Cesar Chavez Day on Monday

César Chávez Day is a state holiday in California. Los Angeles city offices and public libraries are closed. Banks are open. USPS mail delivery, trash service and public transportation are on normal schedule.

Why the observance? Because March 31 is the birthday of a Mexican-American vegan named César Chávez. The holiday is celebrated on the Monday or Friday nearest that date. This year, it’s Monday, March 30.

Chavez Day is a holiday in eight states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin

César Chávez

Birthday:  March 31, 1927
Died: April 23, 1993

What did Cesar Chavez do? He was a farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist. Along with Dolores Huerta, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers.

Favorite fruit to pick: uvas (grapes)

Trivia:  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger suspended the observance of the holiday in 2004 and 2005 to save money in the aftermath of the power crisis.