CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

"This is truly a historic day for the API community. Ten of the fourteen Asian Americans that have served in the Legislature are here today to mark the significant progress we have made in California politics." said Assemblywoman Judy Chu, Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, "Today's ceremony reminds us of the challenges that faced the legislators who came before us."

The annual commemoration of APIA Heritage Month at the State Capitol has taken on increased significance as the number of Asian American Legislators has dramatically increased in the last few years. When George Nakano, the most senior of the current Asian American Members, was elected to the Assembly in 1998, there was only one other Asian American serving at the time, then Assemblymember Mike Honda. There are now seven Asian Americans serving and two more likely to join them after the Fall elections. There is also an Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus for the first time in history.

Before this, it was not difficult to keep track of the API Members. At any given time, there were perhaps one, two or none serving in the Legislature. In 1962, Al Song became the first Asian American elected to the State Assembly. Four years later, March Fong Eu became the first Asian American woman and Chinese American elected to the Assembly in 1966, the same year Al Song was elected to the Senate. In 1968, Tom Hom became the first Chinese American man to serve in the Assembly. Paul Bannai, the first Japanese American to serve, was elected in 1972, followed two years later by Floyd Mori. A decade then passed before another Asian American was elected to the Legislature, Nao Takasugi in 1992.

Four of these past Asian American Legislators participated in Monday's festivities at the Capitol. March Fong Eu, Paul Bannai, Floyd Mori, and Nao Takasugi were honored with Resolutions from the seven current Asian American Members as pioneers who have helped to pave the way for today's Asian Pacific Islander leaders. The Floor ceremony also featured a sword demonstration by Assemblymember George Nakano, who is a fifth degree black belt in Kendo.