Brooklyn Avenue
The recent decision by the City Council to approve renaming Brooklyn Avenue to Avenida de Cesar Chavez is unjust. The merchants and residents were not informed of their councilmen’s intentions. I am sure Councilmen Mike Hernandez’s and Richard Alatorre’s sincerity of honoring Cesar Chavez is valid; however, the historical ties of Brooklyn Avenue to our city are undeniable.
Erasing of Brooklyn Avenue fails to recognize the contributions of several generations of immigrants who grew up in this Eastside community of Boyle Heights. To remove this part of their heritage is unfair.
Although the many contributions of Cesar Chavez deserve recognition, this recognition should not require the obliteration of a cultural landmark to generations of immigrant Americans, including Hispanics. To enact this ordinance without the consultation of the community is unconscionable.
DEAN ZELLMAN
Zellman’s Men’s Wear
(on Brooklyn Avenue since 1921)
Los Angeles
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