Dear Sam:
I am so sad that you are not going to help us change the name of Interstate to Cesar Chavez. I hope you will keep your pledge to find a suitable street. I think you will find some very vocal people in each neighborhood will react in the same unwelcoming way that we saw in Overlook and at the community meetings. As you mentioned the objections that were expressed in the public meeting had nothing to do with changing the name of Interstate. Perhaps a some people in my neighborhood feel changed out, but as I went door to door and spoke to my neighbors many of those who did not support the name change gave reasons that were much more related to who is welcome in the neighborhood.

From my point of view, changing the name of Interstate to Cesar Chavez says EVERYONE is welcome in North Portland. I moved here because I wanted to be in a welcoming neighborhood. As I went door to door, I found the majority of my neighbors feel the same way we want North Portland to be a place that is welcoming to all people, of all income groups, all races, renters, home owners all people. By backing away from this you are not helping us develop as a place that is welcome to all. I am so sad.