545 - Can A Social Worker Rebuild Garden Grove Without Political Drama? - Hieu Nguyen

How can local politics in Little Saigon move past old red-baiting tactics to focus on infrastructure, human rights, and community safety?

In this episode, Ken sits down with Hieu Nguyen—a social worker with over 20 years of mental health experience, co-founder of Viet Rainbow of Orange County (VROC), and candidate for Garden Grove City Council (District 4).

Hieu discusses his journey from immigrating to the US in 1993 to becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and immigrant safety. He shares how his background in trauma-informed social work informs his perspective on Little Saigon’s older generation, why he advocates for local infrastructure like pothole repairs and park safety, and how he approaches door-knocking with constituents across the political spectrum.

Inside the Episode:

Why Run for Office?: Transitioning from 20 years of community organizing and social work to local government in Garden Grove's District 4.

Reframing Trauma in Little Saigon: How untreated PTSD from war and displacement affects political views in the older generation, and why empathy is crucial.

Local Issues vs. National Politics: Focusing on core city responsibilities—repairing roads, improving parks, addressing unhoused populations, and city services.

Pioneering Representation: Fighting for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Little Saigon Tet Parade and running as an openly gay candidate and parent.

The State of Local Elections: Addressing campaign sign removal, political transparency, and bridging generational divides at the doorstep.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Hieu Nguyen (@hieu4gardengrove)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast