The Fresno County board agenda says supervisors will consider changing Cesar Chavez Day every March 31 to \u201cFresno County Agriculture Appreciation Day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRenaming the holiday offers an opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions of the countless individuals and families who sustain this vital industry,\u201d the county\u2019s announcement said<\/a>.<\/p>\n The eponymous holiday for Chavez is among those approved by the board, which last year restricted which holidays<\/a> are allowed to be officially observed and funded without special permission by county employees. It is also a day off for many of them.<\/p>\n Fresno County, Fresno city and state leaders said they supported the survivors of sexual violence<\/a>, and stressed the farmworker movement was greater than one man. Many distanced themselves from Chavez while attempting to support the efforts toward farmworker rights.<\/p>\n Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, who is not related to the civil rights leader, released a statement<\/a> Wednesday morning after the news stories surfaced. He said he supported the victims.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe them, we all should,\u201d he said. \u201cMy hope is that all victims come forward, and they receive the justice their deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n The county seemed to moving in the same direction as many municipalities and public agencies<\/a>. The Fresno City Council appeared to headed toward removing Chavez from the 10-mile boulevard that bears his name, Fresno State\u2019s president said the statue there would be torn down and Sacramento leaders planned to strip his name from a prominent plaza, to name a few.<\/p>\n State leaders made similar moves on Thursday<\/a>. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister took to the floor of his chamber Thursday to announce he would work with Senate President pro Tem Monique Lim\u00f3n, D-Santa Barbara, to change the name of the holiday honoring Chavez to Farmworkers Day.<\/p>\n The Sacramento Bee contributed to this report.<\/p>\n This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 12:24 PM.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Fresno Bee<\/p>\n