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City Proclaims Fire Prevention Week, Public Power Week; Honors Student‑of‑the‑Month Founder
Summary
At its Oct. 7 meeting the council issued proclamations recognizing Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5–11), Public Power Week and honored Karina Leon for founding the Student of the Month breakfast program. Fire Marshal Edgar Gonzales urged safe handling and recycling of lithium‑ion batteries.
Moreno Valley — The City Council opened its Oct. 7 meeting with three special presentations: a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5–11), recognition of Public Power Week, and an honor for Karina Leon, founder of the Student of the Month breakfast program.
Fire Prevention Week: Mayor and council members presented a proclamation recognizing Fire Prevention Week and the National Fire Protection Association theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium‑Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Fire Marshal Edgar Gonzales accepted the proclamation and offered three practical safety steps for residents: choose listed products (UL, ETL or CSA certified), charge smart using original chargers and avoid charging on soft surfaces, and recycle lithium‑ion batteries at approved drop‑off facilities rather than placing them in household trash.
“We are extremely grateful for their tireless work,” the mayor said while introducing the proclamation. Gonzales told the council, “Lithium‑ion batteries power many devices we rely on daily, but they also pose a risk of fire if not properly handled. Step number 1 is choose listed products.... Step number 2 is charge smart... Last but not least is step number 3. Recycle responsibly.” He pointed residents to calltorecycle.org for drop‑off locations.
Public Power Week: The council also recognized Public Power Week and invited representatives from Moreno Valley Utility to the dais. Jason Bowers, representing Moreno Valley Utility, thanked the council and described the benefits of a community‑owned utility: local control, faster response times, and reinvestment of utility dollars in the community.
Student‑of‑the‑Month program: The council honored Karina Leon, who founded a volunteer Student of the Month breakfast program that recognizes students who have overcome difficult life challenges. Leon said the program currently works with six school districts, is staffed by volunteers, and aims to expand across Riverside County. Councilmember Ed Delgado praised Leon’s work and recalled personal participation in the breakfasts.
Why it matters: The presentations combined public‑safety guidance, civic recognition for a locally owned utility, and community celebration of a volunteer program that serves students with housing or family challenges. The Fire Department’s lithium‑ion safety tips aim to reduce household fire risk; the utility proclamation highlights local governance of power delivery; and the student recognition spotlights volunteerism in schools.
Provenance: The special presentations appear at the start of the meeting’s agenda and include remarks from the mayor, the fire marshal, Moreno Valley Utility representatives, and Karina Leon.
