Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023
Contact: Dominica Donovan, Chief of Staff; Phone: (415) 554-7752; Email: dominica.donovan@sfgov.org
SUPERVISOR CATHERINE STEFANI AND MONTHANUS RATANAPAKDEE COMMEMORATE 1ST ANNIVERSARY OF VICHA RATANAPAKDEE WAY WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF MOSAIC STAIRWAY PROJECT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - As we mark the first anniversary since the renaming of "Sonora Lane" to "Vicha Ratanapakdee Way" in the Anza Vista neighborhood of San Francisco, Supervisor Catherine Stefani, alongside the family of Vicha Ratanapakdee, is proud to announce a new initiative transforming the steps of Vicha Ratanapakdee Way with a mosaic stairway.
Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old immigrant from Thailand, was a beloved member of the Anza Vista community in District 2. Tragically, on January 28, 2021, he was violently attacked on one of his daily walks, leading to his death. Supervisor Stefani, a staunch advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, led a legislative effort at the Board of Supervisors to rename a stairway in Anza Vista in his honor.
“This past year has been a journey of healing and unity for our AAPI community. Today’s anniversary serves as a stark reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can unite to honor a life and work to stop hate against targeted communities,” said Supervisor Stefani.
In conjunction with commemorating this event, the Vicha Ratanapakdee Way Stairway project will revitalize and enhance the safety and accessibility of the neighborhood through the renovation of existing stairway infrastructure.
“The staircase symbolizes Grandpa's life journey and signifies the beauty of community and the power of speaking up,” said Monthanus Ratanapakdee, daughter of Mr. Ratanapakdee.
The Ratanapakdee family will collaborate with artists Sarah Siskin and Thitiwat Phromratanapongse for the mosaic stairway. Both were selected to incorporate more details representing culture and justice.
Vicha Ratanapakdee's legacy is carried forward by his devoted family members in both California and Thailand. They actively support survivors of such hate-filled attacks by
collaborating with local authorities, ensuring access to city services, and advocating for justice. Their unwavering commitment has made a meaningful impact in the community by providing crucial assistance to those in need.