June 10, 2023
Hello, My name is Helen. My family & I were invited by the Cesar Chavez Foundation, which is run by Paul Chavez, Cesar’s son to attend the ground breaking ceremony for Vista de JJ Rodriguez building. This is a soon to be built affordable housing facility in the community of Montebello in the name of the late labor leader JJ Rodriguez who was known as a pioneer for his civil rights advocacy and work on behalf of Labor in Southern California from 1929 through 1980’s. JJ Rodriguez is my father.
The Paul Chavez said the Fountation had the opportunity to recognize people that have worked for many years without a lot of acclaim & recognize them for their work, so they decided on housing because it is addressed a critical need in the community and recognizing JJ Rodriguez.
This housing will contain 63 unit’s for low income families including supporting units for survivors of domestic violence & those experiencing homelessness, It is being built at 112 So 6th St., Montebello, CA. Paul Chavez, said the Foundation had the opportunity to recognize people that have worked for many years Without a lot of acclaim & recognize them for their work, so they Have decided on housing because it is addressed as critical need in the community and recognizing JJ Rodriguez was the right thing to do.
My Dad began organizing the City of Vernon packing house workers around 1948, who later became members. This was The Butchers Union Local 563, which later merged w/Local 770. J J Rodriguez was the president for the longest time til his retirement..
During the 1950s my dad was an activist and leader in Los Angeles with Cesar Chavez where in the 60’s and ‘70’s our family spent many weekends working with Cesar on improving farm worker rights. For years he served as the President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. He passed away on DEC. 4TH. 1991. This building dedication some 32 years after his passing is a great honor for our family.
The project is being led by the Cesar Chavez Foundation in Partnership with the Los Angeles Downtown Women’s Center serving homeless women and should be completed in 18 to 24 months. The Cesar Chavez Foundation’s mission is to carry on a legacy of uplifting the lives of Latinos through social enterprises that address essential community needs. Vista de J J Rodriguez is just one of the ways they are making that possible.
THANK YOU…
