The City of Irvine and City Council held the city’s first Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander（AANHPI） Heritage Month ceremony at City Hall on May 19, honoring the community’s contributions to Irvine’s culture and diversity.
Mayor Larry Agran reads the AANHPI Certificate of Recognition
First Tribute · Community United
Mayor Larry Agran, Vice Mayor James Mai, and Councilmembers Melinda Liu, William Go, and Betty Martinez Franco attended and spoke at the ceremony, recognizing the AANHPI community’s lasting contributions to Irvine’s culture, education, business, public service, and civic life.
From left: Betty Martinez Franco, Melinda Liu, Mayor Larry Agran, William Go, and Vice Mayor James Mai.
Honorees included the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center (SCCCC), Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Association, Asian American Museum at Great Park (AAMGP), Sunstone Management , and other community organizations and businesses.
Through cultural programs, senior care, community service, and business engagement, they help preserve AANHPI traditions and strengthen Irvine’s community spirit.
Melinda Liu presents SCCCC CEO Yulan Chung (second from right) and AAMGP CEO Jack Toan with a Certificate of Recognition
Formal Honor · Lasting Impact
During the ceremony, the City presented a Certificate of Recognition celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of the AANHPI community and honoring its significant contributions to Irvine.
Signed by Mayor Larry Agran, Vice Mayor James Mai, and all five councilmembers, the certificate honors the AANHPI community and reaffirms Irvine’s commitment to inclusion and cultural understanding.
Melinda Liu presents Sunstone founder John Shen with a Certificate of Recognition.
Diverse Roots · Shared Future
Mayor Larry Agran said Irvine’s diversity and vitality were built through mutual respect and shared effort—a legacy for future generations.
True inclusion, he noted, means communities living and building the future together.
Larry Agran praised the AANHPI community’s contributions to the arts, science, medicine, literature, and public life, enriching Irvine through its achievements, history, and cultural legacy.
Vice Mayor James Mai and Councilmembers William Go and Betty Martinez Franco praised the AANHPI community as vital to Irvine’s diversity and growth.
May Recognized · Legacy Sustained
Councilmember Melinda Liu, who championed the ceremony, said Irvine’s first official tribute to the AANHPI community affirms the city’s commitment to inclusion, cultural awareness, and representation.
She praised the community for strengthening Irvine through cultural heritage, civic service, public engagement, and business leadership.
Liu also plans to introduce a City Council proclamation formally recognizing every May as AANHPI Heritage Month, turning this inaugural ceremony into a lasting city tradition.
Through culture, service, business, and civic leadership, the AANHPI community has helped shape a more vibrant and inclusive Irvine.
This first-ever recognition marks a new milestone in the city’s shared future.
