Primary Department: Commissioner, Precinct 2
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Commissioner Adrian Garcia
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Resolution
Project ID (if applicable): n/a
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): n/a
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): n/a
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): n/a
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
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Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request by the Commissioner of Precinct 2 for approval of a resolution recognizing Richard Reyes, “Pancho Claus,” in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
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Background and Discussion:
History
Pancho Claus is a beloved Houston holiday tradition - a Chicano version of Santa Claus - known for riding in a low-rider Cadillac, wearing a red zoot suit, fedora, sunglasses, and slipping into homes through the window instead of the chimney. Known as Santa’s “cousin from the South Pole” is deeply tied to the Chicano civil rights movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Origins and Inspiration
The Pancho Claus persona emerged from a desire among Mexican Americans to create a holiday figure that reflected their culture and community values.
Richard Reyes a/k/a Pancho Claus has served the Houston community and surrounding areas for almost 50 years, bringing lasting memories to low-income families. Pancho Claus delivers toys and books on Christmas mornings to those less fortunate families who otherwise would not have presents. Over time, Richard’s dedication grew and prevailed despite personal setbacks and the COVID pandemic, yet distributions never stopped.
All the toys/books collected are a year-round project for Pancho Claus to obtain donations for all ages and all ethnicities. Richard’s years serving the neighborhoods is unmeasurable as to the thousands of children who were inspired and encouraged by his selfless deeds serving the entire city.
Expected Impact:
Bring smiles and hope throughout the Houston communities by distributing donated books and a variety of wrapped toys to children.
Alternative Options:
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Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
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Location: Moody Community Center
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Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: 9/22/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Carla Valenzuela, Policy Manager, Administrative and Internal Affairs
Attachments (if applicable): Resolution