January 2017 Bro. William Y.S. Tom is 60 Year Member Greater New York Lodge is Chartered Rep. Xavier Becerra Vacates Congressional Seat for L.A. Winter Dec. 21 Christmas/Hanukkah Dec. 25 Kwanzaa Dec. 26 2017 Jan. 1 MLK Jan.16 Congratulations! Los Angeles Lodge Installation Banquet As we enter the New 2017, we welcome to First Saturday January 7, 2017 the ranks of 60-plus year members, our eminent Dr. (Bro.) William Y. S. Tom, Chinatown’s Los Angeles Lodge Business Meeting perennial optometrist. Bro. Bill joins with Bros. NO MEET, at 415 Bamboo Lane Robert Eng and Hiram Kwan as the stalwart CBS Seafood Restaurant trio of Chinatown civic leaders in the “Class of 700 North Spring Street 60 Years” of Los Angeles Lodge. 6:00 pm We also salute Sis. Lanora Tom, Bill’s wife, and Bro. Parking Adjacent Wesley Tom, who is continuing the matter of taking care YOUR GRACIOUS HOSTS of the eyes of Chinatown. 2017 Board of Officers New York Lodge (Re-)Chartered [by Ed Gor] ANNIE YEE, PRESIDENT ALFRED SOO-HOO, VP Dear Members, SUSAN DICKSON, SEC’Y OC LEE, ASS’T SEC’Y It is a great pleasure and honor to welcome the CINDY LO, TREASURER ADAM MA, FIN’L SEC’Y Greater New York Lodge (GNY) to our Alliance after a GEORGE CARNEY, COM O WAYNE C. NG, COM O most successful chartering ceremony at the Museum of FRANCISCO ARECHIGA, COLL JASON LAM, MARSHAL Chinese in America and an even more successful THOMAS WONG, SENTINEL EUGENE MOY, NREP. celebration at the community dinner at the Golden ALL MEMBERS, FRIENDS OF ALL LODGES WELCOME! Unicorn Restaurant. The Alliance is certainly GUESTS, NON-HOSTING MEMBERS: $25 strengthened by the dedicated new leadership we have in GNY Lodge President Wai Wah Chin,1st and 2nd Vice- Contact: Annie Yee, [email protected] or Al Soo- Presidents, David Lee and Stanley Ng and Hoo, [email protected] Secretary/National Representative Chris Kwok. The dinner convened many important community leaders and elected officials who expressed their supportive Greater San Gabriel Valley Lodge sentiments in seeing Chinese American Citizens Alliance Second Mon. January 9, 2017 back in New York. I’ll have more details and pictures either on our Facebook page or the Alliance Connection Board Meet 6:30 PM; Dinner 7:00 PM (C.A.C.A.’s National Newsletter) Spring issue. Empress Harbor Restaurant Also, my appreciation and gratitude is extended to 111 N. Atlantic, 3rd floor #305, Monterey Park, CA. National Board members Felicia Yu, Davace Chin, All Members & Friends, All Lodges: $15 ea. William Mei, Paul Wong, Virginia Gee, National Reps Christina Yu and Wilson Lee and Boston President Esther John Y. Wong [email protected]; Charles Mau, [email protected] Lee for their help with the charter and membership installation and witnessing the strong possibilities of our 美 国 同 源 会 -橙 县 分 会 east coast lodges. Thanks to the lodges who sent the generous gifts and expressions to GNY. C.A.C.A. of Orange County Nat. Executive Bob Gin, [email protected] or John Gee, [email protected] Congratulations to the Board for your affirmative decision to grant this charter to Greater New York! This 2016-7 edition made possible by Los Angeles C.A.C.A. Community Action, Inc. Fraternally yours, Opinions in “GSGV Piazza,” are solely those of GSGV Lodge and not Edmond Gor any of Southern Times or any other C.A.C.A. organization National President More Congratulations! Then with the ascension of Kamala Harris to the U.S. Congratulations also to Bro. Charles Mau, newly elected Senate, Gov. Edmund Brown, Jr. nominated Chinatown’s President of Greater San Gabriel Valley Lodge for 2017, to own Rep. Xavier Becerra as the new California Attorney Bro. John Gee, the new President of the revived Orange General. As this is a popular choice in a Democratic County Lodge, and of course to Los Angeles Lodge’s Annie Party-dominated Legislature, there is no doubt about Yee, reelected to the office of President for 2017. confirmation. Congratulations to the Congressman. We are going to miss him on the local scene for a while. Sis. Annie Yee has also been nominated for a 27th Annual LA STAGE Alliance Ovation Awards for Best Choreographer Immediately the seat of the 34th House of 2016 for her work in several theater productions. Congressional District of California opened up and one of the earliest announcements of interest was made by our Notice also that when Pres. Obama presented all those own Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, who quietly gave us Medals of Freedom recently, to the likes of Vin Scully and a scoop on this possibility at the Potluck. He publicly Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Maya Lin, noted Chinese American announced two days later. Also jumping in, then jumping artist/designer and architect, also was honored. out was former Assembly Speaker John Perez. Others Finally, in the “Trumpvirant” March to Washington DC, now include Sara Hernandez, once chief of staff to we hear that Deborah Wong Yang, one of Chinatown’s own Councilman Jose Huizar of DTLA. It appears as many as and former president of CAM, and also daughter of late Bro. ten may file. Mr. Gomez has promptly secured David Wong and Dore Wong, has joined in and is in short list endorsements from Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon and consideration to Chair the Securities and Exchange Speaker Anthony Rendon. Mr. Becerra has so far Commission. She has had an outstanding judicial and legal remained silent. career after an Internship with Federal Judge (Bro.) Ronald In happenings of December [which may be further Lew. reported next month by the Times], the Chinatown L.A. Lodge Holiday Potluck Business Improvement District had its annual advisory During the evening, as many as 80 folks flowed in and out group meeting. Members of this group include Bros. of Los Angeles Lodge to partake of the buffet line and Munson Kwok and Collin Lai. 11 firms have proposed libations of choice laid out by Bro. Collin Lai. projects in Chinatown totaling 3500 residential units. One of these, College Station, begins its community Most impressive was a parade of elected officials who campaign next month, January 2017. Councilman Cedillo came, eat, and mingle, and even to donate goodies. Among held his annual Holiday bash at General Lee’s, now a them were State Treasurer (Bro.) John Chiang, Assemblymen tradition. All staff attend so it is an opportunity always to Bro. Ed Chau and Jimmy Gomez, Mayor (Bro.) Jason Pu, San socialize. Members seen were OC Lee, Munson Kwok, Gabriel candidate (Sis.) Denise Menchaca, School Board Suellen Cheng, Gay Yuen, among other Chinatown folk. Member (Bro.) Henry Lo, Water Board President (Bro.) Hi Speed Rail held a public workshop in Little Tokyo to Thomas Wong. Actually it was newsworthy, even though the announce the Burbank to Union Station leg, which will be evening’s focus was FUN and FOOD! mostly at grade and on shared track (or at least right-of- way) with Metrolink and Amtrak. Shared track ideas save We thank President Annie Yee and VP Al Soo-Hoo for costs on land acquisition and construction, but cuts managing the event, Gene and Susan Moy and Winston Wu drastically into the speedy advantage of time saving for for decorating days before. The color lights are still up and the customer. It is seldom used in Japan, Taiwan, or the Snowman this year is a contribution loaned by Winston China. Wu. On the food and beverage line, among folks who worked energetically were two Susans, Dickson and Sing. Missing Bro. Rick Eng has noted the unfortunate reaction of was the third “Sue” who somehow had disappeared to Taipei. local populace to the National Parks article recently So the Kwok that helped this year was Tennyson. Gordon printed in the Sunday , Travel Section. Hom provided his legendary “jook” as the appetizer. OC Lee Major parts of the article highlighted the new installations was the tireless photographer who initiated most everyone by at Japanese American Internment Camps such as the Snowman. We could tell that was a good party since no Manzanar. The stories presented in those Parks examine one was really in a hurry to leave, not even our dignitaries. implicit racism and the violation of civil rights against More thanks will be forthcoming, but firstly, thanks to all of these citizens. Letters to the editor later published by the you who came and participated.!! Los Angeles Times contended that detention of Japanese Americans was justified because of war regardless of civil The Political Scene rights and the fundamental tenets of our U.S. Constitution Wrapping up the November elections, we know know that and Bill of Rights. AAAJ VP Karin Wang, responding as Ling-Ling Chang slipped behind by about 2,000 votes and a private citizen, rebutted in defense of the constructions. now has lost. This means, with the loss of Young Kim in Both Wang and Eng wondered why such letters get Orange County earlier, we have lost in the published, but that action is based on another basic tenet, State Senate. Now the Senate also has a super-majority as the Freedom of Speech. The adverse opinions expressed in Assembly does. We sincerely hope that the Democrats in the the letters give signals that in the best of circumstances, Legislature will use this fleeting power prudently! we must be ever vigilant for sudden upwellings of We also report that Carol Kwan was reelected to her ignorance, deep-seated racial biases and discrimination. West Basin Water District board. National Essay Contest Upcoming Bro. Mike Fong National Executive VP Davace Chin announces the 2017 Community College Trustee Fong held a fundraiser National Essay Contest, sponsored by the Chinese American at Plum Tree Inn recently. “These days, never too early Citizens Alliance will be conducted Saturday, March 4, 2017, to start,” noted Bro. Mike, who must seek reelection in commencing at 10:00 a.m. and concluding at either 11:30 a.m. 2018. He was introduced by Board Pres. (Bro.) Scott (laptop users) or 12:00 p.m. (Blue Book users) (local time). Svonkin. He will continue to stress preparing students for High school students, grades 9-12, are eligible to compete. jobs. On the record he was grateful that Prop. CC had For further information and the application form, please passed decisively, a measure he had campaigned hard for, contact Winston Wu, [email protected] or Annie Yee, giving significant capital resources to maintain and grow [email protected] or National website community college facilities. He was proud to announce www.cacanational.org. the 2017 LA program crafted by the City team to provide a free community college year to students. In the light of We request each Member publicize the Contest in several the recent presidential election, he emphatically stressed different mediums, including newsletter/bulletins, school that the college system will, “protect our students and scholarship offices, church and youth groups, etc. And embrace them.” especially among your young family members. Lodges will have the opportunity to offer participants the David Bow Woo option of composing their essays on laptop computers, in With heavy heart, Los addition to the option of using the more traditional Blue Book. Angeles Lodge must The Joint L.A./GSGV Lodges Contest will allow the use of announce to Members laptops but will NOT supply power for them. Bring machines and Friends the untimely fully charged and ready to go! and sudden passing at 77 National Art Contest Looms of Bro. David Bow Woo. He was a 30-plus-years- Those folks with young artists, please consult: &-over-70-years old http://cacanational.org/htmlPages/education_art.html Member. Our deepest for rules and application. Students from grades 1-12 are condolences are eligible in four divisions. Works must be well-finished to be extended to his wife competitive. Because CAM is the co-manager of this Contest, Sally and extended family. David was seldom seen at our gets a great response to the competition, monthly meetings but would support events. Over more but we’d like L.A., OC, and GSGV Lodges to come up with a than three decades he was available to rise to the occasion few recruits ourselves. Start now, so the creator has 3 months for the sake of community benefit, often providing pro to make work. Contact Susan Dickson bono legal support and participating on community [email protected]. Or [email protected]. boards with his leadership. Most notably, with Sis. C.A.C.A. At Rice University Phoebe Yee, he started and operated the Chinese Cooks’ NP Gor took us (Munson and Suellen Kwok) to Rice School project, with the idea of training youth for good University, Houston, Texas. There we witnessed an example jobs as chefs and restauranteurs. That work continues but of a Lodge, Houston Lodge, cementing its legacy for posterity. evolved into the youth job training program now located Several members, notably Past President Linda Wu, had in Monterey Park, the Asian American Economic donated material on CACA and the Youth Council of Houston Development Enterprises. Notably in Chinatown, he to Rice’s Fodren Library, Woodson Research Center, a helped Los Angeles Lodge to found the Chinatown Public collections archive. The program is part of a project endowed Safety Association, providing the legal expertise that by a generous community donor who desires that the included creation of the property and facility for pioneering Chinese American community of Houston be part Chinatown’s LAPD substation. He would go on to of the public record. National Historian Cheng was provide similar work for the National Association of enthusiastic to review the materials with NP Gor. In fact, Chinese American Bankers. He did the work to found photo images Los Angeles C.A.C.A. Community Action; that was again of Los pro bono. He was also active in the Southern California Angeles’ late Chinese American Lawyers Association. He crafted bill PNP Wilbur language for Sen. Art Torres’ Peking duck bill Woo and his safeguarding that cuisine in California. He was self- wife Beth effacing but efficient in his work and guidance he would were found. give these organizations. A conservative activist! His Bro. Woo was work was seminal for this community. The continued always a great existence of these important nonprofits is testimony He favorite as a and his talent, and his passion, will be sorely missed. national Editorial Note: Hey, this is the Holiday Season. Give us leader in the Houston community. Houston Lodge’s response a pass on bringing the words of Gen. Chen and details of to history seems exemplary and timely, especially when NH development projects in Chinatown in 2017, into next two Cheng and NExec Susan Dickson are launching the National months. Photo Collection project. [Photo: Curator Amanda Focke with Cheng and Gor. Article by M. Kwok] Merry Christmas! 2016 Los Angeles Lodge Holiday Party Merry Christmas!

2016 Los Angeles Lodge Holiday Party Piazza GSGV Lodge – January, 2017 Page 1

Lodge Lends Support to MP Bruggemeyer Library’s Over 25 Lodge members, spouses, family and friends took part Measure C Extension in the 3-night, 4-day cruise south to Ensenada in Mexico on Dec. 1. The ship set sail from San Pedro early afternoon in typical sunny Southern California weather.

On Dec. 9, members of the two C.A.C.A. Lodges (GSGV and LA) occupied a table at the MP Library fundraising dinner to campaign for extending Measure C to provide continuous funding for the Library operation via a parcel tax. The campaign for the ballot measure is spear-headed by Citizens for a Better Library and the Monterey Park City Council. Onboard were all kinds of activities that can occupy all your About 200 guests attended the event including many public time, including dining on exquisite cuisine, spa and Jacuzzi, officials, community groups and civic-minded MP residents. exercises like line-dancing and social dances, disco in the The City Council has already voted unanimously to place the evening, gaming all day, or just hanging out at the bars. ballot measure at the March 7 election. A two-thirds majority of votes are needed to pass the ballot measure. It would Ten of the group got offshore in Ensenada and hired two cabs continue to assess annually $25 for a single family parcel and to take them for a tour of the “famous blowhole” along the $75 for a commercial parcel, adding to about $500,000 annual coast, where the scenery is spectacular. On the way back to the funding for the Library. ship, they stopped by a local eatery that serves the most genuine delicious tacos south of the border. The Library has always been an indispensable educational and cultural resource center for residents in the City, given the diversity of its population. It is well known that many members of the C.A.C.A. GSGV and LA Lodges have used this facility for newspaper reading and research. The Library also has an excellent working relation with the Lodges in co- sponsoring cultural events related to Chinese American history and current issues. All GSGV Lodge members who are MP residents are urged to vote for the ballot measure this March.

Mexico Cruise: What a Wonderful Time! The outing was considered successful not only because of the

enjoyment but also, importantly, the bonding among the participating Lodge members that took a giant leap forward.

Piazza GSGV Lodge – January, 2017 Page 2 airplane noise to the attention of local residents, and has Spirits are high at the Holidays Dinner/Party with Three recently announced her candidacy for the MP City Council. New Members sworn in “Bruce Lee, My Brother” to screen at Monterey Park Library on Jan. 8, 2017

It may be recalled that at the 2015 C.A.C.A. National Convention in Seattle, Shannon Lee, on behalf of her father Bruce Lee, received the Spirit of America award from C.A.C.A. Now, GSGV Lodge is co-sponsoring with Friends of the Library to screen the documentary “Bruce Lee, My Brother” on Sunday, Jan. 8, 1:30 PM at the Friends Room of MP Bruggemeyer Library. This movie is produced by Bruce Lee’s brother Robert Lee who will be present at the event. The film is about two hours long, and afterwards, Robert will entertain questions from the audience about his brother’s life. If you are interested in every aspect of the life of this international kung-fu movie giant, who is also a C.A.C.A. honoree, you should not miss this event.

It has now become an enduring tradition that GSGV Lodge Sister Angela Lai is newly elected President of holds its annual Christmas Party/Dinner at La Vie French American Chinese Dance Association (ACDA) Restaurant in Rosemead. This year is no exception. Forty- seven people attended the event including brothers and sisters Do you know Sister from GSGV and LA Lodges, family members and new friends. Angela Lai, a Board Member of the Lodge, is a highly accomplished dancer who has made numerous contributions to Chinese Dance not only as a performer, but also as a teacher bringing up younger generations of local Chinese dancers? The elegant form of Chinese dancing, both classical and modern, is truly a treasure in Chinese culture that needs to be preserved and further developed here in the US. Sister Angela made her marks early in her native Taiwan, winning many accolades and representing Taiwan on

numerous international events like the Olympic Games in The lodge was pleased to have two elected officials present, Mexico and World Expo in Japan. Here in the US, she has Councilman Brother Peter Chan of Monterey Park and Mayor been the appointed choreographer in many major events, such Pro Tem Peter Amundson of Arcadia. as China Airlines Rose Parade Float, Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant, to name just a few. She is the founder of During the evening, former C.A.C.A. Past Grand President Elegant Arts Institute that performed dances at all the local arts Munson Kwok swore in three new members to the Lodge. and entertainment venues, like Disneyland, LA Music Center, They are Tammy Tam, wife of Lodge VP Charles Mau and a Hollywood Bowl, etc. For the year 2017, for the second time, semi-retired real estate professional, and Betty Sit, wife of she is elected President of American Chinese Dance Association. Sister Angela is inviting Lodge members to join Brother Andrew Sit and Senior Escrow Officer at Jade Escrow th in Temple City. The third new member is Margaret Leung, a her in celebrating her installation as President at the 30 capital project manager at a pharmaceutical company in Anniversary Gala of ACDA. The event will be held at San Ventura County and a Monterey Park resident and community Gabriel Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 21. Invitation flyers activist. She pioneered the campaign to bring the issue of will be e-mailed to Lodge members.

Los Angeles Lodge “Over A Century of Service” Chinese American Citizens Alliance Southern California Times 415 Bamboo Lane Los Angeles, CA. 90012

FIRST CLASS

To:

Holiday/January 2017 2016-7 Edition of “Southern California Times” made possible by Los Angeles C.A.C.A. Community Action, Inc.

Send items, comments, and protests to Editor Munson Kwok, (310) 645-1369 phone/FAX, or [email protected]. Co-Ed.: Rick Eng, Winston Wu, Philip Young. Staff: OC Lee, Albert Lu. Bulletin Committee: Suellen Cheng, Jade Flores, Gordon Hom, Munson Kwok, Collin Lai, Susan Hum Lai, Albert Lu, Charles Mau, Will Tham, John Y. Wong, Winston K. Wu, Henry Yee, Annie Yee, Philip Young. In Tribute to Nancy Yee. Coverage Photos by: OC Lee, and friends Printed by GS Printing & Graphics, Inc., [email protected]. Tel: 626-442-2278

Lodges & L.A. Community Calendar „ Los Angeles Lodge Installation Banquet, 1st Sat. Jan. 7, 2017, 6pm. CBS Seafood Restaurant, 800 N. Spring, Chinatown. Parking adjacent. Annie Yee, [email protected] . Al Soo-Hoo [email protected], $15. „ GSGV Monthly Meeting/Dinner. 2d Mon. Jan. 9, 6p Board. Empress Harbor, 111 N. Atlantic, #305, Monterey Park; Charles Mau, [email protected]. $15 ea. All Lodges, all friends welcome. „ National C.A.C.A. Essay Contest, Sat. Mar. 4, 10am. At 415 Bamboo Lane, Los Angeles. „ Biennial National C.A.C.A./CAM Art Competition. Competing works due to CAM, Fri. Mar. 3, 5p. See website in this issue. So. CA. Times Bulletin night. 3rd (or 4th) Wed. Jan. 18 Items due Sunday, Jan. 15, 12N. To Kwok, Winston Wu, or Philip Young. Next dates . Jan. 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 15. Subject to change. [email protected], [email protected]. ------z Chinese American Museum (CAM). Tues.-Sun. 10a-3p. Free. El Pueblo Monument 425 N. Los Angeles St. (entrance on Sanchez St.) Popup events: at http://camla.org . Opened Nov. 22: California American Artists Ass’n show. Opening Fri. Jan. 20, “Roots: Asian American Movements in So. CA,” curator Ryan Wong, grandson of Judge Delbert, Dolores Wong. 1/12 on: CAM may pop at Santa Anita Mall MujiMURA heritage exhibit. z LA Central Library shows “Herstory: History of Chinese American Women,” main floor galleries until Feb. 26, 2017. 630 W. Fifth St. z LACMA exhibit: “Snuff Bottles from So. CA. Collections”. Until June 4, 2017. Bro. Bob Lee is a contributor. See the finest of this unique art. z JANM (Japanese American National Museum): Only the Oaks Remain. Dec. 10-Apr. 9, 2017. Story of Tuna Canyon Detection Center, z CHSA’s “Chinese American: Exclusion/Inclusion. Daily,12N-4p. 965 Clay St. San Francisco. Major NY Hist. Soc. exhibit comes West. z Undiscovered Chinatown Series. 1st Sat. Jan 7. 10:30a Guided walking tours. $20. 213-680-0243. www.chinatownla.com. z Miss L.A. Chinatown Court Charity Fashion Show. Sat. Jan. 7 12N-3p. LA Exchange, 618 S. Spring, $50. Benefit Home of Angels.213-617-0396. z “My Brother, Bruce Lee”. Sun. Jan. 8, 2p. Bruggemeyer Library, Monterey Park. Free. Film documentary. Brother Robert will be there. z Ed Moy’s “Aviatrix: Kathryn Cheung Story”. Sun. Jan. 8, 2p. Santa Monica Museum of Flying, 3100 Airport Bl. Santa Mon. New film doc. z CHSSC Monthly Meeting, Wed. Jan. 11, 2nd Wed this month, 6:30p. Castelar Auditorium, 840 Yale Street, “Meet Jon SooHoo, Dodger photog.” z Community Listening for L.A. State Historic Park. Thu. Jan. 12, 6-8p. Far East Plaza, 727 Broadway #212. Free to Like events, programs at SHP. z Adrienne Berard: “Water Tossing Boulders”. Tu. Jan. 17 6:30p. Cerritos Library, 18025 Bloomfield, Chinese battle Jim Crow in South schools. z Chinese New Year Festivals: Monterey Park. Jan. 21-22, 10a-9p on Garvey between Ramona and Alhambra. Also possibly in Arcadia. z Miss L.A. Chinatown Beauty Pageant. Jan. 21. 6p. Biltmore. Chinese Chamber of Commerce for info. and tickets. 213-617-0396. [parade 2/4]. z Chinese Family History Group (CFHGSC). Jan. 21 @10a. L.A. Lodge. Learn to research your family history. “Genealogy Detectives: solving family mysteries.” Celebrate Year of Rooster Free; join us www.chinesefamilyhistory.org z American Chinese Dance Assn. 30th Gala. Sat. Jan. 21, 6p-12am. San Gabriel Hilton, 225 W. Valley, San Gabriel. Sis. Angela Lai becomes president. $50. Charles at [email protected]. z Chinese New Year Festivals: San Gabriel. Jan. 28. 11a-10p. Mission District