SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Three San Francisco supervisors want to rename a popular Golden Gate Park lake. Stow Lake is named for a man who was in the State Assembly in the late 1800s and promoted anti-Jewish policies.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
The lake is a popular spot for families and tourists and is largely populated with ducks.
"This is sort of an issue in progress, I guess," San Jose State University Professor Emeritus and KCBS Radio Political Analyst Larry Gerston told Eric Thomas and Melissa Culross on Friday. "And it really has to do with demography."
San Francisco Board of Supervisors Myrna Melgar, Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan want to take William W. Stow off of the lake, who earned the honor in 1893 when the man-made lake was completed, according to the resolution, which was submitted on Tuesday.
In 1854, Stow ran for California Assembly and served two terms representing the County of Santa Cruz. He became Speaker in 1855.
He gained notoriety for his anti-Semitism during that time, using his role to try to pass legislation against Jewish people, such as a tax on Jews that he claimed ''would act as a prohibition to their residence amongst us,'' according to the resolution.
After a failed run for governor, Stow quit the assembly and moved to San Francisco where he later served on the San Francisco Park Commission, which oversaw Golden Gate Park.
The demographics of the city and the country have changed dramatically in the last 30 to 40 years, making renaming these types of landmarks with these types of associations all the more common.
"Over time, what was once not that sensitive to a number of people has become sensitive," said Gerston.
But as things like this continue to come up in conversation, there is a possibility for backlash.
"Finding exactly the right place to decide how far back to go, how serious the issues may have been," can be difficult, he said.
While the resolution to change the name was introduced this week, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the decision ultimately lies with the Recreation and Park Commission.
"The City's parks and outdoor spaces are for everyone in this diverse community and should not enshrine names of persons who utilize their positions of power to promote hatred or exclusion," said the resolution.
And, according to the resolution, there is broad community support for the renaming of the lake.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
