Reflecting on Civic Engagement in Alhambra and AAPI Heritage

By Christopher Teng Balmaseda

I often get asked why I got involved with the Alhambra Chamber. Normally, I give a brief answer like “support local business” and go about my day. However, as we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, I feel the urge to reflect deeper on what really drives my passion for civic engagement. Growing up the child of immigrant parents in Ohio in the early 80’s, I was surrounded by classmates who didn’t share the same appearance or cultural background. There was anti-Asian sentiment due to Japanese competition in the auto-industry. Beyond skin color, the language I used and the food I ate brought curious stares on some days, but more often mean, unwelcome comments constantly reminding me I was on the outskirts and didn't belong. I had no voice.

Fast forward to college at UC Berkeley, to a student body composed of every race, religion, color, and creed, I not only found my voice, but was encouraged to use it. Graduate school at Caltech brought me to Pasadena where I lived for a number of years, but when I decided to open a business, Alhambra – for its proximity to downtown LA, diverse population, and of course amazing food – was at the top of my list. I’ve had a business in Alhambra for over 10 years and it's been a great place to attract regional talent with its vibrant community and great schools.

However, with changing demographics, I sensed a growing tension between the communities that have been in Alhambra for decades and newcomers from overseas. I attribute this to a combination of nostalgia for the past, communication gaps, and lack of familiarity. The Chamber offered me the perfect opportunity to be able to interact with people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities in a way that unifies people, their pocketbooks. There is nothing like attending community events to meet new people and the Chamber has provided me with the opportunity to work to bridge the gap between people who would otherwise never interact with each other and engage.

It’s engagement that really makes cities work for their community. Through the Chamber, I have gotten to know more elected officials and government employees than I could ever dream of. These people work thankless jobs trying to make Alhambra a better place and I tip my hat to anyone willing to throw their hat in the ring. However, a city can only successfully support a community they understand. As of the last census, Alhambra has a 52.9% API and 33.5% Latino population, but the city and regional governments have much lower proportional representation. Immigrant communities are notorious for keeping their heads down, adapting to challenges, and to not make waves. Voter registration for AAPIs and Latinos remains the lowest in the USA. AAPIs make up 6.1% of the US population but only 0.9% of elected officials. During the month of May, I strongly encourage all people, regardless of political leanings, to register and vote. I encourage people to get active in the community either through the Chamber or other community organizations, and work to improve the place we call home.