2023 The APA Living Today Jan/Feb digital issue

& SAVORY

THE APA LIVING TODAY PHONE 916.747.9366

Jim Chong EMAIL

jtc.publicist@gmail.com ONLINE

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FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK:

As we bring this year to a close we know many have great memories while others it may be more of a challenging time with many lessons. Regardless, this past year has been very special and memorable. Here is to a great 2023!

Be the best version of you in this new year and set your intentions accordingly. I know I am resolved to make it the best year ever personally and for those around me not taking anything for granted and making it an incredible adventure.

I’m thankful for new friends and those that have been a significant part of who I am today. Thanks to all of you and here is to a Happy Pre-New Year!

Jim T.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & SOURCES

Val Acoba Jessie Bowen Linda Claramo Leslie Edman Elite Publications Beverly Engkabo Toby Gomez Ines Ruiz-Huston Linda Norris Tanya Parmelee Anna Sass- HerLife Carrie Sass - HerLife Michelle McCowan-Smith

Terri Torres

Cathy Wei

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tim Ulmer

Jim Chong

Deadline to submit newsworthy information from non-profits, charitable organizations, or other sources is the 19th of each month for the following issue. Submitting information does not guarantee it will be featured.

Submit information to: jtc.publicist@gmail.com • Attn: Jim Chong

The APALT is digitally published bi-monthly by the APA Living Today.

APALT does not assume responsibility for the authenticity or accuracy of news materials furnished for publication.

©The APA Living Today 2023

Chong the Wok Star & Legend Maker

The opinions expressed by contributing writers and sources are their own and do not reflect the opinions of the newspaper’s owners, editor or staff.

Would you like to submit your event and be featured in the next The APA Living Today Events Calendar?

Email us at: jtc.publicist@gmail.com

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Mission Statement

The Asian Pacific American Living Today is a bi-monthly newspaper dedicated to providing a comprehensive publication, both in print and online, that seeks to raise awareness of issues of interest to Asians and associated ethnic groups in California and abroad.

Objectives

Strength - To give a voice to the community for sharing and lauding accomplishments and concerns.

Unity - Unite readers about the issues facing Asian Pacific Americans. Promote and encourage readers to take an active role in raising awareness in the community and its contributions and concerns.

Involved - Ask readers to be involved in the community as an informed member.

While we most directly address the concerns of Asian Pacific Americans, our publication is not a racial or ethnic sorting. It is a gathering of all those who wish to gather.

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Jim T. Chong

“VISION For 2023: We Are The World”

By Jim T. Chong the Wok Star / Legend Maker

Remembering the song “We Are The World”, we can understand it’s significance not just then but also in today’s world. We have to think about the fact that we are all interconnected. We’ve faced many challenges these prior years politically, economically, and also globally. But what is really most important?

Every year we are faced with the same opportunity to do a reset. Understanding how we can all pull together will be key to helping us work together and achieve success. In every culture, we represent a very specific community that is highlighted by the things that keep us all working together. Whether it be a cultural community or a community focused on a cause, there are some essential elements that keep a community together.

In the Asian community, there are aspects that we can highlight that help us all maintain our identity and core values. In understanding the concept of community more, I am starting to really understand why certain communities are strong in certain areas. Certain elements create unity amongst the Asian culture or any culture for that matter.

We know certain distinct trademarks that clearly are of asian descent but have you ever considered what makes them unique or what the origin is?

For instance, why is Chinese food the “go to” food for takeout and why is there a reputation for being hungry fairly quickly after a Chinese meal? What makes the fortune cookie so memorable and symbolic of ending a meal? Why are there stereotypes about Asians being good in math but not so good in driving? There are reasons why prejudices and stereotypes exist. Some would say that most stereotypes are based on some evidence of reality…which I personally would agree with. That being said, we can learn alot if we build a base foundation on why we have certain impressions about certain cultures and communities. The key to not just breaking stereotypes but understanding them is education. However, I would also add that equally important is involvement. It’s like knowing where to place your fingers on the frets of a guitar but never actually playing one…I think we would all agree that true experience and understanding can only come through involvement.

Through the years of involvement in multiple communities, cultures and experiences, I’ve learned that learning never ends. The key for any successful venture is understanding and experiencing anything you set your mind to. Don’t just learn about something…be involved. For me personally this past year, I’ve been so excited about being involved in singing and Karaoke specifically. It turned out to be a journey in understanding the “karaoke culture.” I didn’t realize how big the community is. I refer to Karaoke and entertainment as an umbrella community. Why? Well, it permeates and transcends cultures and barriers and brings people together. Be involved in the community and cultures that serve you. So here is to a successful new year. Define your goals and intentions.

Jim T. Chong

Terri Acevedo rocking it at Pistol Petes New Years Eve!

Singing at Blossom Vale Senior Center in Orangevale, California.

“Through The years of involvemenT in mulTiple communiTies, culTures and experiences, i’ve learned ThaT learning never ends.”

– Jim chong

Make sure you understand what you are looking to accomplish this year.

No matter what culture we belong to…let’s strive to learn and appreciate the differences and how we can build the bridges necessary for the future to cross over and connect.

This year, I strive to create my legacy by helping others realize theirs.

For More Information, Contact: Jim T. Chong the “Wok Star” - Hybrid Media Marketing PR Publicist Next Level Media; Visibility Professional, Founder of Global Chamber Cooperative (916)747-9366 • JTC.Publicist@gmail.com http://www.ZoomTurtle.com

Jim with Sky Trails Aviation in Auburn, California.

“Together, let’s not just make a difference… Let’s Make History!”

Everyday Leadership and How It Can Improve Your Life

By Jessie Bowen, President of Elite Corporate Coaching

As we come to the end of a new year, and we begin to survey the landscape of our past I want you to survey through the lens of a leader.

We tend to underestimate our daily actions as an act of leadership. We celebrate significant events, big victories, but not necessarily our small gestures that can change the face of the world. Any daily action has the possibility to change the world of a person who crosses our path. Once you recognize that ability that you have, life becomes a series of opportunities to lead.

Leaders know their goals and do small things every day to reach their goal. But it’s not always about them, and they help others to move forward in their projects, to remove their doubts so that they can take action.

To be a leader is to be the catalyst of a positive event for others, and thus contribute to their development, help them in a necessary decision-making process. It can seem terrifying when you realize that you have so much impact on others, without knowing it, without being aware of it. It is essential to recognize that we are influential agents, and we have an effect on the lives of others that goes beyond money and power.

When you become a leader in your life, you empower yourself to lead the life of your dream. That is the most beautiful gift you can give yourself, as you will always benefit from the skills, experiences, and knowledge you have acquired on that journey to become a great leader.

Let’s explore leadership and how it impacts our lives

Leadership is a state of mind and not a position in an organization. Therefore, being a leader is, above all, a state of mind. It is the ability to put into action their ambitions and objectives while staying the course and leading others to a common goal.

It also means having courage. Mastering one’s strengths and weaknesses to make them pillars of your daily actions and to inspire others. Accept yourself and accept all life challenges around you. By doing so, you will realize that in so many ways, you are already a leader in your life.

Be mindful that leadership is not a skill that we develop overnight, it takes time and effort, and it is, in many ways, the constant development of skills. As a leader, there will always be a moment of doubt or a complex problem that you cannot figure out. That is why it is so essential to build a support group around you. Find people that are there to support you when you need them and vice-versa.

Great leaders are always surrounded by amazing people who do not hesitate to step forward and lead the leader in a difficult time.

Jessie Bowen

Continue being open to learning new things, explore the world around you, and be humble; you will see that others will respect you for it. And most of all, be yourself. Integrity and authenticity are always admired in leaders that are not afraid to be themselves and embrace who they truly are, flaws and all.

A time comes in every person’s life when they need to sit down and really think about their goals. Every person dreams. In summary, there is a leader that lives in you, that amazing person, let this year be the year You have the opportunity right now to receive the training that you need to enhance the leader in your life through my online course Goal SettingFundamental Keys to Success.

https://amaaonlinetrainingcenter.thinkific.com/courses/mindset-for-success

5 Steps to Becoming a Published Author: Tips for Crafting Your Dream Book

By Jessie Bowen, President of Elite Corporate Coaching

Get feedback

As you write your first draft, you should find people to give you feedback on your work. This can be done in person or online, depending on your preferences. Having people provide feedback on your work will help make your book stronger and more thorough.

Revise and edit

Once you’ve written your first draft and received feedback, it’s time to revise and edit your work. While revising your work, you want to focus on making your writing as clear, concise, and interesting as possible. You want to ensure that every sentence is relevant and every paragraph flows with the next.

Stay focused and motivated

The writing process is long and often difficult, but it can be made easier with the right mindset. When you’re facing a nearly insurmountable task, it’s important to stay focused and motivated. Focus on the possible rewards you could receive from completing your book, and don’t let any distractions derail you from your goals.

Find a publisher

You have a great idea for a book, but how do you make it a reality? Becoming a published author is no easy feat, but it is possible. With the right guidance and a bit of hard work, you can make your dream of becoming a published author come true. Here are five steps to get you started on crafting your dream book: 1) Outline your story. 2) Write your first draft. 3) Get feedback. 4) Revise and edit. 5) Find a publisher. By following these steps and staying focused and motivated, you can take your book from idea to reality.

Outline your story

Before you write a single word, you should thoroughly outline your story. You don’t want to find yourself knee-deep in a novel and discover that you don’t know where you’re going. By outlining your story before you start writing, you can avoid potential pitfalls and roadblocks along the way. Plus, an outline is a great way to test your idea for validity.

Write your first draft

Once you’ve finished outlining your story, it’s time to write your first draft. This is the point in the process where you start to see your idea come to life. You have a general idea of what you want to say in each chapter, and it’s time to start fleshing those ideas out. You’re going to want to start with an outline and write the chapters in order.

Finding a publisher is the most challenging part of the publishing process. If you’re just looking to self-publish your book, you can skip this step. However, if you want to reach as large an audience as possible, finding a publisher is the way to go. It’s important to note that finding a publisher is different from looking for a literary agent. While agents help authors secure a publishing contract, finding a publisher is more like shopping for a book deal.

Find an editor

The last step in the publishing process is finding an editor. Editors are people who have experience editing and proofreading your work. They’ll look for any grammar or spelling mistakes and make sure your writing is as close to perfect as possible. If you’re self-publishing your book, then you should definitely hire an editor. Editors can catch mistakes you missed and make your book stronger and more professional.

For more information and to get started on your journey to becoming a published author contact elite publications boy free author strategy coaching session https://www.elitepublications.org/contact-10.

Elite Publications

Contact: (916)747-9366 • Email: jtc.publicist@gmail.com

Are you ready to write your story? Contact us! For more information, visit www.ElitePublications.org or calI/text (919) 618-8075

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY THRU ENTERTAINMENT

Expert Entertainment Consultant, Talent Booking Agent and Professional Promoter Linda Norris is the “Go To” Resource to help make your Special Event a Success! Business Owner of Top Talent Today Entertainment, Linda enjoys helping Clients, Communities and Corporations take out the Fear Factor and Guess Work when it comes to choosing the “Right” Entertainment for their audiences and participants!

The Trio Trinity “must haves” in successful event planning, as she states, are as follows: Gotta have... Great Food, Great Entertainment, Great Ambiance.... and of course, Great Customer Service! Entertainment is a Key Component to

quickly and easily unite people... whether it’s music, magic or simply a kid’s mime! Linda has been in the professional entertainment and talent industry for over 35+ years bringing the “fun and wow-factor” to parties and places.

Formerly a Cruise Director with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines sailing the seas around the world, Linda has showcased extraordinary entertainment, multi-cultural performers and headliners, plus hosted themed events and game shows! She has the extensive experience you need plus as a professional children’s entertainer, Linda has produced and performs her own “family fun”, educational and engaging character shows for kids, school programs, libraries, parks and recreation events plus private parties!

Linda Norris

Go Ahead, Keep Laughin’ Pal

By Toby Gomez

Global warming. Pandemics. Political division. In a world where we have long forgotten what “normal” used to be, the manufacturing of Our suffering is the beginning and end of the trance that is the status quo. A grotesque, violent impression of the world we were all born into.

Speaking of impressions, let’s talk comedy.

You wouldn’t think there’s a lot to laugh about anymore! “What could be funny at a time like this?”. Well, look to Sacramento for your answer because for some god-forsaken reason the region is becoming ground zero of the next wave of comedy rising from the ashes of a preCovid world.

For two years the wily local species of standup comedians have developed their own manner of breaking away from the previous orthodoxy of live entertainment. Throwing D.I.Y. comedy exhibitions in backyards or public parks that feel like more like a punk show than a standup showcase, a new generation of talents and styles have sprouted from the beloved City of Farms and Forks and Trees and Bad Drivers.

In Spring 2020, Sacramento standup comedian and artist Maryam Moosavi had the intuition to haul a portable amplifier, a microphone and her setlist to Grant Park for what would become Comedy In The Park. Strict social distancing outdoors, handing out free masks and using “microphone condoms” helped keep the comedy scene healthy. That Fall there were enough audience members sitting in wet grass to fill a comedy club or two.

When restrictions loosened, other funny folk took “Do It Yourself” to a new level. Underground outdoor shows like Corner House Comedy

Robert Omoto

Toby Gomez

(Luke Soin, Drew Absher) or Orange House Comedy (David Samuel, Yaseen Mazin) adapted to the new terrain, filling the niche that the corporate-owned comedy clubs could not. These shows didn’t only replace the ancestral humor hunting grounds of the past, they innovated. Evolving possibilities created a space for unbound experimentation that expanded upon the tradition of keeping live comedy loose, human, and partially improvised. This “anything goes” approach led to avant-garde performances that have become hallmarks for local fans of comedy, performers piloting characters such as a fully costumed one-man barbershop quartet interrupting a live comedy show (Jack Brown) or a witless cop’s PowerPoint encouraging the crowd to commit crimes and make peace with the conspiracy theory that all police are lizard-people (Tobias Gomez).

Once Sacramento’s comedy clubs started opening their doors again, local comedian Josh Means rebooted his “roast battle” style comedy competition Verbal Insults, rallying the dregs of comedians waiting for their chance to tear into each other on-stage. Means’ efforts would pay off, forming what would become Northern California’s largest roast battle league and defeating the best comedians that the larger San Francisco and Los Angeles comedy scenes could offer.

As much as the world changes, the unique, fiery, raw emotion that is the motif of this valley survives. Sacramento’s comedy scene seems no longer interested in only making a crowd laugh.

These goofballs make art now.

Imin Love

Josh Means

Morgan Anderson

Yaseen Mazin

Jack Brown

Artie Valenzuela

Asian Cuisine: Intricate, Sophisticated, and Genuine

By

Today’s consumer recognizes that Asian Cuisine is made of a complex web of interrelated relationships of molecular compounds, ingredients, cooking methods and techniques within cultural contexts that are at the same time unique and similar in resulting flavor experiences.

When embarking on creating a modern Asian or Asian-style formulation for production, it’s important to start with the building blocks of the flavorful cuisines across Asia. Also critical: knowing the ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, okara, miso, as well as the various types of spices, soy sauces, chili sauces, and others that distinguish Chinese from Vietnamese from Thai culinary formulations and other traditional styles. Only then can a developer recognize how best to translate them into delectable meals for mass production, without losing the genuine flavors of Asia.

As consumers seek more robust flavor experiences, prepared food manufacturers have the opportunity to tell the story of the product through colorful packaging treatments and photography, and use marketing techniques such as supplemental websites to engage with their customers and deliver a multiple touchpoint relationship.

The prerequisites for product creation in this category include focusing on the molecular makeup of ingredients to be used, the processes that will be deployed in manufacturing, and packaging for the new product in this category. But to truly help deliver on what today’s consumer is looking for – the genuine flavors from the cuisines of Asia – it is equally important to acquire a deeper understanding of the cultural context of the proposed formulation.

It helps to group those cultural contexts into regions, such as Northeast Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia), and South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka).

Branching out, one may also include Northwest Asia (Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Israel, Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon), generally known as the Middle East. The region is part of Asia and boasts some of the most ancient, complex, and recently celebrated cuisines of that continent.

Degrees of Differentiation

Fresh aromatic elements, such as lemongrass, ginger, and its rhizome cousin galangal can provide a window into how ingredients that are universal to the regions of Asian cuisine styles are treated differently in each, and for different reasons. These ingredients provide unique form and function that are dependent on not only the recipe but its country of origin. The peanut sauces of Asia and how they incorporate lemongrass is a good example.

For Malaysian peanut sauce, the lemongrass is finely pounded or ground into the spice paste and fried. In Vietnam, it is minced to provide a burst of flavor. In Thailand, it is common to have more evidence of the fibers, such as can be found in Thai red curry paste. However, in Thai tom yum soup, the stalks are sliced and crushed slightly in large pieces that are left intact when served.

Ginger, too, may be sliced, minced, shredded, or grated. It can be incorporated early in the recipe stages or late for a distinct, spicy flavor punch. Galangal, the most pungent of the three, can be used in small and subtle amounts in a stock, or appear at the table in thick slices floating in some versions of Thai soups. Aromatic galangal is pounded into Thai curry pastes, the most common curry paste consumers buy and use in prepared foods.

Fermentation Foundation

A common denominator in the cuisines of ancient cultures (and modern regions still developing) is the lack of cold preservation. Fermentation is a global tool of preservation and flavor development. Fermented sauces, such as soy sauce and chili sauce, are classic and universal turn-to ingredients that fit this bill.

When creating or adapting a recipe using soy sauce, the chef should focus first on why it is in the recipe; that is, what will be its function beyond flavor? From there, the focus is on how it will impact the rest of the recipe’s organoleptic properties and what will be necessary to replicate the desired flavor experience. Parameters include color, sodium level, coating ability, or any combination thereof.

Soy sauce is a building block of flavor. A recipe that merely calls for “soy sauce” says little. What type? Light, dark, sweet, thick? From what country? Sweet Chinese soy sauce is flavored with cane sugar, whereas Indonesian kecap manis is flavored

Prerequisites for product creation in this category include focusing on the molecular makeup of ingredients, and the processes that will be deployed in manufacturing

Robert Danhi | Source: Prepared Foods | Originally appeared in the July 2020 issue of Prepared Foods as America’s New Asian.

SWEET & Savory

While most consumers of Asian cuisines understand that Sichuan is a type of Chinese cuisine, and as experienced in restaurants indicates a cuisine made with hot peppers, marketable differentiation can come from diving a little deeper into the soul of Sichuan food, with a documented history dating to the 16th century. One point of authenticity is the province’s variation on the Chinese salty bean paste doubanjiang, known as Pi-xian chili bean paste.

For Pi-xian bean paste, fermented broad beans (fava) are combined with fermented chili peppers and allowed to mature for several years. The result is an umami “bomb.” Fortunately, today’s product developer can deliver on this authenticity since commercially available, clean-label versions have finally been imported in bulk from China. Pi-xian lends a more concentrated accent to a dish and greater depth of flavor. A popular application is Pi-xian Chicken Stir-fry.

– and color-enhanced — with palm sugar and boasts a more complex flavor and thicker viscosity. Such differentiations can be a stumbling block for the commercial research chef.

The same cautions for avoiding soy sauce generalization apply to soybean paste. The fermented mash of soybeans is different not only from one country to another but across prefectures, towns, or even barrel house. Japanese miso is not Korean doenjang or Singaporean tacau.

While all three of these examples start with fermented soybean paste, the duration of fermentation, use of salt or koji (spores of the fungus Aspergillus oryzae), koji rice, or other ingredients alter the color, flavor, and intensity of each.

An example based on just such a nuance can be found in the crafting of the classic Indonesian appetizer of grilled beef skewers. Since kecap manis is rarely available as a commercial ingredient, the challenge to a developer wanting to create it without the key ingredient would be obtaining the recipe’s iconic sweet glaze. Thus, a substitute is necessary.

Getting the reimagined glaze to taste and look like the “real deal” for this dish can be done by drawing on common ingredients already in inventory, such as granulated cane sugar, molasses, and dark soy sauce. If these ingredients are artfully combined, the resulting glaze could closely approximate the elusive Indonesian variety.

One solution, developed through multiple tastings, was a combination of granulated coconut palm sugar, light soy sauce, maple syrup, and molasses that created the closest match for the final product. Although these are not the traditional ingredients, developers found that the final prepared food will taste most like the original.

What’s Hot

Celebrating regionality and telling the story within a cultural context through ingredients constitute the proverbial “sweet spot” for promotion in today’s marketplace. And with the modern American consumer craving more and hotter spice than ever, chili sauces are ripe for culinary exploration.

Similar is the more ubiquitous — and highly trendy — gochujang from Korea. This sudden superstar has the advantage of being a national symbol as well as less spicy than Pi-xian, so it has been employed to create a clearly “Korean” culinary identity. Its smooth texture, flavor bolstered with fermented soybeans, yeast extract and sometimes even roasted rice power.

By Any Other Name

As professionals, R&D teams recognize the indispensable nature of accuracy and precision. For that reason, one of the first steps a development team can take is to forget the nonsensical term “Asian Cuisine.” It’s folly to try to summarize thousands of years of history, agriculture, tradition, artisanally crafted food and beverage knowledge, expressed throughout hundreds of thousands of restaurants representing more than half the world’s population (4 billion plus) in 48 countries. It’s much better — and more accurate — to refer to “the cuisines of Asia” rather than Asian Cuisine.

Content and Context

Presentation of a dish is more than a matter of convenience. It is the cultural context of how that food is served, eaten, and celebrated. Factors such as the thickness of a sauce, size and shape of components, and region of origin will influence the choice of vessels and cutlery as well as circumstances of eating.

In the prepared and packaged food industry, this brings challenges in trying to deliver authenticity. Candidly, this is somewhat out of the hands of the manufacturer, if not wholly unattainable.

The climate of the cooking environment can have dramatic impact on a recipe’s flavor. A bowl of noodles assembled on a humid May day in Malaysia using room-temperature ingredients would certainly come out measurably different from a similar dish with the same ingredients prepared on a dry December day in Denmark. For processors, noting such details as the desired conditions of the manufacturing region will help ensure greater success of the final product.

Depending on the specific consumer, market segment, product category, retailer, and so many other variables, crafting today’s Asian-influenced formulations is a complex undertaking. Today’s prepared food maker can get a head start by better understanding all the various and colorful cuisines of Asia rather than focusing on what’s currently trendy. With an entire continent and centuries of flavor traditions to mine, the next trend might be theirs for the making.

Wearing a Badge of Courage

By Written by Fred Butler, FANHS Stockton Chapter

Our Chapter newsletter continues to explore and define enormous contributions of Filipino Americans in Stockton and San Joaquin Community. To contribute to this effort, we have James Eugene Villadores. As many local Stocktonians may know, James is a “Soul Vike” and a 1962 graduate of Edison High School, Stockton, California.

After graduating from high school, James sought employment. Unfortunately, he could only find farm labor work which is what he had been doing since age 12. He went on to attend one semester at Stockton College ending with a C minus, grade point average. Attending college at that time was not his forte so he began taking the U.S. Army test for enlistment. He repeatedly took the test until he passed it with 100% correct answers.

On March 15, 1963, James began Basic Training within the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, CA. He then received Medical Corp Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas from June 10 through July 26, 1963. It was followed up with Pharmacy Specialist Training from July 29 through December 13, 1963.

James was stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia from January 1964 through June 1964 at the Martin Army Hospital Pharmacy. From there he was deployed to the United States Army Europe, 7th Army 15th Evac Hospital, West Germany from July 1964 through March 1966.

When asked about his most memorable experience, James replied that after six months of being promoted to Specialist Fourth Class and demonstrating the highest degree of soldiering and proficiency as a Pharmacy Specialist, he was asked if he would like to attend the 7th Army N.C.O. (Non-Commission Officers) Academy. He said yes and was selected to attend the next class cycle at Bad Tolz, Germany. He found the five weeks at the academy physically and psychologically grueling along with an average of about four hours of sleep. Ninety percent of the group graduated and were sent back to their units.

When asked how his service and experiences affected his life, James stated that: “As both a combat medic and a pharmacy specialist, I was trained to save lives and limbs and to administer the proper medicines in the field as well as the hospital. Pharmacists are held to the same standards as doctors and nurses. First, do not harm.”

So, after three years of active duty, James enrolled at San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA using the G.I. Bill to help finance his education. After graduating, he transferred to the University of Pacific, Stockton, CA and was accepted into the Community Involvement Program, graduating with a B.A. in Sociology, and yes, using the G.I. Bill.

We were most interested in how James became an Army Green Beret, so he shared the following: “I received a letter from the 6th U.S. Army Presidio

of San Francisco in September 1966 inviting me to come to a meeting at Fort Point on a Saturday morning. When I arrived, there were 23 other veteran enlisted men with Army Reserve obligation. The meeting was presided by a Lt. Colonel and a Master Sergeant. After taking and passing a battery of tests, we took the oath again. The next day we started our training.” From there, James awaited his call to duty as a member of the Army Green Beret.

Along with this distinguished service came outstanding recognition as listed:

Honorable Discharge Marksman M-1 Rifle Honorable Military Service Medal/National Defense Medal

Cold War Medal

Meritorious Unit Citation 15th Evac Hospital WW1 Green Beret, Flash and Crest Special Forces Tab Airborne Tab

In summary, James’ advice to all Filipino American youth considering military service is to be mindful of a quote by former President John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” All male and female youth can voluntarily enlist in the Armed Forces and pursue higher education after active duty using the G.I. Bill.

James Eugene Villadores, Former Army Green Beret

7th Army, West Germany

Christmas 1964, West Germany

7th Army NCO Academy, West Germany

MYTHISTORY: THE LEGEND OF THE JADE RABBIT

Edited by Cathy Wei | Source: www.shenyun.org

Ancient China was a land where gods and mortals lived in tandem and created a divinely inspired culture. And so it became that early Chinese history and mythology are wholly intertwined to create—Mythistory.

Since ancient times, China has been known as the “Celestial Empire.” This refers not only to China’s strength and position as East Asia’s Middle Kingdom, it also captures a more profound meaning, describing a land where the divine and mortal once coexisted. It refers to the belief that the divine, through various dynasties, transmitted a rich and abundant culture to the Chinese people. Chinese culture is thus known as “divinely inspired,” and is the only culture in the world to have a continuous recorded history of 5,000 years. It has left behind countless literary classics, historical documents, cultural relics, and national records reflecting its immense scope.

2023 is the year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac tradition. To welcome this cute bunny, we would like to introduce you to the most well know rabbit in the Chinese history.

Cute, fluffy, and white, the Jade Rabbit is no ordinary bunny. Calling the moon its home, the Jade Rabbit is a mystical and enchanting Eastern legend. When the bunny isn’t busy making immortality elixirs, it keeps the beautiful goddess Chang’e company in the Moon Palace. Out of the various legends explaining the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tale of Chang’e tends to be better known, but what’s the story behind her tailed companion?

In East Asia, the Jade Rabbit is a widespread cultural symbol, and the various legends associated with this Eastern bunny differ from country to country. This is how one Chinese legend, an ancient Buddhist story, goes…

The Jade Emperor disguised himself into a poor, starving old man and begged for food from monkey, otter, jackal, and rabbit. Monkey gathered fruit from the trees, and otter gathered fish from the river. Jackal stole a lizard and a pot of milk curds. Rabbit though, could only gather grass. Knowing well enough that grass can’t be offered as food to humans, rabbit decided to offer its own body, sacrificing itself in the fire the man had started. Somehow, though, rabbit wasn’t burned. The old man suddenly revealed himself to be the great Jade Emperor! Touched deeply by rabbit’s selfless sacrifice, he sent it to the moon to become the immortal Jade Rabbit.

This mystical Jade Rabbit made its Shen Yun debut in the 2014 dance Monkey King Thwarts the Evil Toad. In this story, a big, bad toad wants to

devour the Tang Monk. But after Monkey King comes to the rescue, toad flies off to hide in the Moon Palace. There, it finds the Jade Rabbit busy at work— pounding herbal medicine into magical elixir with its mortar and pestle.

When the Moon Goddess Chang’e appears and summons bunny away, the toad, which had been lurking the entire time, shape shifts into the likeness of the Jade Rabbit. It then swipes some elixir to heal its injured leg and runs off with bunny’s pestle as a weapon. With a malicious, armed meta-toad on the loose things get pretty hectic. Luckily, Monkey King’s golden gaze sees through every demonic guise. He thwarts the toad and saves the day, returns the magic pestle to the Jade Rabbit, and all ends well.

It is said that if you look up at the moon, you can see an outline of the Jade Rabbit pounding with a pestle. More than just cute, fluffy, and white, the Jade Rabbit is a sign of selflessness, piety, and sacrifice. Maybe that’s why the Jade Rabbit is on the moon—so that no matter where we are on Earth, we always have the ethics of righteousness and self-sacrifice to look up to.

So, the next time you look up at the moon, recall the Jade Rabbit who has nothing to give but himself—for others.

The Passing of a Respected Water Warrior

Remembering California Water Law Attorney Clifford Lee

By Richard Frank

Source cited: Legal Planet. December 19, 2022.

Clifford (Cliff) Lee, one of California’s most knowledgable and respected water law experts, died suddenly late last month. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the field of California water law and policy.

After earning his undergraduate degree from U.C. Berkeley, Cliff attended law school at U.C. Davis and quickly became entranced by water law. Upon receiving his law degree in 1976 and passing the California Bar, Cliff’s first legal job was serving as a staff attorney with then-California Governor Jerry Brown’s Commission to Review California Water Rights Law. (Faced with a protracted drought in the mid-1970’s, Governor Brown appointed a distinguished group of water law experts to develop and recommend a series of reforms to California’s antiquated water rights system that would make it more responsive to modern conditions.) The Commission, ably aided by its staff, developed a series of thoughtful reform proposals that–at least in the 1970’s–wound up being widely ignored by state policymakers.

But that experience only deepened Cliff Lee’s passion for water law and policy. His next job was as a Deputy Attorney General with the California Department of Justice’s Natural Resources Law Section,. There he quickly emerged as the Department’s lead attorney on water law and related issues. For over 40 years, Cliff most ably represented the State of California in critically-important water litigation in both state and federal courts. His principal clients were the California Department of Water Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and–especially–the State Water Resources Control Board, the agency responsible for administering California’s water rights system.

Of equal importance as his mastery of water law litigation in the courtroom was Cliff’s ability to provide consistently wise counsel to his client agencies. He was also a master at the negotiating table, often brokering important water law settlements following lengthy and arduous negotiations.

In all of these roles, Cliff earned the respect of the entire California water law community–opposing attorneys, water districts, state agency officials and judges alike. Cliff’s quiet but incisive and persuasive views, along with his rock-solid integrity, made him a legend in California water law and policy circles over four decades.

In addition to his busy water law practice, Cliff somehow found time to serve as an adjunct professor at U.C. Hastings College of the Law. There he taught water law–and shared his passion for water law and policy with hundreds of law students–for almost 20 years.

In recognition of his distinguished career of public service, the California Lawyers Association’s Environmental Law Section awarded Cliff Lee its annual Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Cliff retired from the California Department of Justice in 2019, but he didn’t slow down. Instead, he continued to write and publish articles on water issues. Beginning in 2021, Cliff volunteered to collaborate with a small group of fellow water wonks (myself included) on yet another attempt to reform California’s water rights laws. This time, in the face of an even more serious and extended state drought than the one in the 1970’s, that reform effort gained considerably more political traction. Based in part on Cliff ’s astute reform proposals and testimony before the California Legislature, several of those proposals were enacted by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Right up until his passing last month, Cliff was busy working on drafting and refining additional water law reform proposals. The working group of which he was a critical part has pledged to pursue those reforms in the 2023 California legislative session. So Cliff’s legacy in water law and policy continues to grow even after his untimely death.

California Water Law Attorney Clifford Lee

Respect for Life

By Michelle McCowan-Smith, Visionary and Author

Despite the seemingly intentional lack of respect for life, many people are planning for a better new year, full of new goals and plans for a brighter future. Our Behavior Health is affected by our Mental Health. Our mindset determines what we do. So, how is it if talk of the New Year seems to always ignite hope for tomorrow, each year trauma creeps in.

Reflecting on suicides and homicides reported over the past two years in the Sacramento area, reveals approximately 130 suicides per day based on an increase of 3% from 2020. The average age range is males from 15 to 24 years old. Suicides continue to rise as local television media, social media, and world CNN media, all seem to embellish and repetitively brain washing our mindsets with the painful racial disparities, the toxic behaviors, and negative political schemas daily. Our lack of social emotional support when intrinsic trauma is not identified and addressed. It seems, as if today, everyone is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). Homicides, i.e., gun violence has become a more consistent, and heightened violent threat. There has been 57 Homicides in the Sacramento area in 2022. School shootings, nightclub shooting, concert shooting, mass shootings, even if you were not there, media is so graphic and repeats, analyzes and repeats the story so often there becomes a heightened awareness and hence you feel as if you were there (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition following a traumatic event characterized by intrusive thoughts about the incident, recurrent distress, anxiety, flashbacks, and avoidance of similar situations. There are over 3 million cases of PTSD in the United States. Our news media has reported that homicide is up 31% in 2020. Looking back on the violent crime in the Sacramento area, it has not stopped; it is still on the increase; no community is exempt. Respect for life your own or anyone else’s is not an intellectual or economical decision. It is determined by Emotional Intelligence Quotient (E-IQ). Emotional Intelligence is the key to both personal and professional success. Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express your emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically “Coping skills,” “Resiliency.” In fullness E-IQ is described as the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions and the ability to self-assess.

Suicide is the leading cause of death of young people in South Korea. Actors and actresses (Asian celebrities) are also partaking in the minimizing value of life and sharing that mental health, being in the spot-light, and cyberbullying are reasons for taking their life.

To name a few big names that have lost their life to suicide; Stephen “tWitch” Boss—2022 (DJ/Actor), Robin Williams—2014 (Comedian/Actor), Don Cornelus—2012 (Soul Train), Ernest Hemmingway—1961 (Author), Naomi

Judd—2022 (Actress/Singer), Cheslie Kryst—2022 (Miss USA-2019).

Feelings of dread, despair, loneliness, and hopelessness, depression, and lifelong ailments due to untreated trauma all make up the recipe for suicide. Behavioral Health is affected by mental health. What people do is affected by E-IQ, academics, physical health, well-being, financial challenges, and relationship building skills. What you think determines what you do. Mindset is everything. Business etiquette, texting etiquette, social media etiquette all affects relationships. Intentional use of language can determine outcomes of reactions and responses in healthy communication. All behavior is communication. Reactionary behavior leads to disrespect or miscommunication which can trigger violence. Encourage self-assessment, become more self-aware and learn to take control of emotions. Anger management classes can give participants and their families hope and tools to strengthen their communication styles and ability to build healthy relationships and learn a health respect for life for self and others.

If communities would work together toward understanding human needs, our respect for human life and compassion may be restored. New Year’s resolutions, plans for rebuilding and doing better for the next year coming lends another opportunity to start at ground level by building up, by learning to self-assess, learn new skills, take up a new hobby, embrace differences, check into self-care activities, and develop a new wave for emotional, behavioral, and mental health support. Plant seeds of hope…incorporate a weekly random act of kindness. Find an opportunity to honor your life by honoring the life of someone else. What does that look like for you? A golden nugget, a ray of light in the tunnel – the city of Roseville is reported to be the #7 Happiest City in the United States. Let’s Grow!

Michelle McCowan-Smith (916) 216-0873

https://Timelesshealingdna12.com email: Mmsmith1@live.com

Michelle McCowanSmith

Bivalent COVID Boosters Approved, Available For 6 Months And Older

By Asian Journal Press | December 23, 2022

BIVALENT COVID-19 vaccination boosters are now approved and available in San Diego County for children as young as six months of age. The County Health and Human Services Agency is urging parents to protect their children, and themselves, by getting vaccinated with the new booster.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the emergency use of the updated Pfizer and Moderna bivalent booster vaccines for children as young as six months. The FDA previously expanded availability to include 5- to 11-year-olds in October. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health quickly recommended vaccinations for young children after the FDA approval.

“We can now provide additional protection for children as young as six months of age from COVID-19,” said County Public Health Officer Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H. “This is especially important with the high incidence of COVID-19 in our community. Please take advantage and have your children vaccinated to protect them and the rest of your family.”

County residents continue to deal with a triple threat of respiratory diseases this winter season, from COVID-19 to the flu to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Public Health officials still strongly urge people to get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu.

The bivalent COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations are separate shots, but they can be given at the same visit. They effectively decrease the chances of getting infected, being hospitalized, or dying from the separate viruses that each vaccine targets. Boosters are available through healthcare providers and at participating pharmacies. Parents can visit the state’s My Turn website to schedule an appointment.

County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency began offering boosters for children as early as six months age on Thursday, December 15. Booster dose availability is listed on the County’s COVID-19 vaccinations schedule webpage (https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/ programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV/vaccines/COVID-19VaxEvents/Vaccinations-Schedule.html).

The updated boosters were designed to protect individuals from the worst outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Everyone six months of age and older who has had their primary vaccination series is eligible to get the updated booster two months following any COVID vaccine or booster dose.

County officials also recommend wearing a mask if you are able, particularly during indoor public gatherings, to protect yourself and those around you.

In addition to vaccination and masking, San Diegans can take a number of other precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19, as well as seasonal illnesses like the flu. These measures include:

• Cleaning hands thoroughly and often;

• Staying away from sick people;

• Staying home and avoiding contact with others when sick;

• Home testing when exposed or when ill; Regularly cleaning commonly touched surfaces.

Federal government makes free at-home tests available again

The White House has moved to make free at-home COVID-19 tests available again through the winter for a limited time. Households can order one pack of four free tests through the U.S. Postal Service. For more information about testing, go to the County of San Diego COVID-19 testing webpage.

COVID-19 vaccination progress

• Close to 2.69 million or 80.4% of San Diegans received the primary series of one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines.

• Bivalent boosters administered: 474,245 or 19% of 2,494,254 eligible San Diegans.

More vaccination information can be found at coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine.

ALL RISE will inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities.

Contact: Carrie Sass

Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation 209-612-5478 • carrie_sass@sasspr.com

sepTember 2022 mini-granT recipienTs announced

LINDEN, CA – Aaron Judge, New York Yankee and former Fresno State Bulldog, and founder of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation (AJARF) is proud to announce the September 2022 Mini-Grant recipients, each receiving $2,500. These three organizations connect with the AJARF’s mission to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens and reach unlimited possibilities.

Stockton Service Corps, San Joaquin County, California

Stockton Service Corps (SSC), a program of Reinvent Stockton Foundation (RSF) believes that the entire community will benefit by empowering and uplifting individuals to serve their community through volunteerism. Through the ALL-RISE Mini-Grant they will coordinate four SSC Service Days, to empower and uplift youth to serve the community through volunteerism. More than 150 community members - ages 11 and over - volunteer for a day of service, working with community organizations such as food banks, homeless shelters, as well as cleaning playgrounds.

DMF Youth, Inc. Bronx County, NY

DMF Youth empowers underserved students, ages 5 through 14, through dance arts and life skill development programs that build self-confidence, social awareness, and resilience. Partnering with Title 1 schools and homeless shelters across NYC, they deliver free, accessible programs to elementary students. The ALL RISE Mini-Grant supports the Afterschool Series, serving 200 to 300 students weekly. Every DMF Youth session combines Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities, mentorship, and dance education to provide students with the holistic support they need to excel in life and become healthy, engaged, successful adults.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County, California

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County provides a safe place for youth to learn and grow. Their mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The ALL RISE Mini-Grant will allow Keystone Club members, ages 14-18, to participate in programs like Career Launch, Jr. Staff Internship programs, and financial literacy classes. The Keystone Club provides leadership development opportunities for youth to participate in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service.

“We are pleased to provide these grants to give our youth access to resources that help them reach their full potential,” said Aaron Judge. “Our foundation strives to meet basic needs of our youth by helping them access programs that allow them to excel in life, provide opportunity to give back through volunteerism, and engage in programs and workshops to develop life skills. I am proud to partner with these organizations in their relevant and commendable work.”

The deadline for the February 2023 ALL RISE Mini-Grant applications is January 20, 2023. To apply for a Mini-Grant, as well as receive more information about the Mini-Grant program go to AaronjudgeALLRISEfoundation. org. Funds donated to the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Mini-Grant Program go directly to children and youth programs that support ongoing citizenship and education development in three regions: San Joaquin County, California; Fresno County, California; and Bronx County, New York.

ABOUT ALL RISE

The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation focuses on developing positive character traits; provides awards and incentive programs for schools and local organizations to encourage and reward academic improvement and excellence; supports children and youth experiencing difficult health and family circumstances; and fundraising events to support ALL RISE Mini-Grants and Programs. For more information on the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation please visit: aaronjudgeALLRISEfoundation.org and follow us @ALLRISEofficial for real time updates. Tax ID#: 83-1083207 501(c)(3)

• sTockTon service corps – san Joaquin counTy, california

• boys & girls clubs of fresno counTy – fresno counTy, california

• dmf youTh inc. – bronx counTy, new york

2023 Brings New Insurance Protections For California Consumers

By Asian Journal Press California State | December 30, 2022

SACRAMENTO — Beginning January 1, 2023, Californians will benefit from newly created consumer protections as eleven new state laws sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara this past legislative session take effect. The new laws address climate change, expand health access and reproductive care, preserve health protections, protect against fraud, and ensure public safety.

“Protecting consumers is my number one priority,” said Commissioner Lara. “Partnership with the Legislature and Governor Newsom is essential to my department’s mission of bringing fairness for all in our oversight of the nation’s largest insurance market. I look forward to putting these eleven new laws into effect while taking further actions that benefit California consumers.”

New laws that start taking effect on January 1, 2023 include:

AB 2238, jointly authored by Assemblymembers Luz Rivas, Eduardo Garcia, and former Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, directs the creation of a statewide extreme heat advance warning and ranking system based on climate and health impact information by the California Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with the Department of Insurance and the Integrated Climate Adaption and Resiliency program in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. This would be the nation’s first-ever extreme heat wave ranking system when it is finalized by January 1, 2025.

SB 852, authored by Senator Bill Dodd, authorizes the creation of Climate Resilience Districts state[1]wide to help communities mitigate risk in advance of a disaster and promote recovery, a recommendation from the Department of Insurance’s first-ever climate insurance report that would improve access to insurance for all, so that we can better prepare ourselves from increasing climate change-related threats. CivicWell was also a co-sponsor to this measure.

AB 2134, jointly authored by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber and former Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, establishes the “Reproductive Health Equity Program” to make available grants to providers who offer reproductive and sexual health care free of cost to patients with low incomes and those who lack health care coverage for reproductive health services, including consumers who come to California from other states that have decreased access to abortion care services. The grants afforded under AB 2134 are in addition to $40 million appropriated in the enacted 2022-23 State Budget to help cover these important health

care services. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, NARAL Pro-Choice of California, Access Reproductive Justice, Essential Access Health, and the National Health Law Program were also co-sponsors to this measure.

AB 1823, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, aligns the definition of student blanket policies that are purchased by colleges and universities with the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). This alignment is necessary to ensure state regulatory oversight and that consumer protections under the ACA are also applicable to these student health policies sold through a university or college to their enrolled students, including Dreamers and refugee students.

AB 2127, authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, is an important follow-up measure to Commissioner Lara’s previously sponsored “Parent Healthcare Act” last year, that would clarify and strengthen notice requirements for Medicare-eligible older adults who are seeking to be added as dependents to their adult child’s individual health insurance policy or health care service plan contract.

AB 2568, authored by former Assemblymember Ken Cooley, creates a “safe harbor” by stating that an individual or firm providing insurance or related services to a state legal cannabis business does not commit a crime under California law solely for providing that insurance or related service.

SB 972, authored by Senator Lena Gonzalez, brings thousands of entrepreneurial sidewalk food vendors into a more equitable and well-regulated food economy by updating the “Safe Sidewalk Vending Act,” which Commissioner Lara authored in 2018 as a member of the California State Senate to end the criminalization of sidewalk vending. Inclusive Action for the City, Public Counsel, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Community Power Collective, and the Western Center on Law and Poverty – all part of the California Street Vendor Campaign – were also co-sponsors to this measure.

SB 1040, authored by Senator Susan Rubio, authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to order restitution from persons who sell insurance without the necessary license from the Department of Insurance, including “extended vehicle warranties” sold illegally through robocalls and misappropriation of consumers’ and businesses’ premiums, among other insurance scams.

SB 1242, authored by the Senate Committee on Insurance, bolsters anti-insurance fraud efforts essential to protecting consumers from unnecessary economic loss by further clarifying agent-broker anti-fraud education requirements as well as the process by which alleged fraud is reported to the Department of Insurance, in addition to other consumer protection proposals.

New laws that start taking effect in July 2023 include: AB 2205, authored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, requires health insurers and health plans offering coverage through Covered California to report annually to the Department of Insurance and the Department of Managed Health Care the total amount of abortion funds. This new law will require transparency and disclosure from health carriers to regulators regarding the amount of separate abortion premium payments that are being collected from policyholders and distributed as claims. As we consider options available for payment of abortion services, this new law will help regulators and policymakers identify available funds to support abortion patients in California. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the National Health Law Program were also co-sponsors of this measure.

AB 2043, authored by Assemblymember Reggie JonesSawyer Sr., requires all bail fugitive recovery agents, commonly known as “bounty hunters,” to be licensed by the Department of Insurance to ensure that appropriate education and training requirements are met prior to licensure and that all applicants successfully pass fingerprint-based background checks, obtain an appointment from a licensed bail agent or surety insurer, and maintain a minimum $1 million liability insurance policy so that harmed consumers have an avenue to collect damages.

In addition to these new laws, in October, Commissioner Lara enforced the nation’s first wildfire safety regulation to help drive down the cost of insurance for Californians at risk of wildfires, further protecting vulnerable consumers across the state. Commissioner Lara’s regulation is the first in the nation requiring insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers under the Safer from Wildfires framework created by the Department of Insurance in partnership with state emergency preparedness agencies. The regulation is now state law and enshrined in the California Code of Regulations. Under the new regulation, insurance companies are required to make new rate filings including wildfire safety discounts and comply with new transparency measures starting in April 2023. (CA Dep’t of Insurance Release)

CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM

SHEN YUN’S unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.

Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of profound wisdom and divine beauty.

“It’s really out of this world! If I had to describe it, the words might be ‘Divine,’ ‘Reborn,’ and ‘Hope.’”

—Christine Walevska, master cellist

“So much depth, and beauty, and spiritual expression, and art. Amazing!”

—Ola Rafalo, opera singer