“It’s been really heartbreaking,” one man said. “Everything that we worked for — changing the street — it’s hard to understand.”
SAN ANTONIO — Emotions ran high Saturday as residents gathered on the city’s east side for a second community forum on whether to rename César E. Chávez Boulevard, underscoring deep divisions over the street’s future.
The meeting, held at Tony G’s Soul Food, drew neighbors eager to weigh in on a proposal that has sparked citywide debate. While some attendees expressed opposition to changing the name, others supported reverting it or selecting a new honoree.
At one point, the discussion grew tense, but participants were given an opportunity to voice their opinions.
“I’m totally against it,” said Bardo Perez, who noted his personal connection to labor leader Cesar Chavez.
Perez said his father worked alongside Chavez and a United Farm Workers chapter in California, making the allegations against Chavez difficult to process.
“It’s been really heartbreaking,” Perez said. “Everything that we worked for — changing the street — it’s hard to understand.”
The push to rename the boulevard follows allegations that Chavez sexually abused activist Dolores Huerta and multiple young girls. The claims have prompted city leaders to revisit the street’s name and seek public input.
Saturday’s meeting was the second of two community discussions held this week. City officials said the forums are designed to share survey results and gather feedback, particularly from those most directly affected.
According to a city survey with more than 18,000 participants, 64% of respondents support changing the name back to Durango Boulevard. Among residents living on the street, support rises to 79%.
“I would love them to bring back Durango,” said Alma Chavarria “This is Texas, and I would love it to bring it back.”
Haywood said she initially favored restoring the Durango name but later considered nominating her aunt, Patricia Dilworth, a Freedom Rider, after discussions with family members.
Officials estimate the cost of renaming the boulevard at about $205,000, affecting nearly 300 homes and businesses along the corridor.
City representatives said all public comments and survey data will be submitted to the city manager for review before being presented to the City Council, which will ultimately decide whether to move forward with a name change.
Officials added that, if approved, residents and businesses would be given time and support to update addresses and related documents.
Residents who were unable to attend the meetings can still provide input during public comment at upcoming City Council meetings or by contacting their district representatives.