December 10, 2021
Dear Commissioners,
On behalf of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) and over
200 organizations, businesses, and individuals, I am writing to thank you for making changes
to the CD210 map at the December 8, 2021 meeting. The Commission’s decision to draw
CD210 in a way that protects Asian American voting rights signifies that the Commission
hears and understands the community’s desire to progress forward. These changes to center
the Asian American community as the largest minority community, include Asian American
majority cities, and increase the Asian CVAP in the current CD210 map will ensure that the
voting rights of the West San Gabriel Valley’s (WSGV) Asian American community are
protected.
The original draft map of CD210 split the Asian American community, which resulted in an
outcry from community members throughout San Gabriel Valley. CAUSE quickly began
bringing together civically-minded individuals, businesses, and organizations who wanted their
voices heard by the Commission and knew they would be stronger and louder together.
This network, built over decades, was able to mobilize quickly through social media, phone
calls, ethnic media, and traditional media, reaching hundreds, if not thousands, of people.
Supporters of the CAUSE Joint statement included a diverse range of intergenerational
supporters such as longtime community leaders, influential elders, business owners, student
clubs, immigrant-led organizations, interns, and private citizens who rallied around the notion
that action was needed to protect the voting rights of the WSGV Asian American community.
As the Commission may choose to revisit the CD210 map between now and the certification of
the final maps, please ensure that Asian American voting rights and political representation
are protected in the WSGV by:
Centering the Asian American community as the largest minority community
Maintaining the Asian CVAP to as close to 35% as possible
Keeping cities with Asian American and Pacific Islander majority, Monterey Park, Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City, and Arcadia, together
Of those who have signed onto CAUSE’s joint statement, they know they have a home with
CAUSE to advocate for Asian American political representation and voting rights. Now, they
also know that the Commission stands with them as well.
Thank you again for your service, and, most of all, thank you for listening to our community.