NORTH COAST, Calif. – Three Lake County residents – a counselor and labor organizer, a retired agricultural worker and a physician – were among a group of 18 immigrants honored by Congressman Mike Thompson this week with the Fifth Congressional District American Dream Awards.

The awards were presented Sunday in Vallejo.

Thompson’s Lake County honorees included Luisa Acosta, Manuel Mendoza and Dr. Marlene Quilala.

The Fifth Congressional District American Dream Award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in Thompson’s district who have made remarkable contributions to their communities in the areas of arts and culture, professional achievement, entrepreneurship and innovation, or community service.

Thompson said the district is filled with great immigrants who are proven job creators, philanthropists and community leaders, and who make the district better through their hard work and perseverance.

Though the new administration has spoken harshly against immigrants and refugees, Thompson continues to promote tolerance and acceptance.

“We are a nation of immigrants, of brave men and women who left their lives and everything familiar behind them for the chance to build something better, be part of something greater,” said Thompson. “The dream of our forefathers continues to inspire a new generation today. I’ve met so many immigrants in our district – and all across our nation – who have built amazing businesses, given back to their communities, and enriched the lives of everyone they meet. If I could, I would have honored them all.”

He added, “At the very least, I want to make it clear that our district would not be nearly as vibrant or successful without their contributions. I’d like to thank them all for sharing their stories in their own words, and congratulate them on everything they’ve accomplished.”

Acosta was on hand to receive the award. Mendoza and Quilala were not able to attend the event.



Luisa Acosta

Luisa Acosta was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States. She is a successful community activist and is committed to social justice, particularly for employee rights.

Acosta, the daughter of immigrant farmworkers, spent her childhood in the fields harvesting pears and walnuts and working in a fruit packing facility.

Though this work was difficult, her time as a farmworker instilled in her a fierce determination, resilience and desire to better her community through social justice work.

She has worked as a Lake County substance abuse counselor, a paralegal and a grant writer for United Farmworkers of America, a representative for Service Employees International Union Local and an internal organizer for National Union of Health Workers.

Acosta is an active participant in local politics and serves on the Lake County Democratic Central Committee. She finds time to direct and instruct various Latino cultural programs, including the Kelseyville Ballet Folklorico and the Lake County Fair Latino Fiesta.

She cites the farmworker activist and leader, Cesar Chavez, as one of her inspirations, and she strives to impact her community as he did – through humility, kindness and fearless leadership.

Manuel Mendoza

Manuel Mendoza came to the United States in 1968.

Prior to retiring, he worked in agriculture picking pears, walnuts and grapes.

In 1976, he obtained his Farm Labor Contractor License, was very successful before his retirement in 2013.

He likes to fish and plays golf.

Dr. Marlene Quilala

Dr. Marlene Quilala is a board-certified physician of 28 years specializing in pediatrics.

She is the staff pediatrician at the Lake County Tribal Health Pediatrics and Obstetrics Clinic and is affiliated with Sutter Lakeside Hospital. Her previous practice was at Mendocino Health Clinic.

She is a recognized Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

She received her medical training at DeLaSalle University in the Philippines in 1989 and completed her internship and residency at the Children’s Medical Center, SUNY, in Brooklyn.

The full list of awardees is:

· Luisa Acosta, Lake County
· Gustavo Brambila, Napa County;
· Amelia Ceja, Napa County;
· Evelyn Centeno, Contra Costa County;
· Sonu Chandi, Sonoma County;
· Nataly Deherrera, Solano County;
· Mayor Myrna De Vera, Contra Costa County;
· Miljenko Grgich, Napa County;
· Art Ibleto, the “Pasta King,” Sonoma County;
· William Kim, Solano County;
· Newton Luu and Jackie Truong, Contra Costa County;
· Manuel Mendoza, Lake County;
· Dr. Maryam Mohsenzadeh, Napa County;
· Dr. Marlene Quilala, Lake County;
· Carmela Sandoval and Maria Sanchez, Solano County;
· Suzanne Smith, Sonoma County.