Zoe Lofgren: “I first met Al and Carmen in the late 1970s. When I was elected to the community college board, Carmen was the secretary…”

“I first met Al and Carmen in the late 1970s. When I was elected to the community college board, Carmen was the secretary for the president of City College, and Al was a hardworking guy. What really stood out was the two of them constantly volunteering their time for the community through the GI Forum and the scholarship programs. I am not a fan of the California Lottery, but it was great to see them win because what they did with their newfound wealth was in keeping with their commitment to the community. They made sure that their windfall was distributed to nonprofits and to the community. They lifted everyone up. Al and Carmen won the lottery in many ways. They created a wonderful family. Their children, now adults, have the same commitment to public service that they had. We will miss Al, just as we miss Carmen. Al and Carmen left a tremendous mark for good in our community. I will miss Al tremendously.”