Gov. Gavin Newsom said California is still processing the sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez, calling the moment “sensitive” and saying, “None of us knew.”Newsom made the remarks at an unrelated Bay Area press conference in response to a question from KCRA 3 political director Ashley Zavala, who asked for his reaction to the allegations and whether he would be open to renaming Cesar Chavez Day in California.“I appreciate the question, and it’s an appropriate one,” Newsom said. “We’re all absorbing.”Newsom said Chavez has long been woven into California’s history and identity, noting that the state formally recognizes Cesar Chavez Day each year.“Every year the governor of California proclaims a Cesar Chavez Day. It’s in the statute,” Newsom said.He said the allegations have been difficult to process personally, adding that he and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom have been close with civil rights leader Dolores Huerta for decades.“Jen and I are very close with Dolores,” Newsom said. “None of us knew.”Newsom also acknowledged the broader impact the allegations may have on communities across the state, especially for students at the many schools named after Chavez.“I think there’s close to three dozen schools in the state named after Cesar Chavez,” he said. “We’re just going to have to reflect on all of that and reflect on a farmworkers movement and a labor movement that was much bigger than one man and celebrate that.”He said future decisions, including possible changes to names or commemorations, will require time and care.“I hope we have some grace in that respect, as they wonder if there is a name change or their identity to their school, to this icon that they thought one thing of, and how we process that shift,” Newsom said, referring to children and communities now grappling with what the allegations may mean for schools and public places named for Chavez.Newsom said the state must remain committed to “justice,” “truth,” and “transparency,” while supporting survivors.“We want to have the backs of our victims,” he said. “But it’s a sensitive, sensitive moment.”Newsom said he had not yet spoken directly to legislative leaders.Republican Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, meanwhile, filed legislation on Wednesday to rename the holiday to Farmworker Day.

, Calif. —

Gov. Gavin Newsom said California is still processing the sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez, calling the moment “sensitive” and saying, “None of us knew.”

Newsom made the remarks at an unrelated Bay Area press conference in response to a question from KCRA 3 political director Ashley Zavala, who asked for his reaction to the allegations and whether he would be open to renaming Cesar Chavez Day in California.

“I appreciate the question, and it’s an appropriate one,” Newsom said. “We’re all absorbing.”

Newsom said Chavez has long been woven into California’s history and identity, noting that the state formally recognizes Cesar Chavez Day each year.

“Every year the governor of California proclaims a Cesar Chavez Day. It’s in the statute,” Newsom said.

He said the allegations have been difficult to process personally, adding that he and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom have been close with civil rights leader Dolores Huerta for decades.

“Jen and I are very close with Dolores,” Newsom said. “None of us knew.”

Newsom also acknowledged the broader impact the allegations may have on communities across the state, especially for students at the many schools named after Chavez.

“I think there’s close to three dozen schools in the state named after Cesar Chavez,” he said. “We’re just going to have to reflect on all of that and reflect on a farmworkers movement and a labor movement that was much bigger than one man and celebrate that.”

He said future decisions, including possible changes to names or commemorations, will require time and care.

“I hope we have some grace in that respect, as they wonder if there is a name change or their identity to their school, to this icon that they thought one thing of, and how we process that shift,” Newsom said, referring to children and communities now grappling with what the allegations may mean for schools and public places named for Chavez.

Newsom said the state must remain committed to “justice,” “truth,” and “transparency,” while supporting survivors.

“We want to have the backs of our victims,” he said. “But it’s a sensitive, sensitive moment.”

Newsom said he had not yet spoken directly to legislative leaders.

Republican Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, meanwhile, filed legislation on Wednesday to rename the holiday to Farmworker Day.