[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE NAMING OF THE VERMONT AVENUE EXIT ON STATE HIGHWAY 
        ROUTE 10 IN HONOR OF THE EL SALVADOR COMMUNITY CORRIDOR

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                            HON. JIMMY GOMEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2019

  Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the El Salvador 
Community Corridor (Corridor), the first designated Salvadoran 
community in the City of Los Angeles.
  This vibrant Corridor, located in the Pico Union area in the southern 
region of downtown Los Angeles, honors the rich history, heritage and 
contributions of the Salvadoran American community. Murals throughout 
the Corridor depict the cultural pride, struggles and dreams of 
Salvadoran Americans.
  Forty years of internal political turmoil forced individuals from the 
Republic of El Salvador to flee the country and seek peace and security 
in the United States. Today, it is estimated that nearly one million 
Salvadorans reside in Los Angeles, making Los Angeles home to the 
largest population of Salvadorans outside of El Salvador.
  You cannot tell the story of Los Angeles without telling the stories 
of the Salvadoran American community--and of the community leaders, 
public servants, artists, teachers, neighbors, family members and 
friends who enrich Los Angeles in countless ways.
  In 2012, the City of Los Angeles declared a section of Vermont Avenue 
as the El Salvador Community Corridor, a long over due recognition of 
the economic and cultural contributions of Salvadoran American 
individuals, families, and organizations. This designation--an 
important step for the community--created a special place for residents 
to celebrate their culture through businesses, retail, colorful art, 
food, clothing, and traditions.
  This year, we celebrate the naming of the Vermont Avenue exit on 
State Highway 10 in honor of the Corridor. Another important step in 
honoring the integral role of the Salvadoran American community in the 
economy, culture and identity of Los Angeles.
  I ask all Members to join me in commending the countless 
contributions of the Salvadoran American community to Los Angeles and 
recognizing integral economic and cultural role of the El Salvador 
Community Corridor.

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