During the 1880s the town experienced an influx of growth, and sought to increase its prestige. At the time, successful town planning included industry, agriculture, and education. San Luis Obispo had already achieved the first two, and in 1896, at the urging of Myron Angel and several other leading citizens, Assemblyman Warren John and Senator Sylvester Smith submitted a bill for a normal school to the State Legislature. However, only days before, San Diego had submitted a similar proposal, and San Luis Obispo’s prospects did not look good. The group resubmitted an alternate proposal for a polytechnic school in 1897, and in less than a month the bill was overwhelmingly passed. Nevertheless, due to delays and financial constraints, no money was allocated until 1902. On January 1, 1902, Cal Poly School received $50,000, and was officially founded.