23rd Annual Gala Dinner

See pictures HERE

See story HERE

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

5:30 pm

Scott's Seafood
Jack London Square
2 Broadway
Oakland, CA

Featuring

Kristi Yamaguchi
Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion in Figure Skating

Kristi Yamaguchi, a Bay Area native has been a household name since 1992, when she captivated the world with her gold medal performance at the XVI Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, France. Ms. Yamaguchi is the 2008 Dancing with the Stars champion.

Kurt Suzuki
Catcher, Oakland Athletics

Kurt Suzuki, is a native of Wailuku, Maui. Since making his major league debut in 2007, Kurt has quickly become one of the best catchers in baseball. In 2009, he was the A's most consistent player leading the team in hits, doubles, RBI's and total bases. In both 2008 and 2009, he led American League catchers in games started. Last year Kurt was also the co-recipient of the Dave Stewart community service award.

Other expected/participating athletes:
Devin Setoguchi - Right Wing, San Jose Sharks

Amy Chow - Olympic Gold and Bronze medalist - USA Gymnastics
Kevin Tan - Olympic Bronze medalist - USA Gymnastics
Peanut Louie - Former WTA tennis star
Max Zhang - Current Cal Basketball Center

Rick Quan - Master of Ceremonies

Live auction item:
Dance with Kristi

Silent auction items:
Golden State Warriors:

• Steph Curry autographed basketball
• Monta Ellis autographed jersey

San Francisco 49ers:

• Patrick Willis autographed football
• Jerry Rice autographed jersey
• Jerry Rice autographed football
• Steve Young autographed football

Oakland Raiders:

• Luxury Suite for 18 guests plus 5 parking passes

San Jose Sharks:

• Hockey stick autographed by team
• Devin Setoguchi autographed jersey

Oakland A's:

• Kurt Suzuki autographed baseball
• 4 seats to a game next season

San Francisco Giants:

• Matt Cain autographed baseball
• Travis Ishikawa autographed baseball
• Travis Ishikawa autographed bat

Other:

• Special edition autographed Yao Ming sneaker from Beijing Olympics
• Kristi Yamaguchi autographed video game for Wii
• Two tickets to Dancing With the Stars filming in LA
• Foursome to Stone Tree Golf Club
• Foursome to Callipe Reserve Golf Course
• Foursome to Crystal Springs Golf Course
• Foursome to Metropolitan Golf Links

To RSVP, please contact
Chi-Hsin Shao at 415-392-9688 (chshao@chsconsulting.net)
by August 20, 2010

Individual tickets are $150 each. Table sponsorship (10 guests) starts at $1500.

Sponsors
PG&E
Comcast
Recology
Agramed
Kaiser Hospital
Oakland Athletics
Asian Health Services
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
Francis Lan
Norman Hui, D.D.S.
Metropolitan Bank
CHS Consulting Group
Chinese American Political Association
YHLA Architects
Pacific General Construction
Siebert Brandford Shank
Lily Hu
Ken Lee
Stanley & Kelly Kiang

Foster Outdoors

Family Bridges

Signature Properties

McDonald's
...

Facebook

You can now become our friend on Facebook. OCA-East Bay on Facebook!

KQED Public Radio Discusses Tensions Between Asians and African-Americans

Guests:
* Joe Marshall, executive director of the Omega Boys Club/Street Soldiers and president of the San Francisco Police Commission
* Rinku Sen, president and executive director of the Applied Research Center (ARC) and publisher of ColorLines magazine
* Vincent Pan, executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action and member of the San Francisco Police Commission

Fundraising for Yu Family

Dear OCA Members and Friends:

On behalf of the OCA East Bay Board of Directors, we are reaching out to all of you with solemn hearts following the incredibly unfortunate incident that took place approximately two weeks ago in Oakland. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, two members of the Yu family– a father and son from San Francisco, both of Chinese decent and completely innocent bystanders, were shopping in Oakland’s “Uptown” district when they were brutally assaulted by two teenagers for no apparent reason. Both family members suffered significant injuries in the attack, including a fractured skull for the father. Sadly, after four days in a coma, the father, Tian Sheng Yu, succumbed to his injuries and passed away on the morning of Tuesday April 20th, creating a tragic ending to an already very unfortunate incident. Tian Sheng Yu, is survived by his son, Jin Cheng, and his wife Zhi Rui Wang.

At this point, many of you have likely heard about this incident through the media, as coverage has been virtually non-stop since the crime occurred. The community at large and in particular, the Asian American community, have voiced their outrage over this heinous act and put significant pressure on the leadership within the City of Oakland to find the suspects and bring them to justice. Thankfully, the two teenagers responsible for this atrocious crime have been apprehended and the healing process for the community and more importantly, the Yu family, can finally begin.

The healing process will require the help of all of us, as fellow community members and Asian Americans, to assist this family in rebuilding itself following its tragic and unnecessary loss. Although many Bay Area organizations, including Alameda County, have offered assistance with funeral and burial expenses, the Yu family will need additional financial assistance given the loss of its primary breadwinner. OCA East Bay has taken the lead on this effort and we are kindly asking all of our members and friends to consider a monetary donation to this family in need. We believe anything will help and no amount is too small. OCA East Bay and its Board of Directors have already pledged substantial funds to this effort and it is our hope that you will assist us in ensuring that the Yu family’s dreams won’t also be lost through this tragic incident.

Please send your donations to OCA EB at 2975 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705, payable to The Yu Family Foundation. We will make sure the Yu family gets a clear account for the individual contributions.

Sincerely,

Chi-Hsin Shao
President

Stanley Kiang
Vice President

OCA Criticizes Arizona's Anti-Immigrant Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 April 2010

CONTACT

Lan Nguyen | Program Associate

202 223 5500 | lnguyen@ocanational.org

Washington, D.C. – OCA, a national Asian Pacific American (APA) social justice organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates, raises strong concerns over Arizona’s new immigration law, SB 1070. As a community of immigrants, APAs have historically suffered from harsh discriminatory policies based on perceived ethnic heritage. Signed by Governor Jan Brewer last Friday, SB 1070 will further increase discriminatory practices by allowing police officers to detain anyone based on the suspicion that they are undocumented. Such a far-reaching and general stipulation for questioning will undoubtedly perpetuate racial profiling in a state that already has a history of anti-immigrant legislation. SB 1070 sets a dangerous precedent of legalizing and engendering racial profiling as the status quo.

Implementation of Arizona’s anti-immigrant law will have a negative impact on all communities of color and immigrants, including those who are U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, by fueling discrimination and debilitating trust between immigrants and law enforcement. SB 1070 demonstrates the urgent need for the immigration reform on a comprehensive federal level. The broken immigration system must be addressed nationally by providing a fair path to legalization, restoring due process, alleviating backlogs of family-based immigration, and creating additional programs for individuals to enter legally into the U.S. to work temporarily or permanently.

OCA calls for action on comprehensive immigration reform legislation to prevent the onslaught of further harmful state legislation.

What you can do to join us in supporting fair and humane immigration reform:

• Sign the Reform Immigration FOR America petition telling the President and Congress “America needs comprehensive immigration reform today - don't let the rest of the nation follow Arizona's lead!”
• Contact Arizona Governor Jan Brewer with the following message: “I am deeply concerned that you have signed SB1070. This law promotes racial profiling and will be detrimental to all communities of color, including people who are citizens and legal permanent residents. I ask that this law be rescinded immediately.” Her office can be reached at (602) 542-4331 or azgov@az.gov
• Find and Participate in a May Day rally on May 1st near you!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2010
Contact: Carl Chan 510-604-9091, chancarl@sbcglobal.net

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Asian Community Hold Rally against Crimes Targeting Seniors and Minorities In Light of the Brutal Attack of A 59-year-Old Chinese Man and his Son in Oakland’s Uptown

[OAKLAND, CA] – Oakland Asian Community will hold a rally and press conference in Oakland Chinatown tomorrow to denounce the brutal attack of Tiansheng Yu and his 25-year-old son on the 1800 block of Telegraph Avenue at about 3 PM last Friday. When they were attacked in broad daylight by two men, Tiansheng Yu suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. He is now on life support at Highland Hospital. The son is expected to survive.

The community is saddened and extremely upset about the senseless violence against minorities. Seniors and minorities are often victims of assaults and robberies in Oakland. Last year an elderly Asian lady was beaten unconscious when she was collecting recyclables. Many robberies in Oakland by criminals were against minorities and in many cases, Asian. The incident of Tiansheng Yu dismayed the community. Many people are very upset of crimes that target seniors and minorities. The Asian community demands our government officials bring justice for Tiansheng Yu, as well as take steps to protect all people.

WHAT: Rally against Crimes Targeting Seniors and Minorities

WHEN: April 20, 2010. 1 PM

WHERE: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth Street, Suite 290

WHO: Asian, African American, Hispanic and other Community Leaders
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
State Assemblyman Sandre’ Swanson
Alameda District Attorney Nancy O’Malley
Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums (not confirmed)
Oakland City Council Member Jane Brunner, District 1 (not confirmed)
Oakland City Council Member Pat Kernighan, District 2
Oakland City Council Member Nancy Nadel, District 3
Oakland City Council Member Jean Quan, District 4
Oakland City Council Member Ignacio De La Fuente, District 5
Oakland City Council Member Desley Brooks, District 6 (not confirmed)
Oakland City Council Member Larry Reid, District 7
Oakland City Council Member Rebecca Kaplan, At Large
Oakland City Attorney John Russo (not confirmed)
Asian Advisory Committee on Crime
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
Oakland Chinatown Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council
Organization of Chinese American, East Bay Chapter

Seeking Bay Area Students for OCA Summer Internship

We’ve been notified of an internship position in Speaker Pelosi’s Office. The deadline is coming up quick, but if you know of any students that would be great Congressional interns but need an extension, let Iimay Ho of the National Office know. Her contact information is below.

OCA Summer Internship
Placement in Speaker Pelosi’s Office
WHAT: The OCA Summer Internship program is one of the premier internship programs for college students interested in Asian Pacific American (APA) issues. Interns are placed in paid full-time positions in federal agencies, Congressional offices, and partner nonprofits in Washington, DC. Interns also learn about APA issues through a weekly brownbag luncheon series, and get the opportunity to help organize one of the largest APA conferences in the country at our annual National Convention.

CONGRESSIONAL PLACEMENT: We are currently seeking undergraduate students from (or attending school in) San Francisco for an internship placement in Speaker Pelosi’s DC office. Congressional interns have the unique opportunity to get an insider's perspective on policymaking. Congressional interns generally have many networking opportunities on Capitol Hill, attend staff and member meetings, write memos, conduct research, answer constituent mail, and perform other administrative tasks. This internship will be a great way for those interested in the legislative process to get their foot in the door and build lasting relationships with Congressional staffers. Applicants seeking this Congressional placement must be selected as an OCA intern and then interview with Pelosi’s office before confirming their placement.

HOW: The OCA summer internship application can be found online at http://www.ocanational.org/ under "Internship" under "Programs." Applicants must submit a completed application form, a resume, a 1-page essay, an unofficial transcript, and 2 letters of recommendation by March 1, 2010. Contact Iimay Ho at iho@ocanational.org with questions.
Best,

IIMAY HO Program Manager
OCA National Center
1322 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-223-5500 tel
202-296-0540 fax
iho@ocanational.org
www.ocanational.org

OCA Embracing the Hopes and Aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Needed to Apply for California's New Redistricting Commission

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Needed to Apply for California's New Redistricting Commission

Deadline to Apply Is February 12, 2010

Every ten years, we draw new district maps for Congress, the California legislature, county boards of supervisors, and city councils. When we redraw the maps every ten years, we change the boundaries so that each district contains the same number of people. This process is called redistricting.

The next time redistricting will happen is in 2011, and because California voters passed Proposition 11 in 2008, there will be a major change in who draws the maps. Proposition 11 creates a new commission made up of citizens. In 2011, the commission will draw new maps for the state legislature and Board of Equalization. Before Proposition 11, the state legislature drew these maps.

Why does this matter? In past redistrictings, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have been fragmented by district boundaries. For example, in the 2001 redistricting, the San Jose neighborhood of Berryessa was split among four State Assembly districts, even though over half of Berryessa's population is AAPI.

District boundaries that split AAPI communities like this weaken the political voice of AAPI communities. When AAPI communities are fragmented, they do not make up a significant portion of any one district. This diminishes their ability to get their elected representatives to address their needs.
The commission will play an important role in determining whether AAPI communities are again fragmented unfairly in 2011, or instead kept whole. To make sure that the commission takes AAPI communities into account, we need the right people on the commission - individuals who are civic-minded, come from diverse backgrounds, and understand community needs.

Who will be on the commission? The commission will have 14 members who are selected from people who apply to be on the commission.

The application process is open to the public. Anyone can apply as long as they meet the minimum requirements to be on the commission, such as being a registered voter and having voted in at least two of the last three statewide general elections (November 2004, November 2006, and November 2008). There are also some rules that exclude some people from being eligible for commission if they have a so-called conflict of interest, as well as some restrictions on the future political activities of individuals once they are appointed to the commission.

What will the commission do? The commission will hold public meetings across California to listen to testimony from residents about their communities and neighborhoods. Based on data it gathers, the commission will draw new district maps for the State Assembly, State Senate, and the Board of Equalization (an elected state tax agency).

The commissioners are paid $300 per day when doing commission business. The main period of activity for the commission will be from January 2011 to September 2011. The commissioners can expect to work between 10 to 40 hours per week.

The deadline to apply for the commission is February 12, 2010. You can find more information about the commission and the application process at www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov.

What can you do to help? You may be the right person for the commission - or you may know someone who is. The East Bay Asian Voter Education Consortium (EBAVEC) can be a resource for you - we are working with a statewide network of AAPI organizations to help people learn more about the commission and how to apply.
Please check the website for eligibility:
http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/downloads/eligibility_requirements.pdf

Upcoming workshops include:
Date: Wednesday February 3rd, from 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Contra Costa County Library – Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA 94563

Date: Saturday February 6th, from 2:00-4:00pm
Location: East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC)
2025 East 12th Street
Oakland, CA 94606

Please RSVP to Jennifer Pae at jennpae@gmail.com.

To see a list of other workshops and learn more about the network, you can go to www.facebook.com/capafr2011.
If you have suggestions for people who might be good applicants for the commission, please contact EBAVEC or APALC at redistricting@apalc.org.

Redistricting CA brochure (.pdf)

Oakland workshop flyer (.pdf)

Community Forum on Health Care Reform

Join us for an AA and NHPI Community Forum! Dear Community Partners, Join Asian Health Services (AHS), the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), and the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP) and others for a community forum on health care reform and what a public plan option would mean for our communities. Hear from local and national leaders on AA and NHPI health and share your experiences about health and the health care system. As many of you have seen or heard in recent months, health care reform is a hotly debated topic among our policymakers and in our communities. We must be sure to have as much information as possible to make the right decisions and have our voices heard in this important debate. Community Forum on Health Care Reform Wednesday, September 16th 10am - 12pm Oakland Asian Cultural Center 388 9th Street #290 Oakland, CA 94607 Interpretation will be provided in the following languages (Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean). Please RSVP to Jen Lee at jlee@ahschc.org, 510.986.6830 x394 to reserve headsets. Thank you and we hope to see you on the 16th!

Learn More Support a Public Insurance Plan Option in Health Care Reform Children and Legal Immigrant Inclusion in Health Care Reform Health Care Reform and Small Business Like most Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians feel the pain of our nation's broken health care system and are struggling to keep up with out-of-control medical costs. Nationally, more than one in six Asian Americans are uninsured and more than one in four Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are uninsured.

Oakland Local Census Office Open House with Congresswoman Barbara Lee

The Oakland Office of the U.S. Census Bureau Seattle Regional Census Center is holding an Open House with special guest

Congresswoman Barbara Lee

September 18, 2009

1:30PM to 3:30PM.

Oakland Local Census Office

1814 Franklin Street, Suite 200

Oakland, CA 94612

Please RSVP by September 11th

Antoinette Porter 510-250-43336

aa.lco.2716@census2010.gov

Invitation flyer (.pdf)

Join our community event to increase awareness of the 2010 census. Your participation is important for a successful count of every resident of California. Meet with state and local officials, census management and staff, community leaders and representative of local businesses. Presentations will be made by local cultural groups. Refreshments will be provided

OCA East Bay Supports Immigrant Workers Exploited by NBC Contractors Corporation of Oakland

COMMITTEE TO STOP TAXPAYER & WORKER RIP-OFFS

IBEW 595, 6250 Village Parkway, Dublin CA 94568

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bonnie Jean von Krogh, 415-336-6176

LOCAL ELECTEDS, WRONGED WORKERS, AND

LABOR LEADERS CONDEMN WORKER EXPLOITATION

AND FELONY INSURANCE FRAUD

Call for NBC Contractors to be held to accountable to the law

HAYWARD, CA – July 20th, 2009

Local elected officials, wronged workers and community members attended a rally condemning the alleged criminal acts of NBC Contractors and owner Monica Ung, as Ung formally faced criminal charges on Monday, including 48 felony counts involving wage theft, insurance fraud and perjury at the Alameda County Superior Court in Hayward.

Former NBC worker and lead plaintiff in the class action lawsuit Ricky Lau described how NBC Contractors forced employees to work 60-72 hour weeks but paid them for only 10-40 hour weeks, cheating workers out of $3.6 million in unpaid wages, for work that was performed.

“NBC intimidated workers, forcing us to sign false times cards,” said Lau. “We could not receive our paychecks unless we signed time cards that reduced our hours by as much as 85%. We are just asking to be paid for the hours we worked.”

“All workers have a right to work in an environment free of intimidation and to get paid for work that was done,” said TC Williams of the Alameda Central Labor Council. “The allegations against NBC Contractors suggest a work environment in which the rights of workers were routinely ignored and denied. This type of conduct is unacceptable for any business but is particularly troubling since NBC worked on public projects and took public funds.”

Almost 100 community members and workers came to show their support for NBC workers and stand in solidarity with them.

The complaint against NBC Contractors also includes felony insurance fraud charges, accusing Ung of cheating California taxpayers out of as much as $1.5 million in workers compensation and unemployment insurance taxes.

“In today’s tough economy, the State of California, our schools, cities and citizens are struggling,” said Peralta Community College Trustee Abel Guillen. “This is money that is absolutely essential to funding important services such as public safety, street and road repair, and schools to the public. We cannot stand by while crooked contractors steal millions from workers and the people of California through fraud.”
Other East Bay elected officials questioned why NBC Contractors is still employed on a number of public, taxpayer-funded, public-works projects in the Bay Area such as libraries, schools, and housing.
“I am extremely concerned that NBC Contractors continues to work on ongoing City of Oakland public-works projects, such as the 81st Avenue Branch Library and the Fox Courts Affordable Housing Development,” said Oakland City Councilmember Patricia Kernighan. “We must send a strong message that any illegal behavior will not be tolerated by the City.”
Some public agencies, including the Oakland Unified School District, that were notified of these charges have suspended or terminated their use of NBC Contractors.
“We will not utilize NBC Contractors on any current or projects until these charges are resolved,” said David Kakishiba, Oakland Board of Education Director. “We call on other public agencies working with NBC to take the same steps as the School District and immediately terminate the relationship.”
Kakishiba continued, “California taxpayers have entrusted us to use precious public revenue wisely, and NBC Contractors must be held accountable to the high standards our taxpayers expect and deserve.”
Speakers demanded a full continuing investigation and legal justice for any California taxpayers and workers defrauded by NBC Contractors.


###

Additional news article from the Oakland Post and Sing Tao.
http://ocaeastbay.googlepages.com/NBCWorkers.pdf

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Support Health Care Reform TODAY!

Tell Congress to Support Health Care Reform TODAY!

OCA, a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic wellbeing of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), believes that all people deserve quality, affordable health care. One in six Asian Americans and one in four Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are uninsured. Even with coverage, AAs and NHPIs experience disparities in health outcomes and quality of care.

Today, August 19, is a national Call-in Day organized by NAPAWF, the Asian American Justice Center and the Asian and Pacific Islander Health Forum. OCA wants you to take part in this collaboration to support healthcare reform.

Take Action!

1. Call 1-877-264-4226. (Special thanks to Health Care for American NOW! for extending the use of their line.)
2. Ask the operator to connect you to your Senator or Representative and give the operator your zip code. Once the operator connects you to your Rep/Senator' s office, a staffer in the office will answer the call.
3. Say:

"My name is ___________ and I want affordable health care. Please support the public plan that keeps costs down and makes health coverage affordable for everyone. All children and pregnant women should be covered. I also want everyone to be treated fairly. I think it's unfair for tax-paying, legal immigrants to have to wait five years before they can get the help they need. Please remove the five year bar on Medicaid." [Insert your own story!]

Please let your friends and networks know about today’s national action.

For more info about this Call-in Day, contact Deeana Jang at djang@apiahf. org, Alice Dong at adong@advancingequa lity.org or Priscilla Huang at phuang@napawf. org. For more information about OCA, contact Sarah Smith Nester at ssmith@ocanational.org

OCA National Convention Gala Awards Banquet

On Saturday August 8th, 2009 the OCA National Gala Awards Banquet was held at the California Room in the Westin St. Francis Hotel. The night opened with greetings and introductions by the MCs for the night Thuy Vu and David Louie. Ken Lee, the OCA National President spoke and introduced the 2009 Convention Co-Chairs Claudine Cheng and Sherman Tang.

Ron Chang, VP Mergers & Acquisitions of UPS presented The UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship awards to 12 students 5 of which were present. These APA students are the first in their families to attend an institution of higher education.

Two OCA Pioneer Awards were presented by Ken Lee. The first of the awards was given to Steve Chen, co-founder of YouTube. The second award was given to fashion designer Anna Sui.

This year's OCA Outstanding Citizen Achievement Awards were given to historians Him Mark Lai and Philip. P. Choy. They pioneered the first college level history course on the Chinese of America at San Francisco State University in 1969. Him Mark continued to teach this class at UC Berkeley. Additionally they created the In Search of Roots program to teach Chinese American youth how to research their family history through the National Archives and Records Administration documents.

Another OCA Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award was presented to US Congressman Mike Honda. Congressman Honda has represented the 15th Congressional District of California at the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001. As a public servant, he has been lauded for his work on education, transportation, civil rights, national service, the environment, and high-tech issues.

OCA National Convention August 6-9, 2009 San Francisco

More information can be found on the OCA National website.

http://www.ocanational.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=162&Itemid=

Event Flyer (.pdf)

OCA-East Bay Reports a Successful Banquet Event!

On Friday June 12, 2009, over 220 guests attended OCA-East Bay's 22nd Annual Banquet on "Developing Asian American Leadership - Past, Present, and Future". The honorees that night included Olympic Gymnast Kevin Tan and Former Deputy Executive Director of the Port of Oakland, Joe Wong.

A topic repeated throughout the night was the importance of mentors in developing future leaders. Francis Lan, past president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce spoke of how Wong helped mentor both him as well as the current Executive Director of OASES, Nhi Chau. In following Wong spoke of how OCA-East Bay founder Frank Kiang helped to mentor him, and Kevin Tan talked about his experience as a captain of the Men's U.S. Gymnastics Team.

Other events that night included a performance by the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Chorus Group.

Distinguished guests at the dinner:
Sandré Swanson - California Assemblymember
Patricia Kernighan and Jean Quan - Oakland City Council Members
Henry Chang Jr. - Former City of Oakland Council Member and Vice Mayor
Lena Tam - City of Alameda Council Member
Keith Carson - Alameda County Supervisor
Susan Muranishi - Alameda County Administrator
Monique Tsang - City of Oakland Equal Access Director

End Hate Crimes Now! Pass H.R. 1913!

ACTION ALERT!

End Hate Crimes Now! Pass H.R. 1913!

CALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29

Call your member of Congress toll-free at 866-346-4611 today and tomorrow, April 28-29, and urge support for the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA).

Current law limits federal involvement in hate crimes cases to those involving crimes motivated by race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin. The LLEHCPA will expand this law to include crimes that are motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. It will give federal government jurisdiction to prosecute hate crimes in states where current law is inadequate and also provide federal authorities greater access to investigate hate crimes.

Every year, we have been harshly reminded of our status as countless APAs have been brutally attacked and murdered. No matter how far we think we have come, a heinous hate crime quickly reminds the APA community that we are a long way from truly being equal.

OCA joins other civil rights, religious, law enforcement, professional and civic organizations in supporting the LLEHCPA. Call your representative now and help put an end to hate crimes!

OCA PRAISES APPOINTMENT OF FIRST ASIAN AMERICAN IVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT, DISMAYED BY STUDENT-RUN SATIRICAL PUBLICATION

Sarah Smith | Communications Manager

202.223.5500 | ssmith@ocanational.org

OCA, a national organization of over 80 chapters and affiliates dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans, praises the recent appointment of Dr. Jim Yong Kim as president of Dartmouth College. The Korean-American Harvard medical school professor and global and social health care champion is the first Asian American Ivy League President.

OCA also expresses disappointment in the recent satirical article that was published by the Generic Good Morning Message, a Dartmouth student e-publication, referring to Kim as a “Chinaman” and warning the campus that “another hard-working American’s job will be taken by an immigrant willing to work in substandard conditions.”

There is a long history of discrimination that is perpetuated by reinforcing unfair and inaccurate stereotypes, even when intended as satire. OCA firmly believes it is unacceptable that the message was published and we are pleased to see that the administration and a majority of students understand the harmful effects of such characterizations.

Dr. Kim’s appointment should be celebrated as yet another milestone in the field of education, but the message published by Dartmouth students illustrate the need for ongoing dialogue and future events involving the entire education community in which Asian Pacific Americans are more accurately and equitably represented.

Reception for Victor Uno - President of the Port of Oakland Port Commissioners

The Asian Community Organizations & Businesses
Cordially Invite You to Attend

A Celebration Reception for

Victor Uno
President
Board of Oakland Port Commissioners

Pamela Calloway
James Head
Board of Oakland Port Commissioners

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Place: Peony Restaurant, 388 9th Street, Oakland, CA
Admission is free


Sponsors:
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
OCA-East Bay Chapter
Asian Health Services
Asian Employees Association, Port of Oakland
Oakland Asian Cultural Center
Laney College
P G & E

OCA Supports Gary Locke's Nomination as Secretary of Commerce

Washington, DC – On February 24, 2009, President Barack Obama announced that the Honorable Gary Locke, former Governor of Washington, will be his appointee for Secretary of Commerce. OCA, a national Asian Pacific American social justice organization, applauds of the president’s choice. Locke was the United States’ first Chinese American governor.

“OCA is pleased that President Obama will add Gary Locke to his diverse Cabinet,” said OCA National President Ken Lee. "Upon his confirmation, we look forward to working with him, knowing that his position will be of utmost importance during this critical economic time. I know Gary personally and he is the right person for the job.”

In 2005, OCA honored Locke with the OCA Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award during OCA’s Annual National Convention.

The Commerce Department oversees many aspects of international trade and is also responsible for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 2010 Census. Locke served two terms in the state of Washington from 1997 to 2005. He currently works for a Seattle-based law firm on issues involving energy and governmental relations. Locke also was an Honorary Chair of OCA’s Building Campaign.

Sarah Smith | Communications Manager
202.223.5500 | ssmith@ocanational.org

2009 OCA National Scholarship

Applications for the OCA National Scholarship need to be postmarked by or submitted online by April 20, 2009.

Information and application forms can be found here.
http://www.ocanational.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid=

Scholarship Applications:

2009 OCA National Scholarship (PDF)

2009 OCA National Scholarship (Word)

Online