Moses Lake proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month; state representative reflects on local roots

Mayor Dustin Schwarz opened the Sept. 22 Moses Lake City Council meeting by reading a proclamation declaring Sept. 15–Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month in Moses Lake. The proclamation recognizes the history, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents and urges continued work to address persistent challenges facing those communities.

State Representative Alex Yara, introduced from Quincy, accepted the proclamation and told the council and audience about his family’s history in the region. “My name is Alex Yara. I’m the state representative for district 13,” he said, recounting that his parents were migrant workers who moved for seasonal work and later settled when irrigation opened more farm jobs in the valley. Yara traced the arc from segregated neighborhoods in earlier decades to greater civic integration today, and urged continued partnership across Moses Lake, Quincy and Grant County.

The proclamation, read by Mayor Schwarz, notes the federal observance was established in 1968 and expanded in 1988, and it encourages local recognition and work to support Hispanic and Latino residents. Representative Yara’s remarks highlighted local civic participation—he referenced family members who have served on city councils and framed the month as part of broader community life rather than a separate observance.

The ceremony was brief and proceeded without public comment, and the council moved on to other agenda items after accepting the proclamation.