San Francisco Considers Renaming Cesar Chavez Street Amid Abuse Allegations

San Francisco is moving forward with a plan to rename Cesar Chavez Street, a decision prompted by allegations of sexual abuse and rape against the late labor leader earlier this year. A working group, comprising 27 individuals selected with assistance from the mayor’s office and representatives from relevant supervisor districts, has proposed two potential new names for the roughly 3-mile thoroughfare: 'Sí Se Puede' (meaning 'Yes, we can,' a slogan of the United Farm Workers) and 'Las Campesinas' (meaning female farmworkers).

The working group presented these options to Mission District neighbors at a community meeting, aiming to honor Latinos amidst current political pressures. The decision to avoid naming the street after an individual reflects the controversy surrounding Chavez, who was previously celebrated on the left for his labor activism. City Supervisor Susan Leal acknowledged the need to remember the "very sad, very terrible experience of those girls and women" while honoring a movement.

San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres, who co-led the working group, indicated that a final recommendation for the new name is expected next week. Following this, Supervisor Jackie Fielder’s office will introduce official legislation. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback through an online form before the legislation progresses.

While the proposed names have garnered support, some community members have expressed a desire to revert the street’s name to its original designation, Army Street, which it held before a 1995 vote by the Board of Supervisors to rename it after Chavez. Critics on social media have called the proposed names unnecessary "virtue signaling." However, a similar ballot measure in 1995 to revert the name to Army Street failed by nearly 10 percentage points.

The cost for replacing street signs and sidewalk etchings is estimated at $107,000, to be covered by the city. The mayor’s office has committed to assisting residents and businesses with the necessary changes to their addresses and official documents.