https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xODMzazPsxDdtJPCWobUxiVrapi2jTsK4T6gzm8Uun4/edit?usp=sharing
RESOLUTION No:
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING THE RENAMING OF
“Squaw” Valley to “Bear Mountain” Valley
WHEREAS, "Squaw Valley" is a census-designated place located in Fresno County, California, United States of America (zip codes 93646 & 93675); and
WHEREAS, The stated “Vision” of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors is “working together for a quality of life for all”; and
WHEREAS, A guiding principle of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors is “Respecting Diversity” - “Respecting and embracing ethnic and cultural diversity”; and
WHEREAS, The rippling negative impact of the word “Squaw” used for geographic naming adversely affects residents throughout Fresno County; and
WHEREAS, The word “Squaw” is widely received and regarded by both Native American and Non-Native American communities as sexually offensive and derogatory; and
WHEREAS, Even if unintentional, the current name is harmful, as names help form our identities; and
WHEREAS, Renaming eliminates further intergenerational trauma inflicted with its utilization; and
WHEREAS, The United States Forest Service (Pacific Southwest Region) has issued a policy declaring the name to be derogatory and unfit for geographic naming; and
WHEREAS, The United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN) has previously recommended the removal of the same nomenclature assigned to other American geographic sites; and
WHEREAS, “Bear Mountain” is a known established alternate name referenced, embraced, and supported by residents; and
WHEREAS, The proximity of “Bear Mountain” (93657) to the valley exhibits a deep existing history between the proposed name and residents; and
WHEREAS, The naming of “Bear Mountain” library signifies a proud existing relationship between the proposed name and residents; and
WHEREAS, “Bear Mountain” pride is reflected in local merchants employment of it as their company name; and
WHEREAS, “Bear Mountain Valley” is the prevailing suggested replacement name expressed by current S-Valley residents; and
WHEREAS, The Fresno County Board of Supervisors has authority to rename “Squaw” Valley.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FRESNO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS supports enabling legislation that would authorize the renaming of “Squaw Valley” to “Bear Mountain Valley.” ADOPTED by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors this ?th day of ?, 2021.