MISSION STATEMENT

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.

About Us

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 Cabrilho 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 12 clubs state wide with over 2,800 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.

This page sponsored by
Fresno County Cabrillo Club #10
In the Heart of California!
Serving Fresno and Madera Counties since 1941

Home of Past State Presidents:

F. Louis Gomes 1951 -
Joe C. Machado 1973 -
Pete Simomian 1997 -
Steven Berra 2008 -

- A. C. Mello, 1959
- Johnnie T. Martin, 1978
- Irene Ferreira, 2000
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Fresno County Board:
President: Margaret Berra
1st Vice President: Lucy Areias
2nd Vice President: Patty Simonian
Secretary: Steven Barra
Treasurer: Sharon Toste
Marshal: Kelli Hassett

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Copyright © 2002-2009 Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California
559-686-5140 | P.O. Box 1874 | Tulare, CA. 93275