Sunol is a city in Alameda County, California, which was first established in the mid-1800s. It began as a ranching community but soon after, disappointed gold miners settled down in the area to become farmers. The railroad arrived around the late 1800s, making Sunol an easy access point for those traveling to San Jose. A water temple was designed and constructed around 1906, adding tourism to Sunol's agricultural-based economy. Summer homes were constructed around 1925 and continued as rental properties until World War II when a housing shortage in the Livermore-Amador Valley forced residents to relocate. Throughout its history, many historical buildings have been destroyed by fires, although some have been reconstructed. In 1981, a fiercely contested county election led to voters submitting write-in ballots electing Bosco, a Labrador retriever, honorary mayor; Bosco remained mayor until his death in 1994. A Chinese newspaper in 1990 used Sunol's situation as an example of America's failings but the citizens continued to support Bosco and named a local pub in his honor. Bosco's remains are mounted in the saloon, where he continues to serve the public.