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President Obama Expected To Designate César E. Chávez National Monument On October 8

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Published Date

October 2, 2012

President Obama is expected to be in California next Monday to announce the establishment of the César E. Chávez National Monument.

The monument, which the president will designate through the authority bestowed by the Antiquities Act, "will be established on the property known as Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace), or La Paz," according to a release from the White House. "The La Paz property is recognized worldwide for its historic link to civil rights icon César Estrada Chávez and the farm worker movement. The site served as the national headquarters of the United Farm Workers (UFW) as well as the home and workplace of César Chávez and his family from the early 1970s until Chávez’ death in 1993, and includes his grave site which will also be part of the monument."

“César Chávez gave a voice to poor and disenfranchised workers everywhere,” the president said in prepared remarks. “La Paz was at the center of some of the most significant civil rights moments in our nation’s history, and by designating it a national monument, Chávez’ legacy will be preserved and shared to inspire generations to come.”

From this rural headquarters in the Tehachapi Mountains of Kern County, California, Chávez played a central role in achieving basic worker protections for hundreds of thousands of farmworkers across the country, from provisions ensuring drinking water was provided to workers in the fields, to steps that helped limit workers’ exposure to dangerous pesticides, to helping to establish basic minimum wages and health care access for farm workers.

The National Chávez Center, in consultation with the United Farm Workers of America, the César Chávez Foundation and members of César Chávez’s family, offered to donate certain properties at La Paz to the federal government for the purpose of establishing a national monument commemorating César E. Chávez and the farmworker movement. This designation will represent the culmination of a process that has been under way for several years.

The César E. Chávez National Monument will encompass property that includes a Visitors’ Center containing César Chávez’s office as well as the UFW legal aid offices, the home of César and Helen Chávez, the Chávez Memorial Garden containing Chavez’s grave site, and additional buildings and structures at the La Paz campus.

The monument, which will be managed by the National Park Service in consultation with the National Chávez Center and the César Chávez Foundation, will be the fourth National Monument designated by President Obama using the Antiquities Act. He previously designated Fort Monroe National Monument in Virginia, a former Army post integral to the history of slavery, the Civil War, and the U.S. military; Fort Ord National Monument in California, a former military base that is a world-class destination for outdoor recreation; and Chimney Rock, which is located in the San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado, and offers a spectacular landscape rich in history and Native American culture.

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Comments

I agree, Lee. Time to set phasers on shun for anonymous trolls.


Rick, I see that you like Lee you would rather make dismissive statements rather that actually debate the issues. Fact is, there are reasons people are anons. In fact I am no more anon than you. "Rick B" in Alaska? Can't be but a few thousand of those. I have in the past provided my full contact information and you complemented me for it. Now that itsn't possible. But then, who we are isn't as important as the points we make. Unfortunately you and Lee don't won't to address the points.


When, after many tries to be reasonable, one fails to find an ear willing to respond with thoughtful, factual comments, there is a tendency to just give up.


Anonymous (not verified) on October 4, 2012 - 7:49am.:{/quote]
Rick, I see that you like Lee you would rather make dismissive statements rather that actually debate the issues. Fact is, there are reasons people are anons. In fact I am no more anon than you. "Rick B" in Alaska? Can't be but a few thousand of those. I have in the past provided my full contact information and you complemented me for it. Now that itsn't possible. But then, who we are isn't as important as the points we make. Unfortunately you and Lee don't won't to address the points.

Leaving a photo and bio doesn't seem to be as anonymous to me. However, I might not understand the meaning of the word.

/users/rick-b

Biography

Rick B. is a 60+ year old retired nurse, thoroughly enjoying the freedom of retirement. His wife is a museum curator for the NPS. They live in the Pacific Northwest; currently Alaska. He has enjoyed the parks since childhood, and is now particularly enjoying having more means and opportunity to visit or revisit parks of all sorts. He makes no apologies for pursuing NPS Passport stamps with childish delight.


Nor how to tell one 'anonymous' from a dozen other 'anonymous'. So many trolls sound like each other.


I'm not all that anonymous either. I've shared emails with Kurt and used my full name. I also got a prize once and left my address to receive said prize. I will say that I am not anonymous - at least to the management of this website.

I guess some may simply be an IP address somewhere that could be traced to the user only with a search warrant.


Rick,

How do we know thats your picture or your bio? We don't because we do know who you really are. You are anonimous. I have already given you more details about me than you have made available including name, web address and from there email and phone number. But who we are really dosn't matter. It is facts and ideas that count. It is a sahme that you and Lee rely on dismissive comments instead. Or is "i thought the GOP was nearly 100% a coalition of special interest groups and wealthy individuals" a "thoughtful factual comment"? Or how about that "shun gun".?


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