San Benito County LULAC, Council #2890, will host the 22nd Annual Women’s Reception on Friday, Aug. 26, at Paine’s Banquet Room from 6-9 p.m. This special reception honors women, it is a time to develop friendships, hear uplifting messages, gain new insights, participate in public service, strengthen the community, enjoy time with friends and gather for the purpose of raising scholarship funds for local San Benito County students.
This year, LULAC (the League of United Latin American Citizens) pays tribute to two outstanding women who place importance on assisting others. Mary Ann Barragan and Krystal Lomanto are being recognized as the recipients of the 2016 LULAC Women of the Year award for their strides in making San Benito County a better place.
Barragan’s dedication to improving the quality of life of the community deserves recognition. Recently, she made a generous donation to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in order to establish what will be known as The Barragan Family Diabetes Center. The center is expected to include wound care, and will be the first and only of its kind in San Benito County.
Krystal Lomanto is the superintendent of schools for the County Office of Education. Her commitment to sending students into the world not just academically prepared but as productive members of society speaks to her ability to appeal to young people across all demographics. Lomanto’s commitment to the success of all students through promoting a compelling vision, successfully engaging community, and many other factors make her an exemplary role model.
This year, LULAC also welcomes Liliana T. Pérez as the Women’s Reception emcee. Pérez was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and raised in Pico-Union. This year, she celebrates 21 years in public service, where she serves as the deputy director for the Southern California Speaker’s Office of Member Services on behalf of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. She coordinates with Southern California district directors and develops training curricula for newly-appointed Assembly staff. She also serves as a liaison to the California Commissionon the Status of Women and Girls and to the Women, LGBT and Latino Caucuses.
Previously, she served with former Speakers Toni G. Atkins, John A. Pérez, Karen R. Bass, Fabian Núñez and Antonio R. Villaraigosa. She also served Governor Gray Davis as special assistant, and was the liaison to the following communities: Women‘s groups, LGBT and to the Latino community and the Spanish-language media outlets as the official spokeswoman.
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez will also be in attendance. She serves on California’s 46th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange and Garden Grove in Orange County. Sanchez began her congressional career in 1997 and is currently serving her tenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. She holds senior positions on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee. She is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves as the co-chair of the Immigration Task Force. As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Sanchez is a recognized leader on military and national security issues. She currently serves as the ranking member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, where she works to prepare our Armed Forces for a new generation of security challenges.
The reception includes dinner and live entertainment by Lupe Castañeda and Lupe Solano. A silent auction will be held benefiting collegiate students from San Benito County. Tickets are available at $40 per person and sale proceeds benefit the LULAC Student Scholarship Fund.
For ticket information, contact (831) 245-6971. The reception is open to all who wish to attend.