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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E146-E147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE SERVICE OF EIZO KOBAYASHI
______
HON. MARK DeSAULNIER
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service
of long-time
[[Page E147]]
community member, Eizo Kobayashi as he celebrates his 88th birthday, a
milestone of special esteem in the Japanese culture.
Eizo Kobayashi was born in Oakland, California in 1932. During World
War II, Eizo's family was interned and moved to the Topaz Relocation
Center in Utah. As a 10-year-old Japanese American, Eizo was faced with
institutionalized racism, the experiences of which would stay with him
throughout his life. His memories during the three years his family was
interned include his father being hospitalized and subsequently moved
to another location, while the rest of his family remained in Utah.
Eizo would go out into the desert and collect shells, crystals,
arrowheads and other artifacts he could find. Upon being released from
the internment camp, the Kobayashi family moved back to California
where Eizo graduated from Piedmont High School. He went on to study at
the University of California, Berkeley where he received a Bachelor of
Arts and a Community College Lifetime Teaching Credential. After
graduation, Eizo served in the U.S. Army before turning his focus to
law enforcement. In 1956, Eizo became a Deputy Probation Officer in the
Adult Division of the Alameda County Probation Department. He later
began working for the California Department of Corrections in 1962 and
moved up the ranks until he retired as a Unit Supervisor and District
Administrator in 1995.
While tirelessly pursuing professional success, Eizo always
understood the importance of family and community. Eizo and his wife,
Mary, wed in 1965 and moved to Concord, California where they raised
two daughters, Keiko and Tamiko. Not only is Eizo a dedicated family
man, but he is also passionate about his community. He has been the
President of the Diablo Valley Chapter for the Japanese American
Citizens League, the Vice President of the Unity Foundation in Concord,
President of the Concord Senior Citizens Club, and a board member of
the Concord Ambassadors. Additionally, in 1992 Eizo was appointed to
the Police Facility Blue Ribbon Task Force. Eizo's connection to the
local community is also exemplified by his contributions as a former
columnist for the Contra Costa Times. Eizo continues his work to this
day serving the homeless at the Concord Adult Homeless Shelter and is
an appointed member of the Contra Costa County Merit Board, a seat
which he has held for the last 30 years.
Eizo has always been a civic leader and has received the 1993
Humanitarian Award from the Unity Foundation, the 1994 Civil Rights
Advocacy Award from the Concord Human Relations Commission, and the
1996 City of Concord Mayor's Award, among other awards.
Eizo's influence and strong moral character continue to foster a
positive impact in the community. As a longtime friend and inspiration,
please join me in congratulating Eizo on his 88th birthday and his life
of service and leadership.
____________________
