FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno County is suing the state of California over the Yokuts Valley name change and asking for the public’s input.
In February, the California Board on Geographic Names changed Squaw Valley, considered a derogatory term for Native American women, to “Yokuts” which translates to “people.”
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB22 requiring “Squaw” be removed from all geographic features and places in the state by Jan. 1, 2025.
As part of the process, the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names is gathering public input now through July 15, 2023.
Fresno County says the bill violates the First Amendment and has filed a lawsuit against the State of California.
The County is asking for public’s opinion on the draft procedures.
You can link to their survey through the County of Fresno’s Facebook page.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
