Solis Celebrates Lunar New Year and Honors AAPI Community Leaders

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Los Angeles, CA (February 28, 2025) – This morning, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor for the First District, Hilda L. Solis, hosted a reception to celebrate the Lunar New Year, marking the start of the Year of the Snake and honoring the outstanding contributions of leaders within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The event brought together elected officials, community leaders, and residents to commemorate the cultural significance of the holiday and its role in strengthening bonds across Los Angeles County.

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays for many Asian communities, symbolizing a time of renewal and prosperity. This year, we welcome the Year of the Snake, which is often associated with wisdom, resilience, and strength. The Snake embodies qualities of adaptability and growth, reflecting the ability to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities.

“As we enter the Year of the Snake, we celebrate the qualities of wisdom, resilience, and strength that guide our communities,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate not only our rich cultural traditions but also the individuals and organizations that lead with purpose and vision. The AAPI community’s contributions continue to enrich the fabric of Los Angeles County, and today we honor those who inspire us to continue growing and building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

This year’s reception also recognized several honorees for their exceptional contributions to responding to the devastating fires that impacted Los Angeles County last month. These individuals and organizations have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership in providing critical support during the crisis:

  • Albert T. Yanagisawa – Deputy Fire Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department
  • Alice Xiao, LCSW – Clinical Supervisor, SPA 3 PMRT, Department of Mental Health
  • Jessica Ku Kim – Chief Deputy, Department of Economic Development
  • Kellyn Pak, MSN, RN – Disaster Program Manager, Department of Health Services
  • Vincent Yu – Deputy Director, Department of Public Works, and Temple City Mayor Pro Tem
  • Thai Community Development Center
  • World Journal

Lily Chen, former Mayor of Monterey Park and first Chinese American female mayor in the United States, was also recognized by Chair Pro Tem Solis with a distinguished honor.

“The honorees recognized today have shown unwavering dedication in the face of two of the most devastating fires in Los Angeles County’s history,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “Their courage, leadership, and selflessness helped to protect lives, provide vital care, and support our community in its recovery. Their efforts embody the true spirit of resilience and strength, and I am deeply grateful for their tireless work during these challenging times.”

Chair Pro Tem Solis was joined by key community stakeholders and supporters, including co-hosts from the Los Angeles County Asian American Employees Association (LACAAEA), Employees Club, Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers (FALEO), Asian Pacific Probation Association (APPA), Los Angeles County Fire Department Asian Pacific Islander Association, Los Angeles County Cambodian Employees Association (LACCEA), Chinese Employees Association of Los Angeles County (CEALAC), and Vietnamese Employees Association of Los Angeles County (VEALAC).

The emcee for the event was Denise Dador, ABC7 Eyewitness News Health Specialist.