Schools, courts mark Cesar Chavez Day

Many schools, courts and government offices across Southern California will be closed Friday to honor Latino civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.

The city of Los Angeles closed its offices and libraries Monday to honor Chavez.

The state Department of Motor Vehicles will remain open Friday along with federal offices, including U.S. Postal Service locations.

PHOTOS: Remembering Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez Day was established by state legislators and former Gov. Gray Davis in 2000. It is the first state holiday nationwide celebrating a Latino or organized labor leader.

In California, Arizona, New Mexico, Michigan and other states, people are encouraged to use the holiday to volunteer and learn about Chavez's legacy.

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-- Esmeralda Bermudez

Photo: Cesar Chavez, in striped shirt, aids union members in picketing the Ford Motor Co. plant in  Pico Rivera in 1967. Credit: Los Angeles Times