Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Portland Planning Commission voted Tuesday in favor of renaming the city's 39th Avenue in memory of the late civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. April Baer reports this is not the final word on the matter.

The Planning Commission vote means Portland City Council will now have the final say. It's not clear exactly when that vote might be. Activists in favor of the renaming said it might happen by early June.

Marta Guembes is a supporter of the renaming, and co-chair of the Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard Committee.

Marta Guembes    "It has been very difficult, it's still very difficult going through this process. Neither has this been easy for the commissioners. Today, right now, I could not assume anything. We really humbly take the vote for 39th."

The Planning Commission vote followed a spirited discussion of the politics of the proposal. Several dozen people turned out, both supporters and opponents of renaming 39th Avenue.

At several times during the meeting, opponents called out their unhappiness with the vote.