Fresno is officially starting the process to take down the Cesar Chavez Blvd signs one day after the New York Times published sexual assault allegations made against the late farmworker labor leader. 

The Fresno City Council unanimously voted to start the process to restore Kings Canyon Rd, Ventura Ave. and W. California Ave. along the 10-mile stretch of road that is currently named after Chavez. 

Driving the news: The New York Times published a report Wednesday detailing allegations that Chavez sexually assaulted girls throughout the 1970s. 

The report also revealed allegations that fellow United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta was raped by Chavez. 

Huerta later released a statement saying Chavez raped her twice in the 1960s. Both times resulted in children, who she gave to other families to care for. 

State of play: The city moved to honor Chavez in 2023, voting 6-1 at the time to rename the 10-mile stretch to Cesar Chavez Blvd. 

The city announced on Wednesday that it would hold a special meeting on Thursday, alongside the regularly scheduled council meeting, to immediately take action in light of the news. 

What we’re watching: With Thursday’s vote, the council has directed the city administration to begin the process of reversing the 2023 name change. 

The process will include at least two hearings and public noticing. 

Before the item was passed, Mayor Jerry Dyer encouraged the council to support it and said he would sign it immediately. Dyer said he expects the renaming to begin in April. 

Council President Nelson Esparza said that the city kept around 80% of the old signage, which will provide for a quick transition. 

What they’re saying: The councilmembers expressed their sympathy to the victims who spoke out against Chavez. 

“It’s heart-wrenching to have learned the truth. I believe Dolores,” said Councilwoman Annalisa Perea. “I believe any woman that speaks out and says that they have been harmed at the hands of anyone, especially our minors that have come forward.” 

She added, “I do not believe this is an individual who deserves to be plastered all along one of the main corridors of our city.”