From Mui Ne Beach to Manhattan Beach

A beautifully rendered video, produced and published by CNN in 2021, narrated by Nina.

Three life changing moments define who I am today:

  • I was born to amazing parents who sacrificed everything for my siblings and me.

  • I escaped from Communist Vietnam as a “Boat Person” and survived.

  • I had the good fortune of raising my family in Manhattan Beach.

My parents couldn’t have predicted the ripples they’d create when they decided to risk our lives for a better future. It took us three separate dangerous journeys before we reunited as a family. My father escaped with my two older brothers in 1978. My mom and I escaped in 1979 and spent almost 6 weeks adrift before we were rescued. By a third miracle, my then 4 year-old brother (who, beyond my mom’s control, was left behind) escaped with an aunt and safely reunited with us in 1981. Our Vietnamese-American family was complete with the birth of my sister in 1982. The events of my childhood have shaped my path in raising my own family and guided my journey towards service. 

Nina and Trieu Family (L to R): Long  Trieu, Nina Tarnay, Tina Bui Trieu, Baby Quang Trieu and Mason Phuoc Trieu. Circa 1976, while Nina’s father was in prison after the end of the Vietnam War.

"To whom much is given, much is required."

Trieu - Tarnay Family (L to R): Christopher, Jacqueline, Nina, Mike and Collin

For the past 25 years, my husband and I have worked hard and built a beautiful life for our family in Manhattan Beach. We’ve raised three wonderful children here--all products of our amazing public school system. This community has given my family and me so much. It would be an honor for me to serve our city in return. 

Much like the journey my family embarked upon decades ago, I’m choosing this journey towards a future guided by values of gratitude, hard-work, compassion and community. From Mui Ne Beach, Vietnam, where my mom and I fled 45 years ago, to Manhattan Beach, California, my chosen home for the past 25 years, I would be honored to have your vote to serve as your next City Council Member.

Read the full NBC News essay published in 2019 to commemorate the Fall of Saigon HERE.