To commemorate and celebrate the life and work of labor and civil rights leader César Chávez, the city of Woodland will host a celebration at the Woodland Community & Senior Center at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 30.

According to a city press release, community members are encouraged to join the city and fellow residents for this annual event that includes a special guest speaker, music, dance, and singing to celebrate the life and accomplishments of César Chávez.

The keynote speaker will be the President and Chief Executive Office of the Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership Development David M. Villarino-Gonzalez.

Villarino-Gonzalez began his career working for the labor and civil rights leader César Chávez in San Diego and Boston. In 1978, he organized farmworkers, negotiated contracts, and practiced administrative law as a regional manager for the United Farm Workers.

According to a city press release, Villarino-Gonzalez’s most renowned accomplishment has been organizing the agricultural sectors around mutually beneficial programs beginning with strengthening our Agribusiness Region (SOAR), which allowed a UFW rose company’s 1,500 workers to share in the gains through higher wages, benefits, and job security. He is also the son-in-law of César Chávez.

“The significance of Cesar Chavez to a community like Woodland is his non-violent approach to improve working conditions for farmworkers through the United Farm Workers,” stated Woodland Mayor Vicky Fernandez in a press release. “But, on a personal level, his message that all things are possible with determination and hard work is just as important. His quote ‘Si Se Puede’ or ‘Yes We Can’ is also an inspiration to many that seek social justice.”

During the event, Beamer School’s Ballet Folklórico group will dance, Jimena Izquierdo will share a vocal performance, and Douglass Middle School’s Mariachi band led by Idbin Acosta will play.

Several local non-profit organizations and resource groups will host outreach tables at the event. Families are encouraged to attend the event so children of all ages can learn about Chávez’s dedication to making life better for laborers.

In 2022, the city’s César Chávez celebration was held at Heritage Plaza in Woodland. Local officials and elected officials attended the event to show support for Chávez’s life and work and the impact he’s had on the community.

For additional information about the City of Woodland’s César Chávez Celebration, contact the Woodland Community Services Department at (530) 661-2000.