June 10, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 96 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF ETELVINA MENCHACA FOR HER PUBLIC SERVICE

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                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 10, 2019

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the life of 
Etelvina Menchaca. Ms. Menchaca was a dedicated activist in my district 
who was very passionate about her community and public service.
  Etelvina Menchaca was born in Santa Barbara, California on September 
8, 1938 to Isabela Davila and Juan Gallegos. She was raised by her 
Godmother Feliz (Pita) Menchaca and Antonio Serrano as well as long-
time family friend Jose (Tuti) Hernandez. Ms. Menchaca was influenced 
at an early age, by her adopted mother Pita, to be a community 
activist. She began serving food to the homeless and helping Latino 
immigrant families transition to the United States. Ms. Menchaca was 
also a leading voice on children's education through migrant education. 
She marched and worked alongside Cesar Chavez, lobbied in Washington DC 
alongside Dolores Huerta, and helped organize and train thousands of 
Latino families throughout the western United States for over fifty 
years.
  Ms. Menchaca joined parents from throughout California in advocating 
for AB 1308 and SB 218 which authorized Migrant Education programs 
under Chapter 1 Categorical programs. She worked with Santa Barbara 
County Superintendents of Schools Dall'Armi and Cirone on a partnership 
to implement those programs locally. She was also appointed as parent 
representative from the Santa Barbara School District for Migrant 
Education, State Parent Advisor for All Chaptered Education programs 
and State representative at the federal level.
  Additionally, Ms. Menchaca served in leadership roles on the boards 
of many community and state organizations including La Casa de la Raza, 
the Mariachi Festival, C.I.N.A.C., and the Fraternal Order of Eagles 
Aerie #442 Woman's Auxiliary. Ms. Menchaca also received Latina Woman 
of the Year.
  It was an honor to know and work with Ms. Menchaca. Today I join the 
Menchaca Family and Santa Barbara community in celebrating the 
extraordinary life of Etelvina Menchaca.

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