Crowd split on renaming Interstate

Several hundred residents crowded into the Ockley Green School auditorium Wednesday night to share their opinions on renaming Interstate Avenue for farmworker activist Cesar Chavez.

Portland Mayor Tom Potter supported the change. The audience was evenly split, shown by hand waving, chanting and booing, in the latest comment session on the issue.

Nate Waas Shull, a Latino youth educator, said, "By creating Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, we are telling a generation of young people that we value and respect your culture, your heroes and your contributions to this community."

Countered Norma Beshiam, a retiree: "I don't think Interstate is the right place. Our small businesses will feel the brunt of this expense."

According to the Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard Committee, the name change would cost the city $3,000 annually for five years for signs and other items.

Potter said the decision should be made by the new year. Another forum will be held Oct. 9 at Ockley Green School.