He helped change West Sacramento’s reputation. Now the city is renaming a street after him
West Sacramento will recognize its first elected and longest-serving mayor by renaming the street that connects downtown Sacramento to the city’s core.
The City Council approved the proposal 4-1 Wednesday night to change the name of the “Tower Bridge Gateway” to the “Christopher L. Cabaldon Parkway.” Councilwoman Norma Alcala was the sole vote against it.
Cabaldon won a seat on the council in 1996 and became the city’s first elected mayor in 2004. He was re-elected a total of seven times before being voted out of office in 2020.
During Cabaldon’s tenure, much of West Sacramento was redeveloped. He is credited with helping bring Triple A baseball to the area, revitalizing West Capitol Avenue, landing an IKEA store and managing the growth of a city that nearly doubled in population.
“He served our community and whether you agree with him or disagree with him. He served our public,” said Chris Ledesma, West Sacramento City Councilman. “He led from the chair longer than anybody and it’s not an easy chair to be in. And he served in a way and the vision of the city will be thankful for years to come.”
Alcala’s opposition stemmed from a lack of public input on the renaming. She said that residents have reported not being “aware of the process.”
“My objection is the process which I believe was not as clear to many people on the naming of this intersection,” Alcala said.
One building and 11 properties will be required to change their address because of renaming. And city staff has initiated outreach to street residents, said City Manager Aaron Laurel. Street signage will be the only cost.
Public comments were a mix of reactions, with some residents thanking Cabaldon for changing the reputation of West Sacramento. In 2017, the city received the “Most Livable City” award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Others pointed to Cabaldon’s loss in 2020 as reason for not renaming the street and blamed him for issues in the town.
Mayor Martha Guerrero acknowledged Cabaldon had faults, but hoped residents would recognize his service to the city and move forward collaboratively.
“None of us are perfect,” Guerrero said. “But that’s being an elected official. You’re a human being. You’re not a robot.”
This story was originally published November 18, 2022 at 10:12 AM.
