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Archive for September, 2008

OCA-OC Newsletter - Week of September 21st

September 21st, 2008 | Category: Chapter Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

I’ll like to introduce the OCA-OC Facebook group. For those who have Facebook account and would like more information on OCA-OC and to keep track of OCA-OC events, please join the group. Upcoming OCA-OC events will be posted there as well as any updates. It is a great way to get more involved so join today.

With the end of year fast approach, we will soon be making a call for new officers. Look out for the message in the near future to get involved and more information on how to get involved. We are looking for bright energetic individuals with fresh ideas and a desire to get involved in the Orange County community. I’d like to reiterate that we are a Pan-Asian organization and we welcome individuals of all ethnicities. We encourage questions and look forward to helping individuals contribute to our community.

Yao Lee
OCA-OC Vice President

Note: If you or your organization would like an event posted on our newsletter, please contact me at yaolee@gmail.com. Also, if any of you have news that you think would be beneficial or interesting to OCA-OC members, feel free to email me that as well. All requests will be reviewed before being posted.
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. As you can see, the newsletter is constantly changing and always a work in progress. 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 News
OCA Criticizes LPGA’s Descision to Require Players to Speak English
WASHINGTON DC - OCA, a national organization serving the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, criticizes the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s (LPGA) decision to require all players to pass an English language proficiency exam or receive suspension.
“One does not need to speak English in order to play professional sports in this country,” said OCA National President Ginny Gong. “We play sports to unify groups, not to divide. This would suggest that someone like Lance Armstrong needs to be proficient in French in order to participate in the Tour de France.”
The LPGA proposed the policy which requires all participating golf players with at least two years seniority to be proficient in English starting in 2009. Players from countries outside of the United States have been leading tournaments in recent years, with golfers from Mexico, Taiwan and Korea winning the last five major championships.
Many in the APA community feel that forcing senior players to speak English during tournaments promotes intolerance, particularly given the discriminatory treatment of female players on golf courses in the past.
“It is outrageous that the LPGA would consider a decision that prohibits certain players from the chance to compete knowing all the struggles women have gone through in order to be recognized as equals in the sport,” said Michael Lin, executive director of OCA National Center.
Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.
OCA NATIONAL’S RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LEGAL PROTECTION OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
WHEREAS, OCA is one of the largest and oldest civil rights organizations in the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, OCA resolved to oppose discriminatory practices against the gay and lesbian community;
WHEREAS, OCA will continue to be an advocate and strive toward fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of Chinese Americans and Asian Pacific Americans in the United States; and
WHEREAS, OCA recognizes that Asian Pacific Americans, especially Chinese Americans, have been the targets of numerous discriminatory laws that have harmed their families and communities, including bans on interracial marriage, ownership of property, immigration restrictions, and exclusionary acts; and
WHEREAS, Although lawfully enacted, these discriminatory laws were morally reprehensible and wrong because they legitimized unfair practices which denied basic human rights to certain classes of individuals deemed to be undesirable at the time; and
WHEREAS, That legacy of discrimination continues to impact thousands of gay and lesbian members within the Asian Pacific American community who are currently excluded from over 1,100 federal rights that come with marriage; and
WHEREAS, Those rights include, but are not limited to, the right to sponsor a partner for immigration to the U.S., collect social security survivors benefits, file joint income tax returns, and exercise family and medical leave; and,
WHEREAS, Our country, including the Asian Pacific American community, is strengthened by individuals who are partnered in committed familial relationships; and
WHEREAS, American families, like the fabric of our American Society, are quilts of many colors and cloths with strong, committed families including single parent households, adult children caring for elderly parents, and adult siblings caring for minor siblings; and
WHEREAS, More than 38,000 Asian Pacific Americans are in same-sex relationships, and Asian Pacific American same-sex couples are raising more than 17,000 children under 18, and these families would all stand to benefit from the full protections of marriage; and
WHEREAS, Many Asian Pacific Americans, including Chinese Americans, are advancing the struggle for marriage equality for same-sex couples across the country; and
WHEREAS, OCA recognizes that marriage equality for same-sex couples is an important issue, not only because it impacts so many thousands of families in the Asian Pacific American community, but also because it advances the principles of social justice, equal opportunity, and fair treatment for all; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCA supports legal recognition for individuals in marriage and other committed familial relationships without limitation based upon race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation
Community News
From OC Life Magazine to OCA-OC members:
I am writing to introduce you to OC Life magazine, a new multicultural lifestyle publication premiering all throughout Orange County on October 1st.

OC Life Magazine is set to be the first glossy, full-color lifestyle publication dedicated to the multicultural community of Orange County. Focused on bringing cultures together and bridging generation gaps, OC Life will be your monthly source for ALL THINGS ETHNIC including people, events, businesses, local cuisine, and general lifestyle topics including fashion, beauty and health.

Our aim is to provide readers with well written content that is both informative and fun to read. With contributors from different cultural backgrounds, our goal is to be a one-stop source for all things ethnic. OC Life has performed extensive research in identifying organizations and individuals we would like to work with and believe a shared vision is achievable through collaborative efforts. Our monthly publication will be complimentary to the public and its contributors will receive exposure and promotion through the magazine as well as gain access to a large network of professionals from a myriad of cultures.

We are now in our initial stages of launching and are seeking writers/representatives from different cultures to get involved by submitting articles, events, and news.

As the publisher of OC Life, I would personally like to extend this invitation to you and your organization to join our team. Together, we can connect each and every one of our communities with the community at large through OC Life magazine.

Our premiere issue will feature City of Irvine Mayor Beth Krom, Mayor Pro Tem Sukhee Kang and Councilman Larry Agran, with a story focusing on Irvine’s culturally diverse community.

We are excited to embark on this project and hope you will join us!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Sepideh Danosian | Publisher
OC Life Magazine
A Cultural Look at Coastal Living
2192 Martin, Suite 220
Irvine, CA 92612
www.OCLifeMagazine.com

H-Mart Supermarket
85C Bakery Cafe
Ajisen Ramen
Aura Beauty Spa
Campus Video and Mail Center
CeFiore Frozen Yogurt
Chae Bahn Restaurant
Guppy Tea House Cafe
Nuribom Acupuncture
Palace Beauty Supplies
Shinhan Bank America
Sticki Picki Photo Sticker Studio
Tokyo Table

Balcony Grill & Bar BBQ Chicken
BCD Tofu House
Capital Seafood
Cosmedi Spa - Medical Walk-In
Crepes De Paris
Greek Islands Cuisine
Majestic Spa
Spectrum Optometry
T-Mobile

A Multicultural Shopping & Dining Destination

H-Mart Grand Opening!
Saturday, September 27, 2008

Diamond Jamboree
Grand Opening!
Saturday, November 22, 2008

Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center
(2700-2750 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92606)
Southwest Corner of
Jamboree Road and Alton Parkway

More info: www.diamond-jamboree.com
Email:info@diamond-jamboree.com

Managed & Developed by
THE DIAMOND DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Check out Diamond Jamboree on Facebook
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TAKE OUT is a day-in-the-life of Ming Ding (played by Charles Jang), an undocumented Chinese immigrant working as a deliveryman for a Chinese take-out shop in New York City. Ming is behind with payments on his huge debt to the smugglers who brought him to the US. The collectors have given him until the end of the day to deliver the money that is due. After borrowing most of the money from friends and relatives, Ming realizes that the remainder must come from the day’s delivery tips. In order to do so, he must make more than double his average daily income.

“Take Out” follows Ming on his deliveries throughout the city, in a feature film that Variety calls “deeply affecting” and Film Threat calls “an infectious watch”. Inter-cutting between Ming’s deliveries and the daily routine of the restaurant, Take Out presents a harsh, realistic look at the daily lives of undocumented Chinese immigrants in New York City.

Filmmakers Sean Baker and Shih-Ching Tsou will be available after select screenings throughout the LA area. Please check with the theaters for a schedule of Q&A’s. The filmmakers appreciate every effort from the community to see and support the film. In the very temperamental world of filmmaking, things can be just as much of a harsh reality as the subject matter depicted here. Thus, it is crucial, if we are to keep the “Take Out” in the public eye, that we have a strong opening weekend. If you come away believing that you have seen an important movie - if it speaks to you in any way - all we ask is that you pass the word along to family and friends. We’re not trying to compete with the multiplex blockbuster, but we do need your help in creating an alternative.

The screening times have yet to be determined, but the film opens on Sept. 19 at the following theaters:

Edwards Westpark 8 in Irvine - http://www.fandango.com/edwardswestpark8_aabhq/theaterpage
Laemmle Playhouse 7 in Pasadena - http://www.laemmle.com/
Laemmle Sunset 5 in West Hollywood - http://www.laemmle.com/
Upcoming Community Events

East West Players presents Next Generation Community Night
BE LIKE WATER
by Dan Kwong

Date: September 24, 2008
Address: 120 N Judge Gohn Aiso Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
East West Players’ Next Generation Community Night is back!
Throw all artsy-fartsy airs to the wind and join us for a sociable night of pizza, pop and a good time. You may just walk away with some awesome prizes!

7:00 Free pizza, soda & live music
8:00 BE LIKE WATER
10:30 Opportunity Drawing

BE LIKE WATER is a humorous family drama with Bruce Lee spirit. Directed by Academy Award winning Chris Tashima and martial arts choreographed by Bruce Lee’s very own god-daughter Diane Lee Inosanto & Ron Blicki, this is play that will tickle and charm with its honest heart and empowering story of finding strength. Click over to http://www.eastwestplayers.org/on_the_stage/water.htm for more details.

TICKETS
$35 Orchestra; $30 Balcony
$5 off for Students, $10 off for groups 15+

$1 opportunity draing tickets available 1 hour before performance time!
For more information, please check out www.eastwestplayers.org or call 213.625.7000 or email info@eastwestplayers.org.

Asian Pacific American Legal Center presents
Free Legal Clinic on Family Law
for low- and median-income individuals in the Asian community

Date: September 27, 2008
Location: Rancho Santiago Community College District
First Floor Board Room
2323 North Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92706

APALC is hosting a FREE legal clinic on family law on Saturday, 9/27/08, in Santa Ana for the Asian American community, and we will have attorneys and volunteers who speak Chinese!
Come obtain legal information and one-on-one consultations on family law and domestic violence issues
Hear presentation on Orange County Superior Court Family Law Self-Help Center
Bilingual attorneys and volunteers will be available in Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean
Appointment is strongly encouraged
To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call (714) 530-9155

2008 Race for the Cure
Date: September 27, 2008
Time: 6:30AM - 12:00PM
Location: Pacific Life
700 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. These events celebrate breast cancer survivorship and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease. The largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, the Komen Race for the Cure® Series has grown from one local Race with 800 participants in Dallas in 1983 to a series of more than 120 Races with more than 1.5 million participants this year alone.
Funds raised during the Komen Race for the Cure® Series support the Komen vision of a world without breast cancer. Up to 75 percent of the net income from each Race stays in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects. A minimum of 25 percent of the net income from each Race supports the Komen Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research.

Event Schedule:
Women’s 5K Walk 9/28/2008 7:30 am - 9:30 am
One-Mile Fun Walk 9/28/2008 8:00 am - 8:30 am
Breast Cancer Survivor Tribute 9/28/2008 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Coed 5K Run/Walk 9/28/2008 9:45 am - 11:00 am

Fees: Adult: $30.00 (All races are self-timed. There will be no official timing.)
Breast Cancer Survivor: $25.00
Youth: $25.00 (17 and under)
Seniors: $25.00 (65 and older)
Sleep In for the Cure: $35.00
Can’t make it on Race Day? No problem! Register as a Sleep In for the Cure participant! We will mail you a Race t-shirt and bib after 9/28.

For more information please contact us at 714.957.9157 or race@komenoc.org.

To register: www.ockomen.org/race

15th Annual APEX Awards Gala:
Aspire to Inspire
Date: Septemper 27, 2008
Time: 6PM - 7PM (Reception) / 7PM - 9PM (Dinner)
Location: Omni Hotel - Downtown Los Angeles
251 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

For the past fifteen years, APEX has strived to be the premier membership organization for Asian Pacific Islander Americans in Southern California. Deeply committed to excellence in professional development, community service, and cultural awareness, the APEX Board and its members have had a lasting positive impact on the community through its programs and events. As an all-volunteer organization, APEX has seen many dedicated people contribute to its success since 1993, and in September 2008, APEX will pay tribute to them at the 15th Annual APEX Awards Gala: Aspire to Inspire.

On September 27, 2008, the APIA community will come together to celebrate the 15th Annual APEX Awards Gala. Presented at the Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, the Awards Gala recognizes and honors prominent APIAs who are opening doors for more APIAs to rise as leaders in the community. Celebrating APEX’s 15th Year Anniversary, the Gala is not only a celebration of APEX and the communities’ current accomplishments, but it is a reflection of what the organization has meant to the lives of many in the Southern California region.

Awards:
* APEX Award for Excellence in Community Service
* APEX Award for Excellence in Corporate Leadership
* APEX Award for Excellence in Arts & Entertainment

APEX will also be celebrating the 2008 Youth in Leadership Excellence Award Winners!
Along with the Grand Prize and 3 Runner-ups, top art award submissions will be exhibited!

Attire: Black Tie Optional

BUY TICKETS HERE:
http://apexgala2008.eventbrite.com/
Tickets will sell out so Reserve Your Seat Today!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://apex.org/awards

OCA-GLA 17th Annual Image Awards
Date: October 3rd, 2008
Time: 6PM Location: Omni Hotel - Downtown Los Angeles
251 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Check for updates here.

Irvine Global Village Festival
Date: October 4rd, 2008
Time: 10AM - 6PM
Location: Bill Barber Park
4 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
Price: Free

Make plans to travel the world at the City of Irvine’s Annual Global Village Festival on Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Bill Barber Park. Boasting artistic cultural performances on three stages, the Festival’s live entertainment is a mosaic of music and dance representing more than 50 cultures from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Immerse yourself in cultural displays, world religion and demonstrations, indulge in international cuisine, explore our world marketplace and keep the little ones in motion with hands-on art projects, games and activities in a giant, interactive Kids Village.

Festival admission and parking are free. Food court tasting tickets are available for purchase at the event. Bill Barber Park is located adjacent to the Irvine Civic Center on Harvard between Barranca and Alton.

Additional information can be found at their website: http://www.irvinefestival.org
For question, email festival@ci.irvine.ca.us.

Orange County Chinese-American Chamber of Commerce presents
How To Be Energy Smart
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2008
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Le-Jao Center
14120 All American Way
Westminster, CA 92683
Price: Free for OCCACC members, $15 for non-OCCACC members

OCCACC’s October membership drive mixer will feature a program sponsored by Southern California Edison on how to save energy and save money for your business presented by Troy Nguyen.
The program will also feature a Feng Shui presentation by Angi Ma Wong.
The Feng Shui Lady, a pioneer and authority on the fascinating world of feng shui, will empower you with knowledge to optimize the energy around you and help you actuate your personal and business goals and dreams.

2008 Asian Global Sourcing & Procurement Conference
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: The Paradise Pier Hotel
1717 So Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
TAKEAWAYS
* A Unique Look at Sourcing in China, India, Korea, Philippines, & Vietnam
* Asia Trends, Risks & Opportunities
* Real-World Case Studies in Global Goods & Services
* Interactive & Compelling Sessions
* Procurement Opportunities

GLOBAL SOURCING
Asian Global Sourcing, targeting buyers and sellers of goods & services from China, India, Korea, Philippines, and Vietnam. Diverse industry expert panel speakers who are directly engaged in the Asian markets are invited to share ideas on real-world issues and experiences dealing with these Asian markets.

PROCUREMENT
The Procurement segment of the conference is designed to provide large corporations, small businesses, government agencies, and the business community, the opportunity to network & access available procurement resources on contracting, purchasing, distribution, and supplier development relationships with Asian-owned businesses and other diverse companies currently dealing with Asian and/or US markets.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Enterprises with an interest in China, India, Korea, Philippines, & Vietnam.
Service companies in the global transportation, financial, legal & trade insurance sectors.
Corporations with an Asia strategy.
Companies interested in selling to our line-up of corporations.
Networking for professionals.

GLOBAL SOURCING DETAILS: Quanta Consulting, Inc. www.QuantaCo.com/seminars.html Seminars@QuantaCo.com

ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.abaoc.org

Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California Presents
25th Anniversary Dinner
Date: October 21st, 2008
Time: 5:30 pm Reception and Silent Auction
7 pm Program and Dinner
Location: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites
404 S. Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Black Tie Optional

Come join APALC as they recognize over 50 individuals, corporations, law firms and foundations that have supported the Asian Pacific American Legal Center over the years. The event will be held at the magnificent Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites.
The event will feature a silent auction where you will be able to bid on items and gift bags generously donated to support APALC. Click here if you are interested in making a donation to the auction. Silent auction and gift bag donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law
The silent auction will be followed by the program and dinner. Reserve your seat today!

Tickets - Individual tickets will be available for purchase soon.

For information on Table sponsorhips, please visit here. Sponsorship forms are available here.

The Asian Pacific American Legal Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Contributions over the fair-market value are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The fair-market value of each dinner admission ticket is $60.

For more information on the 25th Anniversary Dinner, please contact Clayton Yeung, Director of Special Events & Corporate Relations at (213) 977-7500 ext. 201.
Click here to learn more about the Asian Pacific American Legal Center.
Additional Opportunities

Each year, the Asian Business Association of Orange County (www.abaoc.org) and the Asian Community Development (www.acdcharity.org) award scholarship grants in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00) up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) to deserving students. To be eligible, the student must be a resident of Orange County and have at least one Asian parent. The student must also either be graduating from High School or in their first or second year of college.

The student awardees will be chosen based on the following criteria:
Academic performance
Community involvement (and leadership skills)
Financial need
Proficiency and quality of the submitted essay on a given topic.
We require the candidates to supply a scholarship application packet by September 15th, which includes:
A verified copy of their school transcript of records
A resume
Two sealed letters of recommendation from a teacher/professor, mentor/coach, or director/ superior at her/his community involvement organization.
Please send the scholarship application packet no later than September 15th to:
ABAOC/ACD Scholarship Committee
2960 S. Daimler Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (949)222-2291

>From the list of submitted scholarship application packets, a short list of deserving students will be invited for a personal interview, at which time, the topic of the essay will be given. Personal interviews will take place until end of September and the awardees will be selected in October. The scholarship grants will be awarded to the student awardees at the ABAOC Annual Awards Banquet to be held on November 15, 2008, at the Westminster Rose Center. Please contact us at sarah.gunther@abaoc.org or linda.sarno@abaoc.org should you have any questions.

LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc.) would like to welcome Asian Pacific American Legislative Staffers to participate in the upcoming Los Angeles Community Leadership Conference! We’re very excited to be delivering this program in Los Angeles on October 4, 2008, and through this conference we aim to grow leaders and empower communities within the larger Los Angeles API community.

Please feel to bring fliers for your organization as we will have display tables available for CBOs.

More detailed event information can be found below or at the website: http://leap.org/empower_conference_losangeles.html

University of Texas Health Study on Physical Activity Attitudes
Project Website: http://mapa.nur.utexas.edu

Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin and her colleagues are conducting a study to explore ethnic differences in midlife women’s attitudes toward physical activity.

The changing racial and ethnic makeup of the U.S. will require health professionals to practice with cultural competence in areas such as promotion of physical activity, where cultural beliefs may mediate health promotion behaviors.

You are eligible to participate in this study if you are a midlife women aged 40 to 60 years old who do not have any mobility problems; who can read and write English; who are online; and whose self-reported ethnic identity is Hispanic, non-Hispanic (N-H) White, N-H African American, or N-H Asian.

Data will be collected through the Internet from Feb. 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011. Methods for the data collection include an Internet survey among 500 midlife women in the U.S. on the Internet and four ethnic-specific online forum discussions among about 30 midlife women per ethnic group recruited among the Internet survey participants.

Your involvement will consist of the following: (a) about 30 minutes are usually needed to complete the Internet survey questionnaire; and (b) the online forums will be conducted for 6 months, should you agree to participate in the additional online forum discussion. Your participation is asynchronous (you can visit the online forum site and read and post messages at your convenience).

You will receive a gift certificate of 10 dollars for filling out the Internet survey, and an additional gift certificate of 50 dollars for participating in the additional online forum (only those who participate in the additional online forum for 6 months will be provided with this additional gift certificate). To get reimbursed for the online forums, you have to post at least one message per topic. For more information, please visit at our website (http://mapa.nur.utexas.edu/a>) and/or contact us.

Contact Information:
Ken-Li Chang
Undergraduate Research Assistant
School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin
1700 Red River, Austin, TX 78701
E-mail: kchang@mail.utexas.edu

ViFF 2009
The Fourth Edition of the biennial Vietnamese International Film Festival

PRODUCTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION: Feature-length and short productions of any content (not necessarily related to Vietnam or Vietnamese) by persons of Vietnamese descent living anywhere around the world or productions about Vietnamese people or culture in the following categories:
Narrative
Documentary
Experimental
Animation
NO ENTRY FEE!

ENTRY DEADLINE: Entries MUST BE POSTMARKED no later than December 31, 2008. We will announce the final selection at the end of February 2008.

Download ViFF 2009 Entry Form (Word format)

For more information and a PDF of our entry form, please visit www.VietFilmFest.com. Please email vietfilmfest@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

ViFF’s mission is to support, celebrate, and project a diversity of visions and voices from filmmakers of Vietnamese descent and films by, for, and about the Vietnamese people and culture.

The Vietnamese International Film Festival (ViFF) is an eight-day event uniquely showcasing films made by Vietnamese and Vietnamese diasporic filmmakers. Presented biennially since 2003 by the two non-profit organizations Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association (VAALA) and Vietnamese Language & Culture (VNLC), ViFF has featured films from all over the world, including but not limited to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Poland, United States, and Vietnam.

ViFF is held mainly at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), with some screenings at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Westminster, Southern California. Each edition, ViFF attracts around 4,000 people coming from all over the world.

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OCA-OC Newsletter - Week of September 7th

September 07th, 2008 | Category: Chapter Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

I want to start by saying thanks those who came to the Bowers museum event. It was great seeing the Terra Cotta warriors and learning some interesting information about the history of China. I had a great time and felt like I learned something as well and I hope the rest of you who attended agree as well.

The year is winding down and now is the time that we start looking forward to assesmbling new officers and board of directors. If you have thought about getting more involved with OCA-OC and the Asian American community, please let me know so I can provide you with more information. It is a great opportunity to learn and grow yourself, give back to the community, and make use of your free time. I have learned more than I ever thought I could about an organization and the experience has been priceless. I encourage those who have thought about it to step forward and contact any of use officers for more information. We will be holding an officers meeting on October 2nd where we will be inviting those interested in being an officer to join us and to learn more about the workings of the organization. For more info, contact us. I hope to hear from you all!
Yao Lee
OCA-OC Vice President

Note: If you or your organization would like an event posted on our newsletter, please contact me at yaolee@gmail.com. Also, if any of you have news that you think would be beneficial or interesting to OCA-OC members, feel free to email me that as well. All requests will be reviewed before being posted.
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. As you can see, the newsletter is constantly changing and always a work in progress. 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 News
OCA NATIONAL’S RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LEGAL PROTECTION OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
WHEREAS, OCA is one of the largest and oldest civil rights organizations in the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, OCA resolved to oppose discriminatory practices against the gay and lesbian community;
WHEREAS, OCA will continue to be an advocate and strive toward fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of Chinese Americans and Asian Pacific Americans in the United States; and
WHEREAS, OCA recognizes that Asian Pacific Americans, especially Chinese Americans, have been the targets of numerous discriminatory laws that have harmed their families and communities, including bans on interracial marriage, ownership of property, immigration restrictions, and exclusionary acts; and
WHEREAS, Although lawfully enacted, these discriminatory laws were morally reprehensible and wrong because they legitimized unfair practices which denied basic human rights to certain classes of individuals deemed to be undesirable at the time; and
WHEREAS, That legacy of discrimination continues to impact thousands of gay and lesbian members within the Asian Pacific American community who are currently excluded from over 1,100 federal rights that come with marriage; and
WHEREAS, Those rights include, but are not limited to, the right to sponsor a partner for immigration to the U.S., collect social security survivors benefits, file joint income tax returns, and exercise family and medical leave; and,
WHEREAS, Our country, including the Asian Pacific American community, is strengthened by individuals who are partnered in committed familial relationships; and
WHEREAS, American families, like the fabric of our American Society, are quilts of many colors and cloths with strong, committed families including single parent households, adult children caring for elderly parents, and adult siblings caring for minor siblings; and
WHEREAS, More than 38,000 Asian Pacific Americans are in same-sex relationships, and Asian Pacific American same-sex couples are raising more than 17,000 children under 18, and these families would all stand to benefit from the full protections of marriage; and
WHEREAS, Many Asian Pacific Americans, including Chinese Americans, are advancing the struggle for marriage equality for same-sex couples across the country; and
WHEREAS, OCA recognizes that marriage equality for same-sex couples is an important issue, not only because it impacts so many thousands of families in the Asian Pacific American community, but also because it advances the principles of social justice, equal opportunity, and fair treatment for all; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCA supports legal recognition for individuals in marriage and other committed familial relationships without limitation based upon race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation
Community News
From OC Life Magazine to OCA-OC members:
I am writing to introduce you to OC Life magazine, a new multicultural lifestyle publication premiering all throughout Orange County on October 1st.

We are now in our initial stages of launching and are seeking writers/representatives from different cultures to get involved by submitting articles, events, and news.

Our premiere issue will feature City of Irvine Mayor Beth Krom, Mayor Pro Tem Sukhee Kang and Councilman Larry Agran, with a story focusing on Irvine’s culturally diverse community.

We are excited to embark on this project and hope you will join us!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Sepideh Danosian | Publisher
OC Life Magazine
A Cultural Look at Coastal Living
2192 Martin, Suite 220
Irvine, CA 92612
www.OCLifeMagazine.com

Balcony Grill & Bar BBQ Chicken
BCD Tofu House
Capital Seafood
Cosmedi Spa - Medical Walk-In
Crepes De Paris
Greek Islands Cuisine
Majestic Spa
Spectrum Optometry
T-Mobile

A Multicultural Shopping & Dining Destination

Coming Mid-September
Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center
(2700-2750 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92606)
Southwest Corner of
Jamboree Road and Alton Parkway

More info: www.diamond-jamboree.com
Email:info@diamond-jamboree.com

Managed & Developed by
THE DIAMOND DEVELOPMENT GROUP

The screening times have yet to be determined, but the film opens on Sept. 19 at the following theaters:

TAP Annual Banquet & Casino Night
Date: Saturday, September 13
Time: 6PM
Location: Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens
120 S. Los Angeles, St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Price:
Presale - $50/$55 (Members/Non-members)
Regular - $60/$65 (Members/Non-members)
Casino Only - $30 (no dinner)

RSVP: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/KQPYXTWIVDSFNABBFDET/casinonight9.13

Please join TAP for our biggest event of the year, the 4th Annual Banquet & Casino Night extravaganza! This event brings our community to network, celebrate our past year, highlight individuals who have made a difference, and have fun! This year features live performances, poker room, 20 Casino night tables, DJ, dancing, silent auction, hosted bar, and more! Join hundreds of other young professionals for a night of celebration and fun with new and old friends!

Location Info: http://www.kyotograndhotel.com/

Attire: Semi-Formal
Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, PaiGow, etc!
Prizes include hotel packages, certificates to top LA restaurants, Disneyland tickets, massage packages, club passes, Wii, and MUCH MORE!!!
OPEN BAR courtesy of Courvoisier!
Live Music Performer: Diana Li!
Featured Honorees:
SINGER-SONGWRITER VIENNA TENG
She shares her name with the Austrian home of Mozart and Beethoven. And she herself studied classical piano from the age of five. But there’s nothing old-world about the music of Vienna Teng, whose music brings to mind artists as diverse as Tori Amos, Simon & Garfunkel and Radiohead. A former Stanford computer science grad, and software engineer in Silicon Valley, she gave all that up to pursue her musical passions - a risky career move that has paid off. She has 3 critically acclaimed albums: 2002’s Waking Hour, 2004’s Warm Strangers, and 2006’s Dreaming Through the Noise. They have landed on three Billboard album charts and reached #2 on Amazon’s best-seller list. She’s appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman and toured widely, opening for such artists as Shawn Colvin, Joan Osborne, Patty Griffin, Joan Baez and the Indigo Girls.
ASSEMBLYMEMBER TED LIEU
Represents the 53rd Assembly District covering the South Bay. Prior to his Assembly election in 2005, Lieu served on the Torrance City Council, as well as the City’s Environmental Quality 7 Energy Conservation Commission. He worked tirelessly on issues that he continues as an Assemblymember - education, public safety, the environment and transportation. Dedicated to his country, Lieu currently holds the rank of Major in the US Air Force Reserves, and served on active duty for 4 years as a member of the JAG Corps. He is Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus, and was honored at the 2007 APALS Reception as a keynote speaker.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS:http://tapcasino.eventbrite.com/

Questions? Email Pai.Hung@tacl.org, Social Projects Chair, or President Ben.Ling@tacl.org.
Annual Pacific Southwest 12th Annual Awards Dinner
PSW’s Heroes of Redress: 20 Years of a Living Legacy
Date: September 13th, 2008
Location: Grand Events Center
4101 E Willow St
Long Beach, CA 90815

The dinner will include a live band, silent auction and awards for those outstanding Pacific Southwest members who made such a large impact during Redress.

The annual dinner is the districts’ largest fundraiser, funding district youth programs, such as Project: Community! - a high school youth advocacy program, and Campus Leadership - a collegiate leadership training. Aside from these programs, the annual dinner will help support district initiatives on public policies and advocacy work as well.

For more information, please contact the district office at 213-626-4471 or email at psw@jacl.org.

Southern California Edison Presents
The 2nd Annual Harvest Moon Mixer
Date: September 16, 2008
Time: 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Location: The Villa
15081 Beach Blvd
Westminster, CA 82683

You are cordially invited to:
Learn about energy savings programs
Participate in business-to-business networking
Celebrate the delights of the holiday with delicious Chinese cuisine and door prize
You will be able to meet Frank Quevedo, Vice President, Equal Opportunity and Erwin Furukawa, Vice President, Customer Program & Services, and SCE representatives from Supplier Diversity, Customer Services, and Public Affairs organizations at Edison.

It will be a true business-to-business networking event where you will make new business contacts, learn the latest energy saving programs for small businesses, enjoy the festivities and great food too!

RSVP by September 11, 2008 to Liz Cañadas at (626) 302-1156 or Elizabeth.Canadas@sce.com

Although this is a FREE event that is open to the public, space is limited and walk-ins will not be allowed. All attendees MUST RSVP except for our VIP guests.
The University of California Irvine Libraries & the Southeast Asian Archive Advisory Board
cordially invite you to a dinner in honor of

Thursday, September 18, 2008 • 6 pm
Seafood World
Westminster, California

Please join us as we honor Anne and support the Southeast Asian Archive at the UC Irvine Libraries. The evening will include dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, a program of speakers and exciting entertainment for a very special celebration.

Please RSVP by September 12th. You may click here (pdf)to print out a response card and return it by mail.

Please feel free to share this invitation with family, friends and colleagues.