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Board unanimously renames Cesar Chavez Day to a Farm Workers Day observance after debate
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Summary
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved renaming Cesar Chavez Day to a Farm Workers Day (or Farmworker Movement Day), citing the need to honor a movement built by many communities while also responding to recent allegations and survivor testimony.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to rename the county observance now known as Cesar Chavez Day to a Farm Workers Day (the board record referenced alternatives such as "Farmworker Movement Day"), seeking to emphasize the collective contributions of laborers and the multiethnic history of the farmworker movement.
The sponsor of the item opened by saying recent allegations concerning Cesar Chavez were "deeply disturbing" and that the county should "pause and reassess" how it honors historical figures when credible concerns arise. The sponsor framed the change as a way to better reflect the role of many communities and to uplift the contributions of leaders such as Dolores Huerta and Larry Itliong.
Public comment was mixed. Several callers and in‑person speakers opposed removing Chavez’s name, warning against action based on allegations; others—including Joanne Fields and representatives of Manas San Diego—supported the reframe and urged the board to uplift the broader farmworker movement and recognize survivors who had come forward.
Vice Chair Montgomery Stepp and other supervisors seconded and supported the motion, recalling the multiethnic coalition behind the farmworker movement and noting the important role of women and Filipino leaders in particular. After discussion, the motion to rename the county observance passed unanimously, with all supervisors present voting aye.
What this means: the county’s official observance will be reframed to honor farmworkers collectively rather than centering a single individual; staff will proceed with the administrative steps to reflect the name change in county materials and observances.
Procedural note: The transcript records the motion as passed unanimously; staff will implement the board’s direction in county proclamations and communications.
