Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michelle Kuka, Interim Human Resources Director
Subject: Resolution designating March 31, 2026 as a paid holiday for County employees to honor Cesar Chavez Day
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution designating March 31, 2026, as a paid holiday for County Employees to honor Cesar Chavez Day pursuant to County Ordinance Code Section 2.71.110, and subject to its terms.
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BACKGROUND:
The Cesar Chavez holiday celebrates the birth and legacy of the civil rights and labor movement activist Cesar Chavez on March 31 every year. Cesar Chavez paved a path for an equitable society that continues to inform and inspire people, focused on working conditions with an emphasis on the importance of employee benefits, health coverage, equitable wages, and access to healthy working conditions.
The Cesar Chavez holiday recognizes the contributions of Latinos and immigrants and the hopes of working people. The holiday also highlights the efforts of Latinos in the labor movement.
In 2000, the State of California made Cesar Chavez day an official holiday. San Mateo County Ordinance Code Section 2.71.110(b) provides that the Board of Supervisors has discretion to grant any holiday appointed by the President of the United States or the Governor of the State of California as a County holiday.
DISCUSSION:
The County of San Mateo is a welcoming community dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its services. The Cesar Chavez holiday is a significant opportunity for reflection and time for community engagement/service that uplifts historically marginalized communities and work towards bridging equity gaps and advocating for the dignity of all County of San Mateo communities and across our nation.
By honoring this holiday, the County reaffirms our commitment to honoring the history of labor rights that granted access to collective bargaining and unio...
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