AR 060606 Pasqual S. Oliva Underpass

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February 24, 2006 Mayor and City Councilmembers 650 North La Cadena Drive Colton CA, 92324 Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers: MAR 0 g 2006 C41 r QF COL - RA i w C We write to you in order to share some Calton history with you and tell you about the indelible mark that our brother Pascual S. Oliva, former mayorof Cotton; left on our great city. Pascual was a man who was always guided by his concern for bettering the community. As a citizen, he remained intent on identifying problems in the community and then working tirelessly to find the most effective solutions. Noting that the "N" Street railroad tracks were used by countless pedestrians and that eighteen people had been killed by trains, our brother decided that the problem needed to he confronted. Pascual refused to let any more lives be lost senselessly so, in conjunction with the American legion, decided to spearhead the movement to build an underpass. Pascual took the initiative to speak to numerous citizens, organizations, and leaders in South Colton in order to garner support for his idea. He was convincing in helping people to understand the unquestionable need for an underpass. As a result of his persistent efforts, he was also successful in placing a band measure on the ballot for the people of Colton to vote on. Unfortunately, the measure was defeated, Time went by and Pascual made a second attempt but, once again, the the measure did not pass. At this point, even some of our family members urged him to redirect his attention and energy on other projects explaining that the voters simply dirt not want the underpass constructed. Pascual remained optimistic and determined to realize his dream. He planned to allow some time to pass and then try again. On several occasions, he commented, "The underpass is greatly needed and I am not going to give up." In 1963, tragedy struck again at the "N" Street crossing when a train killed a six-year old girt walking home from school about to begin her Christmas vacation. While this horrible tragedy was still fresh in people's minds, Pascual decided to make another attempt to get an underpass built. He was able to put the bond measure on the next ballot and, thanks to his steadfast efforts, it finally passed. As a result, the underpass was built, the crossing became safe, and lives were saved. We, the family of Pascual S. Oliva, are respectfully requesting your support in a proposal to honor him by dedicating the "N" Street underpass in his name. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Sincerely, 9 i r' _�-;�`"_CL?/l'.vnG�� f-G�L. < r��/.l.'-:/ L,^,r t:; ;^ .%�,. 4•. c.i ly. �.... i r'