[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE CITY OF SAN BUENAVENTURA'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 2016

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
the City of San Buenaventura as it celebrates 150 years of 
incorporation. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Los Padres 
National Forest, the City of San Buenaventura is known for its 
breathtaking ocean views and expansive rolling hills and truly lives up 
to its namesake as the ``City of Good Fortune.''
  The City of San Buenaventura has a long history and archaeological 
discoveries in the area suggest that humans have populated the region 
for at least 10,000-12,000 years. Founded in 1782, the San Buenaventura 
Mission served as the heart of this small coastal community and the 
city was incorporated on April 2, 1866. From the beginning, Ventura has 
been a place of commerce, starting with the indigenous Chumash, who 
were fine artisans and adept travelers by canoes, naming it Shisholop 
or ``port on the coast'' for their lucrative trade activities. While 
living in Shisholop Village, which is now downtown Ventura, the local 
indigenous Chumash people thrived through their trade of shell bead 
money and chert.
  In 1873, the community's visionary leaders boldly stepped up to 
establish Ventura County, carved from Santa Barbara, with the City of 
San Buenaventura as the county helm. As development boomed in the 
1900s, the region flourished with agricultural operations and oil 
production.
  According to local lore, the city's name was abbreviated to Ventura 
to accommodate the dimensions of a sign at the local railroad station. 
Today, Ventura has continued its steady growth and boasts over 100,000 
residents. Throughout history, Ventura has remained an ideal locale for 
residents, businesses, and visitors as a quintessential California 
coastal community often cited as one of the most desirable places to 
live in the United States.
  With the historic Two Trees overlooking the city, Ventura has miles 
of pristine beaches, making it one of the most renowned destinations 
for surfing. Ventura is home to the iconic Ventura Pier and the Ventura 
Harbor, a commercial harbor gateway to the Channel Islands National 
Park. With a thriving downtown cultural district, many musicians come 
through to play at the Majestic Ventura Theater and festivals regularly 
occur at Plaza Park. Ventura is also known as the host of the annual 
Ventura County Fair, ``a county fair with ocean air.''
  As we commemorate the city's 150th anniversary, I would like to 
commend the City of San Buenaventura and its residents, past and 
present, on their success of reaching this milestone. I offer my 
sincerest congratulations during this sesquicentennial celebration and 
look forward to many more years of growth and prosperity.

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