Photo Credit: George Ballis/Take Stock/The Image Works
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
November 5, 2026
Media Contacts:
Erik Olvera | eolvera@fenton.com
Lara Bergthold | larabergthold@gmail.com
CALIFORNIA TO HONOR CIVIL AND LABOR RIGHTS ICON DOLORES HUERTA AT STATE CAPITOL, FOLLOWED BY PUBLIC VIGIL AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN BAKERSFIELD
Sacramento and Bakersfield, CA – During the week of November 16, 2026, the state of California, along with family members, labor organizers, civil rights leaders, elected officials, and cultural icons from across the country, will hold a series of public events honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of labor legend and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta.
The week begins on Monday, November 16, when Ms. Huerta will lie in honor in the rotunda of the California State Capitol in Sacramento, with a public viewing from noon to 6 p.m. and a midday program. Program details will be announced at a later date.
The remembrances continue in Bakersfield on Thursday, November 19, and Friday, November 20, with a public rosary and vigil on Thursday, followed by an interfaith memorial service and afternoon celebration of life on Friday at the Dignity Health Convention Center, which are open to all who wish to celebrate her life and work.
- Members of the press are invited to cover the November 19th and 20th events in Bakersfield, but must RSVP to obtain credentials.
- For press credentialing at the State Capitol, please contact Nick Miller (nick.miller@asm.ca.gov).
The Friday Celebration of Life program will highlight the broad coalition of movements Ms. Huerta championed, featuring tributes and performances that will be publicized closer to the date.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- Monday, November 16, 2026
- Lying in Honor at the California State Capitol
- Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
- Location: Rotunda, California State Capitol, 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Details: Program will be announced at a later date.
- Lying in Honor at the California State Capitol
- Thursday, November 19, 2026
- Public Rosary & Evening Vigil
- Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Location: IBEW Local 428 Hall, 3921 Sillect Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
- Details: A community gathering for prayer, reflection, and quiet remembrance.
- Public Rosary & Evening Vigil
- Friday, November 20, 2026
- Interfaith Memorial Service & Celebration of Life
- Location: Dignity Health Convention Center/Down
- Schedule:
- 8:00 a.m.: Opening Blessing by Aztec Dancers
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Interfaith Memorial Service
- 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Afternoon Break
- 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Celebration of Life Program and Performances
- Interfaith Memorial Service & Celebration of Life
PRESS AND MEDIA CREDENTIALING
Media outlets planning to send reporters to the Bakersfield events, including those sending camera crews and equipment trucks, must RSVP here and will be provided additional information when doing so.
For credentialing information for the State Capitol, please contact Nick Miller at nick.miller@asm.ca.gov.
PUBLIC ADMISSION & INTEREST FORM
Admission to the Celebration of Life on Nov. 20 at the Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, and seating is first come, first served. To receive event updates and announcements as the date approaches, please complete our Celebration of Life Events Interest Form. Complete event details will be available at DoloresHuerta.org.
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ABOUT DOLORES HUERTA
Dolores Huerta was a world-renowned labor leader, civil rights activist, and feminist icon who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW). For more than six decades, she spearheaded historic boycotts, fought tirelessly for farmworker rights, women’s equality, and environmental justice, and coined the enduring national rally cry, “¡Sí, se puede!” In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Today, her legacy lives on through the work and empowering mission of the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
ABOUT THE DOLORES HUERTA FOUNDATION
The Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF) is a 501(c)(3) grassroots community organization dedicated to creating leadership opportunities for community members, organizing underserved communities, and pursuing social justice. Founded in 2003 by legendary labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, DHF engages community residents and youth in civic participation to secure equal access to education, health, environmental justice, and economic opportunity. Through grassroots community organizing, policy advocacy, and hands-on leadership training, DHF builds power at the local level to create lasting systemic change.
