[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 100 (Friday, June 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 UPON THE OCCASION OF THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE 
                   CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2018

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleague, Anna Eshoo, 
to recognize the City of East Palo Alto upon the occasion of its 35th 
anniversary as an incorporated city in San Mateo County. East Palo Alto 
is a beautiful community of approximately 30,000 persons nestled 
between San Francisco Bay and communities to the west.
  The people of East Palo Alto have always been industrious. As the 
city entered the 1980's, its leadership became convinced that this 
energy needed a focus: Its own city government so that services could 
flourish and greater economic opportunity could be created.
  We were both members of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors 
during this time, and we supported the incorporation of East Palo Alto 
because we know that self-determination was the best way to deliver 
opportunity. Passions ran high and the 1982 attempt at incorporation 
was not successful. However, the second attempt, in 1983, delivered a 
narrow win of 13 votes.
  The leadership in this effort was, of course, local and several of 
those leaders were selected for the first city council. Ms. Barbara 
Moulton was the first Mayor and today's Mayor, Mr. Ruben Abrica, served 
on that first city council. Also serving were Mr. James Blakey Jr., 
Vice-Mayor, Mr. F.J. ``Omowale'' Satterwhite, and Ms. Gertrude Wilkes. 
East Palo Alto is a community where the love of its original city 
mothers and fathers endures to this day amongst those who remain. This 
love has been passed on to multiple waves of new, energetic, leaders as 
the community underwent tremendous changes during the intervening 
decades.
  Since 1983, a police force has been created to replace the patrols of 
the county Sheriff, and today this department has strong ties to the 
people that it serves. The city has control over planning and zoning, 
so the tax base has exploded. Recently, the city negotiated water 
rights from its neighbors and is now poised to take part in the high 
technology transformation of long-dormant land within its jurisdiction.
  At one time in its history, East Palo Alto suffered from major crime 
problems, but the community came together to dramatically improve 
safety. Today, East Palo Alto's violent crime rate is comparable to the 
overall rate of California. Credit goes to city leadership, residents 
in all neighborhoods, the schools, clergy, and major philanthropies.
  A new jobs center recently opened and residents are being placed in 
positions each month. Infrastructure problems that long bedeviled the 
community are being tackled on a scale that can only be described as 
gigantic. Flooding has been dramatically reduced due to a multi-
million-dollar creek project nearing completion, and due to extensive 
improvements in the city's storm drain system. Plans exist to upgrade 
major roads such as Bay Road.
  A new park at Cooley Landing recently opened, bringing access to the 
bay closer to the children of East Palo Alto. Coupled with the Bay 
Trail that runs nearby and along its levees, East Palo Alto is rapidly 
transforming from a community where the demand for additional police 
services has receded at the same moment that the demand for a bicycle 
bridge over Highway 101 succeeded.
  East Palo Alto is in many ways like any other city in America because 
its civic spirit is improving the quality of life with the passage of 
every day. However, unlike many other communities in America, East Palo 
Alto consciously seeks to build bridges between its residents. This is 
reflected in the city's mission statement: The City of East Palo Alto 
provides responsive, respectful, and efficient public services to 
enhance the quality of life and safety for its multi-cultural 
community.
  In 1983, skeptics predicted that the residents of East Palo Alto 
could not financially support a city. They were wrong.
  In 1983, some predicted that infighting would kill the civic spirit 
of East Palo Alto. They were wrong. Civic pride, always strong and 
present, has flourished.
  In 1983, some wondered if the residents of East Palo Alto could 
deliver on the promises of incorporation. Today, East Palo Alto is a 
shining example of the story of America herself. It is thriving and 
self-governing towards an ever-brighter future. We celebrate the 35th 
anniversary of the incorporation of this special place by the bay. East 
Palo Alto is an outstanding example of democracy in America.

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