A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 18, 2005 AS "ESPANOLA VALLEY 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 tricultural 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 the counties of Rio Arriba and Santa Fe exemplify cultural diversity and deep-rooted Hispanic traditions;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 18, 2005 be recognized as "Espanola Valley 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; Joe Duran, acting Espanola city manager; councilors Alice Lucero, Joseph Maestas, Rosario Chayo Garcia, Dennis Salazar, Carla Ann Martinez, Pedro Valdez, Anthony Vandervossen and J.R. Trujillo; and Commissioner Jack Sullivan of Santa Fe county.