Huntington Park proclaims February in memory of Gabriel Fernandez; family and survivor advocates speak

The Huntington Park City Council on Feb. 24 approved a proclamation declaring February 2026 as a month to remember Gabriel Fernandez and to urge residents to report suspected child abuse.

Mayor Eduardo Martinez read the proclamation, which recounted Gabriel Fernandez’s birth date, described his death and urged residents to contact national and state hotlines or 911 if a child is in immediate danger. The proclamation said the community should invest in education and counseling to prevent abuse and support affected families.

The proclamation was followed by remarks from councilmembers and family members. Councilmember Corina Macias and Councilwoman Ortiz offered condolences and emphasized the need for sustained advocacy; Vice Mayor Sanabria said homelessness services work had shown him how trauma and family instability can affect LGBTQ youth. Councilmember Flores urged ongoing community action to protect children.

Amalia, a cousin and longtime advocate for Gabriel Fernandez, described fundraising and work pressuring child-protection agencies and said she would continue advocating for other victims. Patrice Abaretto, representing Parents of Murdered Children, described her organization’s role helping survivors navigate the criminal-justice system and urged community support for families who have lost loved ones to violence.

The council invited the family and advocates to the dais for a photo after the presentation. City staff said the proclamation included hotline information for reporting suspected abuse and encouraged residents to call 911 for immediate threats.

The council added the proclamation to the presentations portion of the agenda by motion and approved it on roll call.