1st Annual Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast, March 31

The Farmworker Institute of Education Leadership Development (FIELD) will be introducing the 1st Annual Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast on Friday, March 31, 2017. Candidate for the Governor of California, Antonio Villaraigosa will deliver the keynote address. The purpose of this breakfast is to honor the memory of Cesar Chavez while recognizing people in the community who exemplify his spirit. Cesar Chavez was a union leader and civil rights leader who dedicated his life to improving treatment, pay and working conditions for farm workers. He was respected as an iconic human rights activist. He also founded FIELD in 1978. This is the First-time FIELD and the Chavez family is honoring his birthday in Kern County.

Field’s mission is to promote economic and social prosperity in rural communities for latinos, working people, and their families.

The things that Cesar Chavez taught has been exemplified in the core values of FIELD. The organization wishes to recognize community members that embody the spirit of Cesar Chavez.

The breakfast will recognize recently retired Chancellor Sandra V. Serrano. Sandra V. Serrano was the Chancellor of Kern Community College District, a position she held from July, 2004 until her recent retirement in December, 2016. The Kern Community College District encompasses 25,000 square miles and is served by three colleges: Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso Community College, and Porterville College. FIELD will also honor a staff member chosen by their co-workers as well as a student affiliated with FIELD. FIELD CEO David Villarino calls Sandra Serrano, “a pillar of the community who has made countless contributions to educating the children of Kern County through the education of the future work force.”

Cesar Chavez’s son Anthony and daughter Liz both work for FIELD. Anthony is the head of the Kern Service and Conservation Corps (KSACC) and Liz is the Controller.

FIELD CEO David Villarino and his staff at FIELD recognized that Cesar Chavez’s legacy has not been commemorated with an annual event until now. March 31 would have been the union leaders 90th birthday. This date marks an ideal time to honor the legacy of a great leader.

The legacy breakfast will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. at St. Francis Hall located at 900 Hall Street in Bakersfield. The public is invited to attend. Breakfast tickets are $5 for adults and FREE for children under 12. Money raised will be used to help fund FIELD programs including Kern Service and Conservation Corps (KSACC).

About FIELD

The Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership Development (FIELD) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization based in California’s San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys. FIELD was founded in 1978 by Farmworker Leader Cesar E. Chavez and is dedicated to strengthening America’s agricultural and rural communities through the Core Values of Opportunity, Excellence, Integrity, Innovation and Si Se Puede.