Please join OCA-OC and MANAA for a lively discussion on positive Asian American characters in the media and our efforts to change the way mainstream media portrays Asian Americans.

Panelists:
Francois Chau, actor (Dr. Cheng on “Lost”) more info
Tzi Ma, actor (”Rush Hour” and “24″) more info
Guy Aoki, founding president, MANAA more info

Moderator:
Lisa Akiyama, OCA-OC Educational/Cultural Affairs Chair
Phil Lee, MANAA President

Special Guest:
Vic Chao, actor more info
Panney Wei, TV-Radio Host-Writer-Motivational Speaker

Thursday, June 4, 2009
UC Irvine University Club
801 East Peltason Drive, Irvine
949-824-7960

Schedule:
6:00pm Registration and Networking
7:00pm Program

Cost:
Members: $5
Non-Members: $10

Drinks and hor’douvres provided!
Seats are limited!
Parking is complimentary (Click on map for larger view)

Questions and RSVP: rsvp@oca-oc.org
For more information about presenting organizations:
www.oca-oc.org
www.manaa.org

Community Partner: UC Irvine Asian American Studies Department
http://www.humanities.uci.edu/aas/

Francois Chau Francois Chau’s early life has the makings of a movie of the week. He was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to Chinese Vietnamese parents. His family moved to Vietnam when he was five, and then he and his mother left Saigon in 1967. After living in various places including France, Delaware, and Africa, he settled in the Washington, D.C. metro area in 1973.Speaking only French when he came to the US, he quickly learned English from watching his favorite shows,” Start Trek” and “Batman”, thus beginning a life time obsession with TV. He never dreamed that Television would play such an integral part of his adult life. Francois caught the acting bug in high school, but was encouraged to pursue a more stable profession. After one college semester studying business however, he transferred to the drama department at the Catholic University of America. Graduating with a BFA in Acting in 1984, he loaded his belongings into a rented truck, and headed to Hollywood. The following year, he landed the role of “Quick Kick” in the animated series, “G.I. JOE”, and has been working ever since. Currently, Francois is best known for his role as the mysterious, multi-named, head of “The Dharma Initiative”, “Dr. Pierre Chang” on ABC’s ground breaking series, LOST. His other television credits include, GREY’S ANATOMY, 24, STARGATE SG-1, MEDIUM, ER, ALIAS, JAG, THE UNIT, GARY UNMARRIED, CHINA BEACH, and HILL STREET BLUES. His numerous film appearances include, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II, RAPID FIRE, LETHAL WEAPON IV, THE IRON TRIANGLE, WHAT’S COOKING directed by Gurinder Chada, and RESCUE DAWN directed by Werner Herzog. Francois has continued to work in the theater. His stage credits include THE CARETAKER (San Jose Rep), THE SURVIVOR: A CAMBODIAN ODYSSEY (Merrimack Rep), THE WOMAN WARRIOR (Ahmanson/Doolittle), THE BALLAD OF YACHIYO (The Public Theatre/NYC), and THE L.A. PLAYS (Almeida Theatre/London) Francois has been associated with EAST-WEST PLAYERS for 25 years, not only as an actor, but in many other capacities. It was while stage-managing a production at EAST-WEST that he met his wife, Marlene Yamane. Marlene and Francois recently adopted their daughter, Zoey, form China.

Tzi Ma Mr. Ma started his acting career in 1973 starring in a full length Student film called “Half-Ass” written and directed by his friend Victor Huey. He studied acting at LaMama in New York City. The most influential teacher in Mr. Ma’s life was the highly respected MAKO. For the next fifteen years, Mr. Ma dedicated his acting life mainly in the theaters in New York City and regional theaters around the country. His has had the privilege of working with some of America’s most gifted playwrights. Among his most favorite playwrights are Mr. David Henry Hwang and Mr. Eric Overmyer. Mr. Ma has collaborated with Mr. Hwang on FOB, THE DANCE AND THE RAILROAD, GOLDEN GATE, FLOWER DRUM SONG, YELLOW FACE and other plays. Mr. Ma also starred in Mr. Overmyer’s NATIVE SPEECH and IN PERPETUITY THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE. Both of these brilliant playwrights have written works specifically for Mr. Ma.In 1988, Mr. Ma came to Los Angeles to perform in a production of Mr. Overmyer’s IN PERPETUITY THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE at South Coast Repertory Theater, garnering excellent reviews for his work. The opportunity allowed him to exhibit his talent to Hollywood for the first time, leading to work in film and TV. Unfortunately, the work offered at the time was mostly for roles which were stereotypical caricatures, cardboard cutouts or one-dimensional background color which served no purpose other than to lend a mild sense of authenticity to the stories, which were predominately created by white, male producers and writers that were not mindful of how the Asian Pacific American community was being portrayed. Still, Mr. Ma understood the impact and power of the film and TV industries in reaching the world. He knew it was something he needed to be a part of. Every meeting he had with the powers that be became a mission to educate and influence them to give Asian Pacific American characters three dimensions and culture-specific behaviors. Most importantly, he strove to make sure that Asian Pacific American characters be included as part of the fabric of American society so as not to be seen as perpetual foreigners. It has been an uphill climb for too many reasons to elaborate on here, but his efforts have led to the creation of roles he is proud of in the following productions: Films – FORMOSA BETRAYED, BABY, RUSH HOUR 3, BATTLE IN SEATTLE, ALL GOD’S CHILDREN CAN DANCE, DRAGON BOYS, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, THE LADYKILLERS, THE QUIET AMERICAN, HAWAIIAN GARDEN, CATFISH AND BLACK BEAN SAUCE, RUSH HOUR, DANTE’S PEAK, CHAIN REACTION, GOLDEN GATE, RAPID FIRE. Television – THE BEAST, DIRTY SEXY MONEY, GREY’S ANATOMY, FINNEGAN, 24, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, THE UNIT, THE PRACTICE, E.R., LAW & ORDER, BOOMTOWN, THE BERNIE MAC SHOW, HAWAII, GIDEON’S CROSSING, CITY OF ANGELS, N.Y.P.D. BLUE, MARTIAL LAW, MILLENIUM,YELLOW THREAD STREET, FORBIDDEN NIGHTS, THE FORGOTTEN, THE DANCE AND THE RAILROAD.

Guy Aoki Guy Aoki was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, and attended Occidental College in Los Angeles and The University of Hawaii at Manoa, graduating from Occidental as a Psychology major in 1985. He worked as a Los Angeles Times reporter, researcher and mixing producer for Casey Kasem’s “American Top 40,” and wrote various syndicated radio shows including “Countdown America with Dick Clark” (named “Best Adult Contemporary Radio Show” by Billboard Magazine in 1991) and “Dick Clark’s U.S. Music Survey.” In 1992, he co-founded Media Action Network for Asian American (MANAA). The all-volunteer, non-profit organization is the only group solely dedicated to monitoring the mass media and advocating balanced, sensitive, and positive depiction and coverage of Asian Americans. During Aoki’s presidency, MANAA received awards from The L.A. Mayor’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Committee, Asian Pacific American Women’s Network, and Chinese American Civil Rights Organization. Since 1999, Aoki, along with organizations like the NAACP, has been involved in meetings with the top four television networks to add more people of color to their writing, producing, directing, and acting ranks. And in 2001, Aoki confronted comedian Sarah Silverman on “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher” after she used a racial slur against Chinese people on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”

OCA-OC Founded in 1973 as Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of nearly 12 million Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.

MANAA Dedicating to monitoring the media and advocating balanced, sensitive, and positive coverage and portrayals of Asian Americans.

Please support the OCA/Nordstrom partnership by purchasing a t-shirt online or in one of the select Nordstrom stores carrying the shirts. For participating stores, click here. These shirts will be available only throughout the month of May, portions of the proceeds will go to the OCA Scholarship Fund. Tell your friends and family to buy a women’s shirt and support this event!

Brea Mall – Nordstrom (2nd Floor in the Section “via C”)
500 Brea Mall Way
Brea, CA 92821-5793

BE A VOICE

BE HEARD

OC Community Forum: Engaging our Future

Come to a day dedicated to the discussion of issues relevant to Asian and Pacific Islanders (API’s) in today’s economy.  Participants will be given an opportunity to openly discuss, ask questions and share ideas on issues directly affecting them and their neighborhoods.

The day will include the opportunity to network and dialogue with API political and community leaders while offering a venue to help participants become proactive and effective advocates and leaders in their own communities.

WHEN: Saturday May 16, 2009
TIME: 9:00am – 4:00pm
WHERE: Garden Grove Community Center
(11300 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove CA 92840)
*For more information and to register please visit: www.leap.org/empower_cec.html

GENERAL Admission: $10
STUDENT Admission: Free
*Fee includes lunch and materials

Discussion Topics (May include but not Limited to)
- Equal Housing Issues
- May 19th Statewide Special Election
- Access to Government and Social Services
- Working with your Local Representatives
- Philanthropy: Discussing the State of Funding
- Training for Community Trainers (Sharing Ideas and Experiences)
- The 2010 Census: Ensuring that Our Community is Counted

OCA-OC is partnering with the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival to present “Who Killed Vincent Chin.”

The 25th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will take place during Asian Pacific Heritage Month from April 30th – May 7th at the Directors Guild of America, Laemmle’s Sunset 5, Aratani/Japan Ameria Theatre, National Center for the Preservation of Democracy and Downtown Independence.

For more information about the film, please visit:
www.vconline.org/festival/program.cfm?program_id=17

WHEN: Saturday May 2, 2009
TIME: 4-6PM
WHERE:  Directors Guild of America Theater 2
(7920 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles)

GENERAL Admission: $12
STUDENT Admission: $10
SENIOR Admission: $10
*To purchase tickets please contact Lisa Akiyama at
lakiyama27@yahoo.com

This Day is About YOU!

Businesses of all phases start up or established, can benefit from these core values. Come discover how The Economy Stimulus Package will impact your business. Workshops will include Tips for Business Survival, Tax Remification & Incentives, obtaining financing in this economy, and much more. Millions of Federal and State dollars are available through contracts. Come learn how to grab a piece of the action!

Online & Workshop Registration Deadline April 22nd
$10 Members/$25 Non-member with Pre-registration (Use Members Discount Code: OCAOC2009)
$30 at the door
(Parking included in cost)

Seating is Limited, reserve online at: www.abaoc.org/Events/SB-Day2009/RSVP.php

Workshops that will be provided:

For more information:
Contact ABAOC at 949.222.2291 or Kim.Zastrow@abaoc.org
Contact OCA-OC at contact@oca-oc.org

Do you have a great business idea?
Are you ready to be your own boss?

If so, you should consider the

Entrepreneur Empowerment Training

The Entrepreneur Empowerment Training provides a limited number of full scholarships to Asian Pacific American (APA) entrepreneurs to attend business start-up and development programs.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Scholarship is designed for women and men who want to start a business or expand an existing small business.

Scholarship awardees will participate in intensive courses that run on a weekly basis for 5 weeks. Participants are expected to be present and prepared for each session.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

• What it takes to be a successful entrepreneur
• How to develop and test a business concept or expansion plan
• How to select the best business entry or growth option
• How to organize, manage, and grow a business
• How to research and market a business
• Financial literacy for entrepreneurs and small business owners
• How to find funding for a start-up or business development

HOW DO I APPLY?

Scholarship awardees are selected through an application process. Awardees are chosen by representatives from AWBC, the OCA National Center, State Farm, and the OCA host chapter. Awardees are chosen on the strength of their application, but priority will be given to OCA members in cases where two applicants have comparable applications. Non-OCA member awardees will receive a year-long OCA membership.

The APA Entrepreneur Empowerment Scholarship is sponsored by OCA, State Farm®, and the Association of Women’s Business Centers.

Apply for the Greater Los Angeles EET

Read about our inaugural EET program in the DC Metro area!
Read our success stories!

OCA-OC, NAAAP-OC, SCCCC, and the Anaheim Arsenals invites you to join us for
Asian Heritage Night with the Anaheim Arsenals

The Anaheim Arsenals are the development team for the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks.

Come watch as the Anaheim Arsenals compete against their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Defenders, the development team from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Individuals, groups and family welcome as entertainment will be provided for people of all ages.

Purchase your tickets now by phone, email or regular mail. Ticket purchase information can be found on the flyer. Limited number of tickets available. Tickets will be sold for a flat rate of $11 for the best seat possible including Floor Premium, Floor, and Loge Seats. Get your discount tickets today! Tickets available at this price available only by presale. Regular priced admission at the door.

Online purchase now available here.
Use coupon code:ASIAN09. Prices vary slightly for online purchases

Events features:

• Cultural performance during pre-game, in-game and halftime including:
  • Chinese School Orchestra
  • Martial Arts Performance
  • Taiko Drum Performance by OC Buddhist Church
  • Luau Performance by UCI Hawaii Club
  • Dragon Dance Performance by the Irvine Chinese School
• Post game shoot around on the main floor
• Post game player appearance
• Free TOTE BAG for the first 1,000 attendees

Hosting Booth Organizations include: (booths will be stationed in the Midway throughout the game)

• Irvine Chinese School
• OCA-OC
• NAAAP-OC
• OC Buddhist Church
• Hawaiian Club
• Community Action Partnership of Long Beach

Doors opens at 4:45PM.

Performances begin at 5:15PM in the Midway.

Tip-off at 6:00PM.

Arrive early to catch all the amazing Asian Heritage performances!

Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802

For questions and information, contact:
Shulmith Muthyala, Anaheim Arsenals representative at shu@anaheimarsenal.com
Yao Lee, OCA-OC representative at yaolee@gmail.com

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league and features 16 teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams.  The league has produced 15 percent of the players on the 2007-08 end-of-season NBA rosters and continues to develop current NBA coaches and referees.  In forstering the leagues connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote youth basketball, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-league Cares programs.