 GARY YAMAUCHI
COUNCILMAN, CITY OF ALHAMBRA
Take 10 | Full biography
1. How do we get more Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) to become more civically and politically involved?
I think the answer to this lies with those who are currently involved in local politics or local community service. They are the ones who need to recruit their associates and/or friends to join the effort to make their community a better place to live.
When I first got involved with the Chamber of Commerce in the City of Alhambra, I was only the third Asian on a Board Directors that numbered 22. I began to contact some of the Asians in our City that I thought were not only responsive to community needs but also had the respect of the Asian Community. Currently the same Board of 22 has nine Asians and four of the last five presidents have been of Asian decent.
The same is true with our Rotary Club in Alhambra. It is by far the premiere service organization in our City and we continue to recruit more and more Asian members from the community. Three of the last four Presidents have also been Asian.
This involvement in organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club provide exposure to the Asians that are involved and this, in turn, prompts others of Asian decent to become active. It is not something that happens overnight but more of a process that evolves over time “once the ball gets rolling” like it has in our community. From this group of “Active Asians” will emerge the candidates we need for elected positions in government.
2. What is your dream job?
Well, I am pretty satisfied with my current position as owner/president of Tri-Star Vending. We continue to show annual growth and soon my two sons, David & Trent, will be taking the helm. I have never had any specific aspirations for any particular “job”, however, being in control of a large amount of funds that would be dispersed to help the underprivileged would be very rewarding. Then again, Hugh Hefner’s job wouldn’t be too bad!!
3. What was your childhood ambition?
I always thought that I would be in business for myself so I am very satisfied with what has happened. I never had any special ambitions except to raise a nice family and be fairly successful in whatever venture I was to undertake. I am very content with my current position.
4. What is the biggest challenge facing APAs in politics today?
I think the biggest challenge facing the APAs in politics today is to convince the rest of the populations that the Asian Community is a powerful force and needs to be recognized. Their economic contributions are tremendous all over the State of California. And, organizations such as CAUSE are helping to bring Asians together and this, in turn, will lead to better representation at all levels of government.
5. What one law would you change if you could?
I think there are many that I would like to change but there isn’t one that particularly “jumps out” in my mind. I would like to see some major changes in the criminal justice system but that is far beyond local politics. As a City Councilman, there are a few ordinances that I am very interested in changing and have taken steps to initiate some of these adjustments.
6. What was your first job?
I had a paper route at the age of 11 but I think my parents did more work than me. I “hung out” at the Gardena Bowl and worked at the “desk” at the age of fourteen. Just one day each week. I also wrote their bowling column, “The Foul Line” for many years. In the summers, I was a gardener’s helper and that kind of work inspired me to stay in school. Just thinking about doing that tires me out!!
I was an avid bowler at an early age and turned professional at age 15. I considered this a job for many years.
7. What one question would you most like to have answered?
At the moment, I am wondering if I am doing a good job as a newly elected City Councilman. I know I am doing my best but one is never sure if they are succeeding in meeting the peoples’ needs. Too bad there isn’t some kind of monitor to test how you are doing. Many people will tell you that “you’re doing great” but everyone is particularly nice to an elected official.
8. What is your favorite word/sound?
My least favorite sound is the alarm clock in the morning but I can’t think of a favorite sound or word. Perhaps the sound of striking a golf ball purely is very nice but I personally haven’t heard that lately.
9. What was the last book you read?
I am not an avid reader and most of the material I do read pertains to business or government. The last book I read from cover to cover was “Ethics in Politics”. This book talked a lot about different situations but, unfortunately, never gave any real solutions.
10. Who/what inspires you?
As a youngster I was quite involved in bowling and competed against the men as early as age 13. I was surrounded by a lot of very nice people and, as a group, they truly inspired me in so many ways. I always admired people who would “give up” either their time, energy, or money to help others.
What inspires me now is what I can leave behind that my children and grandchildren can look to and be very proud. I hope this is simply the fact that I have always treated people fairly, tried to help the underpriviledged, and have done whatever I could to make this a better world.
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