[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 52 (Thursday, March 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HUNTINGTON BEACH 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANA ROHRABACHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2009

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City 
of Huntington Beach on its one hundredth anniversary. One of the most 
beautiful, comfortable, successful, clean, and vibrant cities of 
America has transformed itself from a tiny oil-producing and cow-
grazing piece of land, into the vibrant metropolis it is today. The 
home to nearly 200,000 people, Huntington Beach, CA has become a great 
example of what cities across America should strive to be.
  Anybody who has ever strolled along the boardwalk, played volleyball 
in the sand, surfed the waves, trekked out over the pier and watched 
the sun set know that they are experiencing something special. But 
leisure is not the only thing valued in Surf City, USA. The city has 
established a commitment to education with 35 elementary schools, five 
high schools, as well as two community colleges within the city's 
limits. The people of Huntington Beach are also very hard workers who 
have labored to contribute a great deal to their city, state, country, 
and world. The city plays host to a diverse range of industry, from 
low-tech to high-tech aerospace, among them The Boeing Company. The 
city is also home to part of the upper stage of the Saturn V rocket, 
which was engineered and built by Douglas Aircraft (later McDonnell 
Douglas), which took the first American flights to the moon.
  I must point out another aspect to this city that is near and dear to 
my heart, as the Chairman of the unofficial, yet powerful, House 
Surfers Caucus. Visit Huntington Beach, and within a short distance of 
each other, you will find the International Surfing Museum, the Surfing 
Hall of Fame, the Surfing Walk of Fame, Quicksilver, and my personal 
favorite, Jack's Surfboards. Every year, thousands gather on its 
beaches for the yearly U.S. Open of Surfing Contest. Although I'm not a 
competitor, it does not prevent me from getting up early in the 
morning, whenever I can, to join other surfers in the area, beyond the 
breakline, and hopefully catch a wave or two. Surfing adds a unique and 
important flavor to the local culture, and Huntington Beach has indeed 
earned its designation as Surf City, USA.
  Yes, Huntington Beach has much to be proud of. The city has so much 
to offer that people from every corner of the world have traveled to 
visit or settle in this beautiful city. And who can blame them? 
Huntington Beach boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the 
country, amazing weather, and friendly and innovative people. Several 
times, the FBI has cited the city as being one of the safest 
communities in the United States.
  Huntington Beach continues its quest for offering a great quality of 
life and advocating the advancement of freedom, fun, and human 
progress. Establishments such as Central Park, the Huntington Harbour, 
the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve, among others, are a testimony to 
this dedication. As this great city, Surf City, USA, celebrates its 
centennial, let us look to its example and work to emulate its success. 
I congratulate Huntington Beach on its centennial. I'm sure the next 
hundred will be just as grand.

                          ____________________