[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE CABRILLO CIVIC CLUBS OF CALIFORNIA 76TH ANNUAL 
                               CONVENTION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cabrillo 
Civic Clubs of California on this memorable occasion of their 76th 
Annual Convention. I am especially honored to welcome all of the 
members of the Cabrillo Civic Clubs, traditionally known as 
``Cabrillians'' to Lemoore, California, located in the heart of the 
20th Congressional District.
  Organized in January 1934 and chartered on December 19 of that same 
year, the Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California was created by 
Californians of Portuguese descent to promote the legacy of Portuguese 
mariner Joao Rodrigues Cabrilho who is credited with the discovery of 
California. Early efforts to create awareness of the Portuguese 
compatriot resulted in two milestones, both in 1935, with the 
establishment of a statewide Cabrillo Day observed annually on 
September 28 and the creation of a Cabrillo National Monument in Point 
Loma, California. Cabrillians have succeeded in having State Highway 1 
christened the ``Cabrillo Highway'' in 1957 and in fostering the 
issuance of a U.S. postal stamp in Joao Rodrigues Cabrilho's honor in 
1992.
  Today, Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California members remain dedicated to 
the principals of their pioneer forefathers in the Golden State. With 
12 chapters and an active membership boasting over 2,800 individuals, 
Cabrillians continue to engage in opportunities that promote and 
enhance civic progress. Special events, such as the San Diego Cabrillo 
Festival, Portuguese Immigrant Week and local Festas Portuguesas, allow 
Cabrillians to share and create awareness of Portuguese customs and 
traditions in communities across California. As Americans born of 
Portugese immigrants, Cabrillo Civic Club members are proud to live the 
American dream and have a deep commitment to making meaningful 
contributions to their communities. Cabrillians dedicate their time and 
resources to innumerable charitable activities, including: organizing 
blood drives, fund raising for polio and cancer research, assisting 
candidates for U.S. citizenship, and providing college scholarships for 
students of Portuguese descent. Cabrillians are able to give back to 
our communities in so many important ways throughout our great Golden 
State.
  As a son of Portuguese immigrants, I am very proud of the efforts 
made by the Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California that keep the legacy of 
my Portuguese ancestors alive and a part of the rich ethnic and 
cultural fabric of America. I ask my colleagues to rise with me today 
to express our sincere appreciation to the Cabrillo Civic Clubs of 
California for their extraordinary contributions to California and wish 
them continued success in all their endeavors.

                          ____________________