Governor Brown Proclaims Monday As 'Cesar Chavez Day'

SACRAMENTO (CBSLA.com) — California Governor Jerry Brown has proclaimed Monday, March 31, 2014 as Cesar Chavez Day in the state.

The Governor praised the late and lauded civil rights activist for his tireless efforts in advancing the cause of all people but especially farm workers.

Brown wrote, "In 1962, after working for many years as a community organizer, he founded the organization which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). As leader of the UFW, Chavez organized agricultural laborers to protest and demand improvements in their working and living conditions. The UFW motto of "Si se puede!" or "Yes, we can!" continues to resound as a timeless rallying cry to workers for social justice."

Brown added, "Cesar Chavez and the UFW played an instrumental role in the passage of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which I signed into law in 1975. This legislation made our state the first in the nation to give farm workers the right to seek union representation and bargain collectively within an established legal framework."

A movie about Chavez' life -- "Cesar Chavez: History is Made One Step at a Time" -- is currently in theaters. The movie stars Michael Pena, America Ferrera and Rosario Dawson.

"Cesar Chavez Day" in California coincides on what would have been Chavez' 86th birthday. Chavez died on April 23, 1993 at the age of 66.

In honor of his birthday, City of Los Angeles offices and LAUSD schools, the LA Superior Court, the Department of Motor Vehicles, libraries and animal shelters will be closed.

LA County and federal offices will remain open. Mail will also be delivered. Buses and trains will run on regular schedules.