REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclaim Portuguese National Heritage Month for June 2023
Report
BACKGROUND
On June 4, 2021, Congressman Jim Costa introduced a resolution to the 117th Congress, supporting the designation of June as "Portuguese National Heritage Month". The H.Res 459 resolution, co-sponsored by Congressman David Valadao, celebrates the historic, cultural, and significant contributions Portuguese Americans have made to the United States. The month of June was selected to coincide with the Day of Portugal which is celebrated on June 10th.
The City of Santa Clara has a rich history of Portuguese culture and roots. Santa Clara Valley had an influx of immigrants from Portugal that began after the first World War and historically constituted 70 percent of the city's population in the 1940s. The Sociedade do Esp?rito Santo (S.E.S.) Hall located in Santa Clara was established in 1896 and remains a central location for the Portuguese community to gather and celebrate events today, including the annual Festa Do Esp?rito Santo. The City of Santa Clara also established its Sister City with Coimbra, Portugal on August 4, 1972 and continues strengthening relations with Coimbra through the Santa Clara Sister Cities organization.
DISCUSSION
At the June 27, 2023 City Council meeting, the Council will proclaim Portuguese Heritage Month in for June 2023 in Santa Clara. Boardmember and President Manuel Silviera of the S.E.S Portuguese Hall of Santa Clara will be present to accept the proclamation.
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...
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