Chad Mayes looks to rename road after fallen officers

A local assemblyman is proposing that a four-mile stretch of Highway 111 in Palm Springs be renamed in memory of two local police officers killed in the line of duty last fall.

Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley, adjourned Wednesday’s Assembly session in honor of Officers Jose “Gil” Vega and Lesley Zerebny, who were gunned down Oct. 8 while responding to a family disturbance call.

Mayes proposes renaming the portion of Highway 111 between Overture and West San Rafael drives as the Police Officer Jose “Gil” Vega and Police Officer Lesley Zerebny Memorial Highway.

“Their untimely death(s) rocked our community and stunned the nation,” Mayes said Wednesday. “Officers Vega and Zerebny died as heroes, upholding their oath to serve and protect the people of Palm Springs.”

Vega and Zerebny suffered fatal injuries, and a third officer was wounded, when they went to the home of alleged shooter John Hernandez Felix, who is charged with murder, attempted murder and numerous firearm related felonies.

Palm Springs Police Sergeant William Hutchinson released the following statement on behalf of the Palm Springs Police Department Thursday afternoon:

‘We are honored that the Assemblyman Mayes has proposed this dedication of this portion of Highway 111 to honor our fallen heroes. Dedicating this stretch of the Highway will allow visitors and residents entering and leaving Palm Springs to forever remember the sacrifices made by Gil and Lesley in the protection of their community.’