Press Releases

LOS ANGELES – Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Chinatown Community for Equitable Development (CCED), and the Cathay Manor Resident Council held a march and press conference calling on Federal, State, and Local oversight of the sale of the Cathay Manor Apartments. 

This date marks nearly one year since both elevators in the 16-story apartment complex broke down, and when LA City Attorney Mike Feuer charged owner and operator of Cathay Manor, C.C.O.A. Housing Corporation and its CEO and President Gong (Donald) Toy, with 16 misdemeanors for numerous building code violations. 

“It is unacceptable that some of our most vulnerable Asian and Latino residents are living in such deplorable conditions,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34). “I'm joining residents in calling for accountability, transparency, and community input in the sale of Cathay Manor. Last month, Senators Feinstein and Padilla joined me in urging the Department of Housing and Urban development to conduct full due diligence in reviewing any proposed sale and to prioritize culturally-competent buyers.” 

"Cathay Manor residents and our Chinatown community want HUD to exercise proper oversight and ensure transparency,” said Phyllis Chiu, CCED Organizer. “Cathay Manor residents want their voices to be heard and respected. We want the building to once again be owned and managed by community-serving leaders who understand our culture, and want a board that includes residents, staff, and community leaders.” 

Cathay Manor is one of the few places in Chinatown that provides affordable housing to low-income seniors. The building has one of the lowest inspection scores in the country and will need to be fully rehabilitated in order to provide safe and adequate living conditions for the many elderly and disabled residents. After years of negligence from the owner, residents are advocating to have a say in future property management and ownership. 

This march and press conference is the latest action from over a year of advocacy from Rep. Gomez, CCED and the Cathay Manor Resident Council to address substandard housing conditions impacting the residents of the Cathay Manor Apartments in Chinatown, Los Angeles. 

On November 4, 2021, Congressman Gomez sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge urging the Department to take immediate action to address substandard housing conditions impacting residents of the Cathay Manor Apartments. 

On December 16, 2021, Congressman Gomez toured Cathay Manor and met with Cathay Manor residents. Afterward, he held a press conference where he called for the resignation of Don Toy, the CEO of the C.C.O.A. Housing Corporation.   

On January 4, 2022, Congressman Gomez sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta requesting a California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) investigation into potential management improprieties at Cathay Manor Apartments. 

On June 11, 2022, Congressman Gomez convened a meeting with HUD Regional Administrator Jason Pu, the Chinatown Community for Equitable Development (CCED), Southeast Asian Community Alliance (SEAC), Cathay Member residents, and Chinatown community advocates to receive assurances that the proposed owner would preserve affordability.  

On October 3, 2022, Congressman Gomez sent a letter with Senators Feinstein and Padilla calling on HUD to ensure a transparent process for the property transfer of Cathay Manor and to prioritize culturally-competent buyers that will provide long-term stability for the residents — many of whom are low-income, Chinese residents. 

You can find photos and videos of the event here. 

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