Plus, a San Josean turns 103.
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57º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:06 p.m.

 

César Chávez’s lasting impact on the great 408

A tour of Cesar Chavez’s legacy throughout San Jose, CA

The "Arch of Dignity" public art on San Jose State University's campus.
The “Arch of Dignity” was created by renowned Chicana artist Judy Baca, which commemorates the labor leader and civil rights activist, Cesar Chavez. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Today — March 31 — we honor the late civil rights activist and labor leader, César Estrada Chávez.

From founding the United Farm Workers of America to inspiring generations of people to stand up for justice, equality, and dignity — his work will always be remembered. And for us in San Jose, we’re lucky to see roots of his activism right in our backyard.

So, to celebrate his birthday, let’s take a tour of four local landmarks that tell the life and legacy of César Chávez.

“Arch of Dignity”

Start your tour at San Jose State University, and head to Seventh Street Plaza to find the “Arch of Dignity.” The piece includes depictions of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, Salinas Valley farm workers, and the labor leader himself. Learn more about the symbolism behind the structure.

Cesar Chavez's family home with a plaque in front that designates it as a San Jose Historic Landmark.

This home is where César Chávez raised his family from 1951-1953.

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Photo by SJtoday staff

César Chávez’s family home

Venture to the East Side, where Chávez’s family home can be found at 53 Scharff Ave. The San Jose Historic Landmark was purchased by Amigos de Guadalupe in the summer of 2022, and will soon be transformed into a community space for education + historic preservation.

McDonnell Hall located behind Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

César Chávez held most of his farmworker gatherings in McDonnell Hall.

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Photo by SJtoday staff

McDonnell Hall

Just a few blocks from his old residence is McDonnell Hall, located behind Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Within these walls, Chávez learned the fundamentals of leadership from Father Donald McDonnell and how to apply the non-violent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi to his protests. It earned National Historic Landmark designation in 2017.

Mexican Heritage Plaza

Before this cultural hub staked its claim on Alum Rock Avenue, this site was formerly a Safeway grocery store. It was that exact store that Chávez held one of his first strikes to boycott the poor pay and working conditions faced by grape growers. Today, you can walk through its peaceful garden, catch a show at the School of Arts and Culture, and learn more about the local Chicano culture.
 
Events

Friday, March 31
  • Jesus Trejo | Friday, Mar. 31-Sunday, Apr. 2 | Times vary | San Jose Improv, 62 S. 2nd St., San Jose | $22 | This comic recently had his first stand-up special, “Stay At Home Son,” debut on Showtime and can be seen recurring as the role of Mr. Trujillo on the Netflix series, “Mr. Iglesias.”
  • “Blithe Spirit” at City Lights Theater Company | Friday, Mar. 31-Sunday, Apr. 2 | Times vary | City Lights Theater Company, 529 S. 2nd St., San Jose | $28-$51 | Because who doesn’t love a good séance?
Saturday, April 1
  • 2023 OMG Family Festival | Saturday, Apr. 1 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Milpitas Square, Barber Lane, Milpitas | Free | Celebrate Easter and enjoy 80+ vendors selling food, drinks, arts and crafts, and other merch.
  • Super Toy and Comic Book Show | Saturday, Apr. 1 | 11 a.m. | Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara | $15-$20 | Shop over 200 vendors of toys, comic books, movie posters, and all things comics.
  • Cambrian Symphony Presents: Expressions | Saturday, Apr. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose | $25 | Immerse yourself in a night of classical world premieres.
Sunday, April 2
  • Oakridge Farmers Market | Sunday, Apr. 2 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westfield Oakridge, 5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose | Free | Get fresh produce while checking out live entertainment at this year-round market.
  • Spring Eggstravaganza | Sunday, Apr. 2 | 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose | $5-$10 | Join History San José for a morning of egg hunts, crafts celebrating Spring around the world, interactive storytimes about Holi and Peter Rabbit, and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Plan ahead with our community events calendar below.
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News Notes

Weather
  • 62º | Mostly sunny | 8% chance of rain
Development
  • City council unanimously approved the plans for the ~14,000-sqft Wat Khmer Kampuchea Krom Temple — a Buddhist temple — to be built at the corner of Ruby and Norwood avenues. Construction will begin this fall, and is expected to be completed in two years. (San José Spotlight)
  • The historic Realty Building on North Second Street will soon transform into a 22-story, 220-unit tower for affordable senior housing. The developer will preserve the building’s Beaux Arts-style facade, and construction should be starting in ~18 months to two years. (San José Spotlight)
Announced
  • 1Culture gallery announced that it will be expanding into a new space at 144 E. Santa Clara St. — two doors down from its original location. The expansion will allow for 1Culture to host art classes, artist conventions, and solo exhibitions.
Open
  • Jack’s, a Bay Area Greek-American chain, opened its fifth location at Westgate shopping center, taking over the former Mextizo Restaurant & Cantina space. Expect an extensive menu with vegan options, a full bar, and 16 beers on tap — open at 8:30 a.m. daily. (The Mercury News)
Shop
  • The Preservation Action Council is hosting its spring sale today, March 31, until 6 p.m. and tomorrow, April 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Find items salvaged from the Western Appliance store and more than 200 clocks for purchase. A specialist will be available to tell you about your clock purchase at today’s sale. (The Mercury News)
History
  • Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of San Jose’s Vietnam War memorial, and the return of the annual Remembrance Ceremony that paused for three years due to the pandemic. The monument is etched with the names of those who lost their lives in the 1961-1975 conflict and can be found at 395 W. Santa Clara St. (The Mercury News)
Sports
  • Get ready, the San Francisco 49ers are looking to bring the big game to Silicon Valley. The team wants to bid for Levi’s Stadium to be the next host for the 2026 Super Bowl — which would mark a decade since it first hosted. The decision is expected to be announced in May. (San José Spotlight)
Awards
  • At the 30th annual Monterey Wine Competition, Los Gatos-based Pelio Vineyards won Best White of Show for its 2018 chardonnay. SJ-favorite J. Lohr won Best of Class for its malbec and merlot, and winemakers from Fenestra — a brand created by a former SJSU organic chemistry professor — took home three golds. (The Mercury News)
State
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that will give local officials the power to reprimand California-based oil companies for driving up prices and making too much money. The new law will go into effect on June 26. (KRON 4 News)
Watch
  • A documentary about the Silicon Valley Pain Index — an overview of income equality and discrimination — will air on Tuesday, April 4, and include interviews from local community members. The film was made by SJSU sociology professor Bob Gliner, and can be viewed on KGED+ or Comcast Channel 710. (The Mercury News)
Finance
  • Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Drink
  • An electric wine opener is one of those inexpensive kitchen gadgets that you don’t know how you lived without once you get one. We especially love this one for its sleek design and ergonomic grip. To upgrade your wine even further, this set includes an automatic wine aerator and reusable vacuum stopper.
History

🥋 San Jose centenarian

San Josean spotlight: Yoshihiro Uchida

Yoshihiro Uchida surrounded by current and former judo students at his 103rd birthday gala.
Yoshihiro Uchida (pictured sitting in the middle) poses with his current and former judo students at his 103rd birthday gala. | Photo via Kris Nakasone
It’s the season of birthdays for very special San Joseans, and tomorrow, legendary San Jose State University judo coach Yoshihiro “Yosh” Uchida will celebrate his 103rd birthday.

Earlier this month, a gala was held for Uchida at the Signia by Hilton hotel filled with his family, friends, judo alumni, city officials, and even other SJSU figures like Krazy George Henderson.

For those unfamiliar with this centenarian’s impressive legacy, Yosh is SJSU’s claim to fame in the world of judo. He has been the university’s judo coach since 1946, and coached the first US judo team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics — the first year judo was included in the games.

He has trained 17 Olympians, served as the former president of the United States Judo Federation, and has a building on SJSU’s campus named after him — and that just scratches the surface of his accomplishments.

On his birthday this year, you may find him spending the day at SJSU for the National Collegiate Judo Tournament, of course.
Shoutout
Shoutout to my fiancé. You brighten up my world more than you’ll ever know. I love you today and always.Lee H.

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The Wrap
 
Alyson Chuyang headshot

Today’s Edition By:
Alyson

From the Editor
I heard that Yosh was supposed to have his gala three years ago, but then the pandemic hit. It’s a good thing that the man is still healthy and movin’ + groovin’ after 103 years, so he could get all the pomp and circumstance he deserves. If you’d like to learn more about this life, I suggest going into Yoshihiro Uchida Hall at SJSU — there’s a dedicated wall of photos and artifacts detailing his judo legacy.

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