Contagious Advocacy
By Kelley Dolling Client & Community Outreach
When passion, conviction, and talent collide, an advocate's march toward social good becomes more than a mission for justice, peace, or understanding. Instead, these actions begin to percolate joy and a rare glow that beckons others to listen, shift paradigms, and take action. One local woman is undeniably exemplifying this form of contagious activism right here in Red Bluff. And, once you catch wind of Jessica Chew's inspirational mission to restore the almost-forgotten Chinese American history of our area and the state as a whole, you can't help but crave more.
Private Collection of the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation
Photo: Chew Family inside the Ming Terrace
Let us lay a quick foundation before we launch into the meat of the story. You may or may not know that Tehama County harbors quite a Chinese American history dating back to the mid to late 1800s. Many merchants, restaurateurs, doctors, laborers, and more lived and/or worked in what was eventually labeled Red Bluff's Chinatown. This thriving area served as a mico-community within the city limits and originally spanned the two blocks along Rio Street (from Pine to Hickory). During its 125-year existence, Red Bluff's Chinatown left a lasting economic and historical impact on our community. Sadly, this legacy began to erode as our Chinese families died off and took their culture-rich stories with them.
Nearly 50 years later, Jessica Chew accepted the challenge of restoring and revitalizing the city's Chinatown. As one of only five people left from the original Chinese families to settle in Red Bluff, Chew is reviving the stories to cultivate unity, change existing narratives, and celebrate diversity.
By now, you may have felt that familiar tug. Chew was quite the surname in Red Bluff, and many long-time Tehama County residents have at least heard mention of Joe Chew. This upstanding Red Bluff resident and his family owned and operated the beloved Ming Terrace. This iconic restaurant opened in 1949 on the corner of Hickory and Main (later the Peking Restaurant and Guadalajara today).
Private Collection of the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation
Photo: Ming Terrace
As we bring the story full circle, the dots connect. Jessica Chew is the granddaughter of Joe Chew. And it was through her close relationship with her grandfather that she learned about Tehama County's extensive Chinese history and the vital stories embedded in our past. A lifetime of organic conversations inspired a heartfelt movement fueled by passion and honor, and it's beginning to take shape.
Private Collection of the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation
Photo (TL): Joe and Helen Chew
Photo (TR): Joe with a California certificate noting his WWII Congressional Medal of Honor
Last year Jessica founded the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation (HJC). Its core mission is to provide an annual scholarship for low-income or minority high school students who are residents of Red Bluff. With a firm belief that it all begins with education, the Foundation is monetarily backing its conviction. (Find the HJC Scholarship details HERE.)
The creation of the HJC Foundation is just the tip of the iceberg. Jessica aligned herself with countless partners to restore Red Bluff's Chinatown with an official alleyway naming. In addition to Chew's unwavering advocacy, the collaboration hidden behind this undertaking is another hero in the story. The City of Eureka openly shared its playbook spotlighting a similar project and worked alongside the City of Red Bluff to help implement planning policies and procedures.
The renaming process took roughly a year, but the victory was well worth the wait. So if you happen to find yourself in the alleyway between Main and Rio from Hickory to Pine, be sure to glance up. Professional signage in English and Chinese already graces the light posts and represents a tremendous win for local history and Chinese American culture.
This stunning signage is Chew's first step in aligning the past with the present. The connections between the "old" and the "new" are noteworthy. Local descendants worked together on the naming application and attended public meetings with the city. Chew also approached local Chinese-operated businesses to participate in the creation of the alleyway signage and translation.
"I cannot thank the Red Bluff City Council, the Planning Department, and our City Manager enough for being the true champions of this historical movement to name Historic Chinatown Alley," said Chew. "Tom Westbrook did a great deal of the legwork and deserves much of the credit."
Chew has a one-year series of free events planned to celebrate the new Historic Chinatown Alley. Sponsored by the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation and KIXE, the run kicks off with an official alley-naming unveiling that embraces Red Bluff's rich 125-year Chinese American History on Saturday, January 28th. The morning will open at 8 am with an ancient Chinese Lion Dance, one of Red Bluff Chinatown's oldest transitions, that will bless the new signs with longevity and all participating businesses with good fortune for the year. Other activities include a speech from local Chinese American descendants and a special Tai Chi performance in the Cone and Kimball Plaza.
"Our goal is to not only share our traditions with the community, but also highlight our shared heritage and history, including Chinese New Year, which was celebrated together dating back to the late 1800s," expressed Chew. "Although the Lion Dance Parade was held in Red Bluff's segregated Chinatown, everyone was welcome to attend and participate in the festivities."
Following this impressive inaugural occasion, Chew has unique events dotted throughout the year. These include festivals, book readings, history exhibitions, film showings, and more. Finally, the series concludes with the Grand Finale Lion Dance to celebrate the culmination of the project and next year's Chinese New Year. (See the flyer below for additional information or click HERE for further details.)
This fantastic lineup begs the question, will any of these events become annual festivities? Chew explained that she hopes the community shares a desire to continue to have a Chinese New Year Celebration. While historically, these celebrations were held in all Chinatowns throughout the North State; you cannot find any similar events in our surrounding counties today.
As we digest the work at hand, the draw is twofold. First, Red Bluff's fascinating Chinese American history is a vital piece of our community. It deserves to be remembered and protected. In addition, Jessica Chew's joyful advocacy for our town and all of its people is an inspiration. Chew shines so brightly that you can't help but wonder if her courageous efforts to work for change will encourage others to do the same.
Follow these efforts on Facebook HERE. For more information about the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation, click HERE. In addition to an overview, you will also find scholarship information, a schedule of events, and a fantastic in-depth family history. It's more than worth a peek.
Written By
Kelley Dolling
Client & Community Outreach