CAMPAIGN NEWS: Probation Officers’ Union endorses Yiu for State Senate

Monterey Park City Councilmember Yvonne Yiu, who is running for the California State Senate in District 25, has secured the endorsement of a union representing thousands of Los Angeles County deputy probation officers, her campaign announced.

AFSCME Local 685, the Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officers’ Union, said it supports Yiu because she has actively supported public safety programs as a Councilmember.

In a statement released by Yiu’s staff, Hans Liang, the union’s president said they “need more public safety champions” in Sacramento.

“Yvonne Yiu is the leader we need,” the statement quotes Liang. 

“She has been a strong advocate for investing in public safety and 911 emergency response on the City Council. We know Yvonne will do the same in the State Senate to improve neighborhood security and keep the public safe.”

Yiu’s campaign said the endorsement adds to her growing coalition of public safety supporters, which includes the Monterey Park Police Officers Association and the Monterey Park Police Mid Management Association.

Yiu has also been vocal about addressing gun violence, especially after a shooting incident in Monterey Park earlier this year. Her campaign said she has consistently advocated for measures that enhance public safety.

Yiu is one of several candidates vying for the seat to be vacated by former Sen. Anthony Portantino, who is running for lieutenant governor. 

If elected, Yiu would be the only Asian American and Pacific Islander member from Southern California in the state Senate, according to her campaign.

Yiu was born and raised in Hongkong and immigrated to the United States when she was 16 years old after her father passed. She went on to obtain a degree in Economics from UCLA, an MBA from Loyola Marymount University and a Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional designation from Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Yiu’s financial management career includes serving as a financial advisor at Charles Schwab and Citibank, Branch Manager at E*Trade and as a Regional Manager at Merrill Lynch. 

The statement said she holds 12 securities licenses from FINRA, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. She still works part-time as a FINRA Arbitrator and Expert Witness, her profile on the Monterey Park website says. 

Yiu is active in charitable and community organizations. She currently serves as a board member of the Morning Light Foundation, a board member of West San Gabriel Valley Boys and Girls Club of America, and a board member of the Greater Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit her website, www.yvonneyiu.com.