Los Angeles to Rename César Chávez Day After Assault Allegations

City and county leaders take steps to remove Chávez's name from landmarks and institutions

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:08am

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is expected to sign a proclamation on Thursday to change César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day in the city, following allegations that the late civil rights leader sexually abused girls and women. The mayor will also work with the city council to explore renaming landmarks across the city that bear Chávez's name. Los Angeles County is also expected to take similar actions, with the county's supervisors calling for the change of César Chávez Day to Farmworker Day and exploring the renaming of parks, streets, and other facilities named after Chávez.

Why it matters

The allegations against Chávez have prompted a reckoning in Los Angeles, where he has long been revered as a civil rights icon. The city and county's moves to remove his name from public spaces reflect a broader shift in how society grapples with the legacies of historical figures accused of misconduct.

The details

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is expected to sign a proclamation on Thursday to change César Chávez Day, celebrated on the last Monday of March, to Farm Workers Day. She will be joined by women members of the LA City Council. The mayor's office also said she will work with the city council to explore renaming a number of landmarks across the city that bear Chávez's name. Los Angeles County is also expected to take similar actions, with Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis calling for the change of César Chávez Day to Farmworker Day and the renaming of parks, streets, county facilities, monuments, and other programs that bear Chávez's name.

  • On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Mayor Karen Bass is expected to sign the proclamation to change César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day.
  • The LA City Council and county supervisors are expected to begin discussions in the coming weeks on renaming landmarks and institutions named after Chávez.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who is expected to sign the proclamation to change César Chávez Day.

Ysabel Jurado

An LA City Councilmember whose district includes East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, and who supports the idea of renaming holidays, landmarks, and public spaces named after Chávez.

Janice Hahn

An LA County Supervisor who has called for César Chávez Day to be changed to Farmworker Day in the county.

Hilda Solis

An LA County Supervisor who will introduce a motion to rename César Chávez Day and explore changing the names of parks, streets, county facilities, monuments, and other programs that bear Chávez's name.

Dolores Huerta

A civil rights activist who has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Chávez, prompting the city and county's actions.

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What they’re saying

“Real progress requires more than moments of reckoning – it demands sustained action to dismantle social, cultural, economic, and political structures that have hurt women throughout our history.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

“I am deeply troubled by the accounts about Cesar Chavez that have emerged. No legacy should be beyond scrutiny. These painful accounts mean that now is the time to rethink how we honor the farmworker movement and affirm our commitment to the ongoing struggle for workers' rights.”

— Ysabel Jurado, LA City Councilmember

“I am deeply shaken by the abuse involving César Chávez, including the horrific account shared by my close friend, Dolores Huerta, and other survivors. These allegations are grave and deeply painful, and they demand a thorough, transparent, and trauma-informed response.”

— Hilda Solis, LA County Supervisor

What’s next

The LA City Council and county supervisors are expected to begin discussions in the coming weeks on renaming landmarks and institutions named after Chávez.

The takeaway

The allegations against César Chávez have prompted a reckoning in Los Angeles, where he has long been revered as a civil rights icon. The city and county's moves to remove his name from public spaces reflect a broader shift in how society grapples with the legacies of historical figures accused of misconduct.