Today’s newsletter is brought to you by

 

Hello, Everyone!

Fresno, California, has taken a monumental step by becoming the second U.S. city to ban caste discrimination, ensuring caste and indigeneity are protected categories in its municipal code. This decision, unanimously voted on September 28, follows Seattle's lead, which was the first U.S. city to outlaw caste discrimination in February. The ancient caste system, which originated in India over 3,000 years ago, has been a point of contention, especially in California's Silicon Valley, where a significant South Asian workforce resides. The state of California is also on the brink of potentially becoming the first U.S. state to ban caste discrimination with the pending Senate Bill 403.

• JPMorgan Chase is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive future for Asian and Pacific Islander employees, customers, partners and communities around the world.
   

  

• Khai "The Shadow" Wu, a Taiwanese American fighter and Mark Zuckerberg's lead MMA trainer, shares his journey from being a bullied kid to becoming a professional fighter and training the Meta CEO in various martial arts, including jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai. Born to Taiwanese immigrant parents in San Jose, California, Wu began martial arts at age 9 for confidence and was first instructed in jiu-jitsu by his brother-in-law, Dave Camarillo. Wu, who has also significantly contributed to the growth of Taiwan’s MMA scene, is set to debut in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in November, facing Phil "The Hitman" Caracappa. He expresses gratitude for his supporters and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and evolution in his fighting career. 

• In the vicinity of Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown, tenants of the Hillside Villa, a 124-unit property, are grappling with the fear of eviction as rents have shockingly tripled since last year. The city of LA is exploring strategies to assist, such as considering purchasing the property through eminent domain, while the owner, Thomas Botz, asserts he has no intention of selling. The property was developed in the 1980s with loans from the city to build affordable housing, based on a 30-year affordability covenant which has now expired, allowing for rent increases. Amidst the tense situation, the city and Botz are engaged in rocky negotiations, with the city concealing evidence and Botz accusing LA officials of dishonesty, while tenants, many of whom are long-time residents and elderly members of Chinese families, face an uncertain future.

• Shohei Ohtani, the phenomenal two-way player, has not only clinched his third consecutive team MVP award with the Los Angeles Angels but also made history by becoming the first Japanese player to have the most popular player jersey in the MLB, according to sales on MLBshop.com during the 2023 season. Despite facing challenges, including a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and an oblique injury that ended his 2022-2023 season prematurely, Ohtani's impact on the field remains unparalleled. His recent elbow surgery was successful, and while he may continue his career as a hitter without restrictions in 2024, his return as a pitcher might be seen in 2025. Ohtani's resilience and talent continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in modern baseball.

• There’s an uproar over a new brand's perceived boba culture whitewashing.

• A foreigner in Japan says he must lie to get into gyms.

• Boba Guys employees in California have formed a union.

• A Vietnamese American politician carves a path in the 45th Congressional District.

• Atlanta says goodbye to its last giant pandas.