[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15680]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


              RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE JUDGE FAYE D'OPAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 2, 2016

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Honorable Faye 
D'Opal as she retires from a long and distinguished career as Marin 
County Superior Court Judge on December 31, 2016.
  First elected as Marin Superior Court Judge in 2004, Judge D'Opal 
served in the Felony and Civil Departments, Family Law, Probate, 
Conservatorships and the past two years as Presiding Judge of the 
Juvenile Department. She also served as the court's Assistant Presiding 
Judge (2012-2013) and Presiding Judge (2014-2015) with distinction.
  Judge D'Opal's legacy of community service began in rural Arkansas 
where she participated in the historic efforts to desegregate Little 
Rock's public schools. She earned her bachelor's degree from Hendrix 
College in Arkansas and a law degree from the New College of 
California, San Francisco. She spent 12 years in Latin America working 
for the Peace Corps, and became a public-interest attorney.
  Renowned for her 2013, now historic decision on the death penalty 
that virtually stopped it in the state of California, Judge D'Opal's 
career includes many additional legacies and positive impacts on 
others. From her work to establish a legal self-help center, to her 
advocacy for abused women for the Legal Aid of Marin, and her work as 
trustee of the Marin Community Foundation, Judge D'Opal has used her 
keen intellect to improve the quality of life for others less fortunate 
by supporting social justice and promoting fairness and equity for all.
  In all aspects of her life, Judge D'Opal has acted with principles 
and courage. As a leader and role model for the LGBT community, and 
throughout her professional career and extensive public service, she 
has set a fabulous example for women and young girls everywhere. Even 
as she is approaching her retirement from the Superior Court, she has 
been encouraging more women and minorities to get involved in the legal 
system. Her positive impact on our community will continue as a pro tem 
judge in juvenile law, and in her pursuit to eliminate domestic 
violence.
  Mr. Speaker, it is therefore fitting that we honor and thank the 
Honorable Faye D'Opal for her many good deeds, and wish her much 
enjoyment as she spends more time with her beloved partner, daughters 
and grandchildren, and hikes, bikes, and kayaks around the beautiful 
Northern Coast of California.

                          ____________________