[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     HONORING THE CITY OF RIO VISTA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
130th anniversary of the City of Rio Vista.
  In 1877, the first consideration of Rio Vista's incorporation began. 
At that time, concerns that expensive improvements would be brought 
against the wishes of the citizens led to the postponement of further 
consideration of the matter. By 1892, the citizens reached a consensus 
regal ding the necessity of incorporation. Incorporating allowed Rio 
Vista to establish a Board of Trustees with the power to pass 
ordinances, purchase and lease property for municipal purposes, 
contract for the supply of water, improve streets and sidewalks, 
provide fire apparatus, impose and collect dog license fees and 
property taxes, and perform other similar duties.
  A petition was drafted describing the boundaries of the proposed 
incorporation. However, just before the petition was scheduled to go 
before the Solano County Board of Supervisors in May of 1892, it was 
discovered that the voter registry did not meet legal qualifications 
and would need to be updated.
  Following this, a second petition circulated in November of 1893, 
with an election scheduled for December 30, 1893. The population at the 
time was approximately 650. Of those 650, 129 were eligible voters. 
That day, 121 were polled, with a majority supporting incorporation.
  On January 3, 1894, the Board of Supervisors canvassed the votes. As 
there was a majority, the Board declared the Town of Rio Vista a 
municipal corporation, and named the first Board of Trustees, 
Treasurer, Clerk, and Marshal.
  In the time since the vote, the population in Rio Vista has grown 
substantially. Today, there are over 10,000 residents. Since 
incorporation, numerous notable events have occurred. In 1968, Rio 
Vista became the City of Rio Vista rather than the Town of Rio Vista. 
In 1985, Rio Vista gained national attention when Humphrey the Whale 
deviated from his migratory route, ending up in Rio Vista. In 1989, the 
Rio Vista Municipal Airport was built, providing residents with more 
convenient access to flights.
  Today, the City of Rio Vista is a sanctuary for those seeking a 
slower paced atmosphere. A popular location for many wildlife 
enthusiasts, bird watchers, fisherman, and wind surfers, Rio Vista is 
surrounded by beautiful rivers. Rio Vista is also the largest producer 
of Belgian Endive in the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, as our community now commemorates this momentous 
anniversary, we celebrate the history of the City of Rio Vista. It is 
therefore fitting and proper that we honor the City of Rio Vista here 
today.

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