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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the street naming effort?
The Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard Committee (CECBC) is a committee of volunteers and community members that have been meeting since the early spring 2007 with the goal of renaming a street in Portland after the late civil rights leader and community servant, Cesar E. Chavez. Membership is open to all interested community members. Current members are from the Portland Metro Area, Multnomah County, and Washington County.
Who Was Cesar E. Chavez?
A true American hero, Cesar was a civil rights, Latino, farm worker, and labor leader; a religious and spiritual figure; a community servant and social entrepreneur; a crusader for nonviolent social change; and an environmentalist and consumer advocate. The significance and impact of Cesar’s life transcends any one cause or struggle. He was a unique and humble leader who inspired millions of Americans to seek social justice and civil rights for the poor and disenfranchised in our society. Cesar forged a diverse and extraordinary national coalition of students, middle class consumers, trade unionists, religious groups, and minorities. He had local ties to Oregon, working with educators and local labor leaders. From 1973 – 1983 Oregon was the home of the Colegio Cesar E. Chavez and for the past 17 years the Cesar E. Chavez Student Leadership Conference has been held in Portland and the Willamette Valley in his honor. For a complete bio go to: www.chavezfoundation.org
Why Name a Street after Cesar E. Chavez?
Latinos comprise just over 11 percent of the total state population. In the Portland/Willamette area alone, we represent over $4.2 billion in buying power. “…94 percent of new growth in the past seven years has been Hispanic, 18,600 of Multnomah County’s 19,800 new residents were Latino” - (Oregonian, August 9, 2007). Currently there are no existing public tributes to American Latino leaders in the Portland metropolitan area.
The naming of a street is part of a greater vision to recognize the achievements of Latinos in our community, educate the public of the contributions, and encourage community service, activism, and service in the name of Cesar E. Chavez.
How was Interstate Avenue selected?
The CECBC studied various factors when selecting a street. There were restrictions on certain streets that were already named for an individual or had specific historical relevance. The goal of the committee was to identify a street that was visible, well traveled, closer to the heart of city, and reflected the rich diversity of the city of Portland. Interstate Avenue met those criteria.
How Will This Affect My Business or Home Address?
Planning for the effort to rename the street continues, and steps have been taken in order to inform and connect with area community residents and businesses. The committee greatly values the role of the neighborhood associations, businesses and other community organizations in the area, and has made it THE PRIORITY to meet one-on-one with groups to talk about the project, and hopefully acquire support.
How long until the name change takes effect, and who will notify the Post Office?
Once the name change is approved by Council, the City will install the new name signs adjacent to the existing street name sign. Both signs shall be in place and maintained for a period of five years. During this five year phase-in period, all addresses affected will be able to continue receiving mail using the previous street name. At the end of that time the old name shall be removed. The City Auditor will notify the following within 30 days after approval of the enabling Ordinance: Affected City, County, State, and Federal Agencies; General public; Emergency service organizations; Owners and occupants of all property abutting the street being renamed; and the US Postal Service.
How Can You Support this Effort?
There are many ways to get involved.
They include such as signing the online petition (see link on main page), attend Council Public Hearings (see Upcoming Events link on main page) and writing to the Mayor & City Council:
Mayor Tom Potter, mayorpotter@ci.portland.or.us
Commissioner Sam Adams, samadams@ci.portland.or.us
Commissioner Randy Leonard, rleonard@ci.portland.or.us
Commissioner Dan Saltzman, dansaltzman@ci.portland.or.us
Commissioner Erik Sten, esten@ci.portland.or.us
Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard Committee Contacts:
Jose Romero, Co-Chair jose@cesarechavezboulevard.comMarta Guembes, Co-Chair marta@cesarechavezboulevard.com