[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7669] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR OF CEIL CIRILLO ______ HON. SAM FARR of california in the house of representatives Thursday, May 1, 2008 Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an invaluable member of the Santa Cruz community. After two decades of service, Ceil Cirillo has announced her retirement from her post as director of Redevelopment/Economic Development for the City of Santa Cruz. Ceil began her work in the Santa Cruz community after numerous buildings and homes had been destroyed in the Loma Pierta earthquake of 1989. As a part of her work as a director, Ceil acquired the challenge of reconstructing a devastated historic downtown Santa Cruz. Her success is evident today by the vibrant destination for shopping and dining that Pacific Avenue is today. Yet this endeavor was only the beginning of her accomplishments and contributions that continue to benefit the Santa Cruz commnunity. To rebuild the commerce affected by the quake, Ceil oversaw local building expansion. Under her direction, the agency created a new department for the redevelopment of downtown, as well as a business outreach program to ensure commercial success both downtown and citywide. Ceil's humanitarian efforts made a great impact on Santa Cruz citizens who needed help the most. One of these accomplishments was overseeing the construction of low-rent units; providing housing for families with limited incomes. She also facilitated the installment of emergency housing units, 26 of which are in their planning stages or already under construction. These projects, along with others, have resulted in 407,000 square feet of newly available housing; placing roofs over the heads of those who would otherwise have no place to call home. In her reconstruction aid, Ceil has not let her artistic side go but rather channeled her passion for the arts in her efforts. She is keen on preserving and cultivating the rich culture of the community, and instituted the Tannery Arts Center and Pacific Avenue Multi-Modal Station, which today serve as outlets for local artists. In addition, in the unique spirit of Santa Cruz, she instated commercial facade projects, murals, landscaping and similar projects all over the city. These public artworks give significant aesthetic appeal to a city that had once been reduced to shambles. Prior to coming to Santa Cruz, Ceil was the Director of Redevelopment for the City of Signal Hill, California, and in addition to some private sector employment, was a Special Assistant to the City Manager in Pasadena, California. She has received numerous awards in recognition of her works in the Santa Cruz community and has served on the Board of Directors of several local charities. Madam Speaker, the City of Santa Cruz will miss Ceil's vision and leadership, but there is no doubt that she has left the City in a better place from when she first arrived. I wish Ceil the best in retirement and look forward to her continued involvement in the Santa Cruz community. ____________________