Monterey's Chinese Heritage

The contributions of the Chinese community to the City of Monterey were crucial to the development and success of the City's fishing industries. This documentary short takes you to the once-prevalent Chinese villages along the central coast of California. It is narrated by Gerry Low-Sabado, the great granddaughter of the first documented Chinese woman born in California. She has dedicated herself to educating the public about local chinese history. This includes the staging of a large show celebrating Chinese dance, music and culture. You can see some clips from the colorful, vibrant and energetic show right here!

This is a clip from the History Fest 2008 documentary, which can be seen at www.monterey.org/tv

Directed by Eric Palmer
Communications & Outreach, City of Monterey

Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team directed by Leonard Han
Academy of Chinese Performing Arts directed by David Chen
Da-Ai Choir directed by Hwei-Min Wu Lu

Photos courtesy of the California History Room at the Monterey Public Library

Category:

Education

Tags:

• monterey
• california
• chinese
• heritage
• history
• fishing
• villages
• china
• immigrants
• dance
• music

[Photoeye4]

Hello Friends From Sac Bee! I'm happy that we had that serendipitous meeting at China Cove. Pt. Lobos is so significant because my family's Chinese American story began there in 1851. What a coincidence that Dennis R is our mutual friend! Aura of Good Fortune! I am honored to tell my family's story to you and others on that beautiful beach, in the cabin that Chinese fishermen built, and elsewhere in the park. Thank you for your enthusiasm. I also hope to meet you again in the future. ~G~

[pgranis]

We just wanted to write to say that meeting you at China Cove in Point Lobos was an nice surprise during our vacation. To hear you talk about your rich family history and the lives of the Chinese people of Monterey was truly fascinating. We have always loved the Monterey area and have been going there for many years, but this time it was special when we met you and to learn about that part of Monterey history that we did not know. I hope we meet again in the future. - The Sac Bee couple

[Photoeye4]

Thanks to you and all the performers! What a joy! You are all so talented! Thanks to all for helping me to teach the communities on the Monterey Peninsula about Chinese history, culture, dance, lion dancing, music, and songs. Your outreach to the community is outstanding! Your performances make my heart so happy!

[leega8010]

Wonderful history about the Chinese heritage and culture in America. The land of the free! Kudos.

Where they are allowed to assimillate quite easily if one choses to do so.

[venusmariashih]

YAYY I'm in it! I'm the one that did the Mulan dance[:

[Photoeye4]

I am so glad that you enjoyed this video clip, Monterey has been so supportive of helping me to bring about awareness of their Chinese American/Californian history. I am honored to educate about the legacy of our early Chinese American pioneering ancestors who once lived and fished and worked on the Monterey Peninsula.

[Photoeye4]

Hi! Please contact me to let me know your name and to discuss your request.

[remriwhite]

Gerry, I've been watching you work so hard at teaching us all about our history. Thank you it is so wonderful!

[theBESTsithlord]

This was a lot of fun.