API Equality Groups Applaud Court Ruling Against Prop. 8

Posted on 4th August 2010 in community, law, politics

Today, federal district court judge Vaughn Walker ruled that California’s Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitution in denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. Civil rights and advocacy groups, including Asian and Pacific Islander (API) organizations and leaders, praised the judge’s decision. Today’s win is particularly gratifying for those in the API community who have been at the forefront of efforts to gain marriage equality both in California and nationally.

“API Equality-LA and our partner, API Equality-Northern California, applaud the judge’s meticulous and carefully reasoned decision that Proposition 8 violates the basic constitutional rights of lesbian and gay couples,” said Doreena Wong, Co-Chair of API Equality-LA. “The judge’s conclusions add to the growing consensus in courts and legislatures across the country that no good reasons exist for continuing to exclude same-sex couples from marriage. Instead, the evidence and legal arguments showed that Proposition 8 harms loving gay and lesbian couple and their families, while helping no one,” added Heidi Li, API Equality-Northern California Steering Committee Member.

Judge Walker’s decision is important to Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) in California, where the more than 66,000 APIs who identify as gay or lesbian comprise the largest community of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) APIs in the United States, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law.

“Victories like today’s decision inspire important conversations about the harms of discrimination and the need for equality under law for all people,” said Tawal Panyacosit, Director of API Equality-Northern California. “But, we cannot rest on our laurels. These critical dialogues must continue, as we must also speak to the many other ways LGBTQI APIs are harmed by injustice, like Shirley Tan and Jay Mercado, a same-sex Filipina couple who face continued threat of separation due to an unfair immigration system. We know from our years of work educating the API community about these issues that it is these discussions within our own communities that changes hearts and minds.”

Added Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Director of API Equality-LA, “All across the nation, APIs have played an integral role in advancing the right of same-sex couples to marry-as plaintiffs, judges and witnesses in legal cases and as elected and community leaders in the court of public opinion. APIs personally know the history and impact of marriage discrimination and today, we cheer Judge Walker’s decision as being on the right side of history, where discrimination is overcome by justice and fairness.”

API Equality-Northern California is a coalition of Asian Pacific Islander (API) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI) organizations and individuals serving Northern California.  API Equality-Northern California is dedicated to empowering community members, advancing civil rights protections, and promoting respect and understanding for cultural and community diversity.

API Equality-LA is a coalition of organizations and individuals who are committed to working in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities in Greater Los Angeles for equal marriage rights and fair treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families through community education and advocacy.

SOURCE: API Equality-LA

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Asian American Community Gathers to Dance for Asian Women’s Shelter

Posted on 26th July 2010 in community, fundraiser

Popular local community band PULSE and R&B singer Colette Ikemi will be performing at the 3rd Annual Benefit Dance for the Asian Women’s Shelter (www.SFAWS.org). This event will be on Saturday, September 25, 2010, 7:00pm – 12:00am, at St. Mary’s Cathedral Event Center, 1111 Gough St., San Francisco. Last year’s event was a huge success. For tickets ($25) or sponsorship opportunities, email AWSdance@yahoo.com.

The Asian Women’s Shelter (AWS) was founded in 1988 to provide immediate crisis services to domestic violence survivors and children, especially those who are immigrants and refugees. AWS connects these women and children to legal, medical, and long-term services, and has provided thousands of shelter bed nights to them. 100% of women and children improve their nutrition and health while residing at AWS. AWS is committed to every person’s right to live in a violence-free home. Please support and join us in creating a future free from violence.

The talented PULSE band started in SF Japantown over 25 years ago, and is still going strong playing Funk, R&B and Rock music. The band is a favorite at Bay Area community events and clubs, and is composed of some of the best-known Asian American musicians in the Bay Area. PULSE remains true to its goal of providing exciting music with veteran musicians Billy Shen on guitar, Carey Huang on keyboards, Derrick Tong on bass, Arthur Wong on drums, and vocalists Mel Banez, Eva Chew, and Cris Dumandan-Garcia. www.myspace.com/PulseSF

Colette Ikemi is Japantown’s legendary diva who has performed with bands Hiroshima and Pulse. She has a truly soulful and romantic style of singing. Colette is a local favorite jazz/R&B singer who continues to perform at many community events such as the Cherry Blossom Festivals and Nihonmachi Street Fairs. www.ColetteIkemi.com

An AWS former resident says it best, “Since the first day I moved to AWS my world has turned from darkness, paranoia, and fear into a better life. No longer do my children and I have to cry. Now the three of us have only smiles, music, and laughter. We have learned more about human rights, law, communal living, and language.  We have a second chance in life.”

If you’d like more information about this topic, or to buy tickets or sponsorships, please call June at 415-271-3290 or email June at AWSdance@yahoo.com.

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Filipina American Selected as Chief Justice of Calif. Supreme Court

Posted on 21st July 2010 in community, politics

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the Honorable Tani Cantil-Sakauye as his choice for chief justice of the California Supreme Court.

“Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye has a distinguished history of public service and understands that the role of a justice is not to create law, but to independently and fairly interpret and administer the law,” said Governor Schwarzenegger.

“She is a living example of the American Dream and when she is confirmed by the voters in November, Judge Cantil-Sakauye will become California’s first Filipina chief justice; adding to our High Court’s already rich diversity.”

Cantil-Sakauye has roots in Hawai’i.

Since 2005, Cantil-Sakauye has served as an associate justice for the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento. Previously, she was a superior court judge for the Sacramento County Superior Court from 1997 to 2004 and a municipal court judge for the Sacramento County Municipal Court from 1990 to 1997. Cantil-Sakauye worked for the Office of Governor Deukmejian as a deputy legislative secretary from 1989 to 1990 and as a deputy legal affairs secretary from 1988 to 1989. She was a deputy district attorney for the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office from 1984 to 1988.

Cantil-Sakauye is a member of the California Judicial Council, and is vice chair of the Rules and Projects Committee and Judicial Recruitment and Retention Working Group. She is a member of the Commission on Impartial Courts, chair of the Judicial Branch Financial Accountability and Efficiency Advisory Committee and president of the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court.

“It is a privilege and a tremendous honor to have the opportunity to serve as chief justice of the California Supreme Court,” said Cantil-Sakauye. “I have had the distinct pleasure of being a municipal court judge, a superior court judge and an appellate court justice. Being nominated to serve on the highest court in California is a dream come true. I deeply respect the inspirational and visionary work of Chief Justice Ronald George and hope to build upon it. As a jurist, woman and a Filipina, I am extremely grateful for the trust Governor Schwarzenegger has placed in me. I hope to show young people what they can achieve if they follow their dreams and reach for their full potential.”

Cantil-Sakauye, 50, of Sacramento, earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis. Cantil-Sakauye is a Republican.

The vacancy will be created by the retirement of Chief Justice Ronald M. George on January 2, 2011. The compensation for this position is $238,010.

The Governor’s nomination for chief justice must be submitted to the State Bar’s Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments. Once confirmed by the commission, the nominee will appear on the November 2nd ballot for voter approval.

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Project by Project Summer Soiree on June 23

Posted on 9th June 2010 in community, events

Mingle with SF’s young professionals and learn more about Project by Project (PbP), a national volunteer organization focused on issues in the Asian American community.

Here’s your chance to drink, network, and meet Project by Project’s core members. Project by Project is proud to announce its 2010 partnership with APA Family Support Services (APA) based in San Francisco.

APA’s mission is to promote healthy families and to prevent child abuse and domestic violence in API communities. APA addresses a variety of Asian immigrant health issues including health disparity, access, awareness, and education through in-home visitation, parent support, mental health services, and community advocacy and development.

Join us after work for drinks on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 111 Minna Gallery to:

  • Learn about our 2010 campaign and how you can help
  • Get involved in our many upcoming volunteer opportunities and events
  • Meet our team and network with others interested in non-profits, food, and wine!

RSVP for the event on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128142783881713

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Community Vigil April 8 to Address Violence and Racial Tension in Southeast San Francisco and Honor Life of Huan Chen

Posted on 7th April 2010 in community, people

Chinese for Affirmative Action announced details of a Thursday, April 8, 6:30 p.m., community vigil to honor the life of Huan Chen, who passed away on March 19, and to raise awareness about the need to address violence and racial tension in Southeast San Francisco. Chen was attacked on March 22 on a light rail platform.

The vigil is being organized by a group of community members – Sally Chan, Allison Chen, Linda Chu, Calvin Hom, Edward Hom, Sharon Hom, Norman Fong, Joe Huang, Michael Leung, Vincent Pan, Roger Tan, Michael Yip, Emily Yuen, Eddy Zheng – who met at the offices of Chinese for Affirmative Action to discuss the recent violence along the Third Street light rail in Southeast San Francisco on April 4th .

The theme of the vigil is “Stop the Violence, Start the Healing” and will begin at 6:30 p.m. at 3rd Street and Palou Avenue. The organizers are inviting all members of all communities to participate. The organizers see the vigil as an important step in the community’s healing process and a way to demand that the recent violence stop.

Edward Hom, one of the active organizers, said “The point of the vigil is to show that we are united against violence. There will be more actions to come because these are long-term problems, but for right now, we want the community to come together to start the process.”

Joe Huang, who lives in the Bayview, said “All of us who live in this neighborhood and this City are safer and stronger if we support one another. Coming to the vigil is just one way of doing that.”

Allison Chen, a resident in Southeast San Francisco, said, “Those of us who live in this area know that there are many problems that are difficult to talk about and difficult to address. But if we don’t start now, when will we ever?”

Vincent Pan, executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, expressed, “Our organization is doing what we can to support these new leaders — we believe that tremendous untapped power and potential is in the community and with the people.”

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Counting the Filipino American Community: Questions Answered About the 2010 Census

Posted on 6th April 2010 in community, people

KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress launched an online resource, complete with comedy from Touchblue and a t-shirt giveaway, at http://DoYouCount.org to help address concerns in the Filipino American community about the 2010 Census and encourage families to participate and be counted.

According to the Asian and Pacific Islander 2010 Census Network, communities of color are disproportionally undercounted in the United States Census. Some of the factors that contribute to this discrepancy are a general misunderstanding of the importance of the census and fear that the census may be used against them to jeopardize employment or immigration status.

KAYA is encouraging the Filipino American community to participate in the Census because Census data are used to plan for vital services such as employment training centers, schools, hospitals, senior programs, and many more services vital to each community. Each question in the Census helps to determine how more than $400 billion will be allocated to communities across the country. However, during the 2000 Census, the Asian Pacific Islander population lost $2.1 billion in federal funding for important community programs in California alone just from being undercounted.

April 1 was National Census Day, the deadline for mailing back the official 2010 Census form. But there’s still time to be counted. From April through July, census takers will visit households who did not return a form by mail and assist people and famillies with filling out the form.

Here are some answers to common concerns about the Census:

Why should I take the time to complete the Census form?
Being counted will help you and your community. Census information is used to plan for employment training centers, schools, hospitals, senior programs, and many more important services in your community. Census data helps determine which leaders will represent your community and will also determine how much money (government funding) your community gets for these important social services.

Why does the Census ask for my name and phone number? Is it really safe to participate in the census?
Yes, it is safe. Names are needed if the census was returned incomplete and additional information about an individual must be obtained to complete the census. Phone numbers are needed in case the Census Bureau needs to contact the respondent when a form is returned with incomplete or missing information. Federal law protects the confidentiality of personal information, including names. Every census worker swears an oath to keep your information confidential and any census worker who violates that confidentiality can be imprisoned for up to five years and fined $250,000.

Why does the census ask for my date of birth and race?
Federal, state and local governments need to know the ages of people in given community to help estimate the number of people eligible for Social Security and Medicare benefits and help plan and evaluate special programs that provide funds and services for kids, working-age adults, young women and the elderly. The Census asks for information about race to get a better picture of the racial demographic of an area and monitor compliance with anti-discrimination laws, monitor racial disparities in health and education to plan how to improve them, and help plan and administer bilingual programs.

How long does it take to fill out the Census form?
It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and asks only 10 simple questions. And it comes with a postage-paid envelope so it’s free to mail back. If you missed the April 1, 2010 deadline to mail back the form, a census worker will visit your household and help you fill out the form.

What if I need help filling out the form?
Visit the “Need Help?” section at DoYouCount.org for a list of Questionnaire Assistance Sites or a Be Counted Site in your area to receive assistance.  DoYouCount.org also has a Language Assistance Guide in Tagalog and Cebuano which translates the questions in the form.

Visit http://www.doyoucount.org for further help on filling out the Census form and for a chance to get a free limited-edition KAYA T-shirt.

KAYA is a progressive grassroots organization previously known as Filipinos for Obama. During the Obama campaign, KAYA volunteers successfully reached out to thousands of voters and helped to deliver key votes in California, Nevada and many other states. Today, KAYA focuses on electoral mobilization, policy advocacy, and leadership development through internship and mentorship programs. KAYA believes in the power of civic engagement and volunteerism. Find out more at http://www.kayagrassroots.org.

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Eva Lowe Fellowship for Social Justice

Posted on 26th February 2010 in community, jobs, service

Applications are due March 8 for the Eva Lowe Fellowship for Social Justice at the Chinese Progressive Association.

The Eva Lowe Fellowship for Social Justice provides a unique opportunity to a new generation of activists and organizers who want to build the power of and improve the lives of the working class Chinese immigrant community. During eight weeks of intensive training, ground work and reflection, Eva Lowe Fellows will learn about and support Chinese immigrant struggles in San Francisco, work to connect the larger API Movement across the country and build lasting relationships with peers, mentors and community members.

Eva Lowe is a longtime progressive community activist who has committed her life to serving the community, she turns 101 this year. Born in Fort Bragg, California in 1909, Eva was the fourth child of five girls. Her mother passed away when she was young and her father was a cook at a lumber mill. Throughout her early life, she and her family went back and forth to China for education and to support the anti-imperialist movement. She was inspired by China’s movement and the women’s rights movement and got involved in many progressive issues.

In 1926 she was a part of her high school’s Chinese Student Association and made “soap box” speeches in Chinatown to condemn foreign aggression in China. In the 1930’s during the Great Depression, Eva became involved with Huaren Shiye Hui (Chinese Unemployed Alliance), a predecessor organization to the Chinese Progressive Association. Returning to China in 1937 during China’s war with Japan, Eva volunteered at the China Defense League for Madame Sun-Yat Sen. In 1941, Eva and her family returned the United States to settle in Oakland and to start a small grocery business. Later her family became well known philanthropists and community leaders. After retirement, she volunteered for over 15 years at the Chinese Culture Center, the Chinese Hospital, and UC Moffitt Hospital. Eva has dedicated her life to social and economic justice and believes that people should actively work to end imperialism and “fight for the underdog” – the poor and working class community.

All placements for the program will be in San Francisco, California. Scholarships ranging from $500 – $2000 are available but students are also encouraged to seek additional and alternative funding sources (include campus work-study programs, scholarships and stipends). All other costs will the responsibility of each Fellow though some assistance may be offered to locate and secure housing. A maximum of four Fellows will be chosen for the 2010 year.

Applications are due by Monday, March 8, 2010 at 5:00 pm. Applications can be filled out online at http://www.evalowe.org. We will announce the Fellowship recipients by March 20, 2010.

Founded in 1972, the Chinese Progressive Association educates, organizes and empowers the low income and working class immigrant Chinese community in San Francisco to build collective power with other oppressed communities to demand better living and working conditions and justice for all people. http://www.cpasf.org

Thanks to Betty Magome for sharing this.

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Support KollaborationSF by Dining at Ichiban Restaurant

Posted on 25th February 2010 in community, events, fundraiser

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