title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF CAMERINO GONZÁLEZ VALLE
WHEREAS, Camerino González Valle was born on August 21, 1939 in Jalisco Mexico; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 12, Camerino moved from his hometown of Jalisco to Mexico City, where his grandfather taught him how to make and sell one of the most popular culinary arts of Mexican gastronomy: tacos; and
WHEREAS, when the United States and Mexican governments created diplomatic labor agreements that allowed Mexican men to come to the United States and work short-term, known as the Bracero Program, Camerino crossed the border and lived in California picking oranges; and
WHEREAS, Camerino left the agricultural labor to work in the trucking industry, a route that eventually landed him in the Windy City; and
WHEREAS, Camerino took a job in the meatpacking industry, where he learned the cuts and qualities of meat; and
WHEREAS, combining his knowledge of tacos, the meatpacking industry, and seeing the need to provide a meal that would remind the growing Mexican immigrant community a taste of home, Camerino founded Los Comales in 1973; and
WHEREAS, Los Comales would expand throughout Cook County and beyond, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin and San Antonio, Texas; and
WHEREAS, Camerino knew many members of the community were immigrants who worked long labor hours and, during the holidays, where often alone, reminiscing of their native home. Camerino extended his business hours and would have his restaurants open during the holidays; and
WHEREAS, Camerino had a heart of gold. If he heard of a person who was struggling and in need he would offer a helping hand; and
WHEREAS, Camerino passed away on June 23, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Camerino is survived by his wife Patricia, son Lawrence, daughter Christina, stepsons Nicholas Acevedo, Richard Acevedo, Fernando Franco, Jose Franco and Miguel Franco, and extended family; and
WHEREAS, Camerino is also mourned by many of the Little Village and Latino community. His immigrant journey and American Dream is a legacy that will carry on; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Camerino González Valle and honor the life and memory of this outstanding Cook County resident.
end