Hello Everyone, I would like to start of by thanking APEX for highlighting OCA-OC at their most recent mixer in Orange County as well as Spectrum Knowledge for generously sponsoring the mixer.  Finally, thank you OCA-OC attendees for your continued support of our mission: to advance the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.  Seeing OCA-OC members attending events inspires us as officers to work hard and bring you these opportunities to get involved with our community and community members. As a result, I would like to introduce our newest addition to our list of events to take place September 5th.  I understand that the date is far off, but now would be a great time to save the date and join us at Bowers Museum as we visit the Terra Cotta Warriors display.  It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these magnificent statues outside of China.  We hope to see all of you there. I would also like to remind all of you that our next event is coming up soon for those who have not yet registered.  The Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden event is coming up in less than 2 weeks.  It is not too late to join us for this event so please sign up today! Finally, I would like to invite you all to the Hong Kong Association of Southern California’s summer mixer which will be taking place July 24th.  OCA-OC will be one of the co-organizing organizations at this event and would appreciate your support and attendance.  More information about the event can be found below.

As a kind reminder to our members, OCA-OC officers are here to help you so feel free to contact us anytime. I am easily accessible through e-mail at yaolee@gmail.com. I am open to hearing from you regarding any topic: from our website and newsletters to suggestions you may have for our organization to how you can get more involved with OCA-OC. We are always looking for energetic individuals to help achieve our mission in empowering the Asian American voice in the Orange County and national community. The information found on this newsletter can also be found on our website here.

Upcoming OCA-OC Events

Register Today! OCA-OC and OCA-GLA Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden June 21, 2008 1:00pm 1151 Oxford Rd San Marino, CA 91108 Please join OCA’s Orange County Chapter and Greater Los Angeles Chapter at our Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden. Visit the Huntington Library and Chinese Garden at your own pace and join us for some tea and light fare at the Freshwater Pavilion at 1pm (Huntington Library Hours 10am-4pm).  Given the discounted Admission Fee offered to our group, space is limited.  Click here for additional information or to RSVP. Admission Adult $15 Children (ages 6-11) $6 Children under 5 Free For question, please contact us at: bettyc@oca-oc.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OCA-OC invites you to join us at Hong Kong Association of Southern California’s 6th Summer Mixer July 24, 2008 6:00pm - 8:30pm Irvine Marriott Hotel 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine CA 92612 Price: Members of HKASC or co-operating organizations - $15 Non-members/at the door - $20 Join us to meet and network with other association members and your potential business partners.  Attendees will have a chance to win the Grand Raffle Prize, a roundtrip air ticket Los Angeles/Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific Airways, with a Harbor Cruise in Hong Kong For information on attending, please follow this link or e-mail any OCA-OC officers/board of directors or e-mail HKASC at info@hkasc.org. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OCA-OC presents Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor at Bowers Museum September 5, 2008 4:00-7:30pm Bowers Museum 2002 N Main Street, Santa Ana CA The Bowers Museum offers free admissions on Friday nights for up to 100 visitors per hour at 4, 5, and 6pm.  For a limited time only, Bowers Museum presents the largest exhibit of Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army ever seen outside of China.  This Terracotta army of soldiers, servants, musicians, acrobats, and animals silently remained underground for two thousand years.  Until, in 1974, Chinese farmers digging a well made the startling discovery of a terracotta head. Now is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological finds, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World. Please join us for casual dinner afterwards at the GREEN PARROT CAFÉ at 7:30pm directly across from the museum.  Please RSVP for dinner by 9/1/08. Green Parrot Cafe: 2035 N Main St, Santa Ana CA. For additional information, please contact Betty at BettyC@oca-oc.org

Upcoming Community Events

Asian Business League of Southern California presents: The R Word: Do’s and Don’ts in a Real Estate Downturn When: June 12th, 2008, 5PM - 8PM Where: Omni Los Angeles Hotel 251 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Price: ABL Member $40, Non-members $65 The Asian Business League of Southern California is proud to present the 20th Annual Real Estate Conference - “The R Word - Do’s and Don’ts in a Real Estate Downturn”, on June 12, 2008.  Featuring the Economic Forecast for the region form Mr. Jack Kyser, the Chief Economist of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, ” The R Word” will examine the critical problems facing the Real Estates, finance, and construction industries, including falling home prices, record foreclosures, and capital markets turmoil.  Moderated by Gregory Kams, a partner at Cox Castle & Nicholson LLP the conference promises to be lively and insightful.  Last year’s conference attracted over two hundred people, so early registration is highly recommended. For more information or to register for the Asian Business League’s 2008 Annual Real Estate Conference, please contact Yuko Ebina at (213) 624-9975 or ablsocal@aol.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 15th Annual YGAP Sports Day June 28, 2008 9:00am - 4:00pm Location TBD Price: $10 non-YGAP members before June 27th and prepay $15 non-YGAP members before June 27th and pay on-site $20 non-YGAP members day of event The 15th Anniversary of Sports Day is coming, YGAP’s membership appreciation day.  An opportunity to show off your athletic prowess while fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.  Something to talk about for the rest of the year, and beyond.  Participants are RANDOMLY divided into coed sports teams, competing in basketball, volleyball, dodge ball and tug-of-war, with modified rules to create a more fun and balanced competition. Participants will receive lunch, snacks and refreshments during the event.  The cost also includes YGAP T-shirt. YGAP is also looking for volunteers to help referee games.  Referees will receive free entry into Sports Day;  So if you’re nursing an injury, you can still come help out and referee, while enjoying the company of fellow participants. RSVP here. For more information about the event, contact Ted at ted@ygap.org.

Additional Opportunities

2009-2010 OCA Executive Council Nominations OCA’s Executive Council Committee is currently accepting nominations for those interested in running for a 2009-2010 Executive Council position in the October 2008 election. The eligibility requirements, official duties, and term conditions of the Executive Council members are available in our Bylaws which will be provided upon request by any of the OCA-OC officers/board of directors. No nominations will be accepted after September 1, 2008. If you are interested, please contact one of the following members of the Nominations Committee: Virginia Ng ( New Jersey), Chairperson, virginialou@yahoo.com Joyce Eng (Greater Sacramento), jeng916@sbcglobal.net Jhemon Lee (Orange County/Inland Empire), jhemon@post.harvard.edu (Our very own Board member) Winnie Tang ( South Florida), winnievhtang@aol.com David Yao (Greater Washington, DC), davidyao@patriot.net This is your opportunity to help guide and shape OCA as we enter our next 35 years of leadership and commitment. We hope you will consider running for an office on the OCA Executive Council!

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Job Opportunities

AmeriCorps Legal Fellow, Orange County Office Agency Description: The Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) was established in 1983 with broad-based support and has become the leading organization in the region dedicated to providing the diverse Asian Pacific American community with civil rights advocacy and multilingual, culturally-sensitive legal services and education. Position Summary: APALC is seeking an AmeriCorps Legal Fellow who will be responsible for recruiting, training, and managing interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys; serving as a liaison with local law schools; working with community-based organizations to address legal needs expressed in the community; and developing and overseeing legal clinics. The AmeriCorps Legal Fellow will also provide direct legal services in poverty law areas such as immigration, family, and housing law, to APALC clients through intake, clinics, and other client contact. Responsibilities and Duties: The position will be located in APALC’s office in Orange County (Garden Grove). The Orange County AmeriCorps Legal Fellow will be responsible for continuing to develop a new volunteer program focused on serving the legal needs of APA communities in Orange County, through legal clinics and other service models. Start Date is between August 1 and September 15, 2008. Term of service is at least 11 months for the first year, with a possibility of renewal for a second term. Qualifications: Candidates should be admitted to the California Bar or awaiting bar results as of August 2008. Candidates should also have: Excellent communication including oral, written, and research skills Experience working with community groups, bar associations, and other organizations Familiarity with and interest in working with immigrant communities Commitment to public interest work and strong desire to assist indigent clients Possession of a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle and proof of insurance Bilingual in Vietnamese Experience organizing or working with volunteers preferred Experience with advocacy preferred Experience with Southern California community groups and institutions a plus. Standard AmeriCorps Fellowship Benefits: A living allowance of $22,800 Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parking provided Child care assistance (if income eligible) A $4,725 education award voucher to apply toward payment of federally backed educational loans and other expenses Eligibility to place all qualified student loans into forbearance and receive an interest accrual payment at the end of service The opportunity to attend a national training program to develop leadership skills, learn effective practices to accomplish your projects and meet colleagues from across the country For more information on the Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps program, please go to http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/americorps/general. Supplemental Benefits: In addition to the standard AmeriCorps Fellowship benefits, APALC will also provide: $500 per month stipend $50 to $125 per month language stipend based on ability Bar dues and reasonable MCLE training costs Parking and local mileage reimbursement Retirement plan contribution after one year Staff training in relevant areas of poverty law and other training as needed. Application Process: Mail or fax résumé, cover letter and references to: Human Resources Asian Pacific American Legal Center 1145 Wilshire Boulevard, 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017 Fax: 213-977-7595No phone calls or emails please

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Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend.  I know it has a been a few weeks since the last newsletter went out, but with the short break, we now have more news for you.

I want to start this weeks newsletter on a serious note.  Michelle Maykin, a member of our community, has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia which is a cancer of the blood.  She is in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant.  Michelle is 26 years old — she is an incredible human being and friend.  Michelle was first diagnosed in February 2007.  Recently, we learned Michelle has relapsed and her cancer has returned.  She is a Chinese-Vietnamese American and Berkeley alum, urgently needing our help in giving her a new chance at life.  She is undergoing chemotherapy at present but needs to find a match for her bone marrow transplant by June 21st.  There are some simple ways you can help.  Please go to http://www.projectmichelle.com/ to see how you can help today.  I have already registered as a donor myself and I encourage all of you to do the same.

On a brighter note, I would like to remind everyone about the APEX OC Mixer coming up on June 5th.  APEX will be highlighting OCA-OC at this event so come out and help represent OCA-OC.  It will be a good opportunity for everyone to come and meet the OCA-OC board and give your input on the organization.  We look forwarding to seeing all of you out there.

Also, our Huntington Library event is coming up on June 21st.  The deadline for discount admission is next week soon so don’t wait any longer.  For those of you who have not had the privilege of visiting it, this will be the perfect opportunity to visit a beautiful garden with wonderful people.  With the sunny weather approaching us, it will definitely be an event you don’t want to miss.

I want to conclude by recapping on our last event: The APIA Vote Presidential Town Hall. The event was a success in all of our opinions and those who attended and/or volunteered all had a great time!  Hilary Clinton addressed the audience through a live satellite feed.  Barrack Obama called in and spoke with with audience over the phone.  John McCain sent Assemblyman Van Tran to speak to the audience on his behalf.  All in all, we were happy to know that the candidates see the importance of the APIA community and took the time to address our questions and share with us their future plans as president.  To see the video of the town hall, visit www.apiavote.org.  Thanks again to all of those who volunteered at the event!

As a kind reminder to our members, OCA-OC officers are here to help you so feel free to contact us anytime. I am easily accessible through e-mail at yaolee@gmail.com. I am open to hearing from you regarding any topic: from our website and newsletters to suggestions you may have for our organization to how you can get more involved with OCA-OC. We are always looking for energetic individuals to help achieve our mission in empowering the Asian American voice in the Orange County and national community.  The information found on this newsletter can also be found on our website here.
Upcoming OCA-OC Events

OCA-OC Highlighted at

APEX’s 2008 Orange County Mixer

Thursday, June 5th, 2008
7:00pm
Chaparosa Grill
2449 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782

OCA-OC will be a highlighted organization at APEX’s first 2008 networking mixer in Orange County!

Complementary Appetizers will be served: Mini Bruschetta, Hawaiian Meat Balls, Spinach Pastries, Creole Salmon Cakes, Thai Chicken Cups, Caramelized Onion Gorgonzola Filo Cups.

The event will take place at Chaparosa Grill at The District with Spectrum Knowledge sponsoring a very generous selection of hors d’oeuvres.
If you would like to attend, go to this link and provide your first and last name.  No walk-ons will be allowed and space is limited.

If you have any questions, please contact Leo Cheng, APEX Director of Membership at leo@apex.org.

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Register Today!

OCA-OC and OCA-GLA Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden

June 21, 2008
1:00pm
1151 Oxford Rd
San Marino, CA 91108

Please join OCA’s Greater Los Angeles Chapter and Orange County Chapter at our Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden.

Visit the Huntington Library and Chinese Garden at your own pace and join us for some tea and light fare at the Freshwater Pavilion.  Given the discounted Admission Fee offered to our group, space is limited.  Click here for additional information or to RSVP.
Admission
Adult     $15
Children (ages 6-11)     $6
Children under 5     Free

For question, please contact us at: contact@oca-oc.org

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Film: “Hollywood Chinese”

When: Opens May 30th

“Hollywood Chinese” is a new film by OCA 2008 Pioneer Awardee, Arthur Dong.  Hot off its month-long extended San Francisco run and international film festival tour, including Toronto and a Best Documentary win at Taipei’s Golden Horse Awards, the Chinese equivalent to the Oscars®, Hollywood Chinese is a “delightfully entertaining” (FilmFestivals.com) look at the Chinese in American movies. Featuring a virtual who’s who of top Chinese and Chinese American film artists, including Ang Lee, Joan Chen, Wayne Wang, Nancy Kwan, James Hong, Lisa Lu, B.D. Wong, Tsai Chin and writers Amy Tan and David Henry Hwang. Also featuring Luise Rainer, Turhan Bey and Christopher Lee. Directed by triple Sundance winner and Oscar® nominee Arthur Dong (Forbidden City, U.S.A., Licensed to Kill, Coming Out Under Fire).

Starts May 30:

Laemmle’s Music Hall
9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
(310)274-6869
FILMMAKER IN PERSON: May 30, 7:40 pm show only!

Laemmle’s One Colorado Theaters
42 Miller Alley, Old Town Pasadena
(626)744-1224
FILMMAKER IN PERSON: May 31, 7:40 pm show only!

Advance group sales of 25+ people @ $6 per ticket are available here!

Official Website: http://www.hollywoodchinese.com/

Upcoming Community Events

East West Players presents:
Next Generation Community Night -
Pippin, Pizza, & Pop

When: June 4th, 2008, 7PM - 11PM
Where: The David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts
120 North Judge John Aiso Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Join an energetic and outing theatre going community with free pizza & soda pop, live DJ music, a performance of Pippin and an opportunity drawing for CD’s, movie tickets, DVD’s and the grand prize, a Nintendo Wii.

Tickets: $50 Orchestra, $45 Balcony ($5 off for Students, $10 off for groups 15+)
$1 opportunity drawing tickets available 1hr before performance time, 8PM.

For more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or visit www.EastWestPlayers.org

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Asian Business League of Southern California presents:
The R Word: Do’s and Don’ts in a Real Estate Downturn

When: June 12th, 2008, 5PM - 8PM
Where: Omni Los Angeles Hotel
251 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Price: ABL Member $40, Non-members $65

The Asian Business League of Southern California is proud to present the 20th Annual Real Estate Conference - “The R Word - Do’s and Don’ts in a Real Estate Downturn”, on June 12, 2008.  Featuring the Economic Forecast for the region form Mr. Jack Kyser, the Chief Economist of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, ” The R Word” will examine the critical problems facing the Real Estates, finance, and construction industries, including falling home prices, record foreclosures, and capital markets turmoil.  Moderated by Gregory Kams, a partner at Cox Castle & Nicholson LLP the conference promises to be lively and insightful.  Last year’s conference attracted over two hundred people, so early registration is highly recommended.

For more information or to register for the Asian Business League’s 2008 Annual Real Estate Conference, please contact Yuko Ebina at (213) 624-9975 or ablsocal@aol.com.

Additional Information

Innovative APIA Youth Vote Grant

Are you an 18-25 year old youth with an innovative idea on how you would mobilize your Asian and Pacific Islander American community to vote?  Well here is your chance!

Create a voter education and mobilization project that will get your APIA community to vote for the June 3rd Elections - and receive one of six $1,000 grants from OCAPICA’s Project API Vote to do it.
Project ideas:

* Tabling at ethnic markets
* Class raps/dorm storming w/ Easy Voter Guides
* APIA ‘Why I’ll Vote’ community survey
* Create a viral video
* Develop a TV public service announcement
* Create an in-language voter song for ethnic radio play
* APIA Voter education forum
* Get out the vote door hangers in APIA neighborhoods
* In-language posters for ethnic businesses
* Guerilla theatre
* T-shirt campaign
* Bhangra the Vote/Luau the Vote Parties
… and much more!  The innovation is up to you!

What Do I Have to Do?

If you are a youth leader, apply for the grant today! Project must be affiliated with a campus or community organization for the funds to be dispersed to. This would be a great fundraising opportunity for your organization!

Project idea must be:

* Non-partisan and support no candidate or ballot initiative
* Educate and mobilize the Asian and Pacific Islander community of Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino community
* Have a bilingual component, preferably in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Samoan, Hindi, or Tagalog
* INNOVATIVE! Only you know what will best mobilize your peers to vote!

In turn, we ask that you support OCAPICA’s larger Project APIA Vote by:

* recruiting bilingual volunteers to our bilingual phone bank
* Attending Project APIA Vote press events
* Distributing Project APIA Vote education materials into the community

.

To apply, submit the following to Tanzila Ahmed, Policy Manager at tahmed@ocapica.org:

*

One 500 word proposal
*

One weekly work plan leading up to June 3rd
*

One budget of how the $1,000 grant will be spent

Developed by the Orange Country Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) for Project API Vote.  OCAPICA is a non-partisan 501c3 organization.  Materials are created with support from The James Irvine Foundation.

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Job Opportunities

AmeriCorps Legal Fellow, Orange County Office

Agency Description: The Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) was established in 1983 with broad-based support and has become the leading organization in the region dedicated to providing the diverse Asian Pacific American community with civil rights advocacy and multilingual, culturally-sensitive legal services and education.

Position Summary: APALC is seeking an AmeriCorps Legal Fellow who will be responsible for recruiting, training, and managing interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys; serving as a liaison with local law schools; working with community-based organizations to address legal needs expressed in the community; and developing and overseeing legal clinics. The AmeriCorps Legal Fellow will also provide direct legal services in poverty law areas such as immigration, family, and housing law, to APALC clients through intake, clinics, and other client contact.

Responsibilities and Duties: The position will be located in APALC’s office in Orange County (Garden Grove). The Orange County AmeriCorps Legal Fellow will be responsible for continuing to develop a new volunteer program focused on serving the legal needs of APA communities in Orange County, through legal clinics and other service models. Start Date is between August 1 and September 15, 2008. Term of service is at least 11 months for the first year, with a possibility of renewal for a second term.
Qualifications:
Candidates should be admitted to the California Bar or awaiting bar results as of August 2008.
Candidates should also have:

* Excellent communication including oral, written, and research skills
* Experience working with community groups, bar associations, and other organizations
* Familiarity with and interest in working with immigrant communities
* Commitment to public interest work and strong desire to assist indigent clients
* Possession of a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle and proof of insurance
* Bilingual in Vietnamese
* Experience organizing or working with volunteers preferred
* Experience with advocacy preferred
* Experience with Southern California community groups and institutions a plus.

Standard AmeriCorps Fellowship Benefits:

* A living allowance of $22,800
* Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parking provided
* Child care assistance (if income eligible)
* A $4,725 education award voucher to apply toward payment of federally backed educational loans and other expenses
* Eligibility to place all qualified student loans into forbearance and receive an interest accrual payment at the end of service
* The opportunity to attend a national training program to develop leadership skills, learn effective practices to accomplish your projects and meet colleagues from across the country

For more information on the Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps program, please go to
http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/americorps/general.

Supplemental Benefits:

In addition to the standard AmeriCorps Fellowship benefits, APALC will also provide:

* $500 per month stipend
* $50 to $125 per month language stipend based on ability
* Bar dues and reasonable MCLE training costs
* Parking and local mileage reimbursement
* Retirement plan contribution after one year
* Staff training in relevant areas of poverty law and other training as needed.

Application Process:

Mail or fax résumé, cover letter and references to:
Human Resources
Asian Pacific American Legal Center
1145 Wilshire Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Fax: 213-977-7595

No phone calls or emails please
OCA-OC
Embracing the Hopes and Aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans
Founded in 1973, the OCA is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to securing the rights of Asian Pacific Americans through initiatives at all levels of the government.  Visit www.oca-oc.org for more information.
Contact Info: contact@oca-oc.org or 13710 Alderton Lane, Cerritos, CA 90703

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Hello Everyone,

With May being Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I have lots of events and news to report!

As many of you are aware, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck the Sichuan Province in China on May 12th at 2:28 p.m. local time. Currently the death toll stands at 12,000 and the numbers are expected to rise sharply as rescuers approach the epicenter. More than 60,000 people are still unaccounted for, either missing or trapped under the debris. Tens of thousands of homes, schools, factories, and offices have collapsed which killed many instantly, while burying others. The disaster regions are currently in urgent need of medicine, tents, quilts, food, water, etc. I hope that everyone’s friends and families overseas are safe and our thoughts go out to those who have lost someone. OCA-OC encourages our community to donate to a relief fund for the China earthquake, whether it be the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders or one of your choice. The American Red Cross has opened the donation line International China Relief Fund
. They are reliable, efficient as well as tax deductible. Please do help those in need during this tragedy.

On a lighter note, I want to congratulate Ellen Lu, our president, for being honored as a “Community Leader” by the Asian Business Association of Orange County this coming Saturday, May 17th. I encourage all of you to come out and support our president and celebrate with her. Her achievements are made possible through her hard work and determination- the same characteristics that are helping this organization grow. Event will be from 10am-12pm at the South Coast Plaza Carousel Court. For registration information about attending this free event, please see below.

Also, OCA-OC will be a highlighted community organization at APEX’s upcoming Orange County Mixer on June 5th! This event will take place in Tustin at the Chaparosa Grill. Additional information about this event can also be found below.

On another note, the Orange County Register has launched O.C. Asian Life in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This site was created to provide visitors with local news on Asian American communities in Orange County as well as information on local events and restaurants. I recommend browsing through it when you want to find out what’s going on in OC. This site is here to stay so the more support they get from the APIA community, the better resource it is to all of us!

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that the APIA Vote Presidential Town Hall is around the corner this Saturday. For those of you who wish to attend, please remember to register online as soon as possible to guarantee admission. It will truly be an inaugural event that you don’t want to miss. Additional information provided below.

As a kind reminder to our members, OCA-OC officers are here to help you so feel free to contact us anytime. I am easily accessible through e-mail at yaolee@gmail.com. I am open to hearing from you regarding any topic: from our website and newsletters to suggestions you may have for our organization to how you can get more involved with OCA-OC. We are always looking for energetic individuals to help achieve our mission in empowering the Asian American voice in the Orange County and national community. The information found on this newsletter can also be found on our website here.
Upcoming OCA-OC Events

OCA-OC is a Community Partner for

APIA Vote Presidential Town Hall

When: THIS SATURDAY, May 17th, 2008
Where: Bren Events Center
University of California, Irvine
100 Bren Event Ctr Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
(W Peltason Dr & Mesa Rd)

Registration cut-off is Friday, May 16th, at 5pm!

With the support of various national Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations, we will be expecting 2000 community leaders, elected officials, voters, and students representing this diverse community from across the country to participate at the first National Presidential Town Hall hosted by our Asian American and Pacific Islander community
Join us for this historic event and learn about the candidates before voting in the general election in November, 2008.
Invitations to each campaign were received and APIA Vote is working with the campaigns to schedule each candidate’s appearance.

Visit the Presidential Town Hall Website for updates and all the information you need to know to prepare for your trip to Irvine, CA. Registration is live - be sure to sign up today!.
Registration Live Register online to enter the lottery to receive a ticket for Town Hall. Media registration is also available online.
Town Hall Agenda on Website Visit our newly updated website to view a complete agenda of events including the National CAPACD conference, Voicing Our Votes forum, Power of Our Vote Luncheon and more.
Flights Through Southwest Southwest Airlines is proud to be the Official Airline of the APIAVote Presidential Town Hall. Remember to book your airline tickets soon!
Hotel Deals for Town Hall Radisson Newport Beach - Mention APIAVote and get a special rate of $119 a night for Doubles/Single Queen rooms if you book by May 9th. This includes free breakfast, free internet, a shuttle to John Wayne Airport and UC Irvine.

4545 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA Tel: 949-833-0570
Can’t Make It to Irvine? Host your own watch party! Live streaming available to a computer near you. Simply e-mail us at RSVP@apiavote.org and we will help you set up your living room Town Hall.
Ask Before You Vote Ask the presidential candidates your question via video. To submit your question for the candidates, send a link to your video to rsvp@apiavote.org.

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Film

“Hollywood Chinese”

When: May 30th and May 31st
“Hollywood Chinese” is a new film by OCA 2008 Pioneer Awardee, Arthur Dong. Hot off its month-long extended San Francisco run and international film festival tour, including Toronto and a Best Documentary win at Taipei’s Golden Horse Awards, the Chinese equivalent to the Oscars®, Hollywood Chinese is a “delightfully entertaining” (FilmFestivals.com) look at the Chinese in American movies. Featuring a virtual who’s who of top Chinese and Chinese American film artists, including Ang Lee, Joan Chen, Wayne Wang, Nancy Kwan, James Hong, Lisa Lu, B.D. Wong, Tsai Chin and writers Amy Tan and David Henry Hwang. Also featuring Luise Rainer, Turhan Bey and Christopher Lee. Directed by triple Sundance winner and Oscar® nominee Arthur Dong (Forbidden City, U.S.A., Licensed to Kill, Coming Out Under Fire).

Starts May 30th:

Laemmle’s Music Hall
9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
(310)274-6869
FILMMAKER IN PERSON: May 30, 7:40 pm show only!

Laemmle’s One Colorado Theaters
42 Miller Alley, Old Town Pasadena
(626)744-1224
FILMMAKER IN PERSON: May 31, 7:40 pm show only!

Advance group sales of 25+ people @ $6 per ticket are available here!

Official Website: http://www.hollywoodchinese.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

APEX Orange County Mixer

Thursday, June 5th, 2008
7:00pm
Chaparosa Grill
2449 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782

OCA-OC will be the highlighted organization at APEX’s first 2008 networking mixer in Orange County!

Complementary Appetizers will be served: Mini Bruschetta, Hawaiian Meat Balls, Spinach Pastries, Creole Salmon Cakes, Thai Chicken Cups, Caramelized Onion Gorgonzola Filo Cups.

The event will take place at Chaparosa Grill at The District with Spectrum Knowledge sponsoring a very generous selection of hors d’oeuvres.
If you would like to attend, go to this link and provide your first and last name. No walk-ons will be allowed and space is limited.

If you have any questions, please contact Leo Cheng, APEX Director of Membership at leo@apex.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Register Today!

OCA-OC and OCA-GLA Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden

June 21, 2008
1:00pm
1151 Oxford Rd
San Marino, CA 91108

Please join OCA’s Greater Los Angeles Chapter and Orange County Chapter at our Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden.

Visit the Huntington Library and Chinese Garden at your own pace and join us for some tea and light fare at the Freshwater Pavilion. Given the discounted Admission Fee offered to our group, space is limited. Click here for additional information or to RSVP.
Admission
Adult $15
Children (ages 6-11) $6
Children under 5 Free

For question, please contact us at: contact@oca-oc.org
Upcoming Community Events

Asian Business Association of Orange County

JubilASIAN of Heritage 2008

THIS SATURDAY, May 17, 2008
10:00am - 12pm
South Coast Plaza (Carousel Court)
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

The Asian Business Association of Orange County in collaboration with South Coast Plaza, an international destination, will honor and recognize
Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders and role models. Cultural presentations will add to the festivities.
The honorees are:
Community Leader Honorees

* Adalberto Quijada, District Director, Santa Ana Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration
* Master Ce Hang Truong, Founder, Compassionate Services Society
* Ellen Lu, President, Organization of Chinese Americans
* Jack Toan, Wells Fargo Foundation
* Dr. Nitin Shah, Community Healthcare Advocate
* Michael Matsuda, Anaheim Union High School District

Role Model Honorees

* Cassandra Hepburn, Model-Actress, Active Humanitarian, CEO of Stop Trafficking Now, Inc.
* Judge John Nho Trong Nguyen, Superior Court of Orange County, West Justice Center
* Manny Legaspi, Founder, MyGringos.com
* Quang X. Pham, Veteran and Renowned Author
* Dr. Ramon Sison Geluz, Multi-Award Winning Filipino Opera Writer and Composer
* Michael Quang Nguyen, Student Role Model Honoree

Refreshments will be served and admission is complimentary. This event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP here online.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Asian Pacific American Film

Up The Yangtze

Starts May 16, 2008

Vince Sandoval, the producer of a new humanitarian documentary entitled “Up The Yangtze” will be available for Q&A after select showings. “Up The Yangtze” is an eye-opening documentary which looks at the astonishing changes wrought by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam to the Yangtze River in China. As it is an independent film with a modest advertising budget, he is reaching out to different Chinese organizations and institutions to help increase awareness about the film when it opens in theaters in LA.

Information about showings can be found here:
Los Angeles Laemmle’s Royal: 11523 Santa Monica Blvd. [310-477-5581]
Q&A WITH FILMMAKER ON FRIDAY 5/16 AND SATURDAY 5/17 After the 7 pm Show

Pasadena Laemmle’s Playhouse 7: 673 East Colorado Blvd. [626-844-6500]
Q&A WITH FILMMAKER ON FRIDAY 5/16 AND SATURDAY 5/17 After the 5pm Show

Encino Laemmle Town Center 5: 17200 Ventura Blvd. [818-981-9811]

Santa Ana Regency South Coast Village: 1561 W Sunflower Avenue, Sunflower & South Coast Plaza [714-557-5701]

The trailer can be watched here.
Additional Information

Innovative APIA Youth Vote Grant

Are you an 18-25 year old youth with an innovative idea on how you would mobilize your Asian and Pacific Islander American community to vote? Well here is your chance!

Create a voter education and mobilization project that will get your APIA community to vote for the June 3rd Elections - and receive one of six $1,000 grants from OCAPICA’s Project API Vote to do it.
Project ideas:

* Tabling at ethnic markets
* Class raps/dorm storming w/ Easy Voter Guides
* APIA ‘Why I’ll Vote’ community survey
* Create a viral video
* Develop a TV public service announcement
* Create an in-language voter song for ethnic radio play
* APIA Voter education forum
* Get out the vote door hangers in APIA neighborhoods
* In-language posters for ethnic businesses
* Guerilla theatre
* T-shirt campaign
* Bhangra the Vote/Luau the Vote Parties
… and much more! The innovation is up to you!

What Do I Have to Do?

If you are a youth leader, apply for the grant today! Project must be affiliated with a campus or community organization for the funds to be dispersed to. This would be a great fundraising opportunity for your organization!

Project idea must be:

* Non-partisan and support no candidate or ballot initiative
* Educate and mobilize the Asian and Pacific Islander community of Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino community
* Have a bilingual component, preferably in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Samoan, Hindi, or Tagalog
* INNOVATIVE! Only you know what will best mobilize your peers to vote!

In turn, we ask that you support OCAPICA’s larger Project APIA Vote by:

* recruiting bilingual volunteers to our bilingual phone bank
* Attending Project APIA Vote press events
* Distributing Project APIA Vote education materials into the community
.

To apply, submit the following to Tanzila Ahmed, Policy Manager at tahmed@ocapica.org:

*

One 500 word proposal
*

One weekly work plan leading up to June 3rd
*

One budget of how the $1,000 grant will be spent

Developed by the Orange Country Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) for Project API Vote. OCAPICA is a non-partisan 501c3 organization. Materials are created with support from The James Irvine Foundation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OCA-OC
Embracing the Hopes and Aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans
Founded in 1973, the OCA is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to securing the rights of Asian Pacific Americans through initiatives at all levels of the government. Visit www.oca-oc.org for more information.
Contact Info: contact@oca-oc.org or 13710 Alderton Lane, Cerritos, CA 90703

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OCA-OC Newsletter - Week of April 27th

PRESIDENT
Ellen Lu

VICE PRESIDENT
Yao Lee

SECRETARY
Eileen Tao

TREASURER
Ken Ngo

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
Alex Quong

IT CHAIR
Albert Wong

LEGAL COUNSEL
Betty Chu-Fujita, Esq.

ADVISOR
Jhemon Lee, M.D.

BOARD MEMBERS
Howard Wang, Ph.D.
Betty Chu-Fujita, Esq.
Jhemon Lee, M.D.
Alex Quong
Amy Wang
	Hello Everyone,  

I hope everyone is having a great week.  OCA would like to share some
exciting news.  The Senate has passed the Veterans Benefits Enhancement
Act of 2007.  OCA would like to thank everyone who contacted their
senator or helped to pass this alert on!  For those of you who haven't
heard about this issue, here is a brief summary:  The Filipino World War
II Veterans Act seeks to support Filipino veterans who served under US
command during World War II. This bill just passed in the Senate with no
amendments and will go to the House. During World War II, over 200,000
Filipinos were drafted into US service, but have been denied full
veteran status and have been stripped of the honor and recognition of
their service that they deserve. Currently, Filipino veterans do not
receive disability pension, death pension, educational benefits,
homebuying assistance and many other veteran benefits.

OCA-OC has many exciting events coming up such as the Asian Pacific Film
Festival where we are co-presenting a film, the APIA Vote Presidential
Town Hall where OCA-OC is a community partner and our Friends and Family
Day at the Huntington Library Chinese Garden.  We are truly looking
forward to having you join us at any or all of these events.  Please
scroll down for more info on all of our events as well as community
events, volunteer opportunities,..etc.

As a kind reminder to our members, OCA-OC officers are here to help you
so feel free to contact us anytime. I am easily accessible through
e-mail at yaolee at gmail.com <mailto:yaolee at gmail.com> . I am open to
hearing from you regarding any topic: from our website and newsletters
to suggestions you may have for our organization to how you can get more
involved with OCA-OC. We are always looking for energetic individuals to
help achieve our mission in empowering the Asian American voice in the
Orange County and national community.  The information found on this
newsletter can also be found on our website here
<http://www.oca-oc.org/> .

OCA National News
OCA MONITORS NATIONAL DEBATE ON OLYMPICS IN CHINA FOR IMPACT ON RACE
RELATIONS IN AMERICA

 WASHINGTON DC - OCA, a national social justice organization with over
80 chapters and college affiliates across the country, is concerned
about the impact on race relations in the United States caused by the
use of negative language and racial stereotypes in the ongoing debate on
the Olympics in China.  

 As an organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and
economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States, OCA
strongly supports free speech, dialogue and engagement. These are the
cornerstones of American democracy.  

 However, in promoting dialogue, we believe our public officials, media
representatives, and community leaders need to be aware that the
language used in this debate has a direct impact on race relations in
the United States. Whether it is bullying on the playground, hurtful
behavior in the workplace, or more serious bias-related violence,
racialized rhetoric can have a very negative impact on the daily lives
of all Americans. 

 We restate that OCA does not take a position on the politics of any
foreign country, but instead focuses on the welfare and civil rights of
Asian Pacific Americans. We also actively promote the need for
thoughtful discussions and respectful language from all parties as we
engage in this and other important dialogues. OCA will be closely
monitoring the communications of all parties to ensure that this
national debate does not descend into negative racial stereotypes or
wedge politics.

Upcoming OCA-OC Events	

Registration
<http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/RKAAQDBLAWAVRZAPOOFT/vcfilm>   

For more information, email contact at oca-oc.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OCA-OC Co-Sponsors

APIA Vote Presidential Town Hall

When: May 17th, 2008
Where: Bren Events Center
University of California, Irvine
100 Bren Event Ctr Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
(W Peltason Dr & Mesa Rd)

With the support of various national Asian American and Pacific Islander
(AAPI) organizations, we will be expecting 2000 community leaders,
elected officials, voters, and students representing this diverse
community from across the country to participate at the first National
Presidential Town Hall hosted by our Asian American and Pacific Islander
community
Join us for this historic event and learn about the candidates before
voting in the general election in November, 2008.
Invitations to each campaign were received and APIA Vote is working with
the campaigns to schedule each candidate’s appearance.

Visit the Presidential Town Hall
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=CRNXScPFdwr0rjF5f
ekm2g==>  Website for updates and all the information you need to know
to prepare for your trip to Irvine, CA.  Registration is live - be sure
to sign up today!.  

Registration Live
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=QofLaYXfx1DIZmisf
qBvrp8YdQxyCzZa> 	 Register online to enter the lottery to receive
a ticket for Town Hall. Media registration is also available online.
Town Hall Agenda on Website
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=u0OOvGt02MfIZmisf
qBvrp8YdQxyCzZa> 	 Visit our newly updated website to view a
complete agenda of events including the National CAPACD conference,
Voicing Our Votes forum, Power of Our Vote Luncheon and more.
Flights Through Southwest
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=gI%2FAYDCESGrIZmi
sfqBvrp8YdQxyCzZa> 	 Southwest Airlines is proud to be the Official
Airline of the APIAVote Presidential Town Hall. Remember to book your
airline tickets soon!
Hotel Deals for Town Hall
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=CQyo4xzGzsDIZmisf
qBvrp8YdQxyCzZa> 	 Radisson Newport Beach - Mention APIAVote and
get a special rate of $119 a night for Doubles/Single Queen rooms if you
book by May 9th. This includes free breakfast, free internet, a shuttle
to John Wayne Airport and UC Irvine. 

4545 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA Tel: 949-833-0570

Can’t Make It to Irvine? <mailto:rsvp at apiavote.org> 	 Host your own
watch party! Live streaming available to a computer near you. Simply
e-mail us at RSVP at apiavote.org and we will help you set up your living
room Town Hall.
Ask Before You Vote <mailto:rsvp at apiavote.org> 	 Ask the presidential
candidates your question via video. To submit your question for the
candidates, send a link to your video to rsvp at apiavote.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden

June 21, 2008
 1:00pm
1151 Oxford Rd
San Marino, CA 91108 

Please join OCA’s Greater Los Angeles Chapter and Orange County Chapter
at our Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese
Garden.

Visit the Huntington Library and Chinese Garden at your own pace and
join us for some tea and light fare at the Freshwater Pavilion.  Given
the discounted Admission Fee offered to our group, space is limited.
Click here
<http://www.oca-oc.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/save-the-date062108.pd
f>  for additional information or to RSVP.

	Admission
Adult	 $15
Children (ages 6-11)	 $6
Children under 5	 Free	

For question, please contact us at: contact at oca-oc.org 

Upcoming Community Events
Refugee Day 2008

When: May 3rd, 2008; 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Le-Jao Center
14120 All American Way
Westminster, CA 92683
Cost: Free

Refugee Forum of Orange County would like to extend an invitation to
join them at the Refugee Day celebration. This year’s event will be
co-sponsored and hosted by Coastline Community College.  The event is
free and open to all.

The Refugee Forum is a membership organization composed of
representatives from agencies and groups that work with refugees in
Orange County.  The purpose of the Refugee Forum of Orange County is to
assist in the successful resettlement of refugees in Orange County, and
to enable them to obtain the resources necessary to become
self-supporting and contributing members of society. Through
coordination, planning, advocacy and outreach, the Refugee Forum works
to assure the most efficient use of available resources to accomplish
the purpose of the organization.

The tentative agenda for Refugee Day consists of recognitions of
individuals and organizations that have contributed to the county’s
refugee community, speakers, entertainment, and, of course, sumptuous
ethnic foods.  Also included in the day’s event is a “resource fair,”
allowing organizations to provide service-related information to the
attendees.  

The Refugee Forum of Orange County hopes you will attend this special
event and support the activities of the Forum through your
participation. Thank you! 

If you or your organization would like to take part in the resource
fair, please contact nnguyen at apalc.org, or 714-530-9155, on or before
April 18, 2008.

Members of the Refugee Forum of Orange County include the Asian Pacific
American Legal Center, the Red Sea Social Services, Inc., CSP Orange
County Human Trafficking Task Force, Catholic Charities of Orange
County, the Cambodian Family, Saint Anselm’s Cross-Cultural Community
Center, UCI Library Southeast Asian Archive, American Red Cross,
CalOptima,World Relief, Orange County Social Services Agency, Orange
County Health Care Agency, East African Community of Orange County,
California State University, Fullerton, and the State of California
Employment Development Department, as well as representation from local
elected officials.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UC Irvine Symphony Orchestra:
Violin Spectacular!
presented by UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts

When: May 3rd, 2008; 8:00 PM
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: $12 general; $10 senior; $8 student

The University of California, Irvine is holding its’ first annual
benefit for UC Irvine Symphony Orchestra.  The purpose of this benefit
is to provide scholarship support for the student members of UC Irvine
Orchestra.  Jean Aldrich, the founding First Lady of UC Irvine will be
attending as the honorary chair.

The program will include the following:

- Dimitry Shostakovich - Festive Overture

- Tan Dun - Violin Concerto - Cho-Liang Lin, soloist

- Pietro Mascagni - Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana

- Mozart - Violin Concerto No. 4 in G Major - Cho-Liang Lin, soloist

Opportunities available for sponsorship:

Principal Sponsor: $10,000 

Sponsors: $1,000 - $5,000

Special VIP ticket: $100

Sponsors are invited to the following private events:

Master Class with Cho-Liang Lin

Reception after the Master Class

Post Concert Reception in Jade Room

For information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Melissa Hernandez
at melissh at uci.edu

For more information on this event, please visit the Irvine Barclay
Theatre website
<http://www.thebarclay.org/custom/events/event10.asp?eventID=978> .
For more information on the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts,
please visit their website at http://www.arts.uci.edu/
<http://www.arts.uci.edu/> 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“The Paradoxes Of Race, Law And Inequality In The United States”
A Conference To Be Held At The University Of California, Irvine

Dates: May 2-3, 2008
Friday: 9:30a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Humanities Instructional Building, Room 135

Topics:
-  How Do Legal Discourses About Race Reproduce Racial Inequality?
-  How have racialized inequalities in the United States been reinforced
or exacerbated in recent decades?
-  How do discursive shifts in crime policy and the unprecedented
expansion of imprisonment since the 1960s affect investments in
racialized forms of governance?
-  How have institutionalized inequalities been sharpened even as few
admit to being racist?
-  What are the global impacts of American racial policies and
practices?

Organized by the Law & Society Review and the UCI Center in Law, Society
and Culture
Co-sponsored by the Department of Criminology, Law and Society, the
Department of Sociology, the School of Humanities, the School of Social
Ecology, the School of Social Sciences, the UCI Office of Research, and
the Law and Society Association

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND A LIST OF SPEAKERS GO TO
http://socialecology.uci.edu/node/1831
<http://socialecology.uci.edu/node/1831> 

Job Opportunity
Bilingual Legal Assistant

AGENCY DESCRIPTION:  The Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern
California (APALC) was established in 1983 with broad-based support and
has become the leading organization in the region dedicated to providing
the diverse Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander (NHPI)
community with multilingual, culturally sensitive legal services,
education, and civil rights support. APALC’s Legal Services Project
focuses on the legal needs of indigent monolingual immigrant communities
with services that include counseling, education, and legal assistance
primarily in the areas of family law, domestic violence, and
immigration, with services also provided in employment, housing,
consumer rights, government benefits, and other poverty law areas.

POSITION SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:  The Bilingual Legal Assistant position is
a full time, immediate position, and open until filled. This staff
member
is part of the Legal Services Project and is responsible for providing
administrative and legal support to attorneys in assisting APALC
clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

*	Support project grant deliverables with client case and
demographic reporting on client database
*	Coordinate trainings and education presentations with APALC
staff and community partners
*	Assist attorneys in coordinating and providing services at legal
services clinics
*	Coordinate volunteer law clerks and pro bono attorneys for case
assignment
*	Assist in client services, including intakes and client
interviews under Staff Attorney supervision

*	Provide interpretation and translation for attorneys and clients

*	Prepare court forms, legal documents and correspondences
*	Develop working knowledge of poverty law, with focus on family
law and domestic violence-related immigration 

REQUIREMENTS: 

*	Good oral, written, and interpersonal skills including
professionalism and flexibility
*	Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work both
independently and under supervision
*	Good computer and word processing skills
*	Dedication to serving Asian and other minority communities and a
sincere commitment to working on behalf of the indigent immigrant
community
*	Bilingual fluency preferably in Korean, Vietnamese and/or
Spanish
*	Possession of valid driver’s license, access to an automobile,
insurance, and willingness to drive to off-site locations
*	Prior project coordination, administrative, and /or supervisory
experience strongly preferred 

COMPENSATION: $15.00-$16.50 per hour, depending on experience +
bilingual stipend. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and
retirement.
Parking provided.

TO APPLY:   Send  or fax cover letter, resume, and references to APALC,
Attn.:  General Legal Services Project Director, 1145 Wilshire Blvd.,
2nd Flr., Los Angeles, CA  90017. (213) 977-7595 fax. No phone calls.
Volunteer Opportunity
Asian American Voter Project

Nine community groups are joining together to increase voting
participation in the Asian American community. Our goal is to call over
12,000 voters and encourage them to vote in the June 3, 2008 Primary
Election. This project is a non-partisan effort that community groups
are doing to help our community. We are looking for paid volunteers who
can commit to 4 or 5 phone banking shifts. This is a good opportunity
for anyone looking for a way to get involved with this year’s elections,
and also make some money. 

How can you be a voter mobilization volunteer?

1. From May 8 until June 3, come to our phone bank center in downtown
Los Angeles (located at APALC’s office).
2. We need people who can commit to several volunteer shifts; you can
come once a week.
3. Weeknight phone banking hours are from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Saturday
hours are from 10 AM to 12:30 PM, and Sunday hours are from 2 PM to 4:30
PM.
4. We need volunteers who can speak: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean,
Tagalog, Vietnamese, Japanese, Khmer, Hindi, Urdu or other South Asian
languages.
5. We will train you on how to make phone calls to voters.
6. Be able to travel to APALC’s office in downtown Los Angeles.

What do you get by volunteering for phone banking?

1. Help our community to have a stronger political voice.
2. Stipends: $20 for 1st shift; $25 for 2nd shift; $30 for 3rd shift;
$35 for 4th shift; $40 for 5th shift.
3. Phone banking volunteers also receive food.

For more information, please contact Diana Jou at APALC - 213-241-0232
ext 232 or djou at apalc.org <mailto:djou at apalc.org?subject=Asian American
Voter Project Volunteer> 

Additional Information
Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC)
Asian Heritage Month Celebration ~ Call for Nominations!

ABAOC celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month and honors community
leaders and role models.  Nominations for community leaders and role
models are now being accepted. Click here for nomination form
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AsianBusinessAssocia/84bcffb682/08b1b26443/2f0d
808087> .  Please email maria.dumatol at abaoc.org
<mailto:maria.dumatol at abaoc.org?subject=APA+Nomination>  or
howard.chan at abaoc.org
<mailto:howard.chan at abaoc.org?subject=APA+Nomination>  for information
or questions.
Application deadline - April 30th.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Innovative APIA Youth Vote Grant

Are you an 18-25 year old youth with an innovative idea on how you would
mobilize your Asian and Pacific Islander American community to vote?
Well here is your chance!

Create a voter education and mobilization project that will get your
APIA community to vote for the June 3rd Elections - and receive one of
six $1,000 grants from OCAPICA’s Project API Vote to do it.

Project ideas: 

*	Tabling at ethnic markets
*	Class raps/dorm storming w/ Easy Voter Guides
*	APIA ‘Why I’ll Vote’ community survey
*	Create a viral video
*	Develop a TV public service announcement
*	Create an in-language voter song for ethnic radio play
*	APIA Voter education forum
*	Get out the vote door hangers in APIA neighborhoods
*	In-language posters for ethnic businesses
*	Guerilla theatre
*	T-shirt campaign
*	Bhangra the Vote/Luau the Vote Parties
	… and much more!  The innovation is up to you!

What Do I Have to Do?

If you are a youth leader, apply for the grant today! Project must be
affiliated with a campus or community organization for the funds to be
dispersed to. This would be a great fundraising opportunity for your
organization!

Project idea must be: 

*	Non-partisan and support no candidate or ballot initiative
*	Educate and mobilize the Asian and Pacific Islander community of
Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino community
*	Have a bilingual component, preferably in Chinese, Korean,
Vietnamese, Samoan, Hindi, or Tagalog
*	INNOVATIVE! Only you know what will best mobilize your peers to
vote! 

In turn, we ask that you support OCAPICA’s larger Project APIA Vote by: 

*	recruiting bilingual volunteers to our bilingual phone bank
*	Attending Project APIA Vote press events
*	Distributing Project APIA Vote education materials into the
community 

.
To apply, submit the following to Tanzila Ahmed, Policy Manager at
tahmed at ocapica.org:

*	One 500 word proposal

*	One weekly work plan leading up to June 3rd

*	One budget of how the $1,000 grant will be spent

Developed by the Orange Country Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Alliance (OCAPICA) for Project API Vote.  OCAPICA is a non-partisan
501c3 organization.  Materials are created with support from The James
Irvine Foundation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OCA-OC
Embracing the Hopes and Aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans
Founded in 1973, the OCA is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit,
non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to securing the rights of
Asian Pacific Americans through initiatives at all levels of the
government.  Visit www.oca-oc.org <http://www.oca-oc.org/>  for more
information.
Contact Info: contact at oca-oc.org or 13710 Alderton Lane, Cerritos, CA
90703

You are receiving this email because you have attended an event or
expressed interest in OCA-OC.  If you do not wish to continue receiving
these e-mails, click here
<http://lists.oca-oc.org/listinfo.cgi/announcements-oca-oc.org>  to
unsubscribe.

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Join us on Saturday, May 3rd, 4:00 PM at the Director’s Guild of America as we co-present the film “Yours Truly, Miss Chinatown”.   We hope to see you there and thank you for your continued support of OCA-OC!

No comments

Hello Everyone, Hope your week is starting off well.  I would like to encourage everyone to call or write a letter to your representative in support of the Filipino World War II Veterans Act.  Below, we’ve provided a phone script for those who can make a quick phone call during the day time as well as a pre-written letter in which you can easily send to your representative.  Every phone call counts.  Every letter counts.  I thank you in advance for helping to advance equality for the Asian Pacific American community. OCA-OC has many exciting events coming up such as the Asian Pacific Film Festival where we are co-presenting a film, the APIA Vote Presidential Town Hall where OCA-OC is a community partner and our Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library Chinese Garden.  We are truly looking forward to having you join us at any or all of these events.  Please scroll down for more info on all of our events as well as community events, volunteer opportunities,..etc. As a kind reminder to our members, OCA-OC officers are here to help you so feel free to contact us anytime. I am easily accessible through e-mail at yaolee@gmail.com. I am open to hearing from you regarding any topic: from our website and newsletters to suggestions you may have for our organization to how you can get more involved with OCA-OC. We are always looking for energetic individuals to help achieve our mission in empowering the Asian American voice in the Orange County and national community. The information found on this newsletter can also be found on our website here.

OCA National Call to Action Contact members of the Senate to support the Filipino Veterans Equity Act The Filipino World War II Veterans Act seeks to support Filipino veterans who served under US command during World War II.  This bill is currently going through the US Senate and may come to the floor as early as this week. Over 200,000 Filipinos were drafted into US service, but have been denied full veteran status and have been stripped of the honor and recognition of their service that they deserve.  Currently, Filipino veterans do no received disability pension, death pension, educational benefits, homebuying assistance and many other veteran benefits. Barbara Boxer is one of the Senators we want to target for their support of this bill.  Please help us contact them and express our support for justice for all veterans.  You can find an action alert with a letter form and a phone script here.  Please forward this to your contacts and friends. More information can be found at: http://nafve.org/.

Upcoming OCA-OC Events

Registration For more information, email contact@oca-oc.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OCA-OC Co-Sponsors APIA Vote Presidential Town Hall When: May 17th, 2008 Where: Bren Events Center University of California, Irvine 100 Bren Event Ctr Dr Irvine, CA 92612 (W Peltason Dr & Mesa Rd) With the support of various national Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations, we will be expecting 2000 community leaders, elected officials, voters, and students representing this diverse community from across the country to participate at the first National Presidential Town Hall hosted by our Asian American and Pacific Islander community Join us for this historic event and learn about the candidates before voting in the general election in November, 2008. Invitations to each campaign were received and APIA Vote is working with the campaigns to schedule each candidate’s appearance. Visit the Presidential Town Hall Website for updates and all the information you need to know to prepare for your trip to Irvine, CA.  Registration is live - be sure to sign up today!. Registration Live Register online to enter the lottery to receive a ticket for Town Hall. Media registration is also available online. Town Hall Agenda on Website Visit our newly updated website to view a complete agenda of events including the National CAPACD conference, Voicing Our Votes forum, Power of Our Vote Luncheon and more. Flights Through Southwest Southwest Airlines is proud to be the Official Airline of the APIAVote Presidential Town Hall. Remember to book your airline tickets soon! Hotel Deals for Town Hall Radisson Newport Beach - Mention APIAVote and get a special rate of $119 a night for Doubles/Single Queen rooms if you book by May 9th. This includes free breakfast, free internet, a shuttle to John Wayne Airport and UC Irvine. 4545 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA Tel: 949-833-0570 Can’t Make It to Irvine? Host your own watch party! Live streaming available to a computer near you. Simply e-mail us at RSVP@apiavote.org and we will help you set up your living room Town Hall. Ask Before You Vote Ask the presidential candidates your question via video. To submit your question for the candidates, send a link to your video to rsvp@apiavote.org. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden June 21, 2008 1:00pm 1151 Oxford Rd San Marino, CA 91108 Please join OCA’s Greater Los Angeles Chapter and Orange County Chapter at our Friends and Family Day at the Huntington Library’s Chinese Garden. Visit the Huntington Library and Chinese Garden at your own pace and join us for some tea and light fare at the Freshwater Pavilion.  Given the discounted Admission Fee offered to our group, space is limited.  Click here for additional information or to RSVP. Admission Adult $15 Children (ages 6-11) $6 Children under 5 Free For question, please contact us at: contact@oca-oc.org