On César Chávez
Early voting in person in the H-Town City Council District C Special Election starts today. Go vote early, please.
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I was shocked and surprised when I saw the disturbing news about César Chávez last night. It is the lead front page story in today’s hard copy of the Chron. See the featured photo. This is from the story:
The family of the late César Chávez, a farmworker organizer who became a national civil rights icon, is at the center of a mounting crisis involving allegations that he engaged in sexual relationships with women and at least one minor, according to statements and interviews with a former United Farm Workers insider and a historian who has written about the movement.
The fallout has already led to the cancellation of public marches across the country and raised new questions about his public record.
On Tuesday, two organizations connected to his legacy — the César Chávez Foundation and the United Farm Workers — both released statements acknowledging allegations involving women and minors.
The César Chávez Foundation said it has become aware of “disturbing allegations” that Chávez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time leading the United Farm Workers.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing,” the foundation said in the statement.
Here is the entire story: Groups reckon with sex abuse allegations against César Chávez.
It is good to see organizations quickly cancel upcoming parades. It is also noticeable that there don’t seem to be pushbacks to these allegations. I wonder how long folks have known about this and have been keeping it quiet.
Here in H-Town we have a high school and street named after Chávez.
I am sure there is more to come. Stay tuned.
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The Rodeo came out with a dress code a couple of days ago that includes “no overly revealing outfits.”
I immediately thought of Mimi Swartz from Texas Monthly, and a line from her recent story on 1932 Cattleman’s Club, the new fancy restaurant at the rodeo. Here is the line:
Diners were all gussied up for a good time—the women with cleavage and heavy makeup, the men with the beefy, self-satisfied look of former high school football stars turned corporate execs.
I wonder if the Rodeo will now assign volunteers to cleavage duty. KPRC Channel 2 reporter Ricky Muñoz did a story on the dress code and said look at yourself twice in the mirror before you head to the rodeo and ask a friend if what you are wearing is too revealing. And added, if you have to ask, it is probably too revealing. Too funny.
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Over 30 years ago I opened my personal and business bank accounts at Sterling Bank on W. 19th Street. A decade and a half later or so, Sterling was bought by Comerica. Here is the latest from the Comerica website:
Fifth Third and Comerica are beginning a new chapter—one built on our strengths, values, and long‑standing relationships. With our two companies coming together, we’re starting a shared journey centered on you. As we move toward integration later this year, our aim is simple: make banking easier, clearer, and more helpful at every step—always staying focused on you.
You’ll begin to see the advantages of combining two long‑tenured franchises with complementary capabilities. Together, we’ll offer broader expertise, expanded reach, and greater capacity to support your goals.
I talked to my banker a couple of days ago. At some point later this year, we will officially be called Fifth Third and be issued new bank account numbers and checks. Fifth Third time is the charm, I guess. Oh, well.
Since you asked, Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, will keep its name for the 2026 season, then a change will occur.
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Venezuela beat Team USA last night 3-2 for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) championship. It was a very good game. The WBC is getting more love these days. Now it is time to focus on Opening Day next week. I am getting ready.