San Francisco Sun

In honor of Latino Heritage Month, the Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD) has launched an online resource to highlight various City partners and small businesses that contribute to the thriving Latino community in San Francisco.

“Latino Heritage Month is a great opportunity to reflect on and actively reinforce the incredible work we’ve done with our nonprofit and small business partners to support the economic vitality of San Francisco’s Latino community,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director, OEWD. “Our city is richer and stronger because of our diversity, and our office is committed to responding to community needs and investing resources to sustain and grow Latino-led initiatives.”

Throughout the month, numerous public events are scheduled. The Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco, in partnership with various City and local organizations, will host the annual El Grito de Dolores celebration on September 15 at Civic Center Plaza. Mayor London N. Breed will be the guest of honor. On September 21, Calle 24 Latino Cultural District will host Fiestas de las Américas featuring live performances and food vendors. Additionally, Mayor Breed along with Treasurer José Cisneros, Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres, and Supervisor Myrna Melgar will host the annual Latino Heritage Month Celebration and Award Ceremony at City Hall on September 26.

National Taco Day on October 4 will see OEWD partnering with Mission Lotería for guided Taco Tours in the Mission District. Luis Quiroz, Creator of Mission Lotería stated, "We're super excited to showcase the iconic taquerias of the Mission District this National Taco Day."

OEWD also celebrates the opening of three new Latino-run businesses: Mi Rancho Supermarket in Bayview; Rooster Peruvian Rotisserie on Mission Street; and Taboo salon on Market Street. Ismael de Luna's new location was supported by various city programs including First Year Free program and SF Shines Grant.

“Thanks to Mayor London Breed's investment in the Storefront Opportunity Grant program... I was able to open a second location,” said de Luna.

Los Yaquis restaurant in Bernal Heights marks its five-year anniversary with promotions starting September 17. Owner Samuel Aguirre expressed gratitude for the City's Vandalism Grant which helped recover from break-ins.

The month-long celebration also highlights unique apparel stores such as Mixcoatl, Luz de Luna, Frida’s Closet, and Made In The City which received support from OEWD programs.

Vincent Mabutas of Made In The City acknowledged OEWD’s Business Training Grant program for aiding his business development.

Film SF is collaborating with San Francisco International Airport’s SFO Video Arts and Public Library for screenings spotlighting local Latino filmmakers.

Latino Heritage Month was established in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and became law in 1988 under President Reagan. It begins on September 15 coinciding with independence anniversaries for several Latin American countries.

OEWD aims to foster a resilient economy where opportunities are equitably shared by all residents.