WHEREAS, Mark Llewellyn Bixby was a member of one of the founding families of the City of Long Beach; and
WHEREAS, Mark Bixby was a past president of the Long Beach Rotary Club, which was instrumental in raising money to build Rotary Centennial Park, located on Pacific Coast Highway (State Highway Route 1) and Junipero Avenue in the City of Long Beach; and
WHEREAS, Mark Bixby was the director of the BikeFest Tour of Long Beach and was a vocal proponent of adding bicycle lanes to the replacement Gerald Desmond Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Mark Bixby tragically lost his life in a plane crash in 2011 at 44 years of age; and
WHEREAS, The Ohlone Kallentaruk people have contributed over 13,000 years of cultural, economic, and environmental traditions to the history of the Pajaro Valley; and
WHEREAS, The Ohlone Kallentaruk people settled in the Pajaro Valley, near the Pajaro River, and in the Watsonville wetlands and sloughs. These areas are rich in natural resources and contain an abundance of plant and sea life used for commerce and everyday life; and
WHEREAS, The Ohlone Kallentaruk people have contributed to the present-day understanding of Native American culture and history and continue to work diligently to preserve the environment and teach people how to coexist with Earth; and
WHEREAS, Officer Daniel S. Bessant was born in Oceanside, California, on October 16, 1981; and
WHEREAS, Officer Bessant attended local schools in Oceanside where his father served as a member of the faculty; and
WHEREAS, Officer Bessant served with the Oceanside Police Department for six years, three years as a police officer and three years as a civilian with the department; and
WHEREAS, On December 20, 2006, Officer Bessant was killed in the line of duty while assisting another officer with a traffic stop and was shot from behind by a gang member who was not involved in the traffic stop; and
WHEREAS, Officer Bessant was only 25 years of age at the time he was killed; and
WHEREAS, Officer Bessant is survived by his wife, Katelyn, and son, Wyatt, who was two months old at the time; and
WHEREAS, Officer Bessant’s father, in his role as a teacher, had tried unsuccessfully to intervene with one of the gang members convicted of killing Officer Bessant after noticing that the young man was becoming involved with gangs; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Officer Bessant’s service and sacrifice, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 5, in the County of San Diego, as the Oceanside Police Officer Daniel S. Bessant Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, Los Angeles Police Officer Ian J. Campbell was born in Valley City, North Dakota. His father was a doctor who served honorably in World War I. Officer Campbell’s parents were of Scottish descent; and
WHEREAS, Officer Campbell, at 13 years of age, moved to Los Angeles with his mother, Chrissie, after his father died of cancer; and
WHEREAS, Officer Campbell attended and graduated from Fairfax High School, and then attended Los Angeles City College; and
WHEREAS, At approximately 12 years of age, Officer Campbell started playing the bagpipes, taking lessons from renowned Pipe Major David Aitken, winning best bagpiper in the novice category at the Scottish Highland Games held in Santa Monica; and
WHEREAS, At 19 years of age, Officer Campbell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was trained as a radio operator, served two combat tours during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant, having been awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with four bronze stars, and the United Nations Korean Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the Marine Corps, Officer Campbell returned to Los Angeles and attended undergraduate school at the University of California at Los Angeles; and
WHEREAS, Officer Campbell entered the Los Angeles Police Academy and, on May 5, 1958, he graduated from the academy, successfully completing his probationary period as a Los Angeles police officer while assigned to the West Los Angeles Police Station, thereafter being transferred to the Hollywood Division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD); and
WHEREAS, On March 9, 1963, Officer Campbell was conducting a stop of a suspicious vehicle at Gower Street and Carlos Avenue in Hollywood when he was kidnapped at gunpoint, forcibly taken to a deserted onion field south of Bakersfield, and executed; and
WHEREAS, Officer Campbell was 31 years of age at the time of his death and had served the LAPD for five years; and
WHEREAS, On March 13, 1963, bagpipes were played for the first time for an officer of the LAPD at the funeral of Officer Campbell, a tradition that continues to this day following the line-of-duty death of every LAPD officer; and
WHEREAS, On June 26, 1965, as a memorial to Officer Campbell, the Ian Campbell Memorial Trophy was awarded to the best aggregate bagpiper in the novice category at the Scottish Highland Games, a tradition that continues to this day; and
WHEREAS, Officer Campbell is survived by his two daughters, Valerie and Lori, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Officer Campbell’s service and sacrifice, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 101, in the County of Los Angeles, as the Los Angeles Police Officer Ian J. Campbell Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, On July 10, 2011, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Officer Ryan Stringer was killed in a tragic accident while responding to a possible robbery in the rear parking lot of 100 North First Street in the City of Alhambra; and
WHEREAS, Officer Stringer was 26 years old and had served with the Alhambra Police Department for two years; and
WHEREAS, Officer Stringer was born in the City of Los Angeles and grew up in the City of Whittier, graduating from Whittier Christian High School; and
WHEREAS, Officer Stringer attended Fullerton College and Rio Hondo Community College after working for his father’s construction business for several years; and
WHEREAS, Officer Stringer entered the Police Academy at Rio Hondo and graduated in February of 2009; and
WHEREAS, Officer Stringer was sworn in as an Alhambra Police Officer on February 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, During his two-year tenure with the Alhambra Police Department, Officer Stringer worked in the Field Services Division, Patrol Section; and
WHEREAS, Officer Stringer showed his friendship, camaraderie, teamwork, and competitive drive as a member of the Alhambra Police Department’s Baker-to-Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Team; and
WHEREAS, Officer Stringer displayed his determination and will to succeed during his recovery from a life-threatening motorcycle accident that occurred in July 2010. After spending several weeks in a coma and being temporarily disabled, Officer Stringer made a full recovery within six months and returned to active duty as a police officer in January 2011; and
WHEREAS, Coworkers, friends, and family recall Officer Stringer’s good-natured disposition, healthy sense of humor, strong sense of adventure, and desire to excel at whatever he set out to do; and
WHEREAS, Officer Stringer is survived by his parents, Sonny and Debbie Stringer, and four sisters: Kristen Stringer-Bartel, Kym Genes, Dana Stringer, and Donna McCulloch; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Officer Stringer’s service and sacrifice, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 10, in the City of Alhambra, as the Officer Ryan Stringer Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, Officer Dale M. Krings was a traffic officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Having joined the CHP in 1956 and upon graduation from the CHP Academy, he was assigned to the West Los Angeles area; and
WHEREAS, Officer Krings transferred to the Redwood City CHP area on May 29, 1957, and was assigned to patrol duties within San Mateo County; and
WHEREAS, Officer Krings was well-recognized as an outstanding employee of the CHP, who dedicated himself to providing the highest levels of service, safety, and security to the people of California; and
WHEREAS, Many times, Officer Krings, through his own initiative, went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those with whom he came into contact; and
WHEREAS, Officer Krings, on May 22, 1962, was on duty in San Mateo County, when he was attacked by a gunman, who opened fire upon him. Mortally wounded, Officer Krings returned fire, killing the gunman and saving numerous innocent persons in the immediate area; and
WHEREAS, Officer Krings was a friend to many and one who honorably served the people of California, and who personified the values of the CHP leaving a legacy of excellence for future generations of CHP officers to follow; and
WHEREAS, The CHP lost a valuable member of its family when Officer Krings passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Ledford was born in Ukiah, California, on May 7, 1944, to Ray and Tillie Ledford; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ledford attended grammar school locally, and graduated from Ukiah High School in 1962; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ledford followed his family’s historical agricultural roots, spanning more than a century in the Talmage area as a farmer and expanded his business interests by investing in rental properties throughout the Ukiah Valley; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ledford made significant contributions to the community throughout his lifetime by serving on boards and commissions and in civic organizations, personally supporting many charitable causes as a quiet financial benefactor and an outgoing motivator, and planning many fundraisers, especially causes supporting children and individuals with special needs; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ledford passed away suddenly on April 26, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ledford is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dorothy, two children, and five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Mr. Ledford’s civic and charitable service to the Ukiah Valley community, it would be a fitting tribute to designate the Talmage Road and State Highway Route 222 bridge across the Russian River in the County of Mendocino as the Ron Ledford Memorial Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Andrew Garton, a seven-year veteran of the Hawthorne Police Department, died on May 26, 2011, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash during the funeral procession of another fallen officer; and
WHEREAS, Officer Garton, 44, is the first Hawthorne officer to die in the line of duty in the department’s 89-year history; and
WHEREAS, Andrew was born on January 23, 1967, in San Fernando, California, and graduated from Antelope Valley High; and
WHEREAS, Prior to becoming a police officer, Andrew was a skilled ceramic tile setter. He met his wife, Tracy, in 1989 while installing tile at the house that would eventually become their home; and
WHEREAS, Andrew and Tracy married at SeaCoast Grace Church in April 1993, and continued to reside in Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by Sgt. Shawn Shimono, a close friend for over 20 years, Andrew entered the police academy, graduating on February 20, 2004, and became a Hawthorne police officer; and
WHEREAS, Andrew served as Vice President of the Hawthorne Police Officer’s Association and as Treasurer of the Hawthorne Police Officer’s Association Political Action Committee; and
WHEREAS, Andrew was a long-time member of the Hawthorne SWAT Team, and an accomplished motor vehicle and traffic investigator; and
WHEREAS, Above and beyond the tradition and honor of his profession, Andrew was a devoted husband and father. Andrew and Tracy were a faith-filled loving couple raising two sons, Garrett and Grant; and
WHEREAS, Andrew loved his children and spending time with his family. He was active in both scouting and coaching youth baseball. For those who knew him, he was both a mentor and a friend; and
WHEREAS, Camping and motocross riding were great passions for Andrew. He most enjoyed being able to share those moments with his children; and
WHEREAS, Andrew is survived by his wife, Tracy, sons, Garrett and Grant, mother, Carole McConnell, father, Gary Garton, and a vast extended family; and
WHEREAS, Donald Mark Lichliter was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and resided there until he joined the United States Air Force at 18 years of age; and
WHEREAS, The Air Force brought Donald to the Sacramento area, and from that time forward he called California home; and
WHEREAS, Donald was a member of Chapter 263 of the American Legion Riders, and enjoyed golfing, motorcycling, hunting, and fishing; and
WHEREAS, Donald was a devoted and hard-working public servant, who worked for Caltrans for over 27 years; and
WHEREAS, Donald met his wife, Mandy, in 1987 and they were married on September 17, 1988; and
WHEREAS, Each Tuesday, Donald and Mandy met with their church congregation where they worked to feed the homeless; and
WHEREAS, On July 23, 2009, Donald was working as a Caltrans tree maintenance leadworker when he was struck by a truck as he worked next to his vehicle, and was killed in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, Donald is survived by his wife of 21 years, Mandy, his children Allyson, Nicole Lewis, Jollene Kelley, John Lewis, two grandchildren, his parents, and three siblings; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Meadows was a Bay Area native, but made San Luis Obispo his home after he began his studies at Cal Poly in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Meadows graduated from the Orfalea College of Business in 2007 and was active in the leadership of his business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Meadows chose a career to help others, obtained an Emergency Medical Technician certificate from Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo, and began working at the San Luis Ambulance Service; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Meadows began his service with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) unit in February of 2008. Mr. Meadows’ energy, personality, and strong desire to help others drove him to strive for a high level of success in all his endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Meadows had completed his probationary period with the SAR unit, received the award of 2009 Probationary Member of the Year in the unit, and, as a full member of the unit, was soon to be promoted to Medical Team Leader; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Meadows was working with the SAR unit at the Oceano Dunes on May 24, 2009. He was responding to a medical emergency when a tragic accident claimed his life, a risk he took willingly to help others; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Meadows is the first member of the SAR unit to be lost in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, According to longstanding tradition, the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Office of San Luis Obispo County joined in a resolution to christen a Patrol and Rescue Boat in Christopher Meadows’ honor; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Meadows’ spirit also lives on in the form of the Christopher Meadows Memorial Paramedic Education Fund, which has awarded paramedic scholarships to four students since 2010; and
WHEREAS, CAL-FIRE, Cal Poly College of Business, Cuesta College, Dignity Health Central Coast, the French Hospital Medical Center, the Morro Bay Fire Department, the Morro Bay Fire Fighters’ Association, the Oceano Dunes District of the Department of Parks and Recreation, San Luis Ambulance, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, the San Luis Obispo County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Advisory Council, the City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, and the State Park Peace Officers of Oceano Dunes District all support this resolution as a fitting tribute to Mr. Meadows’ service and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Mr. Meadows’ service and sacrifice, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 101, in the vicinity of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Headquarters, in the County of San Luis Obispo, as the Christopher Meadows Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, The men and women who serve Californians as engineers and closely related professionals throughout state government are persons of skill, intelligence, and advanced training who deserve to be recognized for their dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, California’s state engineers and related professionals have paid a high price in serving our state with at least 37 on-the-job deaths in their ranks over the last century; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature desires to promote the safety of the state’s employees and to encourage motorists traveling in and through the state to exercise caution and care when encountering a work zone; and
WHEREAS, California’s state engineers design and inspect the state’s highways and bridges, ensure that schools and hospitals are safe during earthquakes, improve air and water quality, work to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and perform countless other professional functions that create jobs and protect public safety in our state; and
WHEREAS, The Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG) was organized in 1962 in the San Francisco Bay area to represent state engineers and address the safety concerns associated with state service; and
WHEREAS, PECG is, therefore, celebrating its 50th anniversary as an organization in 2012; and
WHEREAS, PECG represents approximately 13,000 professional engineers, architects, land surveyors, engineering geologists, and closely related professionals serving the public in state government; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature honors the state engineers and related professionals who have lost their lives serving the public and commends PECG members for their exemplary work designing and inspecting infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, It would be a fitting tribute to past, present, and future state engineers and related professionals and PECG’s 50th anniversary to designate the interchange of State Highway Route 5 and State Highway Route 50 in the County of Sacramento as the California State Engineer Memorial Interchange to recognize the dedicated public service of California’s state engineers and related professionals; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Christian Vasquez was born in the City of Hanford on July 11, 1987, and grew up in the City of Coalinga; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Vasquez attended Dawson Elementary School, Coalinga Middle School, and Coalinga High School, class of 2006; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Vasquez, like his brother Danny, always wanted to become a Marine and, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps one week after his high school graduation; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Vasquez joined the Marine Corps to enable his mother to stay at home and care for his baby brother; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Vasquez aspired to become a doctor, as others in his family had, and hoped to attend medical school in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Vasquez was killed in action in the province of Al Anbar, Iraq, on August 2, 2007; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Vasquez is survived by his mother, Natividad Molina, his step father, Martin Bravo, and his brothers, Danny Vasquez and Alex Bravo; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Lance Corporal Vasquez’s service and sacrifice, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 198 in the County of Kings in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Officer Saul Martinez was born November 15, 1958, to Fidel and Amparo in Villa Juarez, San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the CHP, Officer Martinez was a volunteer for the United Farm Workers of America and worked alongside Cesar Chavez for almost 10 years. Throughout his time with the United Farm Workers, he held several roles, some of which included translator, contract administrator, and negotiator; and
WHEREAS, On May 8, 1989, Officer Martinez graduated from the CHP Academy with Cadet Training Class IV-88 and was assigned to the Indio area where, on a talk radio show “El Protector,” he informed the public about new laws, seatbelt usage, drinking and driving, and other safety issues. He also visited schools to educate children on safety issues, and would often read to the children corresponding books; and
WHEREAS, On May 8, 1997, Officer Martinez and his partner, James “Donovan” Rice, were investigating a vehicle parked on the shoulder of a road north of Palm Springs, when, out of nowhere, an oncoming car, traveling more than 15 feet off the roadway, came rushing towards the officers. Without hesitation, Officer Martinez shoved his partner to safety, only to be struck and critically injured; and
WHEREAS, On May 10, 1997, Officer Martinez’s son, Saul Jr., and his two brothers, Ben and Rafael, received the “Latino Peace Officer of the Year Award” for 1996 on Officer Martinez’s behalf, as he lay critically injured in the hospital. The award was presented by the Latino Peace Officer’s Association of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties; and
WHEREAS, Officer Martinez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on May 16, 1997; and
WHEREAS, At Officer Martinez’s funeral, Governor Pete Wilson met privately with friends and family to present the California Medal of Valor to Officer Martinez’s wife. The Governor said, “The medal is an award to Saul for the courage he gave in sacrificing his own life to save his partner, Donovan Rice. The medal cannot begin to constitute the loss, but through his family, the medal speaks recognition through the state for the loved one they lost. This medal is given on behalf of those lives he touched and made so much better. Fellow officers said he was, and is, the best we had”; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Saul Martinez’s contributions and sacrifice in serving the Department of the California Highway Patrol and the citizens of California, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 86S, in the County of Riverside, as the CHP Officer Saul Martinez Memorial Highway in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Officer Charles H. Sorenson was born September 6, 1930, to Earl and RoseMae, in Petaluma, California; and
WHEREAS, In 1957, Officer Sorenson, badge number 2341, graduated from the CHP Academy. He was assigned to the El Centro area and later transferred to the Sacramento area; and
WHEREAS, Officer Sorenson was a hard-working, dedicated officer who loved his job and enjoyed the people he worked with. He was known for his honesty, fairness, and dedication, and for being a loyal father and family man. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, and building his 18-foot inboard jet boat named “10-4”; and
WHEREAS, On March 15, 1963, Officer Sorenson was killed in the line of duty while pursuing a suspect in his vehicle. During the chase, the suspect lost control of his vehicle, crashed, and continued to flee on foot. When Officer Sorenson got out of his car to continue pursuit, a second suspect, of whom he was unaware, ambushed Officer Sorenson and fired two shots with a stolen handgun at point blank range; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Officer Sorenson’s service and sacrifice, it would be a fitting tribute to designate in his honor a portion of State Highway Route 12 in the County of Sacramento as the CHP Officer Charles “Chuck” Sorenson Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, Officer Charles Richard Lilly was born on June 24, 1937, to Charles and Margaret, in Portola, California; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, Officer Lilly, badge number 4029, graduated from the CHP Academy with the Cadet Training Class III-65 and was assigned to the San Jose area; and
WHEREAS, Officer Lilly was a genuine person, a dedicated officer, and family man. He was known for his charisma and his ability to get along well with others; and
WHEREAS, In his spare time, Officer Lilly enjoyed listening to music and attending church. He also had a keen interest in law and attended a semester at Lincoln Law University in San Jose, California; and
WHEREAS, On October 29, 1967, Officer Lilly was killed in the line of duty during a routine traffic stop. As the officer was exiting the patrol car, his partner drove on to pursue another vehicle. A third vehicle, the driver of which was later known to be intoxicated, veered off the road and fatally struck Officer Lilly; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Officer Charles Lilly’s service and sacrifice, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 101 in the County of Santa Clara as the CHP Officer Charles Lilly Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, Jere Melo was born November 12, 1941, and grew up in Mount Shasta, California; and
WHEREAS, Jere Melo spent two years on active duty with the United States Army, including a 13-month tour on the 38th parallel in Korea, in command of a Hawk Missile site; and
WHEREAS, Jere Melo’s career in the timber industry spanned 45 years. He worked as a forester for the Union Lumber Company in Fort Bragg and as a contractor for Campbell Timberland Management, and dedicated his life to keeping the woods safe for timber workers and to protecting forestland from degradation by illegal trespassing, marijuana cultivation, dumping, and encampments; and
WHEREAS, Jere Melo began his long and distinguished political career in 1992 when he was appointed to serve on the Fort Bragg Planning Commission. In 1996, he was elected to his first term on the Fort Bragg City Council. Jere served as Vice Mayor from 1998 to 2000, inclusive, and as Mayor from 2000 to 2004, inclusive. At the time of his death, Jere was in his 15th year and his fourth term of office as a city council member. He was very active in the League of California Cities, was the city chair for the Board of the Fort Bragg Fire Protection Authority, and for 13 years served on the Board of the Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission. In addition, he also had a very strong commitment to the local fishing industry serving on the Noyo Watershed Alliance, the Board of the Mendocino Coast Sports Foundation, and the Board of the Fort Bragg-Otsuchi, along with his wife;
and
WHEREAS, Jere Melo was murdered on August 27, 2011, at the age of 69, while patrolling for illegal marijuana growth on Hawthorne property in Fort Bragg; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Jere Melo’s service to his country and community, it would be a fitting tribute to designate the portion of State Highway Route 1 in the City of Fort Bragg, as the Jere Melo Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, Officers Frederick Wayne Enright and Adolfo Martinez Hernandez made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their sworn duty, and in recognition thereof, we pay special tribute to their bravery and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Officer Frederick Wayne Enright was born August 27, 1944, to Francis Xavier and Mary Alice, in Louisiana, Missouri; and
WHEREAS, Officer Enright, badge number 7857, graduated from the CHP Academy in March of 1972 with the Cadet Training Class V-71, and upon graduation he was assigned to the West Valley area; and
WHEREAS, After only six months with the CHP, Officer Enright achieved the rank of pilot and was transferred to the Golden Gate Division in the San Francisco Bay Area; and
WHEREAS, As a helicopter pilot, Officer Enright responded to numerous land and water rescue operations and routinely flew commute traffic observation for bay area highways and freeways; and
WHEREAS, During one of Officer Enright’s patrols, he encountered a drunk pilot, ordered him to land and escorted him to the ground, where the pilot was arrested. Not only was this a dangerous encounter, but the aircraft suffered power failure and Officer Enright successfully landed the helicopter without damage or injury. The CHP subsequently commended him for his exceptional skill and decisionmaking during this incident; and
WHEREAS, Officer Adolfo Martinez Hernandez was born September 27, 1940, to Tiburcio and Juana in Etiwanda, California, and is one of 12 children; and
WHEREAS, Officer Hernandez, badge number 4876, graduated from the CHP Academy in 1966, and proudly served the citizens of California for nine years; and
WHEREAS, Officer Hernandez was a devoted officer, husband, and father. He was known for his big heart and immense love for his family and friends, even when some of them were “unlovable.” He enjoyed playing with his children, motorcycles, refurbishing a Volks Wagen van, making wood carvings, creating leather items including wallets, handbags, sandals, belts, and a special holder for his CHP badge. He also loved “do-it-yourself” projects and built a bicycle seat for his daughter, a bike rack for his car, and a bookcase and small end table that his son still has in his home today; and
WHEREAS, On June 27, 1975, the State of California suffered a tragic loss when CHP Officers Frederick Wayne Enright and Adolfo Martinez Hernandez were killed in a helicopter crash caused by mechanical failure; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Frederick Wayne Enright and Officer Adolfo Martinez Hernandez’s service and sacrifice, it would be a fitting tribute to designate in their honor the Grimmer Boulevard Bridge in the City of Fremont, on State Highway Route 680, as CHP Officers Frederick Wayne Enright and Adolfo Martinez Hernandez Memorial Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Officer Michael Allen Brandt was born November 14, 1952, to Robert and Evelyn, in Bellingham, Washington; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Officer Michael Allen Brandt, graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy with the Cadet Training Class IV-79 and was assigned to the El Centro area and later transferred to the Indio area, where he spent the remainder of his career; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career with the CHP, Officer Brandt held several titles, some of which included a Field Training Officer, Physical Methods of Arrest Instructor, Physical Performance Program Coordinator, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructor; and
WHEREAS, On April 6, 1987, Officer Brandt was killed in the line of duty. While pursuing a reported drunk driver, he lost control of his vehicle and struck a boulder, which caused his patrol vehicle to overturn. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but succumbed to his injuries while in transport; and
WHEREAS, Officer Brandt was admired for his passion for life, loyalty to others, love for his job as a California Highway Patrolman, dedication to his family and friends, integrity, honesty, and quiet voice. He had a competitive nature about him, both in sports and in his personal life, and never turned down a challenge; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Michael Allen Brandt’s contributions and sacrifices in serving the CHP and the citizens of California, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 74 in the County of Riverside as the CHP Officer Michael Allen Brandt Memorial Highway in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Officer William “Ivan” Casselman was born in 1902 to Anson and Lucy in Ontario, Canada; and
WHEREAS, Officer “Ivan” Casselman, was killed in the line of duty on August 24, 1935, when his motorcycle struck the back of a truck; and
WHEREAS, Officer Casselman was well liked and respected in the community. He was admired for his integrity and approachability; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Casselman’s contributions and sacrifice in serving the CHP and the citizens of California, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 80 in the County of Yolo as the CHP Officer William “Ivan” Casselman Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, Officer James Christopher O’Connor was born on July 9, 1956; and
WHEREAS, On December 23, 1982, Officer James Christopher O’Connor, graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy and was assigned to the West Valley area. He completed motorcycle training on February 28, 1985, and was transferred to the Ventura area, where he spent the remainder of his career; and
WHEREAS, Officer O’Connor was killed in the line of duty on November 15, 1990, at approximately 1524 hours. He and three fellow motor officers were traveling home from a divisionwide motorcycle training day in Santa Maria. A 1986 Ford Thunderbird, driven by a 78-year-old driver, failed to turn her vehicle at a curve and crossed over the center line into the group of officers. Officer O’Connor was struck head-on and thrown approximately 60 feet. During the impact, he was knocked out of his helmet and boots; and
WHEREAS, Officer O’Connor’s fellow officers called for help and immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). He was transported to a nearby hospital, but succumbed to his injuries; and
WHEREAS, Officer O’Connor was a good man and a good officer. He was known for his skill in riding motorcycles and his ability to get into accidents when driving an automobile. One day, while on patrol, Officer O’Connor managed to crash his patrol car into the center divider at approximately 75 mph while trying to split traffic; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer James Christopher O’Connor’s contributions and sacrifice in serving the Department of the California Highway Patrol and the citizens of California, it would be a fitting tribute to designate the interchange at State Highway Route 154 and State Highway Route 101 in the County of Santa Barbara as the CHP Officer James C. O’Connor Memorial Interchange; and
WHEREAS, Officer Ambers O’Neal “Sonny” Shewmaker was born October 10, 1941, to Earl and Eva Shewmaker in Santa Maria, California; and
WHEREAS, California Highway Patrol Cadet A.O. “Sonny” Shewmaker entered the Department of the California Highway Patrol Academy on March 3, 1969, and upon graduation was assigned to the Riverside area office and was later transferred to the Banning area office where he spent the remainder of his career; and
WHEREAS, On November 23, 1969, Officer “Sonny” Shewmaker, stopped a vehicle for speeding. Unbeknownst to him, the car was stolen and the driver was wanted for an earlier robbery in Riverside, California. As Officer Shewmaker was using his radio, the suspect shot him point blank in the head. Officer Shewmaker was taken to a hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on the morning of November 24, 1969; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, the Yucaipa Valley Little League created the “Sonny Shewmaker Award for Best Sportsmanship” in honor of Officer Shewmaker’s dedication to helping the youth of Yucaipa Valley. Oddly enough, in 1973, the recipient of this award was a 12-year-old Brian Rezendes, who many years later married Officer Shewmaker’s sister-in-law, Kim; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Shewmaker’s contributions and sacrifice in serving and protecting the citizens of California, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 10 in the unincorporated area in the County of Riverside as the CHP Officer Ambers O. “Sonny” Shewmaker Memorial Highway; and
WHEREAS, Since the founding of the Rialto Police Department in 1911, the department has suffered the loss of three officers in the line of duty; Sergeant Darrell Keith Lee, Sergeant Gary Wayne Wolfley, and Officer Sergio Carrera Jr.; and
WHEREAS, All three police officers died from injuries sustained during violent confrontations while performing their respective duties as California police officers; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Darrell Keith Lee, of the City of Rialto, passed away on July 24, 1970, when he suffered a heart attack as a result of an injury sustained in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Lee was born to Minnie Price (Lee) of Texas and Glenn Lee of Oklahoma on February 7, 1932, in Southard, Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Lee attended Rialto Junior High and San Bernardino High School in the cities of Rialto and San Bernardino, respectively; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Lee served in the United States Marine Corps in Japan and Korea. He joined the Rialto Police Department in 1958, and was promoted to Sergeant in 1963; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Lee was a lifelong resident of Rialto, California, and was a great public speaker who enjoyed speaking with all the local groups; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Gary Wayne Wolfley, of the City of Rialto, passed away on March 3, 1986, when he was shot while handling a call for service in the City of Rialto; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Wolfley was born to William and Patricia Wolfley on September 22, 1955, in the Black Hills of South Dakota; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Wolfley attended Eisenhower High School in the City of Rialto. During his teenage years, he was a Rialto Police Cadet and a member of the Civil Air Patrol; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Wolfley worked for the City of Rialto as a police dispatcher until he realized his dream of becoming a police officer in 1977. In March 1985, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Wolfley was well known in the community and was always there to help his friends and family; and
WHEREAS, Sergio Carrera Jr., of the City of Rialto, passed away on October 18, 2007, when he was shot and killed during a raid for illegal drugs; and
WHEREAS, Officer Carrera was born to Sergio Carrera Sr. and Aurora Lopez on March 5, 1978, in Lynwood, California; and
WHEREAS, Officer Carrera attended Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, California, and San Bernardino Valley College, where he completed his police academy training in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Officer Carrera was a four-year veteran of the Rialto Police Department and a member of the SWAT team; and
WHEREAS, Officer Carrera was a loving husband and wonderful father, was well-known for his contagious sense of humor and laughter, and was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for who they were; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the sacrifices made by Sergeant Lee, Sergeant Wolfley, and Officer Carrera, it would be a fitting tribute to designate a portion of State Highway Route 10 in the City of Rialto as the Sergeant Darrell Keith Lee, Sergeant Gary Wayne Wolfley, and Officer Sergio Carrera Jr. Memorial Highway in their honor; and
WHEREAS, Officer Mark Thomas Taylor was born on May 17, 1959, to Thomas Claude and Lola Dee, in Benton Harbor, Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Officer Taylor graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1977 and joined the United States Marine Corps shortly thereafter; and
WHEREAS, Officer Taylor served in the United States Marine Corps from 1977 to 1984 and achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5). After an honorable discharge, he applied to the CHP; and
WHEREAS, On March 18, 1985, Officer Taylor graduated from the CHP Academy and was assigned to the Indio area; and
WHEREAS, Officer Taylor married the love of his life, Brenda Renee Kirby, on December 3, 1977, and had a beautiful daughter, Kristie Lee, born on September 14, 1978; and
WHEREAS, Officer Taylor was killed in the line of duty on November 26, 1987, during a routine traffic stop. While issuing a citation, the offender’s car was struck by another vehicle. The impact propelled Officer Taylor onto the highway, where he was struck by the same vehicle that had originally collided with the offender’s car; and
WHEREAS, Officer Taylor was a dedicated officer, family man, and a best friend to many. He was known for his sense of humor and for making people smile. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, running, traveling, and playing ping pong; and
WHEREAS, Officer Taylor was admired for his honesty, loyalty, and determination. He always accomplished what he set out to do and never gave up; and
WHEREAS, Officer Taylor is survived by his wife, Brenda, daughter, Kristie, and grandchildren, Mikayla (born April 21, 1996), Triniti (born December 10, 2002), and Scarlett (born December 26, 2008); and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Mark Thomas Taylor’s contribution and sacrifice in serving the CHP and the citizens of California, it would be fitting to designate the State Highway Route 10 and Date Palm Drive Memorial Overcrossing, in the County of Riverside, as the CHP Mark Thomas Taylor Memorial Overcrossing in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Officer John “Jack” Walter Armatoski was born on May 1, 1917, to August and Sophie, in Ironwood, Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation from the CHP Academy in 1948, Officer Armatoski was assigned to the Needles area; and
WHEREAS, Officer Armatoski was killed in the line of duty on May 1, 1953, during a routine traffic stop. After he completed the traffic citation, Officer Armatoski was approaching the violator’s car on the left side when an intoxicated motorist, driving a stolen station wagon, sideswiped the parked vehicle and struck Officer Armatoski, killing him instantly; and
WHEREAS, Officer Armatoski was a devoted officer, a loyal husband, and an amazing father. He was known for his integrity and his adoration of his wife and children; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer John “Jack” Armatoski’s contributions and sacrifice in serving the CHP and the citizens of California, it would be fitting to designate a portion of State Highway Route 40 in the County of San Bernardino, as the CHP Officer John “Jack” Armatoski Memorial Highway in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Officer A. Donald Hoover was born on January 1, 1903, in Wichita, Kansas, to John and Pearl Hoover; and
WHEREAS, Officer Hoover was an eight-year veteran of the CHP, and served in the County of Santa Cruz; and
WHEREAS, Officer Hoover was killed on August 31, 1934, while traveling on the Santa Cruz-Watsonville Highway, on a stretch known to locals as “Slaughterhouse Curve,” when his motorcycle collided with an automobile, traveling in the opposite direction, that began turning onto a side road in front of him. The impact of the collision caused Officer Hoover to lose and never regain consciousness; and
WHEREAS, Officer Hoover’s dedication and service will be remembered throughout the CHP and law enforcement community for years, as the loss was not just to family, friends, and coworkers, but to the entire community and the state that Officer Hoover served; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer A. Donald Hoover’s ultimate sacrifice made while serving the CHP and the citizens of California, it is appropriate to dedicate a portion of State Route 1 in the County of Santa Cruz as the CHP Officer A. Donald Hoover Memorial Highway in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Officer William Prestige Sniffen was born on September 11, 1941, to William and Elsie, in Honolulu, Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation from the CHP Academy in July 1966, Officer Sniffen was transferred to the San Leandro area and was later transferred to the Oakland area; and
WHEREAS, Officer Sniffen was killed in the line of duty on April 5, 1973, while pursuing a speeding motorist on the Nimitz Freeway. The vehicle he was pursuing rear-ended another car and burst into flames. Officer Sniffen was unable to stop and slid underneath the burning vehicle; and
WHEREAS, Officer Sniffen was a hard-working and dedicated officer who loved his job and enjoyed the people he worked with. He was known for his love and devotion to his wife and children, his charismatic personality, and for teaching others baton and other self-defense tactics. In his spare time, Officer Sniffen enjoyed spending time with his family and attending various martial arts classes. He was a third-degree black belt in Judo and a fourth-degree black belt in Jujitsu; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer William P. Sniffen’s contributions and sacrifice in serving the CHP and the citizens of California, it would be fitting to designate a portion of Interstate 880 in the County of Alameda, as the CHP Officer William P. Sniffen Memorial Highway in his honor; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby designates the bicycle pedestrian path on the replacement Gerald Desmond Bridge on State Highway Route 710, in the County of Los Angeles, as the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle Pedestrian Path; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway 129 between Blackburn Street and Murphy Crossing Road, in the County of Santa Cruz, as the Ohlone Kallentaruk Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 5 between Harbor Drive and State Highway Route 78, in the County of San Diego, as the Oceanside Police Officer Daniel S. Bessant Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 101 between Hollywood Boulevard (milepost marker 6.520) and Cahuenga Boulevard (milepost marker 7.459), in the County of Los Angeles, as the Los Angeles Police Officer Ian J. Campbell Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 10 between South Marguerita Avenue (milepost marker 23.12) and South Almansor Street (milepost marker 24.31), in the City of Alhambra, as the Officer Ryan Stringer Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the Vista Four safety roadside rest area on State Highway Route 280, between Exits 34 and 36, north of State Highway Route 92, in the County of San Mateo, as the Officer Dale M. Krings Memorial Rest Area; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the Talmage Road and State Highway Route 222 bridge across the Russian River in the County of Mendocino as the Ron Ledford Memorial Bridge; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 405 between Rosecrans Avenue and El Segundo Boulevard, in the County of Los Angeles, as the Hawthorne Police Officer Andrew Garton Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 12 from the intersection with State Highway Route 99 to a length of five miles to the east, in the County of San Joaquin, as the Donald Mark Lichliter Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 101 between Madonna Road (Exit 201) and San Luis Bay Drive (Exit 196), in the County of San Luis Obispo, as the Christopher Meadows Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the interchange of State Highway Route 5 and State Highway Route 50, in the County of Sacramento, as the California State Engineer Memorial Interchange; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 198 between Sixth Avenue (milepost marker 23.32) and the County of Kings line (milepost marker 28.32) as the Lance Corporal Christian Vasquez Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 86S from the intersection with State Highway Route 10 to a length of five miles to the south, in the County of Riverside, as the CHP Officer Saul Martinez Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 12 from the intersection with Brannan Island Road to a length of five miles to the west, in the County of Sacramento, as the CHP Officer Charles “Chuck” Sorenson Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 101 from Fair Oaks Avenue (milepost marker 44.83) to State Highway Route 87 (milepost marker 39.92), in the County of Santa Clara, as the CHP Officer Charles Lilly Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates that portion of State Highway Route 1 in the City of Fort Bragg, from Chestnut Street in the south (milepost marker 60.925) to Elm Street in the north (milepost marker 61.993), as the Jere Melo Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the Grimmer Boulevard Bridge in the City of Fremont, on State Highway Route 680, as the CHP Officers Frederick Wayne Enright and Adolfo Martinez Hernandez Memorial Bridge; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 74 between milepost marker 83.00 and milepost marker 88.00, in the County of Riverside, as the CHP Officer Michael Allen Brandt Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 80 from the intersection with County Road 32A to a length of five miles to the west, in the County of Yolo, as the CHP Officer William “Ivan” Casselman Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the interchange of State Highway Route 154 and State Highway Route 101, in the County of Santa Barbara, as the CHP Officer James C. O’Connor Memorial Interchange; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Highway Route 10 between Main Street and Verbenia Avenue in Cabazon, in the unincorporated area of the County of Riverside, as the CHP Officer Ambers O. “Sonny” Shewmaker Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature designates the portion of State Highway Route 10 between Pepper Avenue and Cedar Avenue, in the City of Rialto, as the Sergeant Darrell Keith Lee, Sergeant Gary Wayne Wolfley, and Officer Sergio Carrera Jr. Memorial Highway in their honor; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates the State Highway Route 10 and Date Palm Drive Memorial Overcrossing in the County of Riverside as the CHP Officer Mark Thomas Taylor Memorial Overcrossing; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designate the portion of State Highway Route 40 between West Park Road and the Needles Overcrossing, in the County of San Bernardino, as the CHP Officer John “Jack” Armatoski Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designate a portion of State Route 1 from the Park Avenue Undercrossing to Branciforte Avenue Overcrossing in the County of Santa Cruz as the CHP Officer A. Donald Hoover Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designate the portion of State Highway Route 880 from the 23rd Avenue Overcrossing (milepost marker 28.93) to the 16th Avenue Overcrossing (milepost marker 29.70) in the County of Alameda as the CHP Officer William P. Sniffen Memorial Highway; and be it further
Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the cost of appropriate signs consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system showing each of these special designations and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost of the sign for which the donations were made, to erect that sign; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Department of Transportation and to the author for appropriate distribution.