REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of June 2024 as Portuguese National Heritage Month
Report
BACKGROUND
On June 4, 2021, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) introduced a resolution to the United States Congress designating the month of June as "Portuguese National Heritage Month." The resolution 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 and commemorates the death in 1580 of Luis de Cam?es, a poet and Portuguese literary icon.
The City of Santa Clara has a rich history of Portuguese culture. Immigrants from Portugal began coming to the Santa Clara Valley in the mid-1800s, and immigration peaked in the first years of the 1900s. Then, in the late 1950s and 1960s, a series of earthquakes and volcanic eruption in the Azores led to another wave of immigration. Following the Azorean Refugees Act, almost 5,000 Portuguese people came to the United States, with a significant population putting down roots throughout California and in the Santa Clara region. The City of Santa Clara established a 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 25, 2024 City Council meeting, the City Council will proclaim Portuguese National Heritage Month for June 2024 in Santa Clara. A representative from S.E.S Portuguese Hall of Santa Clara will be present to accept the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative 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...
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