Pasadena Mayor Addresses Chávez Legacy and Accountability

City to Reconsider Annual Chávez Day Observance in Wake of Abuse Allegations

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:26am

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In the wake of a New York Times investigation that found César Chávez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, sexually abused women and underage girls for decades, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo issued a statement addressing the city's observance of the annual César Chávez Day holiday and the broader legacy of the farmworker movement.

Why it matters

Pasadena has traditionally celebrated César Chávez Day and issued annual proclamations honoring the civil rights leader, but the revelations about his history of sexual abuse have prompted the city to reconsider how it commemorates his legacy. This reflects a broader reckoning happening nationally about honoring historical figures whose positive contributions may be outweighed by harmful personal conduct.

The details

Mayor Gordo acknowledged the important role of the farmworker movement in Pasadena's history, but made clear that no cause or leader is beyond accountability. He pledged that the city will listen to survivors, support those who have been harmed, and insist on accountability. Gordo suggested the city may consider renaming the César Chávez Day observance to something that reflects the full spirit of the movement, such as 'United—Si Se Puede!'

  • On Tuesday, March 18, The New York Times published results of a multi-year investigation.
  • On Thursday, March 19, Pasadena Unified announced it will change how it observes Chávez Day this year.
  • On Friday, March 20, the city issued a full statement from Mayor Gordo.

The players

Victor Gordo

The mayor of Pasadena, California, who issued a statement addressing the city's observance of César Chávez Day in the wake of abuse allegations against the civil rights leader.

César Chávez

The co-founder of the United Farm Workers who was found to have sexually abused women and underage girls for decades, according to a New York Times investigation.

Dolores Huerta

The co-founder of the United Farm Workers who was reportedly raped by César Chávez, according to the New York Times investigation.

Pasadena Unified

The school district in Pasadena, California that has traditionally celebrated the March 31 César Chávez holiday, but announced it will change how it observes the day this year.

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What they’re saying

“We stand with Dolores Huerta and with every survivor of sexual assault, those who have spoken, those still finding their voice, and those for whom it may not feel safe to speak.”

— Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena

“The legacy of César Chávez and the work of the United Farm Workers are part of our shared history. The farmworker movement, and its fight for dignity and justice, is far greater than any one man. Honoring that history requires honesty and no cause or leader is beyond accountability.”

— Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena

“In Pasadena, we will not look away. We will listen, we will support those who have been harmed, and we will insist on accountability, because a just community is not defined only by what it achieves, but by how it protects the dignity and safety of every person.”

— Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena

What’s next

The city of Pasadena will begin a community conversation about renaming the César Chávez Day observance to something that reflects the full spirit of the farmworker movement, such as 'United—Si Se Puede!'

The takeaway

This moment calls for Pasadena and other communities to grapple honestly with the legacies of historical figures, acknowledging both their positive contributions and harmful actions. Accountability is not about erasing history, but about learning from it and choosing to honor the values a community claims to hold.