[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 18075] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SONOMA CITY HALL ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Monday, September 8, 2008 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, to honor the 100th anniversary of the Sonoma City Hall. This iconic building has long stood as a symbol of the unique community that is the city of Sonoma. City hall sits in the center of the 8-acre Sonoma Plaza, the largest town square in the State of California. Dedicated on September 7, 1908, the city hall was built using local basalt stone and originally designed with 4 identical facades, allowing merchants from any side of the square to boast that city hall faced their business. Surrounding the city hall on Sonoma Plaza are many historical buildings, including the Mission San Francisco Solano, Captain Salvador Vallejo's Casa Grande, the Presidio of Sonoma, the Blue Wing Inn, the Sebastiani Theatre, and the Toscano Hotel. Not far from city hall, on the northeast comer of the plaza, John C. Fremont led the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846, which would lead to California becoming the 31st State 4 years later. The plaza has been a National Historic Landmark since 1960 and still serves as the town's focal point, hosting many community festivals and drawing tourists all year round. In honor of this anniversary, city of Sonoma Historian George McKale has organized a commemoration committee to help celebrate this event with the community. Over the last year, members of the committee have arranged for a photo exhibition, as well as sponsoring a poster contest for local students, a lecture series, and a historic quarry hike, all to honor Sonoma's City Hall. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge the 100th anniversary of Sonoma City Hall. In years to come, this beautiful and historic structure will continue to be one of the most memorable images of the city of Sonoma to residents and visitors alike. ____________________