[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 CELEBRATING COLMA'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEVIN MULLIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2024

  Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Town of Colma and join 
in celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the town's incorporation, 
and its unique history and significance to my district.
  Nestled in the north of San Mateo County, California, Colma is the 
smallest incorporated community by living population in the county that 
has a remarkable story to tell. As a San Mateo County native, I'm very 
familiar with Colma and its fame as a necropolis. Referred to as the 
``City of Souls,'' Colma has approximately 1,500 residents but over 1.5 
million graves, brandishing the motto ``It's great to be alive in 
Colma.'' In the early 1900's, San Francisco was growing and developing 
at a rapid pace, and areas and space for burials became scarce. The San 
Francisco Board of Supervisors prohibited new burials within city 
limits, prompting cemeteries to relocate to the more spacious and 
convenient surroundings of Colma.
  Today, Colma boasts 17 cemeteries altogether, including a pet 
cemetery. This astonishing number of remains includes notable figures 
such as Levi Strauss, the founder of the namesake blue jean company, 
Wyatt Earp, the infamous lawman of the Wild West, Joe DiMaggio and 
Willie McCovey, legendary baseball players, William Randolph Hearst, 
newspaper tycoon, Bill Graham, famed music promoter, and California 
political leaders like Governor Edmund ``Pat'' Brown. Their resting 
places, along with many others, attract visitors from near and far, 
making Colma a place of reflection and pilgrimage. Colma's cemeteries 
are not just places of mourning; they are also spaces of beauty and 
history. The grounds and historic monuments serve as a living museum, 
presenting the stories of countless individuals and preserving the 
history of the region. These cemeteries also significantly contribute 
to the local economy. Colma's unique position as a necropolis means 
that cemetery related industries like flower shops and monument 
businesses have sprung up across town. By supporting local employment 
and commerce, the town and its residents have utilized their unique 
circumstances to foster strength and sustainability within their 
community.
  Colma's significance extends beyond its role as a final resting 
place. Long before incorporation, Ohlone natives settled in the area 
and the Spanish used the land for farming and ranching. During the Gold 
Rush, the area that is now Colma was crucial for its agricultural 
products, dairies, and ranches to feed the greater San Francisco Bay 
Area and the large influx of people. As the greater San Francisco Bay 
Area grew, so did Colma, incorporating as Lawndale in 1924. The name 
changed in 1941 due to a conflict with a post office of the same name 
in Southern California.
  After World War II, Colma saw an increase in new housing subdivisions 
driven by returning veterans and continued adapting to changing needs 
and diversifying its economy. Colma is home to the famous ``Serramonte 
Auto Row'' of car dealerships, both foreign and domestic, right in the 
heart of the town and the town is a retail brick and mortar shopping 
destination. The Colma BART station opened in 1996 and was the first 
expansion of the mass transit system deeper into San Mateo County 
beyond the original plans. Modern success combined with a long, storied 
history has created a tight-knit community. This deep sense of 
community and a stable, dedicated elected leadership continues to shape 
the town. The residents are both resilient and vibrant, with a strong 
sense of local culture and identity. Colma has embraced the town's 
unique role, wearing it as a badge of honor for its heritage and 
history.
  I am proud Colma is part of the Congressional District that I 
represent. The town stands as a testament to the power of adaptation 
and a reminder of the storied history of San Mateo County. Colma honors 
the past while also fostering a unique blend of old-world, small-town 
charm, and modern municipal government. As I reflect on the journey of 
the Town of Colma, I am reminded of the profound impact that history 
has on shaping our communities and our identity as Americans. On this 
day, let us celebrate Colma for its resilient spirit, and its unique 
place in the heart of San Mateo County.

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