Street Leading Up to the Big A Is Now Called Gene Autry Way

It may not rank up there with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, but Gene Autry will take it just the same.

In a step toward further immortalizing the man who brought professional baseball to Anaheim, City Council members renamed a half-mile stretch from the Santa Ana Freeway to Anaheim Stadium’s front door Gene Autry Way.

The decision comes less than a week before the California Angels owner welcomes his club back for the opening of the team’s 1991 home season.

Under the city’s plan, the street, now called Pacifico Avenue, will keep its old street signs and the new Autry designation will be added to minimize any name-change costs to the 35 businesses now located on Pacifico.

“Gene Autry is an American hero, and there are few left,” Mayor Fred Hunter said. “He deserves this.”

Hunter said a dedication ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Monday outside the stadium at Pacifico and State College Boulevard before the Angels’ home opener against the Oakland A’s. Autry is expected to attend the dedication.