San Francisco announces finalists to rename Cesar Chavez Street

San Francisco officials have announced two finalists to replace the name of Cesar Chavez Street, a 3-mile roadway in the Mission District. The proposed names are “Sí Se Puede,” the United Farm Workers slogan co-created by Dolores Huerta, and “Las Campesinas,” which refers to female farmworkers.

The decision follows allegations that labor leader Cesar Chavez sexually abused women and underage girls. A 27-person working group, assembled by the mayor’s office and local representatives, selected these options to honor the farmworker movement through collective identity rather than an individual figure.

City Supervisor Susan Leal, who participated in the renaming of Army Street to Cesar Chavez Street in 1995, expressed hope that the change recognizes the movement while acknowledging the experiences of the victims. The renaming process is expected to cost the city approximately $107,000 for new signage and sidewalk etchings. A final recommendation is expected next week, followed by official legislation.