The formal process to rename one of the Bay Area’s most prominent landmarks bearing the name of Cesar Chavez is now underway, and city leaders are asking the public to weigh in.
For 33 years, San Jose’s downtown plaza carried the name of the late labor leader Cesar Chavez.
That changed in March when Chavez’s name was removed following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Now, the city is moving forward with permanently renaming the plaza.
The city’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department is hosting a public listening session at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Leininger Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on a new name for the plaza.
The city is also launching a public survey seeking suggestions for a new name and input on what the naming should reflect.
According to the city, the goal is to complete the renaming process in a “trauma-informed, inclusive and culturally respectful manner” while prioritizing Latino and farmworker communities.
City officials are expected to release additional details about the public survey following Tuesday night’s listening session.