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Council backs ACR 71 to name Highway 101 near Story Road 'Little Saigon Freeway'
Summary
As part of the consent calendar the council voted unanimously to support Assembly Concurrent Resolution 71 to name a portion of Highway 101 near Story Road 'Little Saigon Freeway.' Councilmembers and public commenters described the designation as a recognition of the local Vietnamese American community's cultural and economic contributions.
The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Sept. 23 to adopt a resolution of support for Assembly Concurrent Resolution 71, which proposes naming a portion of U.S. Highway 101 near Story Road "Little Saigon Freeway."
"Little Saigon is a vital part of San Jose identity and economy," Councilmember Deve1n told colleagues when he introduced the item during the consent calendar, saying the designation would recognize the cultural heritage and contributions of the city's Vietnamese American community.
Councilmember Peter Ortiz, whose district includes one of the city's largest Vietnamese communities, said the action is "more than just naming a highway" and urged support. Several members of the public spoke during the consent public-comment period in favor of the measure, describing local businesses and cultural institutions along Story Road and asking the council to back the assembly resolution.
The matter was included on the consent calendar and approved as part of the overall consent vote. The council recorded the vote as unanimous.
Councilmembers said the designation would be a symbolic recognition intended to preserve local history and honor generations of Vietnamese Americans who established businesses and civic institutions in San Jose. Staff did not identify associated costs for new signage; the resolution as presented to council was a statement of support to the state measure, which must be enacted at the state level to effect official highway naming.
The council approved the consent calendar item by unanimous vote and did not add conditions to the city's resolution of support.
