April 30, 2002

May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month. See http://www.colapublib.org/apahm/, the LA County library web site; Press release from Mayor Hahn at http://www.ci.la.ca.us/mayor/myrpress/april221.pdf; Calendar of events at http://www.apahm.org/ (see below for some of them)

LA Times & other news articles

MISSION STATEMENT:

Promote full utilization of the capabilities of the Enterprise's employees and champion the betterment of the company and community. Promote interest in Asian Pacific issues and culture and act as a bridge to all groups within our community.

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ed. by Douglas Ikemi

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The internet site is back at:

Our own domain name, apa-pro.org, stands for Asian Pacific American Professionals. www.apa-pro.org/ gives you a menu of AP organization websites.

Back issues of the newsletter for all of 2000 and 2001are available on the website if you want to look up some past event. (Well some of them, at the moment.)

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APPA Board Meeting Schedule for 2002:

Evening meetings will be at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2100 Mariposa Ave.(corner of Nash)310/726-0100. Noon time meetings will be on Raytheon premises

Schedule for 2002:

May 15 (W) at 6 pm

June 13 (Th) at 12 pm

July 10 (W) at 6 pm

Aug. 13 (Tu) at 12 pm

Sept. 11 (W) at 6 pm

Oct. 10 (Th) at 12 pm

Nov. 13 (W) at 6 pm

Detailed calendar is attached this week and is available on the internet at www.apa-pro.org in Acrobat and Excel formats. Events go into the calendar that I don't mention here. Please send in information on cultural events and news items. Thanks to those who have.

Long range calendar items:

8 June, 2002 - 5 January, 2003 Rediscovered Imperial Treasures: Masterpieces From The Nanjing Museum at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana, www.bowers.org

June 9, 2 p.m.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
A native of Calcutta and long-time Bay Area resident, Divakaruni has for many years been involved in women’s’ issues, working with Afghani women refugees and in shelters for battered women. Moderator: Marisela Norte, poet and playwright Downtown LA Public Library, Mark Taper Auditorium * Richard J. Riordan Central Library, Reservations recommended, call (213) 228-7025, $8 – Single Program Tickets, www.lapl.org/events/wordofworld/index.html.

June 7,8,9 "Life of the Land" a Hawaii play by Edward Sakamoto at Japan America Theatre. For $20 group rate tickets, call Louise Sakamoto (310)327-3169

Aug 24-25, 2nd Annual US Sumo Open at UCLA, www.usasumo.com, 310-288-3641, afreund@ucla.edu

The Pacific Asia Museum (46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 91101, 626-449-2742) Family Festival schedule for 2002, Saturdays, 1-4:

May 11 Different Drummers Festival, Memorial Park

June 15 Costumes of Pan Asia

July 20 Origami Festival

Aug. 17 Flavors of India

Sept. 21 Lacquer Ware of Myanmar

Oct. 19 Pakistan Festival

Nov. 16 Buddha: Faces of Enlightenment

Dec. 14 Pasko Sa Nayon

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Chinatown Farmers' Market Hosted by Chinatown Business Improvement District. Date: Thursday, May 2, 2002, Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Location: Public Parking Lot, 727 North Hill Street between Alpine and Ord. Free Admission. Featuring high-quality Asian produce from certified growers and producers in California. Artisans will demonstrate different Chinese art forms, including calligraphy and knotting, and some of Chinatown's restaurants will offer a selection of their most popular dishes. For more information contact: George Yu (213) 680-0243.

May 4-5, 11-12 Taiwanese American Heritage Week, Sun-Ten Museum, 9200 Jeronimo Rd., Irvine, 92718. Exhibition of Lithographs. May 4 reception at 1:30

May 4 Citizenship Workshop Sponsored By OCA-GLA, Bruggemeyer Memorial Library, 318 S. Ramona Ave., Monterey Park, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 12:00 noon. If you would like to get involved with this project, or if you have any questions, please call MarkYoshida at 213/977-7500, ext. 247, Myoshida@Apalc.Org

May 4, Flavors of Asia" at the Metropolitan Water District, 700 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90054-0153. This event will highlight various Asian restaurants throughout Southern California during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Silent Auction (6:00pm-9:00pm) Entertainment and raffle prizes every half an hour. Semi-formal attire. Black-tie optional. All Proceeds from this event will benefit the APEX Mentoring Program (AMP)which is designed to benefit high school and college students. For more information about AMP, please visit www.apex.org/amp. $40, Parking is located at Union Square, which is in the same parking lot as the Metropolitan Water District

May 4 Arigato Bazaar at Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 S. Central, 10-4PM. Asian and American food; entertainment - taiko drummers, Japanese classical dance, karate demonstrations; games for the children; door prizes, country store and a silent auction. For more information contact: Judy M. Asazawa (213) 680-2797.

May 5, 2 p.m. Denise Chávez A native of New Mexico, Chávez is a performance writer as well as a novelist and short story writer. er newest novel, Loving Pedro Infante, is "a terrific novel full of abuelita wisdom and raunchy carnita wit." (Publisher’s Weekly) A reading/performance accompanied by movie clips. Moderator: Josh Kun, Sundance Writers Fellow & Asst. Professor at UC Riverside. Downtown LA Public Library, Mark Taper Auditorium * Richard J. Riordan Central Library, Reservations recommended, call (213) 228-7025, $8 – Single Program Tickets, www.lapl.org/events/wordofworld/index.htm

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Last weekend I attended the Fanime Japanese animation (anime) convention in San Jose. Japan has finally broken down and admitted that anime is its major cultural export. About 6000 attendees of very diverse ethnic, cultural, age, gender orientation, and who knows what else background united for three days in their interest in Japanese or Japanese style animation, manga (comic books) and games. More on this later.

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The East West Plyers is now presenting "Monster" at the David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Little Tokyo. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m.. $25-$30. (213) 625-7000. Running time: 2 hours, 25 minutes. See LA Times review below.

http://www.eastwestplayers.com/monster.htm

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UCLA Kyodo Taiko presents: ~SYNERGY~ 4th Annual Spring Concert

Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11, 8:00pm @ UCLA Northwest Campus Auditorium. Free Admission - Early Arrival Suggested. To RSVP: kyodo@ucla.edu, http://www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/kyodo

UCLA Kyodo Taiko's 12th year in existence, we welcome you in joining us for a full-length presentation of Japanese-American taiko, our 4th Annual Spring Concert: SYNERGY.

As a collegiate taiko group, we have no set sensei, or teacher in place. Each member serves as sensei in teaching and correcting others, improving the performing ability of each member. This synergistic relationship makes our group as a whole, much stronger in the art of taiko than the sum of the individual performers combined.

We plan to capture the spirit, energy, and excitement that made last year's Spring Concert such a success, and we hope that you will join us!

Sincerely,

Walter Tsushima

Byron Yamada

 Simon Yao, Directors, UCLA Kyodo Taiko

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Also at the same location:

Asian & Pacific Islanders Heritage Celebration 2002 Hosted by Evergreen Senior Center. Date: Saturday, May 11, 2002 Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location: The Japanese Garden, 6100 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys

Free Admission Various craft and informational booths showcasing the Asian and Pacific Islander Communities present in the San Fernando Valley. Live cultural performances. For more information contact: Violet Hom (818) 591-8883.

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Greater Los Angeles Taiwanese American Heritage Week

Hosted by Taiwanese American Heritage Committee

May 11-19, 2002

Taiwanese American Art Exhibition:

May 4-5 and May 11-12. (ps:weekdays by appointment only)

Location: Sun Ten Museum

Taiwan Center Open House

May 11, 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Location: Taiwan Center, 3001 Walnut Grove Ave. Rosemead

Taiwan Food and Game Festival:

May 18, 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Felix Event Center, Azusa Pacific University

701 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa

Lan-Yang Taiwanese Opera:

May 19th 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Location: Rosemead High School, 9063 E. Mission Drive, Rosemead

For more information call: (626) 786-4255 or visit the web at www.taheritage.com.

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VC FILMFEST 2002: Visual Communications Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film & Video Festival Hosted by Visual Communications, Date: May 16 - 23, 2002, Locations: Directors Guild of America May 16-19; David Henry Hwang Theatre May 20& 21; Japan America Theatre May 19, 22-23. In its 17th year, the VC FilmFest is the largest showcase of Asian American and Asian International works in Southern California with over 100 films, videos and shorts presented throughout the eight-day festival. This year's Opening Night film is the Los Angeles Premiere of the Sundance Film Festival hit BETTER LUCK TOMORROW , a film by Justin Lin, taking place on May 16 at the Directors Guild of America. In addition to a full slate of screenings, other highlights include filmmaker workshops, seminars, and awards presentations on the Festival's Closing Night. Tickets: General Admission $8.50; $6.50 students, seniors, JACCC, DGA, Friends of VC members with I.D. (Tickets available at the Japan America Theatre box office, for ticket information call (213) 680-3700.) For more information call (213) 680-4462 x 68 or visit the web at www.vconline.org.

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Korean Cultural Art Display Hosted by the Korean American Coalition & Korean Youth Community Center, Date: Saturday, May 18, 2002, Time: 12:00 p.m. Location: 3727 W. 6th Street, Koreatown (Free parking in back of building) Admission Free

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2nd Annual Thai Heritage and Food Festival Hosted by Thai Health and Information Services Date: Sunday, May 19, 2002 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Location: Thai Town - on Hollywood Blvd. between Harvard & Western Featuring Thai kick boxing, Thai arts & crafts displays, hands-on activities, children's activities, street murals, the Thai Heritage Beauty Pageant, and authentic Thai food, along with free health screening services. For more information contact: Nongyao Varanond (323) 466-5966.

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The Tiangge (Open Air Market) Hosted by Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts & Culture (Fil-Am ARTS) Date: Sunday, May 19, 2002, Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Location: Beverly Boulevard between Alvarado and Rosemont Free Admission. The Tiangge will feature arts and crafts for children, vendor booths and cultural entertainment. For more information contact: Jilly Canizares-Tanedo (213) 389-3050.

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State Hate Crime Hotline, 866-460-HELP, toll free

Connects caller to Fair Employment and Housing counselors who can refer to other services and local district attornerys

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Ming Chang brought to our attention statistics from the 2000 census:

Census 2000: Chinese Largest Asian Group in the United States

http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2002/cb02cn59.html

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LA Times:

April 30 Bush Cites 'Hope' That Emerged From Violence of 10 Years Ago
Politics: The president pushes his plan for religious groups to take on a larger role in fighting poverty.
By MICHAEL FINNEGAN and JAMES GERSTENZANG, Times Staff Writers
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-043002bushla.story

April 29 TIMES POLL Poll Analysis: Los Angeles 10 Years After the Riots
The Times Poll takes a look at Los Angeles ten years after the worst civil unrest in its history
By SUSAN PINKUS, Times Poll Director
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-042902poll-470pa2an.story

April 28 NEWS IN BRIEF
A New High in Latino Homeownership Reported
http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/la-000030071apr28.story

April 27 THE WORLD
Japanese Firm Must Pay War Laborers
Asia: In the first such ruling in the nation, Mitsui Mining is ordered to give $85,000 to each of 15 Chinese forced to work for it in WWII.
By MARK MAGNIER, TIMES STAFF WRITER
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-000029955apr27.story

April 27 LEGACY OF THE RIOTS: 1992-2002
We Can't All Get Along Yet
There are definite signs of progress in mending the black-Korean divide exposed by burning shops, but tensions remain between the two very different cultures.
By K. CONNIE KANG and LISA RICHARDSON, Times Staff Writers
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-042702races.story

April 26 LEGACY OF THE RIOTS: 1992-2002
How the Looters Stole a Dream
Flight: Couple helped improve and unite a West Adams area. But when their neighbors ransacked stores, it was time to leave L.A.
By PETER Y. HONG, Times Staff Writer
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-042602leaving.story

April 25
GLENDALE
Reader Responds -- Allen Brandstater
Internment camps were about war, not race
http://www.latimes.com/tcn/glendale/news/opinion/la-gn0024243apr25.story

April 24 CALIFORNIA
Ads in Ethnic Media Make Impression
By KAREN ROBINSON-JACOBS and ELENA GAONA, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-000029063apr24.story

April 30 LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE
Descanso tea garden architect dies
Whitney Smith was a pioneer of modernist architecture. Hewas 91.
By Marshall Allen
http://www.latimes.com/tcn/glendale/news/la-gn0024382apr30.story

April 30 LOS ANGELES
Oasis Not Making Anyone Thirsty
DWP: Agency's lush Japanese Garden in Van Nuys draws admirers, but few would care to tap into its source.
By MASSIE RITSCH, TIMES STAFF WRITER
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-000030653apr30.story

April 26 COLUMN ONE
Badges of Honor, Discord
Japan's imperial awards, which often go to bureaucrats, point up its rigid, elitist ways and are in need of new selection criteria, critics say.
By MARK MAGNIER, Times Staff Writer
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-042602awards.story

April 26 From the Baltimore Sun
Visual effects in 'Metropolis' are otherworldly
By Michael Wilmington, Special To The Sun
http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/bal-to.metropolis26apr26.story

April 26 MOVIE REVIEW
'freshmen' Makes the Grade With Authentic View of College Life
Tom Huang's film surprises with its impressive depth and detail of characterizations.
By KEVIN THOMAS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/printedition/calendar/la-000029535apr26.story

April 29 POMONA
Vietnamese Americans remember fall of Saigon
By Buck Wargo / buck.wargo@latimes.com
http://www.latimes.com/tcn/ontario/entertainment/la-iv0022252apr29.story

April 25 CALIFORNIA
7 Blacks Accuse Del Taco of Bias

By MARC BALLON, TIMES STAFF WRITER
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-000029327apr25.story

April 24 Bush Honors Teacher of the Year
Education: President presides over Rose Garden ceremony for California high school social studies teacher Chauncey Veatch.
By SONYA ROSS, Associated Press Writer
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wire/la-042402bush_wr.story