A little nod to Little Saigon SJ freeway could be named to honor Vietnamese community

The California State Assembly approved a bill to rename a segment of Highway 101 in San Jose as "Little Saigon Freeway," recognizing the contributions of the Vietnamese American community. Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, the bill passed unanimously and reflects the significance of the area, which hosts the largest Vietnamese American population outside Vietnam. Kalra noted that the highway leads into the Little Saigon neighborhood, providing context for visitors about the community's history. Local leaders, including Councilmember Bien Doan and Supervisor Betty Duong, voiced their support, emphasizing the renaming's importance for all immigrant communities in East San Jose. The bill, known as Assembly Concurrent Resolution 71, awaits Senate approval before heading to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk by mid-September.

Funding for the necessary signage will come from nonstate sources, as specified in the bill. Philip Nguyen, executive director of the Vietnamese American Roundtable, highlighted the cultural pride the renaming would instill, especially during the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Concerns about potential immigration raids were also raised, but the overall sentiment remains positive regarding the recognition of the Vietnamese American community's impact.