The California State Senate on the floor adopted Senate Resolution 29 recognizing March 31, 2025, as Cesar Chavez Day in California.

Senator Jesse Arreguin (Berkeley) presented SR 29 on behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, saying Chavez’s life “serves as an extraordinary example of how one person can overcome the odds and inspire a movement for social change.” Arreguin (transcript label: Adeguin/Adegin) read a quote attributed to Cesar Chavez about including the needs and aspirations of others in one’s ambitions.

Why it matters: Senators across the chamber emphasized Chavez’s role in organizing farm workers, his work with Dolores Huerta and Larry Itliong, and his broader contributions to civil and labor rights. Multiple senators tied Chavez’s legacy to contemporary challenges facing farm workers, including heat-illness protections and the need for enforcement of labor standards.

Floor remarks highlighted different aspects of Chavez’s life and legacy. Senator Baizer (Legislative Women’s Caucus co-sponsor) stressed the often-unrecognized role of women in the farmworker movement, naming Dolores Huerta and others. Senator Archuleta noted Chavez’s service in the U.S. Navy and the naming of USNS Cesar Chavez. Senator Cervantes described Chavez as an ally of LGBTQ communities and recalled Chavez’s participation in the 1987 march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights. Several senators recounted local connections to Chavez’s organizing in San Jose and the Central Valley and noted family members and representatives present in the gallery, including Lydia Chavez Medina.

The resolution passed by roll call. The clerk announced “Ayes, 33. No 0. The resolution is adopted.” The transcript records senators’ remarks in support; no roll-call opposition was noted.

The measure is a ceremonial recognition; it does not create new law or funding, but senators said the resolution is intended as a reminder to continue work on farmworker protections and related public-policy issues.