The Santa Barbara City Council voted Tuesday to explore the renaming of Calle Cesar Chavez and replace how the city observes March 31, Calle César Chávez Day.
The unanimous vote directs city staff to research options, gather public input, and return with recommendations on both the street name and the holiday’s future.
Councilmember Kristen Sneddon said the proposal opens the door for a broader community conversation about how farmworkers are recognized locally.
“I think we want to have the conversation—is that (March 31) still the day that we would like to locally honor farmworkers?” Sneddon said. “I think there’s a community conversation around that, and whether the city continues to have that be the official recognition of farmworkers day in Santa Barbara.”
The New York Times published a story last month detailing the accounts of two women who said they were sexually assaulted by Chavez when they were girls in the 1970s. Activist and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta said on Instagram and was interviewed in the article, stating that she was sexually assaulted on two occasions by Chavez. The encounters, she said, also produced two children.
The explosive allegations have led to communities removing Chavez’s name from public property.
Santa Barbara nearly 30 years ago renamed a portion of Salsipuedes Street to Calle César Chávez.
Mayor Randy Rowse emphasized on Tuesday that the council’s action was procedural, initiating research, not finalizing outcomes.
“We’re not really here today to discuss the content or what we’re doing, but more to begin the process,” Rowse said.
Council members repeatedly emphasized that significant community engagement and formal approvals will be needed before they make any final decisions.
Several members expressed support for restoring Calle César Chávez to its historical name, Salsipuedes Street, though no formal action was taken.
Council members also discussed replacing César Chávez Day with a more flexible alternative, including a potential “floating” holiday that could be used by city employees.
Councilmember Eric Friedman said any potential street renaming must prioritize public safety.
He noted that emergency responders, mapping systems, and postal services would need to be updated to reflect any change.
Friedman and other council members also emphasized the importance of community input as the process moves forward. One idea discussed was holding a public meeting at La Casa de la Raza to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders.
City staff will now conduct research and outreach before returning with detailed proposals, including opportunities for public comment.
At this stage, both proposals are in the exploratory phase, with the council having only initiated the process only.
