Recognizing Rick Gonzales, Sr. for His Outstanding Service and Dedication to His Community
RECOGNIZING RICK GONZALES, SR. FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO HIS COMMUNITY -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 15, 2004)
SPEECH OF
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2004
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the service of Rick Gonzales, Sr., who has been a respected community leader in Yolo County for more than 50 years.
Rick Gonzales was born in Saguache, Colorado in 1919 and raised in Elko, Nevada. Drafted into World War II, he served in Okinawa during the Pacific campaign. After being discharged he settled in San Francisco where he attended barber school and met Angela Duran. In 1949 they married and moved to Woodland, California, where they operated several barbershops and raised four sons, La Verne, Garry, Rick Jr. and Jerry.
Rick Gonzales founded the Pan American Club, an organization that gave Latino youth an opportunity to play sports and attend social activities. Rick Gonzales has served on numerous boards and commissions that advocate for the youth and disenfranchised in the community. As a result of these efforts, he twice received the Yolo County Bar Association's Liberty Bell award. He is the only individual to be honored twice.
Rick is one of the founders of the Mexican American Concilio of Yolo County. In 1983 the Concilio started its annual dinner-dance to recognize individuals who have made a contribution to the Latino community. Now a signature community event, the Concilio's dinner-dance provides a growing number of scholarships and awards to students and adults throughout Yolo County.
Over the years Rick Gonzales endured insults and recriminations but his commitment to justice prevailed. His work helped to increase diversity in the local workforce. On June 22, 2004, in recognition of his service, the Yolo County Department of Employment and Social Services was named for Rick Gonzales. The dedication plaque reads, "Rick Gonzales has dedicated his life to giving a voice to the poor and disenfranchised of Yolo County and ensuring equal opportunities for all."
Mr. Speaker, Rick Gonzales Sr. has had a far-reaching and enduring impact on his community. His outstanding leadership and commitment to community service has significantly benefited the people of Woodland and has contributed to making Yolo County the vibrant and culturally rich community that is it today. It is appropriate that we acknowledge him today.