[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1224-E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF EAST PALO ALTO

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                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 30th anniversary of the 
City of East Palo

[[Page E1225]]

Alto. I am proud to represent the 28,000 residents of this city in the 
14th Congressional District of California. The small community, which 
has a land area of only 2.5 square miles, was incorporated on July 1, 
1983 and became the 20th city of San Mateo County. Voters elected the 
first city council of Barbara Mouton--the first mayor--Gertrude Wilks, 
Frank Omowale Satterwhite, Ruben Abrica--the current mayor--and James 
Blakely, Jr.
  I remember the days when the creation of the city was quite 
uncertain. I was on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors at the 
time and supported incorporation. We had events in East Palo Alto to 
educate the public in advance of the vote. We had rallies and voter 
registration drives. The election's outcome is testament to the work of 
hundreds who went into their neighborhoods to explain why creating a 
city would help the residents of East Palo Alto to improve their lives.
  East Palo Alto has made great progress in the three decades since its 
residents choose to create their own path to a better future. The town 
has many wonderful institutions such as its improving schools, social 
service agencies, churches, and an outstanding public medical clinic, 
the Ravenswood Family Health Center. Residents are very engaged in 
street improvement, school safety and beautification projects. The 
wisdom of residents, local officials, and law enforcement helped the 
city overcome a spike in crime in the 1980s and 90s.
  What has not changed in the past 30 years is the fact that people are 
attracted to the area because of its centralized location, its 
proximity to San Francisco Bay, its desirable weather and its family-
centered churches and schools.
  For centuries, the original inhabitants were Ohlone Native Americans 
who lived along the coast from San Francisco to Monterey Bay. In 1849, 
when the town was founded as Ravenswood, Isaiah Woods tried to make it 
a major shipping town. In 1868 he sold his operation to Lester Cooley 
who built a brick factory. After the brick factory, the city became a 
farming community, largely based upon growing flowers. A large Japanese 
population dominated the flower growing market until the shameful World 
War II decision that forced 120,000 Japanese-Americans into internment 
camps.
  After the war, many African-Americans moved to East Palo Alto and 
made it the largest African American community on the peninsula. In 
fact, during the civil rights movement in 1968, the city was almost 
renamed Nairobi. Today, the city has a multi-ethnic population that is 
over 60% Hispanic, about 15% African American, 7% Asian, 7% Caucasian 
and 11% Pacific Islander.
  Since the late 1990s, East Palo Alto has experienced significant 
economic development. A quarter of the city's buildings have been 
replaced with new housing and retail space. This development is what 
the founders of the city hoped for--a chance to create jobs for 
residents within the community. In 2008, another step was taken as 
residents and local businesses established the East Palo Alto Community 
Farmers Market. The market is allied with the health center, providing 
wholesome food for residents at affordable prices. In 2009, the first 
full service supermarket opened in the Ravenswood 101 shopping center. 
Once again, the residents of East Palo Alto demonstrated that theirs is 
a community that knows how to get things done.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to 
honor the 30th anniversary of East Palo Alto as the city is celebrating 
this occasion with a parade, community festival and fireworks. This 
diverse Bay Area community welcomes all residents and neighbors with 
warmth and optimism--today and every day.

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