2010 Hispanic Citizen of the Year

Carlos Villatoro

Carlos Villatoro has been named 2010 Hispanic Citizen of the Year by the Napa Valley Cinco de Mayo organization in recognition of his work in giving a voice and a face to Latinos in Napa Valley.

Carlos began covering the Napa Valley Hispanic community in 2003, when he joined the newsroom staff at the Napa Valley Register.  Over the years Carlos has written numerous stories about issues affecting Latinos, including immigration, education, crime and the economy.  Carlos has also profiled many Latino leaders and organizations and has chronicled important events and religious celebrations.  His clear-eyed, straightforward coverage has heightened awareness as to the challenges facing Latinos in our valley as well as the tremendous contribution they are making to the cultural fabric and economic prosperity which is visible throughout the county of Napa.

In 2006, Carlos became the editor of Napa Valley Hispanos Unidos, a bilingual newspaper.  The newspaper made strides in providing Latinos with local and national news, sports and cultural coverage.  Though publication of Napa Valley Hispanos Unidos has been suspended, Carlos’ commitment to covering the Latino community on the pages of the Napa Valley Register has not diminished. 

Carlos came with his family to the United States from his native el Salvador at the age of 3.  He was raised alongside his brother and sister in Daly City.  In 1989 Carlos and his family moved to American Canyon.  He attended Silverado Middle School and graduated from Napa High School in 1994.  Carlos attended Solano Community College and then Sacramento State University’s School of Journalism, where he graduated summa cum laude.  He is married to Crystal, his wife of 10 years, and spends his free time raising his daughters and creating music.