The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF DARRELL FONSECA
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HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Darrell Fonseca who is retiring after 32 years as the City Manager of Dos Palos, California. Darrell Fonseca is currently the State of California's longest serving City Manager in a single city.
Born and raised in Dos Palos, Darrell Fonseca graduated from Dos Palos High School and attended Fresno State. After obtaining a minor in Philosophy and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Darrell Fonseca went on to University of California Berkely, and received a Management of Water certificate, and graduated from Cal's Goldman School of Public Policy in Strategic Management of Public Organizations.
Darrell was a part of successful political campaigns, including the
``Great Speakership War''. One of his employees was a college student who later became President Barack Obama. He served as a floor manager at the National Convention for Gary Hart and was a key player in Hart's California primary campaign for president. At 28 years old, he was elected as a Delegate from the 15th Congressional District. Darrell knows how to work in many governmental positions. He was an intern for State Senator George Zenovich, a Legislative Assistant to then Assemblyman and future Congressman Jim Costa, an Associate Consultant to the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, Chief Consultant to the Select Committee on Energy & Agriculture, Assistant to the Majority Whip, and Administrator to Congressman Richard Lehman. Fonseca also worked for the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, was interim Executive Director of the Fresno County and City Chamber of Commerce.
After the passing of his first wife at the age of 24 due to cancer, Fonseca moved back to Dos Palos to care for his parents. During that time, he served on the Economic Development Commission, and met the future Mayor, Ron Skinner, who encouraged him to apply for city manager and a new chapter in his life began. This decision led him as the city's 7th City Manager, its 14th CEO, 14th Police Commissioner, and the 15th City Clerk. As City Manager, Darrell worked with 10 mayors and 32 councilmembers.
He attributes his success to having a hard working and knowledgeable staff and by listening to their advice. Darrell has helped with the emergency services for nearby schools, Measure V, transportation improvements, paying off debts, helped in building a new water plant, and more. During his free time, Darrell spends time with his wife Maria. Together, they have three children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson, and hosted a foreign exchange student from Ukraine.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Darrell Fonseca in his retirement after 32 years as the City Manager of Dos Palos, California and among California's 482 cities, currently holds the title as the State of California's longest serving city manager in a single city.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 116(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 116(2)
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