Campaign Launched to Rename SF's Cesar Chavez Street After Chuck Norris

Petition calls for changing street name to honor late action star following allegations against Chavez

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:35pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A movement is underway in San Francisco to rename Cesar Chavez Street after the late action star Chuck Norris. The proposed change comes amid allegations of misconduct against Cesar Chavez, the civil rights leader whose name currently adorns the street. A former San Francisco District Supervisor candidate has launched an online petition to rebrand the street as 'Chuck Norris Boulevard'.

Why it matters

The push to rename Cesar Chavez Street reflects growing scrutiny of the labor leader's legacy following disturbing allegations of sexual abuse. As monuments and tributes to Chavez are being dismantled across California, the community is seeking to replace his name with a more uncontroversial figure who can serve as a new civic symbol.

The details

Stephen M. Pinto, a former San Francisco District Supervisor candidate, launched an online petition to rename Cesar Chavez Street to 'Chuck Norris Boulevard.' Pinto argues that in light of the 'recent controversy around Cesar Chavez and his misconduct, many people in the community feel that his name is no longer worthy of recognition.' The petition calls for honoring the late action star Chuck Norris, who died this week at the age of 86 after a medical emergency.

  • The petition to rename Cesar Chavez Street was launched in March 2026.
  • Chuck Norris died in March 2026 after being rushed to a hospital in Hawaii.

The players

Stephen M. Pinto

A former candidate for San Francisco District Supervisor who launched the online petition to rename Cesar Chavez Street to 'Chuck Norris Boulevard'.

Cesar Chavez

The civil rights leader whose name currently adorns the San Francisco street, but is now facing allegations of sexual misconduct that have led to the push to rename the street.

Chuck Norris

The late action star whose name is being proposed to replace Cesar Chavez on the San Francisco street.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Please help us in our effort to rename Cesar Chavez Street to Chuck Norris Boulevard!”

— Stephen M. Pinto, Former San Francisco District Supervisor candidate

“In light of the recent controversy around Cesar Chavez and his misconduct, many people in the community feel that his name is no longer worthy of recognition. We feel that Carlos Ray 'Chuck' Norris is worthy of recognition and his name should be memorialized on the street that is currently named for Cesar Chavez (formerly Army Street).”

— Stephen M. Pinto, Former San Francisco District Supervisor candidate

“Milwaukee has their Fonzie statue, Detroit has a RoboCop statue. We should have Chuck Norris Boulevard.”

— Stephen M. Pinto, Former San Francisco District Supervisor candidate

What’s next

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors will need to consider and vote on the proposal to rename Cesar Chavez Street to Chuck Norris Boulevard.

The takeaway

The push to rename Cesar Chavez Street reflects a broader reckoning with the civil rights leader's legacy in light of disturbing allegations against him. While honoring community icons is important, this case highlights the need to carefully scrutinize the actions and character of public figures before enshrining their names in civic spaces.