CAUSE Statement on Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay

Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) expresses our deep sadness over the events of the last few days in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. Our hearts are with the victims, survivors, and their families in this difficult time. We commend and thank the emergency responders, elected representatives, and community leaders who continue to care for our communities.

Over the past three years, Asian American communities have felt particularly vulnerable because of an alarming number of violent incidents targeting Asian Americans. While the threat specific to both areas is no longer immediate, these events, during a time of Lunar New Year celebrations, will undoubtedly have impacts that reverberate far wider than the boundaries of the cities impacted. With 3 out of 4 Asian Americans in California worried about being the victim of physical violence, this community-wide concern about public safety is grounded in reality and needs to be addressed.

More than ever, culturally adept, in-language resources and services are also necessary for these ethnically diverse communities. As our community finds ways to grieve and heal, we must also work together to ensure that our needs are heard and addressed.

Thank you to the leaders who lead in advocating for resources for Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Thank you to the leaders who create safe spaces for us to heal and bring us together as a community. Thank you to everyone who cares for us as we work towards a future where we are all safe and empowered. 

If you are in need of assistance or support, the City of Monterey Park, LA County, and other partners set up a resource center at Langley Senior Center, 400 W Emerson Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754. A candlelight vigil is scheduled to take place at Monterey Park City Hall on Tuesday, 1/24/23 at 5:30pm. For more information, visit https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/ or call 626-307-1458

Join our Efforts: We Need Vote Centers in Koreatown and Chinatown

Join our Efforts: We Need Vote Centers in Koreatown and Chinatown

Through a thread on Twitter on May 9, it was discovered that there were ZERO Vote Centers in both Chinatown and Koreatown residential areas for the 2022 Primary Election. 

When asked, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder / County Clerk (RR/CC) reported having trouble working within their current criteria and policies to identify available spaces for this primary election. While we hope to work with them in the long-term to identify where county policies and practices are leading to inequitable service of our communities, we can't let those policies stop us from seeking immediate solutions for this primary. In previous election years, there were locations throughout Koreatown and Chinatown. These sites were overwhelmingly popular and experienced long wait times to vote. We believe this indicates a need for more voting sites, rather than the elimination of all of them. 

Source: Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

With Election Day weeks away, we are taking action to determine how we can expand voting access for Chinatown and Koreatown residents who would have difficulty going to a Vote Center outside of their neighborhoods. Access to these Vote Centers is critical as Vote Centers offer key services such as obtaining a replacement vote-by-mail ballot, language assistance services, etc. 

At this time of increased Anti-Asian Hate, where 3 out of 4 Asian Americans are worried about physical violence, in the recent poll by CAUSE, asking Asian American, Pacific Islander voters to walk one to two miles, or even several blocks to cast their ballot does not take into account their physical safety. Nor should they have to risk such physical violence in order to be meaningful participants in U.S. civic life. In addition, sites in Koreatown and Chinatown provide language services unavailable at community centers at the edge of their community boundaries. 

On Monday, May 16th, CAUSE, KAC, AAPI Equity, and AAAJ-LA met with RR/CC to understand why this happened, what has been done in the past week to fix the problem, and what else could be done before June 7th.  At this meeting, we learned the following:

Securing Vote Centers

• Since last Monday and with the assistance of community leaders, one location has been identified in central Chinatown and three are being vetted in the northern half of Koreatown for a 4- or 11- Day Vote Center. The locations are yet to be confirmed, but look promising. 

• CAUSE, KAC, AAPI Equity and AAAJ-LA advocated for multiple Vote Centers in both neighborhoods in addition to Flex Centers which run for a shorter time in smaller spaces. RR/CC is open to more sites if identified quickly.

Staffing Capacity

• These Vote Centers will need staff and volunteers to work between Saturday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 7. RR/CC said it may still be possible to staff newly added Vote Centers IF they are confirmed by the end of the week (5/20/22).

Communications about new Vote Centers 

• RR/CC planning for social media, postcard/mailers, and work with CBOs. Translations will be at a minimum in Korean, Chinese and Spanish.

Community Asks

• Do you have suggestions for potential Vote Center sites in Chinatown and/or Koreatown? In particular, we are seeking assistance in locating a site in the southeast area of Koreatown (sites are being identified north of 6th, but not closer to Olympic – and in particular, in the area of Koreatown that is closer to Olympic between Normandie and Vermont) and any senior centers in both neighborhoods.

  • Full Vote Center site requirements: https://lavote.gov/docs/rrcc/election-info/VC-Requirements.pdf?v=2

  • Flex Vote Center site application (please submit even though deadline has passed): https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SHJZBzjqG0WKvqY47dusgdc4Siti35NOvV0uvKxwaxZUQVBZUlBYSVIzQjVBUUNBSDRLMUVLVFJUQi4u&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=&wdLOR=c69E0E773-6DC6-4101-83F3-C13CA50B7E9C 

• Are you available to work as a volunteer between Saturday, May 28 to Tuesday, June 7? Can you help us spread the word about this need for volunteers?

We are in the process of scheduling future meetings with RR/CC and we will keep the community updated on future developments.

Thank you for your support, and please let me know if you have any questions or would like more information.

Sincerely,

Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment

Korean American Coalition

AAPI Equity Alliance

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles