Riordan to Speak at Asian Pacific Awards Dinner

Mayor Richard Riordan is scheduled to toast the final week of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month on Tuesday at a dinner celebrating the family unit, officials said.

“The mayor is going to be basically doing the welcoming remarks since he is the honorary chair of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this year,” said Lorain Wong, co-chairwoman of the event.

The 16th annual dinner, sponsored by AT&T; and Kaiser Permanente, will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the California Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, 404 S. Figueroa St.

In honor of this year’s theme, “Celebrating the Family--The Foundation of Our Future,” the organizing committee will present 10 awards to individuals and community groups.

Honorees include Philip Vera Cruz, former vice president of the United Farm Workers Union; Joe Hicks, executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Dr. Indong Oh, former chairman of the Korean American Coalition, as well as the Gay Asian Pacific Support Network and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Islander Sisters--two gay and lesbian support groups.

Tickets are $50. Information: (213) 353-6050.