Street to be renamed after Vicente Fernández
Change likely to occur by September, when legendary singer's son is expected to perform
Pico Rivera's City Council voted Tuesday to name Sports Arena Drive after the late legendary Mexican artist Vicente Fernández.
City Manager Steve Carmona said La Nuria, the operator of the Sports Arena, approached the city about renaming Sports Arena Drive to Avenida Vicente Fernández after he died in December.
“I think this is a wonderful idea,” Councilman Erik Lutz said.
Vicente Fernández performs onstage at the Latin Grammy Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 14, 2019, in Las Vegas.
The change is expected to occur by September when Fernández's, son, Alejandro, is expected to perform, city officials said. The new signs will go in near the front and back of the Sports Arena.
Fernández performed
at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena on numerous occasions, which drew thousands of residents and concert goers to the city, Carmona wrote in the staff report.
“He is a beloved figure
The Pico Rivera City Council voted Tuesday to name Sports Arena Drive after the late legendary Mexican artist Vicente Fernández. Shown is a rendering of the street sign.
among city residents and, as a result, City Council has expressed interest in honoring the distinguished career and significant cultural impact of this icon,” he wrote.
Fernández, known to fans worldwide as Vicente “Chente” Fernández, had a command of ranchera and mariachi styles of music that attracted fans far beyond Mexico's borders, Carmona
said.
“He was regarded internationally for hits such as “El Rey,” “Volver, Volver” and “Lástima Que Seas Ajena,” to name a few,” he wrote.
Carmona said that during his lifetime, Fernández sold more than 65 million albums worldwide, appeared in more than 30 films and won three
Grammys and nine Latin Grammys.
Mayor Monica Sanchez praised the idea.
“It's very much in alignment with our cultural heritage,” Sanchez said
“He performed at the Sports Arena many times earlier in his career — his son as well,” she said. “We are going to get a lot of press.”