The House is currently in recess for the Spring District Work Period and will reconvene on April 1st.

During my trip to the district this week, I had the pleasure of meeting with residents and local elected officials from Nevada, Butte, El Dorado, Sacramento and Placer County.

Oroville Historic State Theater

I visited the Oroville State Theater to help celebrate the 80th anniversary of this historic facility. Built as one of the original "playhouse" theaters, it attracted stage and screen stars from throughout the country. Recognized as a historical part of the development of Oroville, community leaders set forth a plan to restore the original artistic beauty of the building and make it a working theater once again. In 2007, I was able to secure federal funding for a portion of the renovation project. As part of the economic development for the entire area, the theater will become the cornerstone of a revitalized Downtown Oroville.

The City of Oroville welcomed me warmly when I became their Representative in 2002, and I am grateful for the strong working relationship I have with city and county leaders.

Placer County Children’s Emergency Shelter

For many years, I have worked closely with Placer County officials to bring to completion the Children’s Emergency Shelter in Auburn. On Thursday, the Board of Supervisors and I, along with many other talented professionals who worked on this project, dedicated the new 12,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility.

The building will provide medical, educational, training, life skills and intervention programs for “at risk” youth in Placer County. I was fortunate to have been able to secure federal funding the last few years and appreciated the opportunity of working with the Board of Supervisors to assist in bringing this important project to fruition.

Visit to Oakmont High School

Each year, the House of Representatives encourages high school students from around the country to participate in a congressional arts competition. The program gives students an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents. The winner from the Fourth Congressional District will be able to attend the 2008 Congressional Arts Competition ceremony and reception in Washington, D.C., and have his work displayed in our nation’s capital for a full year.

With dozens of schools throughout the district participating in the competition this year, I was able to visit Oakmont High School in Roseville and get a sneak peek at some of the students' outstanding art work. The level of talent these young students have and the passion they bring to the program truly amazed me.

While at Oakmont, I was also able to spend a few minutes with the school’s elected student council. With the skepticism you hear from the media and others about our youth today, it was refreshing to hear the enthusiasm that these students have for public service.

Quote of the Week

“The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” - Ronald Reagan.