Remembering Ruben Salazar

Salazar
Originally uploaded by CD-13

Today we honored the life and work of journalist Ruben Salazar in City Council Chambers and voted to declare April 22, 2008 Ruben Salazar Day in Los Angeles.

Salazar was a trailblazer who paved the way for many journalists. He gained national recognition in 1969 when he became the first Mexican American columnist for a large U.S. newspaper. While covering a major anti-Vietnam War rally in Los Angeles in August 1970, Salazar was fatally shot. His legacy continues to inspire others and his story will be retold to a new generation with the issuance of a postage stamp in his honor next week.

I was pleased that members of Salazar’s family and Los Angeles Times Publisher, President, and CEO David Hiller were able to join us for the presentation.