AUSTIN, Texas — Four Austin City Council members are seeking public input on whether to rename Cesar Chavez Street, following allegations of sexual abuse against the late labor leader that surfaced last month.
The allegations were highlighted by labor rights activist Dolores Huerta, who revealed she was among the women and girls who say they were abused by Chavez, who passed away in 1993.
A memo signed by council members José Velásquez (District 3), Vanessa Fuentes (District 2), Mayor Pro Tem José “Chito” Vela (District 4), and Zohaib “Zo” Qadri (District 9) calls for listening sessions, public surveys, and a cost assessment for residents and businesses along the street.
Potential new names include reverting to the original First Street, honoring fallen Austin police officer Jorge Pastore, or renaming it after Huerta herself.
Council members plan to finalize an outreach plan and timeline before a work session scheduled for May 26.