We spent a whirlwind day Monday in Sacramento joining many of our movement’s friends for their inaugural events, including the swearing in and reception for California Gov. Jerry Brown, new state Attorney General Kamela Harris and new state schools superintendent Tom Torlakson. Our longtime friend and legislative strategist, Richie Ross, also signed his just-published book, “My Letters to Dead People,” at a packed event benefiting the UFW across from the state Capitol. Everywhere we went, countless friends and supporters came up to us, expressing the hope this is the start of a new dawn for farm workers. We spoke briefly with the new governor and his wife, Anne Gust Brown, at the gubernatorial reception in the California Railroad Museum. He said he is looking forward to getting together soon.
Arturo S. Rodriguez, President
United Farm Workers