High-school student groups, officials mark Hispanic Heritage Month at Ready Commission meeting

Student clubs from Chaparral, Great Oak, Rancho Vista and Temecula Valley high schools presented dances and short remarks at the Ready Commission meeting, part of the commission’s Hispanic Heritage Month program on Sept. 15–Oct. 15. The meeting included two recorded messages from elected officials, a city proclamation read into the record and a roll-call vote to approve the consent calendar.

The presentations opened with a video message from Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington and a recorded greeting from Temecula City Councilmember Zach Schwank. Washington said, “It is a great honor for me to be able to join you as we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month.” Schwank, who attended a separate remembrance event, said in his recorded message, “it is truly an honor to be with you this evening as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Ready Commission.” Chair Pastorian read a proclamation from Mayor Brendan Kalfus declaring Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2025, National Hispanic Heritage Month for the city of Temecula.

Why it matters: student-club leaders said their groups provide cultural education, translation and tutoring support, community service and opportunities to perform. The clubs described culturally focused activities ranging from school potlucks and in-school cultural events to community outreach — for example, folklórico performances at elementary and middle schools and collections for local charities. Presenters said clubs create a “safe place,” a sense of belonging and leadership pathways for Hispanic and Latino students.

Students and club leaders described specific activities and goals. Chaparral High School’s Natinos Unidos (Latinos Unidos) and its folklórico co-captains said the club teaches dance and cultural history and helps students connect with heritage. Great Oak’s Nuestra Cultura and the school’s Spanish National Honor Society described outreach and tutoring programs, and announced performances including a folklórico showing at Oak Mountain Winery. Rancho Vista and Temecula Valley representatives described student unions and METRA (a Chicano student movement chapter) that organize food-sharing, Dia de los Muertos activities, and donations to community centers.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the presentations’ themes — pride, belonging, cultural continuity and the role of schools in supporting identity and college readiness. Several commissioners urged students to keep showing up at public meetings and to make space for themselves in civic forums.

Votes at a glance: The meeting recorded one formal action earlier in the agenda: the consent calendar was approved on a motion from Commissioner Eventov, seconded by Commissioner Wilson. The roll-call recorded ayes from Commissioners Deutsch, Vice Chair Evantov, Commissioner Lectors, Chair Pastorian and Commissioner Wilson; Commissioner Steed was absent. Motion: “Approve consent calendar.” Mover: Commissioner Eventov. Second: Commissioner Wilson. Outcome: approved (yes: 5, no: 0, abstain: 0, absent: 1). Legal threshold: met (standard majority). No amendments were recorded.

What’s next: the Ready Commission announced no meeting in October; the next meeting will observe Native American Heritage Month in November. Commissioners encouraged club leaders and students to keep presenting in public meetings, to continue outreach and to use municipal and school platforms to amplify their work.

Ending: Commissioners and the executive director closed by thanking the student presenters, the schools’ advisors and the community for attending. Chair Pastorian and commission members said they will continue to support student groups and invited young people to use public civic forums to share culture and concerns.