Cesar Chavez has long been honored across California, with major public parks in Berkeley, San Jose, Oakland, and San Diego bearing his name—spaces meant to reflect community values and bring families together.

But recent reports have raised deeply troubling allegations that Chavez engaged in inappropriate behavior involving women and minors during his leadership of the United Farm Workers. The United Farm Workers and the Cesar Chavez Foundation have acknowledged these allegations as serious, while stating they do not yet have firsthand confirmation and are working to gather information and support those who may have been harmed.

When allegations of this nature emerge, especially involving minors, it is appropriate for communities to pause and reassess who we choose to honor in shared public spaces.

This is not about erasing history. Cesar Chavez played a significant role in advancing farmworker rights. But public honors should reflect not only historical impact, but also the values we uphold today: safety, integrity, and respect.

Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, has dedicated her life to advancing those same causes. Honoring her instead offers a way to continue recognizing the movement’s legacy while aligning with those values.

We call on the Berkeley, San Jose, Oakland, and San Diego City Councils, along with their parks and recreation departments, to begin a transparent, community-driven process to review and rename parks currently honoring Cesar Chavez, and to consider honoring Dolores Huerta in their place.

Sign this petition to support accountability, community values, and thoughtful leadership in how California names its public spaces.