2 Sides of Kalisher Debate: Pride in Local History Versus Honoring of Chavez Legacy

The small city of San Fernando is nearing the end of a controversy over whether to change the name of Kalisher Street to honor Cesar Chavez, the late farm union leader.

First the City Council voted to change the name. Then, in response to public opposition, it named a committee to study the issue. That group is recommending that instead of the street, the city rename a parcel of ground at the corner of Wolfskill and Truman streets.

Arturo Chacon, owner of Chacon’s Barber Shop on Kalisher Street , was a key opponent of renaming the street. He told The Times:

I oppose the renaming of Kalisher Street because this is where I grew up and where I have my business. My parents used to live here on Kalisher Street. I was born on the corner of Woodworth and Kalisher in my parents’ home. My grandmothers and most of my relatives were raised here.

I now have my business on the corner of Woodworth and Kalisher. My father opened his barber shop in 1951, and I started to work with him in 1961. I’ve been here for 35 years, at the same location.

I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not against Cesar Chavez nor his cause. I believe that he was a very great man and that he should be recognized and honored. There are many ways that a person can be honored. I also believe that the committee that was set up by the San Fernando City Council is competent and will do what is right for the community.

Some people believe that if they change the name of Kalisher Street to Cesar Chavez Street, the problems on Kalisher will go away. I don’t believe that this is the solution to the problems. The problems on Kalisher are a whole other issue and have nothing to do with renaming the street. It takes a community that is united to correct the problems, not a community that is divided due to the name of a street.

When I found out about the City Council’s plan to change the name of Kalisher Street, I immediately started a petition against the renaming. We got more than 500 signatures, which included most of the people who live on Kalisher--business owners and property owners--and many of the residents of San Fernando. The petitions were submitted to the City Council.

I also believe that the city of San Fernando is a very historical town and that we should try to preserve its history.