In a heartfelt gathering at San Francisco City Hall, the Board of Supervisors paid tribute to the late Alan Martinez, a revered architect and cultural advocate, whose contributions to the city’s historical preservation and Latino heritage left an indelible mark. Born in 1955 in Santa Maria, Martinez dedicated over four decades to designing spaces that harmonized contemporary architecture with historical narratives. His work on the Historic Preservation Advisory Board and the Historic Preservation Commission showcased his commitment to safeguarding the city’s landmarks and cultural sites.

Martinez was instrumental in co-authoring significant resolutions, including the adoption of social heritage resources in planning contexts and the San Francisco citywide pan Latino context statement. His efforts in landmarking the Carnival and Chata murals celebrated the vibrancy of the city’s Latino contributions, ensuring that their stories would be told for generations to come.

The meeting also recognized the contributions of Carol Ito, a lifelong advocate for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Celebrated for her quiet yet impactful leadership, Ito co-founded the Pacific Asian American Woman Bay Area Coalition, which has empowered countless women over the past four decades. Her dedication to preserving Japantown and advocating for civic engagement among AAPI women was highlighted as a testament to her enduring legacy.

As the meeting progressed, the Board celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, with remarks from Claudine Chang, founder of the APA Heritage Foundation. Chang emphasized the importance of energizing the next generation through initiatives like the AAPI Youth Changemaker Awards, which recognize young leaders making a difference in their communities.

The gathering underscored a collective commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with supervisors reflecting on the importance of recognizing and uplifting the voices of marginalized communities. As the meeting concluded, the spirit of collaboration and celebration resonated, leaving attendees inspired to continue the work of those who came before them, ensuring that the rich tapestry of San Francisco’s cultural heritage remains vibrant and alive.