AR 060606 Pasqual S. Oliva Underpass

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12/18/2005 Dear Councilman Delarosa, On December ?s', 2005 we lost a compassionate family man who had dedicated his life to the betterment of his country and hometown of Colton, California. Pascual Oliva led a remarkable life that should be honored and remembered by the City of Colton, which he faithfully served his entire life. Pascual was a man of many accomplishments. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was becoming the first Hispanic Mayor of Colton in 1966. Pascual was a fair man who gained the trust and respect of a city divided by cultural differences. Through his six-year term as city councilman prior to the Mayoral Election, Pascual was able to show the public that he was a man of integrity and resolve. The citizens of Colton recognized him for this when they elected him to their highest public office of Mayor. With the charm, graciousness and generosity that Pascual possessed, only he could have hoped to climb to these heights during that time when being a Hispanic Mayor was unprecedented. His hard work has opened the door for future Hispanic politicians to seek public office in the city of Colton and elsewhere. For this alone Pascual Oliva should be remembered. One of the things that were most important to Pascual during his public service was constructing a safe route for children to cross the railroad tracks to and from school each day. Pascual knew that eighteen people had lost their lives from being struck by trains in Colton and he worked hard to ensure no more lives would be lost. His dream was to get an underpass built at N street. 'Tragically it took the death of a six-year old girl to get the attention needed for his bond measure to pass. After many years and two failed attempts, the measure finally passed in October of 1964. On September 14'`, 1968 Pascual realized a career long dream when he served as the Master of Ceremonies at the N street underpass dedication ceremony. On behalf of the Angel S. Oliva family, I would like to propose that we honor Pascual Oliva's memory by dedicating the N Street underpass to him. Sincer ly, Dawn A. Sinclair