A New City Survey on Renaming César Chávez Boulevard Comes as Serious Allegations Reshape How Communities View the Civil Rights Icon
The City of San Antonio is asking residents to help decide a new name for a portion of César E. Chávez Boulevard, opening a public survey on March 23 as part of a broader community input process.
The proposed change would affect the stretch of roadway between Southwest 36th Street and South Hackberry Street, a corridor that runs through key parts of the city’s West and South sides.
City officials say the goal is to gather direct feedback from the people most impacted — especially those who live, work, or operate businesses along the boulevard.
Why This Is Happening Now
The timing of the renaming effort comes as new and deeply troubling allegations against César Chávez have triggered a national reassessment of his legacy.
A recent investigation, first reported by The New York Times, includes claims from multiple women — including longtime labor leader Dolores Huerta — accusing Chávez of sexual abuse, including allegations involving minors.
The report is based on interviews with more than 60 individuals and supported by historical records, with some allegations dating back decades.
In response, organizations tied to Chávez have begun distancing themselves, and cities across the country are reconsidering public honors bearing his name, including streets, schools, and celebrations.
Here in San Antonio, the impact has already been felt. Annual events tied to Chávez have been canceled or restructured, and institutions are shifting how they recognize his legacy.
The City’s survey now places that same question directly in front of residents: should this corridor continue to carry his name?
How Residents Can Participate
Residents can submit their input through a short online survey at SASpeakUp.com/StreetNameSA.
The survey takes about one minute to complete and will remain open until 5 p.m. on April 2, 2026. It is available in both English and Spanish.
The City also plans to host public meetings, with dates and locations expected to be announced soon.
What the City Is Looking For
According to the City, street renaming is considered only under specific circumstances and must reflect meaningful connections to the community.
Proposed names should align with:
• Local history, geography, or cultural identity
• Individuals who made significant contributions
• Shared values such as unity or equality
• Practical clarity, including reducing confusion
Residents Help to Decide What Comes Next
This is no longer just about a street sign.
Across the country, communities are being forced to confront a difficult question: how do you reconcile a public legacy with new information that challenges it?
San Antonio is now part of that conversation, through this survey, residents will help decide what comes next.
Read Next: No Kings Rallies Planned Across San Antonio Area March 28
