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Adopt a resolution recognizing March 31, 2025, as Cesar Chavez Day in Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Board of Supervisors is asked to consider adopting a resolution recognizing March 31, 2025, as Cesar Chavez Day in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Cesar Estrada Chavez day is celebrated on March 31 annually throughout the United States on his birthday to commemorate his contributions to agriculture and farmworkers' rights. Mr. Chavez, Gilbert Padilla, Dolores Huerta, and other organizers co-founded the United Farm Workers in 1962 organizing and advocating for farm workers' rights and forming the first and largest enduring union for farm workers in the United States.
In 1966, Cesar Chavez led an advocacy march that began in Delano, California, with a handful of activists, and ended in Sacramento with a crowd of 10,000 standing in demonstration for the rights of agricultural workers. In the same year, the United Farm Workers movement began a grape boycott that built momentum with 17 million supporters joining nationwide, driving growers to accept some of the first farm worker labor contracts in history.
Cesar Chavez went on numerous hunger strikes demonstrating his commitment to nonviolent protest in efforts to ensure safe drinking water in California's Central Valley, an ongoing battle that continues today. Cesar Chavez's dedication to grassroots community organizing has resulted in safer agriculture environments and labor rights for farm workers that still progress today due to his life's work and legacy that he fondly referred to as "la causa." He was awarded the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom one year after his death by President Bill Clinton in 1994.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Board's FY2024/25 Working Budget. Th...
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