News Summary
On March 26, 2025, Westminster celebrated the opening of a new playground named after Tony Lam at Tony Lam Park. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen and community members. At 88 years old, Lam is honored for his contributions to the city and his legacy. The playground serves as a new gathering spot for families, reinforcing community unity, even as concerns arise from a missing person incident in the area.
Westminster Celebrates New Playground Dedicated to Tony Lam
On March 26, 2025, Westminster came alive with joy and excitement as the community gathered to celebrate the opening of a brand new playground at Tony Lam Park. The event featured a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together local residents, officials, and dedicated supporters of Tony Lam—a remarkable individual celebrated for his long-standing contributions to the city.
A Special Day for a Special Man
The ceremony welcomed Westminster’s own Mayor, Chi Charlie Nguyen, along with Tony Lam himself, who has now reached the impressive age of 88. The celebration was not just a festive occasion, but it significantly honored Tony’s impact, as just a couple of years ago, a park on McFadden Avenue was renamed after him in 2022.
Tony Lam is notably recognized as potentially being the first Vietnamese American to hold an elected office in the United States. He has served on Westminster’s City Council for over three terms, showcasing his steadfast commitment to the community. Therefore, it was only fitting that this playground bears his name, becoming a new hub for children and families alike.
Community Unity and Participation
As the ribbon was cut, delighted children rushed toward the playground equipment, giggling and squealing with joy. Tony Lam engaged warmly with the attendees, personally offering cups of water to the playful kids, embodying the spirit of community and kindness that he has always advocated for.
The event was marked by moments of laughter, joy, and camaraderie, as families took photos and captured memories of the day. Families posed with Tony, who was surrounded by his lovely wife, Hop, and even more children who were thrilled to test out the new playground.
Encouragement for a Better Community
During the ceremony, Lam took a moment to address the crowd, emphasizing the importance of unity and teamwork amongst the residents. He encouraged everyone to “join together to make the city go forward again”, a rallying cry for community improvement that resonated throughout the gathering.
Amidst Celebration, A Concern Lingers
While the celebration unfolded, Westminster also faced a challenging situation regarding another man sharing the same name as Tony Lam. A man aged 61, reported missing and suspected to have been kidnapped in Midway City, raised concern among residents. He was last seen on March 15, 2025, near the 14000 block of Hunter Lane and is described as being about 5-foot-7, weighing 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Authorities have indicated that two suspects, Nhan Chinh Nguyen and Phi Hung Nguyen, have been charged with kidnapping for ransom in relation to this incident. They are set to be arraigned on April 10. Reports speculate that the missing Lam may have been followed from nearby restaurants before falling victim to what witnesses have described as a violent attack.
The Community is Urged to Stay Alert
Investigators are actively looking for any additional information that may aid in the case, appealing to the public for assistance. As always, maintaining community vigilance is essential to ensuring everyone’s safety.
Final Thoughts
As Westminster joyfully embraced the opening of the Tony Lam playground, residents were reminded of the importance of community, the drive to work together for improvement, and the vigilance necessary in times of concern. The playground is not only a place for fun and laughter but also a symbol of community unity and an homage to one man’s deep-rooted legacy.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Westminster Celebrates Playground Renovation
- NBC Los Angeles: Orange County Kidnapping
- ABC7: Tony Lam Remains Missing
- KTLA: Deputies Seek Public Help in Kidnapping Case
- Deseret: Little Saigon’s History and Future
- Wikipedia: Tony Lam (Politician)
