SENATE RESOLUTION

                             1998-8714

By Senators Wood, McCaslin, West, McDonald, Winsley, T. Sheldon, Kline, Wojahn, Horn, Johnson, Swecker, Finkbeiner, Long, Franklin, Rasmussen, Fraser, Fairley, Haugen, Deccio, Bauer, Thibaudeau, McAuliffe, Goings, Kohl, Rossi, Jacobsen, Prentice, Hochstatter, Hale, Wojahn and B. Sheldon

     WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize and honor those individuals that have made significant contributions to the well-being of the citizens of the State of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, The esteemed Mr. Luis Fernando Esteban has distinguished himself in his service to the State of Washington as the Honorary Vice-Consul of Spain; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Esteban's work to develop, fund, and  implement over eighty significant bilateral educational, cultural, historical, and commercial projects has been of enormous and long-lasting benefit to the citizens of the State of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, Prince Philipe of Spain became the first member of a royal family to visit our State capitol as a result of the tireless personal efforts of Mr. Esteban; and

     WHEREAS, The paintings and sculptures of such famous Spanish artists as Picasso, Miro, Artigas, and Dali were viewed by a record breaking sixty-eight thousand people in ten weeks at the Tacoma Art Museum, many of whom were school children, as a direct result of the intervention and coordination by Mr. Esteban and Ms. Maria Isabel Esteban; and

     WHEREAS, His many contributions as a volunteer to improve Washington's transportation industry has brought a new horizon and hope for high speed rail and light rail for intercity transportation; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Esteban has worked with leaders in private businesses and government officials in both countries to introduce Spanish language, culture, heritage, and history programs into our public school curriculum; and

     WHEREAS, The historical and cultural roots of Washington State are deeply rooted in Spain, which highlights the importance of a Spanish Consul presence here in our State; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Esteban continues to volunteer his valuable time to further the cause of positive international relations between Spain and the United States;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate urges all citizens to formally recognize Mr. Luis Fernando Esteban and duly honor his most distinguished dedication to sharing the very best of the Hispanic heritage; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to His Royal Highness King Juan Carlos of Spain and the President of Spain, Jose Maria Aznar.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1998-8714,

adopted by the Senate March 9, 1998.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate