Civil Rights Activist And Los Angeles Planner Chi Mui Dies

Mui, only 53, was one of the few first-generation Chinese Americans to successfully run for political office, becoming mayor of San Gabriel in 2003. He also worked for a number of Southern California community groups on civil rights and other issues.

1 minute read

May 2, 2006, 8:00 AM PDT

By David Gest

"One month ago, a frail but spirited Chi Mui thanked a standing-room-only audience at San Gabriel City Hall for honoring him in becoming the first mayor of Asian descent in the city's 93-year history."

"Friends say his legacy is visible in the vibrant commercial district along Valley Boulevard -- Mui liked to call it the Golden Mile -- with its Hilton Hotel, where half the guests are from China, Taiwan or Hong Kong.

Mui was one of only a handful of first-generation Chinese Americans to have successfully run for political office when he was elected to the City Council in 2003.

He was credited with integrating non-Asian residents with the newly arrived Chinese who now make up half the city's 40,000 population."

"'He worked so hard for our community,' said Derek Ma, a former president of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Assn. in Chinatown. 'He was a pioneer. We feel so bad losing him. He knew how difficult it was to be a new immigrant.'"

FULL STORY: Chi Mui, 53; Was the First Mayor of Asian Descent in San Gabriel's History

Friday, April 28, 2006 in The Los Angeles Times

Community / Economic Development Government / Politics Social / Demographics California

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