Readers respond: Portland, the capital of identity politics

In a recent article by The Oregonian/OregonLive's Gosia Wozniacka, we learn that Portlanders overwhelmingly prefer that César E. Chávez Boulevard — formerly 39th Avenue — be renamed to 39th Avenue, rather than Campesinos Boulevard ('Renaming Chávez Boulevard draws support in Portland, but not for the city's chosen replacement,' Sept. 1). Frankly, as avenues go, 39th is a mess, and naming it after someone to 'honor' them is almost insulting. Do farm workers represent endless potholes and red lights and sidewalks that are too narrow? If anyone, it should be named after Joan of Arc, but that wouldn't be fair to her. She's the only glittering presence along the length. But Portland aspires to be the capital of identity politics, and I guess it is important to 'honor' some group or other by naming a street after them. And change a few hundred street signs. Matt Kallio, Portland