A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING MARCH 4, 2003 AS "ESPANOLA VALLEY AND RIO ARRIBA COUNTY DAY" AT THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, the Espanola valley lies nestled in both Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties, is surrounded by the pueblos of Santa Clara and San Juan and has a vigorous tri-cultural history; and

WHEREAS, 1998 marked the four hundredth anniversary of Hispanic influence in the Espanola valley, commencing in 1598 with the first Spanish settlement in Nuevo Mexico and the opening of the trade route known as El Camino Real, running from Mexico to the Pueblo of San Juan; and

WHEREAS, the legislature honors and promotes cultural diversity, including the strong Hispanic culture and traditions that can be found throughout New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the city of Espanola and Rio Arriba county exemplify cultural diversity and deep-rooted Hispanic traditions;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 4, 2003 be recognized as "Espanola Valley and Rio Arriba County Day" at the New Mexico legislature, honoring the entire Espanola valley for its diversity of culture and long-standing Hispanic traditions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to Mayor Richard L. Lucero of the city of Espanola, Commission Chair Moises Morales of Rio Arriba county, Joseph Guillen, president of Espanola municipal schools and Commissioner Jack Sullivan of Santa Fe county.