TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft resolution officially recognizing every 31st of March as César Chávez Day in the City of Long Beach; and
Request City Attorney to draft resolution officially recognizing every 10th of April as Dolores Huerta Day in the City of Long Beach.
DISCUSSION
Since 2001 in the State of California and since 2014 in the United States, every 31st of March is recognized as César Chávez Day in honor of the birthdate of one of the most influential Mexican American labor activists, César E. Chávez. His contributions to “la causa”, or the cause, for better working and living conditions have helped establish a strong foundation in the work of economic justice that continues to impact the labor movement today.
César E. Chávez grew up in the State of Arizona, but during the Great Depression migrated with his family to the Golden State. He began working the fields at a young age and later went on to become a grassroots organizer to help register new voters. However, what he is most famously known for is cofounding with Dolores Huerta the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) that organized the historic 1965 Grape Strike alongside the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC).
Dolores Huerta was born on April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico. At a young age, following her parents' divorce, she moved with her mother and siblings to Stockton, California where she spent most of her childhood and early adult life. She worked to attain her teaching credentials and began her educator career while also being a mother of two. Among her many contributions are the attainment of disability insurance for farm workers, the establishment of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and her legacy leadership in the 1965 Grape Strike.
The efforts of Huerta and Chavez led to the adoption of the Agricultural Labor Relation Act in 1975 in the State of California that grants the right of farm workers to unionize.
Due to the long-lasting impact of the work on union organizing and labor negotiations and as these holidays are both recognized by the State of California, it is appropriate to officially recognize in the City of Long Beach every 31st of March as César E. Chávez Day and every 10th of April as Dolores Huerta Day.
EQUITY LENS
This proclamation aligns with the City’s equity goals of celebrating and respecting significant and historic contributions of people from all backgrounds. Moreover, through an equity lens, the City must also recognize and acknowledge the complex and often overlooked relation with Cesar E. Chavez and the undocumented community. As we recognize the critical leadership and labor rights advocacy of Cesar E. Chavez, we also strongly affirm respect and pride in our Latino/a and undocumented community.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Due to this issue being time sensitive, this item is of an urgent matter.
FISCAL IMPACT
No Financial Management review was able to be conducted due to the time sensitivity of this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MARY ZENDEJAS, COUNCILWOMAN
FIRST DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA, COUNCILMAN
SEVENTH DISTRICT