2024 The APA Living Today March/April Edition

4 BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Rewriting Your Story Page 4

Creating Your Legacy...Getting Your Story Told Page 6 & 7

The Importance Of Multi-Multi-Culture In Defining Who We Are Page 8 & 9

10

TRAILBLAZERS

Seiji Ozawa Page 10 & 11

12

ENTERTAINMENT

YIFI ZHANG

Page 12

CNEX STUDIO, PROFESSOR JEAN MAY TSIANG FOUNDATION & THE NEW YORK TIMES OP-DOCS PRESENT Page 14 & 15

16

IN THE COMMUNITY

Grand View Village: A New Beacon of Affordable Housing and Community Support in Downtown Stockton

Page 16 & 17

A Learning Revolution in the Heart of Stockton: Unbound Community School Opens Its Doors Page 18 & 19

20

NEWS & EVENTS

Residents begin occupying Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc.’s Grand View Village Downtown Stockton’s Affordable Housing Community

Page 20

22

February 2024 ALL RISE Mini-Grant Recipients Announced Page 21

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH/APRIL

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THE APA LIVING TODAY

PHONE

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Jim Chong

EMAIL

jtc.publicist@gmail.com

ONLINE

https://issuu.com/apalivingtoday

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Terri Torres DIRECTOR

Jim Chong

ART DIRECTOR

Layne Imada

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & SOURCES

Val Acoba

Mafae Yunon-Belasco

Nico Belasco

June Bond

Jessie Bowen

Leslie Edman

Elite Publications

Beverly Engkabo

Toby Gomez

Phillip Hon

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 2024

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S

Jim T. Chong

SPRING is a great time to reset, renew, or restart. There is a term “Spring Cleaning” that usually references clearing out the house of clutter or unwanted items. This term is symbolic of of our lives and how this is another time to reset ourselves.

We are already off to a great start in 2024 so this is a good time to consider what do we need to do to reach our milestones this year. Some questions are as follows:

1) Are we on course?

2) Is our trajectory correct for what we want to accomplish?

3) Do we need to reset to get a clean start in some aspects of what we are doing?

In this edition, we will be once again highlighting some of the things that are most important when it comes to the things that are important during these times. Whether it be entertainment, lifestyle, community, or culture being highlighted, we are truly building a library and documenting the things that are relevant at this specific moment in time.

We want to once again thank all our contributors, readers, and collaborators in the production and distribution of this publication. While we consider the past, current, and future editions of the content within these pages, we are trying to ultimately help educate and engage people on the things that do contribute to our future generation. The platform that we have here is simply a contribution to the whole picture of what is happening locally, nationally, and ultimately globally.

I hope you take time to read through the many articles and contributions to get a “snapshot of history” as it stands today. The things that happen today will help shape our future. While we understand that we cannot relate to everything that we read, it does help give us context, understanding, and education that can be invaluable in how we will shape our own lives.

Take time to evaluate where you want to go…now is a good time to continue to chart your course as well as reset and restart the direction we want to take until the end of the year.

– Jim T. Chong, The Wok Star and Legendmaker High Level Media PR, Branding and Publicity Principal of APA Living Today

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 Online:

https://issuu.com/apalivingtoday

Rewriting Your Story

By Dr. Jesse Bowen, Ph.D. Corporate Educator Duke Corporate Education

Jessie Bowen

No matter who you are, where you’re from, or your cultural background, we all have something to learn and incorporate into our lives every day. Some of these lessons are positive, while others may be negative. However, it is important to remember that you can shape your identity regardless of any cultural prejudices or judgments.

Shaping Your Own Story

Just as an author creates the narrative for a character in a book, you have the power to shape your own story. If something doesn’t align with how you want to be portrayed, or if you can rewrite your own story, don’t let stereotypes or misconceptions based on your race, religion, or place of origin define who you are.

Rewriting your story is about gaining a clear vision of your unique identity and who you aspire to be.

The Challenge of Limiting Beliefs I know this may sound simple, but it can be more challenging. Our limiting beliefs play a role in making it difficult.

Why Do Limiting Beliefs Exist? These May Be 5 Reasons Why

Reason 1: Born Out of Fear

Fear drives us to believe certain things and act in certain ways. This is especially true for people who have anxiety disorders. This is why it’s so important for you to be able to take fear by the reins. You have the power to control and overcome your fear — it’s simply a matter of digging deep and finding it, rather than staying confined to your comfort zone.

Reason 2: Imposter Syndrome

You may have heard of imposter syndrome before — perhaps you often feel like you “don’t know what you’re doing” at work, even if you’ve consistently done a great job. This psychological pattern tricks us into believing that our accomplishments are mere luck. We constantly fear being exposed as fraud, and this fear can manifest as limiting beliefs.

Reason 3: Past Experiences

Many of your limiting beliefs probably stem from something that happened when you were a kid or teenager. If a painful incident leaves a lasting mark, your brain may construct limiting beliefs as protective shields. Of course, this ultimately isn’t sustainable. Letting your past experiences hold you back will prevent you from experiencing personal growth.

Reason 4: You Have a Wall Up Overtime

You may have developed so many limiting beliefs that they act as a wall of sorts. This wall is meant to protect you from getting hurt again, but it’s preventing you from growing as a person. Consider a snail that refuses to leave his old shell for a bigger one. Eventually, this little snail would get uncomfortable.

Reason 5: Someone Ingrained These Beliefs Within You Again, this is something that usually happens at a young age. Your parents or teachers tell you something repeatedly, and it eventually solidifies as a “belief” in your mind. It’s important to remember that the things people may have said to you don’t matter.

You have the power to be and achieve anything that you desire in life. As you review this article, you may discover an unknown limiting belief that may be prohibiting you from being your best. You have the power to rewrite your story.

For more information on adding Jessie Bowen as your personal development coach, visit his website: https://www.coachjessiebowen.com/

Thinking about writing a book? Contact elite publications for a free author success coaching session, https://www.elitepublications.org/contact

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

Creating Your Legacy... Getting Your Story Told

By Jim T. Chong, Legend Maker

Jim T. Chong

The word Legacy is so key for anyone wanting to extend what they want to pass on to future generations. Creating events like the Golden Harvest Multi-Cultural Parade & Festival is an excellent way to accomplish this. Writing a book is also a very direct way to leave your imprint the way you want to tell it. With the different cultures and communities that want to preserve their heritage, traditions, and memories for future generations, a great way to start is with the present.

During these times, one of the best things that has emerged are the opportunities to be able to express yourself and be seen. Launched on August 1st, 2003, My Space was the first and arguably most significant platform that has opened the door for people to share anything they thought they would want to share to a global audience on a social network focused on technology, music, and pop culture. Since then, we have seen the emergence of social media that has incredibly increased our ability for “REACH”, “INFLUENCE”, and “MESSAGING”.

Imagine the possibilities of telling your story! Wait...you haven’t told your story? Have you thought of what your story would mean to the people that received it? I hope that if you have written your story you have been able to effectively get it out or if you haven’t started yet, you would consider doing so. My desire is to give you a foundation to start considering how you might approach things while you are writing or after completing your story / book.

Working with various individuals, companies and organizations in the area of PR, branding, and media, the one commonality is that any individual or entity with a message to convey has the need to have the proper brand, message, and platform to reach others.

The key to maximizing the impact of a message or the growth of any business is to have your objective clearly defined and a system or platform to reach as many as possible. Yes…to have a plan! Like anything else, to do things right and efficiently, you should have a system and understand the foundation and basics of what you want to accomplish and how you will achieve your goal. My hope in writing this is that you will be inspired to get your story told, write that book, and have a foundation and the resources to market it effectively.

If you want to effectively market any idea, story, or concept, understanding the basics of “REACH”, “INFLUENCE”, and “MESSAGING” are key, so I wanted to give you a simple roadmap and establish a definition for each of these. Simply put…

REACH is the size of the audience that will see what you put out there.

INFLUENCE is the ability to affect the behavior or character of your audience. MESSAGING is what you convey to those that you reach and how you convey it.

REACH

It is important to understand who you want to connect with and why. You should consider if your message pertains to a local, national, or global audience. You should also define who your real audience is (ie. your target audience). Each of these have a different approach and messaging. You should be able to clearly answer these questions:

1) Who do you want to reach?

2) Why do you want to reach them?

3) How many people are you trying to reach?

INFLUENCE

Social media as a whole is one of the most interesting platforms that has materialized and evolved in the past decade. While there are incredible benefits to what social media provides, there are some issues that many are confused over when it comes to this topic of influence. People have confused reach with influence. People can be misled to think they have “INFLUENCE” while what they really have is “REACH”. What do I mean? For instance, if I have 5K “Likes” on Facebook and I want them to read an article or purchase a product/ service, I can theoretically “REACH” 5K by simply posting a request to read an article for instance. Let’s say 5 people actually read the article and comment on the post…well, the 5 people reflect the true influence I have. The concern is that while you are getting a message out there, you should define what “INFLUENCE” do you really want to have. Over time, defining your influence is key to really getting anything accomplished. If you want to sell 100 books for instance, the 100 books being sold is an important measurement of your “INFLUENCE”. Influence will ultimately determine what your effectiveness, or in the case of a business, profitability will be.

MESSAGING

This is the core and arguably the one element that you should spend the most time on in the beginning. Now what exactly is “MESSAGING”?

In the literal sense, when we refer to messaging, many would think about text messaging as that is most likely the most dominant platform to date. For our purposes, I want to define messaging as the following:

MESSAGING = WHAT IS CONVEYED + BRANDING + HOW YOU CONVEY IT.

Consider the following:

1) What do you want to convey (thoughts, information, call to action)?

2) What will be your brand (identification triggers, logo, etc)?

3) What platforms should you use (ie. Books, Social Media, Website, etc)?

On this topic, I would have you consider the following…make your messaging a call to action. What do I mean? For instance, there is a difference between informing and having people “consider” versus actually “taking action”. Having people get a message on “Think about their health” is much different than the message of “Contact me to talk about your health”. If you are working on having true impact and also growing your business, I can guarantee the latter is more effective. So consider your message to be a call to action, not just a thought to have.

For More Information, Contact:

I trust that the information above and also questions will prompt you to see a systematic way to get the marketing of your story out there. While tempted to just supply some simple directives to implement, I felt that I wanted to provide the platform for you to consider the possibilities in not just telling your story… but how it can be marketed effectively.

Now why is the information above important to you? My hope is that you are able to feel empowered to tell your story and understand that it is really possible to have your story proliferated to deliver your message.

That being said, one thing is clear if anything has become apparent in my life… you can save much time with a team.

While we have the abilities to connect on all types of social media, believe it or not, it all starts with writing. Social media can magnify your message to your reach, but the starting point is still writing and the most tangible outcome is still…a BOOK (be it electronic or printed).

We are your team to work with whether it be in helping you finish a book or just start writing. I would love to hear your thoughts on this write up or know how I can assist you. Here is to you understanding the impact of your story, telling it, and creating your legacy. Contact me with any thoughts, questions, or how I can be of service to you.

We hope you connect with us so that Elite Publications can be a significant part of your team on getting your book created and your story told.

What will YOUR STORY be?

Are you interested in helping us share about your culture or community? We want to hear from you. Contact Jim at (916)747-9366 or jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com

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 T. Chong (the Wok Star and Legend Maker) is an innovative business and community leader focused on helping people tell their story and creating their legacy. For more information about Jim, visit JimTChong.com

2023 Golden Harvest Festival Appreciation Event

2023 Golden Harvest Festival Appreciation Event

The Importance Of Multi-Multi-Culture In Defining Who We Are

By Jim T. Chong the Wok Star

In today’s world, we have many things that vie for our attention. As we “grow” and mature globally, we see ourselves learning new things that help us understand how we can expand and extend our reach, influence, and connection. Whether for business, a cause, or for personal reasons we learn alot about what the possibilities are for the future and specifically for the generations to come.

“Whatever you want to accomplish in life or strive to do, one of the mottos that I live by philosophically is to “NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU COME FROM AND LIVE YOUR LIFE TO CREATE THE LEGACY YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED BY”.

There is a certain sphere of occurrences, connections, and life scenarios that defines you today. As I grow older, I’m learning all the more about how important time is. We, by definition, have a finite amount of time in the world. “How will we use that time?”

A very simple thing we can look at that can answer a lot of questions while enriching our lives is exploring the culture that we come from. When we talk about “MultiCulture” (or Multicultural concept), what comes to mind? For most people, it would be “Ethnicity”. In general, we do have pre-defined definitions of what for us is true about any topic that comes up that we’re familiar with. When people talk about a “multicultural” event, it has always been about ethnicity and cultures.

I am looking forward to rolling out the concept of the “Multi-Multi-Cuture” that will be all about expanding the reach on this topic. What does a “Multi-Multi-Culture” event look like.

There are two aspects:

1) Sub-Cultures within Cultures

2) Cultures outside of the Ethnic realm

When we deal with the Multicultural arena there are usually sub-cultures within every culture. The key is to determine the entry point and drill down from there. For instance, we can say that this is a basic construct and hierarchy of what the Asian Community might look like this:

Asian Hispanic Chinese Mexican Japanese Nicaraguan Hmong Ecuadorian …etc. …etc.

But even under the category of Chinese, we can say there is another level that can include Taiwanese, Mandarin, Wu, Min, etc. It becomes very interesting to explore not just the ethnic cultures, but the sub and sub-sub cultures as well.

Now dealing with the second item concerning “Culture” outside of the ethnic realm, we can talk about fashion, entertainment, business, etc. The list can go on and on building also on the definitions and structure to include sub and sub-sub cultures.

I hope that this helps you expand your definition and an even greater understanding of the different cultures and communities that exist at many levels and categories. Another interesting topic we will discuss in a future article is how the different cultures are inter-related as well as intra-related.

“Who are we?” I believe that who we are today is a culmination of the various cultures that we have adopted and are a part of.

Here is to help us understand further that the principals, ethics, traditions, and beliefs today will be the foundation for what lies ahead for the future.

Questions or Comments?

Please contact Jim at (916)747-9366 or jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com

CC Yin and Wei Zhang honoring Michael Harris for MVP Golden Harvest Parade & Festival

From Golden Harvest Parade Appreciation Event

JAPANESE

SAN

Diamond ($5000)

• Speaker opportunity to address event guests

• Full page black & white ad in our Program Book (cover ad)

• Website link from CVACC website

• Company profile in the e-Ricepaper

• Corporate membership to the CVACC

• Table for 20 dinner guests at the event

Jade ($2500)

• Full page black & white ad in our Program Book

• Website link from CVACC website

• Corporate membership to the CVACC

• Table for 10 dinner guests at the event

Ruby ($2000)

• Half page black & white ad in our Program Book

• Website link from CVACC website

• Corporate membership to the CVACC

• Table for 10 dinner guests at the event

Pearl ($1000)

• Half page black & white ad in our Program Book

• Table of 10 dinner guests at the event

Sapphire ($750)

• Quarter page black & white ad in our Program Book

• Table of 10 dinner guests at s the event

*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 & white ad (5.5”w x 8.5”h)

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

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

Ads need to be print ready. Send PDF ad by March 5th to: lesedman@sbcglobal.net

Comedians at Trax in Roseville Lead by Bassil Kamas

Sunshine and the Wok Star

Wok Star with Community and Business Leaders Maria Kettle, Santos Duran, Kari Hagensmith

Seiji Ozawa

Acclaimed Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa, who led the Boston Symphony Orchestra, dies at age 88

By Mari Yamaguchi and Ken Moritsugu

Updated 2:31 PM PST, February 9, 2024

In 2022, he conducted his Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival for the first time in three years to mark its 30th anniversary. That turned out to be his last public performance.

That year, Ozawa also conducted the Saito Kinen Orchestra to deliver Beethoven’s “Egmont” Overture live to Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata at the International Space Station. The event was co-organized with the Japan Aerospace and Exploration Agency, just as the world was divided by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Music can link the hearts of people — transcending words, borders, religion, and politics. It is my hope that through music, we can be reminded that we are all of the same human race living on the same planet. And that we are united,” Ozawa said in a statement.

Ozawa exerted enormous influence over the BSO during his tenure. He appointed 74 of its 104 musicians and his celebrity attracted famous performers including Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman. He also helped the symphony become the biggestbudget orchestra in the world, with an endowment that grew from less than $10 million in the early 1970s to more than $200 million in 2002.

TOKYO (AP) – Seiji Ozawa, the Japanese conductor who amazed audiences with the lithe physicality of his performances during three decades at the helm of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, has died (February 6, 2024), his management office said Friday. He was 88.

The internationally acclaimed maestro, with his trademark mop of salt-and-pepper hair, led the BSO from 1973 to 2002, longer than any other conductor in the orchestra’s history. From 2002 to 2010, he was the music director of the Vienna State Opera.

He died of heart failure Tuesday at his home in Tokyo, according to his office, Veroza Japan.

He remained active in his later years, particularly in his native land. He was the artistic director and founder of the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival, a music and opera festival in Japan. He and the Saito Kinen Orchestra, which he co-founded in 1984, won the Grammy for best opera recording in 2016 for Ravel’s “L’Enfant et Les Sortileges (The Child and the Spells.)”

When Ozawa conducted the Boston orchestra in 2006 — four years after he had left — he received a hero’s welcome with a nearly six-minute ovation. Ozawa was born Sept. 1, 1935, to Japanese parents in Manchuria, China, while it was under Japanese occupation.

After his family returned to Japan in 1944, he studied music under Hideo Saito, a cellist and conductor credited with popularizing Western music in Japan. Ozawa revered him and formed the Saito Kinen (Saito Memorial) Orchestra in 1984 and eight years later founded the Saito Kinen Festival — renamed the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival in 2015.

Ozawa first arrived in the United States in 1960 and was quickly hailed by critics as a brilliant young talent. He attended the Tanglewood Music Center and was noticed by Leonard Bernstein, who appointed him assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic for the 1961-62 season. After his New York debut with the Philharmonic at age 25, The New York Times said “the music came brilliantly alive under his direction.”

He directed various ensembles including the San Francisco Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra before beginning his tenure in Boston in 1970.

Seiji Ozawa, 1963

At the time there were few nonwhite musicians on the international scene. Ozawa embraced the challenge and it became his lifelong passion to help Japanese performers demonstrate they could be first-class musicians. In his 1967 book “The Great Conductors,” critic Harold C. Schonberg noted the changing ranks of younger conductors, writing that Ozawa and Indian-born Zubin Mehta were the first Asian conductors “to impress one as altogether major talents.”

Ozawa had considerable star quality and crossover appeal in Boston, where he was a well-known fan of the Red Sox and Patriots sports teams. In 2002, Catherine Peterson, executive director of Arts Boston, a nonprofit group that markets Boston’s arts, told The Associated Press that “for most people in this community, Seiji personifies the Boston Symphony.”

Ozawa is largely credited with elevating the Tanglewood Music Center, a music academy in Lenox, Massachusetts, to international prominence. In 1994, a 1,200-seat, $12 million music hall at the center was named for him.

His work at Tanglewood was not without controversy. In 1996, as music director of the orchestra and its ultimate authority, he decided to move the respected academy in new directions. Ozawa ousted Leon Fleisher, the longtime director of Tanglewood, and several prominent teachers quit in protest.

Despite glowing reviews for his performances in Europe and Japan, American critics were increasingly disappointed in the later years of his tenure with the BSO. In 2002, Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times wrote that Ozawa had become, after a bold start, “an embodiment of the entrenched music director who has lost touch.”

Many of the orchestra’s musicians agreed and even circulated an anti-Ozawa newsletter claiming he had worn out his welcome in Boston. But the city, marking his 85th birthday in 2020, announced it designated Sept. 1 as Seiji Ozawa Day.

Ozawa won two Emmy awards for TV work with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the first in 1976 for the BSO’s PBS series “Evening at Symphony” and the second

in 1994, for Individual Achievement in Cultural Programming, for “Dvorak in Prague: A Celebration.”

Ozawa held honorary doctorates of music from the University of Massachusetts, the New England Conservatory of Music, and Wheaton College in Norton, Mass. He was one of five honorees at the annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2015 for contributing to American culture through the arts.

In later years, Ozawa’s health deteriorated. He canceled some appearances in 2015-16 for health reasons, including what would have been his first return to the Tanglewood music festival — the summer home of the Boston symphony — in a decade.

Messages of condolence poured in from around the world, including orchestras in Vienna and Berlin, musicians and residents of Matsumoto.

“The Boston Symphony Orchestra remembers Maestro Ozawa not only as a legendary conductor, but also as a passionate mentor for future generations of musicians, generously offering his time to education and master classes,” the symphony said in a statement.

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Chairman Daniel Froschauer said in his comment posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Ozawa “has left a great artistic legacy with the Vienna Philharmonic. We will sorely miss Seiji Ozawa as a friend and musical partner. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Japanese maestro Yutaka Sado, who studied under Ozawa and Leonard Bernstein and now serves the music director at the Tokyo-based New Japan Philharmonic, which Ozawa founded, told NHK public television that Ozawa was the one who inspired him to be a conductor. “I’ve kept following his back, but I could never catch up with him no matter how hard I tried.”

Ozawa’s management office said his funeral was attended only by close relatives as his family wished to have a quiet farewell.

Star Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa has died at his home in Tokyo aged 88, his management announced © STR / JIJI PRESS/AFP/File

Music Director Laureate, Boston Symphony Orchestra

Seiji Ozawa holds a bouquet of flowers after his last concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in April 2002. | KYODO

YIFY ZHANG

Singer-Songwriter YIFY Zhang

Ventures Into Pop Realm With New Single “This is the Year”

By Tanya Parmelee @growgreenhair

2024 marks a significant milestone in the musical journey of YIFY (ee-fee) Zhang, the acclaimed cinematicelectronic singer-songwriter and sound healer. With the release of her latest track, “This is the Year”, YIFY invites listeners on a transformative journey, blending anthemic pop vibes with her signature cinematic electronica style.

Hailing from the vibrant metropolis of Beijing, YIFY’s musical evolution began at the tender age of 5 when she first picked up the violin. Despite a spinal injury redirecting her path away from performance, YIFY discovered a profound passion for composition and songwriting. Her sonic explorations seamlessly weave together electronic film composition, singer-songwriter storytelling, and the healing frequencies of sound.

Vents Magazine aptly describes YIFY’s sound as a “raw and lush soundscape” that transcends traditional genres. As a singer-songwriter and sound healer, she has carved a niche, captivating audiences with emotionally charged performances that connect the realms of the heart and spirit.

“This is the Year” represents a departure for YIFY, embracing a more pop anthemic style while retaining the atmospheric, cinematic, and uplifting qualities that define her work. The track was born during a period of selfdiscovery for YIFY, as she committed to honoring her needs and voice, setting aside the pressure to please others.

YIFY’s intention with “This is the Year” is clear — to create an anthem for individuals ready to declare and manifest their dreams. The song encourages listeners to embody their authentic selves, mustering the courage to pursue their aspirations. The track’s uplifting, cathartic nature is a call to action, inspiring all to live in alignment with their deepest desires.

As YIFY puts it, “Dreams are meant to be realized, and the process begins with a simple declaration that you will try.”

“This is the Year” is an invitation to step into one’s power, embrace personal authenticity, and embark on the journey of self-realization. YIFY’s unique blend of genres and heartfelt storytelling ensures that this anthem will resonate with a diverse audience.

For press inquiries, please reach out to laury.verdoux@decentmusicpr.com

Stay tuned for Tanya’s interviews from up and coming global Asian artists.

This Is The Year - YiFy Zhang

Tanya Parmelee

YiFy Zhang

YiFy Zhang

Directed, Written, and Edited by S. Leo Chiang

Produced by Jean Tsien, Yorke Wu, Yulan Chang

Executive Produced by Ben Tsiang, Ruby Chen, Chao-wei Chang a CNEX Studio production of a New York Times Op-Doc

CNEX Studio, Professor Jean May Tsiang Foundation & The New York Times Op-Docs Present

By Tanya Parmelee @growgreenhair

A personal, poetic look at the uneasy peace on the frontline between Taiwan and China.

Synopsis: The rural Taiwanese outer islands of Kinmen sit merely 2 miles off the coast of China. Kinmen attracts tourists for its remains from the 1949 Chinese Civil War. It also marks the frontline for Taiwan in its escalating tension with China. Filmmaker S. Leo Chiang weaves lyrical vignettes of tourist visits and local life with his own narrative as someone negotiating ambivalent personal bonds to Taiwan, China, and the US, ISLAND IN BETWEEN explores the uneasy peace in these islands, and contemplates Taiwan’s uncertain future.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

I was born in Taiwan, grew up in the U.S., and worked extensively in China. It is a mix that has given me a front-row seat to the decades-long complex dance between these nations. In the past few years, especially after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, the world is paying more and more attention to the escalating conflict between the US and China. As the rest of the world learns more about my homeland, Taiwanese perspectives are often presented as supplementary to the Chinese and American narratives, drowned out by the global power plays around us. Few people outside or East and Southeast Asia, have much understanding of what life is actually like for the Taiwanese people caught in between these two superpowers. I made this film hoping to contribute to a deeper understanding of the Taiwan Strait Crisis through the eyes of the people who live in it, including myself. I want to share insights in this volatile geopolitical situation through a very human perspective. Especially now, with the world struggling to make sense of the horrors of wars between Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Hamas, I hope that my film can play a small part in advocating for peace.

Behind-the-scene photo of cameraperson Yen-Lin CHEN shooting the Beishan Broadcasting Wall at night in Kinmen, Taiwan.

Photo courtesy of Island in Between

ENTERTAINMENT

THE FILMMAKERS

Director | S. Leo Chiang

S. Leo Chiang is a filmmaker based in Taipei & San Francisco. His film, Emmy & Gotham-nominated OUR TIME MACHINE, has played at over 75 film festivals worldwide, winning 10 awards. He directed two episodes of the Peabody-winning PBS series, ASIAN AMERICANS. His previous films include the Emmy Award-nominated A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES, OUT RUN, MR. CAO GOES TO WASHINGTON, and TO YOU SWEETHEART, ALOHA. Leo has been a Sundance-Time Warner Fellow, a Rockwood JustFilms Fellow, and a Co-Chair of New Day Films. He has served as a mentor/trainer for the Hot Docs CrossCurrent & Blue Ice Fellowships, the CNEX Chinese Documentary Forum, and the CAAM Fellowship. He is the Co-Director of A-Doc, the Asian American Documentary Network, and a documentary branch member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Producer | Jean Tsien

Jean Tsien is a documentary editor, producer, and consultant. She received two Peabody Awards in 2021–for executive producing the PBS series ASIAN AMERICANS, and for producing 76 DAYS, winner of a 2021 Primetime Emmy. She produced FREE CHOL SOO LEE, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Tsien is a recipient of the 2018 Art of Editing Mentorship Award presented by Sundance Institute, a Lifetime Achievement Award at DOC NYC’s 2020 Visionaries Tribute, and the 2021 IDA Pioneer Award. She is currently a Governor in the documentary branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Producer | Yorke Wu

Yorke Wu was born and raised in Kinmen, and later worked in the technology industry in Hsinchu for seven years. After gaining valuable experience, he returned to his hometown. He previously served as a legislative assistant, using new media to address civic issues. Currently, he is the owner of a guesthouse, and his objective is to connect Kinmen with the entire world.

Producer | Yulan Chang

Yulan Chang, currently serving as Director of CNEX Chinese Doc Forum (CCDF), is a passionate advocate for documentary filmmaking. She oversees CCDF, a leading platform for documentary professionals in the Chinesespeaking world. Prior to this, Yulan held the role of Producer of Production and Development at National Geographic Channels, where she oversaw original productions for the Asian territories. She is deeply committed to supporting emerging talent and advancing the art of documentary filmmaking.

PUBLICITY CONTACTS

David Magdael - dmagdael@tcdm-associates.com

Adam Segal - adam@the2050group.com

Claudia Tomassini - claudia@claudiatomassini.com

Karen Larsen: karen@larsenassc.com

Corey Tong - coreytong@gmail.com

S. Leo Chiang

Jean Tsien

An Abandoned tank stuck in the sand on Oucuo Beach in Kinmen, Taiwan. Photo courtesy of Island in Between

Behind-the-scene photo of director S. Leo CHIANG manning the camera on the beach in Little Kinmen Island, Taiwan.

Photo courtesy of Yorke Wu

Island in Between producer Yorke WU in a deserted theater in Kinmen, Taiwan. Photo courtesy of Island in Between

Director S. Leo Chiang’s father, Ying-Lung Chiang, served in Kinmen in 1968. Photo courtesy of Ying-Lung Chang

Grand View Village: A New Beacon of Affordable Housing and Community Support in Downtown Stockton

Contact: press@visionaryhomebuilders.org

Stockton, CA — February 7th, 2024 — Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (VHB) bursts with pride as we announce the dazzling grand opening of our revolutionary affordable housing haven, Grand View Village Apartments (GVV), nestled snugly in the pulsating heart of Downtown Stockton. With 75 units, Grand View Village stands tall as an untiring testament to our continuous commitment to furnishing toptier housing and comprehensive support to the hardworking families in our beloved community.

At GVV, residents will discover far more than just a mere dwelling; they will encounter a vivacious and nurturing community, tailored to meet their every need. Beyond providing affordable housing, Grand View Village serves as a veritable cornucopia of resident services designed to inspire wellness, empowerment, and boundless opportunity. Josyln, a GVV resident shares, “This housing opportunity has been such a blessing, a few reasons is that it’s giving me the ability to save money on gas since I’ll be walking distance to work and a short drive to my son’s school. It’s also giving me the opportunity to enjoy a lot of the local restaurants and businesses since now they will be a short walk from my community. Another is having close access to the downtown movie theater and The Waterfront, we are really excited about the events happening this year. I’m also looking forward to the new grocery store that will be at our convenience soon. Everyone at Visionary has been so amazing and helpful, and it has been such a great process.”

Central to the fabric of Grand View Village is the gift of accessible transportation, provided through complimentary bus passes for all residents. This transformative initiative ensures that our cherished working families can effortlessly navigate the bustling cityscape, commute to work with ease, and access vital services, thus enriching their lives immeasurably.

GVV’s commitment to its residents transcends mere bricks and mortar. We proudly offer a wealth of educational resources for both the young and

Grandview Village

the young-at-heart. Within our vibrant community, a fully stocked grocery store will soon open solving the food desert issue in the region, while simultaneously championing healthy dietary choices. Within our walls is a Head Start program, ready to prepare our little ones for a lifetime of academic triumphs, focusing intently on early literacy and cognitive development.

Grand View Village is ecstatic to unveil the inclusion of a Montessori school, specially catering to the educational needs of our 1st and 2nd graders. This nurturing institution provides a warm and inviting environment where our

children can blossom academically, socially, and emotionally, setting the stage for a future brimming with boundless success and fulfillment.

“We are absolutely overjoyed to unveil Grand View Village as an emblem of hope and boundless opportunity right here in the heart of Downtown Stockton,” exclaimed the exuberant Carol J. Ornelas, President/CEO of Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. “Our mission transcends the provision of affordable housing; we are steadfastly committed to cultivating a vibrant community where each resident is equipped with the support and resources they need to thrive. From transformative transportation assistance to enriching educational opportunities, Grand View Village stands as a beacon of empowerment, lighting the path to a brighter future for all.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Stockton, San Joaquin County, and the State of California for their continuous support and invaluable contributions in bringing the vision of Grand View Village to life in the heart of Downtown Stockton. Their dedication to the wellbeing and prosperity of our community has been instrumental in realizing this transformative project. We would also like extend our sincere appreciation to JP Morgan Chase and Redstone for their partnership and commitment to investing in affordable housing and community development initiatives. Their collaboration and financial support have been instrumental in turning our vision into a reality, enriching the downtown Stockton area and creating a brighter future for all residents.

For those seeking more information about the wonders of Grand View Village and the plethora of services it offers, please visit our website at www.visionaryhomebuilders.org and prepare to be inspired!

RESULT DRIVEN CREATIVE MARKETING & DESIGN ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL

We are on a mission to get your message, your brand, and your business out in front of your ideal customers.

With so many opportunities today to create and entrust your brand to advertisers and marketers, we stand out as a unique resource that combines inspired creative marketing with solid, measurable tactics to get new business knocking at your door (virtual and otherwise).

A Learning Revolution in the Heart of Stockton: Unbound Community School Opens Its Doors

By Phillip Hon, Executive Director of Unbound Stockton Community School, Central Valley Asian American Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional of the Year

Imagine a brand new, tuition-free school in downtown Stockton where learning doesn’t just happen within 4 classroom walls, but it spills into community gardens, museums, and local businesses. Picture all students, empowered by their voices, tackling real-world problems alongside professional mentors. This isn’t adream; it’s the real school experience shaping Unbound Stockton Community School serving fourth through eighth grade students, a groundbreaking public charter school now enrolling grades 4th through 7th grade students to open its doors for the 2024-2025 school year.

Unbound is more than just another school; it’s a catalyst for change. Founded on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of zip code or background, Unbound breaks the mold of traditional schooling. By intentionally serving all students across San Joaquin County, Unbound prepares students with 21st century skills to work with and lead teams across lines of difference. We cultivate a sense of belonging and community while providing a rigorous academic experience that seamlessly prepares them for higher grades, and real-world expectations. Here’s what sets Unbound apart:

BEYOND TEXTBOOKS: LEARNING BY DOING

Forget rows of desks and rote memorization. Unbound’s innovative projectbased approach immerses students in real-world issues. Imagine collaborating with a local artist to beautify a public park, working with scientists at the Delta Sculling Center to understand water conservation, or partnering with artisans at HATCH Workshop to explore craftsmanship. Through these handson experiences, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, while making a tangible impact on their community.

COMMUNITY AS CLASSROOM

Gone are the days of insular learning environments. Unbound embraces the richness of Stockton, transforming the city itself into a vibrant classroom. Every Friday, students step outside the classroom walls, engaging themselves in projects with community partners like the Haggin Museum, where they explore history and art through interactive exhibits, or the Edible Schoolyard Project, where they learn the joys of sustainable agriculture and healthy eating. This immersive approach fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility, while equipping students with the field experience and knowledge to become future community leaders.

EMPOWERING VOICES, UNLEASHING POTENTIAL

At Unbound, students aren’t passive learners; they’re active agents of change. We believe in nurturing each student’s unique voice and agency. Through personalized learning plans, student-led projects, and opportunities for leadership development, we empower them to discover their passions, advocate for themselves and others, and confidently navigate their futures. Every hour at Unbound is intentionally designed to maximize learning. For example, all students learn about goal setting and every four weeks work collaboratively to develop their own action plans and reflections to meet their personal and academic goals.

Phillip Hon

Unbound Cinco de Mayo 2023

BUILDING BRIDGES ONE BOUNDARY AT A TIME

Stockton’s history of redlining has created stark educational disparities. Unbound directly addresses this by intentionally cultivating a student body that reflects San Joaquin County’s multicultural community. By bringing together students from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, we foster not just academic growth, but the essential 21st-century skill of navigating diverse environments with empathy and understanding. We believe that education serves as the cornerstone for dismantling systemic barriers and creating a more equitable future for all. We recognize the strength and importance of cultural inclusion, which is why our application process is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Chinese. This commitment ensures every parent feels seen and heard, and every student feels welcome and represented within our learning community.

Unbound is more than just a school; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for Stockton. We’re building a generation of changemakers, equipped with the academic skills, real-world experience, and unwavering belief in themselves to transform their community and the world. Together, let’s break boundaries and unlock the boundless potential within every child. Be a part of the Unbound movement. Enroll today for the 2024-2025 school year and witness your child blossom in a learning environment unlike any other: https://www.unboundstockton.org.

About Phillip Hon

Phillip Hon is a career educator and school administrator who grew up and graduated from Stockton schools. As the lead founder and School Director, Phillip and their team of experienced local leaders, educators, and students have created a community school specifically designed for our community. Phillip is a former school administrator, director, and instructional coach holding educational degrees from Stanford University, Columbia University, and University of the Pacific.

Phillip Hon with students

Unbound Makers Made 2022

Unbound Community Roots 2023

Contact: Contact: press@visionaryhomebuilders.org

Residents begin occupying Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc.’s

Downtown Stockton’s Affordable Housing Community GRAND VIEW VILLAGE

[STOCKTON, CA – JANUARY 31, 2024], Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (VHB), Stockton’s non-profit housing specialist, is opening its doors to Grand View Village, today and tomorrow, as residents begin moving in! Grand View Village is VHB’s newest affordable housing community located at Miner and San Joaquin Streets in downtown Stockton, California.

Grand View Village

240 E. Miner Avenue in Stockton, CA

For information visit: www.visionaryhomebuilders.org or call 209-466-6811.

Grand View Village (GVV) provides 75 affordable housing units for households earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). This property features green sustainable design elements including mounted solar, energy efficient appliances, and high efficiency exterior and interior lighting. Additionally, it includes more than 10,000 square feet of commercial and community space for a future grocery store, as well as an on-site Head Start Program and community center. Finally, GVV will be offering public transportation vouchers to residents from RTD.

GVV is a transit-oriented development, focusing on connecting the residents and surrounding community with employment providers, schools, the Downtown Regional Transit Center, and the Robert J. Cabral Train Station through enhanced transit services, new bicycle paths, and sidewalk improvements.

“Many of our new residents are working in the downtown area, such as Bank of Stockton, SUSD and SJ County. Grand View Village is a beacon – a shining light – that reflects our commitment as a non-profit affordable housing organization - bringing quality, affordable housing to Stockton that will meet the needs of our community. We are proud that it is in the heart of downtown and know that it will serve housing needs for so many people, including residents who work in the area.” states Carol J. Ornelas, CEO of VHB. “As we begin welcoming - we are proud to be building communities that provide

ABOUT VISIONARY HOME BUILDERS

a wide variety of services. Grand View Village offers quality units, beautiful landscapes and services that give tenants the opportunity to enjoy their living space.”

This new residential community serves as the catalyst for other downtown Stockton redevelopment efforts by effectively linking new affordable housing and transportation improvements to neighborhood sports (Stockton Ballpark and Arena), recreation and entertainment (movie theatre, dining, and shops). For further information about Grand View Village and Visionary Home Builders, Inc, visit their website, www.visionaryhomebuilders.org.

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 built and rehabilitated more than 1,400 units of rental housing and more than 900 residential homes for first time homebuyers within San Joaquin, Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Merced counties. VHB has brought more than $700 million dollars in grants and private dollars to develop affordable housing in the valley. In addition, VHB is a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency. For further information, contact Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. at (209) 466-6811 or visit www.visionaryhomebuilders.org.

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

Thursday, February 20, 2024

Contact: Carrie Sass

209-612-5478 • carrie_sass@sasspr.com

February 2024 ALL RISE Mini-Grant

[Linden, CA, February 20, 2024] Aaron Judge, New York Yankee and former Fresno State Bulldog, and founder of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation is proud to announce the February 2024 ALL RISE Mini-Grant recipients, each receiving $2,500. These organizations connect with the ALL RISE mission to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens and reach unlimited possibilities.

Camp Caterpillar, Hospice of San Joaquin, San Joaquin County, California is a grief program specifically designed to provide mental health services for children who have experienced the loss of someone in their life. Held twice a year in San Joaquin County, Camp Caterpillar is free for all attendees. By participating, children can learn to enjoy their lives instead of struggling with grief as they would have without this program. The camp’s name serves as a reminder that even amidst grief, there is potential for growth and transformation, much like a caterpillar’s journey toward becoming a butterfly. The ALL RISE Mini-Grant will provide more children the opportunity to attend the camp and experience the many social-emotional activities planned.

Bronx House, Bronx County, New York is the first and longest-running community center in the Bronx, established in 1911. The ALL RISE MiniGrant will support the Bronx House Vacation Camp, which provides families with a safe and fun place for their children during the Spring Recess. Vacation Camp alternates between recreational and social-emotional learning opportunities with trips to cultural institutions (i.e. Metropolitan Museum of Art) and fun activities. Children will enjoy the pool and gym and playing games that promote teamwork and respect while engaging in healthy physical activity. They will also participate in a one-day community service project and explore New York City.

ABOUT ALL RISE

Improvaneer Summer Camp, Down Syndrome Association of Central California, Fresno County, California provides programs that support, educate, and social opportunities for the whole family, individuals with Down syndrome, and the community that serves & supports them. Funds from the ALL RISE MiniGrant will be used to host two sessions of Improvaneer Summer Camp for Fresno/Clovis area youth who have a developmental disability. The Improvaneer Method is a national program created for individuals with developmental disabilities to build social and functional skills through improv games. Skills include voice projection; eye contact; quick thinking; creative thinking; listening; teamwork; problem solving; adaption to change; focus; attention to detail; and character development.

“Each of these recipients provide programs that align with the ALL RISE mission – addressing leadership and citizenship development, health and wellbeing, and community involvement for youth,” said Aaron Judge. “I am proud to support them as they improve the lives of our youth by engaging with them during important stages of their lives. Continued education, support programs and outdoor activities will have lifelong, memorable benefits for the children served by each of these organizations.”

All funds donated for the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Mini-Grant Program go directly to children and youth programs in San Joaquin County, California; Fresno County, California; and Bronx County, New York, that support ongoing citizenship and education development.

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. P.O.Box 992, Linden, California 95236 (209) 448-0993. Tax ID#: 83-1083207 501(c)(3).

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

6 AAPI Labor Speaker

Sponsor: EPIC Center – SJDC

Open to the public • 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Dericco 275 • San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockon

9 43rd Annual Chinese New Year Celebration – Year of the Dragon

First Baptist Community Center • 33 W. Alpine, Stockton

Open to the public • 10 am - 5:00 pm

10 Stockton Kings AAPI Heritage Night – Wolves vs Kings (Kommunity Hub Fundraiser) 2:00 pm

Adventist Health Arena, 248 W. Fremont Street, Stockton

Tickets:

https://stockton.spinzo.com/wolves-vs-kings-2024-03-10-NRCVR?group=kommunity-hub-2sfe

17 LDT Breakfast/Lunch Pick-Up Fundraiser

Details pending

LDT Grand Lodge, 4520 Quashnick Rd, Stockton Ca

20 Hmong – Uplift the Human Spirit Workshop

Sponsor: EPIC Center, SJDC

Open to the public

Dericco 275 • San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton

22 AAPI Youth Conference

Sponsor: EPIC Center, SJDC • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Details pending

Consumnes River College

28 Central Valley Asian Chamber of Commerce 2024 Community Recognition Awards Dinner China Palace Restaurant, 5052 West Lane, Stockton, CA

Info/tickets – contact Leslie Edman at lesedman@sbcglobal.net

28 Screening of “Delano Manongs” and Panel Discussion

Sponsored by UOP. Details pending

5:30 - 6:30 pm • University of the Pacific, Center for Identity and Inclusion Lounge • 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton

APRIL

5 UOP Asian Pacific Islander & Desi Heritage Month Kickoff Activities and Info Tables. (Details pending)

12:00 – 1:00 pm

University of the Pacific Center for Identity and Inclusion Lounge 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA

7 KHub & Bobalicious Fundraiser Pop-Up Event Vendors, music, etc.

11:00 am – 5:00 pm • Details pending

Hammer Ranch Center, 7562 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA

12-16 Cambodian New Year

Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple -Wat Dhammararam, 3732 Carpenter Road, Stockton, CA 95215. • Open to the public

13 AAPI Night Market

Sponsor: EPIC Center – SJDC

Open to the public • 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Dolores Huerta Plaza • San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton

14 Stockton Sikh Temple Parade

For details: 209.954.2881 | stocktongurdwarasahib.org

18 EPIC Info Session

Sponsor: EPIC – SJDC

Open to the public • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Dericco 275 • San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton

26 EPIC Info Session

Sponsor: EPIC - SJDC

Dericco 275 • San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton

issuu.com

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

Next Issue: MAY/JUNE 2024