Vietnamese activist on hunger strike for "Little Saigon" name

Vietnamese activist on hunger strike for "Little Saigon" name
The Associated Press
02/16/2008

SAN JOSE, Calif.—A renowned Vietnamese activist is refusing to eat unless San Jose leaders agree to name the city's Vietnamese business district "Little Saigon."

Ly Tong began a hunger strike outside San Jose City Hall on Friday and says he'll only drink water until officials "listen to the voice of the people."

The 59-year-old former South Vietnamese air force pilot is known for dropping anti-communist leaflets during the Vietnam war.

The city council's vote in November to call the Story Road retail area the "Saigon Business District" has infuriated many members of the Vietnamese community who feel officials ignored popular support for the Little Saigon name.

———

Information from: San Jose Mercury News, http://www.sjmercury.com