Ch
ávez Had a Big Influence on Many in San Benito County
Chávez Had a Big Influence on Many in San Benito County
Editor,
Thank you for Michael Van Cassell’s great article on Cesar Chávez (“Viva Cesar Chávez!” March 31).
Educating the public on a great man that had major impact on many families adds value to culture awareness in our community.
Here is an idea that can add more value to the Chávez movement. You should consider a continuation on the Chávez article by asking the public for their impact that Chávez had on them.
For my family and me, he was a major source of inspiration.
Back in the early 1970s, we were so poor of a family of 15 brothers and sisters that we had to work in the fields during off school days.
One day while working on the fields, Cesar Chávez and his staff stopped on the side of a field to greet some field workers.
Up to today, I still remember Mr. Chávez shaking my hand and asking for my age.
As a kid I just turned round and ran away from an icon.
My father put 30 years working for a local winery and during the late ’70s there was a grape boycott.
My father and us kids joined the strike team at the old K&S market where Safeway is now.
We had fun striking K&S Market. I still remember today holding up the Red and Black flags.
These are just some stories about the Chávez movement but I bet others have stories too.
Jaime De la Cruz
San Benito County Supervisor
Reporter, Photographer Did Wonderful Job on Story
Editor,
Because I was awarded “Teacher of the Year” for Calaveras School, Free Lance reporter Alice Joy came to our school and interviewed me.
I hope you realize what a nice employee you have. The way she wrote the article was fantastic. She really captured me. I think she deserves a raise!
I think the picture should have made me look younger and thinner, although that probably was not photographer Nick Lovejoy’s fault!
Donna Barry
Hollister
