BAKERSFIELD -- Last week the Bakersfield Planning Commission approved the name change of a portion of S Street to Merle Haggard Way.

The group Citizens for a New Oildale would like to change a stretch of 7th Standard Road from Highway 99 to North Chester to Merle Haggard Way.

That is the exact same name that's been approved in downtown Bakersfield.

The Citizens group in Oildale said they've been talking about the name change for a long time.

They've also been talking with Haggard's sister, who said she liked the idea and supports it.

Haggard is universally known as the Okie from Muskogee, but he was in fact born in Oildale.

The citizens group believes with the prominence of the Bill Thomas terminal at Meadows Field, the name change would invite people into the City of Oildale.

The community group said it is changing for the better with new schools, new community centers, and murals.

The group is also planning several beautification projects throughout the city.

The Bakersfield name change is not yet finalized. Residents can file a formal appeal of the name change at the Bakersfield Planning Department until Sunday.

Both the Oildale group and the Bakersfield group will meet next week to discuss the name change.