I think Leonard and Adams are politicking with the neighbors as much as they're fighting for what they believe is right.

Coincidentally, who's fighting an election, shortly? And Sten is even worse—he sounds like BILL OR HILLARY CLINTON!

"It depends what your definition of a racist is."

So that's it, then? What about the people of North Portland having the determining say in this process? Silly me, I thought we lived in a democracy of some sort.

I urge everyone who opposes a name change of Interstate send emails, letters and make phone calls to the various commissioners and the mayor. Details at http://www.saveinterstateavenue.com/
Maybe if they get enough calls, emails and letters they'll back off.

Back off from what Jose? It is a freaking name change. People, there are a lot of worse things happening in our communities and in this country. You want to argue about a name? Is it because is a latino name? would you rather be name Beckham? would that make you happy? Bunch of Hypocrates. You people need to get your priorities straight.

You don't seriously think any of these jokers care about what the businesses or people who be affected by this think, do you? None of the pain or money this will cost lands on them. I just love how having an opinion that differs from that of whatever ethnic group is in the current spotlight constitutes racism. The PDX government has shown what a joke it has become - especially the mayor.

NoPo Nimby Racist Scum.

The priorities, sir, is the pandering Kommisars steamrolling the will of the people. Neighborhood's against it? TOO BAD!

You still did not answer the question. Would it make a big riff if the name would have been Beckham? You keep talking about Money and Pain. what are the facts? Are we talking shor term or long term? Listen, whether you like it or not, racism is around the corner. It still exist. We are all intitle to our opinions, you have yours I have mine. Until I see facts on how this name change will be destroy the community. I will support it and I suppor the Mayor.

This sucks. What is the huge rush? It like circumcision: You can always do it later if you wish, but once it's done you're stuck with it for life.

Robert wouldn't be so blase' about "a freaking name change" if the costs for street signs, letterhead changes, and advertising artwork all had to be paid out of his pocket. If wanting to see the democratic process at least given a chance is "racist", then call me an evil redneck.

They could be trying to change the name to David Beckham, or Michael Jordan or whatever. My objection to it would remain the same-- this is being crammed down the throats of the people of Overlook, Arbor Lodge and Kenton without taking into account what we want. In the minds of some like Serena Cruz, that translates into my opposition being motivated by racism. Bizarre the way some people's minds work. BTW, I'm bi-cultural and bilingual since childhood, so nice try with the "racist" stuff.

WHO CARES ABOUT A STUPID FUCKING STREET SIGN?????????????????????????????????

WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY! YOUR MONEY AND MINE! TAX MONEY!

I care. It's something I want my taxes to pay for. And if it pisses off you Nopo Nimby Racist Scumbags in the process, then I'm triply gleeful.

VICTORY!

Again what are the Facts? Please don't come to me with letterhead and art work and all that. What are the ramifications, how much will all this cost? You are telling me that a name change will have this affect on people lives and businesses? Now, all of you who are taking this racist thing to another level, keep in mind, I am not calling no one a racist, you have your opinion, I have mine. Jose you and I differ on this, like you I am bicultural, but I do know this, Chaves was an American. He was not a foreign guy who came from another planet.

Too late for all this. It's been decided.

There is only one reason Interstate is being re-named and that is because the latino population in Portland now has enough political power to force it, and North Portland is the easy throw-away. Only when a street in the West Hills is renamed, I will believe that racism only exists in NoPo.

That's just the way is is, fellow North Portlanders; we again are the dumping ground.

To Bill Mildenberger of the Nite Hawk and others so situated - one means of protest (which has been used in other cities) is to change your address to the intersecting street. We may not be happy with the Rose Parkway forced name change either, but at least it will make a point.

Gerry, Have you been in the west hills? if you have, then you know that there are quite a few streets that have names like Rosa street, Elizabeth street, Esmeralda street, come on. Please. This is all about Tolerance. Listen, to all of you who though I was calling Racist, I am not. But you can not deny that racis still exist in Oregon. We may have our differences, but I tryly believe that People's lives and bussness will not be destroy by this. We can adopt, we always have. so why can't we do it now..

There are also many MAJOR streets on the West Side that could much more effectively communicate Portland's diversity - Macadam, Capital, Bertha-Bvtn, Multnomah are just a few that come to mind that would fit the re-naming criteria.

Bottom line, as always: North Portland = dumping ground.

Bottom line, as always: North Portland Nimby Racist Scum.

You know, Matt, you're starting to get on people's nerves with that stuff. I don't know if you're just being perverse or what. You really can't see how being opposed to this top-down unrepresentative process isn't racism?

If this goes through on the 15th, maybe the businesses who opposed it can change their names to "the Nite Hawk on Interstate" for example, just to keep the Interstate name alive. Here's hoping it won't be necessary.

Matt's comments proves my point - the pols need a dumping ground for these sort of things; NoPo is powerless and NIMBY racist scum. Problem solved, Capital Hwy safe, off to the Mac club.

It’s amazing how horribly wrong this all went. A perfect storm really. Take an area that has a chip on it’s shoulder when it comes to City Hall from years of perceived neglect followed by a series of “jamming it down our throat” events (most recently light-rail that was opposed but put in anyway, the renaming of Portland Ave without anyone really knowing about it, and a current rezoning project to turn the area into a high density transit area), add businesses that are either trying to get their feet off the ground or are getting them back after surviving years of light-rail construction (many didn’t), throw in 4 meetings (only 2 actually put on by the city) where the proposal was essentially announced as a done deal, and add accusations of racism and you’ve got yourself a new street name. Do I think Kennedy Blvd, Beckham Ave, or Gandhi Way would have faced the same opposition with the same process? Absolutely. It looks like Interstate will be renamed but for most of the people who live around it, it will have a very bitter taste. A little process and openness would go a long way to getting rid of the bitterness. If you really want to do something positive is it really not worth waiting an extra couple months?

THIS IS NOT ABOUT CESAR CHAVEZ. IT IS ONLY ABOUT ME WINNING AN ARGUMENT. AND YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED, I HAVE. SO STICK IT UP YOUR ASS, NOPO RACIST NIMBY SCUM.

Incidentally, does anybody know how I can get into that Mac club? I hear I need to be invited, and my new condo is just around the corner.

As long as it's not in my back yard I'm cool.

Robert,

How is this about "tolerance?" Tolerance of what? I've noticed recently that anyone who opposes the Interstate name change is immediately branded as a racist and intolerant. Why is this? Because you don't want a discussion of the real issues and the easiest way to shut people up is to brand them as evil racists.

And this perverted attitude is coming from those on the left...aren't you supposed to support free speech, encourage discourse between those with opposing views, to protect the rights of ALL citizens? I guess not. Sounds like those on the far left have rounded the corner to the extreme right with their fascist views. Here are just a couple of definitions of fascism to make my point:

Wikipedia: Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology that considers individual and other societal interests subordinate to the interests of the state. (state = city of Portland).

WordNet® 3.0. Princeton University: Fascism is a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism).

r.james is a Racist Nopo Nimby Scumbag.

(just in case there was any doubt).

Serena Cruz,

Democracy requires the 'process' you dislike. Of course when the opinion of others does not matter to you, there needs to be no process and therefore no democracy.

Sorry no matches for Davis.

Matt, your faux-self-trolling is not amusing and is getting really old. Are you 12? Half your shit doesn't even make any sense, but I guess you are doing that on purpose to amuse yourself (and only yourself).

Do you think it's cool and totally "post-modern" or some shit? It's making me not want to read this blog anymore.

AND PEOPLE LEARN HOW TO SPELL!!!! Please. Everyone. You too, Matt, please spell-check at least the main post from time to time. There are always glaring mistakes. Does not Firefox UNDERLINE your bad spelling for you?

This is like reading a retard's blog.

Racist.

I mean Matt's blog, not Amy's.

Limey retard.

Anyone care to point out again just what connection Chavez had to Portland in general, and Interstate Ave in particular ?

White people, working class white people, not Latinos, not Blacks, but white people, Poles mainly, built that neighborhood from the bare earth on up and inhabited it for the first half century of it's existence.

If if hurts your feelings to hear it put so bluntly, then, well, fuck you right in the mouth, you know ?

I for one loved the idea of naming the street for Lech Walesa...you know, honoring the struggle of the ethnic group of people who built the place against Communism in their homeland. Guess that makes me a racist, huh ?

Thing is, unlike Matt, and many other upper-class gueros in this lily-white city, I grew up in an area of the world dominated by Latinos, where Caesar Chavez Blvd runs through a neighborhood built by and inhabited by Latinos, so that silly accusation just runs off my back like the watery little girl piss it truly is.

Have a nice night.

I like Cabbie's post, it' right on. I lived next to Chief Joseph School until 1963 when my mother decide to move us to Mt Hood. Anyway before I heard of the Interstate renaming I was looking something up and came across Rosa Parks Blvd. I thought I was pretty familiar with N portland and it had be baffled until i looked at a map and saw that Portland Blvd had been renamed! Okay, then a few weeks later I started seeing articles about the Interstate renaming. Now I may have been long absent from the area but I can in no way see any corelation between Interstate Ave and Ceasar Chavez. In my opinion, if a street is renamed it should be where green foods are sold and in my memory that brings up the area down by Produce Row. How about Grand Ave? Martin Luther Blvd used to be Union Ave. so why not name the other one way street for another leader.

And for the idea of the NiteHawk using another street on their address, guess what its another renamed street! Maybe they should just use GPS coordinates as their address. As my 96 year old mother says, whatever...

North Portland = dumping ground.

Business as usual.

Matt speaks for the rest of Portland; we are scum to them. "It's NoPo, who gives a shit"

36 comments and not one makes the point (in answer to Robert's question):
Street name changes ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO OCCUR IF THE ORIGINAL NAME HAS HISTORIC VALUE! Interstate Ave was the original road to Washington, before I5, and the motels that sprouted were to accomodate INTERSTATE traffic. That historical meaning will be lost now. The pro-renaming committee completely ignores the fact that the actual rules preclude Interstate from even being an option, and now nobody, including the people in the Mercury, Oregonian, Willamette Week, TV news, nobody is bringing this point up. Chavez should be honored, but the rules should be followed - pick a street without a historic name. Simple. The committee is not honoring Chavez by being a bunch of ignoramuses.

And whoever is putting Matt Davis' comments in under his name, even if it is Matt Davis, is such a dick. Honestly, somebody needs to out you so you can get pushed in front of a car, you racist, NIMBY fuck.

Who is up for a bit of protest? Potterville fits in the same space as Interstate if you force it.

Oops, I forgot to say thank you to Jose On Denver, Gerry Howard, Commissioner Leonard and Amy, thanks for the interesting words and debate.

I'd just like to apologize for fanning the flames on this issue. I now realize we need to come together for a time of reconciliation and healing.

Sorry, were're not coming together and singing kum-bye-ah. The fallout, unfortunately, will be on latinos - "I can't understand your clerk, get me someone who speaks English", "I don't care if you don't understand English, that's your problem", "no, we are not translating that into Spanish, learn the language", you are a latino business in North Portland, I refuse to patronage your establishmen.

Rename Skyline.

1. forcing middle class neighborhoods into something they don't want is the opposite of what chavez stood for.

2. The location of the new Cesar Chavez st. should be an object of inspiration, not just the guy its named after.

3. promoting diversity works better when your project is city wide and not isolated to a single inner city neighborhood (fun fact; MLK is 1 mile away from interstate and both intersect rosa parks way)

4. Skyline is also not named after a person, the main reason they say they chose Interstate.

5. Trying to fight racism in the most diverse Portland neighborhood is like ridiculing a Zebra for not having enough stripes.

6. The cost of renaming all the small businesses on interstate would be a small fortune (Cezar Chavez Lanes anyone?) There aren't as many small businesses on Skyline that would be effected.

7.I'm sure the business elite living in the west hills would be happy to honor a workers rights activist that died for his cause. /sarcasm

Any reason that can be thought of to rename Interstate Ave to Cezar Chavez Blvd is twice as persuasive when applied to Skyline. Please at least concider other streets, or dedicate a statue, or a bridge. The fact that they are accepting the first proposal to come their way on such a highly controversial project is a dead canary in such a civil works based city. The "city that works" won't work if we say yes to every proposal without looking at other options.

-Sri Benson, Civil Engr student and n. Portland resident since 1996

The mayor and committee to change the name of Interstate Ave, have a hissy fit and then then they get their way, even though a majority of people do not want the name change. This is Democracy in the City of Portland. Who cares what the residents of North Portland want, the mayor wants the name change and that is all that counts here in Portland. Unfortunately, the mayor's feeling of being irrelavent was short lived, he does not understand that North Portland residents feel like that every time they dump all the changes. It is time to stop wasting the time and money of taxpayers and businesses on street name changes. Do some real work for the City.

I may very well be a racist but I'm also a resident of NE Portland and a human being with an opinion. If I feel that the renaming of a street does nothing more than allow politicians to pander to an increasing demographic, and further allow professional victim/activists to exercise their ability to tease out white guilt, what business is it of anyone else's?

There's two options on the table and only one of them carries any action. There is the option of allowing the street to remain unchanged and then there is the alternative option of changing the name. If I choose the former, I needn't give any reason for my choice. If I choose the latter, I'd better hope to sell the idea to my fellow citizens who may not share a vested interest in the same alternative. In that case I'd better explain the philosophy behind my decision. If my decision for a name change is based solely on the idea that the honoree was a great American, human being, communist, horseback rider, milk drinker, or wearer of fine slacks, than I'd better work extra hard to differentiate that honoree from a list of thousands equally qualified. In the history of American labor relations, one need only throw a stick to hit more than a dozen candidates worthy of veneration.

Ah, but that's not the issue. We aren't simply looking for a blue-collar arbiter, we need a person of color first. All other qualifiers must follow behind. I won't call it racist, but it sounds race-specific.

This is how majority opinion is magically marginalized. The rule, as it has developed in the fertile womb of rhetoric-rich identity politics states that if you disagree, you must be suffering from some sort of social disease and are therefore unfit to take part in public discourse. From whence did this destitute line of reasoning spring forth?

Folks, you won't appease your neighbors by giving in to their obsequious flattery of all persons, places, or things of color. It doesn't work. Portland will develop new streets, parks, monuments, and neighborhoods better suited to honor the dead. Wait for, and seize upon, the opportunity to affix the name of your affinity group's leader when that time comes. That way you won't have to conjecture over whether your diabolical neighbors are plotting their racist subterfuges without you.

Randy and Sam should not be ELECTED anymore.

They misrepresent all communities.

Randy and Sam should not be ELECTED anymore.

They misrepresent all communities.

"Dumping on North Portland" - "an easy throw-away" - "we are scum to them" - hello?!?

What does that say about those of us who are 1) not Latino, 2) live in North Portland, and 3) support the name change to Cesar Chavez Blvd.? I will be happy to live blocks away from that street. My son (of Scottish and Irish descent) was positively gleeful to see the Rosa Parks Way signs go up on I-5.

It's not race-specific. These are people that I believe should be honored. It's not "obsequious flattery" - it's respect for history. Get over yourselves.

I am amazed at the people I've spoken with who assume that because I'm white, I'll be against the name change. The looks that I've received when I say that I'm in favor of it tell me everything I need to know. Racism is alive and well, even in our beautiful little neighborhood. It's really sad.

Well this is just sad.
I thought the commisioners and elected officials cared about democracy but apparently the aggresive and pushy tactics of SOME coalitions override.
(But only those nonwhite ones)
Anyone want to buy a house a block off interstate and portland blvd. Maybe. How about a block off cesar chavez blvd and rosa parks way.....come on. Your decision directly impacts my future property value and YOU KNOW IT....may sound racist...but I am no idiot, I see how thEse things work. Thanks for nothing. I'm outta here.

I'm glad to hear that Cesar Chavez's name is being considered for a street in Portland. He is every bit as great as Martin Luther King. In fact, considering that Columbus Day is problematic for Native Americans, I've been thinking we should trade that for Chavez's birthday as a federal holiday.

I own a home in Overlook just off Interstate, since 1992. I've decided to stop worrying about this. Even after the 9-story buildings go up along Interstate or Chavez or whatever it is, I have faith that we'll maintain the same pride in the community we always have. It's a great place, it's not going to go to hell, with bat-weilding crazies or spray paint huffing loonies walking the streets unless we let it (it's not, right?). This is not worth all the fuss. We're having some growing pains I guess.

To North Portland Homeowner-- I'm glad you're happy about the impending name change. I would be too, IF a representative process had been followed. I daresay I have as much liberal cred as anyone else posting here, but it really gives us liberals a bad name when some of us get all chummy with people who ignore majority public opinion entirely and throw temper tantrums (witness Mayor Potter's behavior a couple of weeks ago) when they meet the slightest resistance upon trying to ram things through willy-nilly.
And no, I don't think the neighborhood will go down the tubes or anything if Interstate is renamed. I just like the Interstate name, appreciate its historic significance for North Portland, and resent that it's being changed through a top-down, unrepresentative process, close on the heels of the stealth renaming of Portland Blvd. to Rosa Parks Way.

aren't there any local latino leaders whose accomplishments are worthy of being honored in this fashion?

in most major cities, you can find a MLK Blvd, you can find a Cesar Chavez Ave, you can find a Rosa Parks Way. Are these people the only heroes available to choose from?

how homogenic. how easy. how demeaning to our local heroes of color.

"Welcome to Portland! we don't have any minorities of worth, so we appropriate the heroes of southern California and the South. Enjoy your visit."

in most major cities, you can find a MLK Blvd, you can find a Cesar Chavez Ave, you can find a Rosa Parks Way. Are these people the only heroes available to choose from?

Now you are starting to get the picture. Personally, and it really does sadden me a great deal to say this, but I might stop shopping at North Portland businesses owned and operated by the Master Race (La Raza) if this is the way they want to treat the residents of the neighborhood. Just a total lack of respect for the people who live there, and the democratic process set down in stone by City Law, and then howls of "Racist" when people say, you know, wait a minute...

Hint: It would be a real good idea to drop this "The Race" bullshit, too. I grew up in Latino neighborhoods, drove cab for a company owned by the Mexican mafia, and I can understand some of what you are saying when you think that I cannot.

Some of the few things uglier than straight-up racism, such as that displayed by an organization called "The Race," are hypocrisy and double standards regarding such.

I think this whole affair is stupid. The policy should be to never allow renaming a street. Got any real issues like cleaning up superfund sites? or funding schools? Nooo, we have to argue and call people names, cause a huge ruckus, make everyone on both sides feel bad all because some policy allowed name changes. Stupid policy. Cape Canaveral changed to Cape Kennedy, changed back to Cape Canaveral, ..... stupid. Want to really get things going, make it mandatory that all streets will be renamed every 10 or 20 years. The planet Earth will be renamed every 25 years and the planets every 30 years.
A human may hold themself in a high light but to a mosquito they are just something to eat. Go to bed, get some rest. Tomorrow try to think of something meaningful to do with your time. Rename the Interstate Bridge! It's nobodys address so what would it hurt?

i'm an idiot, and generally shouldn't be paid any attention.

Racist.

Yes,the opponents are watching those who oppose them, But the rest of us are watching those who don't follow the rules. Erik Sten, Dan Saltzman, and Mayor Potter are giving into the whiners though Potter was in favor all along. The renaming committee could have read all the requirements at any time, instead of relying on the council to tell them what they needed to do, they are available to everyone. So just because they were ignorant of the policies on renaming a street and they won't particpate in trying to come to a compromise, Sten, Saltzman and Potter just give them what they want. DEMOCRACY ONLY IN POTTERSLAND (formerly known as Portland), who cares what a majority of people want push it through anyway!!

allrighty..
so if I want something done I just need to get some media backing and intimidate the commissioners into backing away form democratic process....riiiight...got it...thanks.

screw you chavez supporters...I hope the north portland residents tear down your street signs and wreak havoc on your ill-gotten gain.

The whole bunch of them can kiss my ass.

I say, let's change 82nd to George Washington Way and see if Serena decides she wants less process, or if the rest of the community people who got involved (most living well outside the area of involvement)have anything to say...

when do we stand up and ram our opinions down their throat and when they fight against us we tell them they are a bunch of ________ (insert whatever term you feel equates to being labeled a racist here).

I am sick of namby pamby portlanders (mostly in office) who cave to the latino population because they are afraid they will lose votes or some other b.s.
The CC Committee very clearly told us they were going to take over and we best just accept it and I guess the commissioners are going to let them...nice precedent assholes.

WTF.

Why should the folks of N. Portland have to go through the trouble of renaming one of their streets every time a minority civic icon needs honoring? Union to MLK, Portland Boulevard to Rosa Parks Ave, and now this. I suggest honoring this mexican icon by renaming a street in a rich part of town like Lake Oswego or SW Portland, or better yet down town. Why burden the poorer people of the city with all the change; nobody likes change. Surely, the rich also should pay their tribute to this man. Surely this man of great esteem deserves our first fruits. I propose renaming SW Broadway with Ceasar Chavez avenue. Then all of the economic classess, the whole spectrum, can show their support for this heroic figure. Let us show the world that we are putting our hearts into honoring our heroes, and not just giving a perfunctory token.

I don't know if anyone will want to go to the trouble, assuming Commissioner Sten caves to the bullies (the mayor and the Chávez committee) despite supposedly being unhappy with the process (but not unhappy enough to stand up for a good process, apparently), and the renaming goes through for now, but I suppose it's possible to go through the normal process to rename a street later when the city council folks are different people. Heck, we could probably do it before the old Interstate Ave. signs are taken down (they have to stay up for a while, right)? That would be deliciously ironic, to beat back an unrepresentative vanguardist edict with a representative process, and to make the renaming advocates start over the right way and consider other streets.

It now appears that all the downtown racists will be asked to resist the renaming of 4th Ave. Hello,...racists. Anyone home? Please report to City Hall, down on Chavez Court.

This city never fails to underwhelm.

Potter is a pandering cocksucker! And to you illegals who come here thinking you can FORCE something on us have a cold lesson coming real soon. To you fucking progressives: WHEN DO YOU WANT TO THROW DOWN...BITCH!

Well take SW fourth then--oh, and don't forget to use diplomacy with the people in Chinatown! Oh and how about all you Latino petitioners show us some documents? We wouldn't feel quite right about illegals protesting now would we???

Thanks a lot
PS
I am going to take up residence in Mexico and petition the local government to name my street in honor of General Sam Houston!
Bwa hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!