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With temperatures soaring and the effects of climate change becoming increasingly palpable, cities around the world are seeking to address the pressing issue of extreme heat. At the forefront of this fight in the US are the cities of Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix, each with its appointed Chief Heat Officer. These individuals, pioneers in their respective roles, have been entrusted with the task of strategizing, managing, and responding to the escalating health and economic risks posed by unprecedented heatwaves.

Jane Gilbert: Bridging Gaps in Miami

Hailing from a rich background of strategic planning, corporate integration, and urban resilience, Jane Gilbert serves as Miami-Dade County’s inaugural Chief Heat Officer. Her extensive experience, including her former role as the City of Miami’s first Chief Resilience Officer, has equipped her with a deep understanding of climate change’s multifaceted challenges. Under her leadership, Miami has embarked on a collaborative approach, working hand in hand with cross-sector partners and neighboring jurisdictions like Miami Beach. With her academic prowess, a BA in Environmental Science and an MPA from Harvard, Gilbert stands as a testament to the amalgamation of theoretical knowledge and pragmatic governance.

David Hondula: Academia Meets Governance in Phoenix

David Hondula wears many hats – a scholar, a researcher, and now the Director of Heat Response and Mitigation for Phoenix. With a focus on the societal and health impacts of natural hazards, especially extreme heat, Hondula has always been close to the core of the issue. His association with ASU’s Urban Climate Research Center and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health signifies his commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and ground-level action. Holding a doctorate in environmental sciences and having been an esteemed member of several editorial boards, Hondula’s scientific insights are now guiding Phoenix’s battle against the scorching temperatures.

Marta Segura: LA’s Advocate for Climate Justice

Leading the charge in Los Angeles is Marta Segura, both the Chief Heat Officer and the Director of Climate Emergency Mobilization. A renowned expert in climate, public health, environmental justice, and stakeholder engagement, Segura’s mission goes beyond just addressing the rising temperatures. She is driven by a vision of equity, ensuring that as LA becomes more resilient against extreme heat, it does so in a manner that is inclusive and fair. Spearheading partnerships, prioritizing climate equity metrics, and laying down the groundwork for LA’s first Heat Action Plan, Segura’s endeavors are a beacon of hope for a city aiming to adapt and thrive in the face of climate adversities.

The unprecedented challenges posed by the hottest summer on record demand unprecedented solutions. These Chief Heat Officers, with their combined expertise, dedication, and vision, are not only guiding their respective cities but also setting an example for urban centers worldwide. As the mercury rises, so does the need for concerted, informed, and holistic action, and these leaders are showing the way forward.

There have been several waves of Vietnamese immigration to the United States, each with its own unique circumstances and characteristics. The location of Vietnamese immigration to the U.S. has varied across each wave.

First Wave (1975-1995): The first wave of Vietnamese refugees settled primarily in large cities on the West Coast and in Texas. Cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Houston became major centers for Vietnamese immigration and provided many of the resources and support networks necessary for these refugees to begin their new lives in the U.S. This wave was primarily composed of South Vietnamese military personnel, government officials, and their families, who were evacuated from the country during Operation Frequent Wind. Many of these refugees faced discrimination and struggled to assimilate into American society.
Second Wave (1980s-1990s): The second wave of Vietnamese immigration was more dispersed, with many refugees settling in smaller cities and rural areas. This was due to a combination of factors, including the availability of sponsors and job opportunities, as well as the cost of living in larger cities. Many second-wave refugees settled in the Midwestern and Southern regions of the U.S., where they established new Vietnamese American communities. This wave was primarily composed of people who had been living in refugee camps in Southeast Asia and was sponsored by relatives or churches in the United States.
Third Wave (1990s-Present): The third wave of Vietnamese immigration has been more diverse in terms of location, with many immigrants settling in both large cities and suburban areas. This wave of immigration has also been characterized by higher levels of education and financial stability, which has allowed many Vietnamese Americans to settle in more affluent areas. Additionally, the reunification of families has played a significant role in the settlement patterns of third-wave immigrants, with many choosing to live near relatives already established in the U.S. This wave of immigration has been driven by reunification of families and economic opportunities. Many of these immigrants have come to the U.S. through the family-sponsored immigration program.

Overall, the Vietnamese American community has made significant contributions to the U.S. and has established itself as a vibrant and successful community. Despite facing many challenges, the Vietnamese American community has remained strong and continues to grow and thrive in the United States, now found in many regions from California to New York and from Texas to Washington state.