance abuse. Pyramid now frequently collaborates with the San 
Mateo County Health Department to address links between substance abuse 
and mental illness.
  Although George Torney's work with Pyramid began in Pacifica, the 
organization itself has since branched out into nine school districts 
and serves the entire San Mateo County community through seven offices, 
offering services in five languages. Pyramid has offered a wide range 
of counseling and education in the fields of: substance abuse, domestic 
violence, anger, management, first and multiple drinking driver 
programs, parenting Issues and senior adult Services.
  Madam Speaker, Pyramid has become an essential partner in the Bridges 
Program, an intensive alcohol and drug day treatment program for men 
and women operated by San Mateo County Adult Probation, Superior Court 
and the County Sheriff. This exceptional program helps non-violent 
offenders transition back into their families and the community.
  Madam Speaker, after three decades of dedicated service, George 
Torney is retiring and Janeen Smith is assuming the Executive Director 
role of Pyramid Alternatives. It is with great respect and deepest 
appreciation that I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing George 
Torney and Pyramid Alternatives.

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