P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, each year, the United States observes National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the culture, heritage, and countless contributions of those whose ancestors originate across North America, including Mexico, as well as those who came from Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Spain; and
WHEREAS, the observation first started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was later expanded in 1988 to cover a 30- day period starting from September 15 to October 15 by President Ronald Reagan; and
WHEREAS, the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month is significant because it is the anniversary of the independence for Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18.
Additionally, Indigenous Peoples Day falls within the 30-day period; and WHEREAS, the City of Torrance is proud to celebrate the Hispanic and Latino population that contributes greatly to the prosperity of the community and offers a diversity of cultures, customs, and languages; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate these invaluable contributions that Hispanic and Latino communities have made to our Nation's culture through the arts, law, science, technology, and sports. Additionally, we continue to honor those who serve as Civil Rights leaders, politicians, and public servants, including those who served on the front lines during the pandemic as health care providers, first responders, educators, military service members, and other essential workers; and WHEREAS, the City of Torrance is proud to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and commemorate Hispanic and Latino communities who have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multi-ethnic and multicultural customs of their communities while adding their own distinct and dynamic perspectives to the story of our City, State, and Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SHARON KALANI, as Mayor of the City of Torrance, California, do hereby proclaim September 15, 2026 through October 15, 2026 as
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
in the City of Torrance and call upon the residents of the City of Torrance to learn more about the history of Hispanic and Latino communities.
6A
Signed this 6th day of October 2026.
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Mayor Sharon Kalani
__________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember Linda Barnett Councilmember Bridgett Lewis __________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember Dr. Jeremy Gerson Councilmember Betty Lieu __________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember David Kartsonis Councilmember Asam Sheikh ATTEST:
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Rebecca Poirier, City Clerk