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S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) Supports Peak Drive as new name. Expressed concern over updating addresses and potential cost Called to request web meeting registration details. Staff sent those on July 23 Greetings, I would like to share two points regarding the proposed renaming of streets: 1.) Based on discussion with City Council representatives, I have confirmed this is a response to racial justice demonstrations in Phoenix. Changing a street name does nothing to address this problem. I urge you to not confuse doing something for doing the right thing. As leaders of the community it is incumbent upon you to identify causes of racism and address them. This isn't easy an easy problem to solve so don't be enticed to take easy actions. 2.) The process for renaming is unfair to the residents. The vote taken at the July 1 City Council meeting was done without reaching out to us residents. The scheduled meetings for public comment are open to all which can drown out the residents' opinions. Yet, you have called a special meeting giving the supposed offended group a special opportunity to be heard. I live on Squaw Peak Dr. 2 items: 1. I am NOT in support of changing the name. We have asked the City Council directly for their plan to improve racial inequality in our city, and the response was we are renaming a street. They admitted this is not part of any comprehensive solution. Their time, effort and resources should be spent on solving the real issue. This is a symbolic gesture that solves nothing. I want the City Council to know The City of Phoenix deserves better, and I am holding them accountable for real solutions. 2. Should the renaming move forward, Given these tense times, A generic name that is NOT linked to any ethnicity, Or particular Tribe, would be the prudent choice. Peak Drive, Sunset Drive or Iron Mountain Drive would All preserve at least a shred of our valuable history. Under NO circumstances am I in favor of anything with the name Piestewa in it. Thank you for your consideration. If the mayor and city council vote to force the renaming of Squaw Peak Drive, I would propose the following names for the reasons noted below (in addition to the fact they do not appear on the list of current PHOENIX street names found online and are easy to pronounce, write, and spell): Questioned whether the word actually is offensive. She requested a desert-themed name if the name is to be changed. Request for links to web resources and meeting details Supports renaming Squaw Peak Drive Request for meeting registration details. No comments given Where is the proof that the word “Squaw” was ever a derogatory term until a particular newspaper publisher decided to gain attention/sales and then started a campaign which led to all other team mascots being “derogatory!” I will not buy into erasing my Native American heritage! Before you know it, “Native American, American Indian,” Aqua Caliente, Tucson, Santa Fe,” etc. will be deemed derogatory!!! As for Robert E. Lee’s name, I refuse to be a part of erasing our history. I refuse the kool-aid!!! I don't live on either street names, just a City resident for 48 years. Is this really the best use for City taxes? City budgets are severely strained now, especially with Covid-19. I am sensitive to the names but should this be phased in over time after the virus is controlled? Don't need a return response just you consideration for the City budget. I am not in favor of renaming Squaw Peak Drive. Though I respect the Native American community, even the Native American community is not in agreement regarding whether or not “squaw” is a derogatory term (see 3/23/2017 article Attachment C S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) As a homeowner near the base of Piestewa Peak for 30 years, a frequent hiker of the mountain, and Coordinator of the annual March 23 Piestewa Fallen Heroes Sunrise Service in the park, I urge City Council to change the name of “Squaw Peak Drive” to “Piestewa Peak Drive.” The name “Piestewa Peak Drive” would give the street a very meaningful name which would honor Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die for our Country in overseas combat. It would also honor all our military heroes and recognize that this Country and the freedoms we enjoy today are made possible only through their courageous sacrifices. This is the focus of our annual sunrise service at Piestewa Peak. A very important part of Lori’s dedication sign at the summit trailhead states that “By recognizing one hero, we honor all military heroes and raise public awareness that regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, we all come together to defend our homeland.” This public street has always been named after the mountain as it is the only road that leads directly to Piestewa Peak. It has been directly tied in to the prominence of the mountain and has served as a landmark that helps show visitors where to turn and how to get to Piestewa Peak. Renaming the street “Piestewa Peak Drive” would be the proper thing to do. The name of the road was not changed when the mountain’s name was changed because there was a different process for renaming streets. As a result, Squaw Peak Drive has continued to carry a name deemed derogatory and offensive towards Native Americans. It is a glaring inconsistency with the city’s proud Point of Pride designation of Piestewa Peak in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and with the city’s position as a great all-inclusive city. As a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) District 1 (Maricopa County, Arizona) I strongly support renaming the Squaw Peak Drive to LORI PIESTEWA DRIVE. AS A SOLDIER AND FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN to die in combat, it is appropriate to name the Drive in her name. So again rename the drive to LORI PIESTEWA DRIVE. My family has resided in Phoenix for more than 50 years, the past 20 years in a home near the base of Piestewa Peak Mountain. As one of the original members of the Arizona Piestewa Committee, I herewith join the many others who recommend changing the name of "Sqyaw Peak Drive" to "PIESTEWA PEAK DRIVE", as reflected in the three main reasons documented and submitted to the Phoenix City Council by the "Arizona For Piestewa Committee". To be clear, it was not just co-incidental that "INDIAN SCHOOL ROAD" was given its name because it was the only road leading directly to the historic Indian School campus. Likewise, it was not co-incidental that phoenix's "CENTRAL AVENUE" was given its name because it was the only central street which divides the east side of Phoenix from the west side of Phoenix. Hence, the public street leading to the Piestewa Peak Mountain should be named after the mountain, as it is the only road/street that leads directly to Piestewa Peak Mountain. It's always good to give name to a street that has meaning. So many have died for the freedom we have today. Respectfully submitted, Jesse J. Ary; Realtor, HOMESMART, INC. Former Member; Phoenix Community Development Block Grant Commission Former Member; Arizona State Board of Education Former Member; Governor's African American Advisory Council Former Member; Phoenix Human Relations Commission Former Executive Director; Phoenix Downtown Y.M.C.A. Former Arizona Department of Education Liaison; to the Arizona State Senate 2020 City of Phoenix, Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr./Honorable Calvin C. Goode, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Awardee Please consider renaming Squaw Peak Drive to PIESTEWA PEAK DRIVE. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) Proposes Iron Mountain, traditional name for the peak from the O'odham people and use the O'odham name “Vainom Do’ag.” Martin Harvier, President, Salt River Pima Maricopa Community Overdue action to remove hurtful, racist name. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community As "Old Country Doctor Grandpa" my commendation response to your proposed derogatory Street Name Change near "Piestewa Peak" is as follows: As you plan for the new name for the road leading to the already re-named Piestewa Peak Tourist attraction, replacing the derogatory "Squaw Peak" name, Commendations go to the Piestewa Family, the continuing Piestewa Memorial Committee, the past Legislative action of the Arizona Legislature and the very supportive Governor Janet Napolitano. All are to be highly commended for their past name change role achievements. You, of the Phoenix City Council are also to be highly commended for your current follow-up Leadership, which will hopefully lead to the logically proposed nearby street name revision to become: "Piestewa Peak Drive." This proposed new name makes a very helpful non- derogatory guidance connection linkage name from the Street leading to the Peak for those seeking to reach their Piestewa Peak visitation destination. Why do I feel so strongly as "Old Country Doctor Grandpa" on this name change issue? In all my long Family Physician action life of 62 years working with many Native American Tribal Nations, since 1958, it is very impressive that: I have Never heard a Native American personally refer to another Native American Woman as a "SQUAW." !!! The most appropriate and logical name for the street is Piestewa Peak Drive. This is the only road leading to Piestewa Peak, and serves as a landmark to show visitors where to turn. Squaw Peak Drive is derogatory and offensive to Native Americans. Please consider the name change. I’ve lived in Phoenix since 1974. I’ve hiked Piestewa Peak for years until it got so crowded. The street leading to Peak has reflected the name of the peak. Yet Squaw is not a friendly name to our Native American Indians. I grew up in Oklahoma with 51 American Tribes. We were taught the culture history of the Native American Indians. I feel that when Squaw was changed to honor Lori Piestwesa in 2003/4 the street leading to the peak ought have been changed as well. So for years it’s been a conflict. It’s time to respect our Native American Indian culture and match the the street name with the peak name Piestwesa Peak Dr Piestwesa Dr. And while on the subject Robert E Lee was president of the confederacy and since we are a unified nation. This name needs to change also. Unity Street Unified Street. My Dads family came to US in 1652 in Maryland most fought Missouri both sides I’m sure. The Upchurch came in 1635 to Jamestown then North Carolina I’m sure confederate side but once the Civil war came to an end. Both families have served in military over the years. So what do you name a street with such history of a man. Patriot Street, Drive Lane Place think of the Revolutionary time in our country. Yes many of our leaders had slaves. It’s our history neither right wrong just a strong believe Federal was not good g to rule the states. Decisions kind like today. How about naming the street after Michael Williams killed March 23 2003 Same day as Lori Piestwesa. Or another hero police officer fireman Good Luck it’s time to look at what we name sites streets to reflect respect for all cultures and races. Squaw Peak Drive is very derogatory to American Indians. Does no one remember how Squaw Peak Mountain and Squaw Peak freeway had to be renamed because the word Squaw is offensive???? I think renaming Squaw Peak Rd to Piestewa Peak is in the best interest of our city. It is also a safe and easy way to find Piestewa Peak. I Am proud of our city for recognizing appropriate times to make important changes. E-mail to indicate in favor of renaming I ask that you to strongly consider changing the street name Squaw Peak Drive to Piestewa. I think it would be the right thing to do, and a great show of respect for our Native American and military families. Left a voicemail requesting the name of the street be changed to Piestewa Drive. Resident left a voicemail with e-mail address requesting meeting registration information. Staff e-mail meeting registration links on July 27. Comment added to record e-mail in favor or renaming Piestewa Peak Drive has my vote. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) Supports renaming the street to honor our veterans. Supports renaming the street to Piestewa Peak Drive. In 2017 when the Mayor and City Council brought up the issue of changing the name of Squaw Peak Dr, the process was that if the majority of the residents opposed the name change it would not be done. Well, to the dismay of the Mayor and City Council that happened. So the process was intentionally changed by the Mayor and city council to side-step the residents and cut them out of the process. I was under the impression, and it seems mistakenly, that government officials serve the people not dictate. Recently a sign facing the Lincoln Dr traffic was placed close to the intersection of Lincoln Dr and Squaw Peak Dr with info about the name change and dates for this hearing. This was not done in 2017. It seems the Mayor and City Council is doing it’s best to rub the name change process in the faces of the residents in trying to drum up support for their cause. I have lived on Squaw Peak Dr for 10 years and in that 10 years I have never had anyone complain to me about the name of our street. In instances where I have needed to give my address to someone, why is it that they almost always asked me to spell it? Maybe it’s because it has no significant meaning to them and or they have never even heard the name before. As home owners and tax payers it is quite upsetting that those who have no financial investment in a home or pay taxes to live on our street have more say than this street’s residents do. Instead of doing something really meaningful that could possibly be life changing and have a permanent impact on a specific community as in this case the Native Americans, what do you do? You changed a street name! Wow! That’s one for the history books! This action really helped a lot of people in need right???? I am sorry but it feels more like pandering to me. Throw them a bone and hope they go away until it’s election time again. I strongly disapprove of the derogatory name of "squaw". I strongly agree that Phoenix rename the Drive to Piestewa Drive. I am happy to hear that Phoenix is seriously considering changing the name of this street to match the official name of Piestewa Peak. I am very aware of the controversy involved. I taught at Tuba City high school for over two decades, and am good friends with the Piestewa family; in fact, even had Lori in a class briefly. I was at her memorial service in Tuba City and talked directly with Lori's oldest brother Wayland about the meeting they earlier had that day with the Governor when she announced the planned name change. Of course, it's the Hopi way to be courteous and deferential to any guest (esp. the Az. governor)..Wayland had told me they appreciated the honor to his sister but had also commented that they desired the honor to be for ALL veterans...... Later, he told me that they were upset because so many had politicized the name change, and they just wanted unity. ... This is also the idea behind the yearly honoring they have around March 22 at Piestewa Peak; while it revolves around Lori, they also honor many other veterans at the ceremony. The Piestewa name is much more honorable and deserves to preserve the contributions of Arizona veterans for years to come (Lori was half Hopi and half Mexican). The squaw peak name will always be controversial. Native Americans you conslt will be almost as split on this as "redskins".....but from the white perspective, the word "squaw" itself implies "possession" of a woman. And in at least one of the Iroquois languages it refers to a "vagina." Given today's climate, it makes a great deal of sense to be objective and rename the street Piestewa Peak drive ..... and not dwell on decades old stereotypical slang that disrespects Arizona's indigenous people. I hike Piestewa Peak and area daily--it's not far away and gives me a chance to honor the Piestewa family I would welcome the opportunity to travel up the street with that most honorable name. Please practice respect for the American (Native) people. Thank you. I think SRP-MIC & GRIC NEED to be at the center of this renaming of a mountain in THEIR homeland. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) The last time the Mayor and the City Council tried changing the name of Squaw Peak Drive, a local news anchor, John Hook from Channel 10, solicited comments from the public on his Facebook page. He got over 200 responses, and an OVERWHELMING NUMBER DID NOT SUPPORT CHANGING THE NAME OF SQUAW PEAK DRIVE. Only 2 out of more than 200 responses agreed with the name being changed. The general public does not agree with bothering with this name change and thinks the Council’s time and energy should be better spent on more important issues. I am deeply disappointed that we have come to this point in our lives where we must accommodate the few, the loud and the rude because they are offended by a commonly used named throughout history. It wasn’t without controversy that Squaw Peak was renamed to Piestewa Peak in 2003. Fast forward to 2020 and here we are “sanitizing our history to make a group of people feel better”. So, let’s make this change to Squaw Peak Drive a powerful one that honors the life of a native son. Charles H. Keating, IV, the first Navy SEAL from Phoenix and the state, to be killed. Charlie, as he is often referred to, was killed in Iraq on May 3, 2016 serving during Operation Inherent Resolve, at the age of 31. As part of a quick-response force mission to aid American troops under attack, he became the third American service member to die fighting the Islamic State group. Charlie was born and raised in Phoenix, graduated from Arcadia High School and could frequently be found hiking or running the trails of Piestewa Peak. There is so much more to tell, and for that reason, there are several of us that would be happy to make a presentation to the City Council regarding this amazing young man and why it is the right thing to do in naming Squaw Peak Drive in honor of him. For additional information, please see the following: https://c4foundation.org/; https://www.navytimes.com/news/your- navy/2016/05/03/navy-seal-killed-by-isis-fire-in-iraq-identified/; https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Charles+Keating+IV+Death+Video&ru=%2fvideos%2fsearch%3fq%3dCharles%2 bKeating%2bIV%2bDeath%2bVideo%26FORM%3dVDMHRS&view=detail&mid=6BC44B8106EFCCABEED06BC44B8106EFC CABEED0&rvsmid=66B7D176420D2DFA2B7F66B7D176420D2DFA2B7F&FORM=VDQVAP You should also rename Indian School Road. The “Indian schools’” primary purpose was to assimilate native Americans children into white culture, erasing their identities. I am for renaming the Squaw Peak Dr. So, just to clarify…We are expected to change the name of Squaw Peak Drive while the Native Americans still perform the SQUAW DANCE (their name, not ours) as part of their religious ceremonies and they still make SQUAW BREAD?! What’s wrong with this picture? The Mayor, City Council, and Squaw Peak Drive residents are being held hostage by a small, but vocal group who don’t necessarily speak for the entire First Nation. If the tribes really felt it was so demeaning of their women, they would not continue to use the name in their own ceremonies and other aspects of their culture, especially since many of the tribes in Arizona are matriarchal/matrilineal societies; e.g., Navajo, Hopi, or matrilineal; e.g., Pima. If this issue had any real merit, the Native Americans should first deal with it in their own ceremonies and culture before expecting others to do the same. One can be named after the Peak. The other, how about Lincoln Ragsdale - after my old neighbor who was a Tuskegee Airman! To Whom it May Concern: I am not for renaming the streets, parks, or anything else in Phoenix. My belief is that there are more important things to be worried about other than worrying about names of the things in Phoenix. I do not believe that it is offensive and I feel it was offensive to rename Squaw Peak...and to this day we that are natives will always call it Squaw Peak. Here is a link that I found that explains how things got their name and what it means. https://press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/534650.html The world has become offended by almost everything, so why not take time and sit back and let things take it's course. Everyone that I talk to is not offended and think that there's more important issues at hand than renaming things so as not offend. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) I would like to know why Phoenix Department of Planning & Development has jumped on the stupid train, there is nothing wrong with the name Squaw Peak Drive, it is not derogatory in any way shape or form. Squaw is the name of a female Indian woman by many tribes, my daughter in-law is 100% Native American and grew up on the Yakima Reservation and is very proud of her heritage and is one of the very few who still speak the native language. People have got to stop being such big babies, and saying everything is offensive to them, learn diversity and stop conforming to others beliefs. It's okay to be different and think different, that's how it's supposed to be. And we are supposed to learn from each other and love each other. It makes no sense to change a street name that is called Squaw Peak Drive because some "one" person might be offended, yet we keep all the rap music on the radio that totally blasts every kind of person out there and has the F word every other word- and that's okay to keep on the radio? Do you see the idiocy in this? And you are playing right into it. To: Mayor Gallego and City Council Members DON’T CONFUSE THE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY’S CONCERN ABOUT GETTING RID OF THE “DEROGATORY” STREET NAME SQUAW PEAK DRIVE WITH THEIR FERVENT DESIRE AND PUSH TO GOAD YOU INTO GETTING THE STREET RENAMED PIESTEWA PEAK DRIVE. It’s very apparent that is their underlying goal. If the street must be renamed, that is one thing, but it doesn’t need to be Piestewa Peak Drive to solve the problem! A mountain, freeway, and park already have Piestewa’s name. She has been very well honored. Enough is enough!!! To: Mayor Gallego, Councilman Sal DiCiccio, Mario Paniagua Last night in the August 5th Squaw Peak Drive street renaming meeting, Mario Paniagua responded in reference to a question as to why Squawbush Place was not also targeted for a name change since it has the supposed derogatory name “squaw” in it. We were told that because the name comes from the Squawbush, a shrub plant, the word “squaw” is not considered derogatory. But the word “squaw” in Squaw Peak Dr. is derogatory? How interesting! So, the word “bush” nullifies the derogatory meaning of “squaw” but the word “peak” does not. Do you know how stupid and lame that sounds?? Especially since the Collins Dictionary online indicates that the word’s origin is so called from its use of the plant by Native Americans. If the Native Americans are not interested in the renaming of Squawbush Place also, how is there any validity in their claim in wanting to change the name of Squaw Peak Dr.? Let’s explore the meaning of what a double standard is: Definition - A double standard is the application of different sets of principles for situations that are, in principle, the same. It is often used to describe treatment whereby one group is given more latitude than another. We were fed a proverbial line of BULL! One name is derogatory but the other is not?? You can’t have it both ways. It’s either both names are derogatory or both names are not. So honestly, it’s all about getting Piestewa’s name on the street. From what I have heard in these meetings the consensus is in, and the residents will have no real say in the name. The Native Americans want Piestewa Peak Dr and that’s what you have intended to give them all along. You are even giving them their own separate meeting on August 11th, although the City’s street renaming policy only mentions the need for two meetings for residents. Why the special treatment? Do German Americans get a separate meeting? Do Italian Americans get a separate meeting? Do geologists who are concerned that it is called a “peak” and not a “mountain” get a separate meeting? The Mayor and Council’s intent is pretty clear. The meetings are just smoke and mirrors. You all are just running cover. It’s pretty clear that the decision is a done deal. You say the decision won’t be until September. But all the explanations on how you will assist residents is a dead giveaway as to how this all will go. One Native American man last night thought that the word “squaw” had been taken out of most of the tribal ceremonies. etc. Tribal leaders better start checking their web sites and other written articles online. Because Squaw Dance, Squaw Bread and Squaw Dance music can easily be found on Native American run sites. There are explanations of the ceremonies, articles and Squaw Dance music that can be ordered. One lady read a definition of “squaw” that said it was a derogatory word towards Native American women. I found the Webster Dictionary’s definition to say American Indian woman or wife. So yes, you can find varying opinions and definitions. As one article said, the jury is still out on this issue. What is totally frustrating is the fact that residents have paid a premium for their property to live in the area adjacent to the preserve. And pay taxes to that affect. And put up with the huge volume of traffic on our street, most of which is speeding to and from the park. And we are told that outsiders that do not live or have a financial investment on this street and neighborhood can come in and dictate their wishes on us and we have no say. [Well, you pretend to give us a say, but it appears it will be for nothing.] Honestly, would they like an outsider coming in and doing the same to them on their street and neighborhood? I think not! Is our little street expected to pay the “price” for the early settlers encroaching on Native American’s land? It appears that is the case. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING NAMES IF SQUAW PEAK DRIVE MUST BE RENAMED: MOUNTAIN PASS SUNSET PLACE DESERT SUNSET DR. DESERT SAGE DR. I have lived here all my life a Native Arizona I DO NOT WANT AND I REPEAT I do not want the name to change from Squaw Peak Drive. This is the most stupid thing you all have done in years. Why oh Why can't you just leave history along. I RTEPEAT DO NOT CHANGE THE NAME. I am a member of the Navajo Tribe that has lived in the Vally for over 20 years. Im very in favor of renaming the street. I really think that the “s” word needs to be changed for the sake of our children and generations coming up. This derogatory term is from long ago. For the sake of our Native women, this is a disrespectful name. Let’s change this to honor a fallen American Hero. I have lived in Arizona all my life. I love Arizona. I have a great respect for our Native Americans. The word Squaw is a slur, as I'm sure you know. With the renaming of the Peak, we have an opportunity to honor our Native heritage, as well as the first Native American female to fall in service to our country. As I said, I love our state. We can make it even better with changing the street name to fit the mountain name. As Terry Piestewa (Lori's father said, "This is our(community) mountain." Renaming the street would complete a great honor to our Native Americans, our military service and Arizona's heritage. The good far outweighs the bad. Thank you for your consideration--Ray Powell Good afternoon, My name is , President of Lulac Council 1191. I am also Latina and my ancestors are from the Tarahumara Tribe in Chihuahua, Mexico. I am also a Native to Arizona and have lived here all of my life. I am certain that many of you in this council are aware of the historical facts and the dynamics of this state in regards to communities of color and our Indigenous communities. We also know that our veterans sometimes do not have the appropriate resources and the health care they deserve. We can never compensate our veterans enough for being in the front lines so that all of us who are not are peacefully at home. Naming the street "Piestewa Peak Drive" would honor, Lori Piestewa and also all of our veteran and military heroes. This would be an act from The City of Phoenix to express appreciation towards courageous men and women who represent us not only as a state but also as a diverse nation. I have to also say that I find the S name of this street demeaning and offensive to Native American women. I am uncertain as to why there is even a debate happening regarding this word when most of you on this panel are aware of the atrocities committed against our Indigenous brothers and sisters. The name change is important as to also raise awareness that using terms that are offensive to Phoenix residents does not represent the City of Phoenix. On a positive note the name change will help visitors to know where to turn and how to get to Piestewa Peak . With this I thank you in advance for your time and have a wonderful day. I'm writing in strong support for renaming both Squaw Peak Drive and Robert E. Lee Street. Native friends have told me for years that the word squaw (it bothers me to even type it), is considered offensive. I was thrilled when Piestewa Peak itself was renamed! I was so proud that our Arizona and Phoenix were acting in good faith for ALL their residents. The access drive to the peak parking lot now needs to be renamed, too. I favor Piestewa Peak (Rd, St, Dr, whatever) for consistency. I was flabbergasted to learn that there's a street in Phoenix named after the top general of the confederacy! Why here? Why would we honor a symbol of white supremacy? It's shameful, and that street should be renamed as well. Thank you for this opportunity to provide input on these issues. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) I am a senior citizen and grew up in Phoenix. I have lived in the Phoenix valley area since October 1957. I find it very difficult to start changing the names of so many things. I was born in Columbus, Ohio...some people want to rename my birthplace. However, since I do live here in the Phoenix area I want to comment on renaming Squaw Peck Drive. I do come to this section of town often. I wish you would just leave the name alone. However, since Phoenix has decided to change the name, please name it something I can pronounce and spell. Peak Drive, Mountain Peak Drive, Desert Peak Drive are my suggestions. Thank you...if you have read my comment First, I will not be able to join the online meeting but, I feel my comment is important and does support the name change of S**** Peak to Piestewa Peak Drive in honor of a fallen female Warrior. In the Navajo culture and tradition babies are given spiritual names in addition to their American name. The traditional name given to the female is "Bah" which is given in great regard that women are Life Givers and protectors of life which is observed with integrity and great respect. She is the female Warrior, the foundation of her clan. With this teaching in mind I submit that this peak is renamed and honored with Piestewa Peak Drive. If you still plan to force changing the name of Squaw Peak Drive, please choose from one of these names: MOUNTAIN PASS; DESERT SUNSET DR.; DESERT SAGE DR.; SUNSET PLACE; I’m a long-time resident of Phoenix and do not want anything else named Piestewa! The current name for the street S**** Peak Drive is VERY offensive to Native Americans and would like to see it changed to Piestewa Peak Dr. The street leads to the mountain and so it only makes sense to change it to Piestewa Peak Dr. Please consider and thank you! The current name for the street S**** Peak Drive is very belittling to the Native American women and the Mountain has already been changed to Piestewa Peak therefore the street should be change in honor of the mountain and the hero that it is named after who gave her ALL for our freedom. Thank you for considering this. I am Dine, an indigenous woman of the Navajo. I fully support the name change of this street. In my family and community the S-word is one of the worst words one can use. It is regarded as worse than four letter words because it is was a term used historically to justify the rape, kidnap, and traumatization of indigenous women and children. It is a dehumanizing term. It is toxic and has no place being used to usher people into a community, especially one that stands adjacent to a landmark named in honor of an indigenous woman warrior. Anytime this term is used it perpetuates terrible acts used against indigenous women and children today – the same indigenous community members who are going missing and found murdered in the thousands every year. Reading this term on a street sign is not passive – it incites recent memories of pain, trauma, and the core of genocide. It glorifies horrendous acts and is not a word I want to see on any sign signifying a community in this valley. This community needs signage that reflects a community of integrity, one that honors the land it stands on – that which was built on the original territory of indigenous tribes, and that tells the world it is taking a stance against usage of terms that harm others. I urge the council to change the name of the street to Piestewa Peak Drive and am relieved to know that the council will take on costs of this renaming process. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) TO THE NATIVE AMERICANS: If your goal was to change the street name to remove a name you believe is offensive, you have likely achieved that goal since the mayor and city council have started the renaming process. Once this is done, for most of you and others who OCCASIONALLY drive down this street on the way to the Park, the name issue will be forgotten in a heartbeat, but for residents of this tiny street, we must deal with the name ON A DAILY BASIS FROM NOW ON. --- So now let the residents, who will be dealing with the name every time they must give out their address to someone when placing a mail order, or arranging for in-home service, or paying bills, and a myriad of other things, let them choose a street name that they are comfortable with. --- You’ve made it clear that you want the name to be Piestewa Peak Drive (which may have been your real intention to start with). But Lori has already been honored in at least 3 ways here in Phoenix, once on the Hopi Reservation, and in many other places around the United States. Tagging yet another item with the Piestewa name is not necessary to see that she has been honored and it will only cause confusion, not only because of the Piestewa Freeway that is just blocks away, but also because it is hard to spell and hard to pronounce. Of course, it also DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS listed in the City’s Street Renaming Policy. --- I realize many of you on this call probably live in the metro-Phoenix area, but I’m sure still have ties to your reservation. We don’t tell you what to name your streets or roads on your reservation, so just as we have compassion for your past history (yes, we really do), have a little compassion for us and let us choose any new name. --- TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS: We , the residents, DID NOT name this street. Though there is still reason to question whether the name needs to be changed, please don’t use our little street as the token to pay the “price” for the early settlers encroaching on Native American’s land, or because Native Americans think we were inappropriately defining the word “squaw” to mean something other than what dictionaries ORIGINALLY said was the stated definition of the word, which was not derogatory. LET US CHOOSE THE NEW NAME FOR THE STREET, WHICH NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING OTHER THAN PIESTEWA. LORI PIESTEWA HAS BEEN HONORED IN MANY WAYS THROUGHOUT ARIZONA AND THE U.S. WE DO NOT NEED TO NAME A STREET AFTER HER…THE CITY OF PHOENIX HAS ALREADY SHOWN RESPECT AND APPRECIATION IN NUMEROUS WAYS FOR HER SACRIFICE. SHE HAS ALREADY BEEN HONORED AS FOLLOWS: XXXX [1] Arizona's state government renamed Squaw Peak in the Phoenix Mountains near Phoenix as Piestewa Peak and this was codified by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names on April 10, 2008;XXXX [2] The freeway that passes near this mountain was also renamed in her honor. XXXX In addition, Senator Tom Daschle honored her, as did Indian Nations across the United States. XXXX Since her death, the Grand Canyon State Games organizers have held an annual Lori Piestewa National Native American Games, which brings participants from across the country. XXXX A plaque bearing her name is also located at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and Fort Bliss, Texas. XXXX She has also been memorialized with a plaque and ceremony at Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, California. XXXX On November 10, 2011, American Legion Post No. 80 on the Hopi Reservation was renamed the Lori Piestewa Post # 80. XXXX On November 30, 2011, the Directorate of Training Sustainment headquarters at Fort Benning, Georgia was named Piestewa Hall in her honor. XXXX Her death led to a rare joint prayer gathering between members of the Hopi and Navajo tribes, which have had a centuries-old rivalry. XXXX In May 2005, Piestewa's parents and children had a brand-new home built by Ty Pennington and his crew on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition accompanied by Jessica Lynch. They also built a new veterans' center on the Navajo reservation. XXXX In 2018, Piestewa became one of the inductees in the first induction ceremony held by the National Native American Hall of Fame. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) If your decision is to change the name of Squaw Peak Drive, please consider the following for the name of our street. They do not appear to exist in Phoenix: FOOTHILLS WAY or FOOTHILLS ST. (VERY fitting for the area at the base of the mountains); GATEWAY PASS (the street serves as a gateway to the park and preserve); IRONWOOD PLACE (fits in nicely with the desert area and the nearby Ocotillo Rd.); MOUNTAIN TRAIL or MOUNTAIN TRAIL DR. (descriptive of the short route up to the hiking trails); HILL STREET (we’re at the base of the peak); AMERICAN WAY (needs no explanation); COYOTE CROSSING (we do see them crossing this area). To Mayor and City Council: If you force the name change for Squaw Peak Drive, please choose from one of these names: IRONWOOD PLACE; FOOTHILLS WAY or FOOTHILLS ST.; HILL STREET; GATEWAY PASS; MOUNTAIN TRAIL or MOUNTAIN TRAIL DR.; AMERICAN WAY; COYOTE CROSSING. These meetings over the past few weeks are nothing more than optics. THE DECISION HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL!. The statement being said that IF they decide to do the name change it will be made in September is false. There is no IF, they WILL do it. What better optics for an election year. This will be decided before the election. Regardless of your view on whether the name should be changed or not, we have been used as political pawns. Politically it will look great in the news. VOTES! Appease the Native American community so they will vote for you. Too few residents of the street to be concerned about their votes. There are two other streets in the metro area that also have the word “squaw” in them, but are being ignored. One is supposedly a private street in the Biltmore area named Squaw Peak Circle and the other not a private street, Squawbush Dr in the metro area. Mario in last week’s meeting said that the city supposedly has no jurisdiction over the private street to change its name even though the development is within the city and likely receives city services. If you look at the City’s Naming Process document for streets, it states that the City’s Planning and Development Department staff “works with developer to revise names when necessary”. So it appears the city DOES have jurisdiction (and responsibility) to change the name of Squaw Peak Circle if Squaw is derogatory. He also said that because Squawbush Dr was named after a bush it did not fall into the category of being derogatory. Excuse me! Double standard!!! The squaw bush or squaw berry bush. The Native Americans used the squaw berry primarily as a medicine. This is from an article in the American Indian health and diet project. It got its name back in the early 1800s because it was used by Native Americans. I’m not attacking Mario, I am just stating what my understanding is of what he referenced as the city’s excuse for why these streets are not also targeted. In all three city meetings on this issue there were roughly 37 call ins total between all three meetings. I am sure there have been some write in comments also. But in a city with a population of roughly 1.7 million people, that’s a meager consensus of Phoenicians’ opinions on this issue. But then again it was not widely published, probably because of the fire storm that then Governor Janet Napolitano started when she decided she had the power to go against policy and change the name of the peak when she knew she was over stepping her authority So other streets with the name “squaw” in it get a pass but our street does not because of the peak. I assume the other streets are not “high profile” enough. No optics! We are being muscled out of the process a second time. What this is all about is making sure the street name is Piestewa. YOU EITHER CHANGE ALL THREE STREET NAMES OR NONE! This is a beautiful area to live in. The residents paid a premium for their property to live in this area and pay taxes to that effect. We also put up with the high volume of cars RACING up the street to get to and from the park and at times the overflow of cars parking on the street from the park with driveways being obstructed and making exiting driveways difficult and hazardous. Some weeks we have multiple days with emergency vehicles (average of 7 Fire Department trucks for each emergency) running up to the park sometimes multiple times a day. So, I feel since it seems this name change will happen, the street’s residents who must deal with the name from now on should have the say as to what the name should be and NOT outsiders who PERIODICALLY visit the park. S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) I live on Squaw Peak Dr and my husband and I attended all 3 public meetings. After the 3rd meeting It struck me that there is a planned narrative from all of those that support the name change. Over the 3 meetings all but 3 speakers immediately followed their comment, that they found Squaw offensive, with “and I want the street name Piestewa Drive”. This is NOT an issue of Squaw being offensive, but rather an initiate to get the street name changed to Piestewa (the poor attendance At the 3rd meeting for just the Indian community And the 1,147 business in Arizona with the word Squaw in their name, supports this theory) I BEG you do not give in to a small minority and change my street name. And I expect you to give deference to those that actually LIVE on the street. Keeping our history intact is important to me. But if you do, please, PLEASE do not change it to include Piestawa. It’s too long, no one knows how to spell it, And I find it offensive in that it only recognizes one faction of our diverse society. Lori Piestewa has a mountain, a park and a freeway named after her. Let that be enough. My vote If you do not have enough integrity to keep the name the same - Peak Drive Thank you for your consideration. The original renaming of Squaw Peak was done illegally [ignored federal regulations] by former mayor Janet Napolitano. In 2017, Phoenix City Council went against the area’s residents who followed city policy and obtained more than a 75% majority of homeowners who wished to keep the current street name, so the council changed the policy, eliminating further the rights of the citizens. If street name is to be changed now, area residents should have the right to propose names and select the name to be used for renaming. Choice of names should not be at the whim of the Council. “Piestewa Peak Drive” does not meet the city’s own criteria in their revised street naming policy which states “names should be short, easy to pronounce, easy to spell” and “be sufficiently distinct from existing street names”. This would put Piestewa Peak Drive just blocks away from the existing Piestewa Freeway. Choose a different name to avoid confusion. Lori Piestewa has already been appropriately honored with the renaming of the mountain, park, and freeway. I QUESTION THE NEED TO CHANGE THE NAME OF SQUAW PEAK DRIVE SINCE: There is NO CONSENSUS among the Native American community regarding whether or not “squaw” is offensive. For example: •Read the March 2017 arƟcle in Indian Country Today Ɵtled “Squaw” Offensive or Not – The Jury Is SƟll Out. •The Dine’ (Navajo) sƟll perform the Squaw Dance as part of their religious ceremonies •My hairdresser is a Pima Indian – she hikes the Peak – and says use of “squaw” is not a big deal and thinks all of this is a big waste of Ɵme, energy and money. The proposed name of “Piestewa Peak Drive” does not meet street renaming criteria which requires: •“the name cannot be used anywhere else in the Phoenix metropolitan area” and that S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) I understand why the City of Phoenix wants to rename the street named Squaw Peak Dr. This street was named many years ago before any of the residents owned their property. What I would like the City Council to do is let the property owners, on this short street, have a say in the new name THAT THEY HAVE TO LIVE WITH!I have lived in the Phoenix area for more than 60 years. I attended a Phoenix elementary school, Phoenix high school and Phoenix colleges. I am a Phoenix property owner. I have friends that live on Squaw Peak Drive. It would be such a wonderful gesture to allow the owners on Squaw Peak Drive to rename their street. Have the property owners submit a few names for the city to approve, then have the property owners, that are affected, vote on the final selection. I personally would just drop the word "Squaw" and rename the street "Peak Drive". Make it simple! •“names should be short, easy to pronounce, easy to spell” and •“be sufficiently disƟnct from exisƟng street names” oPiestewa Peak Drive is not a short name, is confusing for many to pronounce and is definitely not easy to spell oIt is also not sufficiently disƟnct from the exisƟng Piestewa Freeway that is only blocks away from the street to be renamed. oGiven these facts, it should be removed from the choice of names to be considered. oThis should not be harmful since Lori Piestewa has been greatly honored by the renaming of the mountain that now has her name, the park that has her name, and the freeway that is also named in her honor. IF name change is forced on residents, •Residents should have right to establish choices for street name •Residents should decide final name that they must live with •Some suggested names include: oSunset Place oMountain Pass oDesert Sage Drive oDesert Sunset Drive. Do outside influences have more rights than the affected residents? It appears so. If city council members are concerned about residents impacted, why did NONE, not even our District 6 councilman Sal DiCiccio participate in the meetings with the residents? How many residents are still unaware of the planned renaming since the post office mail carrier did not make any attempt to actually deliver the certified letters to residents? Even though residents were at home, the mail carrier stuck a post-it note in with the mail in the mailbox saying we need to go to post office to pick up certified letter. I urge the council to re-think this plan. Also, If the word “squaw” is so offensive, are the Native American community representatives that are pressing this issue for our street name…are they also working to remove all of the other uses of the word “squaw” from the Arizona map…places like: In Arizona: Squaw Canyon (Near Tortilla Flat); Squaw Butte (Near Camp Verde and near the Reservation); Squaw Creek Tank (near Squaw Butte); Squaw Mountain ( Near Black Canyon City); Squaw Mountain (Northwest of Flagstaff). S**** Peak Drive Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) Please help restore the dignity and pride of the Native-American culture by taking away this despicable title for a holy, sacred site. In times of the Hohokam when 10 villages and hundreds of miles of canals watered this peaceful Eden this mountain was the Sacred Woman's Mountain, a place to climb and give thanks and blessings for our children, daughters, wives, grandmothers. It remains holy today still a place to free your mind of daily emotional tolls we all deal with, a place to contemplate Mother Nature and all her beauty. Take away this racist, disgraceful slur and restore the respect our city deserves, respect for all and dignity for the oldest culture of our beloved nation. Honoring Confederate Generals demeans the lives lost to preserve our nation, the rebels desperately sought to destroy the government of the people by the people to keep their wealth which relied on the slavery and inhumanity of our fellow human beings trapped and lost in this cruel practice. We should honor those who gave their lives to preserve this nation though imperfect and still evolving to a more just society for all. America still represents freedom and justice, our public statues should present and proudly honor these values so dearly paid for by true patriots. MOUNTAIN PASS or MOUNTAIN PASS PL.; GATEWAY PASS; MOUNTAIN TRAIL or MOUNTAIN TRAIL DR.; FOOTHILLS WAY or FOOTHILLS ST.; SUNSET PLACE; Please choose from one of these street names if the council is dead-set on changing the name of Squaw Peak Drive: DESERT SUNSET DR. or DESERT SUNSET PL.; IRONWOOD PLACE; DESERT SAGE DR. or DESERT SAGE PL.; HILL STREET; AMERICAN WAY; COYOTE CROSSING. In today’s climate, everyone is encouraged to speak out and voice their convictions regarding numerous issues. Considering these actions, it is time to stop disrespecting the indigenous people, particularly those in our native state of Arizona. As an original member of the Piestewa Committee, now known as Piestewa Fallen Heroes Memorial Committee, I stand behind the Native American people and all of those in support of the name change from S**** Peak to Piestewa Peak Drive. As a community, we strive to teach our children to respect and honor each other –let us reflect on this and do the right thing, putting any political issues aside. Together, let us honor the ultimate sacrifice made by Lori Piestewa for this great nation. I am very happy to hear that these streets will be renamed. Squaw Peak was renamed Piestewa Peak nearly 20 years ago, the street rename is long overdue. We should never have had a street named Robert E Lee and renaming that street is even longer overdue. I am grateful to live in a city that is willing to work for a better future for everyone.