San Francisco committee supports resolution to protect Chinese heritage monument

The San Francisco County Land Use and Transportation Committee convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss a resolution aimed at protecting the Conjo Filarey Monument, a site significant to the Chinese immigrant community. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members advocating for the preservation of the monument, which serves as a resting place for early Chinese immigrants.

The first speaker, Zitu, representing the Lehi Bellvolent Association, expressed strong support for the resolution introduced by Supervisor Chen. Zitu emphasized the importance of preserving the monument as a tribute to the contributions of Chinese families, many of whom have no descendants to honor their legacy. Zitu reassured that the community does not oppose the use of the land for golfing but seeks to ensure the monument is protected.

Following Zitu, residents Jordan Goheen and Steven Hsieh shared their perspectives as young Asian Americans. They highlighted the significance of government recognition of their heritage, especially in light of rising AAPI violence. Goheen articulated the need for an official acknowledgment of their history to foster a sense of belonging and future in San Francisco.

Hsieh added a personal account of his experiences visiting the memorial, noting safety concerns due to the proximity of the golf course. He pointed out that while the golf course has coexisted with the memorial for a century, the fear of being struck by a golf ball undermines the notion of true coexistence.

The meeting concluded with no further speakers in the queue, leaving the committee to consider the testimonies and the resolution's implications for the community. The discussions underscored the ongoing dialogue about heritage preservation and the importance of recognizing the contributions of marginalized communities in San Francisco.