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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Michael Thompson. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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April 28, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luis Santana, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Lake County in recognition of his leadership in strengthening our community's commitment to a sustainable future.
Born in Deer Park, California, Mr. Santana graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a minor in Geology. He then went on to achieve a Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management from Oregon State University and a Grant Writing Certificate from San Diego State University. He served as a Scientific Aid for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a Biological Science Technician for the U.S. Forest Service, and then a Restoration Specialist with the Yurok Tribe. After working for four years as a Fisheries Biologist, he has made the Fish and Wildlife Director of Robinson Rancheria Donoxa Fish and Wildlife Department in 2025.
In this role, Mr. Santana has been able to secure millions of dollars of funding and thousands of hours in human resources to ensure that Lake County remains sustainable and healthy. He has secured grants and completed projects that will help ensure the land in Lake County remains clean, accessible, and safe for future generations. To protect the lands of Robinson Rancheria, he integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches to develop effective community-centered conservation strategies. He ensures projects go smoothly by working closely with tribal partners, property owners, government agencies, and academic institutions to protect vulnerable species and habitats.
Mr. Santana is dedicated to mentoring and engaging with the community. One of his primary goals as the Wildlife Director of Robinson Rancheria Donoxa Fish and Wildlife Department is to ensure that future generations are better custodians of our land. He works to create real opportunities for young people to engage with and participate in hands-on environmental work.
Mr. Santana's dedication to Lake County is evident to everyone in his community. He was recognized as the Biologist of the Year from the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society in 2025. He also served as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee, and he is a member of the American Fisheries Society, the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the California Deer Association, Trout Unlimited, California Waterfowl Association, and Ducks Unlimited. Mr. Santana is married to Thonyoon Chao and who runs the Chao Santana Farm in Upper Lake, California. They are blessed with two children named Lucas Chao Santana and Eleanor Chao Santana.
Mr. Speaker, Luis Santana, has been recognized across the Lake County community for his work preserving the wildlife, land, and culture across the lands of the Robinson Rancheria. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.