The lawsuits were filed Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court by the relatives of Xiujuan Yu, Yu Lun Kao, LiLan Li and Mymy Nhan, who were among those killed when Huu Can Tran opened fire at Star Ballroom Dance Studio on Jan. 21, 2023. Representatives for Star Ballroom and Tran’s estate could not be immediately reached for comment. All four lawsuits allege wrongful death, assault and battery against Tran’s estate and wrongful death, liability and negligence against the ballroom. California the Monterey Park community was shattered when the Star Ballroom Dance Studio became the site of one of California’s worst mass shootings in recent history Many of the victims were studio regulars united in their passion for dance The lawsuits allege that the owners and managers at Star Ballroom “were negligent in failing to take reasonable steps and to employ security measures” including “security guards video cameras and adequate lighting to protect patrons .. They also allege that the owners and managers knew that “similar incidents of criminal activity” had occurred in and around the dance studio and failed to warn patrons of the dangers is also suing Tran’s estate for assault and battery and alleges negligence and liability by Star Ballroom Tang suffered a left femur injury as a result of the attack and had to have surgery and take time off work to recover Tran, 72, opened fire in the Star Ballroom during a Lunar New Year celebration, killing 11 people and wounding nine others After unleashing 42 rounds, Tran went to the Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio in nearby Alhambra, where he was disarmed by Brandon Tsay, whose family owns the studio. One year after the mass shooting at a dance hall in Monterey Park survivors and family have tried to keep active and honor the memories of the victims Tran died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a standoff with police on Jan The plaintiffs in all five lawsuits are represented by attorney Danny Soong and seek unspecified punitive damages against Tran’s estate and unspecified compensatory damages against the studio Star Ballroom was a well-loved community gathering space for dance self-expression and celebration of Chinese culture and did not reopen following the mass shooting which is the deadliest in modern Los Angeles County history “I don’t think I want to reopen again,” owner Maria Liang told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune in May 2023. “It’s still difficult to return to the same spot to work.” Six months after a mass shooting in Monterey Park that left 11 dead survivors and fellow dancers have come together Then-President Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris visited Monterey Park following the shooting and consoled the victims’ families Two months later, Biden returned to the city to unveil executive action aimed at curtailing gun violence. Biden also invited Tsay to be a guest of honor at his 2023 State of the Union address. Clara Harter is a breaking news reporter at the Los Angeles Times. Previously, she covered politics and education for the L.A. Daily News. While at the Daily News, she published a series on fentanyl addiction that won a first-place investigative journalism award from the L.A. Press Club. Harter majored in political science and Middle Eastern studies at Columbia University. She loves surfing and, when not reporting, can most likely be found in the ocean. World & Nation Subscribe for unlimited access Site Map Print L.A County health officials are warning that some diners at a Monterey Park restaurant may have been exposed to hepatitis A An employee at a Buffalo Wild Wings in the city was found to be infected with the highly contagious liver infection, the county Department of Public Health said in a release Wednesday Customers who ate at the restaurant at 4000 Market Place Drive in Monterey Park between Nov 13 and 22 might have been exposed and should receive a hepatitis A vaccine if they are not already immunized Hepatitis A is spread through food or drink contaminated with tiny particles of fecal matter, according to the World Health Organization. It can also be spread through close physical contact with an infectious person; casual contact does not spread the virus. A spokesperson for Buffalo Wild Wings confirmed the sports bar had received a clean bill of health from local officials and was set to reopen Wednesday night. An unidentified Fresno County individual died of rabies despite treatment after probably being bitten by a bat, the first human case in the area in 32 years. There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. Cases can range from mild to severe, occasionally but rarely causing death. Symptoms include fever, weakness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools and diarrhea. Most people feel sick for several weeks but usually recover with no lasting liver damage, according to the CDC. Receiving a vaccination within 14 days of exposure could help reduce the risk of infection, health officials said. Children should receive two doses of a hepatitis A vaccine between 1 and 3 years old, according to CDC guidelines. Adults who have not been inoculated can also receive the vaccine. If you were exposed and develop symptoms, health officials advise calling your health provider and asking for a hepatitis A test. Sandra McDonald is a reporting fellow at the Los Angeles Times. She grew up in north central Florida, just an hour south of the University of Florida where she studied journalism and worked with the local NPR station, WUFT, and Fresh Take Florida, a news service focused on statewide and political coverage. She previously was an intern with The Times’ breaking news team. The quake was reported just after 10 a.m. with a depth of about 6 miles. The shaking was felt in the ABC7 studios in Glendale. Authorities arrived on the scene to find a vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole along the south sidewalk was found unresponsive in the driver’s seat while a female passenger was located outside the vehicle Emergency personnel from the Monterey Park Fire Department arrived shortly after and pronounced the male driver deceased at the scene The female passenger was treated for minor injuries and was transported to General Hospital for further care The Monterey Park Police Department Traffic Bureau has launched an active investigation into the cause of the crash Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation Witnesses are urged to contact the Monterey Park Police Department at 626-307-1200 and further details will be provided as they become available Many of our advertisers are local businesses that have been impacted directly by the fire we immediately removed all advertisements the day after the fire and transformed our site to provide live updates We felt it would be inappropriate to run ads while our friends and neighbors were being evacuated and displaced we don’t outsource our operations overseas Our priority has been to keep you and ourselves informed with timely even a small contribution of $5 can make a significant difference Please click the blue button below to learn more about how you can assist Support Our News Desk department consists of a collective of news gatherers in order to keep the community informed and safe Colorado Boulevard is your place for informative news and social living for the greater Pasadena area and work together to make a better world for all of us See all articles See all newsflashes Back to articles Location Barnes Memorial Park Category(ies)Recreation Cherry Blossom Festival in Monterey Park (Photo – SenSusanRubio) The event runs from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday Attendees will enjoy main stage performances including Japanese dancing and performances by local student musical groups festival-goers can join J-Pop idols for fun activities and festival games the festival will also welcome DJs spinning City Pop hits Auto-enthusiasts will love the festival’s Itasha exhibition featuring cars decorated with anime characters visitors will find a variety of cultural displays visitors will also be able to make their own Japanese dolls at the craft station The festival marketplace will feature a record-number of vendors offering merchandise with unique cultural flair Community booths will also provide resources on local health No festival would be complete without delicious food and mochi desserts from Little Tokyo’s Fugetsu-Do take the free shuttles from Langley Senior Center > For more information, visit this website or email recreation@montereypark.ca.gov Katlyn Ong is a First Year student at the University of the Pacific majoring in Pre-Dentistry Colorado Boulevard is your place for enlightening events informative news and social living for the greater Pasadena area See all articles and exciting games to keep the festive spirit alive contact the Recreation & Community Services Department at (626) 307-1388 MONTEREY PARK, Calif., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AtWork® the nation’s leading staffing franchise for empowering job seekers and facilitating company growth Suite G across from Monterey Park Hospital The location will serve communities in Monterey Park AtWork Monterey Park is locally owned and operated by Lauren Shaw an Air Force Veteran who has worked as an engineer for nearly 30 years He currently resides in the Greater Los Angeles Area “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to own a business that will have a positive impact on my community,” said Shaw “AtWork was a natural fit for what I was looking for because it will allow me to establish personal connections with local businesses and job seekers see people’s lives improve through getting to work I plan to be an active part of the community in order to become a go-to resource for growing businesses and potential candidates.” AtWork’s mission has been to connect people with jobs and jobs with people AtWork puts an estimated 40,000 individuals to work each year in administrative IT and management-level positions at some of the nation’s largest and most recognizable companies “We are proud to open our doors in Monterey Park and provide a common place for both job seekers and growing businesses to turn for staffing solutions,” said Jason Leverant “AtWork will serve as a key resource to help employees thrive businesses prosper and communities flourish Lauren is the perfect partner to champion our mission and be a servant leader in his local community.” For more information, visit AtWork.com and CM Henry Lo (Photo – Screengrab) Also featured at the meeting was a farewell to outgoing Councilmember Yvonne Yiu and the oaths for returning Councilmembers Henry Lo and Jose Sanchez A reception with light refreshments followed The Monterey Park City Council rotates the mayorship every 9½ months to allow all councilmembers an opportunity to serve in that position > Watch a video of the meeting at this link The City of Monterey Park announced it has won the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) 2024 Most Business-Friendly City Award The announcement was made at the LAEDC’s 29th Annual EDDY Awards ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 6 This award recognizes cities in Los Angeles County that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in supporting local businesses “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the LAEDC,” said Monterey Park Economic Development Manager Joseph Torres “This award highlights our commitment to fostering economic growth and creating a welcoming environment for businesses of all sizes.” The LAEDC recognized Monterey Park for its innovative programs and collaborative approach to economic development The City’s dedication to supporting businesses through initiatives such as the Monterey Park Business Connect support program and its proactive business attraction and retention strategies were key factors in securing the award “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our City Council and staff “We are proud to be a leader in economic development and will continue to work tirelessly to make Monterey Park the best place to do business in Los Angeles County.” The LAEDC Most Business-Friendly City Awards are presented annually to cities demonstrating exceptional commitment to supporting businesses and fostering economic growth The award is given in two categories: Small Cities (60,000 population or less) and Large Cities (more than 60,000) I’ve been trying to start a business here in Monterey Park for months and haven’t had any luck This city hasn’t felt or seemed business friendly at all during my search I want to see my city thrive and i want to help it grow What can i do or who can i speak to that could help The council expressed heartfelt sympathy for the individuals and families affected by this tragedy especially those who have lost their homes the council emphasized its solidarity with the survivors and the communities impacted by the disaster offering support as these nations face immense challenges The message of compassion also acknowledged the tireless efforts of first responders and volunteers who continue to provide crucial aid to those in need For residents and others looking to assist with the relief efforts, the City Council has encouraged contributions to a trusted international aid organization. Donations can be made to the official relief fund at this link with activities for all ages and a vibrant lineup of performances and cultural showcases The festival will take place on Saturday from 11:00 am am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Attendees can look forward to a jam-packed weekend filled with entertainment from traditional Japanese dancing and taiko drumming to performances by Kokoro and City Pop Jam festival-goers can enjoy thrilling martial arts exhibitions One of the highlights this year is the opportunity to interact with J-Pop idols on Sunday with fun activities and festival games presented by Asayoru Maid Cafe DJs will keep the vibe alive by spinning classic hits throughout the weekend Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the festival’s Itasha exhibition where cars decorated with anime characters will be on display the festival will host cultural exhibits showcasing Japanese calligraphy visitors can also participate in a hands-on craft activity by creating their own Japanese dolls at the dedicated craft station The festival marketplace will feature a record number of vendors offering a wide range of unique cultural merchandise and attendees will be able to indulge in a variety of tasty treats and mochi desserts from the renowned Fugetsu-Do in Little Tokyo free shuttle services will be available from Langley Senior Center and Ynez and Repetto elementary schools admission to the festival is completely free For more information contact recreation@montereypark.ca.gov The assailant then moved to Lai Lai Ballroom in Alhambra whose bravery prevented further loss of life The deadliest shooting in Los Angeles County’s history unfolded during celebrations on the eve of Lunar New Year in a predominantly Asian American community known as the nation’s first suburban Chinatown Judy Chu (CA-28) released the following statement to commemorate the day: “Today marks two years since the tragic Monterey Park mass shooting a heartbreaking event that has permanently changed the community I have called home for 39 years My heart is with the victims’ families and survivors as they continue to navigate the grief and trauma of that day What should have been a joyous Lunar New Year celebration—a cherished time for the Asian American community—was tragically overshadowed by a night of senseless violence that altered our community forever “We have the power to honor the memory of those we’ve lost by passing comprehensive gun safety reform that will prevent future gun violence That’s why I will soon reintroduce my bills the Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act and the FLAG Act these bills would help families and community members including those with limited English proficiency to navigate the “red flag law” process to temporarily disarm individuals who present a danger to themselves and others We will never forget the victims in Monterey Park The City of Monterey Park and community members will join together for a memorial vigil to remember the events of January 21 The candlelight vigil will be an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance The event will provide a space for reflection and healing to honor the memory of the victims of the January 21 shooting and stand together against violence Community members who wish to leave flowers or other memorial items may place them near the flagpole in front of City Hall All items will be respectfully removed by January 30 No additional cases have been identified at this time Based on the employee’s job duties and symptoms while at work Public Health is recommending that patrons who consumed food or beverages from Buffalo Wild Wings in Monterey Park between November 13 receive hepatitis A vaccine if they are not already immune to it and to monitor for the symptoms listed below Patrons who develop symptoms should call their provider and ask for a hepatitis A test People who have not received the hepatitis A vaccine or had a previous hepatitis A infection may not be protected from the virus (Vaccination is not necessary for people who previously completed the hepatitis A vaccine series or are known to have a previous infection) Receiving the vaccination as soon as possible after exposure (within 14 days) could help reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A infection Residents should contact their local pharmacy or medical provider for the vaccine Public Health is working with the restaurant to ensure employees that are not immune receive vaccination Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months hepatitis A can cause death in some people Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects undetected amounts of stool from an infected person There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A While prompt vaccination is likely to prevent infection infection may occur in those who receive vaccination too late Patrons who develop symptoms should call their provider and ask for a Hepatitis A test For questions or to find a nearby clinic or doctor call the Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473 Asian Journal News The Filipino-American Community Newspaper Since 1991 CA — Monterey Park Mayor Thomas Wong welcomed local AAPI leaders for a special luncheon and briefing today to discuss Proposition 5 a significant ballot initiative aimed at empowering communities to address the critical needs of affordable housing and public infrastructure “I am proud to join local and regional leaders and working families from across the state and nonprofit leaders to urge voters to vote yes on Proposition 5 this November,” said Monterey Park Mayor Thomas Wong “We have a housing and homelessness crisis throughout the state of California that is only getting worse There’s also an infrastructure crisis in many of our cities where critical investment and reinvestment in our local communities is needed Here in Monterey Park we’ve been seeking state and federal funding to rebuild one of the oldest fire stations in the entire region which has been damaged by decades of earthquakes Proposition 5 would empower local voters and cities with a much needed tool to help address these crises.” local elected officials and community leaders contributed to the discussion around how Prop 5 will strengthen their communities and ensure that voters will have a stronger voice in shaping the future of their neighborhoods: “By lowering the approval threshold to 55% Prop 5 will make it easier for us to fund affordable housing projects for low and middle income families which is crucial in maintaining the diversity and the vibrancy of our communities,” said Diamond Bar Mayor Stan Liu “And by facilitating investments in housing and infrastructure and improve overall quality of life in our cities sustainable communities today and for future generations.” “I’ll keep it simple as to why I’m in support of Proposition 5,” said Vinh Ngo more workforce affordable housing for our community Being an immigrant in a community predominantly made up of Asian ethnic groups I will add that Prop 5 will help the immigrant community because it meets all of these needs.” “California is facing urgent challenges of affordable housing and insufficient emergency services to protect our communities,” said Cerritos City Councilmember Frank Yokoyama “These issues affect all of us and our cities but current state laws restrict our ability to take action at the local level Prop 5 changes that by empowering local voters and taxpayers to make local decisions tailored to the specific needs of our cities.” “Having served in four capacities in the San Gabriel Valley representing the cities in this particular area I speak for many people here when I say that Proposition 5 is a lifeline,” said former State Assemblymember and former Monterey Park Mayor Mike Eng A vote for Proposition 5 is really a vote for our future a vote to make sure that we can pass the torch on to the next generation that will raise a family and so that their hopes and their dreams can come true here.” “I am in support of Proposition 5 because we serve about 350 individuals and families in the nine housing sites that we operate throughout Los Angeles County the issue that we see most among San Gabriel members and residents–particularly single mothers with families–is that they cannot afford to put food on the table We need initiatives like Proposition 5 if we are to remove the threat of housing insecurity.” “We need action now on policies to remove systemic barriers that prevent our ability to create more affordable housing all across the state of California,” said Steve Kang we have firsthand experience of the difficulties of fighting for limited resources to build more affordable housing We strongly believe that Proposition 5 is a step in the right direction to provide local communities the power to invest and choose the path of affordable housing We urge everyone to support Proposition 5.” Learn more about Prop 5: www.yesonprop5.org 7:28 a.m. Sept. 3, 2024This article misspells the first name of Jeffery Chao as Jeffrey. Chao was arrested Friday in connection with the disappearance of his daughter, 15-year-old Alison Chao. “Falsely reporting a child as missing not only violates the law but also diverts critical law enforcement resources away from other serious matters,” Dist. Atty. George Gascón said in a news release. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated, and we will hold the responsible individual accountable for his actions.” The child stealing/concealment charge against Chao is a felony, while the charge of falsifying a police report is a misdemeanor. Prosecutors also accused Chao of inducing others, including a minor, to help him in the alleged scheme. He was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. There were no signs of foul play in the disappearance of Alison Chao, 15, a family lawyer said. Her last reported sighting had been July 16 after she went for a bike ride. Chao allegedly stole and concealed Alison on July 16 and falsely reported her as missing to police. Search parties looked for her until she was found July 23 in Glendale. Alison disappeared after leaving home on her bicycle to visit a relative, prompting the Monterey Park police to launch a missing-person investigation. She was found safe a week later while attempting to enter the Los Angeles-based KABC-TV office in Glendale, where she reportedly had gone in the hope of telling her version of events. Jose Romero, an attorney representing Jeffrey Chao, said after the arraignment that the judge granted $500,000 bail for Chao on the condition that he wear a GPS monitoring device. Efforts were underway Tuesday afternoon to get Chao out on bail, he said. Romero declined to comment on the charges except to say that he planned on fighting them. Alison is currently under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Romero said. Print A missing Monterey Park teen was found safe Tuesday outside a TV station’s Glendale offices 2024This article misspells the first name of Jeffery Chao as Jeffrey There was no sign of foul play around the disappearance of Alison Jillian Chao, according to Jose Romero Romero said at a news conference Tuesday that the 15-year-old had left home “on her own accord on her bicycle” July 16 and showed up a week later at the Los Angeles-based KABC-TV site in Glendale on her own Her father said Tuesday that Alison is “a very intelligent person and she’s a godly person with a really good heart.” Alison was being interviewed Tuesday by the Monterey Park Police Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services had been contacted Her family had yet to meet or speak with her as of Tuesday afternoon A Glendale woman who declined to give her name out of privacy concerns told The Times on Tuesday that she saw a girl who resembled Alison slip by a security guard at the KABC offices in Glendale and alerted him She said she heard the girl say she wanted to tell the news station her side of the story Romero declined to comment on a YouTube video circulating online in which Alison refuses to go to a “facility” at the behest of her parents “Based on current litigation in family law court there’s layers of protection afforded to the minor,” Romero said “It cannot be commented on based on pending litigation.” A Monterey Park Police Department spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that officers were interviewing Alison and continuing to investigate the case Alison had reportedly left her home in the 200 block of North Ynez Avenue in Monterey Park at 5:32 p.m Monterey Park police initiated a missing-person investigation at 9:36 p.m The teen was riding a blue mountain bike en route to her aunt’s house in nearby San Gabriel, her family told KTLA. The trip should have taken about 20 minutes but her aunt called Jeffrey Chao around 8 p.m to let him know his daughter still hadn’t arrived Alison’s mother, Annie Chao, had released a statement on Instagram on Monday. Police had informed her of her daughter’s disappearance after Alison’s father reported her missing. The teen was scheduled to be taken to her mother’s home that Wednesday morning. “Please remember that Alison is a child,” Annie Chao said in the statement. “I kindly ask that you do not speculate, attack or post anything that does not assist in the effort to find her.” Jeffrey Chao, the father of 15-year-old Alison Chao, was arrested on suspicion of child abduction, conspiracy and falsifying a police report, according to a Monterey Park Police Department news release. “The Department’s dedicated efforts and collaboration with other agencies were pivotal in resolving this critical situation and ensuring Alison Chao’s safety,” according to the release. The department is still investigating the case and declined to provide further details. A Glendale woman who declined to give her name out of privacy concerns told The Times on Tuesday that she saw a girl who resembled Alison slipping into KABC’s offices in Glendale. The woman alerted a security guard, who brought the girl back outside. The Glendale woman said that Alison told her she had run away from home and that she was on her way to KABC to tell her side of the story. Jose Romero, the attorney retained by Jeffrey Chao, said during a news conference Tuesday that Alison wasn’t kidnapped and that there wasn’t any indication of foul play. Romero declined to comment Tuesday on a video reportedly filmed by Alison the day before her disappearance. The video, which circulated on social media after Alison went missing, shows police officers arriving at a residence and urging Alison to come with them. Romero didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Annie Chao, Alison’s mother, said in a Friday statement that she separated from Jeffrey Chao on March 10, 2023, and that she initially requested to share custody of Alison. “I want the public to know that my family and I are good, decent people, and worthy of your trust,” Annie Chao said in the statement. “The misleading statements about us that have appeared on social media this week have been incredibly hurtful, unwarranted, and fueled by a small number of ‘influencers’ who do not have the full knowledge of my relationship with Alison or Jeff or of our home life prior to my filing for divorce.” According to a request for child custody filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in February, Annie Chao accused Jeffrey Chao of falsely accusing that she and her father had abused Alison. In the court filings, Annie Chao acknowledged that she and her father were arrested on April 24, 2023, on suspicion of the abuse allegations, though it was not immediately clear whether any charges were filed. “I have dedicated myself to learning about domestic violence and alienating behaviors in order to understand the impact on Alison and myself,” Annie Chao wrote. After her parents’ separation, Alison initially lived with her father, according to the court filing. After Annie Chao filed for divorce in April 2023, she requested joint custody but has since asked that she have sole physical and legal custody and that Jeffrey have supervised visits. Annie Chao now has “sole physical custody” of Alison, Emily Robinson, Alison’s court-appointed counsel, said in an emailed statement to The Times. According to Annie Chao’s filing, Jeffrey Chao didn’t make any allegations of abuse until after their separation. After Annie Chao filed for divorce, she said, he attempted to reconcile with her via third-party mediators and by sending her gifts. Alison Chao disappeared after she was last seen in the 200 block of North Ynez Avenue in Monterey Park at 5:32 p.m. July 16. Monterey Park police initiated a missing-person investigation at 9:36 p.m. that evening, according to a department news release. when she left home on her bicycle for a short ride to see a family member in San Gabriel The teen was riding a blue mountain bike en route to her aunt’s house in nearby San Gabriel, her family told KTLA. The trip should have taken about 20 minutes, but her aunt called Jeffrey Chao around 8 p.m. to let him know his daughter still hadn’t arrived. Residents will continue to receive key services such as: Roll-out of new containers for residential customers is scheduled to start the week of August 12th Athens Services will begin picking up the Athens containers starting August 26th During this time residents should avoid using the new containers until the start of Ware’s services on September 1st Billing services for residential customers will be provided by Ware Disposal and not by the City of Monterey Park Ware Disposal has secured a local office located at 1111 Corporate Center More information on hours of operations and contact information will follow businesses can select to subscribe to either Ware Disposal or Athens Services for commercial service Haulers will be contacting businesses directly with information on rates and services including mandatory recycling requirements The City of Monterey Park is working with both haulers for a smooth transition of services. Check this website for updates on changes to trash collection services Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information A survivor and relatives of four people who were killed in a 2023 mass shooting at a Monterey Park ballroom dance studio sued the studio Friday alleging the studio should have been more secure The studio owner knew or should have known about crime near Star Ballroom Dance Studio and should have hired guards and installed security cameras and better lighting to prevent it A shooter killed 11 people and injured nine others after he opened fire on Lunar New Year’s Eve. He killed himself as police officers approached him the next day workflow tools and premium legal & business news Log in to keep reading or access research tools Friends and family pleaded with the public for help desperately searching for clues across the San Gabriel Valley Then, a seemingly happy ending: She was found outside the gates of KABC-TV Channel 7 apparently unharmed and eager to tell her story But the case has only gotten more bizarre in the last two weeks The girl’s father, Jeffrey Chao, was arrested July 26 accused by authorities of concocting the missing-person story and hiding the girl from his estranged wife The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office then charged Chao with child stealing/concealment and falsifying a police report. He has since been released on $500,000 bond. He denies any wrongdoing. The very public disappearance of the 15-year-old has since exposed a private family battle that pitted her mother against her father. the teen left her father’s home on North Ynez Avenue in Monterey Park Family members said she was riding a blue mountain bike to her aunt’s house in San Gabriel Information was shared frantically on social media The Monterey Park Police Department launched a missing persons investigation. Annie Chao, the girl’s mother, tearfully told KABC-TV that a McDonald’s employee stayed out until 1 a.m “The community has really come together to help me look for my little girl,” she said Then, on July 23, the teen showed up at KABC’s office in Glendale A Glendale resident who identified herself only as Rachelle said she had recognized the girl from fliers and alerted a security guard. Rachelle said the girl told her that she was at KABC to tell her side of the story. There was no sign of foul play and the girl had left home “on her own accord,” Jose Romero, an attorney retained by Jeffrey Chao, said at a news conference the day she was found. A girl who had been reported missing speaks with authorities near the Glendale office of KABC-TV. The drama marked the latest in a string of legal troubles involving the girl’s parents that began when Annie Chao filed for divorce on April 5, 2023. Shortly after the divorce filing, Annie Chao and her father, Arthur Tang, were arrested on suspicion of felony abuse, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records. The same day, Monterey Park police issued an emergency protective order to keep Annie Chao and her father away from her daughter. The protective order was issued after the child told a nurse practitioner that her mother and grandfather were abusing her. On May 1, 2023, Jeffrey Chao was granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against his wife after alleging she had struck him and, at one point, stabbed him with scissors. He also alleged in his request for a restraining order that she had emotionally and physically abused their daughter. The girl was previously identified by news outlets, but The Times is no longer naming her because of the abuse allegations. The case against the mother and grandfather did not materialize. The L.A. County district attorney’s office declined to file charges, citing insufficient evidence, according to a charge evaluation sheet reviewed by The Times. Jeffrey Chao was charged Tuesday with child stealing/concealment and falsifying a police report, the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office said. The girl went to live with her father, while her mother sought custody. Annie Chao said in a statement that she strongly denied the abuse allegations and accused her husband of being “extremely controlling” by trying to “isolate both [my daughter] and me.” “Before our separation, I had a close, loving relationship with [her],” Chao said in the statement. But Chao had sought mental health treatment for the girl. On June 21, the Los Angeles County Superior Court ordered Jeffrey Chao to facilitate his daughter’s admission the following month to La Ventana Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Center in Thousand Oaks. Annie Chao was also given sole legal custody over the girl. According to a Monterey Park Police Department call for service, officers arrived with Annie Chao at Jeffrey Chao’s home on July 15, but neither he nor his daughter would open the screen door. Instead of letting the teen go outside so her mother could drive her to La Ventana, Jeffrey Chao was given the option of driving his daughter to the center himself, according to a police report. But both he and the girl refused — in violation of the court order, police wrote in their report. was arrested on suspicion of child abduction according to a Monterey Park Police Department news release when Annie Chao was supposed to take custody of her daughter has accused Jeffrey Chao of not cooperating with the investigation when his daughter was missing echoing allegations from the charging documents against Chao Chao is not a ‘hero’ as some on social media have described him,” Almas said in a statement The charges against Chao have caused ire among some with some people calling for the girl to be able to share her side of the story and be returned to her father Romero said she has been in the care of the L.A County Department of Children and Family Services since she was found although the agency refused to confirm that information Prosecutor Norma Serna said during Chao’s arraignment that when the girl spoke to police, she told them she’d been staying at a location that was found by her father and a family friend. She was hiding out “until things got better,” Serna said. “These are actually [her] words to the police.” Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.