Statement From Valley Water Board Chair Tony Estremera regarding César Chávez Day

March 25, 2026

The annual César Chávez Day has long represented more than the life of one person. It is a moment to recognize the broader fight for dignity, fair treatment, and the rights of farmworkers and working people whose labor sustains our communities.

Recent reports and accounts shared by survivors in our region have been profoundly troubling and have sparked deep reflection. At Valley Water, we stand with survivors of gender‑based violence, and we support their paths toward healing, safety, and justice.

While Valley Water will continue to observe March 31 as an official holiday this year, our focus will be on honoring the farmworker movement that transformed the nation, and on uplifting the strength and leadership of Dolores Huerta and countless others who advanced equity and workers’ rights. We honor the contributions of Latino/a and immigrant communities and recognize the courage of survivors who have come forward.

In the months ahead, Valley Water looks forward to participating in a thoughtful community dialogue about how this observance can continue to best reflect the values of justice, respect, and collective action that define the movement behind it.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, support services are available throughout Santa Clara County.

Contact 9‑8‑8 for local service connections, including confidential crisis support.

Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. Valley Water effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 285 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and 333 miles of waterways. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses in Santa Clara County.