WHEREAS, Richmond SOL was established in 2003 by Diego Garcia, a devoted father whose passion for coaching his own sons in the beautiful game of soccer ignited a calling greater than himself — to build a program where every child in Richmond could experience the sa me joy, discipline, and sense of belonging that sport had given his own family; and
WHEREAS, Richmond SOL has grown into a thriving nonprofit organization that serves nearly 400 families annually across the City of Richmond, providing youth ages 4 through 18 with access to competitive and recreational athletic programs, positive opportunities, and pathways to success both on and off the field; and
WHEREAS, Richmond SOL celebrated its 23rd Anniversary of community service with a special recognition event at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium, attended by more than 2,000 community members, where over 450 youth athletes received medals and recognition for their dedication, hard work, and achievements throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, Richmond SOL proudly completed an outstanding 2026 Soccer and Volleyball season, with two soccer teams advancing to the NorCal State Cup Finals and competing in the highest Premier Division — a rare and remarkable achievement for any club organization; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond SOL Volleyball Program achieved tremendous success in its inaugural season, with two teams capturing 1st Place championships in the Silver Division, and a third team earning an impressive 4th Place finish in the highly competitive Gold Bracket; and
WHEREAS, Richmond SOL is proud to recognize student athletes who have advanced to professional and semi -professional levels, including Emiliano Aranda with Oakland Roots Project 510, Jose Martinez invited to tryouts with Club America of Mexico, Eric Preston with th e LA Galaxy organization, and Mitzy Ramirez, a professional player for the Toluca Women's Team in Mexico; and
Honoring Richmond Sol
Founder, Volunteer Coaches, Student Athletes & Families
WHEREAS, Richmond SOL is made possible in part by the dedication of its Competitive Soccer Coaches who generously give their time, talent, and passion to mentor the next generation: Jasper Garcia, Manuel Martinez, Jesus Clemente, Pedro Hernandez, Salvador Alvarez, Marco Alejos, James Ayala, Oscar Figueroa, Diego Garcia Jr, Juan Pablo Hernandez, Ventura Flores, Boris Portal, Frank Garcia, Roberto Mora, and Raul Garcia; and
WHEREAS, Richmond SOL's Recreational Soccer Coaches further extend this commitment to the community: Quetzal Garcia, Claudio Silva, Renato Manay, Lina Manay, Peter Olivas, Fermin Salazar, Ignacio Salazar, Angel Rivera, Moises Rivera, Miguel Cervantes, Adam Heredia, Giancarlos Acosta, Rafael Guzman, Jacinto Castillo, Kelly Castillo, Jairo Martinez, Jose Ambriz, and Miguel Avila; and
WHEREAS, Richmond SOL's Volleyball Coaches have helped launch a championship inaugural season: Diego Garcia, Luciana Data, Gina P. Garcia, Jennifer Moran, Sheryl Zagadlo, Yessica Frias, Alexis Ponce, Izel Ponce, Boris Portal III, and Anna Miculob; and
WHEREAS, the students and parents of Richmond SOL demonstrate daily the values of perseverance, teamwork, and community pride that strengthen the fabric of our great city.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and City Council of the City of Richmond, California, do hereby recognize and honor Richmond SOL and its Founder Diego Garcia — Athletic Director, Finance & Entrepreneurship Teacher at Richmond High School, and a father whose love of the game and commitment to his sons grew into a mission to empower Richmond's youth through sports, education, mentorship, and leadership development — along with its 32 dedicated volunteer coaches, its student athl etes, and its families, for 23 years of extraordinary service to the Richmond community and for their enduring commitment to creating pathways for success both on and off the field.
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Mayor Eduardo Martinez
At Large
June 23, 2026
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Council Member Soheila Bana
District 4