Senator Feinstein Introduces Bills to Name Los Angeles Post Offices After "Chick" Hearn and
Nat "King" Cole
September 13, 2002
printer version

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) last night introduced separate pieces of legislation that would name Los Angeles post offices after the late Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn and the late Nat "King" Cole.

The first bill would name the post office at 5805 White Oak Avenue in Encino, Calif. after Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn, the longtime announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Companion legislation, introduced by Brad Sherman, was introduced in the House on September 5, 2002.

"Chick Hearn was a mainstay in the lives of Los Angeles sports fans for more than 40 years as the announcer for the Lakers," Senator Feinstein said. "His contributions to the game go far beyond giving the fans the play-by-play. His was a truly original voice in basketball, inventing phrases such as 'airball" and 'slam dunk,' which have become a part of our everyday vocabulary."

"But perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of Chick Hearn's career was his extraordinary dedication to his work. Beginning on November 21, 1965, Chick announced a record 3,338 consecutive games for the Lakers. This streak ended on December 16, 2001, three days before he underwent heart surgery. Until his death on August 5, 2002, Chick Hearn had been the only play-by-play announcer the Lakers had ever had. Chick Hearn will certainly be missed."

The second bill would name the post office at 265 South Western Avenue in Los Angeles after entertainer Nat "King" Cole.

"Nat 'King' Cole was one of our nation's great entertainers, and the best selling African-American recording artist of his generation," Senator Feinstein said. "His legacy not only encompasses his musical genius, but also his bravery in overcoming racial intolerance. During his career, he played in some clubs where he was the first ever Black entertainer to perform. He also endured an attack from white supremacists while on stage in Birmingham, Alabama in 1956."

"Indeed, Nat "King" Cole holds a special place in the hearts of Los Angeles residents as a man who brought down racial barriers. In 1948, he and his family purchased an home in the exclusive Hancock Park section of Los Angeles His would-be neighbors formed an association to prevent him from moving into the all-white community. Overcoming these protests and threats, Nat 'King' Cole moved in and become the first African-American family to integrate the community. Nat 'King' Cole was a true pioneer."

Companion legislation, introduced by Xavier Becerra, was approved by the House of Representatives on September 9, 2002.

###