Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California

Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California, based in Tulare, CA, is a statewide organization dedicated to civic progress and community service across California. With five active clubs and over 1,975 members, the organization provides comprehensive scholarship opportunities for students of Portuguese descent and maintains active campus youth programs to support educational advancement. The Cabrillo Civic Clubs organize and sponsor major community events throughout the year, including the annual San Diego Cabrillo Festival, Portuguese Immigrant Week, and local Festas Portuguesas celebrations. Since World War II, the organization has been recognized for extensive charitable activities, including blood drives, fundraising initiatives for polio and cancer research, and assistance programs for U.S. citizenship candidates. The Tulare-based organization serves Californians of Portuguese descent while promoting broader civic engagement and community welfare. Their ongoing efforts include maintaining memorials and landmarks honoring Portuguese navigators who discovered and explored California, particularly João Rodrigues Cabrillo. The Cabrillo Civic Clubs observe Cabrillo Day annually on September 28, commemorating the explorer's discovery of California in 1542. Through their diverse programming and charitable initiatives, the organization continues to foster Americanization values, preserve Portuguese cultural heritage, and perpetuate the achievements of pioneer forefathers throughout California.