Arturo Velasco has his own day

On June 19 the Escondido City Council designated that day, Arturo Velasco Day.

The certificate honoring the young man read as follows:  

WHEREAS, Arturo Velasco started at COMPACT when he was thirteen years old by joining Helping Hands Jr. Club; and

WHEREAS, Arturo joined the Communities of Excellence in nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention. While working in the program, Arturo developed advocacy skills as he pushed for the accessibility to healthy foods, safer sidewalks and crosswalks; and 

WHEREAS, while in high school, Arturo continued his involvement in his community and more recently became the Coalition Chair for Drug Free Communities. Additionally, he participated in the Neighborhood Transformation Project where he helped facilitate a Prescription Take Back Day project; and

WHEREAS, over the years, his leadership has taken him into policy development and advocacy. Arturo has focused on educating awareness of drugs and alcohol among youth, improving walkability in his community, supporting garden to table, and working on helping the City of Escondido become a Live Well City; and 

WHEREAS, at a very young age, Arturo exhibited leadership, commitment, and service to his community and from that point, it was clear that Arturo was destined for greatness; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL McNAMARA, Mayor of the City of Escondido, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2019 as “ARTURO VELASCO DAY” in the City of Escondido. We extend sincere best wishes in all his future endeavors.