A Shift in Holiday Recognition

Los Angeles is observing its first Farmworkers Day this Tuesday. The holiday, formerly known as Cesar Chavez Day, was renamed by city, county, and school officials following serious sexual abuse allegations against the late labor leader.

The Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors finalized the change last week. This decision aligns with actions taken by state lawmakers and an executive order issued by Mayor Karen Bass to rename the city's observance.

Focusing on the Movement

County officials stated that the renaming is intended to shift the focus toward the broader farm worker movement and its collective contributions. Supervisor Janice Hahn noted that the change honors the movement while distancing the holiday from the actions of one individual.

"The abuses of one man should not diminish the extraordinary sacrifices and accomplishments of the farm worker movement, and renaming this holiday acknowledges that," Hahn said. The county has also initiated a process to remove Chavez’s name and likeness from its facilities.

Allegations Against Cesar Chavez

The changes follow a New York Times report published earlier this month detailing multiple allegations of sexual abuse against the United Farm Workers co-founder. The report included accounts from women who alleged they were abused by Chavez during the height of the farm labor movement.

Among the allegations, one woman claimed that Chavez began abusing her when she was 13, while another stated she was groped at age 12 and later forced into sexual intercourse at age 15. United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta also came forward, stating that she was raped by Chavez in a secluded grape field in 1966.

Holiday Operational Impacts

As the region observes the renamed holiday, residents should note the following service changes:

  • Closed: California state offices, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and Los Angeles Superior Court.
  • Closed: Los Angeles Unified School District campuses, which are currently on spring break.
  • Open: Federal offices, including the U.S. Postal Service and federal courts, will operate as usual.
  • Open: Public transit systems, including Los Angeles Metro and Metrolink, will run on normal weekday schedules.