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March 31st is Cesar Chavez Day, and though this year that falls on Thursday, some local organizations and civic resources will observe the holiday today or other days this week. The holiday is nationally recognized, but its roots are in Los Angeles, thanks to the many local volunteers who worked to see the day be made into a legal state holiday and day of service:
The legal holiday bill introduced by then State Senator Richard Polanco (Los Angeles-D) was signed into law by then Governor Gray Davis (D) on August 18, 2000. The holiday is celebrated in California on Cesar E. Chavez’s birthday March 31st. This marked the first time that a labor leader or Latino has been honored with a public legal holiday.
Monday
The City of Los Angeles will observe Cesar Chavez Day, and all City Departments, with the exception of emergency personnel, will be closed.
West Hollywood City Hall is closed, says Patch.
Thursday (Cesar Chavez Day)
Some Los Angeles County services will be closed
State Colleges/Universities
State government offices & services, including the DMV will be closed
Friday
LAUSD Schools will be closed
The holiday, recognized by President Obama in 2008, will not impact federal government offices, banks, mail delivery, or retail in terms of service stoppage. The United Farm Workers continue to collect signatures as part of the ongoing movement to make Cesar Chavez Day a national holiday.