[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 138 (Tuesday, October 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIOLA, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 23, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of Biola, California's founding. Biola is a small community 
located in the Central Valley with a population of about 1,600 people. 
The community was founded in 1912 by William Kerchoff, and it was 
incorporated in 1921. Biola has gone through tough times in the past 
100 years, but they have proven to be a society that thrives and fights 
to always be better than the previous year.
  Biola is known for its sense of community and comradeship. Families 
have lived in the same few square miles for generations. Neighbors are 
like family in Biola, and there is no question that there is a sense of 
loyalty between everyone.
  In 1936 the Biola Raisin Day Festival began. It is a time for the 
citizens to come together, appreciate their town, and enjoy each 
other's company. This year marks the 56th Raisin Day Festival, and for 
three days, there will be entertainment, fun, and delicious food. The 
Biola Chamber of Commerce has made this weekend one of their top 
priorities. 100 percent of the profits that are made at the festival 
will go to bettering the sidewalks in the community.
  Improving the quality of life in Biola is extremely important to its 
citizens, especially young people. A Biola Youth Group has been created 
so young men and women can be involved in making their community a 
better place. They participate in city cleaning projects, fundraising 
activities, and they support local events. The citizens in Biola 
understand that change does not happen on its own, and that a community 
engaged is vital.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing one of 
California's most close-knit communities. The citizens of Biola must be 
commended for their hard work and dedication to making their small town 
a wonderful place to live.

                          ____________________