Recent revelations regarding United Farm Workers leader César Chávez have prompted a re-evaluation of the March 31 holiday in California and Los Angeles County. While previously designated as César Chávez Day for state, county and city of Los Angeles workers, and observed as an unassigned day by the Los Angeles Unified School District, the holiday’s name may change on 2026 calendars.
Holiday Renaming and Observances
On March 19, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass proclaimed the last Monday in March as Farm Workers Day. The California legislature has similarly announced the state’s March 31 holiday will be renamed Farmworkers Day.
Government offices in Los Angeles city and county, as well as libraries, will be closed on Monday, March 30. Individuals should check for potential closures in other Los Angeles County cities on Monday or Tuesday.
Service Schedules
California state offices and superior courts are closed on Tuesday, March 31, as are Department of Motor Vehicles locations. Banks will remain open, and the United States Postal Service will deliver mail as usual on Monday.
Los Angeles Public Library and Los Angeles County Library locations are closed on Monday. Buses and subway services in Los Angeles will operate on a regular schedule, with schedules available at www.metro.net/riding/schedules-2/. Metrolink trains will also run on a regular schedule, as detailed at metrolinktrains.com. Trash pickup for Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment customers will proceed as scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will banks be open on March 31?
Yes, César Chávez Day was not a federal holiday, so banks are open.
Are Los Angeles County schools closed on March 31?
No, Los Angeles Unified School District schools are closed on Friday, March 27, but other Los Angeles County school districts may have different schedules. Check your local district’s calendar.
What about trash pickup in Los Angeles?
The pickup schedule for Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment customers is on a regular schedule.
As the holiday approaches, how will communities balance honoring the legacy of farmworkers with acknowledging the recent allegations surrounding César Chávez?
