[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 87 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      VENICE, CALIFORNIA TURNS 100

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 27, 2005

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, there are few communities in the world that 
are instantly recognizable, that immediately conjure up an image, an 
identity, a lifestyle. Venice, California is one such place--a place 
that people dream about in the depths of winter; that promises eternal 
sunshine, warm beaches, buff and shapely lifeguards; and the soothing, 
ceaseless wash of the waves.
  On July the 4th, as our Nation celebrates its 229th birthday, Venice, 
California celebrates its 100th. As a resident of Venice, I am proud to 
join my neighbors and local leaders in acknowledging this remarkable 
milestone.
  Founded in 1905 by real estate entrepreneur Abbot Kinney, Venice was 
modeled after the canals and boardwalks of its namesake in Italy. 
Kinney's vision established Venice as an entertainment mecca, 
attracting visitors from around the world to its amusement park, 
boardwalk businesses, ocean swimming and street performances.
  Since its inception, Venice has been a perennial attraction for 
artists and free spirits, beatnik writers, and innovative musicians--
from Jack Kerouac to the Doors. Venice today remains a hub of artistic 
expression and cultural diversity with its graffiti art murals, 
sidewalk musicians, street basketball games, roller skate dancers, 
bodybuilding competitions, and lively restaurants, shops and cafes.
  Venice is not only one of the nation's most unique artistic 
communities, it is booming with well-informed, politically engaged, 
civic-minded activists. A visit to the wonderful Farmer's Market on any 
weekend morning provides ample evidence of the community's wide and 
varying interests. In addition to a great cup of coffee, fresh baked 
goods and delicious local produce to feed the body, one can feed the 
mind at the many booths promoting diverse and important political, 
environmental and local causes.
  The award-winning Venice Family Clinic is the largest free clinic in 
the country and provides inspiration to the community through life-
saving health care for low-income, uninsured and homeless individuals.
  Whether through the skills they learn at the Venice Boys & Girls Club 
or by cultivating their imagination at Venice Arts in Neighborhoods, 
our children grow up to be productive citizens. Many go on to dedicate 
themselves to enriching the community through the Venice-Marina Rotary 
or the Chamber of Commerce.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the diverse Venice community 
in the United States Congress. Each 4th of July, we celebrate two 
historic events together: American independence and the founding of our 
hometown.




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