Chair Hilda L. Solis (Photo – LA County)
Los Angeles County officials have approved two motions to reevaluate public recognitions of labor leader Cesar Chavez and to rename the County-observed holiday in his honor as “Farmworkers Day.”
By News Desk
The decision, made Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, signals a shift toward emphasizing the broader farmworker movement while addressing recent allegations involving Chavez.
The motions were introduced by Board Chair Hilda L. Solis and co-authored by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn. Farmworkers Day will continue to be observed on the last Monday in March.
The actions follow recent survivor testimonies describing alleged abuse involving Chavez, including accounts shared by prominent labor leader Dolores Huerta. County leaders said the testimonies, while painful, underscore the need for public honors to reflect accountability, dignity, and the full scope of the farmworker movement. Officials emphasized that survivors’ voices must be centered and supported throughout the process.
Supervisors also highlighted the collective achievements of generations of farmworkers who organized to improve working conditions, secure fair wages, and expand labor rights. They noted that the movement’s legacy extends beyond any one individual, pointing to key contributions from figures such as Huerta and Filipino American labor organizer Larry Itliong.
“The County of Los Angeles has a firm responsibility to ensure that public recognitions reflect our shared values of justice, dignity, and respect,” Solis said in a statement. She added that the Board’s actions aim to honor the broader farmworker movement while confronting difficult truths.
One motion directs the County’s Chief Executive Office, in coordination with legal counsel and other departments, to launch a community-driven process to review and potentially rename County assets bearing Chavez’s name. These include parks, streets, public facilities, programs, monuments, and artwork. The process will include multilingual outreach, culturally competent engagement, and trauma-informed participation to ensure affected communities can contribute without fear or stigma. A report outlining recommendations is due within 21 days.
Horvath emphasized the importance of centering survivors in the County’s response. “We cannot look away from what has been revealed,” she said. “We must meet this moment with honesty, accountability, and a commitment to move forward in a way that puts survivors first.”
A second motion formally renames Cesar Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day at the County level, beginning this year. The change aligns with state legislation announced by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and State Senator Monique Limón, which similarly redesignates the holiday. County departments have been directed to remove Chavez’s name and likeness from holiday-related materials and instead focus programming on farmworker justice, labor rights, and community service.
Hahn said the decision reflects broader recognition of the movement’s collective impact. “The abuses of one man should not diminish the extraordinary sacrifices and accomplishments of the farmworker movement,” she said. “Renaming this holiday ‘Farmworkers Day’ celebrates the courage of the workers, families, and organizers who changed this country for the better.”
County officials described the measures as part of an ongoing effort to acknowledge the full history of the farmworker movement, prioritize survivors, and ensure that public recognitions reflect both accountability and the contributions of the many individuals who shaped the cause.
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