[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 136 (Wednesday, November 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN CELEBRATION OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEISURE WORLD-LAGUNA WOODS

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                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 24, 2004

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th 
Anniversary of Leisure World in Laguna Woods, California. It was on 
September 10, 1964 that the first residents moved into Leisure World, a 
private community designed especially for active, retired seniors. 
Within a mere 3 years, the community had grown to a population of 
10,000, making it one of our country's earliest and largest 
agerestricted developments.
  Today, Leisure World is home to nearly 18,000 residents who enjoy a 
variety of housing options and social services, an abundance of 
recreational activities and organizations, and an exceptionally warm 
and welcoming community. Nestled in the rolling hills of South Orange 
County, Leisure World existed as an unincorporated part of the county 
for more than 3 decades. In 1999, the community made history when its 
residents voted for city-hood and the area officially became part of 
Laguna Woods, America's first and only age-restricted city.
  I had the pleasure of getting to know the residents of Leisure World 
when I was first running for Congress in 1988. And, for the past 16 
years, it has been a true honor to represent this unique and thriving 
community. In my experience, Leisure World residents are among the most 
politically aware and active of my constituency. Local political clubs 
have included me in hundreds of roundtable discussions, candidate 
debates, and ``Get-Out-The-Vote'' events. Leisure World TV has 
interviewed me on numerous occasions for its local cable show, and the 
community newsletter has welcomed my columns.
  Most importantly, individual residents are always willing to share 
their informed opinions and suggestions on nearly any issue. Because of 
their insight, I have authored laws to reduce death taxes for seniors 
living in communities such as Leisure World, and to ease federal 
regulations that sought to outlaw age-restricted communities. I truly 
value my relationship with Leisure World, and I appreciate the 
opportunity to carry legislation on behalf of this community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere honor to ask the Congress of the United 
States of America to join me in congratulating Leisure World-Laguna 
Woods on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary.

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