Seattle could rename former Chávez park for Dolores Huerta
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Activist Dolores Huerta speaks during an International Women's Day event last year. Photo: Sarah Morris/Getty Images
Seattle Parks and Recreation is accepting suggestions to rename the former César Chávez Park — and some would like a name that honors labor leader Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers alongside Chávez.
The big picture: The push to rename the park follows a New York Times investigation last month that detailed reports of Chávez sexually abusing women and girls, including Huerta.
- Huerta told the newspaper that Chávez once sexually assaulted her and another time manipulated her into sex — encounters she said led to her becoming pregnant and bearing two of his children.
State of play: Seattle Parks and Recreation is accepting suggestions for renaming the park — located at 700 S. Cloverdale St. in the South Park neighborhood — through April 14.
- City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck told Axios she emailed the parks department last month to formally suggest renaming the park for Huerta.
- King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda told Axios she also supports the idea.
What they're saying: Huerta's legacy has often been "overshadowed by César Chávez," Mosqueda said.
- "Recognizing her work and everything she endured is important."
Friction point: City policy says parks should only be named for people if they've been dead for at least three years — and Huerta, now in her mid-90s, is still living.
- City parks spokesperson Christina Hirsch told Axios that the naming policy "exists to ensure we have the benefit of time and perspective before making permanent decisions."
- "At the same time, community input is a central part of this process and carries real weight in how decisions are made," Hirsch wrote in an email.
- Hirsch wrote that if community members suggest naming the park for Huerta, "the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners and the Superintendent will consider it."
Between the lines: Rinck and Mosqueda said they also would be willing to support other names submitted by community members.
- One such option could be "Sí, se puede," Mosqueda said, recognizing the rallying cry Huerta coined. (It translates loosely as, "Yes, we can," or "Yes, it can be done.")
Regarding the city's naming rules, Rinck said, "I do think there is value in recognizing people while they are still here."
- She said the parks department removing signs that bore Chávez's name last month was "an important immediate step."
- "It sends a message to survivors that your abuser's legacy is not above accountability," Rinck said.
What's next: Hirsch said the city expects to finalize a new park name within a few months.
- Name suggestions can be submitted through April 14 by emailing [email protected].