HONORING GARY EDWARDS

HONORING GARY EDWARDS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E266] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING GARY EDWARDS ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary Edwards, the City of Sonoma's 2026 Honorary Alcalde, honoring more than two decades of service and leadership in support of the Sonoma community. The Honorary Alcalde program, established in 1975, recognizes a Sonoma resident whose long-term volunteer service, leadership, and quiet dedication have made a meaningful difference in the community. The title ``Alcalde,'' the Spanish word for mayor, reflects Sonoma's early civic history and remains a ceremonial honor today. Mr. Edwards has a background working in cheese marketing, a career path he pursued since he graduated from Analy High School in 1977. He is currently the owner of Sage Marketing LLC, a company he founded in 1991 to connect cheese and dairy producers with re-sellers and consumers. Gary Edwards brings out the best in our community with his work in civic positions. He served on the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission (SVCAC) and the Planning Commission. From 2014 to 2018, Edwards served on the Sonoma City Council. Also, he served two terms on the Board of the Redwood Empire Food Bank and is newly serving on the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. Mr. Edwards is widely known for his hands-on approach to service, including improving and cleaning up our parks, organizing Sonoma's annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner for more than 20 years, and his efforts to rebuild the City of Paradise after it was destroyed by wildfires in 2017. His service also includes leadership roles with local Rotary clubs, support for youth and education programs, and assisting our community through food insecurity. Mr. Edwards celebrates this honor alongside his wife, Ruth, his daughter, Madeline, and his son, Sullivan. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Edwards' passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Sonoma community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize his invaluable contributions here today. ____________________