EL MONTE — El Monte City Manager Alma Martinez has received countywide recognition for public service during an annual celebration of Latino leadership.
The El Monte City Manager was among 12 people honored by Los Angeles County Board Chair Hilda L. Solis during her Hispanic Heritage Month reception. The event recognized leaders from local government, education, health care and community organizations across the county’s 1st District.
Martinez oversees El Monte’s municipal operations and carries out policies adopted by the City Council. The county did not identify a specific project or accomplishment that led to her selection.
Solis said the annual reception recognizes people whose work has made a difference across the district.
“Every year, this reception gives me the opportunity to recognize people who are making a difference in the First District,” Solis said.
She said this year’s honorees represented different ways residents serve and strengthen their communities.
El Monte City Manager Joins Regional Leaders
Martinez was recognized alongside leaders whose work spans education, health care, housing and civic engagement.
Other honorees included L.A. Care Health Plan CEO Martha Santana-Chin and Los Angeles County Development Authority Executive Director Emilio Salas. The group also included Studio-MLA founder Mia Lehrer and Rowland Unified School District Superintendent Alejandro Flores.
Dr. Jennifer Sandoval, principal of Sparks Elementary School and president of the Whittier City School District Board, was also recognized.
Other recipients were Eliana Ibarra of Rio Hondo College; Citlaly Cerezo of East Los Angeles College; David Martinez of the Buckboard Days Parade Committee; Diana Limon of the Diamond Bar Women’s Club; Dr. Daniel Rojas of the Board of Supervisors Executive Office; and Jose R. Perez of the Department of Public Social Services.
Each honoree received a county scroll recognizing their service. Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles also performed during the reception.
The event marked Solis’ final Hispanic Heritage Month reception as 1st District supervisor. She has represented the district on the Board of Supervisors since 2014.
County Marks Hispanic Heritage Month
The reception followed county recognition of Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
The national observance begins Sept. 15, which marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence Sept. 16, followed by Chile on Sept. 18.
Solis also used the county proclamation to criticize Trump administration actions that she said diminish Latino history and contributions. That criticism reflected Solis’ position and was separate from the recognition presented to the honorees.
The reception gave the El Monte City Manager a place among public servants and community leaders working across the 1st District.
For El Monte, Martinez’s recognition also brought county attention to the administrative work performed at City Hall and its role in delivering services to residents.
More information about county programs and the 1st District is available through the office of Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.
