On Tuesday, nearly 116 years after Santa Ana deliberately burned down its Chinatown, elected officials gathered to apologize to Chinese immigrants and their descendants. Councilwoman Nelida Mendoza described the burning as “one of the greatest tragedies in Santa Ana’s history,” according to The Orange County Register. City officials noted being particularly eager to adopt the resolution during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Throughout the western portion of the country, mobs burned down Chinatowns in Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and elsewhere, but what sets Santa Ana apart is the government’s role. Walt and Guy Lau, 67 and 75 years old respectively, are owners of the Santa Ana Food Market, which is one of the oldest Chinese businesses in the city.

Source: CNN May 31, 2022 01:07 UTC