The Korean American Coalition held its 20th annual legislative luncheon on November 21 at Yong Su San Restaurant in Koreatown. In attendance were over a dozen city, county, and state officials, and speakers discussed both the progress and future goals of the Korean American community.

KAC is a non-profit organization based in Koreatown established in 1983 to promote the civic and civil rights interests of the Korean American community. It provides leadership programs to high school and college students and also conducts a dispute resolution program funded by the Los Angeles County.

According to Grace Yoo, Executive Director of KAC, the purpose of the luncheon is for the organization and its constituents to build stronger relationships with local elected officials.

“KAC’s strong network of relationships with numerous elected officials has served as a valuable resource for our community. Each year, we strengthen our relationships with elected officials and their staffers through the Annual Legislative Luncheon, where we inform them of the needs and concerns of our community,” she stated in a letter to the organization’s members.

Yoo herself is currently running for Council District 10, where Council President Herb Wesson currently serves.

Congressman Ed Royce, who represents the 39th District of California, said that he is very familiar with the Koreatown area and commended the Korean American community for its economic and political progress. City Councilmember Herb Wesson, whose district includes Koreatown, also spoke about the progress of the Korean American community. Councilmember Paul Krekorian spoke as well, noting that he is the first Armenian-American to serve on the city council and encouraging more minorities to become involved in government.

Special recognition went to recently elected officials, including Congressman Ted Lieu of the 33rd District, State Assembly member Miguel Santiago, and Orange County Supervisor Michelle Park Steel.