San Mateo County to observeCesar Chavez Day on March 30

On March 30, 600 kindergartners and their teachers and parents will gather at Canada College to celebrate the day by participating in a program called "KinderCaminata." The purpose of this program is to instill high expectations and a sense of possibility about what can be achieved through education, according to Canada spokesperson Melanie Kimbel.

"College begins in kindergarten," Jacobs Gibson said. "It's an attitude that the children emulate."

Many immigrant families, especially those from Mexico and Central America, aren't aware of resources that will help their children go to college, according to the Public Information Representative Melanie Kimbel.

By proclaiming March 30 Cesar Chavez Day and celebrating with events such as the 'KinderCaminata,' Rose Jacobs Gibson said, Latin Americans will have the opportunity to learn more about a man who elevated himself to a position of influence from humble beginnings.

They will be encouraged to imagine themselves in exciting future roles and occupations by being given early training to dream of better things, Kimbel added.

Nearly 75 percent of the County's kindergartners share Cesar Chavez' ethnic roots and socioeconomic challenges, Kimbel said, while many of the others are children of color who face the obstacles of poverty.

Chavez, the son of a migrant worker who eventually became the founder and leader of the United Farm Workers Union, organized nationwide boycotts of grapes, wine and lettuce to pressure California growers into signing contracts with the UFW so growers would stop taking advantage of migrant workers.

In San Mateo County, his legacy is now associated with a program that empowers Latino children with the hope that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

"Cesar Chavez is a wonderful example of what we still need," Jacobs Gibson said.<