Los Angeles honors Salvadoran American leaders at Valley celebration; morning program highlights community contributions

Councilmember Padilla opened a Jan. 31 special meeting presentation in the San Fernando Valley by welcoming Salvadoran American leaders and noting the 19th anniversary of the Los Angeles–San Salvador sister-city relationship.

Padilla said, “It is my great honor to welcome all of you today to today's presentation in celebration of Salvadorian American Heritage Day, here in the city of Los Angeles, and more specifically, the San Fernando Valley.” She introduced community leaders and organizers who described Salvadoran Angelenos’ civic, cultural and economic contributions.

Why it matters: Salvadoran Angelenos are one of the city's large Latino demographics and speakers emphasized the community’s role in health care, education, small business and public service. The recognition highlights local cultural institutions and organizations that provide services to immigrant families.

Speakers and highlights

- Carlos Vaquerano, CEO of Clinica Romero, said, “This country is a country of immigrants,” and described the clinic’s role delivering health care to immigrants regardless of ability to pay and the organization's long-standing community partnerships.

- Claudia Monterosa (identified in the program as a city staff member) spoke about her experience in grant administration and disaster recovery work, noting she had overseen substantial grant funding while serving under the Biden administration.

- Jocelyn Duarte, Executive Director of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALF), urged continued civic engagement and noted recognition for the 1.5- and second-generation Salvadoran Americans who serve in public roles.

- David Hiron, who works in the office of Council President pro tem Bob Blumenfield, recalled early workplace encounters and emphasized Salvadoran community ties to city public service.

Councilmembers from throughout the horseshoe offered remarks of solidarity and appreciation, citing the community’s labor and civic contributions and noting personal and staff connections to Salvadoran constituents. Councilmember Sotomayor Martinez highlighted the historical context that led Salvadorans to migrate and praised organizers and union leaders, saying the community “bring[s] that fighting spirit” to public service and organizing.

Community context and next steps

Padilla closed the recognition by presenting a framed recognition to representatives of the San Salvador sister-city committee and inviting attendees to a post-meeting community reception with Salvadoran food at a nearby Bridal Center. The event included acknowledgements of local Salvadoran-owned businesses, community leaders, and service providers and asked attendees to remember the organizations and staff who support civic participation and services.

Speakers at the program repeatedly framed the gathering as both a cultural celebration and a call for continued civic engagement and support for immigrant-serving organizations in Los Angeles.