HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5a. Chong's Homemade Candies Sign and Historic Chinatown Interpretive PanelsCity of San Luis Obispo, Community Development, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3218, 805.781.7170, slocity.org
Staff Memorandum
CHC meeting of November 18, 2024
TO: Cultural Heritage Committee
FROM: Brian Leveille, Principal Planner
BY: Natalie Harnett, Policy and Project Manager
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION ITEM 5A – CHONG’S HOME MADE CANDIES SIGN
AND HISTORIC CHINATOWN INTERPRETIVE PANELS
Background
In early 2023, the City launched a project to
restore and reinstall the original neon sign
that once adorned Chong’s Homemade
Candy store at 798 Palm Street. Due to the
project's complexity, it was divided into two
phases. Phase I involved installing the sign
and making surrounding improvements,
including the addition of a Chinatown
emblem, painted lettering, and a neon light
border. Phase II will install a permanent
interpretive display (made up of three panels)
that tell a more in-depth history of the sign
and the Chinatown district. On July 24, 2023, staff presented Phase I to the CHC for
feedback and recommendations, with plans to return later for Phase II.
At the July meeting, the CHC’s primary feedback was a preference for the sign to be
installed on the original building. However, they acknowledged the logistical
challenges involved in doing so. Overall, the committee expressed support for the
project and was eager to see it progress.
The neon sign installation was completed on February 8, 2024, with an informal
"unveiling" during the 2024 Lunar New Year celebration on February 10, 2024. The
installation, paired with the festivities, underscored the significance of honoring the
Chinese community’s history, influence, and contributions to the City. The positive
reception from the community highlighted the importance of the City’s efforts to create
cultural events and spaces, reinforcing the goal of building a positive, inclusive, and
welcoming environment for all.
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Item 5a. Chong’s Home Made Candies Sign & Historic Chinatown Interpretive Panels
While Phase II was underway, a temporary informative sign was installed below the
neon sign to provide context on why the sign is there and includes several original
photographs of Mr. Chong and the original store location.
Phase II – Status Update
Over the last six months, City staff worked in close partnership with consultant Pierre
Rademaker, who was responsible for designing the panels and conducting extensive
historical research to create the content. Many drafts of the display underwent review
and editing and were distributed to subject matter experts and stakeholders for
feedback.
The purpose of this display is to not only contextualize the neon sign located on the
Parking Garage but also to offer passersby an insight into the cultural heritage of that
section of the City, along with the historical background of the Chinatown area. While
it is an impossible endeavor to encapsulate the entire history within merely three
panels, significant efforts have been made to high light the key elements. Additionally,
a variety of historic photographs were included to engage the interest of those
passing by and to enhance the storytelling experience.
Outreach and Feedback
In early June 2023, the DEI Manager was tasked to do community and expert
outreach/engagement to ensure the design process and development of the project
maintained cultural and language significance to the Chinese community. In July
2023, the DEI Manager had met with Dr. Andrew Morris, current Interim Director for
the Office of Academic Programs and Planning at Cal poly, and a professor and
expert in the East Asia, Modern Chinese, and Taiwanese history fields. Dr. Morris
provided context in understanding cultural implications from the Chinese experience,
and considerations on language highlighting the blooming of the Chinese Empire that
marked cultural identity. Ongoing conversations took place until December 2023. In
August 2023, the DEI Manager had also m et with Dr. Grace Yeh, Professor at Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo under the Ethnic Studies Department, whose areas of
concentration highlight Asian American Studies, Comparative Ethnic Literature, and
Representations of race, gender, and sexuality among others. Dr. Yeh provided
critical feedback on concepts and implications that are essential to the proper
representation and narrative-building of the Chinese experience, and provided
additional resources and research for consideration, which included direct conta ct
with Laura Sorvetti, a Special Collection Archivist who shared news articles, one
thesis highlighting Chinese history in SLO Chinatown, and photographic archives
from the Chong’s family.
In the October 2023, additional outreach was conducted with founder and president
of the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) of San Luis Obispo County, Mia Shin,
who provided cultural context about the intention and outcome of such project, and
the proper ways in which to celebrate and honor the Chong’s legacy. Lik ewise, Mrs.
Shin highlighted potential concerns about the installation as it pertains to community
reception. City staff took into consideration all outreach and feedback provided, which
ultimately led to the completion of Phase I of the project and an outline for Phase II
of the project.
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Item 5a. Chong’s Home Made Candies Sign & Historic Chinatown Interpretive Panels
The draft interpretive panels were sent to the following stakeholders or subject matter
experts for review in October 2024:
Brian Lawler - Mr. Chong’s Family Friend, sign donor
Mia Shin - AAPI SLO County President
Dr. Morris - Cal Poly, Ph.D, Modern Chinese History
Dr. Grace Yeh - Cal Poly, Ethnic Studies Professor, Asian American Studies
Alice Loh - Retired Cal Poly Professor, local landscape architect (Cheng Park)
Scott Lathrap/Mona Tucker - YTT Contacts
Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Tribal Contact list
Dr. William Watson - Ah Louis Family
Frank DuFault - Close family contact of Chong Family, helped manage estate
Paul Kwong & Russell Kwong - Owners of Mee Heng Low Noodle House
Amber Karson - Ah Louis store tenant, Lunar New Year celebration contact
All of the feedback received was positive, with many expressing gratitude for the
recognition of the Chinatown district. Several individuals offered thoughtful
suggestions regarding language and verbiage, a nd these insights were incorporated
into the final draft.
At the November 18, 2024 CHC meeting, staff will provide an update on Phase II of
the project for Committee discussion and to receive any feedback and
recommendations. Staff will also present the project to the Human Relations
Committee at their December Meeting. The goal is to have the panels finalized and
installed by the 2025 Lunar New Year (January 29, 2025).
Attachments:
A – PDF Copy of Draft Panel
B – Combined Concept of Sign and Interpretive Panel
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Outreach and Feedback
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Brian Lawler Mr. Chong’s Family Friend, sign donor
Mia Shin AAPI SLO County
Dr. Morris Cal Poly – Ph.D, Modern Chinese History
Dr. Grace Yeh Cal Poly, Ethnic Studies Professor, Asian American Studies
Alice Loh Retired CP Professor, Local landscape architect (Cheng Park)
Scott Lathrap/Mona Tucker YTT Contacts
Native American Heritage
Commission Contact list
Dr. William Watson Ah Louis Family
Frank DuFault Real Estate Agent, contact of Chong Family
Paul Kwong
Russell Kwong
Mee Heng Low
Amber Karson Ah Louis store, Lunar New Year celebration contact