The Office of Congresswoman Grace Napolitano will be hosting an event on Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m. to celebrate the rededication of the West Covina Post Office in honor of former U.S. Congressman Esteban Torres. Congressman Torres was a trailblazing Latino leader who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1999, representing West Covina as part of California’s 34th Congressional District.
The community is encouraged to attend the public event at the West Covina Post Office, 396 S. California Avenue.
“Congressman Torres’ outstanding contributions to our community and country deserve to be remembered. He was a tireless advocate for environmental justice, racial equality and human rights,” said West Covina Mayor Rosario Diaz. “His dedication to the people he served has had a lasting impact on our community, and we are proud to be a part of this ceremony.”
In 2022, Congresswoman Napolitano sponsored H.R. 7832 to designate the building as the Esteban E. Torres Post Office Building, which passed by the Senate later that year. The dedication ceremony is the culmination of the efforts to memorialize Congressman Torres for his service and contributions the community.
During his time representing West Covina in Congress, Torres gained a reputation for securing major federal funding for buildings throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including a public library and community center, the West Covina Civic Center and various transportation projects. Torres’ prominence on Capitol Hill made him a leading figure for Latinos in national politics, propelling him to the position of Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in 1988. Torres’ congressional legacy consists of his advocacy for labor rights, immigration reform, affordable housing and the continued development of eastern Los Angeles County.
For more information about the event, please see the City’s event calendar or contact the City Manager’s Office at (626) 939-8475.