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Some San Diego César Chávez event organizers are scrambling to respond amid new abuse allegations against the iconic labor leader, including from labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta.

The big picture: While some events remain scheduled this month, the abuse allegations threaten to tarnish the legacy of Chávez, one of the most celebrated Latino labor leaders in U.S. history.

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?

San Diego events shift amid Chávez allegations

Some local events are renamed, canceled or under review as new allegations raise concerns.

Group of protesters outdoors; a man in a light plaid shirt holds a sign reading "BOYCOTT GRAPES" while others in white shirts and more signs stand in the background.

Chávez at a protest in 1990. Photo: Najlah Feanny/Corbis via Getty Images

Some San Diego César Chávez event organizers are scrambling to respond amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new abuse allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" data-vars-content-id="05404e99-7026-4483-90df-57071efd40f8" data-vars-headline="San Diego events shift amid Chávez allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" target="_self">new abuse allegations</a> against the iconic labor leader, including from labor and civil rights leader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolores Huerta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/kamala-harris-dolores-huerta-latino-voters" data-vars-content-id="05404e99-7026-4483-90df-57071efd40f8" data-vars-headline="San Diego events shift amid Chávez allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/kamala-harris-dolores-huerta-latino-voters" target="_self">Dolores Huerta</a>.The big picture: While some events remain scheduled this month, the abuse allegations threaten to tarnish the legacy of Chávez, one of the most celebrated Latino labor leaders in U.S. history.

Politics

Bacari quickly became one of San Diego's buzziest new restaurants with elusive reservations when it opened in North Park in February.

Dig in: The new LA-based Venetian restaurant and wine bar concept is breathing new life into a French Quarter-style building that's been sitting vacant on 30th Street since Urban Solace closed in 2019.

Its Mediterranean-style sharable dishes make for a fun night out with friends, especially since the chef suggests two to three plates per person. 

Best bites: The Moroccan Cigars are like egg rolls stuffed with lamb and chicken with a roasted nut and garlic honey glaze and pickled onions that you must dip in the slightly spicy toum crema sauce.

The chicken schnitzel with whipped feta and arugula mint salad is a must-try.

Get the caramelized Brussels sprouts rather than broccoli or cauliflower.

Take our waitress' suggestion and add bacon to the Asian pear and Brie pizza.

For a light and not-too-sweet treat, try the pistachio crèmeschnitte pastry.

Four-dish collage: top-left fried spring rolls with dipping sauce; top-right crumb-crusted meat with lemon and greens; bottom-left potato-topped flatbread; bottom-right pistachio-crusted fish with green sauce.

Try sharable plates like the Moroccan Cigars, chicken schnitzel, pear and Brie pizza and pistachio dessert. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios

If you're looking to drink, consider the 90-minute open bar with beer, wine, mimosas and sangria for $32, plus add-on cocktails options.

The cocktail list is diverse and enticing and includes tasty mocktails with non-alcoholic spirits.

The vibe: The spacious patio and moody dining rooms feel very European, with a mix of Old World and modern decor.

It offers both an intimate, romantic feel and a chatty happy hour vibe.

Park in the garage across the street for only $1 per hour.

What's next: The team plans to open another location in Carlsbad Village this summer or fall, and then possibly expand to Encinitas or Little Italy, San Diego Magazine reported. 

Split-image of a restaurant: left shows an outdoor dining area with stone pillars and floor, warm candlelight, and wooden tables; right shows an indoor bar with a chandelier, tiled wall, and bartender.

Sit on the spacious patio, upstairs or at the bar for a fun and romantic evening. Photos: Kate Murphy/Axios

Why Bacari is one of North Park's hot new reservations

From Moroccan cigars to schnitzel and spritzes, Bacari's menu is built for a night out with friends.

Sunlit street with a yellow two-story building, iron balcony, green shutters, and lanterns. A palm tree beside a brick fence with potted flowers and a striped awning over outdoor patio.

Get a taste of Venice at Bacari in North Park. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bacari" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatwithbacari.com/" data-vars-content-id="40536d7e-14c9-47b0-896b-0674bf259202" data-vars-headline="Why Bacari is one of North Park&#x27;s hot new reservations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatwithbacari.com/" target="_blank">Bacari</a> quickly became one of San Diego&#x27;s buzziest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="40536d7e-14c9-47b0-896b-0674bf259202" data-vars-headline="Why Bacari is one of North Park&#x27;s hot new reservations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/food-and-drink" target="_self">new restaurants</a> with elusive reservations when it opened in North Park in February.Dig in: The new LA-based Venetian restaurant and wine bar concept is breathing new life into a French Quarter-style building that&#x27;s been sitting vacant on 30th Street since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Urban Solace closed in 2019" data-vars-click-url="https://sandiego.eater.com/2019/3/12/18262360/urban-solace-closing-solace-moonlight-lounge-north-park" data-vars-content-id="40536d7e-14c9-47b0-896b-0674bf259202" data-vars-headline="Why Bacari is one of North Park&#x27;s hot new reservations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sandiego.eater.com/2019/3/12/18262360/urban-solace-closing-solace-moonlight-lounge-north-park" target="_blank">Urban Solace closed in 2019</a>.<ul><li>Its Mediterranean-style sharable dishes make for a fun night out with friends, especially since the chef suggests two to three plates per person. </li></ul>

Food and Drink

Finding affordable child care in San Diego is getting harder for parents as providers face rising costs to run daycares.

Why it matters: The rising prices are piling onto local families' growing expenses that make living in San Diego costly while forcing some moms out of their jobs.

Zoom in: San Diego parents can expect to spend between $16,500 and $21,100 for one year of infant care, and about $15,000 annually for a preschooler, recent YMCA data shows.

That's more than double the cost of undergraduate tuition at San Diego State University.

By the numbers: The latest countywide averages from the YMCA cited by child care advocates show rates vary drastically based on a child's age.

Context: Many middle class families don't qualify for financial support.

"There's a very large child care chasm between those that can actually afford to pay for childcare and those that are income-eligible and can access subsidies," San Diego County YMCA senior vice president of social services Kim McDougal told Axios.

The YMCA is the state-designated one-stop shop for child care resources and referrals.

Follow the money: The price of child care has gone up over the last three years as food, housing expenses, health care for staff, supplies and play materials have all become more expensive, McDougal said.

It's also more expensive to provide care for babies than preschool-age children, primarily because babies require more attention and staff, she said.

As a result, providers have decreased staff wages or kept them stagnant to keep their doors open and meet the needs of families, she said.

The median annual earnings for San Diego County providers in a family child care home are $35,000-$45,000, while teachers in child care centers make $18-$27 per hour, per a 2025 workforce report from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley. The low pay makes those positions hard to fill.

Case in point: Sarah Song provides child care at her National City home for up to 12 children, from newborns to 5-year-olds, with her husband and part-time employees.

She recently raised her prices about $20 to $1,400 for infants and $1,260 for preschoolers per month.

The cost of insurance, food, gas and electricity have gone up for Song recently, but she said she can't charge families that much more because they're facing the same affordability problems at home.

"I'm undercharging families, but I'm aware of where I live and what I aim to provide," said Song, who has a master's degree in child development. "I'm just making enough so I can pay my bills and have a little extra."

The intrigue: California's expanding the transitional kindergarten program to include 4-year-olds has helped and hurt the situation.

Parents can save money by sending their kids to school for free a year earlier, but child care providers lose that revenue, which helped offset the higher cost of caring for babies.

The bottom line: Local parents (including those expecting) and child care providers should reach out to the San Diego County YMCA to learn more about their options.

Child care costs squeeze San Diego families and providers

Infant care alone can top $21,000 a year.

Illustration of a teddy bear holding a fan of hundred dollar bills.

Finding affordable child care in San Diego is getting harder for parents as providers face rising costs to run daycares.Why it matters: The rising prices are piling onto <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local families&#x27; growing expenses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" data-vars-content-id="426bc27b-9946-48c6-b2ca-853dd64adafa" data-vars-headline="Child care costs squeeze San Diego families and providers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" target="_self">local families&#x27; growing expenses</a> that make living in San Diego costly while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forcing some moms out of their jobs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/women-jobs-rto" data-vars-content-id="426bc27b-9946-48c6-b2ca-853dd64adafa" data-vars-headline="Child care costs squeeze San Diego families and providers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/women-jobs-rto" target="_self">forcing some moms out of their jobs</a>.

News

Nearly 13 million people visited California's national parks in 2025 — a record high, according to new National Park Service data.

Why it matters: People can't get enough of California's great outdoors, even as the parks faced firings and layoffs, price hikes via executive order and a federal government shutdown.

State of play: Last year, the state's nine national parks attracted about 800,000 more visitors than in 2024 and 300,000 more than in 2019, when the previous record was set.

The increase was driven by Yosemite, Lassen, Sequoia, Redwood and Kings Canyon national parks.

Visits declined at the others, including Joshua Tree National Park.

Fun fact: Nearly twice as many visitors saw the redwoods last year compared to 2024.

By the numbers: Recreational visits by national park in 2025:

Death Valley National Park (1.32 million)

The big picture: The National Park Service reported a 2.7% decrease in recreation visits overall, after a record year in 2024.

Yosemite ranked fifth for visitors among national parks nationwide last year, knocking Rocky Mountain National Park out of the top five.

What we're watching: The crowds could get even bigger this year as Yosemite ditched reservations.

California's national parks draw record crowds in 2025

Yosemite and Redwood National Park saw the biggest boosts in recreational visits.

The sun shines on Yosemite Valley trees as dark clouds linger over mountains and a waterfall. 

Yosemite was the fifth most-visited national park in the country last year. Photo: George Rose/Getty Images

Nearly 13 million people visited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California&#x27;s national parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/09/24/california-national-parks-free-entry-joshua-tree" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/09/24/california-national-parks-free-entry-joshua-tree" target="_self">California&#x27;s national parks</a> in 2025 — a record high, according to new National Park Service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/17/national-park-crowds-visitors-2025-busiest" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/17/national-park-crowds-visitors-2025-busiest" target="_self">data</a>.Why it matters: People can&#x27;t get enough of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California&#x27;s great outdoors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/03/explore-act-biden-california-outdoor-recreation" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/03/explore-act-biden-california-outdoor-recreation" target="_self">California&#x27;s great outdoors</a>, even as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parks faced firings and layoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/05/california-national-parks-employees-staff-fired-nps" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/05/california-national-parks-employees-staff-fired-nps" target="_self">parks faced firings and layoffs</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="price hikes via executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/26/national-park-prices-tourists-trump-america-first" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/26/national-park-prices-tourists-trump-america-first" target="_self">price hikes via executive order</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks" target="_self">federal government shutdown</a>.

Kate Murphy

Featured stories

California's national parks draw record crowds in 2025

San Diego events shift amid Chávez allegations

Why Bacari is one of North Park's hot new reservations

Child care costs squeeze San Diego families and providers

Thousands wait for child care help in San Diego