San Jose State University
04/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/28/2025 11:42
Deep Dive in Five with Diana Victa: Celebrating 20 Years of the César E. Chávez Community Action Center
This spring, the César E. Chávez Community Action Center (CCCAC) at San José State celebrates 20 years of service to the campus and broader community. Founded by Jonathan Stoll, '05 Economics, the CCCAC was officially established on April 5, 2005, when Associated Students, Inc. (A.S.) passed a resolution supporting its development and providing initial seed funding.
Jonathan Stoll (pictured) in a 2004 issue of Spartan Daily.
"The inspiration for the CCCAC is rooted in both service and spirit," says Stoll,who will be honored at the celebrations on May 1 and 2. "After my second year at San José State, I took a gap year to serve in an AmeriCorps program called City Year. When I returned to SJSU, I founded a student organization called Students in Action, which became the foundation for what would eventually grow into a larger effort to mobilize SJSU students in service to the greater San José community. At the time, the Executive Director of Student Involvement, Alfonso De Alba, proposed the idea of naming the organization in honor of César Chávez - to commemorate his enduring legacy of service and social justice."
The CCCAC will honor Stoll and additional alumni who were critical to the center's early success, including inaugural department manager Maribel Martinez, '03 Political Science, '12 MA Applied Anthropology.
"I'm really, really excited to return to San José and learn more about how the Community Action Center has grown and evolved over the past 20 years," Stoll adds. "I helped plant the seed two decades ago, but it's taken so many others who've nurtured, cultivated and grown that seed into what the CCCAC is today. It's humbling and truly an honor to know that this idea I helped bring to life 20 years ago continues to flourish - carrying forward César Chávez's legacy of service. In the face of the devastating recent cuts to AmeriCorps and threats to democracy, this work centered by public service and civic engagement, feels as urgent and important as ever."
Diana Victa, '10 Sociology, has served as the CCCAC department manager since 2016. She provided some additional context for this important anniversary for today's Deep Dive in Five.
Why is the center named after César E. Chávez?
DV: The center is named in honor of César E. Chávez to recognize his lifelong dedication to civic engagement and activism. Chávez was not only a national civil rights leader but also a resident and community organizer in San José where he began his early organizing work and laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong movement for social justice. His legacy of civic engagement and community continues to inspire the CCCAC's mission and values.
What programs and services does the CCCAC offer?
During the 2022-2023 school year, the CCCAC hosted 53 events and worked with 22 different campus and community partners. Source: 2022-2023 Annual Report.
How has the center grown over the past 20 years?
DV: The CCCAC has evolved from a small student-initiated group called Students for Action to an institutionally recognized center for civic engagement. What began as a service-learning hub has transformed into a comprehensive center that fosters civic engagement and community and develops the next generation of change makers. We've expanded our programs, deepened partnerships with campus partners and community organizations and mentored hundreds of student leaders who now serve as changemakers in their communities.
Tell us about the exciting events planned for the 20th anniversary.
Las Cafeteras will play a special concert on May 1 in honor of the CCCAC's 20th anniversary.
DV: The CCCAC is offering a variety of events in May. On Thursday, May 1, the center will host a birthday concert featuring Los Angeles-based folk fusion band Las Cafeteras. Their electric sound and energy has taken them around the world, playing shows from Bonnaroo to the Hollywood Bowl, WOMAD New Zealand to Montreal Jazz and beyond. Born and raised east of the Los Angeles River, Las Cafeteras are remixing roots music as modern day troubadours. The event is free for SJSU students, faculty and staff, and $25 for the public. Get tickets here .
On Friday, May 2, the center is proud to present a luncheon celebration for SJSU students, staff, faculty members and community partners. RSVP here to save your spot.
What main message would you like to share about the CCCAC?
DV: For 20 years, the CCCAC has embodied student power and community change. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite everyone to reflect on our shared journey, dream boldly for the future and continue building a more just world together.
As the quote displayed in our center reminds us: "It's never been about the grapes or the lettuce - it's always been about the people." - César E. Chávez