Cesar Chavez Plaza Grand Reopening with Fanfare and Entertainment
Dedication Ceremony: Wednesday, June 7, 2000, 12 p.m.

Sacramento, California, June 7, 2000 - After months of renovation and remodeling Cesar Chavez Plaza was reopened this morning with the sights and sounds of the Farmers' Market. A special dedication ceremony was held at the stage area of the Plaza with dignitaries, including Mayor Jimmie Yee and Cal/EPA State Secretary Winston H. Hickox.

Through funding from the Cal/EPA construction project, located across the street from Cesar Chavez Plaza, $1 million was allocated to renovate, enhance, and return Sacramento's town square more closely to its classical historic design. More than 148 new trees, ranging in size from 8 to 12 feet, have been planted throughout the plaza. Approximately 22 existing trees that were diseased, in declining health, or planted inappropriately in Cesar Chavez Plaza were moved to other City parks or relocated within the Plaza.

Other renovations include a new circular paved walkway lined with trees; new stage; refurbished fountain, new irrigation system; and new sod. The original historical monuments of the plaza will be preserved, including the Coleman Fountain and A.J. Stevens Monument.

For more than a century the principal civic square for downtown Sacramento has been the town square located between 9th and 10th streets, and I and J streets, now named Cesar Chavez Plaza. The plaza has been the focal point for Sacramento, drawing more than 130,000 people per year to various community activities, including the Farmers' Market, music concerts, and community rallies.

Over the last 18 months the City of Sacramento has worked in concert with the community to discuss and develop a focused renovation plan for the plaza. In early 1998, the City Council appointed a special committee comprised of community members and City staff, and held a community workshop in the fall of 1998. By the spring of 1999, a second community workshop was held with the community, resulting in a plan that was approved by the City Council this past November.

For further information about the Cesar Chavez Plaza renovation, please contact Sue Akiyama at (916) 264-7730, or Roy Tatman at (916) 264-5326. For further information about the dedication ceremony, please contact Alan Tomiyama at (916) 268-8958. For further information about the Farmers' Market, please call Mike Testa at (916) 442-8575.