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Recognition for Diaz?

Chances are good that a west Phoenix senior center will carry the name of a Hispanic hero.

Which Hispanic hero remains a question, as the Phoenix Heritage Commission members will decide through hearings. The Phoenix City Council will have final approval, which name the building will wear.

Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot, District 4, has proposed that the Westside Senior Center (which celebrated a grand opening in February), be renamed after Adam Diaz, the 97-year-old considered a living legend among Latinos after being the first Hispanic elected to the Phoenix city council in 1953. Diaz lives near the center.

However, another proposal before the commission suggests naming the center at 4115 W. Thomas Road after David Uribe, a Latino police officer killed in the line of duty in 2005.

Those advocating for Diaz getting the honor say he is a role model for Latinos wanting to get involved in politics. Those behind naming the complex after Uribe say the police officer should be honored for paying the ultimate price for protecting the public's safety. Uribe would serve as a reminder to Phoenix's first responders that the city honors its fallen, advocates say.

Diaz appears to have the edge because city homage to his achievements are long overdue.

"It was past time for the city to honor Adam Diaz," Simplot was quoted in a newspaper article.