California lawmakers Sunday approved renaming the western span of the Bay Bridge after former Assembly speaker and San Francisco mayor Willie Brown, overcoming staunch opposition from Gov. Jerry Brown.

Proponents of the change sought to honor Willie Brown for his civic contributions in areas such as transportation, affordable housing and higher education during his four decades of involvement in California politics.

The Assembly’s move was not a traditional one, however. According to the Sacramento Bee, opponents of the renaming said it violated legislative rules stating that a person being honored by a renaming must be deceased.

Brown grounded his opposition to the renaming of the western span in tradition. As reported by the Bee, Brown said through a spokesman that “the iconic Bay Bridge should keep the name it has had for nearly 77 years, a name that lives in the hearts and minds of all Californians.”