California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill renaming the state’s César Chávez Day to “Farmworkers Day.” The legislation, introduced by state Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, follows women accusing Chávez of abuse.
“California’s farmworker rights movement never has been about one individual,” Rivas and Limón said in a joint statement last week. “To the survivors who have found the courage to come forward, uplifting the movement’s values of dignity and justice, and demanding accountability, our hearts are with you always.”
“This holiday will be a time for California to honor the past, reflect on the present and renew our collective dedication to equity and justice for farmworkers,” the lawmakers added.
According to the law, “The Governor shall annually proclaim March 31 as ‘Farmworkers Day.’”
After the bill was introduced, Newsom wrote on social media, “The farmworkers’ movement was always bigger than just one man or one person,” Newsom said. “Given the horrendous allegations that were made public for the first time yesterday, this is a welcomed change.”
The Fresno City Council recently voted to begin reversing the name of Cesar Chavez Boulevard, moving to revert the streets back to Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Street, and California Avenue.
“I feel it’s appropriate that we should take swift action to take the Kings Canyon Ventura in California Avenue signage. That way, she and any other victims can continue healing in peace,” one councilmember said.
“I do not believe this is something an individual deserves to be plastered all along one of our main corridors of our city,” another noted.
