Newsom Signs Bill Mandating the Removal of the Word "Squaw" Forever
Liz-Juarez
By Liz Juarez
Published 1 year ago on
September 23, 2022
(Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom)

Share

While many Squaw Valley residents have been debating amongst each other for close to two years on whether they can or cannot keep their town name, Gov. Gavin Newsom has now officially made that decision for them.

On Friday, Newsom declared Sep. 23, 2022, as Native American Day, and signed several bills addressing issues relating to California’s native communities. One requires a name change for the Fresno County foothill community of Squaw Valley.

Newsom referred to the signing of the bills as remedying historical wrongs.

“As we lift up the rich history and contributions of California’s diverse tribal communities today, the state recommits to building on the strides we have made to redress historical wrongs and help empower Native communities,” said Newsom.

How Will AB 2022 Effect Squaw Valley Town Name?

Assembly Bill 2022, authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos, D-Highland, requires the removal of all geographic features and place names in the state bearing the word “squaw.”

While the bill will not take effect until January 2025, a process to review petitions to change offensive or derogatory place names will be created.

The bill requires a committee to choose a replacement name by consulting with an advisory body.

Squaw Valley’s local governing body will have 180 days to recommend a replacement name.

If the committee fails to agree on a new name, the bill requires the group to work in partnership with California Native American tribes to establish a procedure for receiving name recommendations.

Will Residents Be Burdened By Name Change Costs?

According to the bill, the California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.

However, Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig held a town meeting on Tuesday evening and said he didn’t know if the state law would also cover related costs for residents who may need to change business names, addresses, and other legal documents.

Next Steps

Magsig mentioned the 180-day timeline and sent out a questionnaire this week asking Squaw Valley residents for their preferred name recommendations, which he plans to present to the Board of Supervisors in October.

Magsig promised residents he would share the town’s concerns and preferred name choices.

“Are we able to keep the name Squaw Valley at all? I don’t know,” said Magsig.

“But again, it’s important for the residents of this community to communicate clearly what their desire is, and I’m going to communicate that to the governor’s office and communicate that to the president of the United States, as well as the Department of the Interior,” he said.

DON'T MISS

FresYes Fest Is Saturday: This Immigrant Is Living the American Dream With Xtreme Shawarma

DON'T MISS

The 49ers Have Been Docked a 2025 Fifth-Round Draft Pick for an Accounting Error

DON'T MISS

Ohtani to Begin Throwing Program Soon. Roberts Hints Dodgers Star Might Play in the Field

DON'T MISS

Bredefeld, Chavez Win Attorneys Fees from Fresno County. Court Gives Chavez Blvd. a Green Light.

DON'T MISS

Special Congressional Election Tuesday. How Many Have Voted Already?

DON'T MISS

These Fresno Eclipse Chasers Are Hoping For 4 Minutes of Darkened Bliss in Texas

DON'T MISS

Hutson Is Done as Fresno State Basketball Coach After Tournament Loss

DON'T MISS

New Challenge to SW Fresno Industrial Project: SoCal Enviro Group Sues City, Developer

DON'T MISS

California Isn’t on Track to Meet Its Climate Change Mandates — and a New Analysis Says It’s Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Realtor Association Settles Lawsuit on Commission Rules. Fresno Broker Fears the End of Market Transparency

No data was found

The 49ers Have Been Docked a 2025 Fifth-Round Draft Pick for an Accounting Error

3 hours ago

Fresno Bank Sued. It Allegedly Helped Bitwise Commit Fraud.

bitwise /

3 hours ago

How California’s Prized Solution for Methane Gas Is Backfiring on Farmers

environment /

6 hours ago

Supreme Court Seems Favorable to Biden Administration Over Efforts to Combat Social Media Posts

7 hours ago

Putin Extends Rule in Preordained Russian Election After Harshest Crackdown Since Soviet Era

7 hours ago

Ohtani to Begin Throwing Program Soon. Roberts Hints Dodgers Star Might Play in the Field

7 hours ago

Trump: Some Migrants Are ‘Not People’, There’ll Be a ‘Bloodbath’ if I Lose

7 hours ago

Tech Lawyer and Philanthropist Nicole Shanahan Rumored as RFK Jr.’s VP Pick

news /

7 hours ago

March Madness is Here. UConn, Purdue, Houston and North Carolina Get Top Seeding in NCAA Tournament

8 hours ago

Crafts Retailer Joann Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as Consumers Cut Back on Pandemic-Era Hobbies

8 hours ago

Records Show That Valley Children’s Leader Suntrapak’s Pay Exceeds $5 Million

■Valley Children’s paid CEO Todd Suntrapak $5.2 million in 2021. The hospital also gave him a $5 million forgivable home loan. ■The Va...
Healthcare /

2 hours ago

3 days ago

Realtor Association Settles Lawsuit on Commission Rules. Fresno Broker Fears the End of Market Transparency

3 days ago

Prosecutor Leaves Georgia Election Case Against Trump After Relationship With District Attorney

3 days ago

Rory McIlroy’s 65: 10 Birdies, 2 Tee Shots in the Water, 1 Testy Dispute

3 days ago

Aaron Donald Announces His Retirement After a Standout 10-Year Career With the Rams

3 days ago

New Book Explores the Myths, Truths and Legacy of the Macho Man

3 days ago

Baseball Superstar Ohtani and His Wife Arrive in South Korea for Dodgers-Padres MLB Opener

3 days ago

India’s New Citizenship Law Excludes Muslims. Here’s What to Know

3 days ago

US, G-7 Allies Warn Iran to Back Off Deal to Provide Russia Ballistic Missiles or Face New Sanctions

Photo of San Francisco 49ers' Arik Armstead

3 days ago

Former 49ers DT Arik Armstead Agrees to a 3-Year, $51 Million Deal with the Jaguars, AP Source Says

3 days ago

Supreme Court Rules Public Officials Can Sometimes Be Sued for Blocking Critics on Social Media

Search