Moreno Valley issues proclamations for Arts Month, child abuse prevention and Cesar Chavez Day; honors firefighters deployed to L.A. County fires

Moreno Valley's City Council used its April 1 meeting for a series of recognitions, proclaiming April 2025 Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, honoring local firefighters who helped fight large Southern California wildfires, and issuing a Cesar Chavez Day proclamation that included remarks from a labor leader.

Mayor Yxstian Cabrera opened the recognitions by thanking Parks and Community Services staff and announcing the Arts Month proclamation. Samantha Contreras, chair of the Public Arts Commission, accepted the proclamation and urged residents to support local artists and public art installations. "Whether through dance, music, visual arts, or storytelling, creativity has the power to shape our city's identity, enrich our daily lives, and create a lasting impact," Contreras said.

The council next proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and recognized the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign led by the RUHS Foundation. Corinne Watt, director of development at the RUHS Foundation, thanked the mayor, council and staff for their support of the countywide campaign. Crystal Shackelford, who runs the local RCAT center referenced in the presentation, described the center's role in providing support to families and children after abuse and said the goal is to help families "walk away a little stronger, a little more connected than they walked in the door."

The council also recognized Moreno Valley fire department personnel who deployed in mutual aid to assist with historic Southern California fires earlier this year. The mayor listed 19 Moreno Valley firefighters and several captains by name and invited Fire Chief Jesse Park to speak. "I'm very honored to be recognized, but it's a team effort," Park said, noting crews served long shifts on the Palisades and other incidents.

Finally, the council presented a Cesar Chavez Day proclamation. Ricardo Cisneros, executive secretary, treasurer and business manager of the Inland Empire Labor Council and a Moreno Valley resident, spoke about labor rights and the importance of organizing. "The boycott on grapes and lettuce was never about grapes and lettuce. It was about people," Cisneros said, urging continued attention to worker rights, job creation and community improvement.

The presentations were ceremonial; no formal action or funding decisions were taken during the recognition items.