In a historic gesture of recognition and cultural respect, the California State Assembly has unanimously passed a bill to rename a significant stretch of Highway 101 in San Jose as the "Little Saigon Freeway." Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, the bill designates the portion of Highway 101 between the Story Road exit and the I-280/680 interchange—just under half a mile in length—for this honor. The renaming serves as a tribute to the vibrant Vietnamese American community of San Jose, which is the largest such population outside of Vietnam.
Kalra emphasized the symbolic value of the location, pointing out that this specific section of the freeway leads directly into the Little Saigon neighborhood in East San Jose. The renaming is expected to create visibility and awareness among travelers and visitors about the significant contributions Vietnamese Americans have made to the city and to California at large. He added that the change will serve as a cultural landmark that highlights San Jose’s diverse social fabric.
The bill, known officially as Assembly Concurrent Resolution 71, still requires approval from the California State Senate. State Senator Dave Cortese will carry it forward in the Senate. Kalra expressed confidence that the bill will proceed smoothly to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk by mid-September. While the legislation itself does not specify the financial implications of installing the new signage, it directs the California Department of Transportation to estimate the cost. Funding is expected to come from nonstate sources such as private donors or local sponsorship.
Among those voicing strong support for the bill is Santa Clara County District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong, the first Vietnamese American to serve on the county’s Board of Supervisors. She noted that renaming this stretch of the highway acknowledges not just the Vietnamese American experience, but the broader immigrant identity of East San Jose. For many, she explained, the Little Saigon neighborhood represents a place where refugees and immigrants planted new roots and began building futures. The community’s growth and integration are seen not only as a story of survival but as one of mutual acceptance and respect.
San Jose District 7 Councilmember Bien Doan, who represents the district encompassing Little Saigon, submitted a formal letter of support during the bill’s discussion in the Assembly. In the letter, he highlighted various efforts to preserve Vietnamese heritage, such as campaigns to include the flag of South Vietnam as an emoji and other commemorative initiatives. He wrote that Little Saigon is more than a neighborhood—it is a cultural and social epicenter for Vietnamese Americans throughout the United States and beyond.
Philip Nguyen, the executive director of the Vietnamese American Roundtable, underscored the emotional resonance and historical significance of the bill. He stated that renaming this stretch of highway in 2025 carries particular meaning as it marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, often referred to as "Black April." This period is a cornerstone of Vietnamese American history, representing both trauma and resilience. Nguyen stressed that the community’s widespread support for the bill speaks volumes about its unifying power and symbolic weight. He viewed it as a step forward in acknowledging the Vietnamese American community's ongoing social, economic, and political impact over the last five decades.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with Assemblymember Tri Ta, who represents parts of Orange County including another Little Saigon in Westminster, serving as the bill’s primary coauthor. Additional coauthors include Assemblymembers Stephanie Nguyen of Elk Grove and Patrick Ahrens of Sunnyvale. Their collective backing reflects the widespread resonance of the proposal beyond San Jose, touching communities with significant Vietnamese American populations throughout the state.
For many in the Vietnamese American diaspora, this proposed renaming of a state highway is more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects the long journey from war-torn beginnings to establishing a permanent and proud place in the cultural and civic landscape of California. The Little Saigon Freeway will stand as a daily reminder of perseverance, contribution, and identity for generations to come.
