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hr ~ ~2-o/D rfl_ :J~73 A~ / U ·- AUG 1 "f 2010- RE S rrfl.dfv1:L'U~ r6R PLACEMENT ON NEXT --." 1~EGUlA~ f;()UNl.ii AGENDA TOBF POSTED #51 Whereas, SeptemberS, 2010 marks the 45th Anniversary ofiiiesiai'rofttrei?el:ano-Gt-a~ r.ike,..a._,_. labor action and strike initiated by approximately 1,500 Filipino farm workers, which lasted more than 5 years and brought significant victories to farm workers across California; and Whereas, this seminal action by Filipino farm workers set the stage for the successful worldwide table grape boycott and development of the first labor Jaw in the United States governing the organizing of farm workers, the California Agricultural Labor relations Act (ALRA); and Whereas, on September gth 1965 the Agricultural Workers Organizing Conunittee (AWOC), AFL CIO, a union organizing conunittee established in 1959 and composed mainly of Filipino American workers Jed by Larry Dulay Itliong, decided to strike and launch the Delano Grape Strike to bring attention to the plight of farm workers in the agricultural fields of Delano and across California; and Whereas, the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (A WOC), AFL-CIO voted to strike at the Filipino Community Hall in Delano, California on September 8, 1965; and Whereas, the approximately 1,500 Filipino farm workers who started the strike on September gth 1965 became known as the "Original Strikers"; and Whereas, the Delano Grape Strike was initiated in the fields of table grape growers in order to demand fair wages and benefits for California's agricultural farm workers; and Whereas, the Delano Grape Strike grew to include and represent thousands of farm workers when the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) Jed by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta voted at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Delano, California on September 16, 1965 to join A WOC, AFL CIO in the Delano Grape Strike; and Whereas, the merging of, A WOC, AFL-CIO and NFWA resulted in the formation of the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) on August 22, 1966 eventually becoming the United Farm Workers of America (UFW); and Whereas, as a result of the merger Cesar Chavez was named the Director and Larry Itliong was appointed as Assistant Director of the United Farm Workers Organizing Conunittee; and Whereas, Larry Itliong joined with Cesar Chavez to form an important alliance and partnership of agricultural unions and Pilipino leaders such as Philip Vera Cruz and Pete Velasco, Benjamin played a pivotal role in the early success of the United Farm Workers; and Whereas, Larry Itliong, in the 1970's formed and became President of the Filipino-American Political Association (FAPA), a national political action group which brought together Filipino farm workers and professionals; and AUC i I 2010 Whereas, Larry Itliong passed away February gth, 1977 at the age of 63 and at his funeral was described by Cesar Chavez as "a true pioneer in the farm worker union" and where many of his struggles victories have improved the lives of countless farm workers and their families, Whereas, Philip Vera Cruz became the UFW's znct Vice President, left the UFW in 1977, and stayed active in labor organizing through the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (AP ALA), AFL-CIO until his death on June 11, 1994; and Whereas, Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz were instrumental in forming the Paolo Agbayani Village, a retirement village for elderly Filipino American Farm Workers in the Delano area; and Whereas, Pete Velasco served the UFW as UFW Secretary-Treasurer until his death on December 1, 1995, being appointed UFW Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus, and being honored with a UFW housing complex in his name, "Casa Velasco"; and Whereas, the life and legacy of Larry Itliong can be seen in the upcoming documentary, "The Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the UFW", a film which follows the life of Larry and the Original Strikers directed by Northern California Emmy-award winning filmmaker Marissa Aroy; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Los Angeles urges all residents to celebrate the lives of Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and Pete Velasco, as well as the contributions and efforts of the Delano Grape Strike's Original Strikers and Filipino Farm Workers of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), AFL-CIO by engaging in service, events, and actions representative of their legacy. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that September 8, 2010 shall be observed as THE DELANO MANONGS DAY in the City of Los Angeles, and the City of Los Angeles honors the Filipino Farm Workers for their life, work and legacy to promote and fight for the well being of all of California's Farm Workers. PRESENTED BY: tl ERIC GARCETTI Council Member, 13th District SECONDED BY: -ra; {]yk£ JOSE HUIZAR ONY CARDENAS Council Member, 14th District Council Member, 6th District ~~ .. y ep /LL-~y<~J JANICE HAHN ED REYES C neil Member, 15'h District Council Member, 1st District .