The United States is one of the most favored destinations for immigrants worldwide. Some of them have been naturalized after living in the US for many years and have been actively contributing to and participating in community affairs, garnering attention from the local mainstream. The non-profit organization “Community Safety Everyone’s Responsibility” (TACF), comprised of Asian immigrants in Los Angeles County, has gained community praise for its positive impact since its establishment three years ago.
Last Friday (6th), at TACF’s Christmas celebration event, Councilman Chin-Kuo Qin from Walnut City, who was invited to speak, addressed the guests, saying, “I see each and every one of you as heroes because of your enthusiasm; you are making a change in the community.”
Recently elected Mayor of Diamond Bar, Jia-Yu Deng, also expressed his admiration for TACF, stating, “They are working very hard. Without them, there would be more crime.” He mentioned that in addition to their weekly community patrol duties, TACF regularly organizes other activities and emphasized the importance of such organizations, stating, “I find it very effective, and we need more organizations like this.”
Officer Louis Denver from the Walnut City Police Department also expressed gratitude for TACF’s volunteer patrol work the previous year. He mentioned that although the work is unpaid, participants enjoy it, stating, “Projects like this are really important; these volunteer initiatives help the police department carry out its work and make the community safer.”
With the assistance of TACF, Officer Denver observed that the number of local patrol volunteers doubled. He looks forward to the organization continuing to collaborate with the police department next year, encouraging them to “show your compassion, making Los Angeles County the safest city for us all.”
In 2021, a group of dedicated residents who are passionate about maintaining community safety spontaneously founded TACF, many of whom are retired. In recent years, the security situation in the Los Angeles area has continued to deteriorate, with some Chinese residents experiencing robberies in malls, on the streets, and even in their homes, causing widespread concern. Against this backdrop, TACF emerged and has rapidly expanded: actively participating in events and with the support of residents, their membership has grown to nearly five hundred people.
TACF has organized a community patrol team whose members frequently drive through neighborhoods like Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, Walnut City, and Diamond Bar, where Chinese residents gather, patrolling the areas. Apart from providing timely assistance to residents in need, their primary focus is creating a safe community environment.
President Kwan Yee Lai of TACF highlighted their major activities from the previous year, which included patrolling in several cities and supporting the gathering of signatures in favor of California Proposition 36. This proposition aims to amend Proposition 47, which has been seen as a driving force behind the deteriorating security situation in California in recent years.
“Since March, we have been collecting signatures, and the proposition was ultimately passed, helping reclaim the city and bringing peace to our community. Our community patrols have been very successful,” said President Lai. During the November elections, the organization also placed signs in many communities to encourage voting participation. Additionally, they organized courses on the U.S. Constitution to help people understand American history and laws better. Each year, they regularly visit police stations to express support and gratitude, motivating law enforcement officers.
Commissioner Minnie Lee from the Walnut Valley Water District also expressed gratitude for TACF’s dedication over the past year, stating, “In our society, it is crucial to spread common knowledge, allowing our children and families to grow; this is truly important.”
Those who attended TACF’s Christmas celebration event included residents of Diamond Bar, Chinese officials from surrounding cities, officers from the Walnut City Police Department, Chinese entrepreneurs, prominent lawyers, and school teachers, among others.