2020 Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month has roots dating back to 1968, with the establishment of

National Hispanic Heritage Week, and was updated in 1988 to encompass a full month. The period begins on the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Belize, Chile and Mexico also celebrate their independence days during this period.

WHEREAS, each year, from September 15 to October 15, Americans across the United States observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of the Hispanics and Latinos to the United States and those American citizens whose ancestry can be traced from Spain, Mexico, Caribbean Islands, Central America, and South America; and WHEREAS, Hispanics and Latinos have deep roots in the City of Costa Mesa. Today, residents of Hispanic and Latino origin represent thirty-six percent of the City’s population; and

CONSIDERANDO, generaciones de hispanos y latinos son una parte esencial del tejido de Costa Mesa; amplificando el éxito y la diversidad de nuestra comunidad con su fortaleza, espíritu, vitalidad, e iniciativa empresaria; y

CONSIDERANDO, durante estos tiempos inciertos y turbulentos, los hispanos y latinos de Costa Mesa permanecen unidos y fuertes; prosperan y enriquecen a nuestra comunidad; y

CONSIDERANDO que, este mes provee una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre la historia de nuestro país y para celebrar a nuestros residentes que identifican con ser hispanos y latinos, la Ciudad de Costa Mesa reconoce y aplaude los éxitos y las contribuciones de nuestra comunidad hispana y latina; y

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Katrina Foley, do hereby proclaim the thirty- one-day period beginning September 15 and ending October 15, 2020 to be Hispanic Heritage Month and encourage all Costa Mesa residents to increase their cultural awareness by learning the important role that our Hispanic and Latino community has played in contributing to our City’s prosperity.

Presented this 15th day of September 2020

______Katrina Foley Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa