Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-29

RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF KERMAN'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY

TaxesInfrastructureAgriculture

Context

On 2026-06-29, Representative Adam Gray (D-CA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF KERMAN'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY" in the House.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF KERMAN'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E630] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF KERMAN'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. ADAM GRAY of california in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Kerman as it celebrates 80 years as an incorporated city on July 3, 2026. The site of Kerman was first established by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as a train station in 1891. It was at this site in 1892 that the famous Sontag and Evans gang held up the San Francisco- Los Angeles passenger train, one of the last train robberies in the country. Settlement and cultivation of the Kerman area began and continued through the turn of the century as irrigation projects brought water to the area, primarily from the Kings River to the south. In 1900, William G. Kerckhoff and Jacob Mansar purchased around 3,027 acres of land and formed the Fresno Irrigated Farms Company. In 1906, the town was renamed Kerman by combining the names Kerckhoff and Mansar. By 1914, Kerman had an estimated population of 400 people surrounded by 29,000 acres of producing cropland. The Kerman Creamery was a significant business and produced about 1,600 pounds of butter daily. In 1921, Madera Avenue was paved from the Southern Pacific railroad tracks north to the San Joaquin River, and streetlights were installed from the tracks to Whitesbridge Road. In 1946, the 1,050 residents of Kerman voted to incorporate. Sitting at the crossroads of State Route 145 and 180, Kerman has seen waves of residential and business growth that have expanded the city. Today, Kerman has a population nearing 20,000 and is the largest city in West Fresno County. Still surrounded by agriculture, Kerman has also become a popular bedroom community to Fresno through its continued growth, family atmosphere, and supportive local businesses and employers. Please join me in honoring the 80th Anniversary of the City of Kerman, where community comes first. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF KERMAN'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E630] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF KERMAN'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. ADAM GRAY of california in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Kerman as it celebrates 80 years as an incorporated city on July 3, 2026. The site of Kerman was first established by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as a train station in 1891. It was at this site in 1892 that the famous Sontag and Evans gang held up the San Francisco- Los Angeles passenger train, one of the last train robberies in the country. Settlement and cultivation of the Kerman area began and continued through the turn of the century as irrigation projects brought water to the area, primarily from the Kings River to the south. In 1900, William G. Kerckhoff and Jacob Mansar purchased around 3,027 acres of land and formed the Fresno Irrigated Farms Company. In 1906, the town was renamed Kerman by combining the names Kerckhoff and Mansar. By 1914, Kerman had an estimated population of 400 people surrounded by 29,000 acres of producing cropland. The Kerman Creamery was a significant business and produced about 1,600 pounds of butter daily. In 1921, Madera Avenue was paved from the Southern Pacific railroad tracks north to the San Joaquin River, and streetlights were installed from the tracks to Whitesbridge Road. In 1946, the 1,050 residents of Kerman voted to incorporate. Sitting at the crossroads of State Route 145 and 180, Kerman has seen waves of residential and business growth that have expanded the city. Today, Kerman has a population nearing 20,000 and is the largest city in West Fresno County. Still surrounded by agriculture, Kerman has also become a popular bedroom community to Fresno through its continued growth, family atmosphere, and supportive local businesses and employers. Please join me in honoring the 80th Anniversary of the City of Kerman, where community comes first. ____________________