Cesar Chavez Day Activity

As expected, the activity in Chico for the Cesar Chavez holiday was more than a normal weekend. With the return of students from the Chico State Spring Break, the holiday has historically seen an increase in south campus activity and celebrations. However, since the COVID pandemic and the overall decrease in student population, activity in the south campus area has significantly decreased. This year was no exception.

César Estrada Chávez (March 31, 1927 – April 23, 1993) was a Mexican American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist. Along with Dolores Huerta, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). Chavez’s work led to numerous improvements for union laborers throughout the state. The recognized state holiday is the celebration and honoring of his life’s work. The Cesar Chavez Holiday is recognized on his birthday every year.

This year, the Chico Police Department increased staffing for the holiday with one Special Event Team of officers. This team was tasked with addressing alcohol-related issues that are typical during the holiday. The following are the arrest and citation statistics for the event starting at 7:00 a.m. Friday, March 31, and ending at 7:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1:

• Alcohol-related citations (open container, minor in possession etc): 6
• Public intoxication arrests: 1
• DUI Arrests: 2
• Assaults: 1
• Other misdemeanor arrests: 2

The goal of the increased staffing is to provide a level of protection to allow those wishing to celebrate to do so safely. We appreciate the cooperation from the student population, downtown businesses, and all participants in achieving this goal.

Location: City of Chico

Suspect: N/A

Victim: N/A

Supervisor: Sgt. Mark Bass, Sgt. Tony Ferreira and Sgt. Jon Nickelson

Lieutenant: Lt. Jeff Durkin

The Chico Police Department is committed to ensuring our community is a safe place to live, work, and recreate within!