Name change

Dear Editor:I was shocked and disturbed to read in The Downey Patriot that residents and city officials pressured a business to change its name. ("Under Pressure, Grocery Store Changes Its Name," 8/18/11) Forcing to change the store's name from El Valu Food to Fresh Mart reeks of racism. As a veteran, it reminds me of 1939 Poland and civil rights issues of the South in the '60s. As stated by Ron Beach in the article, "their offer was the best offer we had. They plan to make it a Hispanic operation." Modern Downey is 70.7 percent Hispanic, according to the 2010 Census. Fresh Mart does not imply it will be a Hispanic operation as El Valu Food would. What is the reason to hide a Hispanic operation? A business that will pay taxes to the city of Downey. Like all cities, Downey is in dire need of revenue. Who had the power, who allowed these residents and city officials, to pressure a group to their demands in a free country? Would they have allowed a store called Mohammed's Market or Wing Lee Market? This is unbelievable. -- Vincent Diaz, Downey

********** Published: August 25, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 19