Honoring Chavez: Whittier, CA, 4/8/2006

Honoring Chavez: Whittier, CA, 4/8/2006
Luncheon held in recognition of labor leader
By Araceli Esparza Staff Writer

SANTA FE SPRINGS - Teresa Chavez Delgado encouraged local students to become "chavistas," who would carry on her grandfather's legacy.

"You could be the next Cesar Chavez!" the 35-year-old told the youths Friday.

"He was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things," she said. "It's not that far-fetched."

Chavez Delgado visited the Clarke Estate in Santa Fe Springs on Friday to join city officials, community members and students in a luncheon honoring her late grandfather.

"Cesar Chavez was a man who believed in service to others, social justice, nonviolence, a need to help the most needy, respect and dignity, and acceptance of all people," Mayor Louie Gonzalez said during the event.

The annual gathering, the sixth for the city, also was geared to recognize about 12 grade-school students who had written about Cesar Chavez.

Sebastian Malpica, a fifth-grader at St. Pius X Catholic School, said he attended the luncheon in support of three schoolmates who were honored for their essay entries.

"He teaches us to be accepting of all people," said Malpica, 11. "By doing this, we can also show the kindness Cesar Chavez showed other people."

Another way to continue Chavez's work is by practicing nonviolence, said 9-year-old Stefanie Rodriguez, who was recognized for her essay.

Chavez Delgado imparted on the essay winners and their friends the duty to spread her grandfather's message of social justice and peace.

"The absolute most important thing is to share what you know," she said. "It's one thing to know something, but it's another thing to teach and to share.

"You are now `chavistas.' You are part of our extended family."

She went on to describe her grandfather as a man who was "constantly reading, constantly learning" about ways in which he could advocate workers' rights.

Chavez Delgado's message was reassuring to Damien Rete, a Pioneer High School senior.

Rete said he was one of the lead organizers in the March 27 school walkouts against proposed legislation on immigration.

Rete, 17, said he investigated Cesar Chavez's story and tactics prior to last month's walkouts. He admitted Friday's event helped him gain greater insight for potential protests in the future.

"It inspired me to go back to school and educate people at school," Rete said.

Chavez Delgado supported Rete's efforts and encouraged students to continue doing their work peacefully.

"The best way to honor Cesar is to act as Cesar would have done," she said.

araceli.esparza@sgvn.com

(562) 698-0955, Ext. 3024
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