Assembly adopts resolution honoring Cesar Chavez with broad bipartisan support
Summary
The Assembly adopted House Resolution 23 commemorating Cesar Chavez Day; multiple caucuses and members spoke about Chavez’s legacy and the resolution drew coauthors across the chamber.
Assemblymember Ortega presented House Resolution 23 on Cesar Chavez Day and led a prolonged floor discussion in which members across multiple caucuses recounted Chavez’s role in labor organizing, civil rights and community building.
Ortega, identified in the transcript as co‑vice chair of the Latino Caucus, framed the resolution as a call “to carry on his work,” and asked that the roll be opened for coauthors. Members from the California Legislative Black Caucus, the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, the Native American Caucus, the Jewish Caucus and the LGBTQ Caucus each rose to voice support and relate personal or historical ties to Chavez’s work.
Speakers praised Chavez for coalition building across communities. Assemblymember Baines quoted Chavez: “The fight was never about grapes or lettuce. It was always about the people.” Assemblymember Ramos noted Chavez’s family history and that Chavez “would say, remember our work isn't like a baseball game ... You only lose when you stop fighting.” Several members highlighted Chavez’s collaborations with Filipino and Black labor leaders and his role in improving farmworker protections.
The clerk recorded the addition of 60 coauthors for HR 23 and, following floor debate, the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The transcript records no opposition on the floor and multiple members urging colleagues to support the measure.
The resolution is an honorary commemoration recognizing Chavez’s life and legacy; it does not by itself change statute or appropriate funds. The transcript includes guest introductions of Chavez family members on the chamber floor following adoption.
