The APA Living Today March/April 2023

SWEET

Mochi

Page 10 & 11

Kjeldsen,

Women’s

Re-Brands to PREVAIL

Page 22

Visionary

Page 22

Social

Page 23

First Tee San Joaquin Announces Spring Tour Page 24

THE APA LIVING TODAY

PHONE 916.747.9366

Jim Chong

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Terri Torres DIRECTOR

Jim Chong

ART DIRECTOR

Layne Imada

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

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK:

A Time To Reflect On Today and The Future

“Time is one of our most valuable assets.” We probably have heard this statement countless times. While reading through various articles in this publication, I hope we are able to reflect just how important time really is. Confucius stated it this way, “Time flows away like the water in the river.” This is not to say that we must scurry and be anxious, but the heart of these statements personally is about how points in time will never be revisited so that we should make the most of the time we have. From a Christian perspective the Bible states that we are like a mist, here today and then gone.

I remember the prior year when my dad had passed away. It made me instantly reflect on my own life and the memories about my own immediate family. In the same way, this issue highlights and also honors Benny Acoba and his life. Val is a personal friend of mine who has done so much in changing the lives of children through her children’s theater and performing arts productions. Together, Benny and Val have served the Asian and youth for decades and Reflect on the moments that we have today and consider the people and things that are highlighted. They have also faithfully served various organizations in significant capacities. It’s not there actions only but the examples they have set because of their hearts. I am thankful for their contributions as not just friends, but also major contributors to the multiple communities in Stockton, California.

We can read through this edition and reflect on the issues and current events that matter at this juncture in time. I hope you are able to take time to read and ponder why these things are important for us to be aware of and why they were written about.

I want to highlight and thank all the contributors because together we are documenting the history and things that are significant. I want to also acknowledge Layne Imada who does so much to bring this publication together and has served in many ways as a hub and mentor to us all on how to bring things from concept to reality every time this publication is created and distributed.

I hope this issue not just informs, but inspires you to appreciate the times that we live in and the information you can share with those that you are able to reach. These are truly historic times that we will not see again. Let’s take time to appreciate the blessings and lessons as well as the stories provided in this publication that we can apply to make the future better.

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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.

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Jim T. Chong

Almost every business in the world was affected by the coronavirus pandemic, it forced us to make changes and adapt the ways in which we communicated and delivered our services to our clients.

The coronavirus pandemic has been a difficult time for businesses, but there are strategies to survive and come out stronger on the other side. Businesses should create a financial emergency plan, leverage the power of their brand, and access financial resources to help them stay afloat.

In many ways, we’re still reeling from the changes that the pandemic wrought. Yet, even as we recover from the current pandemic, it would be wise to look forward and prepare for the next one.

Businesses that were unable to make this adjustment had to close their doors, with many of them never reopening.

What are some of the things you did to pivot your business and thrive? This is a good time to gather all of your notes and write your book on being an Emerging Leader and Surviving a Pandemic. That makes a good title, right? What should be included in your survival book?

• How to Prepare Your Business for Future Pandemics

• What Lessons Did Businesses Learn During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

• Financial Resources to Help Businesses Survive the Pandemic

How to Prepare Your Business for Future Pandemics

It’s impossible to predict the future, but businesses can take steps to prepare

Business Survival During A Pandemic

By Jessie Bowen, President of Elite Publications

for future pandemics. The most important step is to create a financial emergency plan. This plan should include steps to minimize the financial impact of a pandemic, such as reducing costs, accessing financial resources, and diversifying income streams. It’s also important to have a plan in place for how to communicate with customers and employees in the event of a pandemic.

Businesses should also consider how to make their operations more resilient. This can include investing in technology and automation to reduce the need for manual labor, as well as investing in supplies and equipment that can be used in the event of a pandemic. Additionally, businesses should create a pandemic plan that outlines how they will respond in the event of a pandemic. This plan should include strategies for how to manage operations, customer service, and employee safety.

Finally, businesses should consider how to leverage the power of their brand. This can include staying active on social media, creating content to engage customers, and finding ways to give back to the community. By taking these steps, businesses can make sure they’re prepared for whatever the future holds.

What Lessons Did Businesses Learn During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

The coronavirus pandemic has been a difficult time for businesses, but there have been some important lessons learned. The most important lesson is the importance of having a financial emergency plan in place. Without a plan, businesses can quickly find themselves in a difficult situation. Businesses should also be aware of the financial resources available to them in the event of a pandemic. Stimulus checks and other assistance can provide a lifeline to businesses in need.

Jessie Bowen

In addition, businesses have learned the importance of being agile and able to pivot quickly. In the face of an uncertain future, businesses have had to find creative ways to generate revenue and continue operations. This could include offering new services or products, finding new customers, and leveraging technology to stay connected with customers.

Finally, businesses have learned the importance of staying connected with customers. Having a strong relationship with customers can help businesses weather any storm. By staying engaged and finding ways to meet customer needs, businesses can ensure they remain connected and protected from the impact of a pandemic.

Financial Resources to Help Businesses Survive the Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has put many businesses in a difficult financial position, but there are financial resources available to help businesses survive. Stimulus checks, grants, and loans are a few of the resources available to businesses in need. Additionally, businesses can access tax relief and other assistance programs to help them stay afloat.

Businesses should also consider leveraging their existing relationships with financial institutions. Banks and other lenders are often willing to work with businesses to provide access to additional capital. Additionally, businesses can look for investors to provide additional funding. Finally, businesses should consider reaching out to their local business organizations for additional resources and assistance.

If you are thinking about writing a book, contact Elite Publications, 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

KARAOKE: Music To Other’s Ears?

By Jim T. Chong the Wok Star / Legend Maker

No matter our culture and background, most strive to live a happy and healthy life. As we consider this past decade and current events, I often hear people wanting to “focus on the positive”, “be healthy”, and often “live a stress free life”. One thing that is tantamount is what we do with our time. Entertainment is captivating, usually draws the most attention, and is often the centerpiece to any news or stories in the media.

Putting everything aside, entertainment serves us all well in its purest form. Pretty much anything that amuses us and can put a smile on our face, we can define as entertaining. What do you do for entertainment?

After talking with hundreds of people on this subject, I find that “Entertainment” can take many forms. Who’s to say that someone working is not simultaneously entertaining themselves? Some people “work” 24/7 but if they really love what they do, does that mean that cannot be their form of entertainment?

Regardless, I find that one universal form of entertainment is music. Music is known to be therapeutic, relaxing, and can definitely bring people together.

Being involved in putting together events and providing specifically Karaoke at various venues, I am understanding more about why Karaoke is so popular but also why it carries a stigma based on people’s experiences or understanding of exactly what it is. Many people in America can view Karaoke as a release and would possibly define it as “bad singing in bars.” While in some cases this may be an accurate depiction, this is not always the case. In actuality, many that do Karaoke are some of the best local singers in their community.

But what is Karaoke?

It is cited that, in Japanese, Karaoke finds its origin from singing to an “empty or missing orchestra.” The name was derived from a situation where when the musicians went on strike, a music track was played instead of the live orchestra so the performance could continue. Since then people have started using tracks of music to sing with. Not only does it give people the ability to sing their favorite songs to music, but Karaoke machines and venues are popular because they bring people together and let people “cut loose” and have a great time that builds a sense of “togetherness” or community when you think about it.

It should be noted that while Karaoke may have its stigmas, it gives the ability for people to perform a variety of songs with minimal rehearsals. It should be noted that Karaoke is simply someone singing to tracks. Today with technology, we have the words appear on the screen. However, there was a time when the words were on paper or memorized in many cases. It could be argued that any singer actually performing to recorded music is actually doing karaoke.

Today, as I visit various venues including wineries, restaurants, hotels, I see a variety of situations where people do Karaoke. Interestingly, I find that Karaoke gives people an opportunity to actually overcome their fears and inhibitions or just get away from the stresses of life. I also find it as an avenue for people to really build community. It really makes sense if you think of all the positive aspects of music in general, but especially when you bring people of all backgrounds, experiences, and cultures together.

Many cities have singing communities that come together at various locations doing Karaoke. People are brought together in many ways for entertainment, my hope is that people will find their communities that are supportive and connect them to different experiences. Karaoke can definitely play a key role in that endeavor. So when you are able, take some time to pick up the mic and take center stage…and be the “music in someone’s ear.”

Jim T. Chong

Singers from Karaoke Event

Citywide karaoke coming to a city near you.

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

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

Alice on the mic

Lennys mom at event

Rochelle and Mike

Upcoming singer Sha’Lena McCoy

The Original G-Man of Hip-Hop

McKenzie and Matty rocking it

Michelle Yeoh, also called Michelle Khan, original name Yeoh Choo Kheng, (born August 6, 1962, Ipoh, Malaysia), Malaysian actress considered to be one of the greatest female action movie stars, especially known for performing her own frequently dangerous stunts. She also earned accolades for her acting.

Early life

Yeoh was born into a wealthy Malaysian family. From an early age, she was involved in various physical activities, including basketball and swimming, though she was particularly interested in ballet. As a teenager, she attended the Royal Academy of Dance in London, but a back injury ended her dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. She subsequently planned on opening a ballet school, but in 1983 her mother entered her in the Miss Malaysia pageant. Yeoh won, and she later appeared in a commercial with Jackie Chan. The ad led to an acting contract with a Hong Kong production company, which suggested her early stage name, Michelle Khan.

Star of Hong Kong films

In 1984 Yeoh made her big-screen debut, appearing in the action-drama Mao tou ying yu xiao fei xiang (The Owl vs. Bumbo). Although cast as the love interest, she was drawn to the fight sequences, noting that their choreography and rhythm were reminiscent of dancing. Hoping to again express herself physically, Yeoh began intense training, and her dance background proved invaluable. She was flexible, fast, and highly tolerant of pain. In 1985 she starred in the martial arts movie Huang jia shi jie (Yes, Madam!), about two female police officers. It was an early entrant in the so-called “girls with guns” genre. A series of other action films followed for Yeoh, but in 1988 she married film producer Dickson Poon and retired. Although Yeoh hoped to start a family, she was unable to have children. After the couple divorced in 1992, she resumed her acting career.

Michelle Yeoh The Phenom Malaysian Actress

Written by Amy Tikkanen

Source Cited: Britannica

Last Updated: Jan 24, 2023 • Article History

In 1992 Yeoh starred with Chan in Ging chaat goo si III: chiu kup ging chaat (Police Story 3: Supercop; also called Supercop). The action-comedy film featured a number of incredible stunts. In one memorable sequence, Yeoh hung from one side of a speeding van, swung onto the roof to avoid a bus, rolled toward the back, tumbled off, and landed on the hood of a pursuing car. That and subsequent films, including Chiu kup gai wak (1993; Supercop 2), established her as a leading star in Hong Kong. Her stunts typically highlighted her grace, precision, and fearlessness. However, Yeoh suffered a number of serious injuries during her career. For instance, during the filming of A Jin de gu shi (1996; The Stunt Woman) in 1995, she almost broke her back. While recuperating, she considered retiring again, but a conversation she had with American director Quentin Tarantino, who was a fan, encouraged her to continue acting.

Global fame and later movies

In 1997 Yeoh became known to a wider audience with Tomorrow Never Dies, a James Bond film in which she played a Chinese agent. A departure from the typical “Bond girl,” her character is as intelligent and capable as the British spy. The film was also notable because Yeoh was hired for her acting, not her stunt work. She attained global stardom with Ang Lee’s Wo hu cang long (2000; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The critically acclaimed film combined spectacular action scenes with a heartfelt love story between warrior Yu Shu Lien (Yeoh) and martial arts master Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat). It was a box office sensation and won several Academy Awards.

A series of English-language films followed. In 2005 Yeoh appeared in the drama Memoirs of a Geisha, and three years later she played an ancient sorceress in the action-adventure film The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Continuing to show her range as an actress, she starred in The Lady

2023 Golden Globe Winner Michelle Yeoh Creator: Handout Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

(2011), a biopic about Aung San Suu Kyi, an embattled activist whose efforts to bring democracy to Burma (now Myanmar) earned her the 1991 Nobel Prize for Peace. In 2016 Yeoh reprised the role of Yu Shu Lien in Wo hu cang long: qing ming bao jian (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny). The following year she appeared in the second installment of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Her high-profile projects continued with Crazy Rich Asians (2018), a rom-com based on Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel. Hugely popular, the movie featured Yeoh as a steely matriarch who objects to her son’s girlfriend. During this time she also had a recurring role on the TV show Star Trek: Discovery.

In 2021 Yeoh appeared in another Marvel movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The next year, she garnered rave reviews for Everything Everywhere All at Once, the first Hollywood film in which she had the lead role. In the sci-fi comedy, Yeoh was cast as a laundromat owner who must save the multiverse. The role required her to play various versions of the character, one of whom is an actress who is also a martial arts expert. For her portrayal, Yeoh became the first Asian performer to receive an Academy Award nomination for best actress. In addition, she also won a Golden Globe Award. Her other 2022 films include Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank and Minions: The Rise of Gru—animated comedies to which she lent her voice.

LOS ANGELES - NOV 18: Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, Michelle Yeoh at the 10th Annual Governors Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom on November 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA

Michelle Yeoh in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016),... Image © 2016 China Film Group Corporation; The Weinstein Company; Pegasus Taihe Entertainment; Yucaipa Films

(From left) Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere... Image © 2022 AGBO; IAC Films; Ley Line Entertainment; Year of The Rat

Michelle Yeoh, 2011. Alberto E. Rodrigue/ Getty Images

Michelle Yeoh at Elle magazine’s 29th annual Women in Hollywood event, Los Angeles Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment

Mochi Donuts Are the Japanese and American Pastry Hybrid Sweeping the Nation

The springy donuts are naturally gluten-free and made with tapioca or glutinous rice flour.

By Kat Thompson

Published on 9/23/2020 • Source: Thrillist

Americans love their donuts. From the Krispy Kreme rings that glide under waterfalls of glaze, to the croissant-donut hybrid from Dominique Ansel that set the pastry world on fire, to local mom and pop shops with pink frosted sprinkles, there is a type of donut for everyone. Over the years, the range of donuts has expanded; vegan options are typical on donut menus now, and bakeries are always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients.

Enter the mochi donut: a donut trend that is sweeping across America due to its uniquely bouncy texture and naturally gluten-free qualities. The mochi donut has existed before its stateside debut, but was mostly popularized in Japan under the name “pon de ring” from the donut chain, Mister Donut.

At the legendary Liliha Bakery located in Honolulu, Hawaii, poi mochi donuts -- made from taro root -- are served alongside the bakery’s iconic coco puffs and malasadas. “Like anything else that is good, people catch on,” Angela Choi, the marketing director for The Yummy Group, explained. “Mochi has been around for a long time coming from Japan so I think of it like how Starbucks started selling matcha drinks… only recently the mainland considered it to be mainstream enough to create a fusion product out of it to sell in America.”

Hawaii tends to catch on to Japanese food trends before the rest of the country, thanks to its larger population of Japanese-Americans and closer proximity to Japan. Liliha isn’t the only bakery capitalizing on the heightened popularity of mochi donuts. MoDo Hawaii opened in February of 2017 and has been slinging the chewy donuts since -- with pop-ups throughout California that have drawn crowds lined up just to get a chance to taste the springy donuts.

“The popularity is due to several factors,” Daniel Furumura, the co-owner of MoDo, explained before listing them off: “1. The product looks great, 2. It tastes even better, 3. Everyone loves donuts, and 4. People are beginning to be familiar with and enjoy ‘qq’ or ‘mochi-mochi’ bouncy textured foods, like boba.”

At both Modo and Liliha, the donuts follow the “pon de ring” type of recipe. The fried batches that come out are reminiscent of flowers or teething rings in shape, and the individual spheres that make up the donut are easy to tug apart and enjoy like a donut hole. These types of donuts are usually made with tapioca flour and are notoriously difficult to work with by hand due to the yeasted dough’s extremely sticky nature,

which is why places like Mister Donut and Liliha opt for specialized machinery that can squeeze the dough out into its traditional shape straight into hot oil.

However, not all mochi donuts replicate Mister Donut’s famous “pon de ring.” In Portland, Oregon, Mikiko Mochi Donuts more closely resemble Hawaiian-style butter mochi, which is baked rather than fried, uses glutinous rice flour as opposed to tapioca flour, and is more comparable to a gooey, denser butter cake.

“We had been playing around with the recipe last fall without any greater intentions, but once we got the recipe dialed in and tasted them in their current form, we knew we had something special,” chef and Mikiko’s cofounder, Alex McGillivray, said. He, alongside his partner Emily Mikiko Strocher, decided to go all-in on their small donut business.

With flavors like rose milk tea, yuzu vanilla funfetti, and chocolate, Mikiko Mochi Donuts has something for everyone. “We draw inspiration for our flavors from our own life experiences and the diversity of our fair city. Emily’s Japanese-American heritage definitely plays into flavors like black sesame, red bean, and all things yuzu,” McGillivray explained. “A lot of the Southeast Asian flavors like pandan or calamansi are reflections of my experiences growing up in Portland eating at and later working in Asian restaurants. Butter mochi is from Hawaii, so flavors like POG and ingredients like li hing mui are a natural fit.”

Over at Third Culture Bakery, a bake house with locations in both Aurora, Colorado and Berkeley, California, the mochi donuts are also shaped in classic donut rings and baked, rather than fried, with inspiration drawn from familial recipes. Before even making donuts, cofounder and chef Sam Butarbutar began experimenting with their now-trademarked mochi muffin in 2016, inspired by his mom’s Indonesian baked tapioca and cassava cake. Mochi donuts were a natural progression.

“We wanted to make mochi donuts but felt very strongly about it being baked versus fried for a healthier everyday option that lets us showcase the incredible ingredients and heritage rice flour we use,” Wenter Shyu, Butarbutar’s partner and co-founder of Third Culture Bakery, said. “Mochi isn’t something new -- we’ve both grown up with it all our lives. But now doing it in a familiar but new way is exciting!” The mochi donut, a mix of both Eastern and Western cultures, aligns with Third Culture’s mission of celebrating both Shyu and Butarbutar’s third

culture kid identities. “We hope that the bakery becomes a symbol of diversity, inclusiveness, and acceptance,” reads Third Culture Bakery’s website.

In Sugarland, Texas, mochi donuts helped revitalize a bakery when business was slowed as a result of the pandemic. Christine Nguyen -- baker and owner of The Sweet Boutique Bakery -- had been aware of mochi donuts’ popularity along the west coast for many years. “We just never got around to making them happen,” explained Martin Nguyen, Christine’s husband and manager of The Sweet Boutique Bakery. “But when she introduced them this past spring, we were the first to offer them in the Houston area.”

It started when Christine appeared on Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship” and introduced the judges to her version of a mochi donut. The feedback she received was so encouraging that she decided to bring her creation to her bakery. Unfortunately, the introduction of her new donut in March also coincided with the rapid emergence of Covid-19.

“We decided to make a small batch of mochi donuts but didn’t know if anybody would come due to the pandemic,” Martin explained. Then, the donuts sold out within 15 minutes. “We made another batch and [again] we sold out in 1 hour and 15 minutes. At that point, the rest of our business was slowing down significantly so we decided to go all in on the mochi donuts.”

For a month straight, the mochi donuts at The Sweet Boutique Bakery sold out every day as the staff worked to appease the demand. At its peak, the bakery was serving roughly 3000 donuts a day with customers traveling from all over Texas just to get a taste of the elastic donuts.

Although some patrons had never tasted mochi and didn’t know what to expect, the fact that it’s presented in donut form makes the sweet treat feel more accessible. “I think donuts are just a standard item that people love and eat all the time,” Martin said. “Mochi donuts offer a new and exciting take on the standard donut and the fact that they are gluten-free makes it so much more appealing.”

If you’ve yet to try mochi donuts, whether as the airy and fried pon de ring or the denser baked butter mochi, options are springing up all across the country. Whether you’re in Hawaii, New York City, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles, the mochi donut is only gaining more traction, rivaling the popularity of old-fashioneds and classic glazed yeast donuts everywhere.

Community Recognition

CENTRAL VALLEY ASIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Awards Dinner 2023

Thursday, March 23, 2023 • 5:30-8:30pm

China Palace Restaurant

5052 West Lane • Stockton, CA 95210

AN EVENING OF APPRECIATION FOR

LOUIE’S MARKET

2023 Business of the Year

TIBON’S GOJU RYU FIGHTING ARTS

Community Service Champion

GREATER NORTH STOCKTON TOASTMASTERS – CLUB 64 Education Champion

FILIPINO AMERICAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY STOCKTON CHAPTER

Asian Heritage Champion

PARENTS BY CHOICE

Non-Profit Champion

MG MARKETING – MIGUEL GUILLEN

Young Professional Champion

Sponsorship Opportunities

Diamond ($5,000)

Jade ($2,500)

Ruby ($2,000)

Pearl ($1,000)

Sapphire ($750)

*All sponsors will be recognized from the podium, in the program book and promotional materials.

In Kind Donations – Please contact Leslie Edman at lesedman@sbcglobal.net

Advertisement Only

$500 – Full page black and white ad (5.5”w x 8.5”h)

$275 – Half page black and white ad (5”w x 4”h)

$150 – Quarter page black and white ad (2.5”w x 4”h), OR Business card black and white ad (3.5”w x 2”h)

Ads need to be print ready. Send PDF ad by March 3rd to: lesedman@sbcglobal.net

For additional information: Contact Leslie Edman at lesedman@sbcglobal.net

Central Valley Asian-American Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6)

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 statewide 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 wellregulated 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 antiinsurance 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.

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.

“PAR tne R shi P with the Legis LAtu R e A n D g ove R no R n ewsom is essenti AL to my D e PAR tment’s mission of b R inging fA i R ness fo R ALL in ou R ove R sight of the n Ation’s LAR gest insu RA nce m AR ket. i L ook fo R wARD to P utting these e L even new LAws into effect whi L e tA king fu R the R A ctions th At benefit cAL ifo R ni A consume R s.”

– i nsu RA nce c ommissione R Ric ARD o L ARA

AB 2043 , authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer 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)

Delta College Board of Trustees Renames the West Forum the DAWN MABALON FORUM

By Debra Panaganiban Louie, Part-time Counselor Professor, San Joaquin Delta College, FANHS National Trustee, Little Manila Board Member

On October 22, 2022, Delta College’s Asian Pacific Islander American Staff Association (APIASA), Faculty Caucus of Asian Pacific Equity (FCAPE), and Empowering Positive Initiatives for Change (EPIC) Programs was the venue host for a celebration of Filipino American History Month – “FAHM FEST 22”. The event was dedicated to the memory and life’s work of Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon.

This event was sponsored by several local community non-profits, led by Kommunity Hub, FANHS Stockton Chapter, Little Manila Rising, Empowering Marginalized Asian Communities (EMAC), Healing Pilipinx Uplifting Self and Others (P.U.S.O), and 209 Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC).

FAHM FEST 22 drew nearly 3,000 attendees and began with a dedication ceremony to the late Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, a Delta College Alum, revered historian, San Francisco State University Professor, social justice activist, author of Little Manila is in the Heart: The Making of the Filipina/o Community in Stockton, California, and co-founder of the Little Manila Foundation, now known as Little Manila Rising.

Notable in the dedication ceremony was the announcement that on October 4th, the Delta College Board of Trustees voted to officially rename the West Forum, the largest lecture hall on campus, the DAWN MABALON FORUM. This was a historic event in that Dr. Mabalon is the first Filipina and one of only a handful of women to have a Delta College building named in her honor.

The dignitaries involved with the FAHM FEST 22 dedication ceremony paid glowing tributes to this remarkable woman who grew up in South Stockton and rose to become widely regarded as the premier historian of her generation. Delta Trustee Janet Rivera, U.S. Congressman Josh Harder, Stockton City Councilwoman Christina Fugazi, and Chief of Staff (for Board of Supervisor Miguel Villapudua) Chris Rouppet, among others, recognized Dr. Mabalon with Official Proclamations that were received by Dr. Mabalon’s husband Jesse Perez Gonzales, and members of Dawn’s family, along with conference organizers Mariah Taloah, Linda Claramo, Darleen Mabalon, and Debra Louie.

The Dawn Mabalon Forum renaming was an initiative over a year in the making and began with a Resolution by the Faculty Caucus for Asian Pacific Equity (FCAPE), an organization formed along with the Black Faculty Task Force and the Chicanx Latinx Faculty, to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that would spur a transformation of the Delta College campus into a beacon of hope and belonging for all. These organizations worked collectively and were also successful in renaming the North Forum the TONY FITCH (Long-time African American Delta College Professor) FORUM and renaming the South Forum the CAMPESINO FORUM, in honor of the farm workers movement. The efforts were endorsed by the faculty, classified and management unions, and the Associated Student organization.

Central to the year-long effort to rename the West Forum the DAWN MABALON FORUM which began in earnest by gathering letters of support from the local Stockton community, as well representatives of various organizations throughout California, and across the country, who were were familiar with Dr. Mabalon’s groundbreaking research and social Justice work. They knew first-hand, the positive impact her work has made upon thousands of her students and community members in the Filipino American diaspora.

Leaders who submitted written letters of support were received from Dillon Delvo, Executive Director of Little Manila Rising; Linda Claramo, President of FANHS Stockton Chapter; Dr. Richard Tenaza, President & CEO FANHS Museum; Phillip Merlo, Executive Director of the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum; Aldrich Sabac, Social Justice Committee Chair, Stockton Teachers Assn. and ELA Dept. Co-Chair, EDISON High School; Lorraine Doria, Associate Professor of History, Delta College; Dr. Sarah Seekatz, Co-Chair of History Department, Professor of Mexican American and U.S. History, and Coordinator of the Cultural Awareness Programs; Kevin L. Nadal, Ph.D, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, City University of New York & FANHS National President; Emily Lawsin, President Emeritus, FANHS National; Gayle Romasanta, Executive Director, Filipino-American Development Foundation & FANHS National Trustee; Maria Amen, President of Association of Filipino Americans in Education; Nkauj lab Yang, Executive Director, CA Commission on

Debra Panaganiban Louie

Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs; Brian Batugo, teacher, San Diego Unified School District and Little Manila Rising Board Member; Dr. Rowena Tomaneng, VP of San Jose City College and Board Officer for Asian and Pacific Americans in Higher Education.

We were fortunate to have so many well-articulated and passionate speakers who presented their justifications and arguments, convincing both Delta’s Heritage Committee and the Board of Trustees to vote in favor of the naming of the Dawn Mabalon Forum. The speakers included Dillon Delvo, Dr. Allyson TintiangcoCubales, SFSU Professor of Ethnic Studies and Dawn’s best friend and frequent collaborator, Robert Teczon, Delta Alum and Graduate Student at the University of Hawaii, Manoa; Phillip Merlo, Executive Director of SJC Historical Society & Museum; Delta faculty members and FCAPE Steering Committee Chairs Dr. Cirian Villavicencio, Professor of Political Science, and Janice Takahashi, Professor of Counseling; Debra Louie, FCAPE Campus Facilities Committee Chair and Retired Professor of Counseling, and Dr. Kevin Nadal, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, City University of New York.

building, erecting a bronze plaque, and installing Dawn’s portrait in the lecture hall. An additional $2,500. was raised at the FAHM FEST 22 event, which will be used toward the Dr. Dawn Bohulano Scholarship that benefits students transferring to a four-year university, just like Dawn did when she attended Delta College and then transferred to UCLA, earning her first two degrees, a BA cum laude in History and a MA in Asian American Studies. Dawn furthered her studies by becoming the first Filipina to earn a Doctorate in American History at Stanford University.

Dr, Mabalon wrote, “I am a historian dedicated to building bridges between the communities about whom I write (Filipino Americans, Asian Americans, immigrants, workers) and the Academy. I have devoted my life’s work to sharing stories of people and communities at the margins of the American story.” Dr. Mabalon left us far too soon, but she leaves with us a legacy of bridges that we must continue to build.

If you would like to make a donation in Dawn’s memory, please go to this link: https://paybee.io/quickpay html?handle=deltacollege&ppid=20#donationConfirm

Or, if you want to help continue the work that Dawn started, please contact EPIC at Delta College (Empowering Positive Initiatives for Change (EPIC) Learning Community) or Little Manila Rising: https://littlemanila.org/ or FANHS Stockton Chapter: http://fanhsstockton.com/

Membership applications can be requested by sending an email to: STOCKTONFANHS@outlook.com

@fanhsstockton

Support for the Dawn Mabalon Forum also came in the form of monetary donations. Over $2000 was raised online to help pay for new signage on the Linda

www.fanhsstockton.com

Claramo, President

October 2022 Filipino American History Month Fest Volunteers

October 2022 Dedication of Dawn Mabalon Forum, San Joaquin Delta College

Uncle Benny

Remembering a friend, father, husband, mentor, and advocate Benny Acoba.

By June Bond & Layne Imada Source cited: FANHS Stockton Chapter / June Bond / Article All For One And One For All

With family at his side, Benny passed from this life to eternity on January 7, 2023 from a heart condition. He was 85 years old and the sixth child of Vicente and Margarita Acoba. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Val Lee Acoba, his daughter, Gwendolyn Moran, and two granddaughters, Hailey and Maeve Moran. Also survived by his son Vincent Acoba, grandchildren Markus Acoba and Marie Davilla, also his sisters Mary Berbano, Lin Compo, Cathy Santini and Tina Hough as well as many nieces and nephews.

People say that time heals all wounds, and as I write this, I can tell you it can. Today, I don’t feel the same pain in my heart that I felt the day I found out Benny had passed. I know he is closer to all of us, that there’s no more distance or time difference that separates us now. I thank you Benny for those years of friendship that you and Val gave me. Thank you for everything that you did for me. I want you to know my friend, that I love you with all my heart and that i’ll always remember you. You will always be Uncle Benny to me and to many others. I think the following quote best sums up who you were: “I shall pass through this world but once, any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”

~ Flavia Weedn

Benny Acoba and Roofie

Benny Acoba with Roofie and Boots

Acoba Family 1941

“All For One and One For All”

By June Bond

Source cited: FANHS Stockton Chapter

Traveling with his father’s brothers, Benny V. Acoba’s parents, Vicente and Margarita Acoba, arrived in Hawaii from Bacara, Illocos Norte in 1928. Soon after, they made their way to California and settled in Lathrop. They were agricultural workers, cutting trees along the Delta levees, picking crops, etc. The sense of team was established early in Benny’s life. The children (Purification, Frank, Betty, Robert, Mary, Benjamin, Arlinda, Tina, and Catherine) were actively involved in family efforts to survive and thrive. It was the norm for them to have chores/responsibilities at home and in the fields. They dutifully sat on farm equipment to stabilize it during turns at the end of each field row and Benny’s early memories include working alongside other Filipino families. A funny memory is filling the Acoba boxes by taking tomatoes from the Inosanto kids’ boxes!

Benny was born on April 13, 1937, in French Camp, CA. In 1939, the family bought five acres in Lathrop. Discriminatory alien land laws prevented his parents from purchasing the property, therefore the land was purchased under his brother’s name, Frank. The family built their home and farm on that land. After school, weekends and summers always included daily responsibilities on the family farm for Benny and his siblings. Until the late 1940’s, early 1950’s, there was no indoor plumbing on the farm, so the family used an outhouse and bathed outside. Benny was responsible for heating the water for the bathhouse. Every evening was spent preparing and crating the vegetables and securely loading the crates on the truck. Their father left daily at 2:30 a.m. to travel to a farmers’ market and various grocery stores.

He attended French Camp Grammar School. Notable memories include taking naps in the 1st grade and spitting out and refusing to eat the beans served in the cafeteria. Also, although right-handed, Benny used scissors with his left hand. The teacher tried to change that ability; unfortunately, in those days, there was a bias against left-handedness. A special memory from grammar school is his friendship with Henry, which grew out of a fight challenge from Henry. After the fight, they became best friends and fought all other fights as a team. Daring to challenge one of them would result in fighting both of them!

The students at French Camp Grammar School could choose to attend Manteca or Edison High School. Benny chose to attend Edison/Stockton College, where he participated in track and basketball. He also participated in the city’s United Filipino Youth leagues. After high school, he attended Stockton College, enrolling in the automotive program. He graduated with an A.A. degree in 1953 and decided to continue his college education. However, in 1957, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

The initial training was at Fort Ord, Monterey, California. He was then stationed at Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, Texas). Upon his arrival in San Antonio, the arriving soldiers were grouped as “white” or “colored.” This act of racial discrimination was very confusing for Benny as he had never experienced such actions. He trained to be a medical corpsman and was later transferred to Fort Hood in Houston, Texas. While there, he met a Filipino officer, and they developed a friendship. The friendship included the “bonus” of having adobo dinners at the officer’s home!

Although the Army was relentless in attempts to get Benny to reenlist, he returned to Stockton in 1960. The immediate family, the Trinity Presbyterian Church family, and

friends celebrated his return with a big party. Benny never remembered a time that the Trinity Presbyterian Church was not a part of the family’s life.

Benny began work at Sharpe Army Depot in 1963. Given his wide range of knowledge, training and skills, Benny worked in various departments (i.e., print, carpentry, building inspection).

Val entered his life in 1970; she was a “summer hire” at Sharpe. With their marriage in 1971, Team Acoba was created! They have a daughter and two granddaughters.

Benny retired from Sharpe after 34 years and began supporting Val in her teaching assignments by volunteering at the high school. He was on campus so regularly that everyone thought he was a staff member. He worked diligently behind the scenes, applauding her efforts and doing any necessary manual work--preparation, construction, taking down and cleaning up.

After both retired from their “paid jobs,” they kept very busy with volunteer work. For those on the “community event circuit,” it was assumed that Benny and Val Acoba would be in attendance. “Giving back, caring about others, raising awareness, encouraging unity and inclusiveness, service for others,” whatever one uses to describe community volunteerism, the description fits Benny and Val.

Sadly, Benny passed away on January 7, 2023. Fortunately, we have the memory of them graciously and welcoming all who passed and/or approached them. Val is a confident public speaker who “steps up to the mic” whenever asked, and willingly takes charge of events. Reminicent of the sense of team that was developed early in his life, Benny was always there to support and encourage her efforts and address the needs of the community. How fortunate we all are to have experienced Team Acoba!

Benny & Val Acoba

Benny and Val Acoba with Grandchildren

Day of Remembrance 2023 Japanese American Citizens League

(JACL)

Stockton Chapter Hosts a Screening of Paul Goodman’s No No Girl

By filmmaker Paul Daisuke Goodman

By Leslie Nakao Edman

Saturday, February 18th was a sunny day and a crowd gathered in the gymnasium of the Buddhist Church of Stockton for perhaps the first time in three years. Nearly 200 guests showed up on President’s Day weekend to participate in the 2023 Day of Remembrance event hosted by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Stockton chapter.

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued executive order 9066, authorizing the incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. For simply having the “face of the enemy,” these Americans were forced to abandon their homes, businesses, friends and communities to be sent to 10 concentration camps for the duration of WWII. Not a single Japanese American was charged with espionage or sabotage against the United States.

Each year, Japanese American communities throughout the country hold Day of Remembrance events to “never forget” this dark piece of history and its impact on generations of families even 81 years later. Day of Remembrance serves as a reminder of how fragile our civil liberties are and how the internment experience could happen again if we are not vigilant in protecting our civil rights and freedom.

This year, members of our local elected officials attended Day of Remembrance in acknowledgement of its importance and support for the Japanese American community. Congressman Josh Harder, and representatives from State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua and San Joaquin County Supervisor Miguel Villapudua were present. Certificates of recognition, including one from the City of Stockton were presented to Steve Sue, Stockton JACL president.

Stockton JACL had the good fortune to be one of the JACL chapters to screen the film, “No No Girl,” by writer/director Paul Daisuke Goodman at its Day of

Remembrance event. The film is unique in its voice, with a perspective from a “yonsei,” fourth generation Japanese American who seeks to understand her connection to the camp experience. Following her grandmother’s passing, the granddaughter with “pink hair” or “No No Girl,” forces the family to confront longheld secrets while unearthing new ones. As the two-hour film unfolds, so too do the emotional layers that have been buried for decades.

Following the film, Paul Daisuke Goodman, writer/director of “No No Girl,” answered some questions in a Q & A session. One audience member asked Paul Goodman “What challenges did he encounter while creating this film?” Surprisingly, he revealed a personal challenge that could serve as content for perhaps another film. Paul, a cancer survivor was struck with a second occurrence of lymphoblastic leukemia in 2021. While waiting for a bone marrow transplant treatment, he wrote the screenplay for “No No Girl,” a film that speaks to multi-generations. In Stockton, the audience embraced his film and Paul himself as a yonsei with “grit,” never letting his eye off his vision of getting his film seen. After Stockton’s Day of Remembrance screening, Paul hit the road for Portland’s event.

In closing, Stockton’s Day of Remembrance event engages members of the local Japanese community in a candle-lighting ceremony that commemorates the ten internment camps. This year our candle lighters included folks from Nisei (second generation) to gosei (fifth generation) in a poignant ceremony that added an eleventh candle for Ms. Elizabeth Humbargar, a beloved teacher, counselor and champion for local Japanese American students during their incarceration and post war years. A moving black and white film depicting each camp was shown as a backdrop for the ceremony.

Day of Remembrance is a reminder to us of “dark times,” but DOR 2023 was joyful in the sense that many folks were engaging in a large public gathering for the first time since the pandemic. Family members, friends and members of the community reunited - reinvigorated and happy to connect once again in person.

Leslie Nakao Edman

Honorary Day of Rememberance candlelighters

Day of Rememberance Group Board

Officials celebrate Day of Rememberance together

Day of Rememberance candle lighting

Alysse & George

Crowd getting ready for No No Girl movie

Director Paul Goodman during a Q&A session

Steve Sue talking to audience Janice Takahashi

Val & Cyn Layne & Kaitlyn Imada Displaying the No No Girl tshirts

Director Paul & Roger

U.S. Representative Josh Harder & Steve Sue

Tad & Jayne

Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck Inc. announces promotions Chris Neudeck, Company President Jeff Mueller and Elizabeth Schlegel, Associate Principals

Contact: Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck Inc. • Eddie Roth eroth@ksninc.com • (916) 403-5900

Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck Inc. (KSN) is excited to announce the appointment of Chris Neudeck to Company President of KSN, and the promotion of Jeff Mueller, P.E., and Elizabeth Schlegel, PE, DBIA, F.ASCE, to Associate Principals.

Chris Neudeck has been providing civil engineering services since 1982 in the areas of planning, design, and construction of a wide variety of water resource and public works related projects. As a principal in the firm of Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck, Inc., Chris is responsible for planning, designing, estimating, contracting, managing, and supervising projects undertaken by the firm. Chris is a recognized authority on water resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. His experience as District Engineer for multiple reclamation districts has provided him with the experience of managing numerous sheet pile slope stabilization projects throughout the Delta region. In his new role as Company President, Chris will continue to use his experience and knowledge to lead KSN Civil Engineers & Land Surveyors as the company grows.

Jeff Mueller joined KSN in 2001 as a civil engineering intern student as part of the University of Pacific’s Cooperative Education (CO-OP) Program. Since that time, he has grown into one of KSN’s leading civil engineers in the areas of flood control, water resources, and flood emergency response, and is the project and program manager for multi-disciplinary design teams. Jeff is a California licensed Civil Engineer, and a member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Floodplain Management Association (FMA), Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), and the San Joaquin Engineers Council (SJEC) where he currently serves as Scholarship Committee Chair.

In his new role as Associate Principal, Jeff will continue to use his design management experience and leadership skills to develop and deliver projects for KSN’s clients and take on additional firm management responsibilities. After growing through the ranks at KSN from student intern to Associate Principal, Jeff is ideally suited to help develop the next generation of KSN leaders.

Elizabeth Schlegel joined KSN in 2005 as a civil engineering intern student as part of the University of Pacific’s Cooperative Education (CO-OP) Program. Since that time, she has grown into one of KSN’s leading civil engineers in the areas of site design, institutional, and utilities, and is a project and program manager for multi-disciplinary design teams. Elizabeth is a licensed Civil Engineer (California and Washington), DBIA Certified, an ASCE Fellow, and a long-time member of her alma mater’s Civil Engineering Department Industrial Advisory Board.

In her new role as Associate Principal, Elizabeth will continue to develop and deliver projects for KSN’s clients and will take on additional firm management responsibilities. After going through the ranks at KSN from student intern to Associate Principal, Elizabeth is ideally suited to help develop the next generation of KSN leaders.

We are excited that Jeff, Elizabeth, and Chris will be leading KSN as we continue to grow. Each of these individuals are instrumental to the firm’s continued success.

KSN has been providing civil engineering and surveying services to public and private clients throughout California’s Central Valley since 1956. KSN’s long history of successfully delivering our client’s projects is a result of our commitment to providing excellent service and a quality work product to all our clients. KSN has an excellent rapport with the engineering departments of the local utilities and public agencies, and is well respected both locally, and in Sacramento, for its ability to work through difficult regulatory issues with the various State and Federal permitting agencies.

In addition to our private sector clients, KSN currently serves as consultants to over three dozen communities, special districts, and local public agencies in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills.

Chris Neudeck to Company President of KSN

Jeff Mueller, P.E.,

Elizabeth Schlegel, PE, DBIA, F.ASCE

Women’s Center –Youth & Family Services Re-Brands to PREVAIL

Contact:

Elizabeth Sanchez, Community Engagement Manager • PREVAIL esanchez@prevailca.org • (209) 941-2611

STOCKTON, CA — Since 1976, Women’s Center - Youth and Family Services (WCYFS) has been providing free confidential services and shelters for youth at risk or experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our vision to build a stronger community and create opportunities for hope, healing, and growth by breaking intergenerational cycles of violence and abuse is more important now than ever!

For years there has been confusion about whether WCYFS serves more than just women, and the answer has and will always be yes. The need to re-brand carries an important message to our staff, our community, and those we serve. Countless hours have gone into this rebrand, but the one thing that continues to be at the heart of our organization is the need to provide safety, compassion, and respect to the individuals, families and young people served. As a result of this process, WCYFS will now be known as PREVAIL.

Our programs & services have advanced beyond both the “Women’s Center” and “Youth & Family Services.” The essence of equality has expanded & the labels of domestic violence, sexual assault, youth homelessness & human trafficking have outgrown the unsaid assumptions of their characteristics. The services and shelters will be the same, but now all individuals in our community are part of this change and our future.

“From our founding to today, we continue to fill gaps in the system and pride ourselves on being pioneers of restoration in the lives of those who need it most. This is the perfect time to re-brand Women’s Center – Youth & Family Services in order to be forward thinking, inclusive and relevant for the various needs of our clients.” states Krista Fiser, CEO of PREVAIL.

Pioneering Restoration is who we will always be, but Elevating Voices of Advocacy Idealism and Leadership is our future. Because together - with you all, with our clients, and our community of supporters, we shall PREVAIL!

About Prevail

PREVAIL, formerly Women’s Center-Youth and Family Services is San Joaquin County’s only provider of free, confidential shelter and services specifically designed to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and youth at risk or experiencing homelessness. During the last year, PREVAIL provided services to over 5,000 participants through our various programs.

The mission of PREVAIL is to provide safety, compassion, and respect as we educate, empower and advocate for individuals, families, and young people.

Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. Welcomes

Darryl Rutherford, VP of Services and Community Development

Contact:

SASS! Public Relations (209) 957-7277 • Anna_sass@sasspr.com

STOCKTON, CA — Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (VHB), a non-profit developer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Darryl Rutherford to Vice President of Services and Community Development.

Rutherford will oversee strategy, innovation, and operations of social programs and community engagement. He will set strategic direction for community development in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals, mission, and purpose. In addition, he will manage and lead staff, and establish and maintain strategic alliances and working relationships with residents and the community. Working closely with Annette Sanchez, VHB COO, Rutherford will be responsible for ensuring the longevity of affordable housing communities as they build new, affordable housing for our community.

“We are excited about the knowledge and experience that Darryl brings to our team,” says Carol Ornelas, CEO of Visionary Home Builders. “As we celebrate our 40th year of building affordable housing throughout the Central Valley, Darryl is a great addition to help us continue to build and develop VHB to serve the needs of our communities.”

Prior to his appointment at VHB, most recently, he became the ED of the Reinvent South Stockton Coalition (RCCS), a public-private-non-profit collaborative initiative which aims to “empower residents to transform their community”. He was instrumental in re-building RSSC into a stable strategic coalition about how to transform a community with a focus on equity and strengthening resident voices. He also served as Executive Director for Sacramento Housing Alliance. Rutherford lives in the Sacramento Region with his wife and two daughters.

Founded in 1983, Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (VHB) is a nonprofit housing development company and housing counseling agency based in Stockton, California. It is the leading agency of its kind in the San Joaquin Valley, having developed more than 1,400 units of rental housing and has renovated/built more than 700 single-family homes in Ceres, Fresno, Oakdale, Sacramento, Stockton, and Tracy. VHB has brought more than $550 million dollars in grants and private dollars to develop affordable housing in the valley. VHB is a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency. For more information, please call 209-466-6811 or visit the website at www.visionaryhomebuilders.org.

Pioneering Restoration and Elevating Voices of Advocacy, Idealism and Leadership

Social Justice Art Walk Addresses Anti-Asian Hate and Injustice

Local groups transform hate into compassion through education and activism

Contact: Jason Jong • jasonmjong@gmail.com, (510) 282-5664

SACRAMENTO, CA — Inspired by the Movement for Black Lives and agitated by the surge of hate crimes experienced by Asians across the country in 2020, Sacramento native and conceptual artist Angie Eng developed Right On! Social Justice Art Walk, a civil rights art project highlighting landmark Supreme court cases which evidence systemic and institutional discrimination based on class, race, ethnicity, gender, and ability.

Fueled by a commission from Stop Asian Hate, an initiative of the Center of Humanities at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Eng previously mounted a silent art procession in Boulder, Colorado in October 2022.

On March 25, 2023, a growing ensemble of Sacramento organizers, participants and supporters will recreate and expand on this effort in the artist’s hometown.

Community members are invited to share in this powerful action, combining civic engagement with purposeful cultural representation, and having an ultimate goal of transforming hate into compassion through education, awareness, and activism.

For the Sacramento project, Eng has partnered with Jason Jong, Sacramento community advocate and recent recipient of the Sacramento Bee AAPI Change Makers award, to punctuate the art walk with a cadre of musicians who will add traditional Asian percussion and wind instruments to the social justice art performance piece. Musicians will be interspersed with 125 art walk participants – community members and representatives from over forty local AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) organizations.

The procession will assemble at 12:00 p.m. in front of the Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse at the corner of 5th Street and I Street. With a slow and intentional pace, the group will weave through Downtown streets and head towards Capital Mall. The cast will pose in silence at each block, forming a living billboard with their bodies, then returning to the Courthouse, where walkers, musicians, and observers will congregate for a culminating moment of solidarity and unity through sound.

WHO: Right On! Sacramento Organizing Committee

WHAT: Right On! Social Justice Art Walk

WHERE: Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse

501 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

WHEN: March 25th, 2023 • 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For more information, visit the project web page: https://angieeng.com/right-on-political-art-action-to-stop-asian-hate/

Event Contact: info@angieeng.com

Right On! Sacramento Organizing Committee

Rejie Baloyos, Angie Eng, Joyce Eng, Lisa Hafoka, Jason Jong, Joshua Kaizuka, Katherine Morris, and Vadna Sharma.

Participating Organizations

ACC Senior Escort Program, Adult Buddhist Association, AIM California, Asian American Liberation Network (AALN), Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA), Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento (ABAS), Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Program, Asian Resources Inc., APIDA Center (CSUS), Brown Blossom Rising, California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies, Chinese American Council of Sacramento (CACS), City of Sacramento, Asian Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group, Council of Asian Pacific Islanders Together for Advocacy and Leadership (CAPITAL), Council on American-Islamic Relations, Sacramento Valley / Central CA (CAIR), Democratic Party of Sacramento County, EBAYC Sacramento, Florin JACL-Sacramento Valley, Full Circle Project (CSUS), Hei Gu Chinese Percussion Ensemble, Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP), Hmong Youth and Parents United (HYPU), Iu Mien Community Services (IMCS), Indian Association of Sacramento, Japanese American Citizens League –Sacramento Chapter, Laotian American Advancement Organization (LAAO), My Sister’s House, OCA Sacramento-Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA Sacramento), Project Hmong (CSUS), Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SACC), Sacramento Asian Pacific Cultural Village (SAPCV), Sacramento Iu Mien Association (SIMA), Sacramento LGBT Community Center, Sacramento Senior Safety Collaborative, Sacramento Sikh Temple, To’utupu’o e ‘Otu Felenite Association, Inc. (TOFA), Vietnamese American Community Organization of Sacramento (VACOS).

Sponsors and Donors

The Sacramento art walk is made possible by a growing list of supporters, including the following organizations and individuals: ABAS Law Foundation, Asian Resources Inc., CAPITAL, CACS, Japanese American Citizens League - Sacramento, IOBY, OCA Sacramento, SAPCV, Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, Stop Asian Hate California, Jerry Chong, Sonney L. Chong Dentistry, Stop the Hate California, Clarence Chu, Alex and Joyce Eng, Julie Eng, Roger Fong, Joshua Kaizuka, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, and City of Elk Grove Councilmember Darren Suen.

Publicly accessible link to folder with additional past Right On! event images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I5QDwwmKzx_CURmpIYi3NEeAfYPEoRVv?us p=share_link

Additional images, and photo/video opportunities can be made available upon request. Emcees, producers, and presenters may be available for pre- and during-event interviews.

Tax ID#: 83-1083207 501(c)(3)

First Tee San Joaquin Announces Spring Tour

Contact: First Tee San Joaquin • Don Miller • (209) 915-8300

First Tee San Joaquin will begin its Spring Tour for boys and girls ages 5 – 17 on April 1st, 2023. Children will learn sportsmanship, respect and other core values while learning the fundamentals of golf. The six-week sessions will be held once a week and equipment will be provided. The cost is $70 for ages 5-11 (Beginner Class) and $80 for ages 12-17 and both include a logo golf cap.

April 1st at The Reserve Golf Course at 8:30 am – 9:15 am

5-6 Age Group

April 1st at The Reserve Golf Course at 8:30 am – 9:30 am and 9:45 am – 10:45 am

7-11 Age Group (Beginner)

April 1st at Swenson Park Golf Course at 10:00 am – 11:30 am, 10-11 Age Group (Intermediate), 12-13 Age Group and 14+ Age Group.

April 5th at Micke Grove Golf Course at 4:00 PM – 5 pm and 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm 7-11 Age Group

April 8th at Greenhorn Creek Golf Course at 9:00 am – 10:00 am • 7-11 Age Group. 10:15 am – 11:15 am • 12+ Age Group.

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