Supervisor Alan Wong, Ratanapakdee Family, and Community Leaders Honor Grandpa Vicha and Advance Ongoing Efforts on Senior Safety

SAN FRANCISCO – Supervisor Alan Wong was joined by members of the Ratanapakdee family and community leaders today to honor the life and legacy of Vicha Ratanapakdee and reaffirm San Francisco’s commitment to protecting seniors and preventing violence.

The gathering brought together service providers working on the front lines of senior safety, including Self-Help for the Elderly, Senior Power, and CYC. Speakers highlighted the importance of prevention, community-based support, and ensuring seniors feel safe and connected in their daily lives.

“Today is about remembrance, but it is also about responsibility,” said Supervisor Alan Wong. “Honoring Grandpa Vicha means continuing the work to prevent violence, strengthen senior safety, and make sure our seniors feel supported every day.”

Monthanus Ratanapakdee, daughter of Vicha Ratanapakdee, shared remarks on behalf of the family, emphasizing the importance of community support and continued awareness.

“My father deserved to feel safe walking in his neighborhood,” said Monthanus Ratanapakdee. “We hope that by sharing his story, we can help bring more protection and care for seniors across San Francisco. I also want to thank Supervisor Wong for his leadership and efforts to protect seniors and strengthen public safety across San Francisco.”

Anni Chung, President and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, spoke to the importance of building trust and providing consistent support systems for seniors across the city.

“Programs like our senior escort services and community outreach are about giving seniors the confidence to stay active and connected,” said Anni Chung. “This work is about making sure they feel supported and know they are not alone.”

Manson Leung, Housing Community Organizer at Self-Help for the Elderly, highlighted the importance of direct, on-the-ground engagement with seniors.

“Safety comes from relationships and trust in the community,” said Manson Leung. “Through outreach and daily interactions, we are working to make sure seniors feel cared for and supported wherever they are.”

Margaret Graf, Founder of Senior Power, emphasized the importance of elevating the voices of older adults and ensuring they are seen and respected.

“Senior safety is about visibility and respect,” said Margaret Graf. “We must continue to make sure older adults are heard and valued in every part of our city.”

Michael Wong, Senior Program Director at CYC, highlighted the need for comprehensive support systems that address both prevention and recovery.

“Our work focuses on preparedness, education, and supporting individuals after they experience harm,” said Michael Wong. “It is critical that no one has to navigate recovery alone.”

Advancing the Work

 

Later today, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will vote on a resolution introduced by Supervisor Wong on behalf of the Ratanapakdee family, recognizing Grandpa Vicha’s legacy and reaffirming the City’s commitment to protecting seniors and preventing violence. Supervisor Wong also expressed his appreciation to fellow members of the Board of Supervisors for their early co-sponsorship and support of this resolution.

The resolution is intended not only to honor Grandpa Vicha, but also to advance a more coordinated and proactive approach to senior safety across San Francisco. Moving forward, the City will continue working with community partners to expand access to programs such as senior escort services, strengthen coordination between departments and service providers, and ensure seniors and their families are aware of available resources and support. This effort also includes continued investment in victim services and recovery support, as well as a broader commitment to prevention, outreach, and building trust so that seniors feel safe in their neighborhoods and daily lives.

“Honoring Grandpa Vicha means turning remembrance into action,” Supervisor Alan Wong added. “We have to continue building a system where seniors feel safe, supported, and connected every day.”

The event highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between families, community organizations, and city leadership to ensure seniors can live safely and with dignity in every neighborhood.

“Our seniors deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, on transit, and in their daily lives,” Supervisor Alan Wong said. “This is ongoing work, and we are committed to moving it forward together.”