HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 20 - Renaming a City Park (Cesar Chavez Campesino Park to Campesino Park) City Manager’s Office
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Item # 20
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
April 7, 2026
TOPIC: Rename Cesar Chavez Campesino Park to Campesino Park, Remove the Name
and Likeness of Cesar Chavez from All City-Owned Assets, and Negotiate Amendments
to Labor Agreements to Modify the Cesar Chavez Day Holiday Designation
AGENDA TITLE
Rename Cesar Chavez Campesino Park to Campesino Park, Remove the Name and
Likeness of Cesar Chavez from All City-Owned Assets, and Negotiate Amendments to
Labor Agreements to Modify the Cesar Chavez Day Holiday Designation
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Direct the City Manager to initiate the renaming of Cesar Chavez Campesino
Park back to its original name of Campesino Park.
2. Direct staff to remove the name and likeness of Cesar Chavez from all City-
owned public assets, including, but not limited to, murals, signage, facilities, and
commemorative displays.
3. Direct the City Manager to meet and confer with applicable bargaining units to
amend labor agreements to rename the observance of Cesar Chavez Day with
Farmworkers Day, or replace with a floating holiday for City employees, as
appropriate.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The City of Santa Ana currently recognizes Cesar Chavez through the naming of Cesar
Chavez Campesino Park, as well as through various public artworks, signage, and the
observance of Cesar Chavez Day as a paid holiday for City employees.
In light of recent allegations regarding aspects of Chavez’s leadership, personal
conduct, and organizational practices, the Mayor consulted with the City Manager to
evaluate the removal of existing recognitions of Cesar Chavez on City-owned assets to
remain consistent with the City of Santa Ana’s current values and community standards.
This item is therefore presented for City Council consideration.
Renaming of City-Owned Assets Bearing the Name of Cesar Chavez
April 7, 2026
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On March 26, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation renaming the
state holiday honoring Cesar Chavez to “Farmworkers Day,” effective immediately. The
change reflects a broader effort to recognize the collective contributions of farmworkers
rather than a single individual. The holiday will continue to be observed on March 31.
The Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC), Section 33-6, establishes a formal process for
the renaming of public streets, buildings, and parks, which includes review by the
Planning Commission.
Given the time-sensitive nature of this matter, staff recommends that the City Council
dispense with the standard renaming procedures outlined in SAMC Section 33-6 for
purposes of immediate name removal. Staff would not typically recommend deviation
from established code requirements; however, staff finds that the current circumstances
are extraordinary and warrant expedited action. The intent of this recommendation is to
allow the City to respond promptly to evolving public sentiment and to align with actions
being taken by other entities.
Staff does not anticipate significant risk in proceeding as recommended. To the
contrary, staff finds that there may be greater potential harm in allowing the name to
remain, even temporarily, given the current context and community concerns.
Additionally, while the Planning Commission serves an important advisory role in
renaming matters, its recommendations are subject to final review and approval by the
City Council. In this unique circumstance, staff recommends that the City Council
exercise its authority to make a direct determination. Should the Planning Commission
wish to provide further input, it may do so for subsequent City Council consideration.
Renaming of Cesar Chavez Campesino
Originally named Campesino Park, the park was renamed to “Cesar Chavez
Campesino Park” in 2001 through approval by the Planning Commission and Santa Ana
City Council.
The renaming of Cesar Chavez Campesino Park will require:
Removal and replacement of signage
Updates to City records, GIS systems, and public-facing materials
Removal of Name and Image from Public Assets
City-owned murals, plaques, and commemorative displays that reference Cesar Chavez
would require evaluation to determine scope and cost of removal or modification. This
may involve:
Coordination with artists and stakeholders
Compliance with any applicable public art policies or agreements
Assessment of potential legal or contractual considerations
Renaming of City-Owned Assets Bearing the Name of Cesar Chavez
April 7, 2026
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Labor Agreement Amendments/Side Letter Agreements
Cesar Chavez Day is currently observed as a paid holiday in labor agreements with the
City’s collective bargaining units. Transitioning to a floating holiday would require:
Meet-and-confer negotiations with all applicable bargaining units
Amendments to Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
Consideration of impacts on employee compensation and scheduling
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated fiscal impact is up to $15,000 and will depend on the final scope of
implementation. Costs may include removal and replacement of signage, modification
or removal of public art, and administrative costs associated with labor negotiations.
Sufficient funding is available and budgeted in FY 2025–26 within the Non-
Departmental Contract Services – Professional account (01105015-62300).
EXHIBIT(S)
N/A
Submitted by: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager