San Francisco officials are moving to rename Cesar Chavez Street after allegations that the late farmworker leader sexually assaulted multiple women, with “Las Campesinas” emerging as the preferred replacement.
The name, meaning “female farmworkers” in Spanish, was selected by a city working group from two finalists. The other proposal was “Sà Se Puede”, a slogan associated with the farmworkers’ movement that translates as “Yes, it can be done”.
The decision is intended to preserve the street’s connection to agricultural labour while recognising the contribution of women to the movement. The allegations against Chavez remain allegations and have prompted a wider reassessment of public places bearing his name.
Supervisor Jackie Fielder has introduced legislation to formally change the name of the roughly 3.2-mile road, which runs through parts of San Francisco including the Mission District. The proposal must still be considered by the Board of Supervisors.
If approved, the measure will go to the Department of Public Works, which is expected to seek views from property owners and consult city departments including planning, police, fire and building inspection officials.
The working group, chaired by Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres and former supervisor Susan Leal, received 668 comments during the public consultation. Officials said “Las Campesinas” was the clear favourite.
The street was previously known as Army Street before it was renamed for Chavez in 1995. Any change would require new signs and updates to official records, delivery systems and mapping services, with the work estimated to cost about $107,000.
