[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.] This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
P: 408-535-8117
From: MyLinh Pham
Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 7:56 PM
To: Webmaster Manager <[email protected]> Subject: PETITION TO PRESERVE THE CULTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VIET HERITAGE GARDEN You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Subject: Submission of Petition Regarding the Viet
Heritage Garden
On behalf of a coalition of Vietnamese American organizations and community leaders, I am including the petition I attached about the Viet Heritage Garden.
The Viet Heritage Garden holds profound meaning for the Vietnamese American community, and it is vital that decisions about its future are guided by the leadership of Councilmember Bien Doan, who not only represents District 7 but also advocates for the broader Vietnamese American community across San Jose.
The petition, signed by various Vietnamese American associations and groups, reflects our commitment to ensuring that the garden remains an inclusive and accessible space for all while preserving its role in celebrating and maintaining our cultural heritage.
We respectfully request that the City Council support Councilmember Doan’s leadership in this matter.
We look forward to working with the city to achieve a resolution that honors the interests of the entire community.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need more information or clarification.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
MyLinh Pham
MyLinh Pham
CEO - Asian American Center of Santa Clara County
9/19/24, 12:08 PM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 PETITION TO PRESERVE THE CULTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VIET HERITAGE GARDEN:
SUPPORT COUNCILMEMBER BIEN DOAN'S LEADERSHIP
We, the undersigned, representing a coalition of Vietnamese American organizations, associations, and community leaders, respectfully submit this petition to the Mayor and San Jose City Council members regarding the management and access policies for the Viet Heritage Garden.
Whereas:
1. The Viet Heritage Garden is a vital cultural landmark for the Vietnamese American community, symbolizing decades of history, resilience, and contributions to the City of San Jose.
2. The garden is located in District 7, under the leadership of Councilmember Bien Doan, who represents not only his district but also the broader Vietnamese American community across the city.
3. Councilmember Bien Doan is in a unique position. Unlike other councilmembers elected primarily to serve their districts, Councilmember Doan faces the additional challenge of representing not just District 7 but hundreds of Vietnamese American associations and groups that are actively involved in the broader community. He must balance the needs of his district while also advocating for the cultural and community interests of Vietnamese Americans throughout San Jose. We ask that you respect this broader responsibility and support Councilmember Doan as he navigates this critical matter.
4. It is crucial that all Vietnamese American organizations be allowed to participate in cultural events, such as the long-standing tradition of the former Republic of Vietnam flag-raising ceremonies at the garden.
Therefore, we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Mayor and San Jose City Council as follows:
1. Support Councilmember Bien Doan's Leadership: We call upon the City Council to support Councilmember Doan in leading efforts to manage the Viet Heritage Garden.
His leadership is essential in ensuring that the garden’s future decisions reflect its cultural and historical significance for the Vietnamese American community.
2. Ensure Inclusive Participation: We request that key cultural events, such as the flagraising ceremony, continue every first Saturday of the month with participation from various Vietnamese American organizations. Inclusivity is critical; no single group should monopolize the garden’s use.
3. Respect the Autonomy of the Vietnamese American Community: We urge Councilmembers Peter Ortiz and Omar Torres to step back and allow Councilmember Bien Doan, whose district encompasses the garden, to lead the discussions. Like all other ethnic communities in San Jose, the Vietnamese American community deserves the respect and autonomy to manage its own cultural spaces.
4. Preserve the Cultural Integrity of the Garden: We are committed to ensuring that the Viet Heritage Garden remains an open, accessible, and inclusive space for the Vietnamese American community and the broader public while maintaining its role in preserving Vietnamese American culture.
DATE: 09/18/2024
BY:
1. AASC – Asian American Center of Santa Clara County
MyLinh Pham –
2. VACA - VIET ARTS & CULTURE ASSOCIATION
May Lan Le –
3. UVAN, Viet Garden
Tam Nguyen –
4. Friends of Viet Tan (FoVT)
Dan Hoang –
5. Vietnamese-American Cultural Foundation (VACF)
Duc Lam/Dung Tran –
6. Luc Luong Si Quan Thu Duc
Hoang Thuong –
7. Beautify VHG
Thai Hang –
8. OAC – Organization of Anonymous Contributors
Tran Vu –
ADDITIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WILL BE COMPILED AND SUBMITTED AT A LATER DATE