Roberto M. Sanchez / DMN

Ellen Amirkhan explains to Alberto Ruiz, leader of the Cesar Chavez Task Force, why she believes it's not a good idea to change Ross Avenue's name.

DALLAS - The debate over the proposed change of Ross Avenue to César Chávez Avenue is now visible along the popular street. Both sides of the fight are taking their campaigns to the next level to reel in support.

Volunteers, including Ramiro Luna from the César Chávez Task Force, have visited dozens of businesses trying to push their proposal. It hasn't been easy, Luna said.

"Even though they are so close to it, their views may be so different," he said. "But for the most part, we have gotten a lot of support, which we are happy about."

The Service Employees International Union posted a banner in support of the name change.

"César has always meant a lot to a lot of working people all over the country, particularly those who are struggling to make ends meet," said Bobby De Las Cruz, with SEIU Dallas.

But next door to the SEIU is another banner. The Oriental Rug Cleaning Company, Inc. hung a banner opposing the change and is also collecting signatures for the Save Ross Campaign.

"We are doing the same things, basically hitting the pavement and contacting people around Dallas and making them aware of this issue," said Ellen Amirkhan, with the Oriental Rug Cleaning Company.

David Faulkner, of Faulkner's Dry Cleaners, wants to keep Ross just the way it is.

"We are changing the history of Dallas, and that is my biggest gripe, biggest complaint, that they are changing the history of Dallas," he said.

Both sides are gearing up to take their fight to City Plan Commission in September.

E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com