DATE: April 11, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Supervisor Brian Pacheco and Supervisor Steve Brandau
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution opposing the City of Fresno's Renaming Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution opposing the City of Fresno's Renaming Project of East Kings Canyon Road, East Ventura Avenue, and West California Avenue to "Cesar Chavez Boulevard" and reject the City's request to effectuate the change within County jurisdiction along the Renaming Project.
REPORT
The City of Fresno (City) passed Resolution No. 2022-053 (Resolution) at their March 9, 2023 City Council meeting that directed their Administration to begin the process of changing the name of East Kings Canyon Road, East Ventura Avenue and Temperance Ave to "Cesar Chavez Boulevard" (Renaming Project).
The County of Fresno (County) opposes the City's Renaming Project and will deny the City's request to rename any of the forementioned streets that fall under the County Jurisdiction.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Fresno passed a Resolution to begin the process of renaming a 10.25-mile portion of Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Street, and California Avenue to "Cesar Chavez Boulevard" within the City Limits. The City also indicated that it would be notifying the Fresno County Board of Supervisors of the Renaming Project and requesting to effectuate the change within County Jurisdiction as well.
The County opposes the name change due to the historic importance of each street rename request. Kings Canyon Road is of special significance in that it is the only route named for the national park and serves as the City's "gateway" to the park. Similarly, California Avenue is valued as a landmark within Fresno's oldest African-American neighborhood.
Furthermore, The County of Fresno Emergency Services Division is concerned tha...
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