Volunteers pick up trash on the streets of Little Saigon (Courtesy of The Mission Continues)
Sleeves rolled up, hands on deck.
On January 15, organizer Linh Thai said nearly 150 volunteers or “change agents” participated in the Clean Street Action in Little Saigon. This is a joint effort of Mission Continuation, Friends of Little Saigon and the city government. Seattle.
Change agents wearing KN95 masks, safety gloves, garbage collectors and garbage bags split into smaller groups to clean up their assigned grids.
“We are here because of our commitment to meet these challenges together today and every day in 2022, in the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Thai told the volunteers. If you and I Committed to this, collectively we will feel the impact, and we are a catalyst for positive change in our community. Your presence and leadership is a testament to that belief.”
This is a good start for 2022 and the new Bruce Harrell government.
The new mayor emphasized public safety in his inaugural address, noting that he wants to create a “One Seattle” where “we all feel safe and supported.”
Now, Little Saigon feels supported. Now, people have seen and heard, and after years of feeling neglected and despite repeated calls to clear the streets of trash and bad actors, someone has decided to step up and take action.
“Let’s be realistic about our impact on a day’s work,” Thai said. “It will not address the long-term and enduring problems and challenges facing this community and other communities around this city.”
we agree. Operation Clean Street is a great first step. We want to see more – it’s not just a one-off.
We are excited to see elected officials such as King County Councilmen Joe McDermott and Gilmour Zaheile, Seattle City Councilman Tammy Morales, State Senator Joe Nguyen and Congressman Adam Smith, get dirty. This is the only stain we want to see our politicians involved in! We’d like to see other officials and community leaders get more involved – perhaps their families and children – as a way to show the public it’s safe to come here.
We’re tired of the old news of robberies, thefts, assaults, shootings, and overt drug sales.
We want to get the latest news on thriving businesses as tourists no longer fear and flock in record numbers to experience everything Little Saigon and Chinatown has to offer.
Yes, please! Let 2022, the Year of the Tiger, be the year the entire city will hear the roar of our communities – not a cry for help, but a thunderous roar of our strength and prosperity.
