East Sacramento News

November 18, 2021 | www.valcomnews.com

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Local ballet company to resume

Faces and Places: El Panteón de Sacramento Photos by Stephen Crowley

El Panteón de Sacramento, the Greater Sacramento region’s biggest and most exciting Día de los Muertos celebration, returned this year in person from Oct. 28-31.

The centuries-old tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) was recognized this year on the grounds of the Latino Center of Art and Culture, featuring the recreation of a candlelit Mexican cemetery and cha-

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pel accompanied by live performances from The Lico Music Academy, a 24-piece music group from Los Angeles. This year, El Panteón featured three stages offering traditional Mexican music and dancing. This community event is open to the public free of cost to encourage families to learn, live and experience the inherited tradition.

The Latino Center of Art & Culture is located at 2700 Front St.

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East Sacramento News W W W. VA L C O M N E W S . C O M

E-mail stories & photos to: editor@valcomnews.com Editorial questions: (916) 267-8992 East Sacramento News is published on the first and third Thursday of the month in the area bounded by Business 80 on the west, the American River on the north and east and Highway 50 on the south.

Publisher ..................................................................David Herburger

Vol. XXX • No. 22 1109 Markham Way Sacramento, CA 95818 t: (916) 429-9901 f: (916) 429-9906

Editor .............................................................................. Monica Stark Art Director ..................................................................... Annin Piper Advertising Director .................................................. Jim O’Donnell Advertising Executives: ............. Melissa Andrews, Linda Pohl

Cover photo by: Linda Yun

Copyright 2021 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. All rights reserved.

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East Sacramento News • November 18, 2021 • www.valcomnews.com

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Community pays tribute to the late Dr. Herbert Yee

By LANCE ARMSTRONG

In what could have been recognized as “Herbert Yee Day” in Sacramento, Oct. 30 marked two celebrations of the late dentist, philanthropist and civic leader, Dr. Herbert Yee. Herbert, who was well known in this capital city and beyond, died at the age of 96 at the Sutter Medical Center from health complications, including pneumonia, on June 26.

A private funeral service for Herbert was held a week later, and his family announced that a celebration of his life would be held later this year.

The selected date of Oct. 30 for his celebration of life was additionally significant, considering that Herbert would also be recognized at a separate event on the same day for his service during World War II. Furthermore, both events were held during the month of his birth. He was born in Taishan, Guangdong, China in 1924.

The first of the gatherings to honor Hebert on that day was held in a packed room at the Sacramento Elks Lodge No. 6 building on Riverside Boulevard.

Herbert, who was a longtime resident of South Land Park, was recognized posthumously at the lodge during a ceremony celebrating Chinese American World War II veterans.

The event was presented by the Sacramento Lodge of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, and the Chinese American World War II Recognition Project.

Sacramento City Council Member Rick Jennings, whose district includes the Pocket area, commended that project.

“We are grateful for the work of the Chinese AmerValley Community Newspapers, Inc.

and culture,” he said. “During World War II, Chinese Americans displayed their patriotism, loyalty and courage, despite the inequity of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was in place at that time.”

With the Chinese Exclusion Act in place, many Chinese served in the U.S. military during World War II, despite not being American citizens.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Magnuson Act to repeal the Chinese Exclusion Act on Dec. 17, 1943.

Photo by Lance Armstrong While summarizing his David Yee accepts a congressional gold medal recognizing the service of his grandfather, Dr. Herbert Yee, as a Chinese grandfather’s life at the conAmerican World War II veteran. Standing to the left of David Yee is U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Tom, who presented the gressional medal ceremony, award at the Sacramento Elks Lodge No. 6 building on Oct. 30.

David recognized one of Herbert’s real estate investments, ican World War II RecogThis award is a fairly new “ The congressional gold the Sprouts Farmers Market nition Project and what honor, as it was created medal seeks to honor those shopping center, south of the they have done to secure a through bipartisan legisla- who have done a remark- Sacramento Zoo. long overdue congressional tion with the passage of the able achievement, that has gold medal, especially for Chinese American World impact on America’s history see Yee page 4 our heroes,” he said.

War II Veteran CongresAs a sort of prelude to the sional Gold Medal Act, on congressional medal cere- Dec. 12, 2018. It was signed mony, which was held less into law by President Donthan two weeks before Vet- ald Trump eight days later. erans Day, a group of moDesiring that Herbert EVERY DAY LOW PRICES! torcyclists honoring fallen would receive his congresAll your hardware needs U.S. service members par- sional award in person, his ticipated in and event in family held a special, adBUY ONE GET ONE FOR 10¢ 03 10 Pack non-medical mask front of the lodge. vance ceremony in Her(&5 *5 ' Scissors Those arriving for either of bert’s backyard last January. " %*.& 1 Pack- Kn95 those gatherings passed small After receiving this medFasteners • Plumbing • Paint • Housewares • Gardening American flags that lined the al at that event, which was atGARDEN SOIL FACTORY GARDENING entrance to the lodge. tended by a small group of his During the second of those family and friends, Herbert Get ready for We have events, Herbert’s grandson, expressed what the medal fall, time to rake Ocean Forest, David Yee, accepted the con- meant to him and his family. in the leaves! other soils gressional gold medal recog“We will cherish it forevHuge assortment of Gloves ALL RAKES ARE and bark ! nizing his grandfather’s Army er,” he said. “We will guard BUY ONE GET ONE 20% OFF service as a Chinese Amer- it, love it, and pray for it.

50% OFF Services: ican in World War II. Her- And I thank everybody PATIO FURNITURE GET OUT OF THE HEAT t ,FZ DPQJFT bert, who was a 1942 grad- here for your kindness, for ALL FANS 20% OFF t 4QFDJBM PSEFST uate of Sacramento High your loyalty to our coun(Large Selection of Fans) t 4DSFFO SFQBJS School, served in the Army try and I’m very happy. May Dental Corps from 1944 God bless all of us forever to 1945. He enlisted in the and forever.”

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Army at the age of 20 at the David described the imExpires 11/30/2021 Presidio of Monterey. portance of this congresFind us on Presenting the award at sional gold medal, noting Shop online at HollywoodHardware1948.com the event was U.S. Army that it is one of the nation’s Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Tom. highest civil awards.

5303 FREEPORT BLVD, Sacramento • (916) 455-6488 www.valcomnews.com • November 18, 2021 • East Sacramento News

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Local ballet company to resume Nutcracker live East Sac resident Grace Hanson has leading role in holiday ballets After almost two years of virtual and outdoor performances, Sac Civic Ballet and Deane Dance Center will resume their long-time tradition of presenting two one-act holiday ballets live on stage December 18 and 19. Sac Civic Ballet Company is a well-established preprofessional ballet company founded in 1946 by Barbara Crockett, and the Deane Dance Center is a local dance school directed by Allyson Deane and Don Schwennesen, both former dancers with the San Francisco Ballet.

Yee:

continued from page 3

Under a special arrangement with the organizers of the congressional gold medal award ceremony, Herbert was honored during the early portion of that event in order for his family and friends to make a timely arrival at his celebration of life.

The latter event was held at Del Paso Country Club, where Herbert was a longtime member.

More than 200 people gathered to celebrate Herbert’s life, which included his arrival as a 6-year-old Chinese immigrant at the immigration station on Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay in 1931, and marrying the love of his life, Inez Fong, in 1945. They would eventually have four sons and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Herbert, in 1948, graduated as a dental surgeon from Stanford University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. He would ultimately spend more than 50 years in the dental profession, in4

Local East Sac resident, Grace Hanson, will be dancing the leading role of Marie (often referred to as Clara in other productions) in The Nutcracker Suite. Grace is currently a sophomore at Saint Francis High School and is a graduate of Sutter Middle School.

She has been studying dance for many years and is looking forward to dancing live on stage again.

The Story of Noah’s Ark is a oneact version of Don Schwennesen’s well-received, popular ballet. The Nutcracker Suite has the familiar roles, beautiful sets and costumes,

cluding serving as the dentist of the staff of two California governors: Edmund Gerald “Pat” Brown Sr. and Ronald Reagan.

Herbert was also instrumental in getting the International College of Dentists into China, and Vietnam following the end of the Vietnam War. Throughout his life, Herbert held many leadership roles and he philanthropically contributed to many causes.

That philanthropy included the funding of the construction of a school near his hometown of Taishan. That institution opened in 1981.

Herbert’s leadership roles included serving as president of the International College of Dentists, regent of the University of the Pacific, district governor of Lion’s Club District 4 C5, and president of the Sacramento Chinese Benevolent Association.

He was also a board member of the California Museum and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, and he served as the commander of Gung Ho American Legion Post No. 696.

East Sacramento News • November 18, 2021 • www.valcomnews.com

and the wonder music of Tchaikovsky. The cast has over 50 dances, including guest artists, Macy Almendariz, Fiona Galvin, and Davis Bier.

This year the ballets will be presented at the Veterans Memorial Center Theater in Davis, 203 E. 14th Street, 95616, Saturday, December 18, at 7 pm and Sunday, December 19, at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and children. Tickets at the door or deanedancenter.com; call 916-453-0226 for questions. Masks required for patrons.

Also a rich part of Herbert’s life was his pride in his family’s local history.

Herbert, who was a descendent of Gold Rush pioneers, helped fund the restoration of his greatgrandfather’s herb store in Fiddletown. The old store is now a museum, and Fiddletown is a registered California Historical Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Franklin Yee, 88, remembered his brother as a person who loved and respected his parents, Dr. Henry Way Yee and Hum We Fong Yee. Dr. Henry Yee was a notable herbal doctor and chiropractor in downtown Sacramento.

Franklin also recognized his brother’s accomplishments as an immigrant from China.

“He accomplished all that in his lifetime,” he said. “It’s amazing, and it’s only in America that our system would permit an uneducated immigrant to go as far as he (did). There’s no other country that can do it.”

Franklin added that Herbert had a strong abil-

Photo by Linda Yun

East Sac resident Grace Hanson to play lead in local production of the Nutcracker

ity to excel in both the Chinese and American communities.

“He was a leader in both areas, and he kept his Chinese traditions, heading the Yee (family) association, nationally, and yet he had all these other organizations, including the academic field of dentistry,” he said.

Among Herbert’s many friends at his celebration of life was Al Chew, who was also a past commander of the Gung Ho post.

Chew remembered his friend for his grand storytelling ability and quickness to compliment others.

“Not only was (Herbert) brilliant, but he was so friendly, and when you talked to him, you’re just a listener,” he said. “He’s got so many stories to tell. He was always giving credit to people that affected his life, and he was never at a loss for words.”

Barbara Folau, who was one of Herbert’s caretakers, described him as a loving person with a good sense of humor, and a supporter of education.

“He (was) smart,” she said.

“I learned a lot from him. I

always told him, ‘You know, I wish I went to school.’

And he would say, ‘No, you can still go to school.’ He was an encourager. He always wanted to push me. I miss him. Herbert was one of a kind.”

Lonnie Wong, a retired Fox40 reporter, told this publication that he was impressed by Herbert’s ability to accomplish so many things while maintaining his kind demeanor and humility.

“I think that’s why there’s so many people at this service is he had such a gentle nature,” he said. “(He was) soft spoken, very sincere, always wanted to know how you were doing. “(He was) very cordial, and you wonder, ‘How did he ever get all those things done?’ I think that was the amazing part of his character that he was able to accomplish all those goals and do it with a sense of humanity.”

Donations in memory of Dr. Herbert Yee can be made to ACC Senior Services, the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, or a different charity of one’s choice.

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Zoo News Rainy day zoo adventures After a very dry year and a summer full of fires and smoke, rain is celebrated in California. It eases wildfire risk, greens up the hills, and cleans the air. While rain is highly anticipated, when it arrives, people are hesitant to leave their homes. But with the right gear and a little planning, a rainy day at the zoo can turn into the best day EVER!

Enjoy a Private Zoo It’s amazing how even a little rain can clear the zoo. But with those armed with a raincoat and umbrella, there are many rewards to be found and there’s no need to worry about the crowds.

Instead, feel like a VIP indulging your inner adventurer.

Rain-Proof Dinosaurs Let’s set the scene.

You just scanned your ticket and step into the wet, empty plaza. You pull your hood more snugly over your head to protect you from the rain. This particular morning, you step on the pathway between the American alligators and Caribbean flamingos. The brightly colored birds stretch their wings as they wade through their lake.

You hear it before you see it: a low-pitched animal sound echoes across the lake. You pause, trying to place the noise.

It isn’t like any jaguar or lion you’ve heard before. As you continue down the path, a shape emerges from the mist of the rain. An animal that has not walked the face of the earth in 65 million years.

You come face-to-face with a Kosmoceratops.

When filming Jurassic Park, the Tyrannosaurus rex, the star of the show, kept breaking down due to the rain. Fortunately, the more than 20 dinosaurs in our Dinosaur Safari exhibit have evolved since then.

The dinosaurs look spectacular Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

in the rain. Their smooth movements bring life to the longgone animals, regardless of the weather. Encountering the dinosaurs in the misty rain is like stepping into the blockbuster dinosaur movie. As water drips off claws, snouts, and teeth like steak knives… it makes for a day to remember!

Adventuring Animals People often ask how zoo animals react to the rain. Each species has its own special adaptations that help them cope with cold, wet weather. And they have their own ways of reacting to weather here at the Sacramento Zoo; sometimes it differs even among individuals of the same species. You just might catch Chifu the giraffe prancing around in the rain, the lions watching the raindrops fall as they bask on the heating pads built into their structure, the red panda sleeping as though the rain does not exist or you might even hear the cheetah brothers chirping to one another through the rain.

Don’t forget to add jumping in rain puddles to your rainy day plans.

Want to stay dry? Walk through the indoor Reptile House and really observe the individuals there. It is home to unique species of various sizes, colors, and patterns. Or you could take advantage of the covered okapi and giraffe decks.

Swing by Kampala Café for a hot cup of coffee and spend the day sipping your cup of joe while watching the animals as the rain pitter-patters on the roof above.

Photos courtesy of the Sacramento Zoo

A wet kosmoceratops

on the Conservation Carousel.

Reminisce fondly of family trips that first introduced you to the zoo as you observe the flock of flamingos. Grab a snack from Kampala Café, and head to the red river hog exhibit. Take some time to walk the grounds and take in the vibrant greenery.

Rainy Day Photos

Are you a budding photographer? Rainy day photos offer a unique perspective of the world around you. Put on your rain boots and walk the zoo looking for the bright colors and perfect raindrops brought out by wet weather. Catch a rainbow in the reflection of the lake or the water as it pearls and then Enjoy a Unique Date drips down the back of a whisChange up your routine and tling duck. turn your date night into a date So, embrace the rainy day, grab day! Enjoy a day at the zoo cud- your umbrella and rain boots, dled under an umbrella while and channel your inner explorwatching the lemurs. Channel er for your next grand adventure your inner child and take a ride at the Sacramento Zoo! www.valcomnews.com • November 18, 2021 • East Sacramento News

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