In The News

By: Paula Valle

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In 1973, five Latino legislators formed the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) to address the social and economic issues affecting the Latino community.

“Members that are not just identifying as Mexican, but Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, so it’s wonderful to be able to lead a caucus of this diversity. And with a Latina majority for the first time in history with 21 Latina members,” Cervantes said.

When Martha Escutia was elected to the Assembly in 1992, she was one of seven Latinos in the 120-member California Legislature, part of the small but growing Latino Caucus that would eventually become a powerful force in the state Capitol.

The California Latino Caucus recognized 11 prominent Latinos who are inspiring younger generations as part of the 21st Annual Latino Spirit Awards. The Latino Spirit Awards is a ceremony in which honorees are recognized for their talents and contributions to the community.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The California Latino Legislative Caucus recognized inspirational figures for their work in the community at the 21st Annual Latino Spirit Awards on Monday.

The Latino Spirit Awards take place each year at the State Capitol in Sacramento to coincide with the state's celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

The awards honored 11 prominent Latinos for their contributions to different careers including education, business, technology, arts, literatures and more.

ABC30 anchor Graciela Moreno was honored Monday afternoon in Sacramento with the Latino Spirit Award for her achievements in journalism and media. Moreno, an Emmy Award-winning journalist at ABC's Fresno affiliate, was one of eleven Latino pioneers recognized during the California Latino Legislative Group's 21st annual Latino Spirit Awards at the State Capitol. Moreno was escorted by Assemblymembers Esmeralda Soria, D-Merced, and Liz Ortega, D-Bayward. The daughter of migrant farmworkers, Moreno grew up in Newman.

Joel Diaz compared the jitters he felt leading up to Monday’s Latino-focused award ceremony to the feeling before a big fight. “It’s nerve racking for us,” said Diaz, who attended the event with his two younger brothers Antonio and Julio. “It feels the same as when you’re in the dressing room getting ready to walk into the ring. We’re not really prepared for it.” Like many of those big fights, the brothers, who were born in Mexico and spent years as professional boxers, walked out winners.

The California Latino Caucus has recognized 11 outstanding Latinos who are inspiring younger generations as part of the 21st Latino Spirit Awards.

These awards consist of a ceremony that recognizes the awarded for their talents and contributions to the community. This year, the list included athletes, journalists, authors, and human rights activists.