San Diego events shift amid Chávez allegations

• Cities and organizations nationwide, including the United Farm Workers, are pulling out of parades and renaming celebrations and rallies honoring the late UFW co-founder.

Zoom in: San Diego County's 2026 Week of Action dropped César Chávez's name after the allegations became public, but next week's events are still happening as planned, a representative from the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards Enforcement told Axios.

• The annual multi-day event series includes a community breakfast (March 25), workplace rights educational workshop (March 26) and a legal and health resource clinic (March 28).
• The county "determined that our commitment to protecting workers and upholding labor standards that promote fairness, dignity, and accountability extends far beyond any one person's legacy," spokesperson Sarah Sweeney said in statement.

The city of San Diego is "evaluating next steps on a potential renaming of César Chávez Parkway," spokesperson Dave Rolland told Axios.

UC San Diego's César E. Chávez Celebration month committee cancelled its signature kickoff event in April, and is reevaluating the other related events in light of the "disturbing allegations," according to a university statement.

• UCSD highlighted resources for sexual assault survivors in its statement.

The San Diego César Chávez Committee did not respond to questions from Axios about whether its planned Day of Service on Saturday and Community Breakfast next week are still happening.

The San Diego Community College District is "reviewing its planned participation" in March 31 César Chávez Day activities and the naming of the César E. Chávez Campus in Barrio Logan, spokesperson Jack Beresford said in a statement to Axios.

• "These reports are deeply concerning, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted," the statement said.

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) said in statements to Axios they plan to rename the proposed César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park.

• Their bill last year aimed to create the park in the labor leader's honor.
• Now, they'll take steps to "rename and rework the legislation in honor of farm workers, out of respect for the victims and as an initial step toward accountability," the statements said.

Context: The New York Times first reported Wednesday that Chávez had groomed multiple little girls while leading the farmworkers movement, including a child he had known since she was 8.

• The United Farm Workers union called the reporting "profoundly shocking" and canceled annual birthday celebrations for César Chávez Day.

State of play: Huerta wrote about her allegations in a Wednesday blog post.

• She worked alongside Chávez for decades, helping found the UFW with him and fellow activist Gilbert Padilla.
• "I carried this secret for as long as I did because building the movement and securing farmworker rights was my life's work," Huerta wrote.

Flashback: Chávez was born in Yuma and rose to national prominence in the 1960s, organizing strikes for better living standards and pay for farm workers.

• Since his 1993 death, streets, community centers, parks and schools in San Diego and other U.S. cities have been named or renamed in his honor.
• Now the allegations are prompting a swift and emotional reckoning with his legacy.

What we're watching: By law, César Chávez Day is a state holiday in California.

• A spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom told Politico he would "provide comment once information is shared or reported."
• Unless the Legislature votes otherwise, March 31 will remain a paid day off for state employees and many state, county and city offices will be closed.

Tell us: Do you think local community centers, parks, schools or landmarks should be renamed? If so, any suggestions?

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