< The Latest 2025-01-22T04:59:45+0000
The Pasadena Star-News | Tue 01/21 07:58pm PST | Anissa Rivera
Jim Goodman still speaks like the police officer he was when he remembers Jan. 21, 2023.
“All was well until 10:15 when a male Asian entered the location,” the retired San Gabriel police officer told a crowd of about 100 gathered Tuesday night to mark the second anniversary of the mass killing at Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park.
Goodman was shot in the left foot and back as he shielded his dance partner Hattie Peng.
“I am about 80% healed, I still have a few problems, and it took me 10 months before I danced again,” he said.
City officials, led by Mayor Vinh T. Ngo, who convened the vigil on the front lawn of City Hall said healing from the trauma of the mass shooting continues and won’t end until every last person who needs it is helped. They also espoused action and activism for gun violence prevention.
Vinh T. Ngo mayor of Monterey Park speaks during a memorial vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
A sign with MPK Hope during a memorial vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
James Goodman, a victim of the shooting speaks during a memorial vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Locals listen to speakers during a memorial candlelight vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Jose Sanchez, Monterey Park city council member district 3 during a memorial vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Henry Lo, Monterey Park city council member, District 4 during a memorial vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
People walk past a sign with the names of the eleven victims killed in a mass shooting during a memorial vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Locals listen to speakers during a memorial candlelight vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Vinh T. Ngo mayor of Monterey Park speaks during a memorial vigil in front of city hall of the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Monterey Park on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Councilmember Henry Lo called the tragedy “one of the darkest moments in the life of this community.” Since he lived 10 minutes from the ballroom, he said he will never forget the sound of helicopters hovering above searching for the shooter, as well as sirens from first responders roaming the city.
“While our recovery is a long process, I think Monterey Park has shown the world what we’re all about,” Lo said, commending residents for continuing to support each other. “What I’m often reminded of is during the the worst times, we see also the best of us.”
Lo said he is horrified that there have been more than 1,000 mass shootings since the massacre in Monterey Park.
“That’s something that should make us take pause and task our leaders to do better,” he said.
The Monterey Park City has spoken out against gun violence and sends messages of support to other towns and cities where mass shootings have occurred.
Councilman Jose Sanchez read the names of the 11 people killed at Star Ballroom: Xiujuan Yu, 57; Hongying Jian, 62; LiLan Li, 63; Wen-Tau Yu, 64; MyMy Nhan, 65; Muoi Dai Ung, 67; Valentino Marcos Alvero, 68; Diana Man Ling Tom, 70; Ming Wei Ma, 72; Yu-Lun Kao, 72; and Chia Ling Yau, 76. Nine people were seriously injured.
The gunman, Huu Can Tran of Hemet, 72, killed himself the next day.
“Today, I mourn and honor the 11 lives lost, all of Asian descent, and hold their memory close,” Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, said in a statement Tuesday. “My heart is with the victims’ families and survivors as they continue to navigate the grief and trauma of that day. What should have been a joyous Lunar New Year celebration — a cherished time for the Asian American community — was tragically overshadowed by a night of senseless violence that altered our community forever.”
Juiling Chen, a clinician with the Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers, said there is definitely more awareness and openness about mental health in Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities.
“But there is still stigma, it’s a work in progress,” she said.
The center worked with Brandon Tsay, who disarmed the gunman when he targeted the Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio in Alhambra, and Tsay was later lauded by President Joe Biden for his “incredible act of courage.” Biden later invited him to that year’s State of the Union.
Tsay was later honored at several local gatherings, including the Asian Americans Advancing Justice gala. The nonprofit Medal of Honor recognized him as its Single Act of Heroism Honoree at its 2024 Citizen Honors Awards. The Alhambra Police Department awarded him its Medal of Courage.
Tsay helped the center hold self-defense classes for senior citizens and offer programs on mental health for a community wary of talking about it.
Mayor Pro Tem Elizabeth Yang exhorted anyone who is feeling guilt or self-judgment because of the shooting to reach out, “share your stories and remember the 11 lives taken from us that evening.”
Councilman Jose Sanchez said the impact of the event continues to be felt 730 days later. He said this year’s Lunar New Year, observed from Jan. 29 to Feb. 12, recognizes the Chinese zodiac animal the snake.
“Much like the snake sheds its skin, our community has been shedding layers of grief and pain but steadily moving towards healing,” Sanchez said. “Our community has shown remarkable light. We’ve held each other up and celebrated the small victories in our healing process. It’s a testament to the strength of our bonds.”
This month, the Chinese Service Center, after speaking with family members of the victims as well as survivors, released a survey to the public to assess their preferences for a permanent monument to the victims. People can submit their answers through February at montereypark.ca.gov.
For the immigrant community and Asian Americans in the San Gabriel Valley, the tragedy tinges the holiday with heavy symbolism, since the belief is that what happens during this period sets the tone for the rest of the year.
“Tonight we mourn and remember,” Councilmember Thomas Wong said. “Let us continue to come together as a community, as neighbors, as a city to pour out love and support for one another, let us continue to turn our shared pain into shared purpose, to commit to work to make sure no other community has to experience mass gun violence. Let the memory and the light of our lost aunties and uncles guide and inspire us as we continue to come together to build a community of joy, hope, peace and love and a community that continues to dance.”