Mike Thompson
Representative for California · Democratic · United States
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1181, a bill which makes it harder to catch criminals and makes our communities less safe. Today, under current law, financial institutions are required to report suspicious transactions to law enforcement.”
“The felons who seek out and obtain trafficked firearms are the people who pose the greatest risk to everyone's safety. Mr. Speaker, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, for teenagers, and for law enforcement in the line of duty.”
“While the couple operated Celadon, the Wine Spectator awarded Celadon's wine program the ``Award of Excellence'' for multiple years. In 2002, Celadon moved to the Historic Napa Mill, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of Napa's culinary scene. Building on that success, Mr. Cole and Ms.”
“While the couple operated Celadon, the Wine Spectator awarded Celadon's wine program the ``Award of Excellence'' for multiple years. In 2002, Celadon moved to the Historic Napa Mill, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of Napa's culinary scene. Building on that success, Mr. Cole and Ms.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E358] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING GREG COLE AND BETH FAIRBAIRN ______ HON.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E358] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING GREG COLE AND BETH FAIRBAIRN ______ HON.”
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“The felons who seek out and obtain trafficked firearms are the people who pose the greatest risk to everyone's safety. Mr. Speaker, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, for teenagers, and for law enforcement in the line of duty. We should be working to break up gun trafficking rings which supply the guns that kill kids and cops. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1181, a bill which makes it harder to catch criminals and makes our communities less safe. Today, under current law, financial institutions are required to report suspicious transactions to law enforcement. They do this every day, and that helps catch human traffickers. These alerts give law enforcement leads that uncover human trafficking rings and evidence that help put these bad guys away. The bill on the floor today blocks States from using this same process to flag suspicious firearms transactions to uncover gun trafficking rings. Many gun traffickers don't buy guns like responsible gun owners, and once guns are trafficked, we know bad things happen. Approximately 60 percent of trafficked guns are delivered to convicted felons.”
“The couple currently resides in Napa and are devoted parents to Larsen and Sophia Cole, and loving grandparents to Abraham Cole Fishman. Mr. Speaker, Greg Cole and Beth Fairbairn exemplify the values of leadership, generosity, and service. Their legacy in Napa's culinary world and their steadfast commitment to their community have left a lasting impact. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cole's Chop House, it is fitting and proper that we recognize their remarkable contributions here today. ____________________”
“Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their community. Through their restaurants, they have supported numerous charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross, Jewish Home of San Francisco, American Cancer Society, Queen of the Valley Hospital, Community Health Clinic Ole. Children's Hospital Oakland, Boys & Girls Club, and many local public and private schools. In recognition of their impact, the Napa Chamber of Commerce named Celadon and Cole's Chop House its 2005 Business of the Year. In 2015 and 2016, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn sold Celadon to their general manager, Joel Tavizon, and Cole's Chop House to longtime employee Eric Keffer, allowing the couple to invest more time into giving back to our community and to pursue other ventures.”
“While the couple operated Celadon, the Wine Spectator awarded Celadon's wine program the ``Award of Excellence'' for multiple years. In 2002, Celadon moved to the Historic Napa Mill, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of Napa's culinary scene. Building on that success, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn opened Cole's Chop House in 2000, creating a steakhouse known for high-quality food and a top-tier wine program. The restaurant quickly became a local institution, earning Wine Spectator's ``Award of Excellence'' and Wine Enthusiast Magazine's ``Award of Unique Distinction.'' It has been named San Francisco's top-rated steakhouse in the Zagat Survey and recognized as one of the ``Top Five Steakhouses'' in San Francisco Chronicle Magazine. Cole's Chop House has also been featured in Gourmet, Food Arts, Bon Appetit, and Sunset Magazine.”
“Fairbairn, originally from Springfield, Missouri, is a graduate of St. Mary's College in Moraga and a registered nurse. She began her career at Sonoma Valley Hospital and Queen of the Valley Hospital before transitioning into private cardiology practice in Napa. In addition to her work in healthcare, she has been an active classroom volunteer and reading tutor. In 1996, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn co-founded Celadon, one of Napa's first fine dining restaurants, bringing Chef Cole's ``Global Comfort Food'' concept to the city. The restaurant quickly gained national recognition, earning a three-star rating from the San Francisco Examiner and a four-star rating from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. In 2000, USA TODAY named Celadon one of the ``Ten Great Places to Dine at the Bar''.”
“Cole, a Los Angeles native, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park in 1983. He began his career working at Jack in the Box and Carl's Jr. in Agoura Hills before moving to Napa Valley in 1985 to work for Chef Philippe Jeanty at the Domaine Chandon restaurant. His passion for food and wine led him to later work at Robert Sinskey Vineyards, where he gained experience in winemaking and wine promotion. He then traveled the country hosting food and wine pairing events, further developing his expertise. Mr. Cole has also hosted Today in the Wine Country on Napa's KVON 1440AM, covering food and wine trends, and was named ``Best Local Chef'' by KVON's Best of Napa and Sonoma Valley awards. He has appeared as a guest chef on Karen MacNeil's PBS series Wine, Food, and Friends. Ms.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E358] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING GREG COLE AND BETH FAIRBAIRN ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Greg Cole and Beth Fairbairn, a husband-and-wife team who have played a critical role in shaping our Napa Valley restaurant scene. As the founders of the iconic Cole's Chop House, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, they have helped define fine dining in our region while making significant contributions to our community. Mr.”
“The couple currently resides in Napa and are devoted parents to Larsen and Sophia Cole, and loving grandparents to Abraham Cole Fishman. Mr. Speaker, Greg Cole and Beth Fairbairn exemplify the values of leadership, generosity, and service. Their legacy in Napa's culinary world and their steadfast commitment to their community have left a lasting impact. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cole's Chop House, it is fitting and proper that we recognize their remarkable contributions here today. ____________________”
“Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their community. Through their restaurants, they have supported numerous charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross, Jewish Home of San Francisco, American Cancer Society, Queen of the Valley Hospital, Community Health Clinic Ole. Children's Hospital Oakland, Boys & Girls Club, and many local public and private schools. In recognition of their impact, the Napa Chamber of Commerce named Celadon and Cole's Chop House its 2005 Business of the Year. In 2015 and 2016, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn sold Celadon to their general manager, Joel Tavizon, and Cole's Chop House to longtime employee Eric Keffer, allowing the couple to invest more time into giving back to our community and to pursue other ventures.”
“While the couple operated Celadon, the Wine Spectator awarded Celadon's wine program the ``Award of Excellence'' for multiple years. In 2002, Celadon moved to the Historic Napa Mill, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of Napa's culinary scene. Building on that success, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn opened Cole's Chop House in 2000, creating a steakhouse known for high-quality food and a top-tier wine program. The restaurant quickly became a local institution, earning Wine Spectator's ``Award of Excellence'' and Wine Enthusiast Magazine's ``Award of Unique Distinction.'' It has been named San Francisco's top-rated steakhouse in the Zagat Survey and recognized as one of the ``Top Five Steakhouses'' in San Francisco Chronicle Magazine. Cole's Chop House has also been featured in Gourmet, Food Arts, Bon Appetit, and Sunset Magazine.”
“Fairbairn, originally from Springfield, Missouri, is a graduate of St. Mary's College in Moraga and a registered nurse. She began her career at Sonoma Valley Hospital and Queen of the Valley Hospital before transitioning into private cardiology practice in Napa. In addition to her work in healthcare, she has been an active classroom volunteer and reading tutor. In 1996, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn co-founded Celadon, one of Napa's first fine dining restaurants, bringing Chef Cole's ``Global Comfort Food'' concept to the city. The restaurant quickly gained national recognition, earning a three-star rating from the San Francisco Examiner and a four-star rating from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. In 2000, USA TODAY named Celadon one of the ``Ten Great Places to Dine at the Bar''.”
“Cole, a Los Angeles native, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park in 1983. He began his career working at Jack in the Box and Carl's Jr. in Agoura Hills before moving to Napa Valley in 1985 to work for Chef Philippe Jeanty at the Domaine Chandon restaurant. His passion for food and wine led him to later work at Robert Sinskey Vineyards, where he gained experience in winemaking and wine promotion. He then traveled the country hosting food and wine pairing events, further developing his expertise. Mr. Cole has also hosted Today in the Wine Country on Napa's KVON 1440AM, covering food and wine trends, and was named ``Best Local Chef'' by KVON's Best of Napa and Sonoma Valley awards. He has appeared as a guest chef on Karen MacNeil's PBS series Wine, Food, and Friends. Ms.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E358] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING GREG COLE AND BETH FAIRBAIRN ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Greg Cole and Beth Fairbairn, a husband-and-wife team who have played a critical role in shaping our Napa Valley restaurant scene. As the founders of the iconic Cole's Chop House, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, they have helped define fine dining in our region while making significant contributions to our community. Mr.”