During a recent interview, well-known Bay Area venture capitalist and permanent honorary chairman of the API Coalition, Zhu Weiren, reflected on a memorable flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong last November. Seated next to him was Chyanne Chen, a candidate for the District 11 city council. Although they had met in other contexts before, this was their first opportunity for an in-depth conversation. Zhu remarked, “Chyanne cares deeply about the community and has been actively addressing issues of resource equity in schools. She is a candidate we can trust.”
On the morning of October 26, Chyanne Chen organized a voter encouragement event outside the Excelsior Library in San Francisco, drawing a supportive crowd that included UCA (United Chinese Americans) President Xue Haipai and Zhu Weiren, as well as former president of the Xin Xin Education Foundation, Yuan Wen.
Reflecting on her impactful flight experience, Chen shared, “I was flying economy and couldn’t believe it when Zhu Weiren sat next to me.” She continued, “He was engrossed in a book, dedicated to learning and philanthropy. It was inspiring to see someone so accomplished choosing to travel this way. I’ve always believed that you can serve the public no matter where you are, and Zhu’s encouragement to step up was one of the reasons I decided to run.”
Zhu Weiren further commented on their conversation during the flight, stating, “I had seen Chyanne at API Coalition meetings before, but talking with her on the plane deepened my understanding of her. She fights for labor rights and advocates for vulnerable groups, all while focusing on equitable resource distribution within the school district. She continually works to enhance her leadership abilities.”
President Xue Haipai praised Chyanne’s extensive background in community service, emphasizing her dedication to grassroots efforts. “The District 11 election is being closely watched by the Asian American community across the country because it directly impacts our interests. We need someone like her leading our city,” he said.
Yu Hongying, owner of the Spring Life Seafood and Ginseng Shop in District 11, praised Chen for being approachable and grounded. “I faced challenges with my awning and feared potential fines from the city,” he explained. “Chyanne stepped in to help, providing advice that led to a successful resolution and even brought more customers my way.”
Touched by Chyanne’s genuine support, Yu volunteered to assist her campaign. With a predominantly Chinese clientele, he routinely asks customers if they are registered voters. So far, he has encouraged over a dozen people to register. “Some older folks hadn’t registered before, so I coordinated with volunteers to help them. Others who voted years ago are excited about voting again. Living in District 11 for over 20 years, Chyanne understands the community, and her political platform aligns perfectly with our hopes for safety, security, and well-being. We need someone who will advocate for the Asian American community.”
On the day of the event, many residents showed up to cast their votes, demonstrating strong support for Chyanne Chen.
