[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF MONTEBELLO, CA

                                 ______


                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the city of 
Montebello, CA, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary on October 
16, 1995.
  Montebello, a city rich in history, dates back as early as 1771 when 
Franciscan missionaries founded the first European settlement in the 
Los Angeles Basin. The men from Los Angeles saw the potential of the 
hills and established a tract and a townsite for them. They named the 
tract Montebello, Italian for ``beautiful hills.'' In the early years, 
from the turn of the century until the 1920's, the hills yielded 
flowers, vegetables, berries, and fruit. In 1913, the chamber of 
commerce advertised, ``Come to Montebello--come where the flowers 
grow.'' As late as 1930, more than 30 nurseries were located in 
Montebello, including the Fred Howard Nursery. Howard developed over 
150 varieties of roses in the soil of the hills, including the 
``Heart's Desire,'' the official city flower.
  On October 16, 1920, Montebello was incorporated as the 35th city 
within Los Angeles County. Then, Montebello was producing one-eighth of 
California's crude oil. The oil industry dramatically affected 
Montebello's population, increasing it from 2,580 in 1920 to 7,060 in 
1960. During the 1950's and 1960's, Montebello grew dramatically in 
population, industry, commerce, and public services. In 1962, the 
current city hall, with more than 36,000 square feet of usable space 
was completed. In 1976, Montebello's orderly development and harmonious 
community life received recognition from the National League of Cities, 
when it was designated a ``Bicentennial All-American City.''
  The 1980's brought the development of significant projects, as 
Montebello entered a period of vital growth. This growth included the 
Whittier Boulevard commercial revitalization project, an effort to 
restore the historic downtown area, and the Montebello Town Center, 
which opened in 1985. The balanced development between residential, 
commercial, and industrial properties is reflected in the city's 
slogan, ``Montebello, the Balanced Community.''
  Because of Montebello's tranquil way of life, it attracts many people 
who want to start their family or raise children in a happy and healthy 
environment. Its 61,000 residents and hundreds of businesses take great 
pride in their city and strive to make Montebello a city that all can 
enjoy.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly join the residents of Montebello and Mayor Art 
Payan, Mayor Pro Tempore Jess Ramirez and councilmen Arnold Alvarez-
Glassman, Bill Molinari, and Ed Pizzorno, in celebrating its 75th 
anniversary of incorporation and I ask my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join me in extending our best wishes and 
congratulations.

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