7:01am | The city of Long Beach is gearing up for this year’s Cesar Chavez celebration, which will be held next Thursday, March 31, at the renowned farm workers rights activist’s namesake park.
The 2011 Long Beach Cesar Chavez Festival will begin at 3 p.m. with the dedication of the park’s community center in the late state Sen. Jenny Oropeza’s name.
Oropeza, who represented the 28th District, which includes a portion of Long Beach, died Oct. 10, 2010, due to complications tied to a blood clot in her abdomen.
Additional activities include performances by Chyle-Music Organization and Clara Ballet Folklorico; a student poetry contest featuring college scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 as awards; a Viva Los Ninos children’s play area; and an array of booths and tables offering information on job assistance, higher education, recreation services, citizenship.and public safety.
Free raffles and giveaways, as well as food and drinks, will also be available. The event is being organized by the Long Beach Community Hispanic Association, also known as Centro CHA.. Inc.
Cesar Chavez Park is located at 401 Golden Ave. For additional information, contact Centro CHA. at 562-570-4722.