[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO CELEBRATES THEIR 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is my personal honor and privilege to 
rise today and pay tribute to my State's Capitol, my Congressional 
district which I have served for the past 20 years, and my home; the 
City of Sacramento on their 150th anniversary.
  In January of 1848, James Marshal reached into the American River 
near Sacramento and retrieved a small nugget of gold. This discovery 
gave birth to California's gold rush and provided a prosperous 
foundation for Sacramento to thrive.
  At the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the City of 
Sacramento grew quickly, cradled by the fertile land of the Central 
Valley. On August 1, 1849, Sacramento's City Council convened for the 
first time and began drafting the City Charter. On March 18, 1850, the 
City of Sacramento became the first incorporated city in the State of 
California.
  Since that time, Sacramento has developed a national and 
international reputation for progress and innovation. From its early 
days as the terminus for the Pony Express and the Transcontinental 
Railroad, to its current seat of government for the nation's most 
populous state, Sacramento has embraced its destiny in defining the 
ever-changing face of California.
  Today, instead of Sacramento's riches coming from the surrounding 
hills of gold, our riches come from the great wealth of people, culture 
and diversity. As the 7th largest city in California, and the 38th 
largest city in the Nation, we owe our prosperity to the men and women 
who have sacrificed and dedicated their lives to the social and 
economic strength of our City.
  Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga bestowed upon our City the name 
Sacramento, meaning holy covenant with God. As the City of Sacramento 
begins its 150th anniversary, I encourage the people of Sacramento to 
make a personal covenant with each other, to honor our history, respect 
our diversity, and challenge us all to ensure a prosperous future.
  This evening, the City of Sacramento will begin a yearlong 
celebration of its 150th anniversary at a special City Council meeting 
at City Hall. As a former member of the City Council, I would like to 
personally congratulate the Mayor and the City Council for achieving 
such an honorable milestone.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
City of Sacramento on their 150th anniversary. Sacramento's golden 
history is reflected often throughout the City and is a constant 
reminder of the wealth of opportunity, which continues to grace the 
people of Sacramento.

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