News Jun 26, 2008 at 4:00 am

César Chávez Rename Effort Re-emerges

Comments

1
"quietly convened a meeting with top-level city staff."

What makes the city think that by following a process, this isn't going to be just as controversial as last time?!

2
Those who legitimately had issues with how the city was illegally pushing the rename through will have their concerns quelled. Those who used that as a front to mask other kinds of discomfort with the rename will have to be honest—or have to be quiet if they find they can't voice what's in their heart. Which, I think, means the case for the rename will be far stronger than any case against it.
3
Nice Amy... you already started off on a bad foot by, essentially, calling every who opposed the name change on legal/procedural grounds a racist. Point of fact, I am of Hispanic origin and even I was against the name change because of the procedural and legal issues. Does that make me a racist?

The real racists are those who cry racism whenever they don't get their way.

No how this transpires, the people who actually live in the neighborhoods should have a right to express dissent about any name change. And if they don't want it, it should not be forced upon them. Period. That's called democracy, the foundation of this country.

4
Erik in No Po: I was against the Interstate name change on procedural grounds. I wrote a feature about it. As I said above, "Those who legitimately had issues with how the city was illegally pushing the rename through will have their concerns quelled."

Those that still have concerns will be split into two camps: Those with fear or race based problems, and those with issues like "but I like the name of the street as it is." And I think the case to name a street for Chávez is ultimately stronger than "but I like NE 33rd Avenue." That said, the process that should be followed is there for a reason—to give neighborhoods a real chance to weigh in, and to bring in third parties like the Planning Commission and historians to make un-emotional decisions.
5
I just can't believe that they thought it was ok to name a street that runs through Chinatown.
6
Change the name of Division Street !!! - all the way through Gresham.

After all the name is divisive by definition.

The committee can make it a project of unity and financially affect as many people as possible and in two city's, that will get them the attention they want. Last time around the committee did nothing to educate anyone about why César Chávez should be recognized or how his work affects anyone who just happens to eat food. So they must want the attention for themselves.

Where was the City Auditor last year when the council agreed, behind closed doors, to subvert the city's code? Oh yea, he was too busy running the Sam Adams election.

As I said last time around: Name NEW Streets. Portland has the largest urban development in the country right now, we are building new area's and streets. Let's start were is has the least financial impact on our residents during this downward economy.

This shit again - fuck.
7
ChibiCelina, it makes perfect sense for the city to try to name a street that runs through Chinatown after Chávez. Chinatown/Old Town is where the city places all things that it doesn't like and wants to hide from the rest of world such as free clinics, homeless shelters, and mental health centers. Personally, I think that a better Hispanic leader than Chávez could be honored by the city with a street name. Chávez is a controversial figure given his criminal history. Many believe that naming a street after Chávez to honor the Hispanic population would be like honoring area Russians with a street named after Stalin.
8
Amy: I think you're failing to realize that there's a third camp of people who might be against this: Those who don't want their street renamed, and not because they just happen to like the catchy ring of NE 33rd Ave. There are practical reasons why this should not happen, regardless of what street might be targeted next. For one thing, businesses on the street in question will be forced to reprint business cards, letterheads, signage, etc. Are Tom and Sam going to pay for all of those reprinted collateral materials? For small local businesses, this may be no inconsequential matter, especially given the less than ideal economic climate we find ourselves in of late. And then there's the matter of having to inform family, friends and other correspondents of the change. This wouldn't be much of an issue for me and most of the folks I'm regularly in contact with, as most of my generation corresponds via e-mail and pays bills online these days, but if my grandparents' street were renamed and they had to reprint all those return address labels they put on their envelopes, I imagine it would drive them batshit. It'd be an inconvenience at most, but one that nobody should have forced upon them. It should also be noted that renaming a street doesn't happen for free. The new street signs will be paid for, presumably, with tax revenues collected from not just those who want to live on Cesar Chavez Blvd, but also those opposed to it, as well as those with no stake in the matter at all.

These are practical concerns and have nothing whatsoever to do with racism or anybody's opinion, pro or con, of Cesar Chavez. The simple fact of the matter is that there are better ways to honor the man than inconveniencing (or worse) an entire street's worth of taxpayers. A park could be named after him, for example, or a statue could be commissioned, either of which could probably be done for less than it would cost to replace all those street signs.

I'm all for giving Cesar his props, but this street renaming issue needs to die a quick and permanent death!
9
What I mean to say is that it doesn't take a genius to put out careful and thoughtful planning into naming a street. I love Portland for it's diversity and how it's not as badly segregated as Chicago where I grew up and when I first heard about this situation in the news, even then I was like why would they name a street going through Chinatown after someone who isn't Asian? I could see if there was a part of Portland that was like Little Village/Pilsen in Chicago to name a street after Chavez but if there isn't you just don't plop a name just any ol' where.
10
Does it have to be a street? Why not a new park or something like that?
11
Yeah, and so what if someone is racist. It is a free country, isn’t it? I own a high end business that has a large web presence. The business has a prestigious address and that sells my product. If my address was MLK Avenue, of Chavez or Rosa Parks, my customers would think my business is located in a shabby part of town and would never be able to provide a product up to their standards. I give this comment about 5 minutes before it is pulled.
12
Fair Conservative, I'll give you this much: You're right about the free country part... Hey wait a minute, you're the Dixie Mattress Company guy, aren't you?
13
The name Interstate sounds so lame. I think Chavez sounds better. Goes well with Rosa Park.

Please wait...

Comments are closed.

Commenting on this item is available only to members of the site. You can sign in here or create an account here.


Add a comment
Preview

By posting this comment, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use.