55D - RESO - SUPPORT AB 1453 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

League of United Latin American Citizens Santa Ana LULAC Council #147 I I Established: National - 1929 1 Santa Ana - 1946 Orange County LULAC District #1 PO Box 1810, Santa Ana, CA 92702 -1810 February 18, 2014 Santa Ana Mayor and City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, California 92701 Re: Support for AB 1453 (Orange County Veterans Cemetery) Hon. Mayor Pulido and Councilmembers: Santa Ana League of United Latin American Citizens, Council #147 respectfully requests the Santa Ana City Council for support of Assembly Bill 1453 (AB 1453) authored by California Assembly Member Sharon Quirk - Silva. AB 1453 would direct the California Department of Veteran Affairs to establish a Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Orange County. California is home to more military veterans than any other state in our nation with a large majority of these veterans residing in Southern California. According to the National Cemetery Administration, the closest regional option for Orange County veterans is Riverside Veterans Cemetery, which offers neither a convenient location nor a long term solution for those who have served in the military branches. Despite the fact that Orange County is home to Army, Navy, and Marine bases, Orange County has been identified as the state's largest county without a state cemetery for veterans. Santa Ana LULAC #147 strongly supports Assembly Bill 1453 and proudly note our membership includes several military veterans. As a special note, within our present membership, we are honored to have Mr. Jess Saenz, a World War II veteran who is still very active in community activities and student scholarship fundraising efforts. Not many months ago, we have felt the pain on the passing of Mr. Ralph Perez, also a World War II veteran who also contributed much to our community throughout his lifetime. These two heroes serve as a reminder that we shall continue to celebrate the lives and contributions of all the men and women veterans who have courageously served our country in time of war and peace. We urge the support of the City Council and the City of Santa Ana and request an expeditious process for a positive action of approval for a future California Veterans Cemetery in Orange County. The bill AB 1453, a fact sheet, and sample resolution is being provided (attachments) for your review and we would be happy to provide additional information to assist the City Council in determining your approval of our request. I may be contacted by email at zekeher@yahoo.com or by phone at 714- 661 -4428 (cell) for any follow - up if you so desire. Sincerely, 406 I%VeAr Zeke Hernandez President cc: Santa Ana LULAC #147 Members 55D -9