Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California

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About Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California

The members of the Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California are Dedicated to the civic progress of Californians of Portuguese descent in memory of their compatriot, John Rodrigues Cabrillo, discoverer of California on September 28, 1542; to observe September 28 of each year as "Cabrillo Day"; to erect and maintain appropriate memorials, shrines and landmarks to Portuguese navigators who discovered and explored California; to teach and foster Americanization so that it will not perish from the face of the earth; to promote Scholarships and encourage better education and to perpetuate the achievements of their pioneer forefathers in California.

The Cabrillo Civic Clubs, Inc. were organized in San Francisco (January 1934; chartered December 19, 1934) by Californians of Portuguese descent who were proud that a Portuguese mariner had discovered their state and concerned that this fact was not widely known. The Clubs' early efforts to promote the fame of Joao Rodrigues Cabrillo resulted in the establishment (1935) of a statewide annual Cabrillo Day (Sept. 28) and the creation of a Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma (1935).

Today there are 5 clubs state wide with over 1,975 members. Subsequently, the Clubs succeeded in having State Highway 1 christened the "Cabrillo Highway " (1957) and in fostering the issue of a U.S. postal stamp in the explorer's honor (1992). Since World War II, the Clubs have also been known for many charitable activities, including: blood drives; fund raising for polio and cancer research; assisting candidates for U.S. citizenship; and, providing college scholarships for students of Portuguese descent. The Cabrillo Civic Clubs, Inc. also foster an interest in their communities in Portuguese customs and lore through sponsorship of various special events such as the annual San Diego Cabrillo Festival (last week of September); Portuguese Immigrant Week (first week of March); and, local "Festas Portuguesas" (generally starting around May 20).

Today the members continue to be dedicated to civic progress, observe Cabrillo Day (September 28) to erect and maintain appropriate memorials, to teach and foster Americanization, to promote scholarships and encourage better education with active campus youth programs, to expand civic affairs in charity and community service and perpetuate the achievements of their pioneer forefathers in this Golden State.