Who is Vincent D. Chang
Who is Vincent D. Chang
Vincent Chang has a long history as a community advocate, first serving as a Youth Commissioner while living in the City of Alhambra. Since 1985 he has been involved in bettering the City of Monterey Park specifically – first as a volunteer and subsequently as a commissioner and today, the 2-term elected City Clerk.
A California licensed attorney with nearly 30 years’ experience in business, immigration and civil rights, his passion is people – especially those who are disadvantaged. As a law student, Vincent volunteered with prominent legal centers to provide free citizenship preparation for aspiring American citizens. Later upon attaining his law license, he provided free legal consultation for immigrants and low-income earners. When the opportunity came up, he conducted weekly citizenship classes at the Bruggermeyer Library.
Changing demographics in Monterey Park and the San Gabriel Valley in the 1980s/90s caused much tension. As someone who was trained in dispute resolution, Vincent was appointed a member of the Community Relations Commission by the City Council. The responsibilities of the commission was to ease the tension in the community. A car buff, Vincent came up with the idea of having an all-inclusive car show which welcomed all types of cars and thus, attracted all genre of car enthusiasts which brought the diverse community together.
One of the highest honors for Vincent occurred during his time as a member of the Monterey Park Bruggermeyer Library Board of Trustee. At a time when the library was freshly renovated in 2006, the main entrance was a blank wall. As a Trustee, Vincent voted for mural artist Ricardo Mendoza to install the beautiful mural residents see over the library each time they pass by today.
Aside from his time on the Library Board, Vincent also served on the Environmental Commission. As an Environmental Commissioner he introduced an annual Bike Ride as part of the City’s Earth Day celebration.
Speaking of bikes, Vincent is the co-founder of an organization that promotes cycling infrastructure in the San Gabriel Valley. Not only are bikes much more environmentally friendly, they serve as a means of transportation for many low-income workers in the SGV. Infrastructure such as protected bike lanes help to keep not only recreational riders safe, they help those who must ride – sometimes before dawn or dark of night for work, to stay alive so they can feed their families. That same organization brought you “626 Open Streets” where hundreds of people where able to enjoy a day of walking, running or biking on streets normally occupied by cars and trucks.
Understanding that climate change is a real concern. Vincent promoted one of the first EV events in the City of Monterey Park. He brought together EVs or electric vehicles from local dealers, manufacturers and private owners to demonstrate and show off the benefits of such vehicles. The show took place in front of City Hall.
Currently, Vincent is a boardmember of the SGV Rivers and Mountain Conservancy and Watershed Conservation Authority. Appointed by Supervisor Hilda Solis, Supervisor 1st District, he works to preserve open space and habitat for low impact and educational uses. Since 1999, the RMC has provided nearly $90 million in bond (Prop. 68) money to more than170 grants to local governments and non-profit organizations. Projects includes the Azusa Wilderness Park, River Wilderness Park, Mt. Baldy Wilderness Reserve, Emerald Necklace, etc.
Vincent has served as a president of the Chamber of Commerce, Monterey Park Toastmaster and a member of the LAMP Optimist Club. He was a founding member of the Overseas Lions Club.
Vincent was born in Ecuador, speaks Spanish and Chinese. He attended Solano Ave. School in Los Angeles (near Dodger Stadium) and attended Alhambra High School, Cal State L.A. and Western State University Law.
Endorsement summary: 1) L.A. County Democratic Party 2) League of Conservation Voters 3)Monterey Park Democratic Club IAPAC
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