Thousands march in San Fernando Valley to honor Cesar Chavez with call to civic action plus health fair, science and cultural festival

Actor Ed Begley Jr., farm worker movement leaders and elected officials join thousands of Valley residents at the 17th Annual Cesar Chavez Walk & Festival to celebrate the farm labor and civil rights leader’s legacy on Sunday, March 28, beginning at 10 a.m. in Mission Hills and ending with musical, health and cultural events in Pacoima starting at 12:30 p.m.
Sunday’s observances are aimed at educating young people, families and community members about Chavez’s life and work of by encouraging engagement, especially by young people, in civic action and by “giving back.” Sponsored by the Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Committee of the San Fernando Valley and the non-profit, tax-exempt United Farm Workers Foundation, participants will also support UFW Foundation efforts to improve farm worker lives, including the drive for immigration reform.
    
The two-mile march ends at Ritchie Valens Park in Pacoima, with special presentations, musical and dane performances by community groups, information booths, a health fair and “Celebra la Ciencia,” science exhibits designed to interest young people in science careers.

Among those speaking will be Begley, UFW Foundation Executive Director Diana Tellefson and public officials, including L.A. Councilmember Wendy Greuel. Chavez’s birthday on Wednesday, March 31 is celebrated as an official holiday in eight states, including California.
 
Who:     Actor Ed Begley Jr., leaders of the Cesar Chavez-founded farm worker movement, elected officials, thousands of Valley community leaders, young people and families.

What:   17th Annual Cesar Chavez Walk & Festival.

When:   March starts at 10 a.m. in Mission Hills; Program begins at 12:30 p.m. in Pacoima.

Where: Starts: Brand Park, 15174 San Fernando Mission Rd., Mission Hills 91345; Ends: Ritchie Valens Park, 10731 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima 91331.

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