[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 139 (Friday, November 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF WALNUT CREEK

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                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 14, 2014

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and 
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Walnut Creek, 
California.
  Walnut Creek is a vibrant city within the boundaries of my 11th 
Congressional District in Contra Costa County. Once a small rural town, 
east of San Francisco, Walnut Creek has evolved into a beautiful city 
with plenty of open space and the reputation as a regional destination 
for shopping and fine dining.
  Walnut Creek began as the home to four tribes of the Bay Miwok: the 
Chupcans, in the northern part of the Diablo Valley; the Saclans, in 
present day Lafayette as well as in smaller valleys of the east bay 
hills; the Volvon, in areas surrounding Mount Diablo and Marsh Creek; 
and the Tatcans along the San Ramon Creek. The region's history was 
first recorded in 1772 when Spanish explorer Captain Pedro Fages led 
the first group of explorers into the Contra Costa County. The area 
began seeing an increase in settlement following the Mexican Revolution 
in 1821. In 1834 Mexico encouraged settlement in its new territory and 
as a result, four large land grants were made available. In 1849 the 
first American settler arrived and built a cabin in an area called 
Rancho Arroyo de las Nueces y Bolbones, one of the original 4 land 
grants. Americans called this area ``Nuts Creek'' due to the many 
walnut trees and creeks that were in the region.
  Following the Mexican-American War, California became a U.S. 
Territory and subsequently gained statehood in 1850. As the area grew, 
commercial structures were built including, a hotel, general store, a 
blacksmith shop, and a meat market. Twelve years later with the 
establishment of the U.S. Post Office the community was officially 
named ``Walnut Creek''.
  As years passed Walnut Creek continued to grow. In 1871, a plan to 
build a school failed for lack of funding, so the residents took the 
initiative to tax themselves $15.00 and Walnut Creek Central School was 
built. This tradition of valuing education remains as strong today as 
evidenced by Walnut Creek's exceptional elementary, middle and high 
school programs.
  Residents continue to generously support the schools with their time, 
talent and their money to ensure a bright future for all of their 
children.
  The City of Walnut Creek was officially incorporated on October 21, 
1914 making it the eighth city in Contra Costa County. Originally a 
small town comprised of 500 acres, Walnut Creek now covers almost 20 
square miles.
  In 1951 Walnut Creek entered its modern era of commercial growth. 
Broadway Plaza opened with 38 shops. The '50s also saw the first 
population boom for the region as total population soared from 2,460 in 
1950 to 9,903 in 1960 and 39,844 in 1970. On May 25 of 1976 across the 
street from Broadway Plaza, Liberty Bell Plaza was dedicated to the 
nation's bicentennial by former President Gerald Ford. Walnut Creek has 
continued to experience rapid growth and today is the home to over 
64,000 people.
  While Walnut Creek is no longer a small town it still boasts of the 
most open space per capita than any other community in the entire state 
of California, bringing together the comfort and excitement of city 
life while still maximizing the conservation of the surrounding 
environment. Today with its vast expanse of open space combined with a 
Mediterranean climate, sweeping views of nearby Mount Diablo, and 
diversity of flora, Walnut Creek has been established as one of 
California's most picturesque and charming communities. It is a 
thriving city with a colorful history and a very bright future.
  I ask my colleagues to join with me today in celebrating the 100th 
Anniversary of Walnut Creek's incorporation and in wishing the 
residents another century of continued prosperity.

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