State politicians are backing an idea to change the name of a portion of Barham Road to Everett Freeman Way.
Sen. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, and Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, both signed a letter addressed to the Tehama County Board of Supervisors supporting the change be made to honor the contributions made by Freeman as the former chairman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. Freeman died in November 2010 at the age of 79.
The designated 0.7 mile section of roadway sits west of Interstate 5, south of Liberal Avenue and runs along the front of property where the tribe's Rolling Hills Casino is situated.
"Under chairman Freeman's visionary leadership, the Nomlaki Indians reconstituted their Tribal heritage in Tehama County and developed economic enterprises to provide self-sufficiency and ongoing opportunities for future generations to enjoy productive lives of contribution and promise," states Nielsen and LaMalfa's letter.
Freeman was tribal chairman when the casino and city worked closely in funding the purchase of the Corning Fire Department's ladder truck.
To honor Freeman's memory, Rolling Hills Community Development Foundation has established an annual grant that pays tribute to the leadership and community values Freeman exemplified.
Freeman's son, Andy Freeman now serves as the tribe's chairman.
The Tehama County Board of Supervisors is holding public hearing at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday to consider whether or not to make the name change.