Every city carries the imprint of its past, shaped by individuals whose contributions build the foundation for its present and future.
On January 24, the City of Portland paid tribute to one such individual, Jose Trevino, by renaming the former College Street and 9th Street to Trevino Street.
This heartfelt gesture honors the life and legacy of a man whose dedication to Portland’s growth continues to inspire.
Honoring a Pioneer of Portland
Jose Trevino, who passed away in 1950, was a farmer, rancher, and landowner during Portland’s formative years. His family was among the first to settle in the city, and their influence is deeply woven into Portland’s history.
The land Trevino owned, known as El Rancho Coronado, became the site of the first T.M. Clark Elementary School in 1953 and now houses Gregory-Portland ISD’s Early Childhood Center.
Trevino’s legacy extends beyond land ownership. In 1916, he and his family played a crucial role in establishing Portland’s first Catholic Church.
The church building they purchased and donated became Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, a cornerstone of the community that continues to serve Portland to this day.
A Celebration of Heritage
The renaming ceremony was attended by many of Trevino’s surviving family members, who gathered to celebrate this historic moment. City Manager Randy Wright highlighted the importance of honoring individuals like Trevino:
“These moments allow us to connect with our shared heritage, celebrate the diversity and resilience of those who came before us, and inspire future generations to carry forward the spirit of progress of this community.”
Portland Mayor Cathy Skurow also expressed her pride in recognizing Trevino’s contributions:
“This is a moment not just about honoring the past, it’s about connecting that history to our present and our future. We hope this renaming will serve as a lasting reminder of his legacy and inspire future generations to carry forward his values of hard work, generosity, and faith.”
A Legacy of Faith, Generosity, and Dedication
Jose Trevino’s life was marked by faith, compassion, and tireless efforts to improve his community. These values continue to live on through his family, many of whom remain residents of Portland. Speaking on behalf of the Trevino family, Beatrice Villarreal reflected on her uncle’s legacy:
“We stand here not to just rename a street, but to honor a life that has deeply enriched our community. These streets now bearing the name will serve as a constant reminder of the unwavering faith to our Lord that he had, his boundless compassion, [and] his tireless efforts to have made the city of Portland a better place for all.”
Trevino Street: A Symbol of Inspiration
The renaming of Trevino Street ensures that Jose Trevino’s contributions will forever be recognized as a vital part of Portland’s story.
This new name is not just a tribute to the past but a connection to the present and a reminder of the values that continue to shape the community. As Portland grows, Trevino Street will stand as a symbol of the hard work, generosity, and faith that built the city into what it is today.
Through this dedication, Jose Trevino’s memory will continue to inspire future generations to carry forward his vision of a united and thriving community.