Institutions across the US are removing the late civil rights leader César Chavez’s name from schools, holidays, parks, and more following a report from The New York Times laying out allegations that he sexually assaulted girls and women, including fellow activist Dolores Huerta. 

Last week, the United Farm Workers, the group Chavez cofounded, said it was cancelling activities in his honor after learning of the accusations.

A statute of César Chavez stands in the middle of a plaza at Cesar Chavez Park, honoring the United Farm Workers union founder, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Laveen, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Chavez was born in Yuma and has long been celebrated in the state and beyond for his work in advancing Latino civil rights and labor reform. He died in 1993. 

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said the state this year will not honor César Chavez Day. Cities and towns have also announced they have shifted plans for celebrations on March 31, Chavez’s birthday. 

This has been a tough story for many people. How have you been feeling about it? Let me know, and I’ll share some responses in tomorrow’s newsletter. 

Four unofficial and undisclosed long-term detention sites have been operating in Arizona, with some detainees spending over three months in “hold rooms” that are held to different standards than official detention facilities.

Explore festivals in Arizona this summer, from comic cons and pride parades to chili cook-offs, pirate weekends, art fairs, and more.

From federal housing decisions impacting Arizona to lower-cost furniture that will bring some style to your rental, here’s a quick recap of helpful links for Phoenix renters.

We’ve had a lot of readers ask how they can get involved in their communities, so we’re letting you know about upcoming opportunities. 

Here’s one event to consider this week:

Human Library: Why I Know My Rights

When: Thursday, March 26, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: 1951@SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Description: “’Why I Know My Rights’ is an interactive Human Library event where people become books, and their lived experiences become powerful stories of rights, resistance, and resilience. Instead of borrowing a book, participants “check out” a person for a small group conversation. Each Human Book has a story shaped by moments when knowing their rights mattered. This could be in encounters with institutions, borders, or housing systems.”

Want more? We post weekly roundups of ways to get involved. Our friends at Collective Phoenix also keep a running list of events related to civics, advocacy, and volunteerism. You can also follow them on Instagram for updates. 

Share yours: What’s something you’ve done so far this year to better your community? Let me know and I may share some responses!

🥘 Restaurants in Arizona are getting noticed for their blend of modern techniques and ancient Sonoran Desert foods. (AFAR)

🏀 Here’s what the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement—which drastically raises salaries—means for Phoenix Mercury players. (KJZZ)

💻 A bilingual sophomore at Phoenix Country Day built a website that helps families find dual-language schools. (Arizona Luminaria)

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Alyssa Bickle, Sophia Braccio, and Maura Derr. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

The Copper Courier is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.