News Summary
Labor Day festivities in Southern California emphasized the need to support working families through rallies and events under the movement ‘Stop the Billionaire Takeover.’ Organized by May Day Strong, the protests addressed key issues such as Medicaid protection, fully funded schools, and healthcare for all, while advocating for housing and immigrant rights. The celebrations featured a People’s Block Party and various rallies across multiple locations, promoting community engagement and unity among workers in the face of increasing wealth concentration among billionaires.
Los Angeles, CA – Labor Day celebrations across Southern California featured rallies and events emphasizing the importance of supporting working families, as part of a nationwide movement called “Stop the Billionaire Takeover.” Over two dozen demonstrations took place in the region, organized by May Day Strong, a coalition of labor, environmental, and political organizations aimed at advocating for the needs of working people.
The protests expressed a collective demand for several key issues, including the protection of Medicaid and social security, as well as calls for fully funded schools and healthcare for all. The coalition’s broader goals also emphasize the provision of housing for everyone and the cessation of attacks on immigrants and other minority groups. May Day Strong characterizes its mission as one where the working class comes together to resist the increasing influence and wealth concentration among billionaires.
Festivities culminated in various events planned throughout the day. One of the highlights was the People’s Block Party, scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1071 Elysian Park Drive, featuring live music, celebrity guests, public servant speakers, mutual aid, local food, and community healing.
The rallies included several key locations and time slots throughout the region. Some of the notable locations for the “Workers Over Billionaires” rallies included:
- Claremont: Foothill Blvd & North Indian Hill Blvd, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Culver City: City Hall, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Echo Park: 751 Echo Park Ave, 10 a.m.-noon.
- Lakewood: 5050 Clark Ave, 8-10 a.m.
- Long Beach City Hall: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Montebello: 361 E Lincoln Ave, noon-2:30 p.m.
- Pasadena: City Hall, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Santa Clarita: 24290 McBean Parkway, 9:30 a.m.-noon.
- West Covina: 2220 S. Azusa Ave, 9 a.m.-noon.
Orange County also held its own series of rallies, with notable locations including:
- Brea: Imperial Highway & State College Blvd, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Huntington Beach: Pier, Main St & Pacific Coast Hwy, 10 a.m.-noon.
- Laguna Beach: Main Beach, 175 S. Coast Hwy, 10 a.m.-noon.
- Santa Ana: Santa Ana Zoo, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Seal Beach: 801 Pacific Coast Hwy, noon-2 p.m.
As a complement to the rallies, the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition hosted the 46th annual Solidarity Parade and Picnic Rally. The theme for this year’s event was “Labor Unions Fighting for a Better Tomorrow.” The parade began at 10 a.m. at Broad Avenue and E Street, concluding at Banning Park, where a version of a traditional picnic was held featuring labor speakers and introductions of elected officials.
The picnic also included a children’s zone with fun activities such as face painting and puppet shows, as well as 40 vendor booths from various unions and labor organizations. Attendees enjoyed music, dancing, and community food resources, making it a festive celebration scheduled to conclude at 4 p.m. Organizers anticipated a couple of thousand participants, with former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa expected to join the event.
Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, has historical roots dating back to its first observance on September 5, 1882, in New York City. Oregon became the first state to recognize Labor Day in 1887, and by 1894, it was made a legal holiday across the United States to honor the contributions workers have made to the nation.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Los Angeles Times
- KTLA
- ABC7
- FOX LA
- Wikipedia: Labor Day
- Google Search: Labor Day Celebrations in Southern California
- Google Scholar: Labor Day events California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Day
- Google News: Labor Day 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
