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Santa Ana Today
By the People, for the People
Santa Ana to Consider Removing Cesar Chavez References from Park, City
City Council to vote on reverting Cesar Chavez Campesino Park to its original name, Campesino Park.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:35pm
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The Santa Ana City Council is scheduled to decide next week whether to remove references to Cesar Chavez from city assets, including Cesar Chavez Campesino Park, following allegations that the late labor leader sexually abused women in the farm worker movement. If approved, the park would revert to its original name, Campesino Park, and the city would review and potentially remove or modify other Chavez-related murals, signage, and commemorative displays.
Why it matters
The decision comes in the wake of a recent New York Times investigation that alleged Chavez groomed and sexually abused women during the 1960s, sparking cities, schools, and other organizations across Southern California to reconsider tributes to the civil rights leader. Santa Ana's move reflects a broader reckoning over Chavez's legacy and the need to align public honors with current community values.
The details
The Santa Ana City Council will consider a staff report recommending the removal of Cesar Chavez references, including renaming Cesar Chavez Campesino Park back to its original name of Campesino Park. The city estimates the cost of removing or modifying Chavez-related murals, signage, and displays could reach at least $15,000. The council is also considering changing Cesar Chavez Day, a paid holiday in the city, to a floating holiday in the future.
- The City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
- Cesar Chavez Day, recently renamed Farmworkers Day, has been a paid holiday in Santa Ana.
The players
Valerie Amezcua
The mayor of Santa Ana who said she would be looking to change the park's name following the release of the New York Times investigation.
Jessie Lopez
A Santa Ana City Councilmember who also said she would be looking to change the park's name following the release of the New York Times investigation.
Dolores Huerta
The co-founder of the United Farm Workers who was allegedly assaulted by Cesar Chavez during the 1960s, according to the New York Times investigation.
Cesar Chavez
The late labor leader who the Cesar Chavez Campesino Park in Santa Ana was named after, but is now facing allegations of sexual abuse.
What’s next
The Santa Ana City Council will vote on the proposal to remove Cesar Chavez references at their meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
The takeaway
Santa Ana's decision to potentially remove tributes to Cesar Chavez reflects a broader reckoning over the civil rights leader's legacy in the wake of allegations of sexual abuse. This move highlights the challenges communities face in reconciling public honors with evolving moral standards and the need to align commemorations with current values.
