City, County React to Cesar Chavez Allegations, Policy Changes Announced

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - The city of Riverside will be among municipalities
nationwide this year nixing any mention of Cesar Chavez on the holiday named
for him following revelations that the civil rights activist allegedly sexually
abused women and girls for years.
  

``We are aware of actions taking place both locally and nationally and
determining what appropriate steps will be taken here,'' Riverside Mayor
Patricia Lock Dawson said Thursday night.
  

She said a ceremonial proclamation planned during the City Council
meeting on Tuesday recognizing Cesar Chavez Day will be tabled in favor of a
proclamation designating ``United Farmworkers Day'' on March 31.
  

The mayor's announcement follows numerous related ones across
California and the country.
  

According to city officials, going forward, there will be a
reassessment of the current Cesar Chavez Community Center on University Avenue,
along with the Cesar Chavez statue a block from City Hall on the Main Street
pedestrian mall.
  

Administrators are expected to soon begin soliciting input from the
community on prospective new names.
  

Riverside County officials did not announce any formal steps in
reaction to the allegations against the now disgraced labor leader. However,
the Executive Office released a statement Thursday night recognizing the
``serious and difficult information'' that has impacted those who previously
considered Chavez a hero.
  

``We recognize the weight of what has been shared and the impact this
moment may have on many in our community, particularly within the Latino
community and among those connected to the farmworker movement,'' the EO
stated. ``Issues of harm and abuse must always be taken seriously. We stand
with those who may be impacted and affirm the importance of support, care and
access to resources.''
  

There was no word on what some of the county's other government
entities may be considering in the wake of the allegations, which stemmed from
a New York Times investigative piece.
  

Reporters uncovered evidence that Chavez had been an alleged sexual
predator, exploiting his leadership position in the National Farm Workers
Association to groom and abuse females of various ages.
  

Among his accusers is Dolores Huerta, who had been a co-organizer in
the collective empowerment movement during the 1960s. She was impregnated twice
by Chavez, according to public statements.
  

In Los Angeles, some activists are seeking the re-christening of
streets and other facilities in honor of Huerta instead of Chavez.
  

The city of Denver, Colorado, this week declared Cesar Chavez Day 2026
would be ``Si Se Puede Day'' -- Yes, We Can Day -- removing all recognition
of the labor leader. Published reports indicated there are well over 100 places
or objects nationwide saluting Chavez.
  

His birthday, March 31, was formally declared a state holiday in
California beginning in 2000. However, counties and municipalities have always
had the option to include or exclude it on their holiday calendars for local
government workers. Courthouses are always closed.
  

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