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Riverside proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month; local groups mark community history
Summary
The city of Riverside proclaimed Sept. 15–Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month and recognized local preservation work by the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation and Latino Network; foundation leaders outlined plans to preserve the Trujillo Adobe and expand educational outreach including the Riverside Tamale Festival.
Mayor Patricia Lackdawson read a proclamation at the Oct. 14 council meeting recognizing Sept. 15–Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Riverside and invited Nancy Melendez of the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation and an Art Alcaraz representative of the Latino Network to accept the proclamation and speak.
Nancy Melendez, identified as president of the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation, described the foundation's preservation efforts to protect local Hispanic history, including the Trujillo Adobe (recently named to the National Register of Historic Places). Melendez said the foundation has organized the Riverside Tamale Festival for 13 years and hopes to restore the Trujillo Adobe, with construction work anticipated in mid-2028 and possible reopening as an historic park in 2029.
Art Alcaraz of the Latino Network thanked the council for the proclamation and related community activities, noting the gesture "reinforces the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion." Councilmembers praised the organizations' outreach and invited the groups and council to a short photo opportunity at the dais.
The proclamation was presented at the start of the evening agenda before the council moved on to a separate public-safety resolution and extensive public comment.
