Fresno County Board renames March 31 to 'Fresno County Farm Worker and Agriculture Appreciation Day'

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on March 23 to amend its salary resolution and rename the March 31 holiday in the county calendar "Fresno County Farm Worker and Agriculture Appreciation Day." The motion was made by Supervisor Magsig and seconded by Supervisor Mendez.

The move followed public comment and board discussion about whether the county should avoid appearing to single out one cultural history. A resident who spoke during public comment said she supported a name that would include both workers and farmers, and warned against erasing Cesar Chavez’s legacy while calling for the county to recognize farmworkers’ contributions. The commenter also referenced recent litigation affecting visa-holder wages and said the impact could total about $23,000,000,000, a figure she described to the board as an estimate.

Supervisor Magsig, who introduced the motion, said the action would change the county's salary resolution only, not the name of any state holiday: "We're not changing the name of the entire state. We're changing our salary resolution and what we're gonna call this holiday," he said, arguing that the county should avoid revictimizing those who have come forward. County counsel advised the board that he was not aware of any state prohibition on a county using a locally recognized name and suggested adding language such as "locally known as" if the board wanted extra caution; he said staff would continue to review the matter.

Board members also discussed a prior city council decision to rename a street and the cost and confusion that can impose on businesses and residents when names are changed and later reversed. Several supervisors emphasized honoring victims who had reported abuse while also lifting up farmworkers as essential to Fresno County's economy.

The chair called the question and the board approved the amendment by voice vote; no members were recorded as opposed. The board then adjourned.

The change applies to the county salary resolution (section 900, holidays); staff indicated they would follow up on wording and any legal clarifications for how the name will appear on county calendars and employee schedules.