As the nation reels from unearthed sexual assault allegations made against civil rights and union leader Cesar Chavez, Humboldt County is also dealing with the fallout.

Though there are monuments devoted to Chavez nationwide, California, in particular, has tons. Streets, parks, and memorials of all kinds are being renamed. A bill to rename his eponymous holiday, celebrated on his birthday, March 31, was announced today by California’s legislature. If passed, it will be renamed Farmworkers Day. 

Here in Humboldt, there’s a playground with signage honoring Chavez, and work projects dedicated to him hosted by Cal Poly Humboldt. 

A list of Chavez’s accomplishments at Hammond Park.

Eureka’s Hammond Park has a small playground with two Chavez-related signs installed about 15 years ago: one telling visitors that the park was built to honor his life and values, and another with a timeline of his personal history and accomplishments. Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery told the Outpost that the park was not officially named after him, and that the signs would likely be removed. The city hasn’t decided when that’ll happen, or what they’ll be replaced with. 

Cal Poly Humboldt has traditionally sponsored annual volunteer projects on Cesar Chavez Day, such as working at a community garden. A university spokesperson told the Outpost that the volunteering will go on, but under a different name. 

CPH sent this statement:

The recent allegations about Cesar Chavez are deeply concerning. We stand with and support survivors, and we recognize the courage it takes to come forward. We also recognize the impact of the United Farm Workers movement, and all those who’ve fought so hard to uplift communities.

In that spirit, Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.) established the annual Serve-a-Thon. For years, Cal Poly Humboldt students have devoted their “day off” on the Cesar Chavez state holiday to supporting community wellness.

In light of the allegations, references to Cesar Chavez Day were removed from the Serve-a-Thon’s website to keep the focus on the important work of Y.E.S., and the event will take place as planned. The University is proud of Y.E.S.’s longstanding commitment to making a positive impact on the North Coast.

Cesar Chavez day is a state holiday, which we are legally obligated to recognize by providing a day off for our employees. If there are changes at the state level, we will adjust accordingly.