César Chavez Drive, on Milwaukee's south side, being renamed
Updated April 21, 2026 at 2:37 PM:
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Common Council has approved the renaming of Cesar Chavez Drive on Milwaukee's south side. There were 13 ayes, one excused, and one abstention. Alderperson Jocasta Zamarripa abstained, as the previous sponsor removed herself, citing the need for more community feedback.
The Department of Public Works says you can expect the street signs to read "S. 16th Street" instead of "Cesar Chavez Drive" by the end of the month.
Published April 09, 2026 at 3:11 PM:
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Communities around the country are re-examining the legacy of civil rights icon César Chavez.
In Milwaukee, César Chavez Day was canceled just days after allegations came out about possible abuse of young girls.
Now, Milwaukee's Common Council is considering additional actions you'll notice as you drive through the south side.
César Chavez Drive may soon be no more. Milwaukee's Public Works Committee passed a resolution that would take it back to simply S.16th St.
It was a blow to community members, a "bomb" that shook the Latino community -- allegations that civil rights icon César Chavez sexually abused girls and women while building the farmworker labor rights movement in the 1960s.
In the days that followed, César Chavez Day celebrations were canceled in Milwaukee, a statue of him on the south side was removed, and now, the street named after him will be renamed.
"I wanted this to be part of the healing and acknowledging, that the street name, those names should be taken down," Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez said.
The resolution passed through the Public Works Committee, though Alderperson Jocasta Zamarripa removed herself as a sponsor, saying she wanted more community feedback.
"I look forward to supporting the legislation when there is a culturally appropriate name to reflect the simple majority Latino population the street runs through," Ald. Zamarripa said.
Council President Pérez recommended there be an "honorary" street name change instead, something community members agree with as to not have to change their business information twice.
"It will be complicated," said Mariella Muñoz-Godinez, ambassador for Tere's Cupido. "I feel that this should be 16th Street, no more changes."
The resolution will next go to the Common Council on April 21.