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Assembly proclaims May 3–10 'Cinco de Mayo week,' honors 2026 Latino Spirit Award recipients
Summary
The California State Assembly adopted HR 92 on April 28, recognizing May 3–10, 2026, as Cinco de Mayo week and presenting the Latino Spirit Awards to 11 honorees from education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts and music.
The California State Assembly adopted House Resolution 92 on April 28, designating May 3–10, 2026, as Cinco de Mayo week and holding the chamber's Latino Spirit Awards ceremony.
Assemblymember Carrillo introduced the resolution and framed the week as recognition of the Batalla de Puebla and a wider celebration of Latino culture, saying the observance "marks the legacy of the Batalla de Puebla, a powerful reminder of resiliency, determination, and the pursuit of self determination." Co‑sponsors from the Legislative LGBTQ, Jewish, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Women's, Black, and Native American caucuses spoke in turn to endorse the measure and emphasize solidarity across communities.
Supporters told the floor the resolution recognizes more than a single historical event; it highlights contributions to California’s arts, education and civic life. Assemblymember Sabir said the commemoration "calls on all of us to keep building a California where every person is treated with dignity, respected for who they are, and given the opportunity to thrive." The clerk recorded 60 co‑authors before the Assembly adopted the resolution by voice vote.
Following the adoption, the Assembly honored 11 Latino Spirit Award recipients and organizations escorted to the floor by members and senators. Honorees included Lupe Gallegos Diaz (higher education), Olga Rosales Salinas (Rosales Sisters Scholarship, philanthropy), David Huerta (SEIU leadership, human rights), Dr. Sandra Hernandez (California Health Care Foundation, health & science), Tamara Romo Geisinger (advocacy), Lupe de la Cruz III (business/government affairs), People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ, environmental justice), Ellie Painted Crow (human rights/veterans advocacy), Memo (Esmejo) Torres / LA Taco (journalism/media), Claudette Zepeda (culinary arts), and Los Tigres del Norte (legacy award in music). The clerk read short citations for each honoree as members escorted them to the center aisle for a group photograph.
The ceremony concluded with an invitation from chamber leadership for members to move to the rear of the chambers for the awards reception and a final round of applause for the honorees. The Assembly then returned to legislative business on the daily file.
