Mayor Saucedo Calls Chavez Abuse Allegations ‘Shocking’ After City Proclamation

Video still via city of Redlands broadcast.

By David James Heiss

Redlands News Collective

The Redlands City Council issued a proclamation at its March 17 meeting recognizing March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day.

A few days later, claims of abuse surfaced that have impacted the legacy of the farmworkers’ rights advocate.

Before the recent allegations, it was routine for municipalities to promote national figures. The proclamation was included in the council’s consent agenda and given a special presentation at the start of the meeting.

City spokesman Carl Baker said the council commonly presents such resolutions before the consent calendar vote that approves them. The vote was unanimous.

Mayor Mario Saucedo recounted Chavez’s achievements in fighting for farmworkers’ basic rights, including a minimum wage, health care and access to drinking water. An image of Chavez was shown on screen as Saucedo read from the proclamation.

“Cesar Chavez resolved himself to the bettering of the plight of farmworkers and encouraging the organization of the National Farmworkers Association in 1962, later known as the United Farmworkers of America,” Saucedo read. He noted that Chavez "has left a legacy as an educator, environmentalist and civil rights leader, reminding us that every job has dignity, every life has value."

Saucedo has since issued a statement for the Redlands News Collective following recent investigations into the late labor leader, who died in 1993 at age 66.

“Like many of you, we find the recent revelations regarding the allegations of sexual abuse against the late Cesar Chavez shocking and profoundly disappointing,” Saucedo said. “We wish to make clear that we support and stand with all victims of sexual violence and oppression.”

While Chavez’s birthday is not a national holiday, it is a state holiday in California. Government offices close, as do schools. Students in public schools in Redlands will be finishing up a two-week spring break when his birthday occurs, and would be out of school regardless.

Saucedo added that the city continues to uphold the ideals of the United Farm Workers. "Moving forward, along with our employees, we will explore how best to continue to honor those contributions in an appropriate manner.”