Chinese-Americans getting political. Residents becoming more active as they back recall of Governor Gavin Newsom and other conservative efforts. Photo shows women gathering signatures outside 99 Ranch Market in Arcadia.
WeChat ban may jolt lives of many. Chinese-Americans use apps for communication, delivery services, payments, appointments, news. In an executive order last week, President Donald Trump announced a ban on Chinese social media apps Tik Tok and WeChat. WeChat is heavily used by Chinese in Arcadia, Alhambra, San Gabriel. WeChat is an unofficial channel of the City of Arcadia. WeChat is the backbone of Chinese social organizing, from business to political movements.
More than 100 people showed up at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse to offer their visions of how new legislative district maps ought to take shape--in a region critics say has become the most gerrymandered in the state. Eugene Lee, an Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) representative, said it is important for members of the public to participate in redistricting, describing historically low voter participation levels among Asian-Americans in the west valley. Lee said the community he works with are hoping to keep Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, Arcadia, San Marino and Temple City together; in the east, the community of interest includes Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Walnut and Diamond Bar. The voter-approved California Citizens Redistricting Commission is working on an August 15 deadline to submit final maps of new congressional, state Senate and Assembly districts, based on Census data and public input hearing.
According to Chester Zahn, gastroenterologist at Methodist Hospital, Chinese Americans have higher rates of colon cancer than other Americans. The American Cancer Society is teaming with Asian American advertising agencies to educate Chinese Americans about colon cancer screenings.
A report by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center found that Asian Americans in Southern California lag behind the general population in voter turnout. The report also provides city-specific electorate and turnout numbers. Asian American voters in Alhambra, Arcadia, and Rosemead made up roughly one-third of the electorate.
After a five-year hiatus, Arcadia City Council is considering reinstating a policy that would let property owners pay to be assigned a more auspicious house number, which some believe would improve the value of their home. The number 4 in a street address is considered a bad omen in many Asian cultures. In Mandarin language, the word "four" sounds like the word for death, while the number eight is considered lucky, because it sounds like the word for prosper. Arcadia's Asian population is approaching 60% and most potential buyers will be Asian. In a 3-2 vote, Arcadia City Council endorsed the move in principle and directed staff to report back on the costs involved.
In a letter sent to Mayor Tom Beck, the HQH Chinese American Equalization Association demands district voting in Arcadia. The association claims at-large system dilutes influence. According to 2010 U.S. Census, Asians represent 60% of the city's population of 56,364 and about 46% of its registered voters. The letter points out that no more than 2 Asian Americans have served on Arcadia City Council at the same time. Beck said Arcadia doesn't have the problem of Asians being underrepresented.
A bill approved by the state Assembly with a 41-21 vote would require the state Integrated Waste Management Board to take into account how the proposed Rodeffer landfill would affect El Monte residents before the board issues permits for the project. It now goes to the state Senate for a vote.
The Arcadia City Council voted to request an analysis of the initiative petition submitted by the citizens group Neighbors for Arcadia. The measure would keep the Santa Anita Park race track property zoned for horse racing unless Arcadia residents voted for a change.
Five Arcadia High School students face criminal charges after allegedly beating a 16-year old classmate, stripping her naked and taking photographs, then threatening to distribute the pictures if she told police. The alleged assault took place on January 24, 2005.
This article is a continuation of a special report about the Asian communities in transition in the San Gabriel Valley. Observers think Asians are blending Asian and American influences into forging a distinct Asian-American identity. A chart shows Asian population becoming majority in many San Gabriel Valley cities.
The California Redistricting Commission released reapportionment maps for the state's congressional and legislative districts that could change the political landscape of the San Gabriel Valley and Whittier areas. In the Assembly, this may mean that a new Asian-heavy district from Monterey Park to Arcadia is created. A final vote is required by August 15.
Chen Suen becomes first Asian American fire chief in Arcadia. He takes over from Barry Spriggs who retired November 8, after 29 years of service. Suen is an Arcadia resident. He emigrated from Taiwan. He graduated from Arcadia High School, and attended Loyola Law School, UC Irvine, and Santa Ana College, before spending the last 18 years with Arcadia Fire Department.
A Los Angeles County proposal to take over fire and ambulance service from the Arcadia Fire Department would cost the city as much as $8 million more than present costs over 10 years, according to a city report.
Asian-Americans face cultural barriers in health care. Patients and workers say hesitancy for services is rooted in communication. USC Arcadia Hospital uses a handheld device and tablet computer to aid patients in translating the medical services they seek.