FRENSO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno officials and community members are reacting to troubling allegations raised this week against renowned farmworker rights leader Cesar Chavez, whose name and likeness appear on more than 200 street signs, as well as local parks, libraries, schools and Fresno State.
Councilmember Miguel Arias said the news has struck a personal chord, recalling how Chavez’s legacy shaped his own upbringing as a young Latino finding his path.
“He has been idol to us as a community because he fought and advocated for our parents and for ourselves who are farmworkers,” Arias said.
On Tuesday, the United Farm Workers Foundation announced it was aware of the allegations.
On Wednesday, longtime Latina activist Dolores Huerta released a statement saying she is a victim.
“I am nearly 96 years old, and for the last 60 years have kept a secret because I believed that exposing the truth would hurt the farmworker movement I have spent my entire life fighting for,” Huerta said.
Arias voiced support for Huerta and her decision to speak publicly.
“We have a responsibility to listen and to act in a way that honors the pain and this sets a new standard,” he said.
Arias is calling for all “Cesar Chavez” street signs across Fresno to be removed and replaced with the previous signage.
Mayor Jerry Dyer said he supports that effort and confirmed the city still has many of the original signs.
“I really do believe they are going to do the right thing very quickly,” Dyer said. “Fortunately, we still have the signs; some of them will have to be replaced and there will be a cost, but we are willing to endure that cost.”
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At Fresno State, a statue honoring Chavez has been covered with a black tarp, a decision made by university President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
Students on campus described the sudden shift.
“He had a wreath over his shoulders and people were here in admiration, and now to see him covered up like this, it’s a surreal moment,” said Branden Sandoval, a Fresno State senior.
In a statement, the university said, “At Fresno State, our values are grounded in dignity, respect, and care for one another. When we become aware of reports of such a serious nature, we must acknowledge their weight and hold space for those who have been harmed.”
The university added that steps are underway to remove the statue.
The family of Cesar Chavez has asked for privacy as they process the allegations.
Several city and state leaders have also released statements expressing their concerns and emotions about the controversial topic.
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