Adam Gray

Central Valley Water Solution Act

in committee

Build Now Act

in committee

Water Agency and Transparency Enhancement Review (WATER) Act

in committee

“Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley Prescription and Compounding Pharmacy in Merced, California, on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary of service. Founded by George P. Keller and William E. McDermott of Martinez, and joined by Ernest Green of Merced and Pharmacist Stanley Thomas, The Valley Drug Company was more than just a pharmacy. They were best known for the cameras and camera equipment they provided to visitors to Yosemite National Park. Their fountain and lunch counter was a local favorite, where Erma Porter made her delicious and popular sandwiches, pies, and old-fashioned sodas. After Ernest retired in 1970 and Thomas passed away, the Valley Drug Store was renamed Valley Prescription Pharmacy and relocated next to the County Hospital. Since then, the pharmacy has maintained its reputation for quality service, first with owner Ron Krein in 1981 and now with owner Jeff Hill, who has continued the tradition of keeping the drug store family owned. It is my privilege to recognize Valley Prescription and Compounding Pharmacy as they enter their second 100 years with dedication, diligence, and devotion to the people of Merced County. ____________________”

2026-05-14 · Healthcare

“Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my long-time friend Luis Lara, Sergeant for the California Highway Patrol in Atwater, California, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after almost three decades of public service. Sergeant Lara, born and raised in Merced County, received his AA in Administration of Justice from Merced College and his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at CSU Stanislaus in 1997. He first planned to pursue a career with the FBI, but a job fair organized by the California Highway Patrol changed his mind. After successfully going through the CHP Academy, his first post was in the Bay Area's Redwood City. In 2001, Sergeant Lara transferred to the Merced CHP office. He worked for a decade as a field officer and was then promoted to field sergeant in the Los Banos CHP office. Next, he served as a recruitment sergeant out of Fresno and was responsible for hiring applicants in the Central Valley from Bakersfield to Modesto. Finally, he returned back home to be an administrative sergeant. With dedication and professionalism, Sergeant Lara has also shared his talents with the community by being a part of the Cal Fire Incident Management Team for the CHP as well as his appointment to the Merced County Fair Board by Governor Gavin Newsom. He has also served on the Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union Board, the Merced County Department of Public Health Emergency Medical Care Committee, the McSwain School Board, the Merced County Spring Fair Board, and the Merced College Foundation Board. Sergeant Lara was also an adjunct Instructor at Merced College and volunteered as a Merced County/City of Atwater Firefighter. Sergeant Lara's commitment to his community is seen through his character, integrity, judgment, loyalty, courtesy, honor and knowledge--the core values in the California Highway Patrol's seven- point star. It is my privilege to recognize my dear friend Luis who has improved the lives of countless community members through his selfless public service. Please join me in honoring Sergeant Luis Lara for almost 30 years of his dedication, diligence and devotion to the people Merced County. ____________________”

2026-04-09 · Government Reform

“Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my long-time friend Ruben Esparza, Modesto City Fire Captain and Modesto City Firefighters Association President, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after three decades of public service. Captain Esparza began his fire service career as a Fire Explorer with the City of Modesto in January, 1996. After gaining experience with CAL FIRE and the city of Newark Fire Department, he was hired as a Modesto Firefighter in 2003. In 2007, Captain Esparza became actively involved in labor representation when he joined the Modesto City Firefighters Association (MCFFA) Political Action Committee. In two years, he was appointed PAC Director which led to his election as MCFFA Secretary in 2010, as Vice President twice and, ultimately, as President of the Association. Under his watchful eye, Captain Esparza helped unite all City of Modesto labor organizations in a collaborative effort to successfully pass Measure H--a voter-approved one-cent sales tax increase, which generated about $48 million annually for public safety, road repair, homelessness initiatives and park maintenance with strict financial oversight by a citizens' board. It was the first time all city labor unions worked together toward a common goal for the betterment of the City of Modesto. Captain Esparza also worked to establish union policies that promote greater accountability and transparency for the membership. He was a fierce advocate for the Firefighter Peer Support Program and was the handler for their first facility dog, Hudson, who plays an integral role in peer support efforts. He nurtured future firefighters and MICFFA leaders and advocated for all firefighters who serve the communities of Modesto, Oakdale, Knights Ferry, Ceres, and Salida. With dedication and professionalism, Captain Esparza served the City of Modesto and the firefighters of MCFFA by focusing on building strong relationships, fostering collaborative partnerships and strengthening regional cooperation. It is my privilege to recognize my dear friend Ruben who has changed countless lives through his selfless public service. Please join me in honoring Captain Ruben Esparza for more than 30 years of his dedication, diligence and devotion to the people of the City of Modesto. ____________________”

2026-02-12 · Labor