Dear Friend,
I am writing to you to share a challenging situation the garden is currently facing and to let you know, we need your help.
Last week, my team and I implemented a temporary solution in response to the rising safety concerns in the Oldtown Chinatown neighborhood— We started to keep the garden front gate closed during business hours. No worries, we are NOT closed to the public. What has changed temporarily is the procedure for visitor entry.
For now, visitors and members will be asked to check in at the ticket booth and will be buzzed in once their admission purchase is completed.
This is a temporary safety measure to protect our staff, the volunteers, and our visitors.
A significant aspect of Lan Su’s mission is cultivating an oasis of tranquil beauty that inspires, engages, and educates our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture. During the pandemic with the rise of anti-Asian sentiment, we felt the importance of our work even more strongly. I have heard a long-time visitor tell me that this is the most beautiful they have ever seen Lan Su. I had a volunteer weep the first time we brought live music back to the garden.
We know how much this garden means to our community and we proudly steward this incredible place for all of us.
However, the rising number of safety incidents has made it very challenging to do our work.
Our staff has shown their dedication to delivering on this mission during what is arguably under the worst conditions Oldtown/Chinatown has ever experienced. While holding respect for those experiencing houselessness, we have been impacted by the increasing criminal activity, behavioral mental health issues, and drug abuses.
The incidents are random, scary, and they leave my team feeling profoundly insecure. As the Executive Director, I ask myself: How can our staff show up every day to do the work if I don’t do the job to keep them safe in this space?
Therefore, here are just some of the actions we have taken since late 2020:
- Hiring a private security service and are increasing patrols.
- Partnering with SOLVE to host monthly neighborhood clean-ups.
- Implementing a buddy system for staff using transportation.
- Paying for staff to use the garden’s office parking to avoid unsecured parking.
- In conjunction World Mental Health Day, we will be closing Lan Su for two days: October 10th and 11th, to give all staff a much-needed mental health break.
- I have been raising safety issues in my weekly meetings with representatives from the mayor’s office, Portland Police, Portland Transportation Bureau, Oldtown Chinatown Community Association, and other community leaders.
Lan Su has been the only cultural institution to be consistently open to the public in Oldtown/Chinatown since last July. And yet, I am told that people are withdrawing their support from Lan Su until circumstances in Oldtown improve. I am also told repeatedly that things won’t change until more people return to the neighborhood.
To this I say, it has been an act of courage, resiliency, perseverance, and grace for our staff and volunteers to show up every day to work for all of us here at Lan Su during these times.
My team and I are willing to do everything in our power, to make sure Lan Su remains a tranquil oasis that is safe for people to work, to volunteer, and to visit. We are determined to continue showing up, but at the same time, we will continue to take concrete measures to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors.
Some of the safety measures, closed gate included, are temporary and short-term. We will continue to learn, adapt, try new things, and listen to your feedback. We ask for your patience and support while we work on medium and long-term solutions.
But you can help now.
What we need more than ever is for the community to keep showing up for Lan Su and also for the Oldtown/Chinatown neighborhood– our past and our future are inextricably linked together. Here is how you can help:
- Make any amount of donation in funding for long-term safety measures.
- Become a Lan Su Member or renew your Lan Su Membership.
- Become a Lan Su Volunteer.
- Bring your guests to visit Lan Su and support businesses in Oldtown/Chinatown.
- Let us hear from you! Share your input by e-mailing us at info@lansugarden.org
Lan Su will continue showing up.
Will you join us?
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