RAFU STAFF REPORT

MONTEREY PARK — In the only contested race for Monterey Park City Council on Nov. 5, Elizabeth Yang defeated Dawn Midori Rock, 57.25% to 42.75% or 2,330 to 1,740.

They were running for the District 2 seat currently held by Yvonne Yiu, who ran for State Senate in District 2 but lost in the March primary.

An election night reception hosted by Yang took on a decidedly somber mood as the national returns steady came into focus.

Those on hand for the event included Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena), Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), and Alhambra City Councilmember Jeffrey Koji Maloney.

While Yang appeared to be headed for a win, many at the gathering in Monterey Park expressed disbelief at the developments in the presidential race, describing the result as “ugly” and “a disaster.”

“I totally did not expect this,” Maloney said. “This is really shocking.”

Chu left the reception without making a statement, but another elected official reacted to Donald Trump’s impending victory, saying, “I can’t believe half of America votes for this guy.”

After declaring victory, Yang’s campaign said in a statement, “Her … vision of a thriving, accessible, and sustainable community resonated with voters, who showed overwhelming support at the polls. Yang … emphasized key issues, including improving public safety, tackling homelessness, traffic and transportation improvements, and holding LAX accountable for air traffic noise.

“Her commitment to public safety involves collaborating with local law enforcement, increasing community resources, and implementing programs to address homelessness in a compassionate and effective way. Yang also plans to revitalize the downtown area, using funds from the 710 Freeway project to build a new parking structure and attract more consumers to Monterey Park.

“With a strong background in law and civic engagement, Yang brings years of leadership experience to her new role. As a long-time advocate Yang for local issues and current chair of the Business Improvement District Advisory Council (BIDAC), she is poised to bring new energy and fresh ideas to the City Council.

“Elizabeth Yang’s victory marks a new chapter for Monterey Park, one focused on growth, safety, and ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.”

“I am deeply honored by the trust and support the residents of Monterey Park have placed in me,” said Yang. “Together, we can continue making our community a model of innovation and inclusivity. I look forward to serving our city and working collaboratively to achieve the goals that matter most to our families and businesses.”

Yang is the CEO and founder of Yang Law Offices and has been recognized nationally for her work in family law, intellectual property, estate planning and business law. She has served as a city commissioner for the last 11 years on the Design Review Board, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Community Participation Commission.

As a community volunteer, she has actively participated with organizations like the Monterey Park Women’s Club, Monterey Park Lions Club, Monterey Park Democratic Club, and Asian Youth Center.

Monterey Park elected and appointed officials who endorsed Yang included Mayor Thomas Wong; Mayor Pro Tem Vinh Ngo; Councilmembers Yiu, Henry Lo and Jose Sanchez; former Mayors Hans Liang, Peter Chan, Stephen Lam and David Lau; Siu Ying Fong and Charles Mau of the Commission on Aging; Carol Ann Sullivan, Oriana Chan, Isabel Wu, Shirley Hwong and Mary Ann Garcia-Barlow of the Community Participation Commission; Zhen Wu, Gene Jeng and Jessy Li of BIDAC; Gary Lau of the Recreation and Parks Commission.

Other endorsers included Rep. Ted Lieu; Alhambra Mayor Sasha Renee Perez; San Gabriel Mayor John Wu and Councilmembers Tony Ding and Denise Menchaca; Arcadia Mayor Pro Tem Sharon Kwan and Councilmember Paul Cheng; Diamond Bar Mayor Stan Liu and Councilmember Andrew Chou; Jay Chen of the Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees; Mike Eng of the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Board.

Rock’s candidate statement reads in part as follows: “As a lifelong resident of Monterey Park, devoted wife and mother of four amazing individuals, I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to run for our City Council in District 2. Our grassroots campaign is built on the pillars of legacy, integrity, and love — principles that are at the heart of everything we stand for. We believe in honoring the legacy of those who came before us, acting with integrity in all that we do, and leading with love to create a city where everyone feels valued and heard.

“Both my parents, Lionel and Rose Gotanda, were born and raised in California. During WWII, their families were placed in the Japanese internment camps. My mother’s family was in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, and my father’s family was sent to Rohwer, Arkansas. After the war, both of their families settled in Los Angeles.

“When my parents chose to live in this wonderful city back in the 1960s, they were seeking a welcoming community to raise a family. I had the privilege of attending Hillcrest Elementary School, Garvey Intermediate School, and Mark Keppel High School. Go Aztecs! I proudly swam for both the Monterey Park Manta Rays and the MKHS swim teams.

“At 16, I started my first job as a junior lifeguard at Barnes Park and Elder Park pools. While I was lifeguarding, my mother served as the secretary to the Monterey Park chief of police, Jon Elder. She then worked for four more chiefs until she retired in 1994. My roots run deep in this community.

“When my husband Nathaniel and I were deciding where to raise our own family, we knew Monterey Park was the perfect place. We are the proud parents of four loving children who amaze us every day. To carry on the tradition, one child attended Hillcrest and Garvey Intermediate, and then we moved to the other side of the city.

“There, in our new home, three children attended Brightwood and all four have been MKHS students. Go Aztecs! Their joy, continued growth, and my knowledge of the benefits to all students in the Alhambra Unified School District, has inspired my ongoing involvement in volunteering with the Alhambra Educational Foundation.

“As a first-generation college student, I earned three educational service credentials and two master’s degrees from California State University, Los Angeles. Additionally, I hold a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California. I have dedicated 31 years to education as a teacher, counselor, and principal. My journey in education has taught me the invaluable lesson of listening – truly listening – to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of those I serve …

“After three decades as a public school educator, I am ready to transition my focus from publics service from the school site, to public service as an elected official. I have always led with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility, and I am ready to bring that leadership to City Council.”

Two City Council incumbents, Sanchez of District 3 and Lo of District 4, ran unopposed for re-election.

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