Holden was first elected to the 10th District seat in 1987 and became a key supporter of Korean American businesses. During the early 1990s recession, he worked to help Korean business owners obtain alcohol sales permits, expanding the city’s license scope beyond beer and wine to include spirits such as soju. He also led efforts to extend restaurant operating hours from midnight to 2 a.m., helping to boost local commerce.
Bill Robinson, chair of the Wilshire Center–Koreatown Neighborhood Council (WCKNC) and a former aide to Holden from 1989 to 1995, highlighted Holden’s commitment: “He not only helped with liquor permits but also supported Korean restaurants in securing business licenses.” Robinson added that Holden was instrumental in creating Seoul International Park and the Pio Pico–Koreatown Library, describing him as “a man who kept every promise.”
The Los Angeles Times also reported Holden’s passing, calling him a pivotal force in Koreatown’s business revival. The outlet noted that his support prompted many Korean business owners to back his campaigns, with Korean American voters accounting for 25% of his campaign contributions between 1991 and 1994.
Holden’s strong ties with the Korean American community helped secure his four election victories from 1987 to 2003, tying him with Guy Vernon Bennett as one of the longest-serving councilmembers for the 10th District.
Steve Kang, chair of the LA Board of Public Works, emphasized Holden’s lasting influence: “He was one of the first LA councilmembers to hire a Korean American aide (Steve Kim) and played a pivotal role in building Korean American political influence. He was the first to actively address Korean American constituents’ concerns at City Hall.”
Born in 1929 in Macon, Georgia, Holden also left a legislative legacy at the state level. In 1974, he helped pass California’s anti-redlining law, banning discrimination by financial institutions based on race, religion, or gender. He also championed legislation to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday an official holiday in California public schools.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
