An Indio Marine who died in a bombing at the end of the Afghanistan war will be proudly remembered in his hometown with the annual observance of Hunter Lopez Day.
The tribute will be observed each Aug. 26 to call to mind that tragic event, as a result of recent action by the City Council.
In an interview, Councilmember Glenn Miller described Hunter Lopez as an Indio resident and Marine who lost his life in Afghanistan during "that horrible bombing" at the end of the war in August 2021. Lopez was among at least 13 U.S. service members killed in the attack.
"And so, August 26, from now on will be known as Hunter Lopez Day here in the city of Indio, to honor his memory and his sacrifice to our nation and all of the veterans that out there," Miller said. "You know, it's an opportunity for us to thank one of our own."
In other matters at the Sept. 21 meeting, the council "followed through on our building and fire ordinance updates," making sure they align with California law, Miller said. The process is undertaken every three years.
A proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month was also made, according to Miller.
The Indio City Council meets twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays, according to the municipal website. The City Council Chamber is open to the public, and council meetings are conducted in person and remotely through Zoom. The public may view the meetings via Livestream on the city’s website, Facebook Live or YouTube or participate in the meetings through Zoom.
For the next meeting on Oct. 19, Miller anticipated that the council would look into prospects for new businesses entering the city, among other actions.
Miller is an Indio City councilmember and a well-known community leader and businessman who has called the desert home for more than 30 years. In addition to serving as councilmember, he is the district director for California State Senator Melissa Melendez for the 28th Senate District.