As the vibrant festivities of the Lunar New Year unfold this week, many of us in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community across San Diego come together to celebrate renewal, prosperity and the promise of growth in the year ahead. For our community, the Lunar New Year is more than a holiday—it’s a chance to pause and reconnect with what matters most: family, culture and community.
It’s also a time to reflect on the blessings of our shared heritage, honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and look ahead to the future with hope. Traditions, from the warmth of family gatherings to meaningful rituals, remind us of who we are and the strength we draw from each other.
This year, a new report commissioned by San Diego Foundation for the AANHPI Fund and developed with the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center provides an important reflection point for our region. It underscores the incredible diversity within our population and highlights opportunities to better meet the needs of our many AANHPI communities. By moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, the report offers a roadmap for creating meaningful change and celebrating the immense contributions of our AANHPI community to San Diego’s cultural and economic fabric.
Representing 16.2% of our county’s population, we bring incredible diversity and strength to our region. The report highlights the remarkable successes, such as the high educational attainment and economic achievements of Asian Indian residents. At the same time, it identifies opportunities to support others, such as enhancing pathways to homeownership and fostering financial growth for underserved communities. These findings underscore the value of targeted programs that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of each part of our community.
In health and wellness, the report emphasizes the importance of strengthening culturally and linguistically appropriate services. For example, programs that support preventative care and address community-specific health challenges are vital to ensuring long-term well-being and prosperity. These efforts not only improve outcomes but also contribute to the overall vibrancy of our shared San Diego.
Cultural preservation remains a cornerstone of our identity. With more than half of San Diego’s AANHPI residents being first-generation immigrants, creating opportunities for intergenerational connection is essential. Bilingual education, cultural activities, and initiatives that foster understanding between generations ensure that traditions are carried forward while adapting to the modern context. These efforts celebrate the beauty of our heritage and keep it alive for future generations.
This report isn’t just data—it’s a call to action. Expanding educational opportunities, preserving cultural traditions, and fostering equity are essential steps to ensure everyone in our community can thrive. Because, at the end of the day, it’s about the power of connection—a value that Lunar New Year reminds us of as well. Passing down traditions—the taste of a special dish, the meaning behind a red envelope, the wisdom shared by elders—shows the strength of our bonds and the importance of shared experiences. These moments inspire us to ensure everyone in our community feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
As we welcome the Year of the Snake, a symbol of strength and renewal, we are filled with hope for what lies ahead for this growing denizen. As the 7th largest AANHPI community in the U.S., San Diego County’s population has increased 20% since 2020. By 2030, most of our region’s foreign-born residents will be from Asia.
And these individuals coming to America’s Finest City are a diverse group of people with their own cultures, languages, and religions. Programs such as the AANHPI Fund created with a $2.5 million endowment from San Diego Foundation, which we are proud to help lead, targets critical needs in the community and demonstrates what’s possible when solutions honor our culture and meet the unique needs of our people.
Together, we can lay the foundation for a brighter, more connected tomorrow, one that respects and honors the cultural diversity that makes our country a beacon of hope and prosperity for so many.
By Andy Dang, Chief Medical Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group & Jason Paguio, President and CEO of the Asian Business Association of San Diego; both are members of the SDF AANHPI Fund Advisory Council.
This article was originally published in The San Diego Union-Tribune.
