The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles organized a charity event on Sunday, February 9th at the Los Angeles Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Service Center to support wildfire relief efforts and help affected residents rebuild their homes. The event, titled “Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Donation and Multi-sector Chinese New Year Gathering,” saw the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) donate over $1 million to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Numerous dignitaries such as U.S. Congresswomen Judy Chu and Laura Friedman, California Assembly Members Mike Fong and Tri Ta, Los Angeles County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Lindsey Horvath, among others, attended the event to express gratitude for Taiwan’s generosity.
Congresswoman Judy Chu extended New Year greetings to all overseas Taiwanese and announced the passage of the “U.S.-Taiwan Double Taxation Relief Act” in the House of Representatives. This legislative development is a significant milestone in the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and the U.S., fostering bilateral investment and industrial development with crucial implications for businesses and individuals in both countries. Chu also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Taiwanese government and the Southern California Taiwanese community for their contributions to disaster relief efforts, emphasizing the ongoing need for support for affected families and urging continued assistance from all sectors.
Chu mentioned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had initiated relief programs to provide additional assistance to affected households to supplement inadequate insurance claims. She urged affected individuals to register on disasterassistance.gov promptly and apply for immediate aid to ensure they receive necessary support. Additionally, she recommended residents participate in the government’s “Post-Disaster Cleanup Program,” including the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) hazardous substance cleanup and subsequent debris removal to facilitate swift community recovery.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) also offers low-interest loans not only for small businesses but also for homeowners and tenants to aid in post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
The San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County is one of Southern California’s largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, with over a quarter of residents having AAPI backgrounds. When addressing the audience, Laura Friedman noted that 2025 coincides with the traditional Chinese Zodiac’s “Year of the Snake,” symbolizing transformation and growth. Despite significant challenges, she encouraged everyone to overcome difficulties with perseverance and adaptability, joining hands to embark on the road to recovery.
Friedman emphasized that the post-wildfire relief effort is a united cross-district initiative that transcends ethnicities and geographical boundaries, calling for collective community cooperation to ensure all affected residents receive support. She especially thanked AAPI organizations for their longstanding commitment to community service, providing practical assistance to affected residents.
Officials including Judy Chu, Laura Friedman, Mike Fong, Tri Ta, Hilda Solis, Lindsey Horvath, all expressed gratitude for the generous donations from the Taiwanese government and business community. They unanimously agreed that this donation not only demonstrates the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. but also highlights the influence and unity of the AAPI community in Los Angeles.
The deepening cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. in disaster relief and economic trade will further strengthen bilateral relations and bring hope to the affected residents in Los Angeles.