SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County Board of Supervisors will host a special ceremony on Tuesday, June 10, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a landmark legal case that arose out of the Salinas Valley and outlawed the use of “El Cortito,” or the short-handled hoe, in agricultural fields across California.
El Cortito, also referred to as “The Devil’s Arm” in Spanish by workers, caused severe back and skeletal damage to countless numbers of Braceros and other farmworkers over many decades.
The case was led by Salinas California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) Attorneys Maurice “Mo” Jourdane and Marty Glick, the late CRLA Community Worker Hector De La Rosa of Soledad and the late lead plaintiff Sebastian Carmona of Soledad.
After six years of effort, the California Supreme Court finally heard the matter through a special writ and ruled in favor of CRLA and the farmworkers. The California Industrial Safety Board then subsequently outlawed its use on April 7, 1975.
“We want to recognize the local courageous leaders who legally challenged the use of the highly debilitating hand tool, El Cortito, that caused so much damage to the backs of countless farmworkers,” said Supervisor Luis Alejo. “We hope this will inspire future generations to also stand up for what’s right and make lasting social change in their communities.”
The Board of Supervisors will also provide a Lifetime Recognition to the renowned and highly popular Mexican Norteño music legends, Los Tigres Del Norte, for their work advocating for immigrants throughout their careers, and will declare every June 10 as “Los Tigres Del Norte Day” in Monterey County.
Originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, Los Tigres Del Norte started out their careers in the United States in 1968 as a young group of siblings playing in a concert at Soledad Prison. They stayed in the country ever since, continuing their musical careers. Today, they are the only Mexican band to win seven Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammy Awards, have made 40 films and have won numerous other awards for their trailblazing work.
“We are excited to have Los Tigres Del Norte return to the Salinas Valley to be honored for using their musical corridos, fame and popularity to tell the stories about the hard work, struggles and sacrifices of our immigrant communities,” Alejo said. “This is a coming home to where they started at a young age in the United States, and now, they are music giants throughout the world. We couldn’t be prouder to declare a day in their honor in our county.”
Los Tigres Del Norte have inspired millions around the world for over five decades, according to Dr. Ignacio Ornelas of Stanford University.
“Through their music, they tell the story of Latinos, especially Mexican immigrants, who face racism, discrimination and exploitation in the United States. Their lyrics reflect defiance, resistance and a deep commitment to exposing injustice, giving voice to communities that have long been marginalized,” Ornelas added. “Their songs tell a history of the immigrant experience, capturing the hardships of those whose labor sustains the country but often goes unseen.”
The Board of Supervisors will meet June 10 at 11:30 a.m. inside its Chamber, 168 W. Alisal St. in Salinas. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis once the doors open at 10:30 a.m.
