Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights where Vicente Fernandez Street will reside. Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels.
By Brandon Ramos, Staff Reporter
The Mexican singer and legend Vicente Fernandez will have a street named after him in East Los Angeles. Bailey street in Boyle Heights will be renamed “Vicente Fernandez street.” This portion of the street will be running on the east side of Mariachi plaza. Mariachi plaza is where dozens of artists and vendors showcase daily their Mexican heritage through mariachi music and clothing.
Los Angeles city council member Kevin de Leon announced that he introduced this motion via Instagram on Jan 12. Kevin de Leon represents the district where the street is. “We are proud to recognize this cultural icon,” read the Instagram post.
The decision was not free of controversy. People were hesitant to agree to the motion. Fernandez’ homophobic remark and harassment scandal during his career tainted the decision. “I don’t think we should be honoring a man who lived his life as homophobic and a symbol of machismo,” said Diana Gazano, a CSU Dominguez Hills freshman. “Instead we should focus on recognizing those who served their local community.”
Despite the controversy, the motion unanimously passed on Feb. 15 by 14 of the 15 city council members.”El Rey de la Música Ranchera” (The King of Ranchera Music) will be among the few celebrities that have their names on Los Angeles streets such as Elvis Presley, Gene Autry, and Charlie Chaplin.
Vicente Fernandez was a Mexican singer and actor who won multiple awards and accolades. “Chente” won three Grammy awards, nine Latin Grammys, starred in over 30 movies, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Weeks after being diagnosed with guillain-barré syndrome -an autoimmune disorder causing muscle weakness- he passed away on Dec. 12, 2021 at the age of 81. He leaves behind a dynasty of music talent in his son Alejandro, and grandchildren Alex and Camila.
“Vicente Fernandez is the most Mexican thing I can think of,” said Evelin Gonzalez, a CSU Dominguez Hills graduate student. “I can sing Estos Celos word for word at the top of my lungs, it is one of my favorite songs ever.”
The greatest songs of Vicente Fernandez can be listened to on this YouTube playlist.
