(PORTLAND, OR.) — The Public Works Committee met on Tuesday May 26 to discuss exempting certain code requirements under City Code Chapter 17.93 Renaming City Streets and to authorize the renaming of
Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard within the City of Portland to Campesinos Boulevard.
Photo Credit: YouTube
Credible and substantiated revelations of abuse and violence attributed to labor leader César Chávez have led the City of Portland to grieve with la causa supporters and survivors of sexual assault.
The ordinance was introduced to swiftly respond to community concerns while honoring the broader farmworker movement.
Councilor Loretta Smith introduced the proposal and invited some of the community members she has worked with to provide testimony.
Media: YouTube / eGov PDX
Following this, many testified before the council. The swift and procedurally unorthodox renaming of Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard dominated public comments, drawing criticism from some.
Sonny Montes, a retired educator and proud ex-farm worker, spoke in support of renaming to Campesinos Boulevard. He recounted the "hate, racism, and bigotry" faced during the original renaming process 20 years ago.
Photo Credit: YouTube
“I believe that this renaming effort is especially crucial now at a time when our immigrant communities feel the most threatened and that as a city our values should be to reflect an appreciation and commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable communities,” Montes said.
Kyle Warner, a homeowner on Northeast Cesar Chavez Boulevard, opposed the renaming to Campesinos Boulevard, though he was not against removing Chavez's name or recognizing farm workers. His primary objection was the waiving of five city ordinances to 'fast-track this process.
“My main reason for opposition is that you’re waving five of your own ordinances to fast-track this process. This is unfair, inappropriate, and not consistent with the best practices for street naming. It demonstrates bias and makes residents of 39th Avenue feel disenfranchised and discounted from the process. For talking so much about inclusion and equity, you are not including us, “Warner said.
In a written statement, State Representative Andrea Valderrama urged the council to support this renaming effort and continue honoring the farmworker community with dignity, integrity, and respect.
“Like many in our community, I have been deeply disturbed by the recent allegations of child molestation and sexual assault connected to César Chávez. These allegations, including statements from Dolores Huerta, one of the most respected figures in the farmworker movement, have caused real pain and heartbreak for many people,” Valderrama said.
Representative Valderrama says her thoughts are with the survivors and families impacted, and with those who have shown bravery by speaking out. She speaks about the importance of celebrating the farmworker movement while at the same time taking accusations seriously.
“We can continue honoring the farmworker movement while also standing with survivors and taking allegations of abuse seriously. Those values are not in conflict. Accountability and justice must go hand in hand,” Valderrama said.
The Public Works Committee voted unanimously to waive certain city code requirements for street renaming, accelerating the process for Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard.
The proposal will be brought before the full Portland City Council for a hearing and a vote in the coming weeks.
If you would like to add to or comment on this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org or comment below.
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