National Fajita Day brought a new name for Rebel Drive.
Mass controversy circulated across social media after Kyle City Council voted to rename Rebel Drive to Fajita Drive after local icon Juan Antonio ‘Sonny’ Falcon.
Falcon was known for popularizing fajita tacos after selling them at various festivals, fairs and rodeos across Central Texas. City council also recognized Aug. 18 as Fajita Day in Kyle in memory of Falcon, who died on Dec. 19, 2019.
Council member Alex Villalobos posted this announcement on Facebook yesterday: “It is official!!! We have changed the name of Rebel Road!! To celebrate the deep rich culture of Kyle, TX!!”
As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the post received over 200 comments from concerned citizens.
While Aug. 18 is considered National Fajita Day, many citizens questioned whether the new name for the road would bring any honor to Falcon or his family.
In the comment section, citizens said the name change is “more of a slap in the face than Rebel road ever was” and “has no immediate honor or significance to Mr Falcon.”
Tim McHutchion, who is running for Kyle City Council District 4, expressed his own concerns to the city of Kyle on a separate Facebook post.
“I am very disappointed with the decision made by city council last night to change the name of Rebel Drive to Fajita Drive,” McHutchion said. “Although I do understand the offensive nature of the name rebel, what I do not understand is why our citizens did not have more input in this decision.”
McHutchion also said giving the entire community a platform for their voices is of great importance to refrain from decisions that may come across as offensive.
“I will not relent on this issue until I see our elected officials recognize and respect the opinions of our citizens,” McHutchion said. “I will ensure that the voices of our citizens are heard on all issues, from budget to naming our streets. Also, being of Hispanic heritage I find this name slightly offensive.”
Mayor Travis Mitchell originally brought forth the movement to rename Rebel Drive, after Hays CISD voted to retire the mascot from Hays High School.
“Considering the fact that the school district has officially taken the vote to change the mascot, I felt very comfortable going ahead and bringing the ordinance back allowing for us to change the name,” Mitchell said.
