On Jan. 20, the Wasco City Council formally recognized the month of February as Pesticide Safety and Awareness Month and presented a public proclamation to Líderes Campesinas, a farmworker advocacy organization known for its work on environmental health and labor safety issues.
Ahead of the City Council meeting, members of Líderes Campesinas organized a march to raise awareness about pesticide safety and the organization’s advocacy efforts. The march began at the Wasco Public Library and concluded at Wasco City Hall, a walk of approximately ten minutes through the city’s downtown area. According to organizers, about twenty people participated in the demonstration, including community members and supporters who gathered to show solidarity with the group’s initiative.
The march concluded shortly before the start of the City Council meeting, where members of Líderes Campesinas were in attendance.
The City Council meeting opened with Mayor Eddie Saldana introducing the proclamation and outlining its purpose. The proclamation designates February 2026 as National Pesticide Safety Awareness Month in the City of Wasco and acknowledges the potential health and environmental risks associated with pesticide exposure.
“The City of Wasco recognizes February 2026 as National Pesticide Safety Awareness Month, highlighting the risks pesticides pose to farmworkers, families, and the environment,” Saldana said during the meeting. The proclamation also honors Líderes Campesinas for its leadership in education and advocacy related to pesticide safety.
According to the proclamation, the recognition reflects ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about pesticide use and its effects, particularly within agricultural communities. It also acknowledges the legacy of labor leader César Chávez and broader efforts to promote farmworker health and safety.
“The proclamation also honors Lideres Campesinas for their leadership and acknowledges ongoing education and advocacy efforts and reflects on the legacy of Cesar Chavez and advancing farmworker health,” said Saldana.
Líderes Campesinas have been involved in community outreach focused on pesticide education, worker protections, and environmental health. The organization works directly with farmworkers and their families to provide information about pesticide exposure, safety practices, and workers’ rights. Representatives from the group attended the meeting as the proclamation was formally presented by the City Council.
City officials expressed appreciation for the organization’s continued efforts within the community. Mayor Pro Tem Gilberto Reyna spoke during the meeting to acknowledge the importance of the group’s work.
“The work that you do is very vital, I think it is very important. Keeping our community safe, our farmworkers safe, is very important so I commend you for doing this. Congratulations,” said Reyna in acknowledgment of Lideres Campesinas and their efforts.
Members of the City Council also recognized the ongoing dedication of Líderes Campesinas, noting that this marks the fourth time the organization has been formally recognized by the city for its work in spreading pesticide awareness. Council members highlighted the group’s consistency and continued presence in community education efforts over the years.
The proclamation does not introduce new regulations but serves as an educational recognition intended to encourage awareness throughout the month of February.
