English Sign Law Example of Bias

The South Gate Planning Commission’s proposal for an English-language sign ordinance is another example of the misunderstanding of old-time Planning Commission members toward their new Latino neighbors. Many Latinos and Asians come to the United States knowing we have freedom of speech and the press. Yet, because some of them own a small business that is expressed in Spanish, they are going to be told to change the names to English.

Will the Pollo Loco and Wienerschnitzel now be called the Crazy Chicken and the Hot Dog? Is the Planning Commission biased, prejudiced or just plain embarrassed to have small businesses and mom and pop stores express themselves in Spanish? Maybe in the future the Planning Commission will recommend that streets in South Gate such as San Juan and San Miguel be changed to Sir John and Sir Michael so the police and paramedic units will know where they are going.

What the Planning Commission should recommend is that the City Council appoint to the Planning Commission more Latinos who are more in tune with the changing community of South Gate.

--JOHN A. TRUJILLO

South Gate