APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
DRAFT
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER NOEL GALLO
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 15th THROUGH
OCTOBER 15th OF THE YEAR 2024 AS “NATIONAL HISPANIC
HERITAGE MONTH,” AND HONORING HISPANIC/LATINX
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP IN OAKLAND
WHEREAS, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, in recognition of the achievements and contributions of Hispanic/ Latinx champions who have inspired others to brake barriers, achieve success, and create a positive impact in our community; and
WHEREAS, the observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period, and was enacted into law on August 17, 1988; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge that the term Hispanic is not representative of all those who are from Latin America. Hispanic/Latinx is a mixture of rich and diverse ethnic groups; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of the Census estimates the Hispanic/Latinx population living in Oakland as of 2020 is 29 percent; and
WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latinx community has made remarkable strides in various fields. From local entrepreneurs driving economic growth to community leaders advocating for social justice, their contributions are deeply woven into the fabric of the city. Oakland’s vibrant cultural scene is enriched by Hispanic/Latinx artists, musicians, and performers who bring diverse perspectives and creativity to the forefront; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the following outstanding Hispanic/Latinx individuals and organizations, who through their groundbreaking work and innovation, have promoted positive change for the City of Oakland and all its residents; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Mayor honors Richard Fuentes, a local business owner, public servant, and community advocate. As co-founder of downtown Oakland’s Fluid510 and Port Bar, Richard’s businesses have become pillars of downtown Oakland’s small business community, especially as part of downtown’s LGBTQ nightlife. Richard has worked for BART 2 for over a decade, supporting the transit agency to secure critical funding as a Manager in the Executive Office of Budget and Performance. As an LGBTQ Latino, Richard is passionate and caring for all Oaklanders; and
WHEREAS, District 1 is proud to honor_________; and
WHEREAS, District 2, Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas is honored to recognize Viviana Rodriguez-Smith, the daughter of Pedro and Maria, mother of Naim, a Xicana creative and community advocate born in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico, and raised in West Oakland, CA.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Socio-cultural Anthropology in 2012, as a first generation college student. She worked for 16 years in community health education. In 2016 she co-founded E14 Gallery, a space dedicated to upholding the values of Oakland; History, Culture, Resistance & Resilience. Viviana was an unaccompanied minor who migrated to the USA with her little brother to be reunited with her parents and baby sister. Her history and culture led her into the world of social justice and cultural work. At age 16 she joined the movement in resistance to the anti-immigrant politics, youth criminalization and substandard education in California which led to a lifelong dedication to organizing, community healing, and empowerment; and
WHEREAS, District 3, Councilmember Carroll Fife is proud to recognize Fernando Diaz Mendoza, the founder of Proyecto Diaz Coffee, a roasting company rooted in coffee and based in Oakland. The Diaz family began growing coffee in the lush hills of Oaxaca, Mexico. Over the years, the estate was divided up and passed to great-grandfather’s children. One of those children is Juan Leovigildo Diaz, who has been cultivating coffee on his farm, EL CARMEN, for the past 70 years. Fernando Diaz Mendoza is committed to continuing his family's legacy and supporting other small Latin American coffee producers. Together with his wife Hannah-Love Diaz, they own and operate Proyecto Diaz Coffee, which includes a cafe and roasting facility in West Oakland, as well as a coffee stand at the SF Ferry Building Farmers Market. They aim to make coffee farming a viable livelihood for their grandfather and others like him by reinvesting 10% of their profits back into the farm, with the hope of rebuilding their grandfather’s farm and the Diaz legacy. Their goal is to create a direct connection between coffee producer and coffee drinker. what they call caffeinate with purpose; and
WHEREAS, District 4 is honored ___________; and
WHEREAS, District 5, Councilmember Noel Gallo is honored to recognize the Unity Council as it proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of dedicated service and impactful community building. Since its founding in 1964, the Unity Council has embarked on an extraordinary journey to create vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods where individuals and families have the opportunity to work, learn, and thrive together. Through a steadfast commitment to social equity and economic empowerment, The Unity Council has played a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for countless residents in Fruitvale and beyond. Their programs and initiatives have fostered leadership, cultural pride, and community engagement, serving as a beacon of hope and support for those they serve. As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, it is fitting to recognize The Unity Council's significant contributions to the Latino community and their unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion. Their legacy is a testament to the power of unity in building a brighter future for all; and 3 WHEREAS, District 6, Councilmember Kevin Jenkins honors Eve Delfín, a second- generation Chicana. Eve has dedicated the last twenty years to serving underrepresented, at-risk youth and violence prevention in several TK-12 Oakland Unified schools and the community. She was part of the first cohort of Community School Managers for the Juvenile Justice Center, where she played a critical role as a high-level administrator, managing, leading, and coordinating integrated community partnerships. Currently, Eve is a Latino Student Achievement Targeted Student Specialist in the Office of Equity for Oakland Unified School District. In this role, she works to create the necessary educational and systemic conditions, culture, and competencies to advance Latino student achievement within a full-service community school district. Eve earned her Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities with an emphasis on Chicano Studies from UC Merced. She stays connected to her heritage and culture through traditional Folklorico and has danced semi-professionally, touring the U.S. and Latin America; and
WHEREAS, District 7, Councilmember Treva Reid recognizes Brian Ibarra Morales, former District 7 City of Oakland Youth Commissioner; Belen Orozco, Director of Operations at Lighthouse Community Public Schools; Margarita Brizuela, Community School Manager at Esperanza Elementary; Maira Vaca, Community School Manager at Cox Academy; Martha Hernandez, Co-founder and CEO of Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) Ventures; and Lorena Almaraz, Co-Chair of Beat 31YZ, as District 7's nominees for National Hispanic Heritage Month. District 7 is grateful for these remarkable leaders, who serve as pillars of our community and embody the values of our district through their dedication to fostering positivity and excellence in collaboration with District 7 and the City; and
WHEREAS, the At-Large District, Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan honors Nidya Baez the Principal of Fremont High School in Oakland, California, which is also her alma mater. During her tenure, she has significantly improved graduation rates and enrollment numbers. Under her leadership, graduation rates increased from 60.3% in 2017 to 81% in 2024, and enrollment rose from 765 to 1170 students. Nidya is also a leader in the Newcomer Student Program, which serves a high concentration of Oakland's Mayan Mam indigenous student population.
Additionally, Nidya serves on the Melrose 27X Neighborhood Council and collaborates with the City of Oakland Department of Violence Prevention to implement the violence interrupter strategy in schools. She has received recognition for her contributions to education, including the 2024 Champion for Inclusion and Belonging award by the Marcus Foster Education Institute 100 for the 100th Legacy Awards. Nidya holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a first-generation student. She also has a World Language teaching credential and an Administrative Services credential from California State University, East Bay; and
4 RESOLVED: The City of Oakland recognizes September 15th through October 15th of the year 2024 as “National Hispanic Heritage Month” and honors these Hispanic/Latinx champions for their leadership, achievements, and positive contributions to our Oakland community and beyond.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES - FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS NOES – ABSENT – ABSTENTION –
ATTEST: ASHA REED City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City of Oakland, California