WHEREAS, each year, 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, the Caribbean Islands, Central America, and South America; and WHEREAS, the Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Re agan in 1988 to cover a 30 -day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402; and WHEREAS, the day of Sep tember 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; in addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18; and WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa looks forward to celebrating its inaugural National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Day with the greater community to highlight the rich heritage, arts, food, music, and traditions of all Latin American nations while recognizing that these nations are not monogamous, this month celebrates, honors, and pays tribute to all for their contributions to the City of Costa Mesa and the nation; and WHEREAS, Hispanics and Latinos have deep roots in the City of Costa Mesa; r esidents of Hispanic and Latino origin represent thirty-six percent of the City’s population; and WHEREAS, this year, the 2023 Hispanic Heritage M onth observance theme is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America,” recognizing the significant achievements of the Hispanic and Latin community in the economic and political industries; and
WHEREAS, generation after generation, Hispanics and Latinos have enriched the Costa Mesa community through their resilience, spirit, vibrancy, leadership, investments, and entrepreneurship, advancing the many successes of our richly diverse City; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports the development of 30,000 Hispanic -owned businesses by providing opportunities for networking, legislative advocacy, access to capital, education, and training programs to create a better image, understanding, and appreciation of the importance of the Hispanic Market.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor John B. Stephens, do hereby proclaim September 15 – October 15, 2023, as Hispanic Heritage Month and encourage the residents of Costa Mesa to celebrate and observe this month by increasing their awareness of the valuable ways Hispanics and Latinos have contributed to our city’s prosperity.
Dated this 5th day of September 2023
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John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa