Labor Day Parade: Familia Diaz
Grand Marshal of 11th annual celebration
September 02, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The entire county is invited to “Honor the Labor Force” at Santa Paula’s 11th Annual Labor Day Parade where Grand Marshal Familia Diaz will offer a tasty dose of strong community support as well as nostalgia.
The Monday, September 7 parade, the only one in Ventura County, will be held at 10 a.m. on East Main Street in historic Downtown Santa Paula.
Ron Merson, Parade Coordinator, said the Labor Day Parade Committee selected Familia Diaz because they have employed thousands of employees since the popular restaurant opened in 1936.
“Familia Diaz has given so many people jobs over the years, they really have enhanced the labor force,” said Merson. “It’s been a family business for many generations...and they have served consistently excellent food decade after decade but still made time to be strong community supporters and advocates. We wanted to honor them for their contributions to the community, including providing jobs and providing great food!”
Opened at the corner of East Harvard and 10th Street as La Quince Letras, the original restaurant was a cantina with a limited but delicious menu for diners who sat separated from the family by only a wall.
Tony Diaz, son of the original owners continues to help out but it is Dan and his sister Sandi Diaz-Tovias who have remained actively involved in the business.
Members of the Diaz family, including the fifth generation that work at the restaurant, will ride at the front of the parade, that is if there’s enough room for the clan and their supporters!
The Santa Paula Labor Day Parade is unique: Any type of entry which celebrates the work force — from those with full time employment in or out of the home or volunteer organizations that work for the community good — is welcome, and everyone is asked to join the fun.
There are three judged categories, “Most Original,” “Most Participants,” and “Best Overall Use of the Theme.” One ribbon in each category will be awarded following the parade at the Gazebo (North Mill and East Santa Barbara streets).
“The purpose of the parade,” said Labor Day Parade Co-Founder Anita Pulido, “is to get the community of Santa Paula together to celebrate Labor Day in this old-fashioned way!”
Dan Diaz said his family — which has been recognized numerous times for its business, community involvement and even food — is looking forward to Monday’s parade.
“It’s a great honor,” said Dan, “we were amazed they wanted us to be out there!”
But he does have to concede that Familia Diaz had been not only the source of community activism and great food but also a source of work to many.
“I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many people Familia Diaz has employed,” in the almost 80 years it has been open.
“We have 36 now including family members...just think it started with my two grandparents and grew to this size!”
Pepa and “Don” Jose Diaz probably didn’t realize their 23-seat cantina would evolve into the present 150-seat powerhouse Familia Diaz or that generations of the family would continue to give back to the community through various charities, fundraisers and participation in civic groups.
“Even my grandparents probably had some help, a few cousins they employed, who knows?” said Dan.
The family is proud of those workers that have passed through the stained glass doors of Familia Diaz whether they stayed — one employee has 30 years and several others 20 years and more — or held a summer job.
Either way, “We’ve employed so many people over the years, helped them get situated financially, gave some of the foundation for their own business,” and taught younger workers the basic responsibilities needed for future success.
“And they’re all family to us,” truly “Familia,” said Diaz.
The sale of Familia Diaz is expected to close soon, the family after five generations ready to take their memories on their next journey.
“The kids took it over in about 1985,” said Tony Diaz. “They’ve done a wonderful job, but it’s long hours and it takes its toll like everything eventually does. I’ve been enjoying my life and this means I’ll be enjoying it more.”
And there will a last hurrah of Familia Diaz in the Labor Day Parade: “We are really pleased and honored that Familia Diaz is the Grand Marshal,” said Tony. “I can only imagine my parents would feel the same way...”
Everyone is invited to participate in the annual Labor Day Parade either by participating in the march or watching from the sidewalk.
Any type of entry which celebrates the work force — from those with full time employment in or out of the home or volunteer organizations that work for community good — take part in the parade which each year features floats and walkers to car clubs, Topa Topa Fly Wheel tractors and equestrians.
The official entry deadline has passed but Merson said, “Of course we take late entries.”
If you would like to enter the parade call Merson evenings at 805-525-9439.
The Labor Day Parade Committee organizes the Labor Day Parade using community donations. If you are interested in donating, please make the check out to “Santa Paula Community Fund” and mail to: Peter Wright, 801 McKevett Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060
