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After community debate, Modesto council renames Chavez Park 'Fourth Street Park'
Summary
Following public workshops and 474 community submissions, the council voted 6‑1 to rename Caesar E. Chavez Park at 615 Sierra Drive to Fourth Street Park. Culture‑commission members and neighborhood speakers presented competing name options during the hearing before the vote.
The Modesto City Council on June 9 voted to rename Caesar E. Chavez Park, at 615 Sierra Drive, to Fourth Street Park after hearing a full public input process and a culture commission recommendation.
Parks staff said the culture commission conducted a 30‑day public input period and received 474 recommendations; commissioners forwarded three finalists to the council—Fourth Street Park (a restoration of the neighborhood’s historic name), CeCe Pueto/CeCe Ped Park (a community‑driven name aiming to honor farm‑worker heritage and empowerment), and Farm Workers Park. Parks Director Jeremy Rogers said staff’s fiscal estimate for replacing signage at the park is roughly $10,000 and that the cost will be absorbed in the department budget.
Multiple residents and culture‑commission members spoke in favor of different names. Culture‑commission chair Rally Valenuela told the council the commission’s role was to collect public input and present historical context. Shannon Stevens, a commission member, said the CeCe Pueto option “uplifts” the farm‑worker movement and Mexican‑American history. Residents speaking for the Fourth Street name emphasized neighborhood memory and common usage: one council member cited a social‑media outreach sample in which a large majority favored the Fourth Street name.
After deliberation, Council Member Alvarez moved to rename the park Fourth Street Park; Vice Mayor Williams seconded the motion. Council Member Wright voted no; the council carried the motion 6‑1.
Why it matters Park names convey history and identity for neighborhoods and can be a focal point for public debate. Council members said they weighed historical usage, inclusiveness for a multiethnic neighborhood, and the recommendations of the culture commission and neighbors before voting.
What’s next Staff will update park signage, maps and outreach materials and incorporate the chosen name into Parks‑and‑Recreation marketing and event materials. The estimated sign‑replacement cost will be covered in the parks budget as noted in the staff presentation.
