CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSEH7548 September 13, 2000(Mr. INSLEE addressed the House.

His remarks will appear hereafter inthe Extensions of Remarks.)

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The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under aprevious order of the House, the gen-tleman from New Jersey (Mr.PASCRELL) is recognized for 5 minutes.

(Mr. PASCRELL addressed theHouse. His remarks will appear here-after in the Extensions of Remarks.)

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The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under aprevious order of the House, the gen-tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE)is recognized for 5 minutes.

(Mr. PALLONE addressed the House.His remarks will appear hereafter inthe Extensions of Remarks.)

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The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under aprevious order of the House, the gentle-woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec-ognized for 5 minutes.

(Ms. KAPTUR addressed the House.Her remarks will appear hereafter inthe Extensions of Remarks.)

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CALIFORNIA’S SESQUICENTENNIAL

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under aprevious order of the House, the gen-tleman from California (Mr. FARR) isrecognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, on be-half of the California delegation, I submit thefollowing statements relating to California’s150th anniversary of Statehood.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker,I rise today to celebrate California’s 150th An-niversary. This is a momentous occasion aswe recognize the most populace and one ofthe most diverse states in the Union. With 52Congressional Districts, each brings its ownculture, tradition, attitude and history to thestate.

California’s First Congressional District con-tains the finest wines, greatest fishing, andrichest forests in our nation. From chardonnayto cabernet, the vineyards within the First Dis-trict produce outstanding varietal wines. The400 wineries use cutting-edge science withtraditional techniques to provide wines ofevery type and vintage, for beginning tastersto advanced collectors.

The Napa Valley Wine Auction, held eachJune, has become the largest and most suc-cessful charity wine auction in the world sinceits beginning in 1981. Hundreds of wine enthu-siasts and auction-goers from across the na-tion, as well as a growing number of inter-national guests, travel to participate in a galaweekend of tastings, dining, art shows, andauctions. As the auction has grown, along withthe wines it showcases, it has raised millionsof dollars for local health care. Sponsored bythe Napa Valley Vintners Association, the auc-tion has donated over $16 million to localcharities, raising a record-breaking $9.5 millionthis year alone.

North of the grapevines of Napa, Sonoma,Mendocino, Solano and Lake Counties, lie themagnificent Redwoods, which make theirhome in Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocinocounties. In the midst of large fishing and tim-ber industries, these giant trees, some over

2,000 years of age and over 350 feet inheight, annually attract over one million adultsand children from around the world who starein amazement at the enormity of the world’stallest trees. Redwood National Park, home toover 110,000 acres, was established in 1968and expanded ten years later to protect theslow maturing redwoods.

Fort Bragg, California is the setting for theAnnual World’s Largest Salmon BBQ, which isheld on the July 4th weekend. This year com-memorated the 29th anniversary of the eventthat benefits the local Salmon Restoration As-sociation (SRA). Its goal is to replenish theonce great numbers of salmon in the NorthernCalifornia waters. Members of the SRA arejoined by volunteers from across the regionand help serve 5,000 pounds of salmon, 5,000ears of corn, 1,000 pounds of salad and 850loaves of French bread.

The First Congressional District is alsohome to Solano County’s Travis Air ForceBase, which currently houses the largest airliftorganization in the Air Force. Travis, estab-lished in 1942, is assigned to the 60th Air Mo-bility Wing, consisting of the 60th Operations,Logistics, Support, and Medical Groups. For50 years, Travis has presented the Travis AirExpo, attracting more than 200,000 guestseach year, who watch this two-day event fea-turing multiple performances by some of theworld’s top military, civilian and vintage aerialdemonstrators. The Travis Air Expo has estab-lished itself as the premier military air show inNorthern California.

Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of the im-portant events held in the First CongressionalDistrict that reflect the strength, character andintegrity of our residents who represent the di-versity of the entire state. It is appropriate atthis time, Mr. Speaker, that we recognize andcelebrate the birth of the great state of Cali-fornia.

Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, 150 years agothis past Saturday the state of California en-tered into the Union. I rise today to commemo-rate this anniversary, and to celebrate the re-sources and treasures of the 2nd congres-sional district.

Historically, the great state of California ismost often associated with the Gold Rush.Northern California was the main destinationof those in search of quick wealth. The banksof the Feather River yielded great riches tothose who were in the right place at the righttime, but the precious metal that caused arush to the West was not the only treasurethat California possessed.

Young settlers whose dreams had not mate-rialized in the gold fields soon turned to thefertile Central Valley and envisioned goldenacres of grain. Today those acres are coveredwith fruit trees, rice fields, and almond andwalnut orchards, as the valley continues toyield its agricultural treasure, making Californiathe leading agricultural economy in the world.

Others looked at the golden promise in thevast forests. Their labor provided the lumberfor the growing towns and cities of NorthernCalifornia. A tremendous renewable resourceto the American people, our forests providematerials for homes and businesses, as wellas endless recreational opportunities and habi-tat for unique plant and animal species.

Some entrepreneurs recognized that therewere other ways to gather gold than simplypanning in a streambed. They opened drygoods stores, banks and hotels. Women found

that they could earn a living utilizing theirhousehold skills cooking and cleaning for min-ers who couldn’t. California was born a land ofgolden opportunities and to this day she con-tinues to call to those willing to take a risk inorder to improve their own lives.

Many came to California for only a visit, butstayed a lifetime. The specious skies, majesticmountains, and rushing rivers of NorthernCalifornia stirred their souls, while her fertilevalleys, gentle climate, and endless opportuni-ties captured their imagination. Yes, gold fevermay have lured early settlers here, but eventhough the stores of that precious metal havemostly given out, people still flock to Californiatoday.

As a third generation Northern Californian, Iam very proud of the beauty and resources ofmy native land. I am proud to celebrate the150 years that this jewel has been an impor-tant part of our great nation.

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today rep-resenting California’s Third Congressional Dis-trict in celebrating the Sesquicentennial of thegreat state of California’s admittance to theUnion.

California’s Third District is one of the trulydiverse regions of the country. The districtstretches from Sacramento’s urban, south-western suburbs to the spacious northerncountry of Tehama, serving as a bridge be-tween the flat agricultural lands of the upperSacramento River Valley and the state’s north-ern, timber-rich highlands. From East to West,the District lies between the majestic Sierraand Coastal Range.

The roots of the Third District can be tracedparallel to those of the state. On January 24th,1848, James Marshall reached into the icy wa-ters of the American River near Sacramentoand found the first gold nugget. People fromaround the globe came to California in searchof their dreams. By August of 1849, the Cityof Sacramento was born and nearly a yearlater, in September of 1850, the State of Cali-fornia was made into the 31st State.

The Northern portion of the district is hometo some of this country’s most beautiful sites,including both the Lassen National Park andthe Mendocino National Forest. The pictur-esque Sutter Buttes are considered the small-est mountain range in North America.

Today, the District is one of the leading pro-ducers of agricultural crops, including anabundant production of rice, tomatoes, peach-es, pears, almonds, pistachios and avocados.The Third District is also the home of the Uni-versity of California at Davis, one of the lead-ing research universities in the country.

But most of all, what makes the Third Dis-trict special are the people who reside in it.The tight-knit communities in counties likeButte, Colusa, Glenn, Sacramento, Solano,Sutter, Tehama and Yolo instill a strong senseof family values that will carry on through fu-ture generations.

I am extremely proud to reside in and rep-resent the Third Congressional District of Cali-fornia. It is with honor that I rise today to rec-ognize the 150th anniversary of this GreatState and our wonderful district.

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today torecognize California’s State Capitol, the greatcity of Sacramento, in celebration of the 150thanniversary of California’s admission to theUnion.

Located in the heart of Northern California,the River City of Sacramento boasts a rich

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7549September 13, 2000blending of art and culture offering the com-forts of a small town and the amenities of agrowing metropolitan area. As the capitol ofthe sixth largest economy in the world, Cali-fornia, Sacramento is home to the world’slargest almond processing plant, Blue Dia-mond and continues to rank as a major agri-cultural producer year after year. But whileSacramento has a thriving business commu-nity, the state legislature also claims Sac-ramento as its home base. The magnificentState Capital building alone attracts scores ofworld leaders, businessmen and women,school children and tourists alike.

Helping to keep Sacramento’s economybooming is its natural positioning as a gate-way for industry. Located at the crossroads ofthe state’s north-south and east-west traderoutes, Sacramento is able to host a deep-water port and a major airport. The film indus-try is another enterprise attracted to Sac-ramento, but for different reasons. From gold-rush era store fronts to picture perfect Vic-torian homes to modern office buildings, Sac-ramento has lent itself as an aestheticallypleasing backdrop to a long list of cinemaclassics, most recently, The General’s Daugh-ter and Oscar Winner, American Beauty.

Major league sports teams have also founda successful and welcoming home along theDelta. Two major league basketball teams, theSacramento Kings and the Sacramento Mon-archs play to sold out crowds in the ArcoArena. Most recently, Sacramento welcomed anew team, the Sacramento River Cats. A farmteam for the Oakland A’s, the River Cats playin a brand new stadium just 450 yards fromOld Town Sacramento, bridging together Sac-ramento’s colorful gold rush past with a newset of hometown heroes.

Over the years, Sacramento has seen somesignificant firsts. The initial transcontinentalrailroad meeting between the ‘‘Big Four’’, Le-land Stanford, Charles Crocker, Collis P.Hunington, and Mark Hopkins was held abovea downtown hardware store in 1860. Also in1860, the Pony Express began its 1,980-mileten-day delivery service between St. Joseph,Missouri and Sacramento. And TowerRecords, America’s second largest record re-tailer got its start selling used jukebox recordsfor 10 cents each in a Sacramento drug store.

Known for its many acclaimed historicalpoints of interest such as Sutter’s Fort and theDelta King, Sacramento is also respected forbeing an environmentally conscious commu-nity. With all that goes on in and around thiscity, one would hardly guess that Sacramentocould brag about having more park space percapital than any other city in the nation. But itis true; this city has many more trees thanpeople. One of the greatest success stories isthe American River Parkway. Designated anatural preserve in 1960, the 32-mile longparkway is the first, and one of the few, ripar-ian river habitat preservations within a majorurban center. Its 7,000-acres offer opportuni-ties for fishing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, andnature study. Clearly, residents of Sacramentohave a great city to be proud of.

With all that Sacramento has to offer, somelike to think of Sacramento as California’sbest-kept secret. True, it is the ideal place tolive and do business. But I like to think of itsimply as home.

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today torecognize California’s Sesquicentennial. I amvery proud to represent California’s Sixth Con-

gressional District. This district includes all ofMarin and most of Sonoma County, the regionnorth of the Golden Gate Bridge. The District,initially the home of Native American Tribes,has been under seven sovereign flags: Eng-land, Spain, Russia, Mexico, the Bear FlagRepublic, California and the U.S.A.

The Sixth Congressional District has beenhome to a wide variety of businesses and ag-ricultural endeavors. Sonoma County recentlyearned 3rd place in a nationwide Forbes mag-azine that ranked the best cities in which to dobusiness. Since 1987, the area from Novato toSanta Rosa has earned the nickname‘‘Telecom Valley,’’ for the large number of tele-communications companies that the area hasproduced. Marin and Sonoma Counties arealso home to many other high-tech firms. Inthe agricultural arena, Sonoma County con-tains dozens of vineyards, wineries, and appleorchards. Both counties have a long andproud history of dairy and poultry farming.

The Sixth Congressional District also has arich musical and artistic history. From theGreat Depression through the 1950s, the Rus-sian River area of Sonoma County was thevenue for Big Bands. The Kingston Trio begantheir career in Marin County in the 1950s.Their ownership of the Trident in Sausalitobrought other famous and soon-to-be-famousto the country. In the 1960s, Marin residentBill Graham’s productions engendered posterart that defined much of the nation’s art of thatdecade, just as his concerts defined the pop-ular music and culture of the times. Today,Sonoma State University is building the Donand Maureen Green Music Center—a music,dance, and drama performance center on thelevel of Tanglewood, that will become an inter-national destination for its summer festivals.

Film arts in the District are highlighted bythe Mill Valley Film Festival, long known asthe springboard for new talents. The Districthas often been chosen as a filming locationfor such movies as Alfred Hitchcock’s TheBirds and Vertigo, as well as Star Wars andothers. Marin County is also home to GeorgeLucas, a frequent Oscar winner over the lastseveral years.

Sonoma and Marin counties’ residents arenotable for their environmental consciousness,and a look at the natural treasures of the Dis-trict makes the reason obvious. The District ishome to half of the Golden Gate NationalRecreation Area, the nation’s most visited Na-tional Park; Point Reyes National Seashore;the breathtaking Russian River recreationarea; plus several state and county parks;mountains and valleys; redwood groves andmiles and miles of coastline. Truly, the SixthCongressional District is a place we are allproud to call ‘‘home.’’

More information about California’s SixthCongressional District can be found in theLocal Legacies collection at the AmericanFolklife Center for the Library of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to paytribute to the Sixth Congressional District inhonor of California’s Sesquicentennial. I amvery proud to be representing such an accom-plished and beautiful area of California in Con-gress. Happy 150th Birthday, California!

Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr.Speaker, California’s 7th congressional districtincludes portions of Contra Costa and SolanoCounties and is situated astride San FranciscoBay and the Sacramento River. Its economic,demographic and political history is deeply

linked to its geography. Industry ranging fromoil refining to shipping, an extensive Navypresence, and deep concerns about waterquality and the environment—especially theprotection of the Bay and the Sacramento-SanJoaquin Delta—have long been central fea-tures of the region. It is no accident that it wasin Martinez, the Contra Costa County seat, Si-erra Club founder John Muir resided andwrote his tracts that transformed our view ofnatural resource protection.

The 7th district is also the site of significantnational historical events from the era of WorldWar II. At the site of the former Port ChicagoNaval Weapons Magazine (currently the Con-cord Naval Weapons Station), the largest do-mestic loss of life during World War II oc-curred on July 17, 1944 when over 320 men,most of whom were black, were killed in a cat-aclysmic explosion. The subsequent refusal ofblack sailors, who were the subject of discrimi-nation, to resume the loading of munitions ledto the largest court martial in Navy history anda landmark civil rights case that helped facili-tate President Truman’s decision to integratethe armed forces later in the decade. Con-gress designated the site of the explosion asthe Port Chicago National Memorial in 1992.In December of 1999, after a long effort I ledwith other lawmakers, activists, and veterans,President Clinton issued a Presidential pardonto Mr. Freddie Meeks of Los Angeles, one ofthe last remaining men who was court-martialed more than half a century ago.

Richmond, California, on the 7th district’swest side, was a small city when World WarII began and the Kaiser Shipyards were cre-ated to build the Liberty and Victory ships thatsupported the war effort. Tens of thousands ofnew workers—including many minorities andwomen—ballooned the local population andcreated the legendary ‘‘Rosie the Riveter’’image. Together with providing women pre-viously unavailable jobs in industrial plants,Richmond served as the epicenter of dramaticchanges in American life that were to affectgenerations including racial and gender inte-gration of the workplace, group health servicesand expansive child care. Congress is nowcompleting action on my legislation to create aNational Historic Site to commemorate the richhistory of Richmond’s contributions to endingWWII and changing our society forever.

Those historic changes continue today withthe conversion of the former century-old MareIsland Naval Shipyard in Vallejo to civilianuses including environmental protection andlocal economic development. The 7th districthas an historic past and today is a critical partof the San Francisco Bay Area’s economic,environmental, cultural and communicationslife.

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, this past Satur-day marked the 150th anniversary of the entryof the State of California into the UnitedStates. I rise today to recognize this importantdate and to bring to the attention of my col-leagues the important contribution of the Pre-sidio of San Francisco to the history of theEighth Congressional District and to the Stateof California as a whole.

The Presidio has overlooked San FranciscoBay since the United States came into exist-ence. Built in 1776 by the Spanish Empire inNorth America, the military outpost of the Pre-sidio was created after the great inland harborof San Francisco was discovered during colo-nizing expeditions. The Presidio was briefly

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSEH7550 September 13, 2000under the control of the newly independentRepublic of Mexico starting in 1821, but wasfinally transferred to American control by treatyin 1848.

In many ways, the history of the Presidiohas mirrored the events that shaped our na-tion. During the 1870’s and 1880’s, the Pre-sidio served as a frontier outpost, from whichsoldiers saw action in the Indian Wars. SanFranciscans are proud of the service at thePresidio during this time of the Buffalo Sol-diers, all Black-regiments established to helprebuild the country after the Civil War and topatrol the western frontier.

By the turn of the century, the Presidio shift-ed from an outpost to a major military installa-tion and a base for American expansion intothe Pacific. In 1898, tens of thousands ofAmerican soldiers camped at the Presidio inpreparation for the invasion of the Philippinesduring the Spanish American War. In 1915,General John Pershing, later to become thecommander of U.S. expeditionary forces inWorld War I, led the pursuit into Mexico ofPancho Villa from the Presidio. The Presidiobecame headquarters for the Western De-fense Command during action in the Pacific inWorld War II, and soldiers began digging fox-holes in local beaches in anticipation of a pos-sible invasion.

Playing a significant role in the preservationof nature, the Presidio’s role in the San Fran-cisco Bay Area transcends its military roots.As far back as the 1880’s, the first large-scaletree planting and post beautification projectswere undertaken at the Presidio. The buildingof the Golden Gate Bridge from 1933 to 1937increased the public use of the Presidio. ThePresidio was designated a National HistoricLandmark in 1962. From that time to its even-tual closure as a military base in 1989, and itstransfer in 1994, thanks to the visionary ac-tions of Philip Burton, to the National ParkService, the significance of the Presidio hasshifted from a strategically important militarybase to a gem in the National Park systemand an integral part of California’s landscapeand history.

Today, the Presidio continues to reflect thechanging priorities of our nation. In a changereflecting a swords-to-plowshares approach,the former military installation at the Presidiohas become a national park like no other. Sur-rounded by dense neighborhood in San Fran-cisco, the Presidio is now an urban oasis ofopen space that preserves a critical habitat forsome rare and endangered species. The Pre-sidio contains an incredible assortment of rec-reational, cultural, and natural resources thatmakes it a top destination for visitors to SanFrancisco and a well-loved and visited site forthe City’s residents. Fittingly, the Presidio hasalso become home to a Swords-to-Plowsharesprogram which helps veterans re-assimilateinto civilian society through job training, hous-ing assistance, and counseling.

Mr. Speaker, the Presidio of San Francisco,with its proximity to the Golden Gate Bridgeand the California Coastline, its beautiful for-ests and unique ecology, and especially itsrole in the development of California, deservesrecognition for its place in the history of theGolden State. I am proud to recognize thiscontribution and to honor the Great State ofCalifornia on its sesquicentennial anniversary.

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to risetoday to commemorate the Sesquicentennialof California’s statehood. One hundred and

fifty years ago, California became the 31ststate in the union. It is my great privilege torepresent the Ninth District of California, whichhas played a vital role in the history, economy,and culture of this wonderful state.

The Ninth District has a rich history of itsown in the last 150 years. Home to the Cityand Port of Oakland and the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley, this East Bay area of-fers ethnic diversity, intellectual ferment, andeconomic vitality, and has made a wide arrayof contributions to science, technology, lit-erature, the arts, and business.

Oakland emerged as a major commercialand transportation center in the heyday of theCalifornia Gold Rush of 1849. It became acrucial transit point from the San FranciscoBay to Sutter’s Mill and the Sierra Nevadafoothills. Oakland dramatically expanded afterthe tragic San Francisco earthquake of 1906as Californians sought firmer ground. The cityagain ballooned upward in population duringthe Second World War, when thousands ofAmericans came to the District to work in thebusy shipyards, the Oakland Army Base, andthe Naval Air Station in Alameda.

As the city grew, so did its commitment toprogressive activism. Individuals such asCotrell Lawrence Dellums, a Pullman porterand a Bay area representative for the Brother-hood of Sleeping Car Porters, began orga-nizing fellow African-Americans to join theunion in 1925, when Oakland was still stronglylinked to the passenger rails. As the head ofthe Alameda County NAACP, he helped theAFL–CIO consolidate its membership by deliv-ering the support of Black railroad workersand members of the NAACP, and was amongthe first to organize voter registration cam-paigns in the district.

C.L. Dellums’ spirit of activism has remainedalive in California’s District Nine throughoutthe years, demonstrated by minority groupsorganizing to demand equality, the studentanti-war protests at the University of Cali-fornia, and working men and women joiningtogether to demand better working conditions.

Two-time Socialist Party Candidate forMayor and ‘‘Call of the Wild’’ author Jack Lon-don called Oakland his home for nearly thirtyyears. From that city, London wrote many ofhis vivid evocations of the Far North. The EastBay’s sometimes chilly climate may havehelped inspire some of his more picturesquedepictions of life in the Yukon. Nor was Lon-don the only cultural icon to grace Oakland’sstreets: Robert Louis Stephenson, and Ger-trude Stein both lived in Oakland, and all en-riched our literary heritage. Today, Jack Lon-don Square bears Oakland’s famous son’sname, such an important part of the city thatis standing at the waterfront.

As a sea, air and rail port, Oakland is at thehub of California trade. The maritime portstretches across nineteen miles of San Fran-cisco Bay. One of the largest ports on theWest Coast, the Port of Oakland is today sec-ond only to New York in terms of containerterminal space. It is the primary sea terminalconnecting the western United States of Asia,South America, and Europe. Like the seaport,the airport also represents a crucial link in thechain of intrastate, interstate, and internationalcommerce. The Oakland Airport was also thestarting point in 1937 for Amelia Earhart’s ill-fated round-the-world flight.

In addition to its role in transportation, theNinth District also plays a leading role in the

nation’s academic life. The University of Cali-fornia is one of the finest academic institutionsin the country. It was born out of the headyspirit of California’s 1849 gold rush. In thatyear, the authors of the State Constitution de-manded that the legislature ‘‘encourage by allsuitable means the promotion of intellectual,scientific, moral and agricultural improvement’’of the people of California. The gold rush mayhave played out, but the university that waseventually created at Berkeley has uncovereda rich vein of ideas. Today, the University ofCalifornia ranks among the top universities inthe world.

The historic landmarks in this district includethe Camron-Stanford House, Dunsmuir House,Mills Hall located on the Mills College campus,the Paramount Theatre, the U.S.S. Hornet(CV–12), the several buildings designed by ar-chitects Julia Morgan and Bernard Maybeck.Additional landmarks in the district include theC.L. Dellums Train Station, the just-openedChabot Observatory and Science Center, Chil-dren’s Fairyland (Walt Disney’s blueprint forDisneyland), Jack London Square, Lake Mer-ritt, Lawrence Hall of Science, Oakland’sChinatown, and the Ronald V. Dellums Fed-eral Building.

In recent history, our district is experiencingincreased growth of ‘‘dot coms,’’ biotechnologyresearch centers and hi-technology companiessuch as Bayer, Chiron, Sybase and WindRiver.

Four of our annual events were recentlyplaced as a ‘‘Local Legacy’’ as a centerpieceof the Library of Congress’ Bicentennial cele-bration. These events are the Solano Stroll,Dia de los Muertos, the Black Cowboys Pa-rade and the Festival of Greece. I am proudthat these events are recognized by the Li-brary of Congress as a local legacy.

With a century and a half of history behindit, California now stands at the brink of a newcentury and a new millennium. Its gold-rushinspired state motto is ‘‘Eureka,’’ a Greek wordproclaiming discovery. As we move forwardinto the future, we must continue to celebrateour diversity, remember our past, and refuteGertrude Stein’s famous Oakland lament that‘‘there was no there there.’’ There is a there,there, and for a hundred and fifty years therehas been.

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise todayto celebrate the Sesquicentennial of Califor-nia’s admission into the Union as the nation’s31st state on September 9, 1850. California’s10th Congressional District has been instru-mental in the state’s history. In the 1800s, mydistrict had a strong connection with the OldWest, populated by Americans during Califor-nia’s Gold Rush and a center for miners. The10th Congressional District became one of themain routes to the gold fields and quickly be-came a mercantile stopover for miners seek-ing their fortune in the Mother Lode.

Many of those miners purchased land in thisbeautiful area. In 1854 Daniel and AndrewInman founded Danville when they bought 400acres with their mining earnings. By 1858 thenew Danville community grew and thrived,complete with a blacksmith, hotel,wheelwright, general store, and a post office.

The City of Lafayette was well knownthroughout California in the early 1860 as astop for the Pony Express from April 3, 1860to late October 1861. The 200-mile trail servedas the fastest mail delivery between St. Jo-seph, Missouri and Sacramento, California.

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7551September 13, 2000The Town of Moraga was named for Joa-

quin Moraga, the grandson of Joseph JoaquinMoraga who was the second in command ofthe Anza Expedition of 1776, the founder ofSan Francisco, Mission Delores and thefounder and first commandant of the Presidio.In 1835, he received a 13,316-acre land grantfrom the Mexican government, which includedparts of Orinda and Lafayette. On a hill over-looking the Moraga Valley, Joaquin Moragabuilt an adobe home, thought to be the oldestbuilding in Contra Costa County.

Today the 10th Congressional District main-tains its historic roots combining clusters ofnarrow roads and early buildings with 21stCentury high technology office parks. The citi-zens in the 10th Congressional District areamong the highest skilled and educated work-force in the nation. While they are at the epi-center of the high-tech economy, they are alsocommitted historic preservation and protectingthe natural physical environment in one of thenation’s more desirable places to live. The10th Congressional District is committed topreserving its past and looking forward to thenext one hundred-fifty years as a part of thisgreat nation.

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today withmy fellow delegates to celebrate and honorthe 150th birthday of the great state of Cali-fornia.

I have the honor of representing the 11thdistrict of California, which includes the SanJoaquin County cities of Stockton and Lodi.Each has played a dynamic part in the historicand economic development of the GoldenState.

The town of Lodi was settled by families ofGerman descent from North Dakota. It firstserved as a railroad stop known asMokelumne Station in 1869, which was re-named to Lodi three years later. Formally the‘‘Watermelon Capital,’’ Lodi today is known asthe ‘‘Wine grape Capital’’ of the world. Thisbooming town of over 50,000 residents ishome to the Tokay Grape and over 40,000acres of vineyards. Some of California’s finestwineries are located in nearby Woodbridgeand Acampo.

Stockton is the backbone of California’s ag-ricultural hub and home to nearly 250,000residents. It is our state’s largest inland ship-ping port, which sends the San Joaquin Val-ley’s farm products to the open market.Thanks to its rich soil and temperate climate,Stockton is one of the most productive grow-ing areas in California. Major crops include as-paragus, cherries, tomatoes, walnuts and al-monds. Stockton is also home to the Univer-sity of the Pacific, a charming campus knownfor its programs in law and pharmacy. Stock-ton has historically been a multicultural city.Older generations of families from Europe andMexico are being joined by new arrivals fromSouth East Asia and Central America. In1999, Stockton was awarded the ‘‘All Amer-ican City’’ award by the National Civic League.

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a great honor to bea life long native of the 11th district and torepresent it today in the Congress. The 11this one of the most diverse culturally and eco-nomically. But together, its people serve animportant role in the economy of both Cali-fornia and America. I am pleased to join mydelegates today in celebrating the Sesqui-centennial of the Golden State.

Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I join my col-leagues from the golden State of California inmarking the 150th anniversary of statehood.

It was 50 years ago—in the summer of1950 when California celebrated the centen-nial of its admission to the Union—that mynew bride and I moved to the San FranciscoBay Area. And it was half a century ago thatAnnette and I began our connection with thepart of our state that is now the 12th Congres-sional District. In the fall of 1950, I began mystudies as a graduate student in economics atthe University of California, Berkeley, and atthe same time I began teaching at San Fran-cisco State University. When we arrived inCalifornia, it had a population of 10.6 million.Today, Mr. Speaker, our state’s populationhas reached 33.1 million—1 out of every 8Americans is a Californian.

As we mark 150 years of statehood, it is in-structive to look both to our historic past, butat the same time to look to the future, andCalifornia and the 12th Congressional Districtwas as important in shaping our nation’s pastas it is today in leading the way toward ournation’s future.

Mr. Speaker, in the mid-19th century, theBay Area was the principal gateway to theCalifornia gold rush. In 1847—with the Mexi-can War still underway, two years before ofthe influx of the gold miners of 1849, andthree years before California’s admission tothe Union—San Francisco had a population of459 people, half of whom were U.S. citizens.Three years later on July 1, 1850, the U.S.Census Bureau reported that the population ofSan Francisco was 94,766, and at that sametime, 626 vessels were anchored in the SanFrancisco Bay.

When California became a State, the legis-lature established San Francisco County, butwith the explosive growth of the area just sixyears later in 1856, it was necessary to createthe new county of San Mateo from the south-ern part of San Francisco County. After theinitial chaos of the early years of the goldrush, the growth of these two counties wasmore orderly but still robust.

San Mateo County was given a boost by thetragedy of the massive 1906 San Franciscoearthquake, when thousands of displaced andterrified residents fled the city and encampedin what became Daly City. As the Bay Areadeveloped, San Mateo County likewise grewas a cluster of communities—each filled withgrowing numbers of Irish, Italian, Greek, andAsian-Americans moved to the suburbs from‘‘the City.’’ Each of these cities developed itsown unique character and flavor, and eachhas contributed to the diversity and cohesionof our area.

Today—a century and a half after Californiabecame our nation’s 31st state—the 12th Con-gressional District continues to reflect the richdiversity of our past and the golden hope forour state and our nation’s future. Two ele-ments strike me as particularly significant inthis regard, Mr. Speaker.

First, the 12th Congressional District reflectsthe ethnic complexity of California and of thenation. As The Los Angeles Times (Sep-tember 8) noted, ‘‘The Gold Rush was a defin-ing moment in the nation’s history, a remark-able, virtually overnight influx of people fromevery quarter of the world.’’ In many ways thatinflux of a diverse population a century and ahalf ago established the pattern of our state.Ethnic diversity is not just a concept in ourarea, it is a daily reality.

One quarter of our population in the 12thCongressional District are Asian—Chinese,

Filipino, South Asian, Japanese, SoutheastAsian and others. Over an eighth of our popu-lation is Hispanic with a smaller population ofAfrican Americans. A recent article in the SanFrancisco Examiner on Daly City referred tothis diversity in praising the mixture of ‘‘Span-ish, Tagalog and Hindi’’ heard in the city’smarkets, and noted that ‘‘ethnic diversity is asource of pride for the community as reflectedin its integrated neighborhoods.’’ As the Stateof California moves from a majority white to a‘‘majority minority’’ population and as our na-tion’s population becomes increasingly di-verse, the 12th Congressional District is a har-binger of the benefits of a harmonious, eth-nically diverse community.

Mr. Speaker, this is not to say that toleranceand multi-ethnic harmony has always been thecase in our state. California, as the rest of thenation, has had its share of discrimination andracism. Chinese and other Asians sufferedharassment and intimidation during the era ofthe Chinese Exclusion Act. During World WarII, tens of thousands of American citizens ofJapanese ancestry were sent to relocationcamps. Hispanic-Americans have faced dis-crimination for using Spanish and maintainingtheir national cultures. But we have learned,we have made progress, and we continue tostruggle with the complications of diversity.

Mr. Speaker, a second element is the im-portance of the Peninsula and of San Fran-cisco in our state and our nation’s economy.A century and a half ago, panning for goldmade a few people rich quickly, but those whomade the real contribution to our state and ournation’s economy as well as real wealth forthemselves were the individuals who broughtthe entrepreneurial spirit which gave rise tosuch legendary businesses as Levi Strauss,Ghiradelli chocolate, and the Wells FargoBank.

A century and a half ago, Gold was discov-ered at Sutter’s fort on January 24, 1848, butthe first newspaper story about the discoveryto appear in a newspaper in the easternUnited States was only published eightmonths later in the New York Herald on Au-gust 19. When California was formally admit-ted as a State to the Union on September 9,1850, it required six weeks for the steamerbearing the banner ‘‘California is a State’’ toarrive in San Francisco. The celebration ofstatehood in California did not take place untilOctober 29—a full 50 days after statehoodwas a reality. Today, California is in the fore-front of the instantaneous communication rev-olution, as Internet communication and e-com-merce led by firms in Silicon Valley and SanFrancisco revolutionize the way the entireworld communicates.

Today, Mr. Speaker, we continue to have anebullient economy in the Bay Area, and this isan important element of our state’s contribu-tion to the entire nation. As our distinguishedGovernor Gray Davis said recently: ‘‘We’re ex-periencing a second Gold Rush. People camehere 150 years ago to find their fortune, andthe dot-com economy is bringing another gen-eration of risk takers and entrepreneurs. Allthis energy and vitality helps drive our econ-omy and makes for the robust society we cur-rently enjoy’’ (San Jose Mercury News, Sep-tember 9). Today legendary companies in the12th Congressional District such as Oracle inthe information technology sector andGenentech in the biotech sector are leadingthe nation in creativity and innovation.

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSEH7552 September 13, 2000Mr. Speaker, it is important today that we

not only mark a century and a half of Califor-nia’s statehood with celebration and congratu-lation, but that we also use this opportunity toreflect upon how our past has shaped ourpresent and how the decisions we take todaywill determine our future. If we commit our-selves to continue and strengthen the best ofour state’s traditions, we can assure that thefuture for our children and grandchildren willbe even more golden than our past.

Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ac-knowledge California’s historic 150th birthdaycelebration. California officially entered theUnited States on September 9, 1850 but thefoundations for the development of Californiawere in place well before this important date.Under the Spanish Empire, the colonizationand eventual settlement of California wasgreatly influenced by the mission system. Themissions were founded to secure Spain’sclaim to land and to teach the native peopleChristianity and the Spanish way of life. Theplacement of the missions had a direct impacton the development of California, as the mis-sions fostered agriculture, vintnering, livestockraising, and trade as well as religion.

I am proud to recognize Mission San Jose,a historical mission in Fremont, California andpart of the 13th Congressional District. MissionSan Jose was founded on June 11, 1797, byFather Fermin Francisco de Lausen. The mis-sion was the fourteenth of the twenty-oneSpanish Missions in California and was one ofthe most prosperous of all the California mis-sions. Mission San Jose was the center of in-dustry and agriculture; its location was chosenfor the abundance of natural resources in thisregion.

In 1868, a giant earthquake shattered thewalls and roof the Mission San Jose church.The site was cleared and a wood Gothic-stylechurch was erected directly over the originalred tiled mission floor. In 1956, the town ofMission San Jose incorporated with four oth-ers to become the City of Fremont. Plans toreconstruct the church of Mission San Josewere begun in 1973. Mission San Jose standstoday as a testament to California’s historyand the influence of the Spanish as part ofCalifornia’s rich heritage.

As we commemorate the Sesquicentennialanniversary of California, I am proud to recog-nize Mission San Jose and the part it hasplayed in the history of California.

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today tocelebrate the 150th anniversary of the State ofCalifornia and the innovations of its 14th Con-gressional District. California has numeroushistorical landmarks, but only one is a garagein Palo Alto where the technological revolutionwas born. A plaque proclaims this The Birth-place of Silicon Valley.

In 1938, William R. Hewlett and David Pack-ard rented a garage to found a fledgling elec-tronic business and it was here that they pro-duced their first commercial audio oscillator,an instrument that generates audio fre-quencies used by the broadcast and entertain-ment industries to test sound quality. Orderssoon began to pour in from companies suchas Walt Disney, and the Hewlett-PackardCompany was born.

By the end of 1939, sales had soared to al-most $5,000 a year, and Hewlett-Packard wasforced to abandon the garage for more spa-cious quarters to house their rapidly expand-ing company. Within 20 years Hewlett-Packard

was manufacturing over 370 electronic prod-ucts and in 1972, H–P introduced the first ofits hand-held calculators which would cementthe company’s place in the forefront of theelectronics industry. The company, of course,also manufactures computers and by 1994,H–P’s sales in computer products, service,and support were almost $20 billion, or about78% of its total business.

The garage where Hewlett-Packard beganstill remains and is a reminder of how great in-ventions and companies can spring from hum-ble origins. The 14th Congressional Districthas become the heart of a booming techno-logical revolution that continues to change theworld in which we live and expand the bound-aries of human and scientific accomplishment.I’m proud to represent this distinguished dis-trict and I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, tojoin me in honoring the 150th anniversary ofthe State of California.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, a leader inthe U.S. and global economy, California—inparticular, Silicon Valley—is an economic pow-erhouse. From the quicksilver mercury minesto the high-tech computer industry, as is thecase with California as a whole, Silicon Valleyhas a rich, diverse history. As we turn to cele-brate the 150th anniversary of California’sstatehood, we are prompted to reflect uponour region’s natural wealth and, most impor-tantly, to reflect upon the spirit of its people.Mr. Speaker, as I rise to pay tribute to theGolden State’s sesquicentennial, I wish tohonor those Californians, past and present,whose dedication and ingenuity have madethis state one of which I am proud to rep-resent in Congress.

Silicon Valley’s first inhabitants, the OhloneIndians, discovered one of the original andrichest mines in California. The discovery ofthe red ore of mercury (dubbed ‘‘mohetka’’ bythe Ohlones), however, quickly changed theface of the region. It also impacted the rest ofCalifornia, as the mercury discovery favorablycontributed to the success of gold and silvermining. Andres Castillero, a Mexican cavalryofficer, was the first to file a legal claim to themineral deposit, and was granted title, duringthe mid-1800s. Following the Mexican-Amer-ican war and California’s entry into the UnitedStates, the Quicksilver Mining Company as-sumed management of the mines in 1864.Like his successors, Samuel Butterworth, firstPresident of the Quicksilver Mining Company,did much to initiate early development of to-day’s Silicon Valley. During his tenure at theCompany, seven hundred buildings were con-structed to support the quicksilver mining com-munity including a company store, school-house, boarding house, a community center,and church.

Although the bonanza days of quicksilverproduction are over, and only a few landmarksremain, the century of mercury production andthe hard work of early miners have left an in-delible mark on California. The same entrepre-neurial spirit, which led to the early economicdevelopment of California, can still be found inSilicon Valley today. Two recent pioneers,Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce, paved the wayfor the region becoming a global leader in thehigh-tech computer industry by inventing theintegrated circuit.

It seems that the integrated circuit was des-tined to be developed. Two inventors, unbe-knownst to each other, both designed almostidentical integrated circuits at roughly the

same time. From 1958 to 1959, electrical engi-neers Robert Noyce, co-founder of the Fair-child Semiconductor Corporation, and JackKilby of Texas Instruments, were working onan answer to the same dilemma: how to makemore of less. In designing a complex elec-tronic machine like a computer, it was nec-essary to increase the number of componentsinvolved in order to make technical advances.The monolithic (i.e., formed from a single crys-tal) integrated circuit placed the previouslyseparated transistors, resistors, capacitors andconnecting wiring onto a single crystal (or‘‘chip’’) made the semiconductor material.Kilby used germanium, while Noyce usedsilcon to create the semiconductor material.

As a result of their novel research, in 1959,U.S. patents were issued to Jack Kilby(awarded the 1970 National Medal of Science)and Texas Instruments for miniaturized elec-tronic circuits and to Robert Noyce (the found-er of Intel) and Fairchild Semiconductor Cor-poration for a silicon-based integrated circuit.After several years of legal battles, however,Texas Instruments and Fairchild Semicon-ductor Corporation wisely decided to cross-licence their technologies. The first commer-cially available integrated circuits were manu-factured by Fairchild Semiconductor Corpora-tion in 1961. In the same year, Texas Instru-ments used the ‘‘chip’’ technology in Air Forcecomputers and later to produce the first elec-tronic portable calculator. Since then, all com-puters have begun to employ ‘‘chips’’ insteadof individual transistors and their accom-panying parts.

Like Silicon Valley’s economy, the develop-ment of the integrated circuit has undergonetremendous change. The original circuit hadonly one transistor, three resistors and one ca-pacitor—it was the size of an adult’s pinkie fin-ger. Today’s integrated circuit is smaller thana penny and holds 125 million transistors. Theindustry generates approximately $1 trillion an-nually, and ‘‘chip’’ technology is consideredone of the most important innovations of hu-mankind.

The one thing that has not changed in Sil-icon Valley: the independent, entrepreneurialspirit of its citizens. Mr. Speaker, as we recog-nize California on its 150th anniversary, I wantto pay tribute to those Californians, especiallythe native Ohlone Indians, and to Mr.Butterworth, Mr. Kilby, and Mr. Noyce, whohave made invaluable contributions to theprosperity of this state and to its people.

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, today I proud-ly pay tribute to California on its 150th birth-day. I would like to congratulate the greatstate of California and to recognize the Six-teenth District for its contributions to Califor-nia’s rich history.

Mr. Speaker, the history of California beginslong before the introduction of Europeans toour land. For centuries the Ohlone, locally theMuwekma, lived in peace and in tranquilityalong the banks of the Guadalupe River inwhat has since become the city of San Jose.But centuries of peaceful existence for theMuwekma came to an end when, on Novem-ber 29, 1797, Spanish Lieutenant Jose

´

Juaquin Moraga established the Pueblo deSan Jose de Guadalupe. Created for the pur-pose of supplying the presidios of San Fran-cisco and Monterey with food, the Pueblo be-came the first civil settlement in California.

The Pueblo was originally located one milenorth of what is now downtown San Jose, but

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7553September 13, 2000due to flooding by the Guadalupe River, thePueblo was forced to move south. With its fer-tile soil, the new location quickly became acenter for agriculture. The rich harvests of thefields attracted settlers, causing the populationof the area to rise quickly and steadily.

The rapid growth and development of thisarea marked an important time in California’shistory. By 1798 the Pueblo was so widelypopulated that its inhabitants constructed aone story, adobe Town Hall to meet the citi-zens’ needs. The Hall housed the jail, court-room, council chamber, and the offices of var-ious governing officials.

One such official—Luis Peralta, an ApacheIndian from Tubac, Mexico, was particularly in-fluential in California’s development andgrowth. At the age of sixteen Peralta came toCalifornia with two hundred and forty othercolonists on the Juan Bautista de Anza Expe-dition from Mexico. In 1807 the Spanish gov-ernment appointed him to the position ofComisionado del Pueblo de San Jose, andduring his tenure he helped to shape thegrowth of the Pueblo and the surroundingarea. His endeavors in furnishing troop sup-plies, supervising public works, and keepingthe peace earned him good favor in the eyesof the Spanish government. In 1820 Spaingranted Peralta 44,000 acres of land, the larg-est land grant of the time. The grant includedthe present day cities of Albany, Berkeley,Emeryville, Oakland, Alameda, Piedmont, andparts of San Leandro. Peralta split the landbetween his four sons: Vincente, Doming, An-tonio and Ignacio; they went on to developand populate the land.

Thanks to the development of the Puebloand the areas surrounding, this area has con-tinued to grow and flourish through presenttimes. It continues to contribute to California’seconomy as a center for high tech and manu-facturing companies as the ‘‘Capitol of SiliconValley,’’ and ranks second as a national leaderin exports. Mr. Speaker, again I would like tocongratulate the people of California’s Six-teenth District for their influence on the historyand prosperity of the state.

Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, it iswith great pleasure that I rise to congratulateCalifornia on its 150th anniversary. I would liketo take this opportunity to mark the contribu-tions of California’s 17th district to California’srich history.

As the site of the Constitutional Conventionin 1849, the city of Monterey played a pivotalrole in California’s admittance to the Union asour 31st state. But, the Monterey region alsohas a rich history that extends back severalmillennia before people from around the globelanded on its shores in the 16th century. Na-tive Americans enjoyed an abundance of nat-ural resources as early as 500 BC.

Monterey was later discovered by Spain onNovember 17, 1542 when Juan Cabrillo spot-ted La Bahia de los Pinos (Bay of Pines). Itwasn’t until 60 years later, in 1602, that Se-bastian Viscaino officially named the region‘‘Monterey’’ to honor the Viceroy of New Spainwho had authorized his expedition.

The Peninsula was first settled in 1770when Gaspar de Portola and Father JuniperoSerra arrived by land and sea to establish theCity of Monterey itself. Monterey began its re-nown as the fiscal, military, and social centerof Mexican California when Spain chose thecity as the capital of Baja and Alta Californiain 1776. In the decades that followed, the set-

tlers began to leave the Presidio and expandthroughout Monterey.

After Mexico’s secession from Spain in1822, Monterey flourished as Mexico openedup the region to international trade never al-lowed under Spanish rule and designatedMonterey as California’s sole port of entry.This booming trade also attracted Americansettlers to the Peninsula, many of whom even-tually became Mexican citizens.

However, on July 2, 1846, CommodoreJohn D. Sloat arrived in Monterey Bay, raisedthe American flag and claimed California forthe United States. The Commodore waitedfive days before, on July 7, 1846, he finallysent 250 soldiers to land and take possessionof the city. Monterey was captured without asingle shot being fired. The American occupa-tion lasted until the signing of the Treaty ofGuadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, thus making all ofAlta California part of the United States.

As the most prominent city in the region,Monterey was the obvious selection as thesite for California’s Constitutional Conventionin 1849. For six weeks 48 delegates of diversebackgrounds met in Colton Hall in downtownMonterey to debate and vote on the final text.The constitution was signed on October 13,1849, and president Millard Filmore officiallywelcomed California as our 31st state in 1850.

As the birthplace of American California, thecity of Monterey is proud of its contributions toCalifornia’s statehood. Further, I am proud tocongratulate California on its sesquicentennialanniversary.

Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, as the GreatState of California celebrates itssequiscentennial, I would like to recognize thevery fine people I have the privilege of rep-resenting in the 18th Congressional District.

Located in California’s great Central Valley,it is recognized as one of the richest agricul-tural areas in the world and represents someof our nation’s finest resources. Comprising allof Stanislaus and Merced Counties and por-tions of San Joaquin, Madera, and Fresnocounties, the 18th District is within a few hoursof all of California’s riches, with Merced Coun-ty being the ‘‘Gateway to Yosemite’’ NationalPark.

Many of the first settlers to the area at-tracted by gold. Today it is affordable housing,good jobs and the California climate that luremany of the newcomers. I am proud of reportthe first research university of the new millen-nium will be built by the University of Cali-fornia in Merced as we pave new paths andstart new journeys into a golden tomorrow.

I would be remiss however if I didn’t accu-rately point to the richest of our resources—the people who call the 18th CongressionalDistrict home. Within its boundaries are a peo-ple tightly woven together by a rich culturaltapestry. Our strength is found in the diversityof our poeple—proud, independent and full ofcharacter.

Like the pioneers who once settled ourgreat state, these people embody the samespirit of adventure that will lead California intoa prosperous future.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I standtoday with my fellow delegates in celebrationof the Sesquicentennial of the State of Cali-fornia.

As you know, California was admitted intothe union as the nation’s 31st state 150 yearsago. Since that time, our state has developedinto a capital of the arts, a headquarters for

business, and a distinguished marketplace foragriculture.

Mr. Speaker, I represent the 19th District ofCalifornia, which spreads across the farmcountry below the Sierra foothills from Visalia,south of Fresno, to the mountainous MariposaCounty. Most of the landmass I represent ispart of the Sierra Nevada, and it containsmost of three national parks: Yosemite, KingsCanyon, and Sequoia. I am truly honored andprivileged to represent an area so rich insplendor and American history.

Fresno, for example, is a city of both agri-cultural and industrial importance in California.A creation of the industrial age, Fresno wasfounded by the Central Pacific Railroad. Itscity fathers also bred the local wine grape, de-veloped the raisin industry, and cultivated theSmyrna fig. Now, Fresno County’s crops alsoinclude cotton, citrus, tomatoes, cantaloupes,plums, peaches, and alfalfa. In fact, Mr.Speaker, Fresno County has grown to cur-rently produce more farm products in dollarvalue than any other in the country.

My home of Mariposa County is also ofgreat historical significance. At one time it oc-cupied more than one-fifth of the state’s30,000 square miles and is currently home tothe oldest working courthouse west of theRocky Mountains. Made of hand-planed locallumber is 1854, the Mariposa County Court-house remains the seat of government andjustice to this day and is on the National Reg-ister of Historic Places.

The courthouse was accepted as a NationalHistoric Landmark because some of the mostcelebrated and noted civil, mining, and watercases were held in its courtroom: the Fremontland grant title and Biddle Boggs v. MercedMining Company are but two. During the 1953centennial celebration of the courthouse, theState Bar recognized the building’s signifi-cance by declaring it to be preserved as a‘‘shrine to justice in California.’’

As you can see, Mr. Speaker, the 19th Dis-trict of California has played a fundamentalrole in California’s history. From developingthe agriculture industry, to shaping our civiland natural resource laws, the 19th District’scities are models for emerging communitiesacross the country. I am honored to representthis district and to have been a lifelong resi-dent of Mariposa County. Mr. Speaker, pleasejoin me in celebrating the Sesquicentennial ofthe Golden State: California.

Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I want to join incommemorating California’s 150th year as aState. Our diversity and the pioneering spirit ofour people should be clear to anyone who vis-its the communities in Kern and Tulare Coun-ties in my Congressional District, the 21st.

While the image other Americans have ofCalifornia is often that of beautiful beaches,high tech industries and outstanding sportsteams, the real California stands out whenanyone visits Kern and Tulare. These are ruralcounties where families have built some of thenation’s best farm businesses—dairy, cotton,table grapes, oranges, almonds and pistachionuts. The California oil industry is centered onthis area—over half the oil production in Cali-fornia comes from Kern County. At the sametime, national public lands, including wilder-ness areas, provide some of the finest oppor-tunities for recreation anywhere in the UnitedStates.

If someone wants to see how Californianshave continued to pursue new ideas, how they

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSEH7554 September 13, 2000work and how they have built strong commu-nities around the use of natural resources andhigh technology, they ought to come out andmeet with my friends in Kern and TulareCounties.

Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored torepresent the beautiful Central Coast of Cali-fornia and to celebrate the 150th anniversaryof California’s admission to the Union.

The 22nd Congressional District lies onCalifornia’s Central Coast and is consideredone of the most beautiful areas in the UnitedStates. The district includes Santa Barbaraand San Luis Obispo counties and features aspectacular coastline and majestic mountains.It offers a unique mix of major cities and smalltowns, bountiful vineyards, farms and ranches,and five highly esteemed colleges and univer-sities.

The Central Coast has a long history whichembraces the experiences of Spanish explor-ers and missionaries, the Chumash Indians, awarm climate and a diverse blend of wildlife.One small town is named Los Osos, or theValley of the Bears, for the grizzly bears thatwere once discovered by the explorers andmissionaries.

In 1772, Father Junipero Serra, establishedone of the first missions in the state, the Mis-sion San Luis Obispo de Tolosa because ofthe region’s unmatched beauty and natural re-sources. Known as the ‘‘Jewel of the CentralCoast,’’ San Luis Obispo is host to a varietyof natural wonders, including 80 miles of pris-tine Pacific Ocean coastline, rolling green hills,and fresh blue lakes.

Also known for its rich Spanish heritage,Santa Barbara is home to the ‘‘Queen of Mis-sions,’’ an 18th century Spanish-style mission,after which much of the city’s architecture andstyle has been modeled. In fact, this culturalgift is celebrated each year with a week-long‘‘Fiesta,’’ or ‘‘Old Spanish Days,’’ featuring au-thentic food, music, and dance.

People from around the world make theCentral Coast, my District, their vacation des-tination. I am proud to call it my home.

Happy anniversary California!Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to cele-

brate the sesquicentennial of California andthe 23rd Congressional District of California’srole in the Golden State’s past, present andfuture.

Long before California was admitted as the31st state of the Union, Ventura County washome to Native Americans and Europeans.Father Junipero Serra founded one of his mis-sions in Ventura, an area already known tothe Chumash for its great fishing and abun-dant flora.

As California progressed through the 1800sand early 20th Century, so did Ventura Coun-ty. First the stage coaches and then the rail-road connecting Los Angeles to San Franciscocame over and through the Santa SusanaPass, snaking along the Simi Valley, and onout to the coast. Many who passed throughVentura County were captured by the goldenhills and lush soil. They stayed and raised cat-tle, planted apricots and walnuts, citrus treesand avocados.

Or, they harvested the soil in other ways.Black gold is also among Ventura County’sriches, and you can actually see oil seepingout of the soil today as you drive up Highway150 between Santa Paula and Ojai, and inother parts of the county.

When Hollywood began to blossom in theLos Angeles hills, Ventura County became a

prime film location. Fort Apache with JohnWayne, Columbia’s Jungle Jim series withJohnny Weissmuller, and TV shows such asThe Adventures of Rin Tin Tin and Sky Kingwere filmed at the Corriganville Movie Ranch.

Movie stars also made their home here, andmany still do. Ojai is world-renowned for itsarts community.

California’s aerospace industry also found ahome and a skilled labor force in the 23rdCongressional District. The space shuttle’smain engines were designed by Rocketdyneand tested at its Santa Susana Field Labora-tory, as were the engines for the Apollo andother space missions.

Much has changed in 150 years, but muchremains the same. Agriculture is still VenturaCounty’s number one industry, although it isnow shipped throughout the world from Ven-tura County’s very own port of entry, the Portof Hueneme. One of the country’s two Seabeebases is in Ventura County, and the Navy’stest firing range for the Pacific Fleet is here.

But Ventura County also is helping to leadCalifornia and the nation into a better future.Technological and biomedical firms, led byAmgen, have sprouted up along the 101 cor-ridor. With the opening of California State Uni-versity, Channel Islands, in 2002, high-techfirms will find yet another reason to locatehere. And, the school’s teaching college willhelp the nation fulfill its commitment to ourchildren.

Mr. Speaker, California is a state com-promised of visionary people with diversebackgrounds but with a common goal to suc-ceed. Its future remains bright for another 150years.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I joinmy 51 colleagues from the Great State of Cali-fornia to pay tribute to its 150th Statehood An-niversary and to the 24th Congressional Dis-trict, which I represent.

From East to West, the 24th runs fromSherman Oaks, America’s best-named city, toThousand Oaks, through the Las Virgenesarea to Malibu. It includes thriving businesscenters in the western San Fernando Valleyand one of California’s and the nation’s mosttreasured natural and recreational resources,the Santa Monica Mountains.

The Santa Monica Mountains NationalRecreation Area is the most-often visited unitof our National Park System. Some 33 millionAmerican’s visit her trails and beaches, someof the most beautiful in the world, every year.Most impressive is its location. The SantaMonica Mountains National Recreation Area isjust a few-minutes drive from the major popu-lation centers of Los Angeles—its is our na-tion’s largest urban park.

The residents of the Malibu and LasVirgenes areas are neighbors to this extraor-dinary resource. It is truly a special place tolive.

The San Fernando Valley, part of the City ofLos Angeles, is itself a large-sized city, with1.4 million residents. If it were a city of itsown, the San Fernando Valley would be the6th largest U.S. city. It is richly diverse and agreat community to live and work in. Proudly,it would be by far the safest of America’s 10largest cities.

Thousand Oaks, a community of more than100,000 people, is also a wonderful place towork and live. It is an impressive communityand is also home to some of my district’s mostdistinguished employers, including the bio-technology giant, Amgen.

As you can see, Mr. Speaker, I believe mydistrict has the best of everything, and sodoes my state. I am proud to serve the resi-dents of the 24th District of California.

Again, I wish California a happy 150th birth-day.

Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I stand todaywith my fellow delegates in celebration of theSesquicentennial of the State of California.

California was admitted to the Union 150years ago as the Nation’s 31st state. Sincethat time, California has grown dramatically.This state, once known as part of the ‘‘WildWest,’’ has now become a vast metropolitanregion of business, enterprise and entertain-ment.

I represent the 25th district of California,which consists of three major areas: the Ante-lope Valley, the northwest San Fernando Val-ley and the Santa Clarita Valley. Each ofthese areas has contributed a great deal tothe heritage of our state.

The Antelope Valley was first settled in1886 by 50 to 60 families of Swiss and Ger-man descent. Desiring to reside in California,these families were told to travel until theysaw palm trees. Arriving in the Antelope Val-ley, they mistook the numerous Joshua treesfor palm trees and settled, naming their newtown Palmenthal. This name was eventuallychanged to that of the current city, Palmdale.

The Antelope Valley has often been referredto as the Aerospace Capital of the UnitedStates. U.S. Air Force Plant 42, in Palmdale,was the birthplace of the B–1 and B–2 Bomb-ers, the SR–71 Blackbird, the space shuttleand the next generation space shuttle—the X–33. Also, the Boeing Co., Northrop-Grumman,and Lockheed-Martin maintain production fa-cilities here. The Antelope Valley’s largest city,Lancaster, is home to a first-class performingarts theater and a popular minor league base-ball team, the Lancaster Jethawks.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the San FernandoValley was known as the ‘‘Horse Capital ofCalifornia’’ because many movie stars wouldcome in from Hollywood to ride horses andenjoy the slower rural pace of life. Even today,in the smaller communities, such asChatsworth, it is not unusual to see horsestied to the hitching post out back of the LosToros Mexican Restaurant or the Cowboy Pal-ace Saloon.

Since then the Valley has grown to becomea major economic powerhouse in the SouthernCalifornia area, home to more than 1 millionpeople. Even the powerful Northridge Earth-quake that hit on January 17, 1994, could notkeep the Valley down. Residents of the Valleypulled together to rebuild their homes and theroads. It is now poised to become a city inand of itself.

The Santa Clarita Valley, located in betweenthe San Fernando and Antelope Valleys, hasmade many contributions to the history of bothCalifornia and the United States. For thou-sands of years, the Valley served as a majormigration route for Native American groups asthey traveled between the coast and the inte-rior valleys and the great eastern deserts. Thisis the location of the first documented dis-covery of gold in California; the oldest existingoil refinery in the world; the first commercial oilfield in California; the third-longest railroadtunnel in the world at its completion in 1876;and it is the location of one of the last ‘‘treattrain robberies’’ in the United States.

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7555September 13, 2000In the 1920s, William S. Hart and Tom Mix

used the Santa Clarita Valley to create the tra-ditional Western film. The Western film indus-try continued growing through the decadeswith actors such as Gary Cooper, Roy Rogers,John Wayne and others. Our quaint little val-ley created the ideal background for greatWesterns such as the ‘‘Lone Ranger,’’ ‘‘WyattEarp,’’ ‘‘Annie Oakly,’’ ‘‘Gunsmoke’’ and manymore.

As you can see, Mr. Speaker, the 25th dis-trict has played a vital role in California’s liveli-hood. I am honored to represent this districtand to have been a life-long resident of theGolden State. From the days of the GoldRush, to the current times of the Silicon Val-ley, California has always had a major impacton U.S. history and the economy. Please joinme today in celebrating the Sesquicentennialof this great state.

Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today tohonor the 150th birthday of the Great State ofCalifornia, and to pay tribute to California’s26th Congressional District, which I am hon-ored to represent in Congress. The 26th Dis-trict is located in the Northeast San FernandoValley and consists of the Golden State andHollywood Freeway corridors of the Valley,proceeding as far west as Van Nuys and theSan Diego Freeway.

Its history was recounted, with some cre-ative license, in the movie Chinatown. Civicleaders encouraged city engineer WilliamMulholland to build a huge aqueduct from theOwens Valley to give Los Angeles water, and,in 1915, got the city to annex most of the Val-ley, large tracts of which they had already pur-chased.

In addition to many neighborhoods of LosAngeles, the 26th District takes in the smallindependent city of San Fernando, which ishome to the beautiful Missio

´n San Fernando,

Rey de Espan˜a. This historic building was es-

tablished by Frey Fermin Francisco DeLasuen on September 8, 1797 as one of achain of missions built to convert the nativepeoples to Christianity and to consolidateSpanish power along the coast of California.The Mission Church is an exact replica of theoriginal church, which was built between 1804and 1806. The walls of the church are sevenfeet thick at the base and five feet thick at thetop. The material used was adobe brick, andthose who built it were primarily the nativepeoples, who were called the Gabrielinos orthe Tongva.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the 26th Dis-trict was home to Holiday Lake at HansenDam, one of the most popular spots in the en-tire San Fernando Valley for family outings.On weekends, the lake was filled with swim-mers and boaters and the shores teemed withpicnics and games. But in 1969 and again in1980, floods brought in millions of tons ofsand, gravel and silt to Hansen Dam, trans-forming the beautiful 130-acre lake into aswamp. With the demise of the lake, the otherparts of the park fell into disrepair.

By the 1980’s, the closing of the lake be-came a depressing symbol of overall neglectin this low- to middle-income area. From theday I came to Congress, its restoration wasone of my highest priorities. In 1999, a fishinglake opened to paddle boats and rowboatsand a swimming lake opened at Hansen Dam,making this area once again a central rec-reational area for Valley families.

The 26th District was hard hit by the reces-sion of the early 1990s. Many workers em-

ployed at nearby defense plants lost their jobsin the post-Cold War downsizing, while otherswere laid off in August 1992 when the GeneralMotors plant located in the heart of the Districtin Van Nuys shut its doors. The magnitude ofunemployment was dramatically illustrated in1993, when a job fair held at the vacant GMsite drew thousands of people.

Today, the worst of that economic crisisseems to be over. Unemployment in the areais down, as it is throughout Los AngelesCounty, and a major commercial/manufac-turing development is rising where the GMplant once stood. In addition, the 26th Districtcontinues to be home to a variety of manufac-turing facilities.

The Northridge earthquake of January 17,1994 had its epicenter just west of the 26thand destroyed or damaged many homes,stores, factories and office buildings. In fact,the building that housed the 26th District Of-fice was among those that suffered damageso extensive that it had to be torn down fol-lowing the quake. A section of Interstate 405within the District collapsed, a gas leak startedfires that consumed 70 homes in Sylmar andan oil line exploded in San Fernando (wherethe quake flattened 63 homes and damagedanother 835.) After extensive rebuilding andretrofitting, however, virtually all vestiges ofthe damage have been repaired.

In the last 150 years, the San FernandoValley has changed from an empty openstretch of land into a busy metropolis, filledwith houses and businesses, office towers,shopping centers, subdivisions and warehousebuildings. The 26th District is home to theAcademy of Television Arts and Sciences,which presents the annual Emmy Awards.Among the notable alumni of the District areactor Robert Redford, who attended Van NuysHigh School, and rock ’n roll star RitchieValens, of Pacoima.

Mr. Speaker, California’s 26th District is oneof the fastest growing areas of Los Angeles. Iam very proud to represent its citizens in theUnited States House of Representatives. I askmy colleagues to join the California Delegationtoday in celebrating the sesquicentennial ofthe Golden State—California.

Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, located just min-utes from downtown Los Angeles, the 27thDistrict of California has an identity as colorfulas the roses that adorn the floats of the locallyproduced Tournament of Roses Parade. Thedistrict sits between the Verdugo and San Ga-briel Mountains and encompasses the Foothillcommunities of Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena,South Pasadena, San Marino, Sunland,Tujunga, La Canada, La Cresenta, Altadenaand a small portion of Los Angeles.

The district boasts distinctive neighbor-hoods, a rich history and a vibrant culturalscene. The ethnic diversity of the district isone of its greatest assets and includes longtime White, African-American and Hispaniccommunities along side growing numbers ofKoreans, Filipinos and the nation’s largest Ar-menian community. Another distinction is theSpanish heritage reflected in the abundantmission-style architecture and landscaping thatcan be found throughout the district.

Every New Year’s Day, millions of Ameri-cans tune in to see rose covered floats maketheir way down the streets of Pasadena in theTournament of Roses Parade and to watchtwo of the nation’s top college football teamscompete in the Rose Bowl. Pasadena is also

the home of Cal Tech, one of the nation’s pre-mier research institutions where the scientistsand engineers work together with the Jet Pro-pulsion Laboratory on behalf of NASA to de-vise the latest techniques in space exploration.

A few miles away, there is a different kindof creativity at work in the many studios thatemployee writers, set designers, actors and di-rectors who create America’s favorite moviesand television shows. The 27th District ishome to Warner Brothers Studios, Walt Dis-ney Studios and numerous small entertain-ment companies. In fact even Jay Leno workson his ‘‘Tonight Show’’ from NBC Studios lo-cated in downtown Burbank.

It is an honor for me to represent the 27thDistrict of California in Congress and to joinwith my colleagues in celebrating theSeisquintennial Anniversary of our great state.

Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, the San Gabriel,Pomona and Walnut Valleys are home to 17cities and other communities in northeasternLos Angeles County. It is home to the SanGabriel Mountains and the Angeles NationalForest—the most visited part of our nationalforest system. It’s one of the few places inAmerica where you can stand in warm andcomfortable 90-degree weather and look up ata beautiful, snowcapped mountain such asMount Baldy.

Dating from the early days of Spanish set-tlement in California, my district was home tomany ranchos and other agricultural settle-ments. The complexion of the region changedlittle over many decades. The completion ofthe railroad from Chicago late in the 19th cen-tury unleashed growth that would eventuallyremake the entire region. With the advent ofaccess to the east, the San Gabriel Valleybegan to boom. People flocked to the area insearch of better job prospects and a morecomfortable climate, and many small townsbegan to grow along the rail lines. Many of thetowns and cities in the San Gabriel Valleytoday trace their roots to midwesterners whosettled in the area beginning in the late1800’s. The traditions and values of thoseearly citizens can still be found today in thesmall-town atmosphere in cities from one endof the valley to the other—even though thearea is part of the sprawling Los Angelesmegalopolis.

About the same time as the railroad comple-tion, it was discovered that citrus fruits grewwell in the region’s rich soil and warm climate.The Valleys became leading producers of or-anges and lemons, as groves blanketed thearea. The citrus industry brought people and abooming economy which lasted until the sec-ond World War. After the war, the citrusgroves gave way to housing tracts and grow-ing suburbs. The area remains a diverse mixof residential areas and businesses, small andlarge. At the same time it is undergoing rapiddemographic shifts as the diversity of Cali-fornia continues with the arrival new immi-grants from China, India, Mexico and a host ofother countries in Asia and Latin America andelsewhere.

Today the area is a blend of old and new.The San Gabriel Valley is home to showcaseevents such as the annual Pasadena Tour-nament of Roses Parade and the Los AngelesCounty Fair. At the same time it is becominga modern center for high technology. Firmsheadquartered in the region are at the cuttingedge of engineering and construction, of inter-net commerce, of computer hardware and of

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSEH7556 September 13, 2000communications technology. The area is alsohome to the world renowned City of Hope Na-tional Medical Center in Duarte and a numberof outstanding institutions of higher learning,including the Claremont Colleges. The vibranteconomy is increasingly centered around tech-nology and trade and our unique location atthe edge of the Pacific Rim.

Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is a greathonor for me to represent the 29th Congres-sional District, which is a mecca of creativegenius and one of the most celebrated dis-tricts in the country.

Whether you are enjoying the dazzlingbeaches, the celebrated Walk of Fame, theshopping on Rodeo Drive, or the magnificentSanta Monica Mountains, the beauty and di-versity of the 29th Congressional District cap-tivate the imagination like no other place onearth.

The 29th Congressional District is theworld’s entertainment capital. From the timethe first movie studio was created in 1911,creative visionaries and artisans have flockedto this magical place. Today, thanks to the tal-ent and energy of the thousands of people inthe district, the entertainment production in-dustry is the nation’s largest exporter. Inter-national sales of widely popular Americancopyrighted works brings tens of billions of ad-ditional dollars to our economy each year.

The vision and inventive genius are also ondisplay in the myriad other businessesthroughout the district, including high techfirms, e-businesses, unique retail businessesand restaurants, and entrepreneurial start-ups.Not surprisingly, this community containssome of the best informed, technologicallysavvy, culturally progressive, and politically ac-tive people in the country.

Every year people travel from around theworld to experience the magic of the 29thCongressional District, a singular place wherepeople’s biggest dreams can come true.

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I stand beforeyou proudly to congratulate California, theGolden State, on 150 trailblazing and indus-trious years. It is often said that ‘‘as Californiagoes, so goes the nation,’’ for we are a di-verse and forward-looking lot. Well, it mightalso be said that as Los Angeles—and specifi-cally, the 30th CD—goes, so goes the nation,because we are positively among the mostrichly multi-lingual and multi-cultural commu-nities in the world. I am proud to represent adistrict steeped in tradition with landmark com-munities such as: Koreatown, Chinatown,Eagle Rock, Atwater Village, Cypress Park,Glassel Park, Highland Park, MontecitoHeights, El Sereno, Echo Park, Silver Lake,Mount Washington, Monterey Hills, ElysianValley, Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights, Mid-Wilshire, and East Hollywood. My district sur-rounds downtown to the North, West, andEast, and contains landmark institutionsknown to everyone such as the SouthwestMuseum, Los Angeles City College, Occi-dental College, Children’s Hospital and theLos Angeles County-University of SouthernCalifornia Medical Center.

Specifically, my district contains over573,000 people which, much like the city ofLos Angeles, is home to a multiplicity of lan-guages spoken. Like California, my district isnow a majority-minority region where the num-ber of ethnic minorities, including significantnumbers of Latino and Asian American resi-dents, actually form the majority of the total

population. In addition, there are large groupsof Armenian, Jewish, Russian, and EgyptianAmericans who have made their home in the30th CD. More than half of my constituentswere born in other countries, adding yet an-other dimension to this amazing mosaic of in-dividuals.

Whether visiting Hollywood, attending aDodger game, or enjoying the culture and cui-sine of Koreatown and Chinatown, the 30thCD is a joy to represent. The 30th CD is awonderful part of the great city of Los Ange-les. Mr. Speaker, and my fellow colleagues, Ienthusiastically applaud the hard work andcontributions of my constituents in the 30thCD, along with those of the other 51 congres-sional districts who have helped make Cali-fornia what it was yesterday, what it is today,and what it will be in the future . . . a newfrontier.

Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, it gives megreat pride to rise tonight to celebrate theState of California’s sesquicentennial anniver-sary.

For 150 years, California has been a vitalpart of the United States. From the gold rushto the high-tech rush, California has been abeacon for millions of our fellow countrymenwho have staked a claim in the Americandream. The Golden State is truly the en-chanted State, home to the entrepreneurialspirit that has built our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, the history of the 31st con-gressional district located in the San GabrielValley mirrors, in many ways, the history andgrowth of California. My district is one of themost interesting and culturally diverse in theState. It includes parts of East Los Angelesand extends west to the foothills of the SanGabriel mountains, encompassing the cities ofMonterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, SouthSan Gabriel, Rosemead, El Monte, South ElMonte, Baldwin Park, Irwindale and Azusa.

The city of San Gabriel is home to the his-toric San Gabriel Mission, which was foundedin 1771 by Franciscan monks. The missionserved as a major catalyst in the growth ofsouthern California. It was from the San Ga-briel Mission that 11 families left on Sep-tember 4, 1881, to found El Pueblo De LaReina De Los Angeles. Today, the San Ga-briel is a bustling city, rich in culture and his-tory.

El Monte, known as the end of the Sante FeTrail was the place where people traveling be-tween San Bernardino and Los Angelesstopped. Gold prospectors heading for thegold fields in northern California stopped herebefore continuing on their trek. El Monte istoday the largest city in my district. El Monteis home to hard working families who takepride in their community and heritage.

Mr. Speaker, the city of Monterey Park,which was originally inhabited by ShoshoneIndians, is at the turn of the 21st century thehome for one of the largest Asian-Americancommunities in the country. Chinese, Tai-wanese, and Vietnamese shops, restaurants,and import centers are present throughout thecity.

Mr. Speaker, all the cities in my district havetheir own distinctive character and uniqueplace in the history of southern California. Dur-ing the past 150 years, the San Gabriel Valleyhas played an important role in the develop-ment of the region, and the valley is indeedextremely well-positioned to continued as vitalplayer in the prosperity of Los Angeles Countyand southern California.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I join my colleaguesfrom the Golden State in celebrating Califor-nia’s 150 years of success and wishing myState continued prosperity.

Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, my district linesrun from the Harbor Freeway past BaldwinHills to Culver City; my district includes USC;California Science Center, Natural History Mu-seum of LA County; California African Amer-ican Museum, Petersen Automotive Museum;and Sony Pictures Studio in Culver City.

Los Angeles was little more than a frontiertown in the 1870s when members of the Meth-odist Episcopal Conference first sought to es-tablish a university in the region. Today, theUniversity of Southern California (USC), lo-cated in the culturally and ethnically diverse32nd Congressional District, is, arguably, oneof the country’s most preeminent internationalcenters of learning, enrolling more than 28,000undergraduate, graduate, and professionalstudents. It ranks in the top ten percent ofmajor research universities in the UnitedStates.

The 32nd Congressional District is alsohome to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City,a major employer in the district, and formerlythe home of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM),one of the cradles of the motion picture indus-try in the state. The 32nd also claims a greatdeal of movie history, including the little knownfact that the much heralded 1939 blockbustermovie, ‘‘Gone With the Wind,’’ was filmed atthe historic David O. Selznick Studios, whichwas located in Culver City.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I risein honor of the 150th anniversary of the state-hood of the great state of California.

On this historic occasion, is it fitting that wetaking a moment to observe and celebrate thediverse and distinct cities and communitiesthroughout our state.

The district that I am proud to represent andcall home is the 33rd Congressional District ofCalifornia.

The 33rd Congressional district is a vibrant,diverse area encompassing metropolitandowntown Los Angeles, including BoyleHeights, Little Tokyo, Pico Union, and portionsof Chinatown, Filipinotown, Koreatown, andWestlake. The suburban portions of the districtinclude the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Com-merce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood,South Gate, and Vernon and parts of East LosAngeles, Walnut Park and Florence.

The 33rd Congressional district houses thecivic center of Los Angeles, including thearea’s courthouses, Los Angeles City Hall, theoffices of the Los Angeles County Board ofSupervisors, Los Angeles Police Department,Los Angeles Unified School District, Metropoli-tan Transit Authority, and Immigration andNaturalization Service.

In addition, the 33rd Congressional districtboasts a multitude of cultural attractions andresources. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion,Shrine Auditorium, Latino Museum, ChineseAmerican Museum, Japanese American Na-tional Museum, and the Museum of Contem-porary Art are located in my congressional dis-trict. In addition, the new Our Lady of the An-geles Cathedral is being built in the center ofdowntown Los Angeles.

Our community also reflects the rich historyof the state of California. The district is hometo such historic sites such as Union Station,Olvera Street Plaza and the Broadway theaterdistrict. In fact, on September 4th of this year,

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7557September 13, 2000the city of Los Angeles celebrated its 219thbirthday.

The residents of 33rd Congressional districtreflect the wonderful diversity of our State.There is a mixture of newly-arrived immigrantsfamilies and a strong, established Hispaniccommunity. Ethnic enclaves, like Chinatown,Koreatown, and Japantown, house specialtystores and restaurants that cater to the area’sthriving Asian community.

Recently, the 33rd Congressional districtproudly hosted the Democratic National Con-vention. The convention gave Los Angelesand its residents an opportunity to showcaseour city to the hundreds of thousands of visi-tors as well as the millions who watched theproceedings on television. The DNC tookplace at the recently-opened Staples Center,which also serves as the home for the Los An-geles Kings, Lakers and the Clippers.

I am extremely proud of all that the 33rdCongressional district has to offer and de-lighted to sing its praises on the 150th birth-day of our great state, the State of California.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on thisSesquicentennial Anniversary of California’sadmission to the Union, I am filled with tre-mendous pride and a deep sense of honor torepresent the people of my Thirty-fourth Con-gressional District, composed of the cities andcommunities in the Southeast and San GabrielValley areas of Los Angeles County includingthe City of Industry, East Los Angeles, Haci-enda Heights, La Puente, Montebello, Nor-walk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, andWhittier.

Our district is a part of Southern Californiathat is rich in diversity and historical signifi-cance from the earliest days through the mod-ern era. In the heart of the 34th district, is thehome of Pio Pico, the last governor of Mexi-can California before the American takeover in1846. One of California’s most remarkable his-torical figures, he witnessed and helped shapenearly a century of California history. GovernorPico’s ancestry includes a mixture ofethnicities, including Mexican, African, Indianand Italian. He built a mansion on what is nowa three-acre state park located in Whittier, thatwas once the headquarters of his sprawling8,891-acre ranch. Twice the governor of theMexican State, his life spanned a remarkableera that saw the Spanish, Mexican and Amer-ican flags fly over his native Alta California.

Early in the American era, Whittier also be-came the home to a vibrant community ofQuakers. It was from this community in a latergeneration that our Thirty-seventh President ofthe United States, Richard M. Nixon, was edu-cated at Whittier College. After service in theUnited States Navy during World War II, hereturned to the area to begin his political ca-reer and was elected to Congress in 1946.

San Gabriel Mission founded by BlessedJunipero Serra, a Franciscan missionary fromMallorca, Spain, administered the vast landscomposing what we know as the ‘‘Los Angelesbasin,’’ and which were later parceled out intosprawling ranchos to land-grantees during theSpanish and Mexican eras. Following the ran-cho era when cattle was the principal eco-nomic endeavor, these fabulously fertile landsbrought forth rich agricultural commodities in-cluding citrus, avocado and walnut groves,bean fields and dairy land. Eventually major oilreserves were discovered in what is nowSanta Fe Springs and Montebello, which con-tinue producing to this day.

At the end of World War II the sudden de-mand in housing for returning veterans fromthroughout the country desiring to raise theiryoung families and populate the massive eco-nomic engine of industrial Los Angeles at-tracted developers to these peaceful andpleasant locales. New homes, schools andchurches were built and soon these local com-munities began to incorporate into new cities.All of these communities share a proud historyof the development of the ‘‘Golden State’’ andeach has a unique and special historical herit-age.

California is indeed the greatest state, inpopulation, economy, diversity and worldwidecultural influence. Its magnificent coastalareas, majestic mountain ranges, fabulouslyfertile agricultural valleys, vast pristine deserts,bespeak an unequaled wealth of environ-mental diversity. The Great Golden State was,is and will always be the treasure chest of theAmerican experience renowned the worldover. For every Californian, native and immi-grant, our motto ‘‘Eureka’’ says it all ‘‘I havefound it!’’

Put another candle on our birthday cake, weare 150 years old today? God bless California.Felicidades California?

Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, today Irecognize the 150th anniversary of California’sstatehood. On September 9, 1850, Californiawas admitted to the Union as the nation’s 31ststate. Much has changed over the last 150years, but California still remains one of theworld’s natural treasures.

At the time of California’s entry into theUnion, the population for Los Angeles num-bered 3,530. As Los Angeles developed andexpanded, so did the South Bay. I am proudthat the natural beauty of the South Bay re-mained unchanged over the last 150 years.The shoreline is our livelihood, as California isthe gateway to the West.

We are rich in cultural diversity with a popu-lation of all races and creeds from throughoutthe world. California’s natural resources arenumerous, with some of the most breathtakinglandscape in the world. From agriculture to e-commerce, we are a leader in all areas ofbusiness. California’s 150 years as a stateembody the American experience, one of thegrowth and vision.

I congratulate all Californians on this mile-stone. We have much to celebrate. The stateof California is a model to the nation. I hopethe next 150 years are as dynamic as the first150.

Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. Speaker,I rise with great pride because September 9thmarked the 150th anniversary of California’sadmission to the union. The United StatesPostal Service is reissuing its California State-hood stamp to honor this event. And all of the52 members of the California delegation havecome together to pay tribute to an importantpart of our history in the United States.

As the Representative of the 37th District ofCalifornia and long time resident of this greatstate, I am happy to join this effort to payhomage to our historical leaders who had thewisdom to form one union of the UnitedStates.

My district in particular has made wonderfulcontributions to the state of California over thepast 150 years. The South Bay area has along and distinguished history that is uniqueand embraces the essence of Southern Cali-fornia.

The city of Carson has a strong Spanishpresence and is home to Dominguez RanchoAdobe, built in 1826. The Goodyear blimp‘‘Eagle’’ also calls Carson home. Goodyear’sblimp logs over 400,000 air miles per year andhave adorned the skies of Southern Californiaas a very visible corporate symbol of the tireand rubber company.

The Los Angeles community of Watts ishome to the Watts Towers. Created by SimonRodia, the towers rise over one hundred feettall. Composed of structural steel rods and cir-cular hoops connected by spokes, the towersincorporate a sparkling mosaic of found mate-rials including pottery, seashells, and glass.Rodia’s house, destroyed by fire in 1957, re-sided within the complex.

Declared hazardous by the city of Los An-geles, the towers were threatened with demoli-tion until an engineer’s stress test provedthem structurally sound. They have since beendesignated a cultural monument.

The city of Long Beach has a past deep inSpanish history. Created by a land grant givento soldier Manuel Nieto, the city was plannedout in 1882 as Willmore City by developerWilliman Willmore, and a new town beganforming along the coast. Long Beach servesas home to the historic Queen Mary.

Partially adjacent to Long Beach is the com-munity of Habor Gateway and serves as theentrance to the Los Angeles port area. Peoplefrom around the world visit and call the SouthBay area home. I am proud to call the 37thCongressional District home.

Happy Anniversary California!Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate

California’s 150th anniversary of statehood,this is a good time to reflect on the vastchange that has occurred in this former Span-ish Colony. Since California was admitted intothe Union as the nation’s 31st state on Sep-tember 9, 1850, the state has grown to be-come the world’s fifth largest economy.

California’s history before and after state-hood includes vital contributions by Hispanicsand Native Americans. One of the most impor-tant has been the system of 21 missionsfounded by Father Junipero Serra that beganin San Diego and extended over 600 miles tothe north. The contributions of the missions ineducation and in producing clothing and foodwere integral in California’s early development.

California has often been referred to as abellwether state—a place where people chal-lenge the assumptions of the present to giveAmerica a glimpse of the future. This is fittingfor a state settled by far-sighted, brave individ-uals willing to risk everything for a secondchance. Americans and others from aroundthe world have seen California as a place toseek a better life. When Los Angeles wasfounded in 1781, its residents included peopleof European, African, and Native Americanethnic backgrounds. Chinese immigrants builtrailroads and agricultural infrastructure in the19th Century. In the 1880’s the first direct railconnection between Southern California andthe East brought hundreds of thousands to theSouthland.

In the 38th District, the historical attractionsinclude Rancho Los Cerritos, an 1884 colonialstyle-adobe that was once a working cattleranch, and Rancho Los Alamitos HistoricRanch and Gardens, which was built in 1806.The port of Long Beach is home to the historicQueen Mary, once called the Queen of the At-lantic and arguably the most famous ship in

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSEH7558 September 13, 2000history. The Queen Mary began its maidenvoyage in 1936, served as Winston Churchill’sseaborne headquarters, and played a part inthe major Allied campaign of the SecondWorld War. Long Beach is also home to theBoeing C–17 military transport plant and theSea Launch base that sends satellites intospace. Additionally, the Apollo space capsulesand the space shuttles were built at the NASAplant in the city of Downey.

This 150th anniversary celebration of Cali-fornia’s statehood is as much an occasion tolook forward to the future as to reflect on thepast. If we live up to our state’s long traditionof progress, diversity, and national and inter-national leadership, California can look for-ward to another 150 years of success.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay trib-ute to the 150th anniversary of the founding ofthe golden State of California.

From the port of Long Beach to the NorthOrange County region, the 39th CongressionalDistrict is one of the many examples of thestate’s remarkable diversity. This area wasonce thriving farmland, rich in oranges, lem-ons, avocados, and walnuts. Agriculture wasthe first important industry. With orangegroves being so abundant, Orange Countywas named after the fruit.

Many industrious individuals flocked to thisarea, like Walter Knott, who began the Knottlegacy in Buena Park. He used to sell jamsand jellies at a roadside stand. Mrs. Knottbegan serving up fried chicken dinners tothose waiting in the lines, and they soonadded a restaurant to accommodate morepeople.

Mr. Knott wanted to build something as atribute to the Old West and the pioneers whopaved the way. The idea of a ghost town wasborn, which eventually evolved into the Knott’sBerry Farm amusement park. Its original pur-pose was to educate and entertain and it stilldoes today.

The district has undergone tremendousgrowth since the days of the orange groves.The neighboring metropolis of Los Angelesburst at the seams and the population spilledacross the rural valley. In its wake, the farm-lands were replaced by an urban landscape ofhomes, shopping malls, and industrial parks.

Today, Orange County is home to a vastnumber of major industries, the most promi-nent being the high-tech, telecommunications,and entertainment industries.

Throughout its existence, this area has con-tinued to thrive. No other environment is moreconducive to innovation and creativity than thissun-blessed region of Southern California.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, asCalifornia celebrates the 150th anniversary ofstatehood, I would like to share with my col-leagues a little of the history and special char-acteristics of the 40th Congressional District—the largest in the state—which I am proud torepresent. That history stretches long beforeCalifornia became a state—and indeed longbefore the history of the West was recorded.

The 40th district stretches from the peaks ofthe Eastern Sierra Nevada to the fast-growingcities of the San Bernardino Valley, on theeastern edge of the Southern California urbanarea. The heart of the district is the MojavaDesert, which has long been known as a gate-way to the Pacific Coast since the Mohava In-dians forged a trail west from the ColoradoRiver to trade with coastal tribes. The routeeventually was followed by the Union Pacific

and Santa Fe railroads, and then by Route 66,the Mother Road that is still celebrated by tensof thousands of people at events in Barstowand San Bernardino.

The 40th Congressional District todayboasts the highest point and lowest point inthe ‘‘lower 48’’ states. Mount Whitney, at14,495 feet, is the highest peak along the tow-ering mountain chain known as the Sierra Ne-vada. The lowest point at 282 feet below sealevel, is the Badwater area of the desolatelybeautiful Death Valley National Park. The twopoints are among many that make the districtan outdoor recreation paradise. Other desertparks include Joshua Tree National Park andMojava National Preserve. The Owens Valley,where the mountains meet the desert, is thegateway to such nationally known treasures asSequoia National Park and the MammothLakes ski resorts.

Southern California residents known thatthey can find world-class skiing and summerhiking trails much closer to home, in the 40thDistrict’s San Bernardino Mountains, whichprovide a snow-capped backdrop to the sunnySouthland. Tucked under those mountains aresome of the nation’s fastest growing commu-nities.

Mr. Speaker, the 40th Congressional Districtmakes a huge contribution to our nation’s de-fense as the home of the Army’s NationalTraining Center at Fort Irwin, the MarineCorps Air-Command Combat Center atTwentynine Palms, Edwards Air Force Baseand China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center.Two recently closed installations—George AirForce and Norton Air Force Bases—are beingtransformed into new commercial air hubs tohandle the region’s burgeoning air cargo andpassenger needs.

The 40th Congressional District has awealth of universities and colleges, includingfast-growing California State University, SanBernardino, the prestigious University of Red-lands, and Loma Linda University and MedicalCenter, known nationally for its infant hearttransplant program and for the first protonbeam accelerator used in ground-breakingcancer treatment.

Mr. Speaker, from the discovery and miningof gold and silver to the training ground forGen. George S. Patton’s World War II tankbrigades, the 40th Congressional District’s his-tory is intertwined with California’s and the na-tion’s. It is an honor to represent a district thatcontains such a wealth of resources, and suchhard-working, forward-looking constituents.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speak-er, I rise today to recognize the Sesquicenten-nial of the great State of California’s admit-tance to the Union. This event took place onSeptember 9, 1850 and made California the31st State of the United States of America.

The 41st District, which I represent, is partof what makes California special. It is centeredin the area that is known as the Inland Empireon the point where Los Angeles, SanBernardino and Orange Counties come to-gether. Decades ago, it was home to mostlyorange groves, farmers and dairymen. Butduring the 1980’s, the Inland Empire devel-oped into a booming economic region as a re-sult of the expansion California experienced inthat time.

This district is home to many terrific citiesincluding Chino, Chino Hills, Upland Montclair,Walnut, Diamond Bar, Brea, Rowland Heights,Ontario, Pomona, Yorba Linda and Plancentia.

The international airport in Ontario is quicklybecoming a major airport hub for passengersand cargo heading overseas. Pomona is thehost of the Los Angeles County Fair eachyear. Yorba Linda is the birthplace and restingplace for former President, Richard Nixon, andhome to the Nixon Presidential Library. The41st District is also the home of CaliforniaState Polytechnic University, Pomona. TheCollins School of Hospitality Management atCal Poly Pomona is considered to be amongthe top ten hospitality management schools inthe United States.

I am very proud to be a resident and theRepresentative of the 41st District of Cali-fornia. It is with great pride that I recognize theSesquicentennial of California, the greatestState in the Union.

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, this year we cele-brate California’s 150th anniversary of thestate’s admission to the union. The 42nd Con-gressional district of California has undergonemany changes over the years.

For many years San Bernardino was thegateway to the Los Angeles Basin, situated onflat land where the route through the twisting,windy Cajon Pass took passengers on theSanta Fe Railroad and motorists on U.S. 66from the hot and dusty high desert to thegreener, tree-lined basin.

There were orange groves around the littlerailroad towns and vineyards to the west; thiswas an agricultural zone until World War II,when Henry J. Kaiser built the West Coast’sfirst major steel mill between the Santa Fe andSouthern Pacific lines in Fontana, just west ofSan Bernardino.

In the 1950’s Ray Kroc traveled to Californiaupon hearing about the McDonald’s ham-burger stand in San Bernardino running eightMultimixers at a time. Kroc had never seen somany people served so fast. Kroc pitched theidea of opening up several restaurants to Dickand Mac McDonald. Today the restaurant isan international chain.

In the 1990’s the region weathered militarybase closures and realignments, as well asaerospace firm downsizing. But we have re-built, and today the Inland Empire has a thriv-ing economy and is projected to be one of thefastest-growing areas in the United States.

Today the region has great strengths—Wehave inexpensive land, extensive transpor-tation systems, including trucking hubs, alarge employment pool, low unemployment,strong growth in construction, distribution, andmanufacturing industries, and 23 colleges anduniversities, which are engaged in cuttingedge research, including CE–CERT at U.C.Riverside, which is doing research on auto-motive technologies of the future.

IVDA/San Bernardino International Airport ispoised to turn Norton Air Force Base into ahigh-tech incubator, through legislation I au-thored to provide tax incentives to businesses(AB 3, 1998). We hope to create 15,000 high-tech jobs in our region through incentives asa result of that legislation, such as 15 year netoperating loss carryover, sales and use taxcredits, expedited permit processing, and thecreation of local incentives for employers.

We are also working to create a regionalpartnership with Orange County to make SanBernardino International Airport viable for busi-nesses.

California and the Inland Empire will be ahub for the commercial space business andindustries of the future. High technology will

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7559September 13, 2000be the key, in this decade and in the next 150years of our state.

Scientists are working on advances thatpush the frontiers of science, such as new de-vices that can store the content of the Libraryof Congress on a computer the size of a sugarcube, and robots no bigger than a thumbnail.As a member of the Science Committee, Ihave been pleased to support these efforts.

This research will have very real benefits forCalifornia and the Inland Empire in terms ofjob creation and economic growth. If anyonehas any doubts, look at the Internet. The Inter-net started as a federal research tool, and isresponsible for one of the longest economicbooms in history.

In addition to the above initiatives, we willcontinue to work on projects such as com-pleting the Alameda Corridor, making it aroute that ultimately could link us with Mexico;bringing high speed rail to the Inland Empire,and creating an Inland Empire distribution cen-ter. We are building Tech Park, a 120-acrebusiness park to house high tech businesses.

We are also working to revitalize downtownSan Bernardino with a new courthouse,through SB 35 (Baca), which provides localfunding, and we have been working on federalfunds.

In summary, it has been a long road fromthe hot and dusty origins of our area to thethriving high-tech future. But as our state cele-brates its 150th anniversary, we have manychanges to look back on. Our past achieve-ments are filled with pride, our future promiseis great.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise todaywith the whole of my delegation to commemo-rate the 150th anniversary of the great state ofCalifornia joining the United States of America.As the 31st state to join the union, nobody atthe time could have predicted the incrediblebreadth of agriculture, business, military prow-ess or diversity that California would and con-tinues to contribute to the nation.

My own small corner of California, anythingbut small really, encompasses western River-side County, including the cities of Riverside,Corona, Norco, Lake Elsinore and Murrieta. Infact, Riverside County is the fourth largestcounty in the state, stretching nearly 200 milesacross and comprising over 7,200 squaremiles of fertile river valleys, low deserts,mountains, foothills and rolling plains. Be-tween 1980 and 1990, the number of resi-dents grew by over 76%, making Riverside thefastest-growing County in California. By 1992,the County was ‘‘home’’ to over 1.3 millionresidents—more than the entire population of13 states, among them Maine, Nevada, Ha-waii and New Hampshire.

Of course I would be lax in my position asthe Representative to the 43rd CongressionalDistrict if I did not add that it is also the mostimpressive district in California. Founded in1870 by John W. North and the Southern Cali-fornia Colony Association, the City of River-side took off and has never looked back. In itsinfancy Riverside became known for its manycitrus groves, palm lined avenues and widearray of subtropical shade. The region becamefamous for its citrus and horticultural industriesthat over time gave way to military and indus-trial growth, and education.

In fact, in 1907, Riverside became the hometo the University of California Citrus Experi-ment Station, sponsoring wide-ranging re-search that greatly benefited agriculture in the

region. The site was established as a campusof the University of California fewer than 50years later in 1954. Today, the University ofCalifornia at Riverside has earned a reputationas one of the pre-eminent teaching and re-search institutes in the world.

Agriculture continues to be a cornerstone ofUC Riverside as California continues as thenation’s top agriculture state, a position it hasheld for more than 50 years. From HumboldtCounty in the north to Imperial County in theSouth, California agriculture is a blend of val-leys, foothills, coastal areas and desertswhere a bounty of superior agricultural prod-ucts unmatched anywhere in the world grow.

My home district also offers up its beautifularchitecture to those who visit. Its ‘‘Mediterra-nean image’’ derives from the many examplesof fine architecture in the California MissionRevival and Spanish Colonial styles that graceits landscape. The best known example beingthe Historic Mission Inn, in the City of River-side, which was built between 1902 and 1932by Frank A. Miller and his partner Henry Hun-tington. Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogartwere married there. Teddy Roosevelt was itsfirst Presidential guest. Richard and Pat Nixonexchanged wedding vows at the Inn. Ronaldand Nancy Reagan began their honeymoon inits Presidential Suite.

Mr. Speaker, the 43rd District has obviouslyseen rapid growth and change over the past150 years. We are proud to join our otherfriends across California in celebrating ourgreat fortune and success as a State. Cali-fornia is guaranteed to continue as corner-stone of agriculture, education and industry inthe next 150 years to come. Happy BirthdayCalifornia!

Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, in many ways,California’s 44th District represents the GoldenState as a whole. Rich in its geographic, envi-ronmental and cultural diversity, this area with-in what is now known as the ‘‘Inland Empire,’’has a vibrant past and promising future. Thedistrict contains towering alpine peaks and for-ests, arid expanses of unforgiving desert, richagricultural fields—even beaches at the greatinland Salton Sea and on the banks of themighty Colorado River. Today, this region hasfulfilled the vision of early settlers and exceed-ed expectations of even the most optimisticboosters.

The 44th District was first home to thesouthern California’s indigenous desert tribalpeople—the Cahuilla Indians. From the highmountain peaks of Mt. San Jacinto to thedepths of the Salton Sink, these tribal bandslived in harmony with a sometimes harsh butamazingly rich environment. The Cahuilla cul-ture is still a respected part of the currentdesert community, and their magnificent IndianCanyons stand as a testament to their soundstewardship of these native lands. TheCahuilla people welcomed the Spanish explor-ers who were the first westerners to traveldeep into the southern deserts, sharing thetrails and watering holes that meant the dif-ference between life and death in the forbid-ding expanse.

Later, settlers from first Mexico and later theUnited States traveled to the region—most es-tablishing rancheros and farms as the earliesteconomic enterprises. These hardy soulsfought against unimaginable hardships tocarve out a living in this arid and sometimeshostile environment. But, they persisted, andsome thrived. When California was granted

statehood in 1850, the residents became U.S.citizens. By the late 1800’s the railroads hadbecome part of the landscape, transportingnew arrivals to the coastal regions of southernCalifornia. Some never got that far, insteadmaking their home in what is now RiversideCounty.

From the beginning, the Cahuilla people hadrecognized the restorative powers and healingbenefits of the agua caliente or ‘‘hot waters’’ ofthe desert springs. Soon, residents and visi-tors made the pilgrimage to Palm Springs tosoak in the hot springs and find comfort in thedry desert climate. Enterprising farmers in theCoachella Valley began raising dates, grapesand other crops that could withstand the dryconditions and often searing desert heat.

During the same period, the Hemet and SanJacinto Valley attracted farmers and ranchersto its rich and productive lands. Cattleranches, citrus groves, and a variety of dif-ferent types of produce thrived in this fertilevalley. But, as in all of southern California, theneed for a steady supply of water limited theagricultural growth of the entire region.

Today, most Americans would have a dif-ficult time imagining the southern California ofour not so distant past. The miracle thatchanged the landscape was the introduction ofa reliable source of water for irrigation and de-velopment. Shortly after the turn of the cen-tury, that need resulted in the creation of theSalton Sea when the Colorado River breachedthe holding dikes that had been constructed toroute fresh water for irrigation to the easternCoachella Valley. With the creation of the Seaand the establishment of efficient irrigationsystems the unthinkable happened. A oncehostile desert became a rich agricultural cen-ter. And with the new political clout enjoyed bythe southern California water districts and de-partments, eastern Riverside County found adependable source of water for its residentsand agricultural concerns.

As the population grew in southern Cali-fornia, so did the reputation of the Hemet/SanJacinto and Coachella Valleys. Hemet becamea favored destination for those seeking space,fresh air and community. The area aroundPalm Springs became a favorite vacation spotfor luminaries as varied as Albert Einstein andErrol Flynn. Hollywood discovered the desertresort region and flocked to Palm Springs forsun, tennis, bathing, and later, golf. The regionthrived and the population grew fast. By themiddle of the last century, Palm Springs hadbecome world renowned as a vacation haven.

Following WWII, the growth in southernCalifornia continued at an unprecedentedpace. The Inland Empire had not yet receivedits status as one of the fastest growing regionsin the country, but, it was enjoying steady andsignificant population increases. Improvedwater delivery systems and infrastructure en-abled the eastern Riverside County region tohandle the rapid expansion. From a fewsleepy desert towns, the Coachella Valleytransformed itself into nine separate munici-palities with nearly a quarter million resi-dents—seemingly overnight. The communitiesof Hemet and San Jacinto, along with manysmaller cities in the valley and pass region be-tween the city of Riverside and the southern

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSEH7560 September 13, 2000deserts also grew. However, these commu-nities had been established earlier as residen-tial centers and their growth was not as dra-matic. The city of Temecula and the sur-rounding countryside became a rich wine pro-ducing center, with several local wineriesachieving international prominence.

As California celebrates its sesquicenten-nial, the Inland Empire and the 44th districthave achieved an important place in the his-tory and future of the Golden State. Thegrowth continues, the economic expansion isstrong, and the diversity of the people and theenvironment prevail. The history of this greatstate is made rich through the contributions ofindividuals too numerous to list here, but tothe people who chose to make southeasternCalifornia home their stories and names arefamiliar. As the inscription on the CapitolBuilding in Sacramento, California, reads: Giveme men to match my mountains; the peoplewho built the communities of the 44th Con-gressional District reflect that greatness andgrand vision. Today, as we honor the greatstate of California on the occasion of her150th anniversary, we honor also the memoryof all those who contributed to her story. Iwant to extend special recognition to the peo-ple of California’s 44th district, past andpresent, who made their personal commitmentto the Golden State.

Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, whenCalifornia was admitted as a state 150 yearsago, Southern California paled in comparisonto the northern part of the state, which was fa-mous for the gold rush and the new City ofSan Francisco. The 45th Congressional Dis-trict and surrounding areas hardly qualifiedeven as a rural backwater, being made up pri-marily of swamps and cattle ranches. In thelate 1800’s farming gradually replaced ranch-ing and spurred the conversion of coastalswamps and river flood plains into habitableland. Huntington Beach, which is today abooming city of over 200,000 people thatforms the core of the 45th District, didn’t evenget its start until 1902, when a group of farm-ers and other investors decided to found ‘‘Pa-cific City’’ in an attempt to emulate the suc-cess of Atlantic City on the East Coast. Thisventure then got bought out by a group of LosAngeles businessmen headed by Henry Hun-tington, in whose honor the town was re-named when he brought his Pacific ElectricRailway into town.

The area that became the 45th Districtgained in population as tourism, the oil indus-try, and world war each took their turn as aspur to local growth. Our area played a majorrole in winning World War II, serving as thesite for both the Seal Beach Naval WeaponsStation, which even today supplies a majorportion of the Navy’s firepower and the SantaAna Army Airfield. This airfield was the stagingground for G.I.’s shipping to the war fromaround the country, and can be credited inand of itself as a major spur to Orange Coun-ty’s population growth as G.I.’s experiencedthe pleasant Southern California climate firsthand and many moved their families thereafter the war. Although this huge airfield wasdecommissioned after the war, the land onwhich it sat was put to good use—it is now thesite of John Wayne Airport, the Orange Coun-ty Fairgrounds and Orange Coast College.

Huntington Beach has become known dur-ing the last half of the 20th Century as ‘‘SurfCity,’’ becoming the nation’s prime area,

hosting the first U.S. Surfing Championships in1959 and major national and international surf-ing events since then.

Just as with World War II, the HuntingtonBeach area played a major role in winning theCold War, providing the home for much of thenation’s aerospace industry. Famous cor-porate names from the past: Douglas Aircraft(later McDonnell Douglas) and North AmericanRockwell have come under the umbrella of theBoeing Corporation, which today is by far theregion’s largest employer and still plays amajor role in producing aircraft, satellites androckets for both our both our military and ournation’s space program.

It’s appropriate that an area so closely iden-tified with our nation’s freedom became thefinal destination for a majority of Vietnameserefugees escaping communism after the Viet-nam War. The 45th District is home to LittleSaigon, the heart of the largest concentrationof Vietnamese people in the world outside ofVietnam.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a dis-trict that represents our nation’s finest tradi-tions in not only serving our country in thecause of freedom, but also in knowing how tohave a good time. The 45th District epitomizesmy own personal motto—‘‘Fighting for Free-dom and Having Fun.’’

Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pridethat I rise today to celebrate the sesquicenten-nial anniversary of statehood for the greatstate of California. For 12 years, I have hadthe privilege to represent the 47th Congres-sional district, which is nestled in the heart ofOrange County. Our State was created out ofterritory ceded to the United States by Mexicoin the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It officiallybecame the 31st State in 1850 with a popu-lation of 92,597.

Orange County was created in 1889, afterresidents of the southern part of then Los An-geles County felt they were not getting the at-tention they deserved from county officials andwanted a county seat nearer home. SantaAna, which had grown recently due to the dis-covery of silver in the Santa Ana Mountains,was named the county seat.

Today, with a population of nearly 3 millionpeople and an annual economic output of over$110 billion, Orange County is one of the mostsuccessful and diverse hi-tech centers of com-merce in the world. Its economy is larger thanall but 31 nations in the world—ranking aheadof Israel, Portugal, and Singapore. OrangeCounty’s diverse population is larger than 20states, and its economy is bigger than 25states. It is one of California’s top exportingregions, behind only Silicon Valley and LosAngeles, and tied with San Francisco. OrangeCounty exports more than $12 billion worth ofgoods each year, from computers to state-of-the-art medical equipment, biotechnology, andother ultra-sophisticated technological goods.In just the last three years, high-tech exportsfrom Orange County companies have grownby 53 percent.

Orange County is home to some of themost beautiful beaches in the world, stretchingfor miles along the Pacific Ocean between LosAngeles and San Diego. The ‘‘Places RatedAlmanac’’ has selected Orange County as thebest place to live in the nation, ahead of morethan 350 other metropolitan areas. OrangeCounty is a national center for higher edu-cation. Universities and colleges in my districtinclude the University of California, Irvine,

where I serve on the Advisory Board of theworld-class Brain Imaging Center, and Chap-man University, on whose Board of Trustees Iserve. Orange County has also been home tothe world-famous Festival of the Arts and Pag-eant of the Masters for 68 years. In addition,Laguna Beach, the southernmost point in mydistrict, is a year-round haven for artists andcraftsmen, and its entire coastline has beendeclared a ‘‘Marine Life Refuge’’ to protectand preserve the rich variety of marine lifeforms for all to observe and enjoy.

The Anaheim Angels baseball team and theAnaheim Mighty Ducks hockey team maketheir homes in my district. The Anaheim Pond,home of the Ducks, is also the second mostactive concert venue in America, behind onlyMadison Square Garden. Finally, OrangeCounty is home to the Ronald Reagan FederalCourthouse, authorized in legislation I wroteas a member of the House Public WorksCommittee in 1992. Once again, it is withgreat pride that I stand here today to mark150 years of prosperity and leadership for thegreat state or California, and to recognize Or-ange County’s important role in our state’s his-tory and future success.

Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, today I wouldlike to take a moment to recognize the greatState of California. One hundred and fiftyyears ago, California became a part of theUnited States of America. On September 9,1850, President Millard Fillmore signed a billadmitting California as the 31st State in theUnion.

In the early 1800’s, settlers very slowly fil-tered into California until 1848, when gold wasdiscovered at Sutter’s Mill. Suddenly, peoplefrom all over the world looking to strike it richflooded through San Francisco. They traveledup the Sacramento River to the gold fields. Itwas this discovery of gold that hastened Cali-fornia’s statehood.

In September 1849 a convention met atMonterey and adopted a state constitution.The constitution was approved by popular voteon November 13, and on December 15 thefirst legislature met at San Jose to create anunofficial state government. The CompromiseMeasures of 1850, a series of congressionalacts passed during August and September1850, admitted California as a free, ornonslave, state. On September 9, 1850, Cali-fornia became the 31st state in the Union. Thestate capital was moved successively fromSan Jose to Monterey, Vallejo, and Benicia. In1854 it was located permanently at Sac-ramento.

The 48th District of California, which I rep-resent, was created in 1982 after the 1980Census. It has been described as the mostagreeable climate in the continental UnitedStates. This district has the beautiful scenery,which is typical of California. The location oc-cupies the southernmost portion of OrangeCounty, the North County part of San DiegoCounty and a small slice of Riverside County,the instant town of Temecula. It includes theseaside communities of San Clemente andSan Juan Capistrano, where the swallows fa-mously return every year. The well-known OldSpanish Mission at San Juan Capistrano is lo-cated in the quaint little town located abovethe shores of the Pacific, halfway betweenSan Diego and Los Angeles.

Inland, there are the newer communities ofMission Viejo and Laguna Niguel; just south ofPendleton in San Diego County are Ocean-side and Vista. Farther inland amid the hills

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7561September 13, 2000are Fallbrook and, in Riverside County,Temecula, in the mid-1980s a corner-grocerytown serving a vineyard district, now the cen-ter of an area with 100,000 people, mostlycommuters to Orange County and Riversideattracted by low-priced homes and traditionalvalues. Growth has been and continues to bea factor in this area of southern California.

California has a rich history. It is the 3rdlargest state in area and the largest state inpopulation. California has the largest popu-lation of Native Americans, a continuing grow-ing Hispanic population and a large Asianpopulation, all of which help California to leadthe nation in cultural diversity. I am proud notonly to represent this area in Congress, butalso to be a resident of the wonderful state ofCalifornia. I would like to wish a Happy Anni-versary to the 31st State of America.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, this is a greattime to reflect on the greatness of our country.With California celebrating it’s 150th anniver-sary of the state’s admission to the union, oneautomatically recalls that inspiring phrase, ‘‘GoWest, young man!’’ and the beginning of ourtrail blazing history. As Californians, we canrejoice in the adventurous and rugged spirit ofour forefathers and be grateful that these menand women were willing to risk life and limbfor a new and unknown life in California. Justenvisioning those covered wagons poised onthe pinnacle of the Sierra Mountains and look-ing down on the promised land brings a shiverto my soul. Those were truly trying times andthose first California settlers were truly bravepeople.

I am proud of my roots—my father is fromthe East, specifically Alabama, and my motheris from Northwest Australia. However, my fam-ily and I are grateful for those brave spiritswho ventured from the East because we nowhave the opportunity to benefit from their riskand foresight.

San Diego is the jewel of California, and Ihave had the privilege of representing one ofthe most beautiful and inspiring districts in ournation. San Diego is the area where FatherJunipero Serra set up one of the first missionsin California. This early history can be ex-plored in the preserve of Old Town San Diego.

Presently, the residents of San Diego relishin telling all of their friends and relatives out-side of Southern California about the incred-ible weather they enjoy year round—70 de-grees and no humidity! California’s 49th con-gressional district boasts such natural wondersas the sensual coastline from its southernmostpoint in Imperial Beach to the rocky cliffs ofTorrey Pines’ nature preserve. The 49th alsoholds in its stead the tranquil, deep waters ofthe San Diego Bay, which is home to SeaWorld as well as large naval bases that rivalthe ports of Hawaii—North Island Naval AirStation and the 32nd Street Naval Station.With San Diego being blessed with both anawesome shoreline and an incredible bay,residents and tourists alike can enjoy surfingand sunning on the beach or sailing andkayaking on the bay all year round.

An event that I enjoy the most is Sand Cas-tle Days held every August in my hometown ofImperial Beach. This is a world-renown eventthat gathers the best amateur and professionalsand castle designers from around the countryand the world in the tiny Southern Californiabeach town. Every year, we are surprised bythe intricate designs created by the simplesubstance of sand.

If cultural arts are on your agenda, SanDiego has set the stage for such incredibleBroadway productions as ‘‘Damn, Yankees’’and a revision of ‘‘Hair’’ from creative play-houses like the La Jolla Playhouse and theOld Globe Theater in Balboa Park. Each Sep-tember for a weekend, the streets of down-town San Diego come alive with the hip andgrooving sounds of homegrown musicalgroups as well as famous, well-establishedrock bands during a phenomenal music fes-tival known as ‘‘Street Scene.’’ The 49th alsohas a diverse collection of famous art muse-ums—from the modern art of the La JollaContemporary Museum of Art to world classicsat the San Diego Museum of Art or Americanartists at the Timken Museum of Art or nativepieces from around the world displayed at theMingei International Museum.

Balboa Park is a cultural center located inthe heart of the 49th District. It is a serene,green oasis situated in the middle of a bustlingmajor metropolis. Not only is the San DiegoMuseum of Art located in this vast cultural en-clave, but adults and children alike can learnabout the wonders of science at the ReubenH. Fleet Science Center, delve into man’s pastat the Museum of Man, and be engulfed in thebeauty surrounding us at the Natural HistoryMuseum.

The most popular world famous attraction inthe area is the San Diego Zoo. Just this pastsummer, our zoo became one of the first inhistory to have a baby Giant Panda live pasther first year after being born in captivity. HuaMei has become the biggest celebrity in SanDiego. Visitors from all over the world havemade special trips to catch a glimpse of thisgiant bundle of joy. But long before Hau Mei’sbirth, the world famous San Diego Zoo hasseen the births of many beautiful creatures,such as black rhinos, giraffes, and many en-dangered species.

Another famous site in San Diego is locatedon the island city of Coronado. Hollywood su-perstars have flocked to the legendary andhistoric Hotel Del Coronado. The ‘‘Hotel Del’’built in 1888, as one of the oldest standingwood structures of Victorian architecture is anational historic landmark that has a rich andcolorful heritage. Ten U.S. presidents havestayed in this extraordinary hotel, starting withBenjamin Harrison in 1891, and since LyndonJohnson, every president since has visited the‘‘the talk of the Western world.’’ Charles Lind-bergh was honored at the Hotel Del after hissuccessful transatlantic flight. Subsequently,the international airport in downtown SanDiego is named after this famous aviator—Lindbergh Field. In 1958, the outrageouslyfunny movie ‘‘Some Like it Hot’’ with MarilynMonroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis usedthe Hotel Del as a stage and backdrop.

Speaking of celebrities, San Diego has alsobeen the home of such movie celebrities asGregory Peck and Rachel Welch, who grewup on the beaches of La Jolla, and EddieVedder, lead singer for the popular rockgroup, Pearl Jam, spent much of his youth atthe clubs and beaches of San Diego. Surfingsensation and Nobel Prize recipient KaryMullis is a friend who continues his researchat UCSD. Helen Copley is a powerful news-paper woman who still boasts the only majornewspaper in the area, the San Diego UnionTribune. The famous scientist who discoveredpenicillin, Dr. Jonas Salk, called La Jolla homeand also founded the internationally acclaimed

Salk Institute, where scientists from aroundthe world come to study and make scientificbreakthroughs. Marine biologists enjoy the ac-cess to the sea from their perch in La Jollaand contribute to the Stephen Birch/ScrippsAquarium.

Dr. Roger Revelle established a name andreputation in the area, and is responsible forthe academic achievements and popularity ofthe University of California at San Diego.Other major universities in the 49th District, in-clude the private and catholic University ofSan Diego, San Diego State University, andPoint Loma Nazarene College. Golf enthu-siasts can enjoy the same course played byprofessionals of the PGA at the public TorreyPines Golf Course, while watching hang glid-ers glide off the rocky cliffs or sunbathers atworld famous Black’s Beach.

Grabbing food in San Diego is a deliciousand unique experience—from the quick serv-ice of authentic fish tacos at local sensationRubio’s Restaurants to the more formal anddecadent dining at any of the restaurants lo-cated in the historical Gaslamp District in theheart of downtown San Diego. And no onecan visit San Diego without sampling the de-lights of authentic Mexican fare while viewingthe adobes and churches of the first SanDiego settlers in historical Old Town. The ac-tivities, people and places in California’s 49thCongressional District are as numerous anddiverse as its residents. There is no otherplace like it in the world and it is an honor rep-resenting its interests and people in Congress.

Happy Birthday, California! And a big thankyou to those brave men and women whorisked their lives to conquer the unknown andestablish such a wonderful place as SanDiego and the State of California.

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on the occasionof the 150th anniversary of California’s admis-sion to the Union, I rise to bring attention tothe 50th Congressional District of California—an urban district in southern San Diego Coun-ty and the southernmost district in California,bordering Mexico.

I am proud that it is one of the most eth-nically diverse congressional districts in thenation. No racial or ethnic group is in the ma-jority: we have 45 percent Latino residents, 25percent Anglo, 15 percent African-American,and 15 percent Asian-American.

Our residents include veterans, seniors, andworking families. We are concerned that ourchildren receive a quality education, that allour families have access to high-quality, af-fordable health care, that we invest our budgetsurplus to strengthen Social Security andMedicare, and that we fight to keep the prom-ises that were made to our veterans.

The southernmost neighborhood in my dis-trict, San Ysidro, California, is situated on theMexican border and is the busiest bordercrossing between any two nations in theworld! The proximity of Mexico provides bothchallenges and opportunities for my district—but we revel in the excitement of a truly bina-tional community.

To the east is Otay Mesa, primarily an in-dustrial area with an expanding large-scalemanufacturing base. Farther north are the cit-ies of Chula Vista and National City, home tomany residential areas and hundreds and hun-dreds of small businesses. One of the coun-ty’s largest developments, Eastlake, is rapidlygrowing to the east of Chula Vista—andBonita, a neighborhood of middle-class homes

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSEH7562 September 13, 2000in an unincorporated community of the county,is nearby.

At the northern border of the 50th district isthe central portion of the city of San Diego,just south and east of downtown, with manyneighborhoods that are experiencinggentrification by ‘‘urban pioneers’’ moving backfrom the suburbs.

All in all, the people of the 50th congres-sional district represent the best of America.Industrious and ambitious, striving for a goodlife for our children and grandchildren, wework and play together in a largely harmo-nious blend of race, ethnicity, and religion. Webelieve in the American dream.

I am proud to represent these fine men,women and children, and I am working hard inCongress to ensure the best for their future.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, on the150th anniversary of California’s entrance tothe Union, it is with great pleasure that I intro-duce California’s 51st district.

California’s 51st district covers most ofNorth County, only minutes from downtownSan Diego. North County, well known for it’sbeautiful beaches, ideal weather, and quietlifestyle has proven attractive to the growing650,000 who inhabit this region and the manywho visit ‘‘America’s Finest City’’ and the sur-rounding area from all over the world.

The 51st district encompasses the coastaltowns of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach,and Del Mar. Carlsbad is best known for itsmajestic flower fields and is the predominatesupplier of commercially grown flowers on theWest Coast. The flower fields are easily seenfrom 1–5 as one makes their way down thiscoastal commute. Also, newly constructedLegoland choose to call Carlsbad home. Theamusement park opened in 1999.

Del Mar is where the ‘‘turf meets the surf’’and is home to the Del Mar Racetrack. Onecan watch the thoroughbreds and still have aview of the ocean from the grandstand. Duringthe off-season, the Racetrack becomes theDel Mar Fairgrounds. This two-week fair hasbeen a North County tradition since 1936. Thefair features rides, livestock shows, exhibi-tions, agriculture, and local art. Over 1 millionpeople visited the Del Mar Fair last year.

Inland, the towns of San Marcos, RanchoSanta Fe, Escondido, and Poway lie amongthe rolling hills. Escondido is home to theworld famous Wild Animal Park, established in1969. This 1,800-acre wildlife preserve allowsvisitors to view herds of exotic animals as theymight have been seen in their native Asia andAfrica.

A portion of the city of San Diego makes upthe remainder of the 51st district. This area in-cludes the former Miramar Naval Air Station.The base, made famous by the 1986 movieTop Gun, was home to the elite naval fighterpilot school of the same name. This navalbase was converted to the Miramar MarineCorp Air Station in 1996. North County is alsohome to many veterans and active militarywho choose to make San Diego their perma-nent home during and after their military serv-ice.

San Diego is also fast-becoming the centerof the growing high-tech and bio-tech indus-tries. Qualcomm, Cubic, Hewlett Packard,Sony, Nokia, Erickson, Titan, Ligand Pharma-ceuticals, Pyxis, and the Immune ResponseCorporation all call San Diego home. Thesebooming industries have brought San Diego tothe forefront of these exciting new fields.

With its sunny weather and stretch of coast-line, it is not surprising that North County isone of the fastest growing areas in California.Mr. Speaker, I consider it a privilege to live inNorth County and an honored to serve andrepresent the people of the 51st district.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today tocelebrate the 150th anniversary of California’sadmission into the Union. I am fortunate torepresent the 52nd Congressional District, abeautiful area along our international borderwith a rich history and culture. Home to thedeserts and agriculture fields of ImperialCounty, as well as the mountains and urbanareas of East San Diego County, the 52nd isas much diverse as it is unique.

As the winter home of the Navy’s Blue An-gels, and thousands of ‘‘snowbirds’’ from allover the country who come to enjoy the sce-nery and weather, Imperial County is knownas the place ‘‘Where the Sun Spends the Win-ter.’’ It is the home of the Glamis Sand Dunes,the Brawley Cattle Call, and the best farmland in the country, which provides deliciousfruits and vegetables the entire country enjoysyear-round. Imperial County is also home tothe largest body of water in California, theSalton Sea, as well some of the best Mexicanfood a person can find.

San Diego County draws its name from SanDiego de Alcala, a designation credited toSpaniard Don Sebastian Vizcaino, who sailedinto what is now San Diego Bay on November12, 1603, and renamed it in honor of his flag-ship and his favorite saint. The County of SanDiego was established by the State Legisla-ture on February 18, 1850, as one of the origi-nal 27 counties of California with an estimatedpopulation of at least 3,490.

Today, almost 100,000 people and 5,000businesses reside in San Diego’s East Countyalone. Places like El Cajon, which means ‘‘thebox’’ in Spanish because the city is completelysurrounded by mountains, provides the perfectrecreation spot with horseback riding, golfcourses, campgrounds, parks and easy ac-cess to the many attractions of Southern Cali-fornia.

Another city in East County, La Mesa, isknown as the ‘‘Jewel of the Hills’’ to the56,000 people who call this desirable city theirhome. La Mesa’s location places it close tothe cultural facilities, sports, recreation andwater-related activities afforded by its prox-imity to the county’s metropolitan center,beaches and bays.

The 52nd Congressional District is made upof communities in which the residents andbusiness people take an active role in pro-tecting and enhancing the quality of living. Thenumber of service clubs and organizations,school and church related groups, and othercivic and social organizations, give tangibleevidence of the vitality of its citizenry and theiractive interest in the community. It is a com-mitment to ‘‘community’’ that gives the 52nd aspecial identity.f

H.R. 1323

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.SHERWOOD). Under a previous order ofthe House, the gentleman from Texas(Mr. GREEN) is recognized for 5 min-utes.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker,today I want to talk about legislationthat I have been working on. It is H.R.

1323. H.R. 1323 deals with breast im-plants, an issue that has been the sub-ject of many court cases now for anumber of years.

On Monday, the Food and Drug Ad-ministration, the FDA, hosted a meet-ing to discuss research on silicone gel-filled implants, and I am grateful forthe FDA in their willingness not onlyto meet with my own constituents butalso other people on my staff on thisissue and hopefully will continue todialogue with the FDA to ensure thatwomen get the information they needon the safety of the implants.

However, the research indicates thatplatinum salts have been released bysilicone gel-filled implants. This is sig-nificant information because the plat-inum salt in certain form is known tobe toxic. New technology has allowedscientists to determine that the plat-inum used as a catalyst in making thegel and the shell of the gel-filled breastimplant is being released into the bodyof women in a harmful toxic form.

Last week, the FDA released infor-mation on their web site citing breastimplant complications. This is a vic-tory for the consumer advocates whohave been working to provide more in-formation to women who are consid-ering implants. However, the informa-tion provided in this web site does notinclude the recent findings on the tox-icity of platinum salts found in gel-filled implants.

Women need to know how harmfulthe release of platinum in their bodyand to their children who may be nurs-ing can do to them. It has come to myattention that children who breast-feedfrom mothers with silicon brevity im-plants may also experience harmfulbody excess from the toxicity symp-toms of exposure of platinum salts.

Symptoms of exposure to platinum ina reactive form can also cause fatigue,dry eyes, dry mouth, joint inflamma-tion, hair loss and also rashes.

As a sponsor of the Silicon BreastImplant Research and Information Act,I believe that the need for more re-search is especially compelling in lightof the FDA’s own study on the ruptureof silicone breast implants.

On May 18 of this year, Dr. S. LoriBrown’s research showed that 69 per-cent of the women with implants hadat least one ruptured breast implant.The FDA concluded that the rupture ofsilicon breast implants is the primaryconcern although the relationship ofthe free silicon to the development orprogression of the disease is unknown.

We do know there is a rupture of sil-icon into the body, but we do not knowthe impact. That is why we need moreresearch by the FDA.

I heard from my own constituentsover the last number of years and lit-erally women across the country, Mr.Speaker, who have suffered from thelong-term consequences of reconstruc-tion and cosmetic surgery. They haveexperienced infections, chronic pain,deformity and implant rupture, inac-curate mammography readings due to