SBWPC Statement on Solidarity, Bodily Autonomy, and the Legacy of Dolores Huerta
 
Read Dolores’ Statement
 
 
 
 
SANTA BARBARA, CAThe Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee (SBWPC) stands in unwavering solidarity with iconic labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta following her recent revelations. As an organization dedicated to furthering gender equality and achieving political Access, Voice, and Power for all women, we recognize that true justice requires the courage to dismantle the erasure of women’s experiences and confront systemic abuse.
 
 
I have kept this secret long enough. My silence ends here,Dolores Huerta
 
 
Our intersectional, progressive feminist values shape every position we take, and we acknowledge that women have historically been disproportionately impacted by misogyny, sexism, and systems of oppression. The SBWPC believes that basic human rights for all include the absolute right to safety, bodily autonomy, and freedom from violence. When a leader of Dolores Huerta’s stature shares painful truths about the realities of the labor movement and the behavior of those within it, it is our moral and political imperative to listen and support her.
 
 
exposing the truth would hurt the farmworker movement I have spent my entire life fighting forDolores Huerta
 
 
Historically, women have been deliberately erased from history, with male figures often dominating the cultural landscape to the point of overshadowing or obliterating the accomplishments and experiences of women. In Santa Barbara, we have previously advocated for the naming of Calle Dolores Huerta to correct a pervasive gender bias that gives recognition to Cesar Chavez while failing to honor the equal importance of the women who worked alongside him. We must move forward with the values we advocate for today—inclusion, diversity, and the significance of social justice over the lionization of individual figures.
 
 
We absolutely condemn this behavior.
 
Rape and sexual abuse must be called out wherever they occur, even when they involve figures we have long revered. We thank Dolores for her bravery in bringing this issue to light. Her strength in speaking her truth empowers other survivors to do the same and forces us to confront the systemic issues of abuse and power that persist in our societyChristina Pizarro, President of the SBWPC
 
 
 
 
Call to Action
 
 
Sign Petition
 
Santa Barbara Called to Remove Cesar Chavez’s Name from Our Street
 
Across the nation, communities are grappling with the challenge of honoring history authentically. This involves acknowledging the contributions of individuals while refraining from glorifying those who caused harm. Santa Barbara is now confronted with this very dilemma. A street named after Cesar Chavez serves as a public declaration of the community’s values. However, in light of Dolores Huerta’s revelations, it is imperative to reevaluate this statement.
 
Local leaders and advocates are urging the City of Santa Barbara to initiate the process of renaming Cesar Chavez Street. This is not an attempt to erase history, but rather a refusal to honor an abuser in public spaces. We can acknowledge the complexities of the labor movement’s history while clearly stating that our streets honor individuals who lived with integrity.
 
Contact Your City Council
 
Reach out to Santa Barbara City Council members and urge them to place the renaming on the public agenda. Email City Council.
 
Sign & Share the Petition
 
Add your voice to the growing community call for renaming. Share widely on social media to amplify the message and demonstrate broad public support.
 
Attend Public Meetings
 
Show up to City Council meetings and public meetings. Survivor advocates and community members speaking in person carry significant weight in local decision-making.
 
 
 
Women’s History Month Features
 
 
 
 
 
Read our Latest....Articles on Substack
 
 
 
 
Breaking the Silence: Sexual Abuse, Accountability, and Action
 
Sexual abuse is a crisis that affects every community, movement, and institution. When survivors speak, we must listen. When abusers are shielded by their legacies, we must take decisive action. Read Article Here
 
 
The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee presents: A Roadmap for the Equal Rights Amendment.
 
A century in the making — the Equal Rights Amendment represents the unfinished work of American democracy. Read Article Here
 
 

ICE in Santa Barbara: Impact on Families and Community
 
Understanding how federal immigration enforcement has reshaped life in our coastal city and the resilience of those standing together. Read Article Here.
 
 
California Laws Addressing ICE: What You Can Use Right Now
 
Understanding your rights and protections under California’s immigrant sanctuary legislation as of March 2026, covering both enacted laws and bills currently advancing through the legislature. Read Article Here.
 
 
 
Legislative and Advocacy
 

 
 
Interview with Assemblymember Gregg Hart
 
LEGISLATIVE SERIES | Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee engages with California’s 37th District representative to discuss priorities and strategies for constituent engagement. Read Here.
 
 
Interview with Congressman Salud Carbajal
 
LEGISLATIVE SERIES | Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee interviews Representative Salud Carbajal to discuss various topics, including Gaza, Vandenberg Rocket Launches, Immigration, and Medicare. In case you missed it. Read Here
 
 
Letter to City Council | ICE Incidents
 
LEGISLATIVE SERIES | We stand in solidarity with our community members affected by the indiscriminate ICE raids.
 
Urging the City Council to implement written plans to protect our community by strengthening policies that prevent city resources or personnel from facilitating ICE operations and bypassing local oversight. Read Here.
 
 
Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee Announces Key Endorsements for the 2026 Election
 
ENDORSEMENT UPDATES | The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee (SBWPC) announced its first slate of endorsements for the upcoming Election 2026 Primary. Read Here.

 
 
 
Events
 
 
No Kings III
Add On March 28th, we take to the streets once again to protect and sustain our Democracy and Constitution. No Kings 3 is set to be the largest non-violent protest in US History. Make plans, show up. See you there! Come to our Table!
 
When: March 28, 2026
 
Location: Alameda Park, Santa Barbara
 
More info at: Indivisible
 
 
Earth Day Festival
 
When: Saturday, April 25 (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.) and Sunday, April 26 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
 
Location: Alameda Park, Santa Barbara.
 
We will have a booth next to League of Women Voters! Come say hello!
 
Info: Earthday.org
 
 
 
 
 
Stay informed
and in control

 
 
 

 
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