San Jose officials are cracking down on alleged mismanagement in Vietnam Town. But the plaza’s landlords aren’t budging. City code enforcers last month ordered the managers of Little Saigon’s iconic commercial center to address multiple building violations that vexed business owners. That included the removal of a haphazard dumpster barricade that kept cars from parking...
Time is running out in San Jose Viet Museum dispute
San Jose community leaders have until Wednesday to end a battle for control of the Viet Museum at History Park, or they’ll be iced out of managing the cultural landmark for good. Community members have been fighting over who has legitimate authority over the Immigrant Resettlement and Cultural Center, the nonprofit that operates the museum....
2025 in review: San Jose Little Saigon at a crossroads
San Jose’s Vietnamese community sees no shortage of milestones, activism and political drama every year — 2025 was no exception. Little Saigon’s iconic community gathering space – a commercial plaza known as Vietnam Town – is facing a reckoning. The death of a beloved immigrant pioneer has prompted new urgency, from leaders he mentored, to...
San Jose cracks down on Vietnam Town mismanagement
San Jose officials have long known about mismanagement concerns surrounding Little Saigon’s signature commercial center. But now they’re taking action this week after San José Spotlight’s reporting and a lawsuit by merchants showed the extent of Vietnam Town’s neglect. The city’s Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department has ordered Vietnam Town management to remove barricades...
San Jose Viet Museum’s future unclear
Patience is wearing thin amid a battle for control of a museum honoring San Jose’s Vietnamese community — and both sides of the fight could end up losing. History San Jose, a nonprofit which cares for History Park and its historic buildings and resources on Phelan Avenue, has kept the Viet Museum closed since last...
San Jose Vietnamese shops sue over alleged mismanagement
At San Jose’s Vietnam Town, struggling merchants find it hard to recognize their signature commercial center. Instead, they see a plaza that chases out visitors. It’s eerily quiet during the day. The ramps of Vietnam Town’s main parking garage have been cordoned off with dumpsters, choking out parking options for would-be customers. Security is towing...
San Jose Viet Museum founder leaves lasting legacy
Loc Vu, the architect of San Jose’s Viet Museum and Little Saigon pioneer, died Saturday at the age of 92. After months in hospice care in Cupertino, Vu spent his final moments surrounded by family and community members whose histories were indelibly marked by the former South Vietnamese military leader-turned-refugee. The husband, father and grandfather...
‘The King of Trash’ film showcases San Jose recycling mogul
The Bay Area’s “King of Trash” has taken fire from all directions, catching an FBI bribery case while ensnared in personal and political feuds. But that won’t stop him from walking the red carpet — and wrestling back control over his story. Cal Waste Solutions CEO David Duong — the Oakland recycling mogul and power...
San Jose politician’s rival runs for D7 seat
An alleged abuse of public resources. A mocking Facebook video. A series of unusual dramas has marked a bitter feud between the office of District 7 San Jose Councilmember Bien Doan and East Side Union High School District Trustee Van Le. Le said she will run against Doan when he’s up for reelection next year —...
‘Godfather of Little Saigon’ cases ripple through San Jose
It’s been a good month in court for a San Jose businessman dubbed the “Godfather of Little Saigon,” entangling a local councilmember, an embattled power broker, a Trump administration bigwig and suggestive Vietnamese aphorisms. Politically influential San Jose bail bondsman Hai Huynh has seen favorable turns in two dramatic courtroom battles in the last few...