Celebrating Our AAPI Community

San Francisco’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has defined the heritage of our City for generations. From the oldest Chinatown in the country, to our world class collection of restaurants, to healthcare offerings like acupuncture and massage, to festivals like Lunar New Year and the Cherry Blossom Festival – San Francisco just wouldn’t be as great as it is without our AAPI community’s contributions.

As AAPI Heritage Month begins, I want to uplift some of the amazing organizations I’ve had the honor of partnering with to support the AAPI community and continue that legacy of cultural vibrancy. Their work inspires me every day. Amid the damage that federal cuts are doing to people’s ability to access basic needs like housing, healthcare and education, this vital work by these community organizations is providing critical resources for under-served families and seniors.

The historic Portsmouth Square, known as “Chinatown’s living room,” is set to undergo a massive overhaul starting this summer. This public park in the heart of Chinatown is crucial for low-income residents in single-room occupancy (SRO) units to have space to exercise, relax and build community. Known in Chinese as “Fa Yuhn Gok,” or garden corner, this large-scale renovation will include a children’s playground, expanded clubhouse and public art displays. The budget is more than $70 million, and I helped secure millions in state funds for the project.

Two organizations working closely on the plans are the Committee for Better Parks and Recreation in Chinatown (CBPRC) and Self-Help for the Elderly. For more than a decade, CBPRC has been advocating for capital improvements to Portsmouth Square, convening meetings and rallying stakeholders to press for this long overdue renovation. Self-Help for the Elderly leased the old clubhouse and will continue leading programs in the new building, offering classes in workforce development, technology, citizenship and small business loans. The modernized clubhouse will enable them to expand programming and offer even larger events.

A few blocks away, the Chinese Hospital has played a vital role in Chinatown since the late 19th century, when it was born from necessity after immigrants were denied access to medical care. This historic community hospital, which just celebrated 126 years in San Francisco, continues to offer culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare.

Today, the Chinese Hospital is continuing to find new ways to serve the AAPI community’s needs at a time when many other community clinics are closing due to federal funding cuts. A recent report by the American Cancer Society confirms that cancer is the leading cause of death for Asian Americans, but far too often, the AAPI community can’t access in-language, culturally competent care. To address this gap, Chinese Hospital has launched an initiative to establish an Oncology Clinic and Chemotherapy Center (OCCC) in Chinatown – the only cancer care center in the neighborhood. Last year, I obtained a $1 million state grant for the center, bringing it one step closer to advancing health equity for vulnerable monolingual patients.

Out in the Sunset District, Wah Mei School is focused on nurturing the next generation of San Franciscans and continuing our AAPI heritage through bilingual, multicultural services for toddlers and young children. Founded in 1974, it is the first bilingual school in San Francisco still open today. Two-thirds of the children in their care come from immigrant families. I secured $250,000 in the state budget to fund a new classroom, outdoor playground and accessibility enhancements – enabling the school to expand and increase access to affordable childcare for parents on the west side.

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, San Francisco offers a robust program of cultural performances, art workshops and special events. This year’s theme is Elevating Cultures – find a calendar of events at apasf.org. I will also be singing with the Jing Ying Cantonese Opera Institute on May 16 at the Great Star Theater in Chinatown. I look forward to celebrating with you and wish everyone a wonderful month celebrating AAPI heritage.

Scott Wiener represents San Francisco and northern San Mateo County in the California Senate. He chairs the Senate Budget Committee and is a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. He previously chaired the Senate Housing Committee and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. He can be reached at 415-557-1300.