Members of the Riverbank City Council had a number of presentations to make at their May 13 meeting, including one for the Public Works Department.
In addition to Director Cody Bridgewater, a number of the department’s employees took time out for the recognition, even posing for photos with the council.
“Public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of Riverbank,” Mayor Rachel Hernandez noted. “These services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are managers and employees at all levels of government, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water and wastewater treatment systems, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens.”
She added that “the year 2025 marks the 65th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association,” declaring May 18-24 as National Public Works Week.
Older Americans Month
The council and mayor, individually recognized a Riverbank resident for Older Americans Month.
Mayor Hernandez awarded Linda Lagace, saying, “Your unwavering dedication, leadership, and volunteer service have significantly enriched our community. We deeply appreciate your commitment and the positive impact you’ve made.”
Vice Mayor Cindy Fosi selected former City Manager Richard Holmer, Council Member Luis Uribe selected Francis Guevara, Council Member John Pimentel selected Amparo Cordova and Council Member Stacy Call selected former Mayor Richard D. O’Brien for recognition.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
In her certificate of recognition, the mayor noted, “the month of May was chosen as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese citizen, Nakahama Manjiro, to the United States on May 7, 1843, but also the anniversary of the May 10, 1869 completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad, built with the back-breaking labor of nearly 20,000 Chinese immigrants.”
The proclamation continued: “Asian American Pacific Islanders have distinguished themselves as leading researchers in science, medicine, and technology; innovative farmers and ranchers; distinguished lawyers, judges and government leaders; in the arts, literature, and sports; as war heroes who defended our country from fascism; and peacetime healthcare heroes.
“Today, more than 20 million Asian American Pacific Americans live in the United States and through their actions, make America a more vibrant, prosperous, and secure nation.”
The mayor presented the certificate to Riverbank resident Christina Tran Machuca.
Mental Health Awareness Month
“It is appropriate to recognize the importance of improving the mental health of all of our residents, and Riverbank is committed to raising awareness about mental illness; promoting effective community partnerships and collaborations to serve the mental health needs of our community and increasing access to culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services,” indicated Mayor Hernandez.
She pointed out that “Golden Valley Health Centers has been providing Integrated Behavioral Health Services for more than 15 years.”
She then proclaimed the month of May, 2025 in Riverbank as Mental Health Awareness Month and encouraged “all citizens, businesses, organizations, and agencies to work collaboratively to reduce the stigma of mental illness and to increase the mental health of our community.”
The certificate was presented to staff and management of the health center.
