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University Place proclaims AAPI Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and Small Business Week
Summary
At its May 4 meeting the University Place City Council issued three proclamations recognizing Asian‑American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and National Small Business Week; community leaders and the new West Pierce fire chief addressed the council.
The University Place City Council on May 4 proclaimed May 2026 as Asian‑American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, recognized Mental Health Awareness Month and declared May 4, 2026, part of the city’s observance of National Small Business Week.
Mayor Stan Fleming read the AAPI proclamation and invited members of the Asia‑Pacific Cultural Center forward to accept it. Dr. Tina Hinn, who identified herself as an associate professor of music education and an APCC board member, thanked the council and said the center wants to partner with the city on cultural programming and music education.
"We are so grateful to be in partnership with University Place," Dr. Tina Hinn said, thanking the council for the recognition.
Jasmine Argel, who identified herself as a University Place resident and APCC staff member, told the council that "more than 13% of University Place is Asian and Pacific Islander" and urged the city to continue to ensure inclusion and equity in policies and planning.
The council then presented a Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation and invited West Pierce Fire leadership to the lectern. Ryan McGrady, introduced as the newly appointed fire chief, said the department works closely with law enforcement and community partners and highlighted a CARES nurse position that helps first responders connect people in crisis with county mental‑health resources.
"We have a CARES nurse who works closely with mental‑health resources in the county and is able to help connect those patients to those resources," Chief McGrady said.
Council members also read a proclamation recognizing National Small Business Week and invited two local proprietors to speak. Derek Zo, owner of Happy Duo Cafe, and Chad Roy of Harbor Greens described years of operating in University Place, praised city support and asked residents to "shop locally" during Small Business Week.
"You always come to support us…we are very honored and fortunate to do business here," Derek Zo said.
There were no formal votes required for the proclamations. The council took photographs with recipients and staff noted proclamations will be placed on the city calendar and can be scheduled for future meetings or community events.
Next steps: council members and staff encouraged residents to attend APCC events, visit the center’s new building, and support small businesses during the week of local promotions.
