Statement Recognizing Mary Evelyn Arnold, Alcaldessa for the City of Sonomas

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Lynn Woolsey, to recognize Mary Evelyn Arnold, who has been named the City of Sonoma's 2011 Alcaldessa, or Honorary Mayor.

The title ``Alcalde,'' or ``Alcaldessa,'' when referring to a woman, is the Spanish word for ``Mayor.'' During the Spanish colonial period in California, the Alcalde was the primary civil authority. In modern times in the City of Sonoma, it is an honorary title and the contemporary Alcalde or Alcaldessa presides over ceremonial events for the city.

Alcaldes and Alcaldessas are nominated by the community and are representative of individuals with a long record of volunteer work. Ms. Arnold is no exception to this rule.

At the top of the list of Ms. Arnold's volunteer passions is the library. She has served on both the Sonoma County Library Commission and as Chair of the Sonoma Valley Library Advisory Board.

She also serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Investment Committee at Vintage House, organizes the Wednesday cooking crew at Meals on Wheels, and bakes birthday cakes for the WillMar Center, which offers support and counseling for children and teens grieving the death of a loved one. Pets Lifeline (where she is the unofficial cat cuddler), Kiwanis Club of Sonoma Plaza and the AAUW Scholarship Committee round out her volunteer community activities.

Ms. Arnold is also very active in her church, serving on the Committee on Ministry of the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ and serves as Vice Moderator of the First Congregational Church of Sonoma.

Ms. Arnold moved to Sonoma County in 1987 and was the co-owner of a specialty wine business and worked for the Wine Business Monthly and Wine Business Insider for several years, finishing her career with internet.com.

Mr. Speaker, Mary Evelyn Arnold is the quintessential volunteer, a dynamic and well respected member of the community. It is therefore appropriate that we acknowledge her today as the City of Sonoma's Alcaldessa for 2011.