A Community College for Chinatown Calls For Elected Officials to Be Accountable

by Mike Liu
9/18/07

City College of San Francisco (CCSF) proposes to build a sixteen story campus at Washington and Kearny Streets in Chinatown. The campus would serve primarily low-income immigrants, but many politicians are opposing the construction.

State Senator Leland Yee and Assemblywoman Fiona Ma are joining Hilton Hotel in opposing the campus. Hilton Hotel has an adjacent property whose views a 16-story campus may obstruct. It is also bankrolling much of the opposition.

Most service agencies, progressive community activists and traditional associations are supporting the construction. These include Henry Der, historian Him Mark Lai, Board of Education Commissioner Eric Mar, San Francisco, Service Director Linda Asato, Executive Director, Educator Ling-chi Wang, and groups from the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, the Chinese Progressive Association, the Chinese Six Companies, to UNITE HERE Local 2

It's clear that CCSF's Chinatown/North Beach Campus is an important resource for mostly Asian immigrants. 73% enroll in classes aimed at basic skill development – to learn English, prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam and to gain job skills in housekeeping, hospitality and entry level office work. The campus serves more than 6000 students each semester who come from throughout the city, but almost all live, work or do business in Chinatown. More than 700 students are currently on waiting lists. The new campus would expand CCSF services to the community

How will the city and Asian American politicians respond to the education needs of new immigrants, tenants and the poor, fit in San Francisco’s progressive political priorities? Will its elected officials and corporations act accountable to the community?

A major decision will come on September 27 when City College trustees vote to exempt plans for the Chinatown community college campus from local law limit of 65 feet. The proposed campus must also go through the city's planning commission and a probable appeal to its Board of Supervisors.

This website documents the Movement for historical and educational use. All articles and materials reflect the opinions of the author and DO NOT represent the Azine unless specifcally acknowledged. Feedback, comments? Email apipower at aamovement.net (exact spelling of our address is omitted to avoid spammers)