[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 83 (Thursday, June 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF FONTANA

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to reflect 
on the 50-year history of the City of Fontana, which is celebrating its 
official 50th anniversary on Tuesday, June 25.
  Incorporated in 1952, the City of Fontana has every reason to be 
proud of its rich history. One can just look at its intricately 
detailed city seal for a glimpse of Fontana's heritage. On the right 
side of the seal appears a vineyard, representing the time when Fontana 
had one of the largest vineyards in the world. Also illustrated are 
chicken ranches and citrus groves, reminding us of the agricultural 
community Fontana once was.
  Although land in the Fontana area was secured as early as 1813, it 
was not actively developed until the early 1900's, when the Fontana 
Development Company acquired it and began a community called 
``Rosena.'' The name was changed to ``Fontana'' in 1913.
  In 1913, A.B. Miller founded the town-site of Fontana, and made it 
into a diversified agricultural community. Nearly 30 years later, as 
America geared up for World War II, Fontana was selected as the site 
for a West Coast steel mill and soon became Southern California's 
leading producer of steel and other related products. The mill operated 
until 1984. Today, Fontana is a growing community and is the home of 
the California Speedway, a world class track for auto racing.
  Mr. President, it is clear that the City of Fontana has truly thrived 
since its early beginnings. Its population has grown from 13,695 to 
139,100, and the city provides a full range of valuable services to its 
residents.
  I am proud to serve the people of Fontana, and wish them all a 
wonderful anniversary celebration and many more years of 
prosperity.

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