Kevin Mullin

CHATBOT Act

in committee

Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026

in committee

Expressing support for the designation of March as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month" to strengthen public awareness of this neurodegenerative disorder.

in committee

“Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the San Mateo Daily Journal, a local newspaper celebrating its 25th Anniversary, marking a quarter-century of reputable and respectable journalism. I am proud the San Mateo Daily Journal keeps the residents of San Mateo County informed on local, state, national, and international issues. Published every weekday and with a special weekend edition, it provides a constant stream of timely coverage for readers. The San Mateo Daily Journal covers a wide range of issues that engage readers young and old, including breaking news, sports, entertainment, and governmental topics. The paper's first issue was published on August 18, 2000, among stiff competition for local news coverage, and has emerged as the eminent newspaper focused on San Mateo County. The newspaper began by covering local stories in San Mateo and Burlingame and has since expanded to cover original news from across the region and distributes its paper in San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County. It is one of the few independently owned papers in the San Francisco Bay Area, and without the San Mateo Daily Journal, there would be a tragic dearth of local news coverage for the Peninsula. Even as local print newspapers across the country have faced challenges from the rise of television and the digital age, the San Mateo Daily Journal has stood strong as a paragon of honest journalism. As the expansion of the internet led to news transitioning into online formats, the Daily Journal launched a digital edition and website that now reaches an average of 750,000 readers each month. Local journalism is a vital part of a democratic society by ensuring citizens stay informed about issues that impact their community. Local journalists cover impactful stories that are often neglected by larger media outlets. Independent news outlets also serve an important role as a government watchdog and a check on societal concerns. Freedom of the press is the first line of defense against the threat of misinformation and disinformation. In the digital age, it can prove difficult to find reputable independent news media, but the San Mateo Daily Journal has stood valiantly providing accurate and timely coverage on local issues thanks to its team of committed journalists. The newspaper has played an important role in encouraging civic participation by informing community organizers about opportunities to participate in public policy development, and shining a light on local governments, nonprofits, and businesses. The paper has fostered a more inclusive and positive Bay Area community by routinely amplifying community events to a broad audience. The San Mateo Daily Journal includes an opinion section for community members to engage in dialogue and voice their thoughts on contemporary issues and the topics they are passionate about. In its Rediscovering the Peninsula section, the paper engages readers on the rich and diverse history of the Bay Area while sharing the stories of the pioneers who made our community what it is today. The San Mateo Daily Journal also fosters the next generation of news reporters by offering internships, which enable students and aspiring journalists to gain real-world experience in a newsroom. The paper supports a thriving local economy not only as an employer, but with its opportunities for local businesses to advertise their services and products. While many individuals have contributed to the San Mateo Daily Journal's success over its 25 years, there are a number of individuals who have dedicated their careers to the paper and have set the high standard for which it is known. Jerry Lee has served as publisher of the paper since its inception and bought the San Mateo Daily Journal in 2006. His indefatigable work has elevated the paper to the high-quality publication that it is today, and it remains one of the few independently owned newspapers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thanks to Mr. Lee's continuous work and adaptable approach to running the business, the paper is available for free in newsstands and libraries throughout San Mateo County, which has helped to ensure equitable access for countless readers. He is also a creative writer in his own right, providing movie reviews as a local critic. Jon Mays, who joined as Managing Editor in 2000 and became Editor in Chief in 2001, has dedicated his career to journalism and making the newspaper creative, honest, and interesting. His keen leadership and writing skills truly make a difference in keeping the community informed. ``I've always considered myself a connector, someone who can get help for others or at least point them in the right direction. And that's really what a community newspaper does. We hold the powerful to account, but we also provide power to those who may not have it,'' Mr. Mays said. The San Francisco Peninsula has benefited from his commitment to connecting the public with the stories, events, and businesses they care about. H”

2025-12-26 · Government Reform

“Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an exemplary public servant who has dedicated her career to serving the residents of my hometown of South San Francisco, California. After nearly five decades in public service our City Manager, Sharon Ranals, is retiring. Sharon graduated from Reed College and later earned a Master's in Public Administration from San Francisco State University, embarking on a lifelong career in municipal government that commenced in Colorado Springs and continued with steady promotions in South San Francisco, culminating with her appointment as City Manager in 2023. Sharon began her career with the City of South San Francisco in 1980 as a part-time employee in the Parks and Recreation Department. She became a full-time staff member in 1984 and steadily advanced through roles of increasing responsibility. Her experience rising through the organization provided valuable insight into the challenges of local government and the importance of collaboration to achieve results. Over the years, she has hired and promoted dozens of talented City staff and is especially proud of leading high-functioning teams with low turnover, as well as fostering the professional growth and success of her colleagues. Her approach of ``take the blame and give the credit'' has been one of the keys to her success. Throughout her tenure, Sharon championed the work of South San Francisco's dedicated City teams and their many accomplishments. Under their leadership, the city has grown as a global hub for biotechnology, accelerated the construction of new housing, and maintained a high standard for public safety and emergency response. South San Francisco has continued to expand access to responsive, technology-driven police services, collaborative library and recreation programming, and reliable public works and infrastructure maintenance--the award-winning Water Quality Control Plant and strong internal operations reflect a commitment to service excellence. Central to these efforts has been a focus on sustainability and on creating a thriving environment for both residents and businesses. Sharon played a key role in the planning, development, and improvement of many public buildings and spaces throughout the city. Her work helped bring to life the Municipal Services Building, Alice Pena Bulos Recreation Center and Preschool, Terrabay Gymnasium and Recreation Center, Roberta Teglia Senior Center, Community Learning Center, and after-school facilities on South San Francisco Unified School District campuses. At Orange Memorial Park, she supported projects including the picnic shelter, sculpture garden, Joseph Fernekes Recreation Center, new sports fields, and the award-winning water capture system. She was instrumental in securing funding and advancing the vision for the co-located Library with the Parks and Recreation Center and the new Aquatics Center. Her commitment to public spaces also extends to parks and open space. She contributed to the renovation of Sellick and Westborough Parks, the creation of Avalon and Alta Loma Parks, the expansion of Sign Hill's open space, and improvements at Oyster Point, Civic Campus Park, and neighborhood playgrounds. She led successful grant efforts for projects like Centennial Way and oversaw the development of new amenities along the trail, a preschool in Westborough, and a new park on Linden Avenue. Beyond infrastructure, Sharon supported the community through special events such as Day in the Park, the establishment of the City's public art program, and advocacy for expanded childcare and senior services. She has built strong partnerships with outside agencies, the South San Francisco Unified School District, and local organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and a core team remained on-site at City Hall to ensure continuity of operations and support for both staff and the public. She also led the City's emergency coordination during major storms and flooding in 2022 to 2023. Her contributions have been recognized by the California Association of Parks & Recreation Commissioners and Board Members with their Outstanding Professional Award, the California Parks and Recreation Society's Professional Merit Award, South San Francisco Historical Society's Victor John Feudale Award, and by the Institute for Local Government as a Local Government Champion--reflecting her professional excellence and community impact. Throughout her tenure as City Manager, Sharon has exemplified a tireless work ethic, accessibility, innovation, community engagement, and sound stewardship of public resources--addressing pressing challenges including economic resilience, infrastructure renewal, affordable housing, climate adaptation, [[Page E1134]] public safety, equity, and more. Sharon was Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation fame before there was a Leslie Knope. She exemplifies the true Leslie Knope philosophy: public service is working hard at work worth doing alongside people you love. ”

2025-12-01 · Government Reform

“Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable contributions of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA to animal welfare and join in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the organization's founding and its great significance to my district. As a lifelong resident of San Mateo County, I have witnessed the transformative work of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. Since its founding in 1950, the Peninsula Humane Society has expanded from its modest beginning to a new state-of-the-art facility, offering comprehensive services that go far beyond the traditional role of an animal shelter. It has expanded to include a Wildlife Care Center opened in 2024 and a soon-to-open Animal Sanctuary to provide a permanent home to animals not supported by the current model. The organization was a trailblazer from the beginning and became a leader in animal welfare practice and policy. It has grown to be one of the largest humane organizations in the United States. The 1970's saw many innovations in animal care begin at the Society. Educational offerings were expanded, with volunteer PHS/SPCA docents offering humane education in San Mateo County school classrooms. An education center was established as well. Also in this decade, PHS/SPCA became the first humane society to have an on-site spay/neuter clinic, which meant it no longer needed to rely on outside veterinarians. Wildlife rehabilitation began on site as well. In the early 1990's PHS/SPCA was among the first shelters to offer services for pets belonging to domestic abuse victims and a free animal behavior helpline for local pet owners. In addition, humane education offerings expanded to thousands of schoolchildren in San Mateo County. The now robust and renowned PHS/SPCA behavior and training program started in the early 2000s. In 2006, the Mobile Spay & Neuter Program was started, providing free spay and neuter surgeries in underserved communities. Taking these services out into the community reduced unwanted or abandoned litters. As more and more organizations followed suit and offered accessible spay and neuter services, the number of euthanized animals has vastly decreased. It was in this era that the foster program began, allowing the Society to take in more animals. The Kitten Nursery was also founded, which now see hundreds of orphan kittens taken in and placed in loving homes each year. And the 100 percent donor-funded Hope Program began, enabling the Society to provide enhanced behavior and medical support to pets who need it to become ready for adoption. In 2011, PHS/SPCA opened the Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, named after one of my predecessors in this Congressional District and his wife. This shelter was built to modern standards, centered on the best possible animal care and allowing the public to see and engage more fully with the animals. The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA has reduced the number of animals euthanized in San Mateo County by 99 percent since 1970, ensuring that nearly every animal brought into one of its facilities finds a home. It holds monthly pet food drives for low-income residents and responds to every reported case of animal abuse within San Mateo County, removing animals from harmful environments and working with authorities to prosecute their abusers. The organization also runs an impressive variety of impactful programs and resources that go beyond the ordinary vaccinations and microchipping services many other organizations offer. The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA offers behavior and training consultations and classes, continuing care when a pet's owner passes away and family or friends are unable to take them in, pet loss support groups to help owners with the death of their pet, wildlife education programs so children of San Mateo County understand the animals of the place where they live, and pet-assisted therapy that brings a team with a pet to healthcare and correctional facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, schools, and libraries to provide unique therapeutic interaction. Its open-door policy--welcoming every animal regardless of health, age, or circumstance--demonstrates a deep and abiding commitment to compassion and leading to the organization rescuing 4,093 animals in 2024 alone. Whether it is a lost pet or an injured wild animal, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA answers the call with expertise and care. In 2024, the great work of the PHS/SPCA is reflected in the nearly 150,000 volunteer hours given by members of the community who walked dogs 17,000 times, cleaned wildlife enclosures, played with kittens, and bottle-fed baby animals--equivalent of the work of 69 full-time employees. I am proud that the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is part of the 15th Congressional District. The 75th anniversary of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is not just a celebration of the past--it is a powerful reminder of the good we can do when we lead with compassion. On this day, let us honor its legacy ”

2025-11-04 · Civil Rights