May 17, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 83 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E624-E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ANDRES D. SARABIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 17, 2019

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and 
honor the passing of Mr. Andres D. Sarabia, a community leader in San 
Antonio, Texas. Mr. Sarabia dedicated his life to advocating on behalf 
of others and guiding people to use their own voice to hold their 
elected officials accountable. He passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019, 
and will be missed by the San Antonio community.
  Mr. Sarabia served as the first president of Communities Organized 
for Public Service (COPS) and was actively involved with the 
organization's advocacy efforts for more than four decades. Through 
COPS, he worked to organize and empower local residents to

[[Page E625]]

speak up on issues that affected their communities, working to address 
inequities in how local government services and resources were 
allocated. Mr. Sarabia and COPS successfully advocated across a diverse 
portfolio of issues, ranging from improvements in neighborhood 
infrastructure to the establishment of Palo Alto College on San 
Antonio's south side. The organization continues to serve as forum for 
residents to discuss and amplify their voices on important issues.
  Perhaps Mr. Sarabia's most enduring legacy will be the foundation he 
helped establish through COPS and the steady stream of local leaders, 
activists and residents who have been empowered through the 
organization's work to engage with their government, advocate for the 
betterment of their community, and continue the important work of 
holding elected officials accountable.
  I join my fellow residents of San Antonio in honoring Mr. Andres 
Sarabia's legacy of civic engagement, leadership and service.

                          ____________________