10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY april 13-19, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com news A new organization of local ChineseAmerican professionals and companies is seeking to bolster business development and collaboration among its ranks, and create stronger economic and tourism ties between China and the Monterey Bay region. The Monterey Bay Chinese Chamber of Commerce launched in February and staged its first event, a barbecue at Monterey’s El Estero Park, on March 18. More than 70 people gathered to network and enjoy a grilled spread provided by local chefs like Pebble Beach Resorts’ Christian Pulido, as well as Chinese food from Monterey restaurants Full Moon and China Garden. Dr. Eric Tao, a CSU Monterey Bay computer science professor who chairs the MBCCC, says the organization has already signed up 30 dues-paying members— including local restaurateurs, financial advisors and real estate professionals—and hopes to grow that figure to 100 by the end of this year. The organization’s primary goals are threefold: to promote the business and professional development of its members; to attract China-based businesses and tourists to the Monterey Bay area; and to create a better understanding and connection locally with China and its culture. “In the huge geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China, we want to play the role of building bridges,” Tao says. The MBCCC is now drawing up plans for its next event in May, which it hopes will further introduce the group to local politicians and business leaders. Tao is also looking to organize a tour of its members to China this fall “to explore collaboration, cultural exchange and business opportunities.” Building Bridges A new chamber of commerce looks to strengthen the region’s ties with China. By Rey Mashayekhi On Thursday, April 6, Karen Marcos keeps a watchful eye on her young daughter on the steps of the Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building while her husband is inside, seeking relief from the floods that have upended their lives. It is the first day that government workers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration are on the ground in Watsonville, aiding Pajaro Valley residents in need of help as a result of the March storms that drenched the region—flooding the Pajaro River, forcing the evacuation of Pajaro and impacting people across the area. “We’re in need of money for food, rent, diapers,” Marcos says. Born and raised in Watsonville, she has worked in the Valley’s bountiful berry fields for two years, she says. But with many fields still soaked and out of commission, that work has disappeared for the time being, and Marcos has “no idea” when she’ll be able to earn a living again. In the wake of President Joe Biden’s long-awaited disaster declaration on April 3, FEMA and SBA officials signed up nearly 800 households for federal assistance across Monterey and Santa Cruz counties as of Tuesday, April 11—with Monterey accounting for more than 500 of those households. With roughly 75 percent of the people impacted being renters, according to Monterey County officials, the most vital forms of aid include FEMA programs providing rental assistance to those whose homes are uninhabitable due to the floods, allowing them to find temporary housing elsewhere. FEMA also funds disaster unemployment assistance for those, like Marcos, who have lost work as a result. Yet there are now questions over where and how the government can best deliver resources to those in need. Initially, FEMA and SBA set up at the Watsonville veterans hall, where state, county and nonprofit agencies had operated in a consolidated local assistance center since March 29. Yet the hall was not up to federal standards as far as Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and a lack of parking, according to multiple sources, and by April 7, FEMA and SBA had moved their disaster recovery center to Watsonville’s old city hall at 250 Main St. The new location is considerably smaller, however, leaving little-to-no space to also accommodate various state, county and nonprofit entities under one roof. Those local agencies are particularly important to helping undocumented residents—many of whom are not eligible for federal assistance, but can receive financial aid through the state Department of Social Services’ Rapid Response Fund, as well as nonprofits. The decision drew the ire of Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, who blasted FEMA’s cramped quarters and criticized Watsonville City Manager Rene Mendez for refusing to offer as an alternative the more spacious Ramsey Park Family Center. (Mendez’s office did not return a request for comment). By April 11, Monterey County officials announced an additional disaster recovery center at a tent in Pajaro Park to accommodate federal, state and county resources in one location, starting April 13. Officials said they were also working to create a hub for nonprofits and community organizations at Pajaro Middle School. Many personal items in Pajaro were destroyed by flooding. Pajaro resident Carla Escutia discards belongings out on the street for debris removal. Relief Roulette FEMA is finally on the ground near Pajaro—but questions remain over the rollout of flood aid. By Rey Mashayekhi Monterey Bay Chinese Chamber of Commerce members feel “an obligation as Chinese-Americans to enhance collaboration” between the countries and cultures, chair Eric Tao says. “We’re in need of money for food, rent, diapers.” Daniel Dreifuss Monterey Bay Chinese Chamber of Commerce
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