Dear John,

I'm reaching out to share my heartbreak over the mass shooting in my hometown of Monterey Park on Lunar New Year's Eve. I'm holding the victims and their loved ones in my thoughts this week.

This was the first Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park since before the pandemic, and it should have been a joyful gathering. Asian Americans — like all our communities — deserve to celebrate holidays without fear.

I'd also like to offer my thanks to the first responders and medical staff who responded so quickly and to everyone who's worked tirelessly since Sunday morning. So many of you have asked how you can help. Local organizations have organized a GoFundMe page to support the victims. You can donate directly here.

I've lived in Monterey Park for almost 40 years — and I know first hand how strong our community is. I'll carry that strength with me as I fight to pass meaningful gun safety measures and to ensure all our communities are safe.

We'll get through this together,

Judy