State lawmakers raise access concern over San Jose Vietnamese garden - San José Spotlight

A letter from California lawmakers has raised alarms about San Jose's handling of the Vietnamese Heritage Garden, a cultural landmark for the city's significant Vietnamese population. Councilmember Bien Doan has recently taken control over the scheduling of a monthly flag-raising ceremony, a change that has led to concerns about community access and free speech rights. The ceremony, traditionally run by Ha Trieu and his group, has become a key event for Vietnamese Americans in the area, attracting local political figures and community members alike. The lawmakers expressed that it is unusual for a single elected official to wield such control over a public space, especially one that serves as a symbol of the Vietnamese community. Doan has argued that his actions aim to promote equitable access to the garden amid ongoing political divides, particularly related to anticommunism sentiments.

The controversy has highlighted the complexities of local governance and the importance of community engagement in public spaces. As San Jose grapples with these issues, the responses from both lawmakers and the community will shape the future of the Vietnamese Heritage Garden. The situation continues to unfold, reflecting broader themes of representation and civic rights.