Soledad issues proclamations for LGBTQ+ History Month, Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness; honors two officers

The Soledad City Council used its Oct. 2 meeting to recognize community groups and public safety personnel. Council issued three proclamations — declaring October 2024 as LGBTQ+ History Month, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month — and paused to publicly thank two officers for life‑saving actions.

During public comment the chief and a community member described an incident in which Sergeant Solis and Officer Yacine assisted at the scene of a vehicle fire, extricated an occupant and provided life‑saving aid. The speakers said the Monterey County Peace Officers Association awarded the officers a life‑saving award and a distinguished service award. Council members praised their courage and discussed a plan for local recognition.

Council then presented a proclamation recognizing LGBTQ+ History Month. Sam Gomez of the Epi Center, identified in the meeting as a local resident and executive director, thanked the council and urged broader understanding. "LGBTQ issues are everything — it’s housing, it’s health care, it’s public safety," Gomez said, noting that inclusive local policy improves outcomes for the most marginalized residents.

As part of a Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation, Ida Lopez Chan, CEO of the Soledad Community Healthcare District, described the district’s local mammography capabilities and emphasized early detection. "Early detection is the key," Lopez Chan said, citing higher late‑stage diagnosis rates among Hispanic women in Monterey County and noting the district’s new mammography capacity in south Monterey County.

The council also recognized Lideres Campesinas and other local groups for outreach and support of domestic violence survivors during the Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation.

The proclamations were ceremonial actions; no formal policy changes were associated with them, but council members used the moments to emphasize local services and outreach. Council also encouraged residents to attend Salinas Valley Pride on Oct. 12 and to use local health resources for cancer screening.