by Jonathan Rivera
On the brutally cold evening of December 11, Alderman Billy Ocasio (26th Ward) was joined by community residents and leaders to celebrate the 3rd Annual Paseo Boricua Street Lighting Ceremony.
In past years, the ceremony took place in Humboldt Park on the corner Division and California. This year, the ceremony was held in front of the one and only Lily’s Record Shop (2733 W. Division). This was done to honor Carmen Martínez (owner of Lily’s Record Shop) for her commitment towards Paseo Boricua. Along with Carmen Martínez, another Paseo Boricua resident was honored as well. His name is José Rivera, an employee of the Division Street Business Development Association (DSBDA) who is responsible for maintaining Paseo Boricua clean and inviting. This humble man “has been a custodian of our street for the past year and nobody takes notice of him; I’m so happy my Alderman is honoring him,” remarked community resident, Doña Wilfrida.
Once Ocasio finished honoring Carmen Martínez and José Rivera, the moment arrived to transform Paseo Boricua into our version of the Magnificent Mile. After taking a moment to admire the beautiful lights, the crowd embraced one another as Alderman Ocasio invited all the children present to attend the Three Kings Day Winter Festival on Paseo Boricua, which includes a parade and toy give away to be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009.[/lang_en]