In a 4-3 split vote on Wednesday night, the Bakersfield City Council approved renaming H Street to Cesar Chavez Boulevard, moving forward with a proposal first discussed earlier this year. The change will affect roughly 390 addresses along the stretch from Taft Highway to Golden State Highway, including more than 240 commercial properties and 147 residences.
City staff outlined the history of the proposal, noting that the effort originated from council referrals in spring 2024 to identify major thoroughfares for possible renaming. Because Cesar Chavez is recognized with a state holiday, the request qualified under the city’s “Category One” renaming policy, which requires only Planning Commission approval and places the cost of replacing street signs on the city.
During public comment before the vote, residents and advocates spoke passionately both in favor and against the change. Supporters pointed to Chavez’s legacy in improving working conditions for farm laborers, many of whom lived and worked in Kern County…