Putting lessons learned into practice

Torus Tammer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- History was made March 20 when Samuel Lew became

the city’s first councilman of Chinese descent.

Lew, 47, was born in California to parents who migrated from China.

Leaving his wife and first born child back in China, Lew’s father came to

America in 1930 and worked as a vendor selling produce.

The elder Lew continued selling produce for the next 15 years, during which time he attended school and graduated from college with a business

degree. It wasn’t until 1945, when the elder Lew felt he was established

enough to send for his wife and son, who finally arrived in the United

States where they settled and had four more children.

“I was the youngest of the five children [four boys and one girl], and

we all still live in California today,” Lew said.

Lew and his wife, Joanne, have a son, Christopher 22, a graduate of

Cal State Long Beach, and Melissa, 18, who is a freshman at Orange Coast

College.

The councilman said that early on in his children’s lives, he and his

wife agreed that they would have an active part in their school,

education and their upbringing.

“My wife has always been active in the schools, which is something she

continues with today,” Lew said. “I was involved in volunteering,

fund-raising and just wherever necessary. Moiola once wanted a marquee

for their school, so I built them one. Since then, I have built three or

four more and repaired a few, so in a way, I’m Mr. Marquee.”

Lew said that in raising his children, he has tried to convey his

belief that if you can be happy with what you choose to do in life, then

success follows; an axiom that he has subscribed to throughout his own

life.

An erudite fellow, Lew worked diligently to earn a master’s degree in

business administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s

degree in economics from Cal State Long Beach. For 23 years, he showed

loyalty and commitment working for the Pacific Bell telephone company

where he is employed as a service technician.

His wife, who is on the board of trustees for the Fountain Valley

School District, said her husband will represent the community and do it

well. She added that among his most positive qualities are his

selflessness, loyalty and his ability to commit to what he believes in.

“We have been married for 25 years and in that period of time, his

commitment to his family has been amazing,” she said. “He gave up a great

career with management at the phone company because it was taking time

away from his kids. I know he will do a great job and be an asset to the

council because he will give 100% all the time and he knows how to

listen.”

Lew is aware of the responsibility that has been placed in his lap and

is ready to approach the challenge with energy, thought and hard work.

But perhaps more importantly to this solemn gentleman is the ideal of

giving back to that which has been good to you; something he learned

while growing up.

“I have a real deep desire to make sure the quality of life in

Fountain Valley is not only maintained but increased,” Lew said. “It has

been a wonderful place to me and my family for 18 years, and I just want

to make sure that things continue on the path of good fortune and

prosperity. I don’t just represent my family anymore, I represent

Fountain Valley . . . my new family.”