Locals turn out for Cesar Chavez rally in Coachella

Coachella Valley locals gathered for a march and rally honoring civil rights leader Cesar Chavez in Coachella on Sunday.

The event was hosted by Riverside County Young Democrats and included support from other organizations, such as the Courageous Resistance. Chavez was known for his work fighting for immigrants and their rights. He had an office in the east Valley in the 1960s.

“We are trying to broadcast the message of peace. The message of equality and just the message of bipartisanship,” said one attendee.

“We’ve all waited for some type of path to citizenship for our country and for those, we don’t want to break up families. A lot of families have contributed in taxes and in hard labor and work,” said another person in attendance.

Roughly 60 people attended.

The event included a welcome speech by mayor Steve Hernandez. Guest speakers touched on issues like poverty, homelessness, environmental justice and immigrant rights.