Celebrate Labor Day at the Valley Interfaith Council's Picnic

Labor Day will be marked in the Valley Monday with the annual Labor Day picnic and program at the , 9650 Reseda Blvd.

Rabbi Jonathan Klein, executive director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, will be the featured speaker at the picnic. Klein's topic will be "Is California's Budget a Just Budget?"

The picnic will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m.

The Labor Day program is intended to strengthen the connection between the religious and labor communities in support of common values, according to the council's Zenobia Ortis.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told City News Service he hopes "Angelenos celebrate Labor Day by spending time with family and friends and getting out to enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer."

"Residents can take advantage of our city by having a picnic at the beautiful Exposition Park Rose Garden, checking out the festivities at the Los Angeles City Birthday Celebration at El Pueblo de Los Angeles or exploring one of our world-class museums," Villaraigosa said.

President Barack Obama began his Labor Day by declaring, "Through times of prosperity and hardship alike, America counts on the strength and dynamism of the world's finest labor force.

"From the factory floor and the office to the classroom and the interstate, working men and women are the unshakable foundation of American innovation and economic growth. On Labor Day, we celebrate their vital role and reaffirm that America will always stand behind our workers."

The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882. Oregon became the first state to formally recognize Labor Day in 1887.

In 1894, Congress passed a bill designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day and a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and territories.

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