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April 20, 2026
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextRECOGNIZING SARAH AGUILAR AS CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF
THE YEAR
HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 20, 2026
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, each year, I have the honor of recognizing women on the Central Coast whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our community through the Women of the Year Award. This year, it is my pleasure to recognize Sarah Aguilar of Oak View, for her outstanding contributions to animal welfare, public service, and community engagement.
in September 2022 and has since transformed the agency through innovative leadership, transparency, and collaboration. With a background in business and prior leadership roles in animal welfare organizations across the country, she brought a collaborative approach to an agency that had long faced significant challenges. Under her stewardship, the care of more than 6,000 animals at county's three shelters annually has been reimagined through programs that prioritize humane outcomes, community partnership, and transparency, helping change the atmosphere for volunteers and staff in a positive way.
Among her most notable achievements is the creation of the “Dog Day Fostering” program, an initiative that has enabled more than 2,000 community members to provide shelter dogs with enrichment, socialization, and exposure to potential adopters. This has reduced stress on animals, increased adoption rates, and strengthened community investment in the wellbeing of shelter pets.
Ms. Aguilar has also demonstrated leadership through securing a $200,000 grant from the UC Davis Koretz School of Shelter Medicine to establish a “Pawsitive Care Coordinator.” This bridges the gap between human social services and animal care, ensuring that individuals facing hardships are not forced to surrender beloved pets due to lack of resources.
direct, hands-on action. In one instance, Ms. Aguilar personally intervened to rehabilitate and transport a high-risk shelter dog to a safe, permanent home hours away. An act of courage and compassion that not only saved that animal's life but inspired ongoing rescue efforts for others in need.
demands, Ms. Aguilar has remained steadfast, advocating for sustainable funding, developing fundraising strategies, and maintaining a solutions-oriented approach in the face of fiscal uncertainty.
inspiring leadership, her deep commitment to both people and animals, and the lasting difference she continues to make in the Santa Barbara County community.