Gloria Flora, forest Supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada resigned last week, citing relentless 'fed-bashing.'

We all owe Ted a debt of gratitude for his successful and tireless efforts to preserve and protect precious lands in the Bay Area for generations of Californians.

I know I speak for all the Members of this chamber when I congratulate Ted Radke for his 20 years of service to the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors.

Ted has been a member of the Board's Executive, Finance and Workforce Diversity Committees, the Contra Costa Water District/EBRPD Liaison Committee, and many others.

He has played a pivotal role in the acquisition of a number of key regional parks and trails, significantly contributing to the Park District's acreage increasing by 40,000 acres since 1978.

We must support our teens and encourage them to express their ideas, especially on this national issue of youth violence.

Their leadership and contributions will make a significant impact on our country and ensure safety and peace for future generations.

These teens are the future of our nation and it is imperative that their ideas and voices be heard in this national debate concerning youth violence.

Dorothy's Place is a great community resource deserving of praise and thanks for the humanitarian spirit and service that it has provided for so many years.

For its exemplary record of service to the poor and hungry, I would like to extend best wishes for success in the future.

It is for this reason that I take great pride and honor in saluting this education hero and thanking him for his many years of commitment to educating Oakland's students.

Mr. Julien has been recognized and received countless awards from organizations across the State of California.

Under her leadership, the Office of enterprise Development won the 1997 North Star Award for excellence and leadership in economic development programs that serve women business owners.

I rise to recognize the work and exceptional contributions of the late Dietra Leake Ford to the small business community and the entire Federal Government.

Dietra Ford has left to the small business community, GSA, and the Federal Government at large an impressive legacy of innovative programs and creative initiatives.

Ms. Ford was a highly esteemed leader and advocate for small business, not only at the General Services Administration, but also nationwide throughout the federal government and private sector.

Ms. Ford was a valuable leader in the advocacy of small, minority, and women-owned businesses; she accomplished much in her position as Associate Administrator for Enterprise Development at the General Services Administration.

This improved bill is a step in the proper direction and will address some of these problems.