San Francisco street renamed after Vicha Ratanapakdee

Justice for Vicha

by Akemi Tamanaha, Associate Editor, AsAmNews, October 1, 2022

Over a hundred people gathered in San Francisco’s Anza Vista neighborhood to celebrate a street renaming in honor of Vicha Ratanapakdee, an elderly Asian man who was killed in early 2021.

On January 28, 2021, Ratanapakdee was taking his morning walk in Anza Vista when he was forcefully shoved to the ground. His head struck the pavement as he fell. The 84-year-old Thai grandfather was taken to the hospital where he died of injuries.

Ratanapakdee’s family members and community leaders have been working with San Francisco Supervisor Catherine Stefani to rename a street in the neighborhood where Ratanapakdee used to take his walks. Supervisor Stefani represents District 2, which encompasses Anza Vista, and introduced the resolution to rename the street Sonora Lane as “Vicha Ratanapakdee Lane.” The resolution passed unanimously earlier this year.

The street sign was installed last week but was officially unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday, October 1. Buddhist monks were present to bless the sign. Ratanapakdee’s daughter Monthanus spoke at the ceremony’s opening, thanking the community for the support and honoring her father’s memory.

“Father, we miss you every day, and I know you love me and your grandsons,” Monthanus said at the ceremony.

“Your death will not be in vain,” she added. “Even in passing, your life will inspire others.”

Continue reading and see more photos here: https://asamnews.com/2022/10/01/san-francisco-anza-vista-street-renamed-after-vicha-ratanapakdee/