IRVINE : UFW Founder Asks UCI to Join Boycott
United Farm Workers founder Cesar Chavez received a standing ovation from more than 430 people who packed a UC Irvine auditorium Tuesday to hear him ask for support of the 4-year-old boycott of table grapes. The grapes boycott--the third organized by UFW since it was founded 28 years ago--is aimed at forcing growers to stop using pesticides, which Chavez and other union members blame for an alarming increase of cancer among farm workers in the Central Valley.
The East Los Angeles-based roots-rock band Los Lobos made a surprise appearance to show its support for the boycott and for Chavez.
Chavez is encouraging students at 11 Southern California campuses this week to fast for one day in observance of his cause.
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