On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) celebrated the Grand Opening of its new Orange County Headquarters and Community Space in Anaheim. More than 200 community leaders, partners, elected officials, and supporters joined the milestone event, marking a major expansion of AJSOCAL’s services and presence in the region.
Having the 3rd-largest Asian population in the US, Orange County is home to 431,955 foreign-born Asian Americans with 70% of them speaking a non-English language at home. Throughout the program, speakers highlighted the significance of AJSOCAL’s expanded presence in Orange County. State Senator Tom Umberg emphasized the organization’s long-standing role in protecting civil rights and ensuring that every resident—regardless of language, background, or immigration status—has a trusted place to turn for support. Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken spoke to the meaningful role AJSOCAL plays in the city’s social and civic landscape, noting that the new headquarters will deepen collaboration, strengthen community connections, and help ensure families can access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
“This new headquarters gives us the space to better serve our community and strengthen connections across Orange County,” said Ash Alvandi, Vice President of Orange County, AJSOCAL. “We’re excited to welcome neighbors, partners, and families to a place where they can access essential services, support, and resources.”
Upon entering guests were able to contribute to AJSOCAL’s annual food and toy drive this holiday season. As they explored the new headquarters, a live mural took shape thanks to a local AAPI artist, which featured historical and staff-favorite landmarks representing orange county’s diverse communities.
Ash Alvandi, VP of OC, and Benjamin Nate, CARE State Manager, Office of Attorney General Rob Bonta
“Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California has long been a powerful force for justice, and its work continues to inspire me and so many others. Congratulations on opening your new Orange County office, and thank you for your unwavering leadership in support of the AAPI community.” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Various Certificates of Recognition from elected officials.
A number of federal, state, county, and local leaders attended the grand opening such as California State Senator Tom Umberg, Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, Anaheim Councilmember Ryan Balius, Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai, Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu, Irvine Councilmember William Go, Santa Ana Councilmember Thai Viet Phan, Garden Grove Councilmember Cindy Tran, Cerritos Councilmember Mark Pulido, Cypress Councilmember Kyle Chang, Former Irvine Mayor & Regional Administrator under the Biden Administration Sukhee Kang, and Former Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan along with representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Congressman Derek Tran, Congressman Dave Min, Congressman Lou Correa, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, Assemblymember Phillip Chen, Assemblymember Tri Ta, and Irvine Mayor Larry Agran.
The new headquarters represents a long-term commitment to providing a welcoming, accessible space for the community. It will serve as a hub for legal support, community programs, and advocacy efforts—ensuring that families, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, and low-income residents can access the services they need.
In Orange County, the Asian American population has grown by 87% from 2000 to 2020, where 1 in every 4 residents is Asian American. For more than 20 years, AJSOCAL’s Orange County Regional Office has served as a trusted resource for the county’s AAPI communities, providing free legal services, outreach, and support to those who need it most. The office engages closely with local residents, including low-income and limited-English-speaking individuals, undocumented immigrants, domestic violence survivors, those facing housing insecurity, and victims of race-based discrimination. Open to all individuals regardless of race or background, AJSOCAL’s Orange County team continues to strengthen community connections, expand access to justice, and ensure that everyone in need can find support and resources within the region.
