Rep. Mike Levin Honors Carlsbad Resident Benita Karo as October 2026 Constituent of the Month
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Mike Levin Honors Carlsbad Resident Benita Karo as October 2026 Constituent of the Month Benita Karo Carlsbad, CA— Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) named Carlsbad resident Benita Karo as his October 2026 Constituent of the Month for her extraordinary bravery and quick thinking in rescuing an unconscious surfer from dangerous ocean conditions in Oceanside. On September 26, 2026, Benita was walking along the beach when she witnessed a powerful wave slam a surfer into the rocks, knocking him unconscious. Realizing the surfer was in immediate danger, Benita called for help and rushed into the rough water. Despite the powerful waves and rocky shoreline, she reached the unresponsive surfer and lifted his head above the surface to keep him from drowning. As waves crashed around them, Benita held the surfer’s head above water until other bystanders arrived to help bring him safely to shore. Emergency responders then provided medical assistance and transported the surfer to a nearby hospital. Benita sustained several minor injuries during the rescue but credited her quick response in part to her experience working as a lifeguard when she was 15 years old. Now a publicist and public relations strategist based in Carlsbad, Benita demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness by putting her own safety at risk to help a stranger in need. Her actions reflect the compassion, bravery, and willingness to help others that make our North County community so special. See below for Rep. Levin's statement recognizing Benita Karo in the Congressional Record: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Benita Karo of Carlsbad as my Constituent of the Month for October 2026. “On September 26, Benita was walking along the beach in Oceanside when she witnessed a surfer struck by a powerful wave and thrown into the rocks, leaving him unconscious in dangerous waters. “Without hesitation, Benita rushed into the rough surf to help. She reached the injured surfer, lifted his head above the water, and held him there as waves crashed around them. Despite the danger to her own safety, she remained by his side until others arrived to help bring him safely to shore. “Benita's quick thinking and courageous actions helped save a life that day. Drawing on her experience as a lifeguard during her teenage years, she knew the importance of acting quickly when someone was in danger. By acting without hesitation in a life-threatening situation, Benita demonstrated remarkable bravery and a profound commitment to helping someone in need. “Benita's bravery serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of others. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Benita Karo for her heroic actions and for exemplifying the very best of our North County community.” ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM: Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep. Levin’s September 2026 Constituent of the Month was Debbie Hansen , for her work helping families navigate personal crises, expanding career opportunities for women, and giving back to
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