Proclamation
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed between September 15 and October 15 to celebrate the vast diversity and culture of Hispanic Americans, and the histories and contributions of these Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
September 15 was chosen as the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month as a tribute to the anniversary of “El Grito de Dolores,” or the “Cry of Dolores,” which was the call to battle in Mexico’s 1810 war for independence from Spain. Additionally, several countries, including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, also celebrate their independence on September 15. (nbclosangeles.com) What began as Hispanic Heritage Week when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law in 1968 became a month-long celebration under a law signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. During this time, communities across the country host events that showcase Hispanic heritage through art, music, food, and public recognition of Hispanic leaders. (nbclosangeles.com) The Hispanic population in the United States reached 70.1 million in 2026, or 21% of the total U.S. population, making this group the nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority, according to the U.S. Census.
In California, 41% of residents are Hispanic, and 51.5% of Californians 24 years and under are Hispanic, according to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). In the City of Alameda, Hispanic American residents comprise 12% of our population.
One of California's two U.S. Senators, Alex Padilla, is Hispanic American, as are State Senator Jesse Arreguín and Assemblymember, and Alameda resident, Mia Bonta, who represent us in Sacramento. And next month, Xavier Becerra may become the first elected Hispanic American Governor of the State of California. In the City of Alameda, many Hispanic Americans are members of City staff and serve on City Boards and Commissions.
And in Alameda, where our unofficial motto is, “Where everyone belongs,” we stand with Hispanic Americans' efforts to overcome prejudice and discrimination, and fight for workers' and immigrants' rights, including access to healthcare, housing, employment, education, and equal treatment under the law.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2026
National Hispanic Heritage Month
in the City of Alameda and encourage all Alamedans to learn more about, and celebrate, the rich culture and history of Hispanic Americans who enrich our communities and shape our state and our nation, by attending the following events at our libraries:
LIBRARY
• September 15-October 15 - Take & Make Mini Piñatas at West End Library (daily during business hours & while supplies last)
• September 21- October 15 - Community Ofrenda at Bay Farm Island Library (daily during business hours)
• September 19 - Loteria at Main Library at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM • September 24 – Papel Picado Workshop at West End Library at 4:00 PM • September 26 - Spanish Movie Matinee - Encanto at Bay Farm Island Library at 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• September 26 - Film screening from La Mezcla SF with a discussion led by the director at Main Library at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• October 5 - Aida Salazar author visit at Main Library at 4:00 PM And by enjoying a meal at one of these Hispanic or Hispanic-owned local restaurants:
RESTAURANTS
• Acapulco (Lincoln Ave) – old-school Alameda Mexican institution • Calafia Taqueria (Webster St) – Taco Tuesday favorite • Casa Revolución Taqueria (Santa Clara Ave) – quesabirria, big salsa bar • Ceron (Webster St) – new American cuisine with subtle Latin American • Cholita Linda (Park St) – Cuban/Latin fusion, sandwiches & plates • El Caballo Wraps (Lincoln Ave) – wide Mexican menu, grab-and-go • Island Taqueria (Park St) – longtime burrito spot
• La Penca Azul (Park St) – cantina, bar, brunch through late night • Leña (Central Ave) – upscale Mexican, cocktails, dinner-only • Macondo Colombian Fusion (Webster St) – Colombian arepas & empanadas • Taco Fino Express (Park St) – highest-rated (4.9), tacos & burritos • Taqueria Mi Burrito (Alameda Ave) – Alameda institution, super burrito • Taqueria Viva México (Central Ave) – since 1987
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor