SAN FERNANDO : Street-Name Change Would Honor Chavez

The City Council has voted to rename Kalisher Street, part of which is in the heart of San Fernando’s barrio, Cesar Chavez Street in honor of the late labor organizer and champion of Latino rights.

The council will take a final vote on the name change at its meeting on Monday.

Mayor Pro Tem Rosa Chacon introduced a motion to change the name of Kalisher, which runs roughly north-south for a 2,400-foot stretch through the southwestern part of town.

The street continues south for another few blocks into Los Angeles, ending at Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

That section of the street would remain Kalisher unless Los Angeles officials approve a request to change the name of the entire street. The city of San Fernando plans to make the request, officials said.

Though San Fernando’s City Council voted unanimously in favor of the change, several residents protested the decision, citing the “important Anglo-American” heritage of the tiny, 2.5-square-mile town.

San Fernando was founded in 1874 after American settlers purchased the land from the heirs of Eulogio de Celis. The city incorporated in 1911.

“Dedicated Anglos founded this town, and now they’re changing the street names,” said Roberta Philpy, 73, who opposes the change.

Officials said giving the street a new identity could help spur development and improvements in a part of the city that has deteriorated over the years.

“The street goes through the traditional barrio part of San Fernando,” said Councilman Raul Godinez. “Some people call it ‘Little T.J.’ The street has never been very attractive, particularly in the stretch between Kewen Street and Coronel Street. Maybe this will spur some civic pride.”