[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF COALINGA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the city of 
Coalinga on the celebration of their 100th anniversary.
  The birth of the city of Coalinga dates back to the late 1800s, when 
the mining industry was booming in developing communities across the 
country. Rich in oil and flourishing in production, the city 
established several major oil production supplies. With the expansion 
of the industry, Coalinga oil workers embarked on a campaign to enhance 
workers rights, improve working conditions for oil producers and create 
a better community for fellow community members. A glorious and 
monumental day for Coalinga came on April 3, 1906, when the small town 
was incorporated into Fresno County.
  Still, the city of Coalinga encountered other obstacles, such as a 
severe economic decline in 1909. After the economic setback, residents 
struggled to obtain rights to clean and reliable water supply. Due to 
the lack of flowing surface water and highly mineralized ground water, 
water in the city of Coalinga was deemed unsafe for drinking. It was 
not until 1972 that the State water system granted the city of Coalinga 
its first delivery of San Luis Canal water.
  On May 2, 1983, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the small 
community, which virtually destroyed what took almost a century to 
build. Fortunately, this catastrophe did not deter the strong 
community; residents and businesses locked arms and carried on to 
rebuild their city, to rebuild their home.
  Despite the perils that the city of Coalinga experienced, there were 
many successes that ushered further advancement. At one point in time, 
Coalinga paid approximately one-fourth of the entire tax burdens for 
Fresno County. The city prides itself in being the birthplace for the 
award-winning A&W Root Beer formula, home of the first junior high 
school in Fresno County and West Hills Community College. Today, the 
city ranks as one of the most independent communities in the San 
Joaquin Valley and champions itself in providing residents with a 
competent municipal library system, recreation and parks system, water 
supply and hospital systems.
  The history of this city further demonstrates that it is only by 
embracing the importance of community, cooperation and shared vision 
can such success be achieved. I am honored to stand and shine a 
spotlight on the city of Coalinga, as they celebrate a century of pride 
and progress.

                          ____________________