Hawaiian Garden activist will receive Chavez Humanitarian Award
the labor leader
Nidia Mateos will receive Chavez honor
NORWALK — A community organizer will receive the Fourth Annual Cesar E. Chavez Humanitarian Award, according to Assemblyman Tony Mendoza.
Nidia Mateos, a Hawaiian Gardens resident, will get the award March 28 Monday during the Cesar Chavez Award Ceremony Banquet at Cerritos Skyline Room at the Cerritos Library.
The banquet is open to the public, but an RSVP is required by contacting the assemblyman’s district office, 562-864-5600.
The award and banquet pay tribute to the late labor leader Cesar E. Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers of America, by recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of community members who display the core values Chavez followed during his lifetime.
Paul Chavez, son of Cesar Chavez and president and chairman of the National Farmworkers Service Center, will also be at the event.
Mateos has been an avid community volunteer by organizing groups of parents to participate in a variety of civic events, such as Neighborhood Watch, Red Ribbon Week and National Night Out.
Mateos also attends City Council meetings where she calls for the community to band together for the common good and is a youth advocate in her role as president of the Melbourne Elementary School PTA.
"Reading through the bios of these Cesar Chavez Award applicants touched my heart," Mendoza said in a statement announcing the award winner. "But when I read about the work of Nidia Mateos, I was floored. I can’t tell you how comforted I am to know that a woman of her caliber lives in my district.
Mendoza, who represents the 56th District, asked residents from his district to nominate fellow community members who have worked hard to have a positive impact in the local community; exemplify the work of Chavez; and display his 10 core values of acceptance of all people, sacrifice, determination, non-violence, service to others, respect for life and the environment, celebrating the community, knowledge, and innovation.
After receiving a number of applications, Mateos was selected to receive the award.
phillip.zonkel@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1258