November 17, 2006

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

Do you blame the 49ers for derailing San Francisco’s 2016 Olympics bid? Do you think they should move to Santa Clara? If they do move, what should the team’s name be?
(Asked at Starbucks, Albertsons at Capital and Tully)

“The move will make everything better. It’s a good idea because it will increase Santa Clara County’s income. This area is a large community and we need some type of major league sports team. It will support this community as well. I think the gold rush name should remain, that’s where the history and name recognition is. It’s like branding, that’s the team’s brand.”

Mac McLauren, 32
Evergreen
Mortgage broker


“We wanted to see San Francisco get the Olympics. The city tried to get a spot and I would have liked having the Olympics here. I think moving the team is a good decision. I am a 49er fan by tradition and I’m okay with it. No they should not change the name. The Santa Clara 49ers sounds wrong and it would cause the team to lose its history.”

Anahe Rodriguez, 28
Evergreen
Accountant


“No, I don’t blame them because the team doesn’t really have anything to do with the stadium, the city owns it. The move to Santa Clara would make traffic even worse, but it would also bring a lot of business to the area and that would benefit the county. Yes, if they move they have to change their name.”

Jessie Magallanes, 22
Evergreen
Tax preparer


“I’m a season ticket holder, but I don’t blame the 49ers. I can’t believe that’s the only thing stopping the city from getting the Olympics. They [the city] had opportunities before and the stadium didn’t stop it. I’m all for the move. It will be easier for me; I can just hop on the light rail. Changing the name would be good recognition for the city of Santa Clara, but San Francisco needs a team. I have mixed emotions about changing the name. Actually, I think they should keep the name, but I feel sorry for Santa Clara.”

Linda Montagano, 46
Evergreen
Insurance


“No, I don’t blame the team. You can’t just place the blame on one entity. I think the move might be good. They played at the ‘Stick for many years and now they want a new stadium or at least improvements. Traffic might be bad if they move the team. I grew up in San Francisco and Candlestick had always been a special place; but the city has had years to improve the stadium, so yes, the team should move. I have mixed feelings about changing the name. They have been the 49ers for all these years, but they are moving to a different city so you would need to change their name."

Janet Pearson, 55
Evergreen
Office manager


“I really can’t say that I do. No, I don’t think they should move. They belong in San Francisco. They’ve been there for so many years that it wouldn’t be San Francisco without the 49ers. No, I don’t think they should change the name [if they move]. They are recognized as the 49ers.”

Carmen Capizzi, 53
Evergreen
Interpreter for Hope Services