Maricopa City Council last night unanimously voted to rename Cesar Chavez Lane in the city’s Heritage District.

This begins the two-month process to formally rename the street, according to Maricopa Planning & Zoning Division Manager Rick Williams. Councilmembers are expected to take additional action May 19, followed by the name change becoming effective June 19.

Potential names have not been announced.

The decision follows recent multiple sexual abuse allegations made against the civil rights figure, including from fellow labor leader, Dolores Huerta. Chavez, who died in 1993, brought national attention to the working and living conditions of U.S. farmworkers.

He was also an Arizona native — born in Yuma and died in San Luis — and his legacy has been featured prominently in the state and across the Southwest. This includes parks, high schools and streets, like the 540-foot stretch of road between Honeycutt Road and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. 

Councilmember Bob Marsh offered insight into his decision to change the street name.

“We have a legal tradition in this country that you’re innocent until proven guilty. But I’m going to vote ‘yes’ on this to honor the people who have come forward accusing Cesar Chavez,” he said.

During a call to the public, former councilmember Julia Gusse advocated for the name change. She stated the community and the city’s leaders needed to consider “whether this name still reflects the values of our community.”

Gusse is also a Navy veteran and during her comments said she has served as an advocate for female veterans for more than 15 years, including those affected by military sexual trauma.

“I understand how difficult these cases can be proven to be and that is why it is so important that these women are heard and believed. To ignore these concerns now would be hypocritical,” she said.

She suggested renaming the street “Herencia,” Spanish for ‘heritage’ to honor the predominantly Latino community living in the district, or Veterans Way.