Bay Area

Bay Area’s Fijian Community Celebrates Island’s Independence in Richmond

On Thursday, Oct. 10, Fijian Americans and their neighbors throughout the Bay Area celebrated Fiji Independence Day, including in Richmond. Bula Auto Sales at 4201 Macdonald Ave., owned by Fijian American Aminesh Rohit, hosted a community gathering to commemorate the end of British colonial rule on Oct. 10, 1970.

Published

1 year ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Community portrait at Bula Auto Sales celebration of Fiji’s independence. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney

The Richmond Standard

On Thursday, Oct. 10, Fijian Americans and their neighbors throughout the Bay Area celebrated Fiji Independence Day, including in Richmond.

Bula Auto Sales at 4201 Macdonald Ave., owned by Fijian American Aminesh Rohit, hosted a community gathering to commemorate the end of British colonial rule on Oct. 10, 1970.

“This marked the end of nearly a century of British control, dating back to the establishment of the Colony of Fiji in 1874,” said Pastor Mesake Joji of the Patterson Federated Church.

The Republic of Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific about 1300 miles northeast of New Zealand, with just under 1 million inhabitants. Many Fijians have immigrated to the Bay Area for better economic opportunities and to flee political instability in their homeland.

Of the 70,000 to 80,000 Fijians living in the United States in 2010, some 30,000 have settled in the Bay Area, largely in South San Francisco and, increasingly, Hayward, Newark, Fremont, San Leandro, and surrounding cities, U.S. Census sources say.

“The Fijian diaspora in California maintains strong cultural ties to their homeland, preserving Fijian traditions while contributing to the multicultural fabric of the Bay Area,” Joji said.

Retired Fijian Army Major Mitieli Mocehe served as guest speaker at the event. Moce’s Fijian Army Unit was part of the United Nation’s International Peacekeeping Force when the U.S. Embassy and Marine Barracks were bombed by terrorists in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 23, 1983.

“On that tragic day, 220 Marines lost their lives,” he recalled.

Moce says celebrating Fijian Independence Day helps to encourage a future of democratic self-rule.

“The importance of Fijian Independence Day was getting out of the bondage of British rule,” he said, “It shows that the Republic of Fiji can have a democratic government and our own national sovereignty.”

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.