REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Proclamation of September 15 - October 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month
Report
BACKGROUND
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation to establish Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. The 1968 proclamation designated Hispanic Heritage Week as the week including September 15 and 16 in recognition of the fact that five Central American countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua - celebrate their respective Independence Days on September 15, and Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18.
In 1988, Congress passed legislation to amend the original resolution and establish an entire month in honor of Hispanic heritage, leaders, and culture. President George H.W. Bush issued a presidential proclamation the following year to establish National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor, celebrate, and thank Hispanic Americans for their many contributions to the country and culture of the United States.
In the City of Santa Clara, almost 16 percent of residents are Hispanic or Latinx, and in Santa Clara County, approximately 30 percent of residents are Hispanic or Latinx. By 2060, a projected almost one million residents throughout the County will be Hispanic or Latinx.
The official theme for Hispanic Heritage Month in 2025 is "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," a theme chosen by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) to recognize the history, achievements, and unique voices of Hispanic and Latine American communities. This theme serves as a framework for celebrations and events to acknowledge past contributions, celebrate current traditions, and inspire future innovations by the Latine community.
DISCUSSION
At the September 23, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council will proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Santa Clara.
Donna Garcia Ramirez from Santa Clara University’s Latine Student Union (LSU), Ysidro Magana from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and Anixia Davila and Karla Martinez from Hermanas Unidas de SCU will be in attendance to receive the Proclamation.
The Latine Student Union aims to unify and amplify the voices of the Latine community and allies by creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful space where individuals can organize together and empower one another. LSU strives to achieve this by fostering a supportive community of current Santa Clara University students, alumni, faculty, and staff, creating and maintaining open channels of communication to facilitate awareness, discussion, and activism within our community, and celebrating the diverse cultures and experiences across Latin America.
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers is a non-profit academic and professional organization that promotes the enrollment and retention of minorities to diversify technical fields. Today’s representative, Ysidro Magana, is from the Santa Clara University student chapter of the national organization. SHPE empowers the Latin community to realize its fullest potential and impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development and is brought together by heritage, social responsibility, and/or the desire to improve the equality of all people using science and technology.
Hermanas Unidas de SCU provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional leadership opportunities and resources to predominately Latina/Chicana students by participating in and organizing academic, community service, and social events/workshops. They seek to raise awareness and educate the campus and the community at large about Chicana/Latina issues. Hermanas Unidas de SCU is also sisterhood that provides a healthy transition to and from the university.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of September 15 - October 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month