Candidates Gather in Koreatown for AAPI Forum

0:00It's April 17th. I'm Cory with the story, and this is California News today, your AI-powered local news. Several candidates for California Governor are hitting Korea town this Saturday for a public forum, giving Asian American and Pacific Islander. Communities, a direct line to them before the June 2nd primary. Confirmed speakers include Democrats Xavier Basera, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villarigosa, and Betty Yee, all selected based on their early. Fun raising numbers. Meanwhile, Democrats Matt Mahan and Katie Porter, plus Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, got invites but haven't confirmed yet. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at World Mission University on 500 Shadow Place with doors opening at 9 a.m. A.m. Space is tight, so RSVP. Ahead, though no guarantees on entry. Organizes from groups like C.A.U.'s in the Korean American Democratic Committee stressed this as a historic chance to spotlight A.A.N.H.P.I. voices.

1:01These communities make up over 15% of California's population, more than 7 million strong, fueling the state's economy and culture. Holding it in Korea town highlights often overlooked neighborhoods accessible by public transit. The timing hits as the race shakes up after Democrat Eric Swalwell dropped out last week amid denied sexual assault claims. A fresh Emerson college poll from April 14 to 15 shows Republican Steve Hilton leading at 17% with 25% of voters undecided. Bianco and Steyer sit at 14% each, while among Dems, Steyer edges Basera at 20 to 19%. No live stream, but recordings dropped by May 4, with translations and languages like Korean, Chinese, Hindi and Tagalog. This form puts candidates where the voters are, ramping up the buzz as the primary closes in.