Earlier this year, the Los Angeles City Council voted to rename Boyle Heights’ Bailey Street after beloved Mexican singer Vicente “Chente” Fernández, and that goal came to fruition this year.
The vote for the name change came after the famed Mexican died on December 16, 2021. His other notable honors include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 3 Grammy wins, 50 million albums sold worldwide, and 14 Lo Nuestro Awards. The City of Pico Rivera also renamed a street in honor of Fernández last month.
“The legacy of Vicente Fernández continues to resonate and inspire people worldwide, making us proud to call ourselves Latino,” expressed Councilman Kevin de León after the City Council approved his motion to rename Bailey Street. “Through his music, he has etched his place in history on the hearts of fans who will forever cherish him.
On September 16, hundreds of Angelenos gathered at Mariachi Plaza to celebrate the name change alongside Chente’s wife, Doña Cuquita, and Councilman De León.
“This name change will benefit the mariachis at La Plaza and increase people visiting Boyle Heights, allowing all of the businesses to benefit from the food and music that we serve there,” said Sandra Villalobos, a representative of Organización de Mariachis Independiente de California.
See more: 25 Perfect Ways To Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month Around Los Angeles