CSAC Bulletin Article

Webinar on the Implementation of AB 2022: Replacing “Sq_” Names from California Geographic Features and Places

May 4, 2023

The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN), the League of California Cities, and the California State Association of Counties are hosting a webinar on the implementation of AB 2022: Replacing “Sq_” Names from California Geographic Features and Places.

On September 23, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2022 (Ramos) (Chapter 479, Statutes of 2022) requiring the term “squaw” (herein “sq_”) to be removed from all “geographic features” and place names in the state, commencing on January 1, 2025. “Geographic feature” means any location or publicly owned structure in this state, including, but not limited to, navigable waters of the state, geographic features, parks, state or local roads, bridges, and publicly owned buildings. “Place” means any natural geographic feature or street, alley, or other road within the jurisdiction of the state or political subdivision of the state.

The term “sq_” is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.

WHEN:           May 24, 2023, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

WHERE:        RSVP for the Zoom Webinar HERE.

WHO:             All Public Agencies, including any state agency, local governing body, and any other political subdivision of the state are required to comply with AB 2022.

WHAT:           Webinar discussing the new law and steps towards implementation and renaming California geographic features and places containing the “sq_” term.

WHY:              All Public Agencies are required to identify and submit to the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN) all geographic features and places names within its jurisdiction containing the “sq_” term by July 1, 2023.

  • Please utilize this survey link to submit all geographic features and place names containing the term “sq_” at https://tinyurl.com/SqNameSurvey by July 1, 2023.

COMMENT:   We are asking All Public Agencies to participate in the following:

  • Email CACGN at cacgn@resources.ca.gov your public agency’s best point of contact for future communications on the implementation of AB 2022.
  • Submit your public comments on the draft CACGN Procedures regarding AB 2022 implementation and tribal consultation policy by June 1, 2023 to CACGN at cacgn@resources.ca.gov. The draft materials will be available soon and can be found on CACGN’s website at  https://cacgn.ca.gov/.

Please refer all questions to cacgn@resources.ca.gov

Navigation Term Highlight

Where We are Located

Navigation Term Highlight

Our 58 Counties