A naming dispute has sparked debate in Sacramento after officials declined to endorse “Union Plaza,” the choice that received the most public support, arguing that it does not sufficiently reflect the city’s Mexican-American heritage.
The Sacramento Parks and Community Enrichment Commission had been considering a new name for Cesar Chavez Plaza, a historic one-block park and civic gathering space in downtown Sacramento. The review followed statewide criticism over allegations that the labor leader sexually abused and raped multiple women and girls.
More than 2,600 residents weighed in after the city announced plans to rename the roughly 175-year-old plaza. “Union Plaza” led the poll with 450 votes.
“Dolores Huerta Park” finished second with 243 votes, while “Farmworkers Plaza” placed third with 198. The debate also drew pointed reactions online, including calls from some residents to restore the site’s original name, “Plaza Park.”
Several commissioners have since questioned whether “Union Plaza” is appropriate, saying the name does not adequately recognize Mexican-American heritage, KCRA reported.
Some commission members said they were reluctant to move away from the option that received the strongest public support.
“We have now erased the legacy of the people from that plaza, and we’ve erased the identity of the people who built that legacy, and to me it does not feel thoughtful, it does not feel intentional, it does not feel inclusive, it does not feel ethical,” Commissioner Monique Langer said.
Commission Chair Jeanine Gaines acknowledged her reservations but said the public vote carried significant weight. “I didn’t necessarily like it, but I don’t know if my feelings can push me to outweigh what the people said,” she said.
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The commission has now opted to consider additional names and may consult local organizations representing Mexican-American interests.
Officials have not announced a timetable for the next consultation. Any proposed name would ultimately require approval from the Sacramento City Council.
For now, Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty said “Union Plaza” remains the city’s planned new name.
“We respect our advisory Parks Commission, but will disagree with their action and proceed accordingly with the community-supported name change to Union Plaza,” McCarty said in a statement.
Sacramento realtor Steve Walker was among those who criticized the commission online for considering alternatives to “Plaza Park,” the square’s original name before it was renamed in the 1990s to honor the disgraced union leader.
“What’s wrong with the original name of Plaza Park? It was totally inclusive and it’s historically correct,” Walker wrote on Facebook.
Brin Londeaux voiced a similar view, adding: “Maybe they shouldn’t name places after people, in case they wind up becoming politically problematic down the road.”
Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum said city officials would seek the broadest possible agreement before settling on another name.
“We will continue to work to find a suitable solution that works for as many as possible,” Pluckebaum, whose district includes the park, told the Sacramento Bee.