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Speakers urge adding Jesse Owens to park‑renaming survey
Summary
Two public commenters told the board they were surprised Jesse Owens was not included on a survey about renaming Caesar Chavez Park and urged staff to add his name to the ballot; both speakers cited Owens' local ties and historical significance.
During the call to the public, two speakers asked the board to add Jesse Owens to a park‑renaming survey for Caesar Chavez Park.
Jerry Van Gas, who identified himself as the caretaker of Jesse Owens’ Olympic medals, said Owens left a deep local legacy and that residents were surprised the name was omitted from the survey. Van Gas described community events that honor Owens and expressed disappointment that Owens was not an option.
An online commenter identified as Jeremy Fcker likewise urged the board to include Owens on the survey and said the omission was an embarrassment given Owens’ status and local ties.
Staff did not respond with a change to the survey during the meeting; public‑comment rules noted that matters not on the agenda may be referred for study or future consideration.
