[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15688]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE CITY OF VISALIA AND THE COUNTY OF TULARE'S 
                      SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 
150th Anniversary of the City of Visalia and Tulare County, California. 
The City and the County are celebrating their official anniversaries 
together on September 7, 2002 at historical Mooney Grove Park.
  The City of Visalia and the County of Tulare were both organized in 
1852. The State of California was two years old.
  Visalia started as a small, creekside settlement and has grown into 
the dynamic community it is today. Commonly referred to as ``Jewel of 
the Valley'' and ``Gateway to the Sierra,'' Visalia is now home to more 
than 92,000 residents. It is renowned for its great Valley Oaks that 
grace its neighborhoods, reminders of the natural heritage of which its 
residents are so proud.
  Tulare County, anchored on the east by spectacular Sierra Nevada 
peaks, Giant Sequoia groves and fertile plains, which make it the 
number one agricultural county in the world, is also one of the largest 
counties in the great San Joaquin Valley. It is home to Sequoia and 
Kings National Park and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Its 
residents range from its Native Americans to dozens of nationalities 
from all corners of the globe, making its communities diverse and proud 
of their shared heritage.
  Both the City of Visalia and County of Tulare have thrived since 
their early beginnings. I have had the distinct pleasure of visiting 
both the city and the county over the years. Both are truly valuable 
assets to the State of California.
  I am honored to serve the people of Visalia and Tulare County and 
wish them all a wonderful sesquicentennial anniversary celebration. I 
encourage my colleagues to join me in wishing the City of Visalia and 
Tulare County many more years of prosperity.
  I yield the floor.

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