HR 16
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 28, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Blanca Pacheco, Chair
HR 16 (Carrillo) – As Introduced February 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Cinco de Mayo Week.
SUMMARY: Declares May 4, 2025, to May 11, 2025, inclusive, as Cinco de Mayo Week.
Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1) Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is memorialized as a significant date in the history of
California and Mexico in recognition of the courage of the Mexican people, who defeated a
better trained and equipped army at the “Batalla de Puebla.”
2) Since the beginning of the American Civil War, Latinos in California have shown their
support for the institutions of freedom and democracy by joining the forces of the United
States Army, Cavalry, and Navy, risking their lives to defend free institutions.
3) Cinco de Mayo serves to remind us that the foundation of any nation and our state is its
people, in their spirit and courage in the face of adversity, in the strength of their drive to
achieve self-determination, and in their willingness to sacrifice even life itself in the pursuit
of freedom and liberty.
4) Cinco de Mayo offers an opportunity to reflect on the courage and achievements not only of
the Mexican forces at Puebla, but also on the courage and achievements of Latinos here in
California.
5) Latino resilience ensured the eventual triumph of Union forces, and were it not for Mexico’s
triumph at the Batalla de Puebla, the deterrence of possible French support for Confederate
troops may not have occurred, and the outcome of the Civil War may have been dramatically
altered.
6) California’s Latinos have contributed to the state’s culture and society through their many
achievements in music, food, dance, poetry, literature, architecture, entertainment, sports, and
a broad spectrum of artistic expression.
7) Latinos in California have challenged the frontiers of social and economic justice, thereby
improving the working conditions and lives of countless Californians. Latino entrepreneurs
in the United States are the fastest growing group of business owners in our economy.
8) In 2001, the Latino Caucus saw a need to recognize and honor distinguished Latinos for their
contributions and dedication to the economy and cultural life of California and the United
States with the annual Latino Spirit Awards. These recipients are outstanding individuals
who have greatly contributed to the wonderful music, poetry, literature, journalism, and
entertainment of California, the United States, and the world.
9) Achievements by Latinos in America and California include contributions to all facets of our
community.
FISCAL EFFECT: This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
 HR 16
Page 2
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800