Kings Canyon Road renaming in Fresno

[Max Rockatansky]

The city of Fresno won a lawsuit to rename Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Avenue and California Avenue as Cesar Chavez Boulevard.  Kings Canyon and Ventura are both former segments of CA 180:

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/city-of-fresno-wins-lawsuit-to-rename-10-mile-stretch-of-road/

Interestingly Kings Canyon Road in unincorporated Sunnyside and Fresno County hasn't been renamed.  This has been a controversial topic locally due to the historic significance with Kings Canyon Road. 

My wife who is of Hispanic descent has been particularly opinionated on this.  I guess when her grandparents were in the U.S. the first time they were here working illegally.  I'm to understand they had a run-in with UFW which led to them being deported back to Jalisco (they eventually came back legally). 

My wife's grandma confirmed the story when it got brought up a couple weeks ago.  I guess my wife's family doesn't think particularly highly of Cesar Chavez.  This wasn't a point of contention was aware of previously but I believe something similar was incorporated into lawsuit over the street renaming. 

[pderocco]

The city of Fresno won a lawsuit to rename Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Avenue and California Avenue as Caesar Chavez Boulevard.  Kings Canyon and Ventura are both former segments of CA 180:

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/city-of-fresno-wins-lawsuit-to-rename-10-mile-stretch-of-road/

Interestingly Kings Canyon Road in unincorporated Sunnyside and Fresno County hasn't been renamed.  This has been a controversial topic locally due to the historic significance with Kings Canyon Road. 

My wife who is of Hispanic descent has been particularly opinionated on this.  I guess when her grandparents were in the U.S. the first time they were here working illegally.  I'm to understand they had a run-in with UFW which led to them being deported back to Jalisco (they eventually came back legally). 

My wife's grandma confirmed the story when it got brought up a couple weeks ago.  I guess my wife's family doesn't think particularly highly of Ceasar Chavez.  This wasn't a point of contention was aware of previously but I believe something similar was incorporated into lawsuit over the street renaming. 

From what I've read, Chavez was a passionate opponent of illegal immigration, because it undercut union wages.

[Rothman]

The city of Fresno won a lawsuit to rename Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Avenue and California Avenue as Caesar Chavez Boulevard.  Kings Canyon and Ventura are both former segments of CA 180:

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/city-of-fresno-wins-lawsuit-to-rename-10-mile-stretch-of-road/

Interestingly Kings Canyon Road in unincorporated Sunnyside and Fresno County hasn't been renamed.  This has been a controversial topic locally due to the historic significance with Kings Canyon Road. 

My wife who is of Hispanic descent has been particularly opinionated on this.  I guess when her grandparents were in the U.S. the first time they were here working illegally.  I'm to understand they had a run-in with UFW which led to them being deported back to Jalisco (they eventually came back legally). 

My wife's grandma confirmed the story when it got brought up a couple weeks ago.  I guess my wife's family doesn't think particularly highly of Ceasar Chavez.  This wasn't a point of contention was aware of previously but I believe something similar was incorporated into lawsuit over the street renaming. 

From what I've read, Chavez was a passionate opponent of illegal immigration, because it undercut union wages.

Probably considered illegal immigrants a type of scab.  When you're trying to improve worker conditions through getting leverage through unionization and laborers come in willing to work in terrible conditions, it does undercut the intent.

[Max Rockatansky]

The city of Fresno won a lawsuit to rename Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Avenue and California Avenue as Caesar Chavez Boulevard.  Kings Canyon and Ventura are both former segments of CA 180:

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/city-of-fresno-wins-lawsuit-to-rename-10-mile-stretch-of-road/

Interestingly Kings Canyon Road in unincorporated Sunnyside and Fresno County hasn't been renamed.  This has been a controversial topic locally due to the historic significance with Kings Canyon Road. 

My wife who is of Hispanic descent has been particularly opinionated on this.  I guess when her grandparents were in the U.S. the first time they were here working illegally.  I'm to understand they had a run-in with UFW which led to them being deported back to Jalisco (they eventually came back legally). 

My wife's grandma confirmed the story when it got brought up a couple weeks ago.  I guess my wife's family doesn't think particularly highly of Ceasar Chavez.  This wasn't a point of contention was aware of previously but I believe something similar was incorporated into lawsuit over the street renaming. 

From what I've read, Chavez was a passionate opponent of illegal immigration, because it undercut union wages.

Probably considered illegal immigrants a type of scab.  When you're trying to improve worker conditions through getting leverage through unionization and laborers come in willing to work in terrible conditions, it does undercut the intent.

I posted something about this on our Facebook page last night since we have a strong Fresno following.  While the above was referenced it seems as though most residents are angry about the city unilaterally deciding to change the name of Kings Canyon Road.  To me it does seem odd that Fresno would want to deemphasize a road named after a National Park. 

It isn't as though all of Kings Canyon Road was eliminated.  The name is still signed beginning at Clovis Avenue in unincorporated Sunnyside through the eastern Fresno city limit. 

[Max Rockatansky]

Seems that the Fresno city council might be reversing course on the renaming of Kings Canyon Road and Ventura Street. 

https://abc30.com/post/fresno-councilmember-propose-restoring-former-street-names-cesar-chavez-boulevard/18730679/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=69baf2597de225000195f816&utm_campaign=trueAnthem+Manual&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAQoRj5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe7uOAPocGXkz1yJaqLBpLD45LFNMIBYDucYyP1Qklk9EOd0ULiEtKFwiNE5g_aem_81pgWWL9k5UfDPEiyfPivQ

The mayor sounds convinced the road names being reverted is pretty much a done deal near term:

https://kmph.com/news/local/mayor-responds-to-proposal-to-remove-name-of-cesar-chavez-from-fresno-streets?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQoTO5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEekcIPyt2xeVoOeQrKiD_X5Q67stvdGL_ZWH7W4Mpm6MgmPpULcl5oB9buzIE_aem_8Q6Le7oGmFhySsFGiBHP0g

[jdbx]

One wonders about the multitude of other roads which have been renamed for Cesar Chavez, especially the former Army Street in San Francisco.  I see that there already discussions about renaming the state holiday as well.

[Max Rockatansky]

One wonders about the multitude of other roads which have been renamed for Cesar Chavez, especially the former Army Street in San Francisco.  I see that there already discussions about renaming the state holiday as well.

Macy Street (Old US 101) comes to mind in Los Angeles. 

[hotdogPi]

One wonders about the multitude of other roads which have been renamed for Cesar Chavez, especially the former Army Street in San Francisco.  I see that there already discussions about renaming the state holiday as well.

What are they considering renaming it to?

My suggestion: Dolores Huerta Day, move to April 10.

[Rothman]

One wonders about the multitude of other roads which have been renamed for Cesar Chavez, especially the former Army Street in San Francisco.  I see that there already discussions about renaming the state holiday as well.

What are they considering renaming it to?

My suggestion: Dolores Huerta Day, move to April 10.

Or United Farm Workers Day...

[gonealookin]

One wonders about the multitude of other roads which have been renamed for Cesar Chavez, especially the former Army Street in San Francisco.  I see that there already discussions about renaming the state holiday as well.

What are they considering renaming it to?

My suggestion: Dolores Huerta Day, move to April 10.

Or United Farm Workers Day...

Close!

The California Legislature will move to change the name of state holiday Cesar Chavez Day following allegations of rape against the legendary labor leader, including from two women who said the assaults occurred when they were minors.

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, took to the floor of his chamber Thursday to announce he would work with Senate President pro Tem Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, to change the name of the holiday honoring Chavez to Farmworkers Day.

Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article315114839.html#storylink=cpy

[Max Rockatansky]

The Fresno city council voted today to restore Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Street and California Avenue.

https://abc30.com/post/fresno-city-council-unanimously-votes-change-cesar-chavez-blvd-back-original-names/18737674/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=69bc8b67e7e6720001d37e95&utm_campaign=trueAnthem+Manual&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAQpgqxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeZlCoc2v2gBkIagGvr427rPybcWJMbkNkJUmpP1pRCh5VKiM2_VmsgJ_9Ljc_aem_HWSNsDBcPo7tVW_98hAHYw

[pderocco]

One wonders about the multitude of other roads which have been renamed for Cesar Chavez, especially the former Army Street in San Francisco.  I see that there already discussions about renaming the state holiday as well.

Macy Street (Old US 101) comes to mind in Los Angeles. 

So Cesar E Chavez is riding off into the Sunset. Boulevard, that is. That's what they should call it, from Pacific Palsades all the way to Monterey Park.

[Scott5114]

The Fresno city council voted today to restore Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Street and California Avenue.

https://abc30.com/post/fresno-city-council-unanimously-votes-change-cesar-chavez-blvd-back-original-names/18737674/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=69bc8b67e7e6720001d37e95&utm_campaign=trueAnthem+Manual&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAQpgqxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeZlCoc2v2gBkIagGvr427rPybcWJMbkNkJUmpP1pRCh5VKiM2_VmsgJ_9Ljc_aem_HWSNsDBcPo7tVW_98hAHYw

Seems like they could have cleaned things up a bit by just picking one name to restore to the entirety of what was Cesar Chavez Blvd (e.g. renaming the whole thing Kings Canyon).

[LilianaUwU]

That's an incredibly fast timeline to rename considering this is the country that still has tons of shit named after Confederate generals long after that stopped being cool.

[Max Rockatansky]

The Fresno city council voted today to restore Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Street and California Avenue.

https://abc30.com/post/fresno-city-council-unanimously-votes-change-cesar-chavez-blvd-back-original-names/18737674/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=69bc8b67e7e6720001d37e95&utm_campaign=trueAnthem+Manual&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAQpgqxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeZlCoc2v2gBkIagGvr427rPybcWJMbkNkJUmpP1pRCh5VKiM2_VmsgJ_9Ljc_aem_HWSNsDBcPo7tVW_98hAHYw

Seems like they could have cleaned things up a bit by just picking one name to restore to the entirety of what was Cesar Chavez Blvd (e.g. renaming the whole thing Kings Canyon).

Historically all the Kings Canyon Road east of downtown to Centerville was Ventura Avenue/Street.  The Kings Canyon Road designation came after 1940 when CA 180 was shifted out of Dunlap onto the current alignment.  1940 was also the year General Grant National Park was rebranded as Kings Canyon National Park. 

I'm not sure why the city council thought it was a good idea to deemphasize a road named after a National Park.  The idea never was popular with most of the city populace.

[SeriesE]

Looks like the decision to rename a street to earn some political brownie points backfired on them.

[cahwyguy]

One wonders about the multitude of other roads which have been renamed for Cesar Chavez, especially the former Army Street in San Francisco.  I see that there already discussions about renaming the state holiday as well.

Macy Street (Old US 101) comes to mind in Los Angeles. 

So Cesar E Chavez is riding off into the Sunset. Boulevard, that is. That's what they should call it, from Pacific Palsades all the way to Monterey Park.

The folks in Boyle Heights that want the Brooklyn Ave name restored would probably like a word with you.

[gonealookin]

That's an incredibly fast timeline to rename considering this is the country that still has tons of shit named after Confederate generals long after that stopped being cool.

Less so in California.  The coastal city of Fort Bragg is still named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg.  It goes to show the risk in naming anything after an individual; it's usually somewhat safer to do it after the person is deceased, but in this case even 30 years after his death, something shows up.

California has mostly been progressive in the renamings, though, an obvious local example being the former "Squaw Valley" ski resort, which is now known as "Palisades Tahoe".

[Max Rockatansky]

That's an incredibly fast timeline to rename considering this is the country that still has tons of shit named after Confederate generals long after that stopped being cool.

Less so in California.  The coastal city of Fort Bragg is still named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg.  It goes to show the risk in naming anything after an individual; it's usually somewhat safer to do it after the person is deceased, but in this case even 30 years after his death, something shows up.

California has mostly been progressive in the renamings, though, an obvious local example being the former "Squaw Valley" ski resort, which is now known as "Palisades Tahoe".

Down in Fresno County what was Squaw Valley was only recently renamed to Yokuts Valley.  The locals pretty much have refused to rename anything with businesses and there still is a Squaw Valley Road.

[mgk920]

'Knee jerk' political renamings are the worst. Just how many things (even sports teams and mascots) will be named back to whatever they were 'before' over the next few decades.   

Mike

[LilianaUwU]

It goes to show the risk in naming anything after an individual; it's usually somewhat safer to do it after the person is deceased, but in this case even 30 years after his death, something shows up.

Name everything after me, I promise no one will allege anything about me thirty years after I die.

[Scott5114]

Just how many things (even sports teams and mascots) will be named back to whatever they were 'before' over the next few decades.   

What is the business case for doing so?

- The team businesses which changed their names are making enough money under the new name that they can continue to be a going concern.
- There are a number of people who really don't care what the name of the team is and will support it either way.
- There are some number of people who would not buy the businesses' products (tickets, merch) if they were still using the old name. Let that number of people be called X.
- There are some number of people who once bought the businesses' products but now refuse to do so because they changed the name. Let that number of people be Y.
- There are some number of people who will bitch about the name either way while having never bought the business' products and never intending to in the future either. They may do this because they have strong political opinions formed by never going outside, or perhaps because they are too elderly to cope with the name of things changing. (These people don't matter.)

Changing the team name back to what it was before only makes business sense if Y > X. There is no proof of that. In fact, if the business were to undergo the considerable expense of changing its name without having proof that X > Y, it would mean the people responsible would risk losing their jobs because they were being irresponsible with the company's money. So that alone seems to be proof that X > Y.

[FredAkbar]

Yeah, the Chavez thing is happening because the new name turned out to be offensive too. The sports team analogy would only work if a reason came up to be offended by the new names like the Guardians and Commanders. They probably chose kind of generic names for a reason, so that's unlikely to happen.