Shortly after renaming eight miles of streets in south Fresno to honor labor organizer Cesar Chavez, a group of business owners and residents sued the city, saying the name change affected their business and livelihoods.

Attorney Brian Leighton for group 1 Community Compact called the city’s decision to rename California Avenue, and Ventura and Kings Canyon boulevards “arbitrary and capricious.” He said the city could just as easily rename a park or government building.

But a Fresno County Superior Court judge disagreed, saying a city can rename streets and honor divisive figures.

“The fact of the matter is this is within the power of the city of Fresno to do,” said Superior Court Judge Jonathan Skiles.

Leighton and members of 1 Community Compact present at the trial said they were disappointed with the decision. They met to discuss if they would take further action. During oral arguments, Leighton said he wanted arguments on record if it goes before a court of appeals.

Skiles’ ruling calls on the city to come up with a judgment. Janz told GV Wire his office is looking into seeking reimbursement of attorneys fees.

No Facts to Show City Decision Unconstitutional: Skiles

1 Community Compact said the city did not properly notify residents and business owners when the city council in 2023 voted to change California Avenue, and Ventura and Kings Canyon boulevards to Cesar Chavez Boulevard.

They accused the city of wasting money, not having the power to make changes, and forcing business owners to honor the cofounder of the United Farm Workers.

But Skiles on Tuesday upheld his tentative ruling, saying 1 Community Compact’s claims had no basis.

“(1 Community Compact) suggests that the renaming is either unconstitutional or otherwise illegal, but provides no facts in support,” Skiles’ tentative ruling stated.

City Attorney Andrew Janz said the council went above and beyond in notification. The city held at least two public listening sessions, he said, and mailed out notifications to all affected businesses and residents.

The city also made $1 million available to help businesses with the costs of renaming, Janz said.

“This decision solidifies the city’s efforts to honor Cesar Chavez’s enduring legacy by ensuring the renaming of the street aligns with our community’s shared values of justice, equality, and community empowerment,” Janz said in a statement.

Leighton Called Renaming ‘Arbitrary and Capricious’

In response to Skiles’ ruling, Leighton said the city never explained why they chose to rename a street, which impacts businesses.

“Where’s the connection between honoring (Chavez) and renaming streets?” Leighton said in court. He said it falls on the city to prove it’s not being arbitrary and capricious.

He said the city needs to recognize the historic nature of street names. He said California Avenue lies in the “heart of the of the Black community, Ventura in the heart of the Armenian community, and Kings Canyon (is) the gateway to the Sierras.”

Leighton brought up an instance in Portland, Oregon, where the city council named a street after revolutionary Che Guevara, who may have killed hundreds of people. Skiles said voters have the power to replace officials.

Councilmembers Nelson Esparza, Miguel Arias, and then-Councilmember Luis Chavez said that when they announced the change they wanted to honor the labor leader for his peaceful struggle to bring rights to farmworkers.