WASHINGTON, D.C. >> U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) introduced H. Res. 629, a bipartisan resolution honoring March as Women’s History Month and recognizing Monica Rosenthal of Middletown for her leadership during Valley Fire recovery.
In naming Rosenthal as Lake County’s Woman of the Year, Thompson focused on her work with the Lake County Planning Commission, Farm Bureau Board and Napa/Lake Work Force Investment Board, a body dedicating to promoting employment training and job opportunities. But her efforts after a devastating fire season caught his attention.
“After the Valley Fire, Monica worked tirelessly to help Lake County recover and ensure that the needs of residents were met,” he said in a press statement.
Thompson took the stand to honor a resident of each county in the 5th Congressional District. Those recognized alongside Rosenthal were Josephine Orozco, Contra Costa County; Maria Guevara, Solano County; Evelyn Cheatham, Sonoma County; and Linda Parks, Napa County.
“I am privileged to work with incredible women throughout our district,” said Thompson “And while honoring women should not be limited to one month out of the year, the good work these women have done for our district should be recognized. They are leaders in their community and thanks to their efforts, our community is stronger today.
In his address, Thompson pointed out that Women’s History Month began in the 5th District. In 1978, the Education Taskforce of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women initiated a Women’s History Week celebration to encourage the inclusion of women’s history in K-12 curriculum. With the help of the National Women’s History Project, which was founded in Sonoma County, thousands of schools and communities joined in the commemoration of Women’s History Week.
In 1981 Congress gave Women’s History Week national recognition by designating it a national observance, and by 1987 Congress had expanded the national observance from a week to a month.
The National Women’s History Project (NWHP) is based in Santa Rosa and chooses the theme of National Women’s History Month each year. This year, National Women’s History Month celebrates “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.”
“This year we honor women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their public service and government leadership. Although often overlooked and undervalued, collectively they have dramatically influenced our public policy and the building of viable institutions and organizations. From championing basic human rights to ensuring access and equal opportunity for all Americans, they have led the way in establishing a stronger and more democratic country,” said Molly Murphy MacGregor, Executive Director and Co-founder of the National Women’s History Project. “We are proud to recognize their work not just in March, but throughout the year.”
