FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno County leaders have voted to rename the holiday known as Cesar Chavez Day to “Fresno County Farmworkers and Agriculture Appreciation Day.”
The change comes in response to a bombshell report by the New York Times last week, accusing the late labor leader of abusing girls and women, including legendary activist Dolores Huerta.
The Board of Supervisors held a special meeting Monday to discuss an amendment to the County’s Salary Resolution, renaming the holiday observed by Fresno County workers every March 31.
Supervisor Brian Pacheco raised some concerns about the county changing the name prematurely, ahead of the state, which is also in renaming talks.
“Agriculture, farmworkers, farmers, it’s all one, it’s only successful when everyone is working together,” says supervisor Garry Bredefeld. “I respect the hard work of farmers and farmworkers, and that’s why I like the way we’ve titled this.”
Supervisor Luis Chavez was not present for Monday’s meeting and vote.
He pushed to add the word “Farmworker” into the new name, telling Action News the day was never really about one person but the work, struggle and sacrifice of the farmworker community.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
