A tribute to the civil rights leader’s legacy in San José.
César E. Chávez Memorial Walkway
In October 2007, Mayor Reed created the Mayor’s Committee to Honor César E. Chávez, which identified the establishment of a memorial walkway as one of its top priorities. On March 24, 2009, the City Council designated a route through Downtown and East San José as César Chávez Memorial Walkway. With funding from the Mayor’s office, walkway signs were installed in March 2010 at seven locations along the route, which served as important landmarks in César Chávez’s life or have since been dedicated in his memory.
The site of California’s first state capital from 1849 to 1851
and the original 1797 Pueblo de San José, this popular park
was named after Civil Rights Leader César Chávez in 1993
to recognize San José as the birthplace of his
struggle for social justice.
Arch of Dignity, Equality & Justice
Designed by Judith F. Baca and completed in 2008,
the 22 foot Arch of Dignity, Equality and Justice is topped
by the United Farm Workers’ emblem and pays tribute
to César Chávez and other leaders instrumental
to the Civil Rights Movement.
Mexican Heritage Plaza
The Mexican Heritage Plaza sits on the former site of one of
the first grape boycotts led by the United Farm Workers in the
mid-1960s under the leadership of César Chávez. The Plaza
is built in the architectural style of a traditional Mexican
plaza and serves as a hub of community activity.
César E. Chávez Elementary School
Named in tribute to the civil rights leader César Chávez, the
Elementary School opened in 1992 and serves 600 students in
grades K-5. César lived with his family just blocks away when
he started the struggle for farm worker rights that would
eventually grow into a national civil rights movement
Mayfair Community Center
The Center opened in January 2009 and provides the
community a place to share, learn, and play. The Mayfair
neighborhood, formerly known as “Sal Si Puedes” (Get Out If
You Can), was historically home to migrant workers and the
childhood home of civil rights activist César Chávez.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church was instrumental in the
United Farm Workers' movement during the 1950s and 1960s,
supporting local migrant workers with basic services
and helping to galvanize community organizing efforts.
Former Chávez Home
Located in what was originally known as the East San José
barrio of "Sal Si Puedes" or "get out if you can", César and Helen
Chávez and their family resided in this home from 1951 to
1953 while César labored at nearby apricot orchards.
Office of Mayor Chuck Reed
200 East Santa Clara Street San José, CA 95113
tel. (408) 535-4800 fax (408) 292-6422 mayoremail@sanjoseca.gov
The City of San Jose is committed to open and honest government and strives to consistently meet the community’s expectations by providing excellent service, in a positive and timely manner, and in the full view of the public.
