FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A New northwest Fresno Park has been named to honor a trailblazer with deep roots in the Central Valley.
Councilmember Mike Karbassi said the park at Veterans and Barstow Avenues will honor former California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante.
The Dinuba native became California’s first Latino Assembly Speaker in 1996, and later served as lieutenant governor for eight years.
Many prominent figures throughout the Valley were at the event and gave testimony about Bustamante’s service to the Valley.
“I always saw our lieutenant governor as that connection, that bridge builder, that brought people together,” says Supervisor Luis Chavez. “It didn’t matter what you looked like, where you came from. If you were willing to work hard, he made opportunities for our community.”
Karbassi says the dedication celebrates Bustamante’s legacy of public service and his commitment to the Central Valley.
The park will officially be named Cruz M. Bustamante Park.
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