Baldwin Park council pulls item on Cesar Chavez mural for further review after members cite allegations

The Baldwin Park City Council voted unanimously on March 18 to pull an agenda item involving a Cesar Chavez mural and other signage so staff could study next steps and the process before the council takes any formal action.

Council discussion began after staff recommended removing item 4 from the agenda. Council Member Manuel Lozano urged the council to "be united and removing that mural completely," saying he was "disgusted" by recent revelations he described about Chavez and adding, "the fact that he raped little kids is unacceptable to me." Council directed staff to return with options and procedural guidance before the council considers removal or other actions.

City Clerk Christopher Sains said staff recommended pulling the item to allow time for additional review and to ensure the council follows a correct process. The motion to pull item 4 was made by Council Member Alejandra Avila and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gene Ayala; the clerk recorded the motion as carrying 5-0.

Mayor Daniel Damian and other council members stressed the need to follow established procedures and gather full information before making final decisions. At the meeting, several council members said the issue is sensitive and that staff should prepare a complete report outlining legal, administrative and community-engagement considerations before returning the matter to an agenda.

The council did not take final action on removing signage or the mural on March 18; instead it directed staff to prepare next steps and to return the matter for future consideration.