In a recent episode of KPBS Midday Edition, host Jade Hindman welcomed Jacinta Wong, former executive director of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, to discuss the historical significance and revitalization efforts of San Diego’s Chinatown.
As part of the celebration for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the program highlighted the long history of San Diego’s Chinese community, which dates back to the 1850s.
San Diego was once home to a bustling Chinatown, primarily located in the area now known as the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District in downtown.
Wong offered insights into the waves of Chinese migration that began in the mid-1800s due to various circumstances, including famine and war in southern China.
The California Gold Rush of 1848 marked a significant increase in Chinese immigration, with about 300 individuals arriving in 1849, ballooning to over 20,000 by 1852.
Many newcomers sought better opportunities and often found employment in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, which began in 1865.
They primarily landed in places such as San Francisco before gradually moving south to California, where they found employment in fishing due to the abundant coastal resources.
Wong explained that the Chinese migrants utilized the region’s redwood trees to construct junks, a type of boat familiar to them from their homeland, allowing them to thrive in the fishing industry.
Local lore suggests that people could still freely gather abalone up until the 1960s, underscoring the vibrant fishing culture that existed.
Despite the hardships of racism faced by the Chinese population, which led to their forced settlement in the so-called ‘Stinky District’—characterized by brothels and drugs—a strong sense of community developed.
This community provided mutual support through cultural and linguistic similarities, fostering an environment for individuals to thrive in what was otherwise a challenging setting.
During the mid-1800s, San Diego’s demographics were sparse, with around 3,000 residents, among them several hundred Chinese individuals who were part of these early waves of migrants.
Wong elaborated on how racism and discrimination isolated the Chinese community but ultimately led to the creation of supportive neighborhoods that preserved cultural heritage.
She recalled how churches played a significant role in the community, helping Chinese immigrants learn English and adapt to American society.
However, the discussion soon transitioned to the adversities faced by the Chinese women immigrants, who were largely excluded from migration.
Due to various legal restrictions, many women who did migrate were often subjected to enslavement or entered into the sex trade, complicating the narrative of Chinese immigration and community formation.
Wong reflected on the broader context of identity and the importance of cultural hubs like Chinatown.
She pointed out that such centers allow for cultural celebration and community bonding, facilitating connections between past and present.
However, San Diego’s Chinatown has slowly dissolved over the decades, leading to the dispersion of the Chinese community.
Factors contributing to this decline included restrictive legislation like the Scotts Act, which limited Chinese fishermen from operating beyond three nautical miles offshore, ultimately harming their livelihoods.
Additionally, the Chinese Exclusion Act resulted in historical displacement, pushing many community members to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Wong emphasized that while the early Chinese migrants were primarily male, those who remained faced significant challenges in maintaining their cultural roots due to the absence of family and female counterparts.
In a recorded segment, Amy Lee, a docent at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and a former resident of Chinatown, described the vibrant cultural life of the area during her childhood in the 1940s and 50s, where markets and schools thrived.
However, as time passed and socio-political pressures intensified, San Diego’s Chinatown faded into obscurity.
Wong detailed how the city council approved the establishment of the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District in 1987 to preserve the heritage of the area, which once encompassed a diverse array of communities including the Filipino and Japanese populations.
Although the master plan to revitalize the area received initial support, it struggled with funding and execution, resulting in the erasure of many historical nods to the community.
Wong is particularly passionate about preserving what remains of the historic district, advocating for awareness and recognition of its significance.
She underscored how little remains visible to the average resident or visitor today, narrowing the narrative of San Diego’s complex cultural landscape.
This sentiment was echoed by Lee, who emphasized the importance of memory and recognition of the Chinatown that once thrived, stating, “people need to know there was really a Chinatown down there, and there were real people that lived and survived for quite a few years…”
Wong agreed, noting that the power dynamics in historical narratives often dictate whose stories are told and remembered.
She stressed the need to capture and preserve the diverse histories that shape San Diego’s identity, highlighting the contributions of various communities that contributed to the flourishing of the city.
In conversation, Wong also addressed contemporary challenges in preserving such histories, stating that funding has become a critical barrier.
Support from nonprofits like the San Diego Foundation is vital, yet many oral histories and firsthand accounts from the aging community members are at risk of being lost.
She expressed determination to capture and uphold these narratives, ensuring that future generations understand their origins and the intricate tapestry of experiences that compose San Diego.
Wong emphasized the importance of community building and collaboration among different AAPI groups to revive and celebrate their shared histories and identities.
She acknowledged that as conversations around Race and diversity proliferate, engaging the younger generations and fostering pride in cultural identity is crucial for those feeling disconnected from their heritage.
The work she undertakes is not only about maintaining cultural pride but also about advocating for a more inclusive recognition of San Diego’s historical landscapes.
As Wong reflects on her upbringing in Chicago, where a vibrant Chinatown flourished, she draws parallels between her experiences and the current landscape in San Diego.
She noted that her mother played a central role in supporting and growing the Chinese community through various social service initiatives, and she aims to ignite similar passion within the younger generations in San Diego.
Wong’s vision for rebuilding San Diego’s Chinatown is rooted in unity across cultural lines, attempting to integrate the histories of diverse groups residing in the city.
She believes that collaboration can help cultivate a shared cultural narrative, thereby enhancing the vibrancy of each community, instead of perpetuating separateness.
Her advocacy extends beyond local initiatives to a broader perspective on reclaiming space and visibility for AAPI communities in urban environments.
In conclusion, Wong’s work in preserving San Diego’s Chinatown serves not only as a historical reminder but as an ongoing mission to connect communities and empower individuals through shared cultural heritage.
Through storytelling, recollection, and active engagement with the past, community organizations strive to ensure that the diverse histories of San Diego are not only remembered but celebrated for future generations.
image source from：https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpbs-midday-edition/what-happened-to-san-diegos-chinatown
