Offensive and Derogatory Names

On September 23, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 2022 (Ramos) into law. Commencing on January 1, 2025, this bill requires the term “squaw” to be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state. The bill requires the Natural Resources Agency to direct the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names to revise its existing charter to perform specified responsibilities, including notifying public agencies, as defined, of each geographic feature and place name that includes the term “squaw.” The bill requires the Committee to choose replacement names, under its discretion, and in consultation with advisory bodies, if the local governing body fails to recommend a replacement name within the allotted 180 days.

CACGN Approved Sq_ Replacement Names

From December 2022 to August 2023, the Committee worked with California Native American tribes (tribes), public agencies, and members of the public to solicit input regarding existing geographic features and place names containing the “sq_” term.

CACGN received reports from public agencies on geographic features and place names containing the “sq_” term in their jurisdiction. To support public agency submittals, CACGN developed the Assembly Bill 2022 Best Practices, a user-friendly process for individuals, underserved communities, California Native American tribes, and local government to notify CACGN of any “sq_” names throughout all of California and for public agencies, local and tribal leadership to implement the replacement of this offensive and derogatory term.

CACGN received over 100 reports from public agencies, tribes, and members of the public with features or places containing the “sq_” term. After extensive research, CACGN verified 39 “sq_” cases in 16 California counties and notified public agencies to recommend a replacement name for the geographic feature or place name in their jurisdiction.

CACGN held informational webinars in May, 2023 and February and December of 2024 to support public agencies and members of the public in the development and implementation of replacement names. Webinars included an overview of Assembly Bill 2022 (Ramos 2022) and its requirements, best practices for tribal consultation and public engagement, and additional logistics for post-CACGN approval implementation. (See below for full webinar recordings)

AB 2022 (Ramos 2022) required public agencies and CACGN to prioritize names that honor and recognize the tribes, cultures, and indigenous languages specific to the geographic region in question, including place names that were previously used by Native American tribes or place names proposed by California Native American tribes through the appropriate enactment or resolution. Public agencies identified appropriate replacement in partnership with tribes and community members. CACGN held two meetings on November 14^th and December 6^th, 2025 to review and approve or disapprove the replacement names proposed by public agencies. CACGN approved replacement names for all 39 geographic features and place names (see final list of CACGN-approved replacement names using the link below).

CACGN is working closely with public agencies to implement approved replacement names and notify emergency response departments of the number and location of any markers, signs, or maps that have been changed and reflect the name change.

List of CACGN Approved Replacement Names

Press Release: California Approves Renaming Over 30 Locations Containing Derogatory ‘SQ’ Term