¡Hola, amigos y amigas! Mi nombre es John Garamendi y yo soy su Congresista. Translation: Hello friends! My name is John Garamendi and I'm your Congressman. I represent the residents of the 10th Congressional district -- including Contra Costa, Alameda, Sacramento and Solano counties. September 15th through October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month. During this time, we reflect on the many contributions Latinos have made since the founding of our country. The Latino community has helped shape our country into the great nation it is today. Latinos are contributing to our nation in innumerable ways, and today, they can be found in every sector -- ranging from the arts to science and government service. Latino authors like Victor Villaseñor and Sandra Cisneros are capturing the American spirit in their novels and short stories. In the sciences, California's astronauts, Danny Olivas and Jose Hernandez, pushed new frontiers to the moon and back. And in government, women like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis are making sure all Americans have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Today, there are 31 Latinos serving in the United States House of Representatives and Senate. In California, Latinos have been at the forefront of our nation's struggle for justice and civil rights. Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta led the struggle for equality and dignity for all workers. Without their push for civil rights, farm workers would ...