Sometimes, one voice can spark a movement, changing how a community recognizes its heroes. And this is precisely what makes Mia Alonso Mendez's story so inspiring—and, quite frankly, provocative. Four years ago, a young girl from Napa embarked on a mission that challenged her city's silent homage to iconic labor leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Her goal? To relocate their nine-foot statues from their high, somewhat unnoticed perch atop a downtown building to a more visible, meaningful space where everyone can appreciate their legacy.
At just eight years old, Mia felt disheartened seeing her heroes' statues blend into a brick wall, without signage or recognition. Coming from a region famous for wine, she wanted her community to remember the hardworking farmworkers like her grandfather, and to see these statues as symbols of civil rights achievements. Her hope was to inspire children to learn about Chavez and Huerta’s pivotal roles in fighting for workers’ rights.
Fast forward, after writing letters to city officials, engaging in public forums, and even speaking directly to Dolores Huerta at a community event, Mia’s persistence paid off. Early next year, the statues will find a new home inside Puertas Abiertas, a nonprofit that has supported Napa’s Latino population since 2005, housed within their new, 6,000-square-foot facility—set to become the county’s first Latino Cultural Center.
"When I first learned they were moving inside the nonprofit’s space," Mia recalls, "I had mixed feelings. I originally envisioned a park space. But as I thought about it, I realized this is a perfect spot considering all the work the organization does for our community." For Puertas Abiertas, hosting the statues aligns with their broader vision of creating a cultural hub where Latino history, art, culture, and advocacy are celebrated and preserved.
Esmeralda Gil, the nonprofit’s interim director, emphasizes that the statues symbolize both tribute and a call to action, especially in times when Latino communities face significant challenges. “They remind us of our history and of the work that still needs to be done,” she explains.
The story behind the statues traces back a decade, when retired developer Michael Holcomb commissioned renowned sculptor Mario Chiodo to craft these powerful representations of Chavez and Huerta. Installed in 2015 on a building Holcomb once owned, the statues became a prominent, if somewhat overlooked, part of Napa's cityscape.
When the building was sold, the original agreement allowed the statues either to stay or be sold back to Holcomb for a dollar if moved. Initially hesitant about vandalism due to their value—the statues cost around $100,000—Holcomb later chose to repurchase them and donate them to Puertas Abiertas, inspired partly by Mia’s advocacy.
Mia’s dedication caught the attention of Chiodo himself, who recently welcomed her to his studio for a close-up look at his work. During this visit, he spontaneously gifted her the initial casting, known as the artist proof, as a symbol of her perseverance.
As efforts continue to raise funds for upkeep, Mia plans to invite Dolores Huerta herself to see the move next year—a moment she describes as a life highlight. Now a seventh-grader juggling school, volleyball, and gymnastics, Mia confesses she’s eager for a break but remains ready to step up again whenever her community needs her.
Her mother, Yessenia, reflects, “I was unsure if people would support her. The world is complex, and sometimes frightening. But Mia is always driven by her sense of justice and doing what's right.”
And here’s where it gets controversial… While many celebrate Mia’s initiative and community spirit, some might argue that relocating statues isn’t always the best solution—possibly diluting historic context or raising questions about public decision-making. What do you think? Should community heroes always be placed in visible public spaces, or are there better ways to honor their legacy? Share your opinions below—this story invites discussion, after all.
