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County commemorates Cesar Chavez with community celebration and Youth Hall of Fame awards
Summary
Contra Costa County hosted a Cesar Chavez celebration April 1 featuring speakers, performances and Youth Hall of Fame awards recognizing student leadership, volunteerism and civic engagement. Speakers included Armando Quintero and recorded remarks from Senator Alex Padilla.
Contra Costa County’s board meeting April 1 included a large Cesar Chavez celebration organized by the Probation Department with music, dance, community speakers and the county’s 2025 Youth Hall of Fame awards.
The event featured performances by the Max Cortez band and Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Armando Quintero, director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation and a Martinez native, delivered remarks about Cesar Chavez’s life, family legacy and the movement for farmworkers’ rights. Quintero emphasized Chavez’s roots in migrant labor, his adoption of nonviolent tactics, and his commitment to family and community. A prerecorded message from U.S. Senator Alex Padilla commended young awardees for carrying forward Chavez’s legacy.
Douglas Amlazemetah, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, urged personal, daily actions to improve community life and warned against spreading misinformation that can harm immigrant neighbors. Probation Chief Issa Eamon Krauss, who led event coordination, acknowledged staff and volunteers who organized the celebration.
The board presented Youth Hall of Fame and Rising Star awards to a slate of students from across the county for leadership, volunteerism, civic engagement and innovation. Awardees included Christophe Davis (teamwork and Black student advocacy), Johan Weber (STEM access for Indigenous students via Bricks for All), Carlina Mayer (youth voter outreach), and multiple middle-school Rising Star honorees for volunteerism and prevention education. Supervisors praised performers and organizers and encouraged continued community engagement.
The event also served as a public recognition platform; no board action was required other than the ceremonial presentations.
