An intersection with the sign "César E. Chávez Parkway" hanging over the stop light. Freeway overpasses can be seen in the background, and in the foreground are signs directing motorists to Interstate 5 or the Coronado bridge.
César Chávez Parkway in Barrio Logan at the entrance to the Coronado bridge. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)

The fate of César E. Chávez Parkway is soon to be decided, but in the heart of Barrio Logan, there are still mixed feelings about the possibility of erasing the late labor icon’s name from the key community thoroughfare.

At 2 p.m. Tuesday, the San Diego City Council will hold a public hearing to consider renaming the street Chicano Park Boulevard in the wake of allegations last month that Chávez sexually abused young women while guiding the historic movement to gain rights for farm workers.

In some cases in San Diego and throughout California, authorities and organizations have swiftly removed Chávez’s name from schools, community colleges, parks and more. For instance, in California, the March 31 holiday that marked his birth already has been rechristened “Farmworkers Day.”

A man in a baseball cap and T-shirt stands in front a building speaking to a reporter.
Johan Martinez objects to the plan to change the parkway name to Chicano Park Boulevard. (Photo by Carlos Avilés)

But in other cases, such as the parkway, officials have moved more cautiously, seeking public input on how they should proceed. And to some residents of Barrio Logan, a predominantly Latino neighborhood, the city has not adequately informed them about the renaming effort. Some also disagree with the name change.

“I don’t know about any meeting, and I don’t agree with it, because it could be confusing for a lot of people,” said Johan Martinez, standing in front of the Barrio Market located at the corner of National Avenue and the famed parkway.

“For tourists who come here, if they’re looking for a location, they’re going to be even more confused,” he added.

Luis Salazar also opposes renaming the street, but because he believes the name of the labor leader is being erased too soon.

“He has a legacy that still exists, and if what he’s accused of were true, his personal life is separate from the work he did,” he outlines.

A mural of a smiling man hangs atop a facade surrounded by palm trees. A man is walking by looking at his cell phone.
Art of César Chávez on a Main Street building that sits at the intersection of the San Diego parkway named for him. (Photo by Carlos Avilés)

But there are also voices of support, like Katta Christie, who says she recently signed a petition regarding the name change.

“It’s not an issue that concerns me personally, but the allegations are serious, and with that, he no longer deserves so many honors,” Christie said.

Outreach in Barrio Logan

According to Nicole Darling, director of the city’s communications department, three community meetings were held to inform stakeholders and gather their opinions on the name change for the parkway that honors Chávez.

“The Barrio Logan Community Planning Group voted unanimously in favor of changing the name of César Chávez Parkway to Chicano Park Boulevard,” Darling said.

The city also conducted numerous foot surveys and in-person interviews with owners and tenants at all properties along and adjacent to César Chávez Parkway, she said.

Across a street, behind a couple of parked cars, people stand viewing a colorful mural with faces, the Mexican flag and symbols of the labor movement. But one face is obscured with a black drape.
One of Barrio Logan’s famed murals depicts César Chávez, but his image, center, has been covered by a black drape. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)

In addition, on April 6, the city mailed a notice to 675 affected property owners whose land is located within 300 feet of the parkway. The notice, informed them about the name change process and the upcoming council meeting. Another notice, with the date and time of the public hearing, was posted at various high-profile sites in the neighborhood.

Marisa Aguayo, a board member of Barrio Logan’s planning group and director of the organization All For Logan, said the consultations included the community and that there is support for the name change.

“We at All for Logan believe this reflects the original vision for that area and honors the cultural and historical significance of Chicano Park. So we support this decision and whatever the community chooses,” Aguayo said.

“We spoke with many people, held many meetings, and the majority of the community agrees that Chicano Park Boulevard should be renamed,” she added.

When asked about those who oppose the name change, she noted that they have the right to express their opposition by attending Tuesday’s meeting.

She also indicated that community organizations will support whatever the majority of local residents want.

“I understand that some say it’s too soon, but people are ready to take action,” Aguayo said. “To those who oppose it, I say come [to the hearing] and use your voice,” she added.

That’s what Luisa Perez, who lives in Chula Vista but works in Barrio Logan, plans to do. She said she hadn’t heard anything about the hearing, but believes it would be a mistake to rename the street.

“The name should stay; this is part of the city’s heritage,” she said.