Participants at the July 26, 2024 celebration of Cesar Chavez Boulevard in southeast Fresno received a commemorative pin. A Fresno reader urges reverting Cesar Chavez Boulevard amid troubling allegations, arguing public street names should reflect community values and role models.
JUAN ESPARZA LOERA
jesparza@vidaenelvalle.com
Fresno should rename boulevard
“‘Troubling’ allegations against Cesar Chavez prompt UFW to cancel celebrations,” (fresnobee.com, March 17)
I am deeply concerned by the recent allegations against the late labor leader Cesar Chavez, especially given that we recently renamed Kings Canyon Boulevard to Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
While Chavez has historically inspired many, recent allegations of sexual misconduct are troubling. Public honors — like street names — should reflect individuals we feel confident holding up as role models for our children. Until the truth is clear, it is inappropriate for our community to honor someone under such a cloud.
I urge the city to revert the street to its former name. This is not about erasing history, but about ensuring that our public symbols align with our values. We have serious soul-searching to do, and visitors coming to our city should know that we hold those whom we honor to a high standard.
Davis Ward
Reedley
Abolish ICE
“Immigrants in Central Valley are challenging ICE detentions at record-high rates,” (fresnobee.com, March 9)
It feels like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is doing the opposite of its purported task. In order to actually keep us safe, we must abolish ICE and replace it with immigration systems focused on due process, community-based supervision and humanitarian support rather than detention and aggressive enforcement.
We have to start demanding policy changes now in order to build a more humane and just system.
Jordy Alexis Meza Valencia
Bay Point
Unjust ICE actions must stop
“Immigrants in Central Valley are challenging ICE detentions at record-high rates,” (fresnobee.com, March 9)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents need to behave like law enforcement officers and not like the Gestapo. There is no reason for ICE agents to be masked and to be in military uniforms and armed to the teeth.
Recent actions taken by ICE — of ramming into vehicles, breaking windows and refusing to identify themselves — need to stop.
Steven Trevino Jr.
Clovis
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