Virtual Backgrounds

Each year on March 31, California commemorates César Chávez Day in recognition of César Chávez’s lasting contributions to civil and labor rights. Alongside Dolores Huerta, Chávez co-founded the United Farm Workers and helped advance protections for farmworkers and working families across California and the nation.

Their advocacy contributed to significant changes in California labor law, including the establishment of collective bargaining rights for agricultural workers and the creation of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

On this day, California reflects on the importance of civic engagement, fair labor practices, and our shared commitment to protecting workers’ rights under state law. César Chávez Day reminds us that meaningful progress happens through public service, collaboration and collective action — and that lasting change is possible when we work together.

César Chávez Day Resources:

• Agricultural Labor Relations Act Fact Sheet | California ALRB
• California Celebrates Farmworkers on Cesar Chavez Day as the Largest State Producer and Exporter of Agricultural Products | California Employment Development Department
• California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975 | California Legislative Information
• César E. Chávez | California State Parks
• Governor Newsom proclaims César Chávez Day 2025 | Governor of California
• The Story of Cesar Chavez – UFW

Women’s History Month traces its roots to California. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women launched a week-long celebration recognizing the contributions and achievements of women. In 1988, March was officially designated as Women’s History Month and has been recognized nationwide each year since.

Women have helped shape California—both literally and figuratively. Julia Morgan is one of California’s most celebrated architects and engineers, and she designed more than 700 projects across the state, leaving a lasting mark on its landscape. California’s legacy of advancing civil rights has also been strengthened by leaders such as Angela Davis, Charlotta Bass, Dolores Huerta and Yuri Kochiyama, whose advocacy expanded opportunity and equity for communities of color in California and across the nation.

Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on these contributions and to recognize the ongoing work of women who continue to shape California’s future.

Women’s History Month Resources:

• The Architecture of Julia Morgan | California State Parks
• Women’s History Month | California State Parks
• Women’s History Month | California Natural Resource Agency
• Women’s History Project | The Commission on the Status of Women
• Angela Davis | National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Charlotta Bass – California Museum
• Dolores Huerta – California Museum
• Yuri Kochiyama (U.S. National Park Service)

Every March, California recognizes Equal Pay Day on March 25, highlighting the ongoing commitment to advancing pay equity. Historically, women have earned less than men, even when performing comparable work throughout the nation. California remains committed to addressing pay disparities and promoting transparency in compensation practices.

To help monitor progress, CalHR publishes the Women’s Earnings Report, which analyzes pay data for California state employees. In addition, in collaboration with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, launched the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2022 to encourage California employers to assess and address wage gaps within their organizations.

Equal Pay Day Resources:

• California Equal Pay Pledge | Governor of California
• Women’s Earnings Report (2023)
• Ahead of Equal Pay Day, Civil Rights Department Releases Statewide Breakdown of Gender and Racial Pay Disparities for 2023 | CRD
• First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom leads Gender Equity Summit on technology and well-being | Governor of California
• California Partners Project
• Equal Pay Day | California State Controller’s Office

Across centuries, women have played meaningful and powerful roles in warfare, from ancient conflicts long before the Trojan War to the present day. They have contributed in combat, intelligence, military strategy and leadership efforts to end and prevent conflict. Their impact has shaped the course of history and continues to influence military service and peacebuilding efforts around the world.

In California, we recognize both this long-standing and more recent history during Women’s Military History Week, observed March 16–22. Women veterans can access resources and support through CalVet, and those who support women who have served can find additional information in the resources listed below.

Women’s Military History Week Resources:

• Governor Newsom proclaims Women’s Military History Week | Governor of California
• Women Veterans | CalVet
• Women Veterans Survey Report 2025 | CalVet
• Our War Too: Women in Service – California Museum
• Women’s Herstory Month: Leaders in the Military | California Women’s Law Center
• Women in Combat | Women’s Studies and Feminism, EBSCO Research

To usher in the new season, California honors Nowruz, also known as “Persian New Year.” Celebrated on the spring equinox, the first day of the Solar Hijri calendar, Nowruz is marked by many communities with dancing, traditional foods, gift-giving and time spent with loved ones. These celebrations date back more than 3,000 years and symbolize peace, renewal and unity. This year, Nowruz is celebrated on March 20.

Nowruz Mobarak to all who celebrate!

Nowrūz Resources:

• Governor Newsom Proclaims Nowrūz Day 2025 | Governor of California
• Nowruz | Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
• Nowruz Family Day | Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
• Persian New Year Children’s Books to Inspire Your Family | Book Riot
• Happy Nowruz, California! | California Governor, YouTube