The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING BETH BARTKE AS THE 2020 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
______
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, March 26, 2021
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Beth Bartke, whom I have named the 2020 Woman of the Year in Contra Costa County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
Although she is proud to call Martinez home, Mrs. Bartke was born in Pasadena and spent most of her youth in San Fernando and Santa Rosa, initially coming to our district to pursue a degree in elementary education from Sonoma State University. She could not bring herself to leave its natural beauty and tight knit community, choosing to settle in the district permanently.
Dedicating her time and effort to the community she holds dear; she served on the Hercules City Council from 1992 to 1996 and was a ten-
year board member for the Commissioner's Advisory Panel for the Rodeo-
Hercules Fire Protection District and a thirteen year employee of the Pinole Police Department. Even in her retirement, Mrs. Bartke is committed to public safety and regularly volunteers with both the Pinole and Martinez Police Departments while simultaneously working to enhance community recognition and appreciation of our first responders throughout the district.
Beyond the time she gives to city government, Mrs. Bartke also works with our community's homeless population, operating showers and serving meals to a multitude of non-profits. She also participates in the torch relay for the Special Olympics, a tradition she carries on every June. Mrs. Bartke is relentless in always finding a way to serve our community.
Mrs. Bartke's selflessness and commitment to service can in part be attributed to her faith. The Bartke Family are members of the Creekside Church and the tenets of Mrs. Bartke's faith have guided her professional and private life. There is no doubt that Mrs. Bartke has had a great impact on so many members of our community.
Our community is immeasurably better for all of Mrs. Bartke's contributions and it is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today as Contra Costa's 2020 Woman of the Year.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 57
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