March 2011

CADC Celebrates President’s Message motivate them to vote? Or will rank choice voting create more confusion? More Than Half Century As President of the Chinese American Demo- cratic Club for 2011, I would like to thank the Who will finally be elected mayor and Annual Dinner - members of the club for giving me an oppor- district attorney remains to be seen but March 25 tunity to carry on the work done by our past campaign consultants will be working President Michael Chan. overtime. As for our “accidental DA”, The Chinese American Democratic the Police Department’s rank-and-file Club will celebrate a 53 year legacy Within weeks in January, the political land- will complain if an outsider is nomi- as one of the oldest and indepen- scape of took a wild shake-up nated as the new Chief. dent Democratic Clubs with its as City Administrator Edwin Lee became the annual dinner at the Empress of Sam Kwong, 2011 President first Chinese American Mayor of San Fran- Our best wishes go to Mr. on Friday, March 25. cisco. Furthermore, as became as he takes over as Mayor and deals Lieutenant Governor of the State of , he appointed Police Chief with the City budget crisis and The fundraising dinner - a bully Gascón as District Attorney with the departure of to become unemployment caused by the Great pulpit for club and city political State Attorney General. In an instance San Francisco had a Chinese Ameri- Recession. Every politician has leaders – will celebrate CADC’s can Mayor and Board of Supervisors President and now a Latino American talked about balancing the budget aim to make the city a better place District Attorney. and creating jobs, perhaps it will for Chinese Americans to live, take a career civil servant like Lee to work and play in. Among past The November 2011 election will certainly be exciting. Will Chinese and deliver the results. Wouldn’t that be keynote speakers have been U.S. Latino American communities realize the unique situation? And will this refreshing? Good Luck Ed! Senator , Mayors Willie Brown and Frank Jordan, Assemblywoman , CADC Issues, Candidates and and who served Congressmen Mike Honda and as supervisor. For college and school Norman Mineta. Propositions for Nov. 2 Election boards, CADC proudly has sup- ported Ben Tom, Julie Tang, Lillian For more than half of a century, Editor’s Note: CADC is proud to publish its stances from the Nov. 2, 2010 election Sing, Eddie Chin, Alan Wong and the club has had an illustrious line to serve as a guideline for its support of future candidates and issues. Lawrence Wong. Most of these Chi- of presidents or leaders like former nese Americans except for Tang, Jew Insurance Commissioner Harry Growing Chinese Supervisor President David Chiu, and Chin have proudly led CADC as Low, Supervisor Gordon Lau, Col- American Power Assessor-Recorder and Public Defender Jeff Adachi) have president. Today, Sing and Tang are lege Board members Lillian Sing, Today, Chinese American Com- been mentioned for the 2011 race superior court judges. Harry Low, Julie Tang and Alan Wong and merce Secretary Gary Locke and to succeed Mayor Gavin Newsom in also a former president, served as non-profit executive Harold Yee. Energy Secretary Steven Chu hold San Francisco. Chinese Americans California Insurance Commissioner Club board members have contin- White House cabinet positions only will play a leading role in deciding and an appellate judge. ued that rich tradition with College steps away in the line of presiden- who the next mayor will be as they Board member Lawrence Wong, tial succession. California Supreme How CADC Evaluated have in 1991 for Frank Jordan, 1999 former school board members Ben Court justice Ming Chin is often for Willie Brown and 2003 and Candidates, Issues Tom and Eddie Chin and former mentioned as a future U.S. Supreme 2007 for Newsom. By supporting these people, CADC county committee members. Court appointee. California Con- was not merely supporting people troller John Chiang is a bright star What: CADC Annual The Chinese American Democratic with a Chinese American complex- touted for . Fundraising Dinner Club, founded in 1958, will play ion or name. We do not look at For many of us, we will see Chinese a leading role to reflect the voices issues or candidates because they When: Friday, March 25 Americans ascend to positions of of San Francisco Chinese Ameri- are “progressive” or “conservative.” higher office perhaps becoming Pres- cans by campaigning for issues and Instead, we look at the depth of the Where: 838 Grant Avenue, ident, Supreme Court Justice and candidates supportive of Chinese issue’s or candidate’s impact on Chi- San Francisco, CA Governor. And today we can elevate American jobs and small business, nese Americans in work, business, Chinese Americans collectively thru More details to come. education and homeownership in schooling and homeownership. our votes, volunteers and donors. San Francisco. Membership Rate For the November 2, 2010 elections, San Francisco Influnce CADC’s Influence CADC was proud to support propo- Changes We have greater influence locally. For years, CADC has endorsed sitions and candidates primarily SPECIAL 3-YEAR RATE and even successfully run qualified based on these criteria: In San Francisco, at least four very candidates to address those issues. qualified Asian Americans (State Among them include Gordon Lau, (continued on page 5)  Senator Leland Yee, Board of (continued on page 2)  Page 2 The Fiery Dragon March 2011

CADC Issues, Candidates and Propositions for Board and the second longest serving consider. Prior to the Nov. elections, Nov. 2 Election (continued from page 1)  elected official in San Francisco. three Chinese Americans sat on the Meanwhile, Fang is leading the board in Districts 1 (Richmond – Jobs and Business: To revive the not opposed most bond measures dialogue on bringing B2B or “BART ), 3 (Chinatown – David economy, candidates and issues because these bond projects would to the Beach” and the system’s speedy Chiu) and 4 (Sunset – ). on-time (96% on-time) service to must break down unfair barriers not fairly hire local Chinese Ameri- The board’s makeup has major impli- or support a competitive share of can firms nor promote affordable San Francisco’s heavily Chinese American west side. His clout has cations on the next mayor’s ability to government contracts for qualified homeownership. Further, the burden govern San Francisco. Mayor Gavin businesses owned by local Chinese of bonds and interests are dispropor- been to already obtain $8 billion in federal funding to create tens of Newsom, if California elects him Americans or run by large num- tionately passed on as property taxes Lt. Governor, will leave his position. bers of local Chinese American to Chinese American homeowners. thousands of jobs to expand a green and seismically safe BART system. Board President David Chiu could employees. For example, CADC Given many bonds can be defeated serve as interim mayor until the has supported policies to expand by one-third of voters, a powerful 330,000 system riders have “voted” in surveys with nearly 9 in 10 riders board selects a permanent new mayor business and employee opportunities unified Chinese American vote has who must run for election afterwards. in building the Chinatown Central the power to kill these bonds. recommending BART. That was Subway and the North Beach/Chi- also a vote of confidence for BART In the 1970s, Supervisor Gordon natown City College campus. Top CADC Endorsements Director Fang. Meanwhile, MUNI Lau nearly became the first Chinese On the basis of these issues, we rec- has failed to transport our commu- American mayor if the board had School Choice: CADC led the ommended candidates and proposi- nity on-time while raising fares and elected him to replace the assassinat- Ho vs. S.F. Unified School District tions on the state and local ballots. parking tickets. His opponent was an ed . While there are federal lawsuit ending discrimination In particular, we recommended these unqualified former MUNI advisor Asian Americans who may succeed against Chinese American children candidates for office: on “transit effectiveness.” Newsom, not all of them will support in the public schools in the 1990s. the Chinese American community Since then, CADC has fought for on jobs and business, homeowner- neighborhood schools thru a fair ship and neighborhood schools. student assignment process. It has continued the fight to qualify a Meanwhile, Newsom, whom ballot measure allowing for greater Chinese Americans overwhelmingly parental choice in neighborhood voted for in 2003 and 2007, is fairly schools. CADC successfully helped supportive of CADC and Chinese pass a ballot measure in 2008 restor- American issues. He also appointed ing student choice for high school Chinese Americans to major posts JROTC programs, which annu- – including Heather Fong as police ally served as many as 1,000 Asian chief, Carmen Chu as supervisor and American cadets. Given that Chinese Phil Ting as Assessor-Recorder. Americans make up more than one- FIONA MA FOR Assembly third of the school district, CADC Member, 12th District: If Newsom or a like-minded person LAWRENCE WONG FOR COL- remained as mayor after the Nov. 2 has fought to create a friendly city Fiona Ma was seeking election for LEGE BOARD: election, then he or she will need the for children and teens. Finally, voters her third term. The former supervi- support of at least four supervisors to must understand that education sor had fought for Chinese American The seven member community sustain his veto of legislation hurting however is mostly the responsibility small businesses seeking their fair college board represents 105,000 stu- the community on jobs, business of the College and School Boards, share of government contracts. She dents who are nearly one-third Chi- and homeownership. In the past Legislature, Governor and other successfully led the fight at the legis- nese American. Through Lawrence two years, Newsom counted on the bodies in the State Capitol. lature and ballot to restore JROTC Wong’s longtime leadership, the support of Supervisors Carmen Chu in the high schools. Ma has increased Chinatown campus is close to reality. Homeownership: Our community (District 4 - Sunset), Sean Elsbernd her influence in the state legislature At the same time, the club endorsed is more likely to be or aspire to be (District 7 – West of Twin Peaks). He as Assembly Speaker pro Tempore. only Wong and Anita Grier. It chose homeowners. Chinese American will need to look for two more allies Her CPA and small business back- not to endorse a third candidate so families have three or more mem- with Bevan Dufty (District 8 – Cas- ground is needed to lead California that voters would send a message bers, which makes them larger than tro) and Michela Alioto-Pier (District out of its budget mess. to opponents who have delayed the the general size of two member San Chinatown campus that further 2 - Marina) leaving the board after Francisco households. Thus, Chinese harm to this vital project would not this November’s elections. American families are unique in be tolerated. The delay has forced LYNETTE SWEET FOR the down-sizing family atmosphere many immigrant Chinese Americans DISTRICT 10 SUPERVISOR: of San Francisco. As a result, our to study in an obsolete and unsafe households must purchase or rent campus for years. In the future, the Sophie Maxwell (District 10 – Bay- larger, more expensive homes. They new facility will teach English to view), who is also leaving the board, face difficult City Hall planning students and prepare students for the sometimes supported Newsom. and permitting process to build or workplace. District 10 could be the surprise modify homes. As Chinese Ameri- of San Francisco. Long considered cans, we seek or own homes in one Board of Supervisors & Mayor: a district of African American of the nation’s most costly cities. We Eleven supervisors consider and neighborhoods, District 10’s largest are likely to be recent home buyers pass local resolutions, ordinances population is actually Asian Ameri- who will pay hefty property taxes and charter amendments. They also can – many of them are Chinese while carrying large mortgages. JAMES FANG FOR BART BOARD: review the mayor’s proposed budget American in Visitacion Valley and of $6 billion. At times, the board Silver Terrace. Combined, Asian As a result, CADC questioned if President James Fang is the only Chinese American on the BART will refer propositions for voters to and African Americans can help March 2011 The Fiery Dragon Page 3 elect BART Director Lynette Sweet, District 10 (rank up to 3) an African American woman who 1. Lynette Sweet; 2. Marlene Tran; was CADC’s first choice. After her, 3. Teresa Duque CADC supported Marlene Tran who was a retired Asian American teacher SCHOOL BOARD: The nine fluent in Chinese. The third choice member school board sets policy and was Teresa Duque who also was very budget and appoints top executives fluent in Chinese. to educate more than 55,000 public school students, of which nearly So, it was important to see who one-third is Chinese American. replaced Alioto-Pier, Maxwell, Dufty Students are taught or supported and Chris Daly (District 6 – Tender- by a staff that is only one-eighth loin/Little Saigon). CADC felt these Chinese American. The district’s supervisor candidates would support District 4 (rank up to 3) 3. board includes four Asian American the community on homeownership Carmen Chu (running unopposed) board members – two of whom are and small business and jobs: District 8 (rank up to 3) Chinese American (Sandra Fewer District 6 (rank up to 3) 1. Rebecca Prozan; 2. Scott Wiener and Norman Yee). Jane Kim is a District 2 (rank up to 3) 1. Theresa Sparks; 2. Matt Drake; No position (continued on page5) 

Chinese American Democratic Club November 2010 Voter Guide (Complete list and explanation are at www.cadcsf.org)

FEDERAL OFFICES State Assembly–– Office CADC Recommendation District 12 Fiona Ma (won) District 13 (won) US Senator Barbara Boxer (won at ballot) Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson (won) US Representative District 8 Nancy Pelosi (won) State Supreme Court–– Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye (won) District 12 Jackie Speier (won) Associate Justice Ming Chin (won) Associate Justice Carlos Moreno (won) STATE OFFICES Office CADC Recommendation Court of Appeal, Associate Justice–– (go to www.cadcsf.org) Governor (won) Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom (won) Superior Court, Seat 15 Richard Ulmer (won) Secretary of State Debra Bowen (won) SAN FRANCISCO OFFICES Controller John Chiang (won) Office CADC Recommendation Treasurer Bill Lockyer (won) Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting (won) Attorney General Kamala Harris (won) Public Defender Jeff Adachi (won) Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones (won) Board of Equalization, District 1 Betty Yee (won) CITY PROPOSITIONS State Senator (see page 4) District 8 Leland Yee (won)

STATE PROPOSITIONS (For detailed explanation, go to www.cadcsf.org) Measure Name CADC Position PROP. 19 State Legalization, Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana (lost at ballot) Yes PROP. 20 Redistricting of Congressional Districts (won) No PROP. 21 $18 Annual Vehicle License Surcharge for State Parks/Wildlife (won) Neutral PROP. 22 Prohibition on State Borrowing, Taking of Transportation, Redevelopment or Local Funds (won) Yes PROP. 23 Temporary Suspension of Air Pollution Control Law (lost) No PROP. 24 Repeal of Law Allowing Businesses to Reduce Tax Liability (lost) No PROP. 25 Require Simple Majority to Pass Budget Instead of Two-Thirds Vote of Legislature; Require Two-Thirds Vote for Taxes (won) Yes PROP. 26 Two-Thirds Vote for Certain State or Local Fees (won) No PROP. 27 Repeal State Commission on Redistricting and Consolidates Authority for Redistricting for State Legislature and Yes Board Of Equalization (lost) Page 4 The Fiery Dragon March 2011 City Proposition Endorsements for November 2010

NO on Proposition AA (won at ballot) high salaries (e.g. city supervisors earn over $90,000). Further, being on the Vehicle Registration Fee Democratic or Republican county committees would allow elected officials to Reason: The burden of a $10 increase for upgrading roads, safety and transit unfairly raise tens of thousands more dollars to run for county supervisor or would fall upon vehicle owners who pay but do not receive an equal benefit. mayor. In addition, all county committees have not fairly represented Asian City Hall should fix MUNI first before demanding more from drivers. Americans since many Chinese American voters do not choose any political party and cannot vote for Democratic, Republican committee members. NO on Proposition A (lost) Earthquake Safety Retrofit Deferred Loan and Grant Program General NO on Proposition I (won) Obligation Bond Saturday Voting Reason: Homeowners – many of them Chinese American – and tenants would Reason: Voting by mail would eliminate the need for Saturday voting which bear the cost of property taxes which would pay for $46 million in affordable hous- would increase election costs. ing retrofitting work that Chinese American contractors do not fairly benefit from. NO on Proposition J (lost) YES on Proposition B (lost) Hotel Tax Clarification and Temporary Increase City Retirement and Health Plans Reason: Prop J was a measure to increase city revenue and balance the city Reason: Prop B was a measure to reduce costs and balance the city budget. budget. Increasing hotel taxes to the highest in the nation would hurt local The average San Francisco civil service worker salary is double the salary of small businesses and employees in hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops which private sector workers. Civil service workers should contribute more to their would depend on convention and tourist business. Prop J would have increased retirement and health plans. They should not depend on taxpayers who face hotel taxes, but could have ended up reducing sales taxes when tourists shop or unemployment, have retirement plans which have suffered from the stock dine these businesses less. If Prop J and K pass, Prop J would have taken effect market collapse and pay for rising health plan costs. if it had more votes than Prop K since both have similar provisions.

NO on Proposition C (won) YES on Proposition K (lost) Mayoral Appearances at Board Meetings Hotel Tax Clarification and Definitions Reason: Voters rejected a similar measure several years ago. Under current law, Reason: Unlike Prop J, Prop K would have clarified the hotel tax law for the mayor could appear at S.F. Board of Supervisor regular meetings. The mayor online reservations and hotel tax exemptions. This measure would not increase could appear in many venues in person and online. This measure was unimport- the tax rate. If Prop J and K passed, Prop K would have taken effect if it had ant compared to higher priorities like improving the economy and increasing jobs. more votes than Prop J since both had similar provisions.

YES on Proposition D (lost) YES on Proposition L (won) Non-Citizen Voting in School Board Elections Sitting or Lying on Sidewalks Reason: This could increase representation of Chinese American students, Reason: Prop L would have allowed the police to enforce prohibition of sitting and especially immigrants who cannot vote. This could increase their power on lying on sidewalks which are shared by all people. Allowing a few people to intimi- the school board – especially on the four Asian American members who have date lawful residents would have discouraged shopping in our small businesses and not always support issues like JROTC and neighborhood schools. Chinese lowered property values. Given that the Chinese American community has a high Americans make up one-third of public school students. proportion of children, increased sidewalk safety would have made S.F. friendlier for our kids to walk and play. If Prop L and M passed, Prop L would taken effect if NO on Proposition E (lost) it has more votes than Prop M since both had similar provisions. Election Day Voter Registration NO on Proposition M (lost) Reason: While CADC believes in increasing Chinese American voters, the Community Policing and Foot Beat Patrols Department of Elections would need resources to check for eligibility or fraud. Reason: This was a dangerous measure that politicized how the Police Depart- YES on Proposition F (won) ment would protect the public. Community policing and foot patrols are Health Service Board Elections different strategies to fight crime. Prop M could have harmed progress with crime declining for the last three years under Police Chiefs Heather Fong and Reason: This would streamline elections and reduce costs. George Gascon. Other strategies instead of community policing could have better served different Chinese American communities. For example, China- YES on Proposition G (won) town and Tenderloin have more senior and immigrant residents susceptible Transit Operator Wages to different crimes than small businesses or homeowners in the Sunset or Reason: Prop G was a measure to reduce costs and balance the city budget. On- Richmond. If Prop L and M passed, Prop M would have taken effect if it had time service has been only 73 percent. And just over half of riders were satisfied more votes than Prop L since both had similar provisions. with MUNI service. Voters have supported MUNI’s reorganization, increased funding, raised parking tickets and fares, improved transit planning and guaran- NO on Proposition N (won) teed increased driver salaries. The result has been poor performance for Chinese Real Property Transfer Tax Americans who mostly live, attend school or do business far from the city’s center Reason: Prop N was a measure to increase city revenue and balance the city in neighborhoods like Visitacion Valley, Sunset and Richmond. budget. CADC opposed Prop N and supported finding ways to rein in city expenditures while encouraging business growth. This transfer tax on build- YES on Proposition H (won) ings over $5 to $10 million and over $10 million would hurt small businesses Local Elected Officials on Political Party Committees and their customers. It would be passed to small business tenants who would Reason: In these hard times, San Francisco’s elected officials should focus raise prices to their customers. If the building was residential, then tenants on one elective office, especially when the positions are full-time and pay would carry the tax burden thru rents. March 2011 The Fiery Dragon Page 5 Why We Ran for the DCCC because it was absolutely the right thing to do. It was a statement that we need to have CADC Board of By Michael Chan candidates be responsible and responsive to the needs of the communities that they have Directors, Officers, Very little is known about the S.F. Demo- Committee Members cratic County Central Committee. Every chosen to represent. two years in June, 24 members are elected The values of being an entrepreneur, a Terms Expiring End of 2011 by less than 20,000 voters. Few Chinese homeowner, and of being educated drive the Stanley Chan Americans are represented on this body. Yet, dreams and aspirations of our community Wilson Chu this body purports to speak for more than as well as other communities. CADC’s Tech Committee Calvin Louie, 200,000 San Francisco Democrats. It is the platform reflects these values and our three DCCC candidate new political machine that influences some DCCC candidates endorsed these values. Florence Kong Asian American elected officials to not ad- They campaigned on a platform that City Sam Kwong vocate for the best interests of S.F. Chinese government and politics need to re-connect President Americans. with working class and middle class families Hazel Lee Whereas one-third of Chinese American being forced or driven out by a lack of jobs Henry Louie voters refuse to align with the Democratic and public and private contract opportuni- Party because, like many Americans, they are ties. They see no end to the declining quality Timothy Louie disgusted with party politics. Responding to of our public schools where social integra- Secretary the best interests of these voters, the Chinese tion becomes a higher priority than a quality Bonnie Low American Democratic Club does not follow education. And they know that neighbor- Helen Lum all Democratic Party recommendations and is hood stability and quality starts with safe Michael Chan, supporting Proposition H on the November neighborhoods everywhere. Dan Tan 2 ballot. DCCC candidate Certainly political changes are in the air Terms Expiring End of 2012 In the June 2010 election, we – accountant from now through 2012. The coming two years will decide what the future of this City Richard Casuga Calvin Louie, architect Sam Kwong, and Tech Committee small business/affordable housing non- will be. We and the CADC will continue profit director Michael Chan - ran for the to work within our community as well as to Gary Chew Democratic County Central Committee work with all other like-minded communi- Bayard Fong ties to make this City more responsive and in Assembly Districts 12 (west S.F.) and 13 Suzie Lee (east S.F.) to increase Chinese and Asian friendly to families, to small businesses, to those who are limited English proficient, and Treasurer, Activity/Membership American community representation and to Committee increase ethnic and racial diversity on this to all who have been denied equal access to Committee. Racial minorities need to be opportunities and equal protection under the Calvin Louie represented so that their opinions can shape law. Together, we can change the City for the Vice President Sam Kwong, betterment of all. DCCC candidate the political debate and the actions taken. Richard Ow Our input reflects the values and aspirations Editor’s Note: Calvin Louie, Sam Kwong Conrad Seeto of our citywide community, which are also and Michael Chan lost their bids for county Dennis Van widely shared by other racial minorities. committee. However, their campaigns offered CADC in its commitment to the empower- an opportunity to share their views with other Alicia Wang ment of Chinese Americans and other S.F. Democratic Clubs. Lawrence Wong minorities supported our candidacies 300% Samson Wong Newsletter Committee CADC Celebrates More Than Half Century CADC Issues, Candidates and Propositions for Terms Expiring End of 2013 (continued from page 1)  Nov. 2 Election (continued from page 3)  Michael Chan Ex-officio / Newsletter Starting March 31, CADC membership dues Korean American attorney who once worked at a Chinatown Committee will increase. Dues are good for the calen- non-profit and Filipina American Hydra Mendoza directs Eddie Chin dar year and entitle members to attend and education policy for Mayor Newsom. Vice President/Issue Committee participate in general and special meetings, Chair receive notices and newsletters and other rights/ Chinese Americans have forced the school board to change privileges. policy on neighborhood schools and JROTC over the past 15 Ron Lee years primarily thru court action and ballot measure. Further, Parliamentarian/Activity / Individuals - $40 the school board in the past has been hostile to allowing lo- Membership Committee Students/Seniors - $20 cal Chinese American contractors to build or retrofit school Margaret Lee buildings. With Kim leaving Individual and significant other - $55 Amy Qu Silver Dragon - $50 to run for supervisor, CADC Golden Dragon - $100 supported only these candidates BQ Seeto Fiery Dragon - $500 sympathetic to CADC and com- Victor Seeto munity concerns: Derrick Seeto Special 3 Year Individual Membership - $100 School Board (3 seats) Sandy Su (Savings of $20 for the regulate individual rate) Emily Murase Ben Tom Hydra Mendoza Auditor Margaret Brodkin Emily Murase Page 6 The Fiery Dragon March 2011 CADC Impact on 2010 Races 6 neighborhoods as well as in older G to reform how the city negotiates Little Saigon. MUNI operator salaries. The club supported Fang for his outstanding Fiery Dragon Editor’s note slate serve with a near miss of a fifth in District 8 (Castro) – CADC 96% on-time BART service. For card grade of B: CADC provided Marlene Tran in the District 10 endorsed Rebecca Prozan 1st, Scott APAs, Fang is leading creation of a winning edge in several local races race. Although APA supervisor num- Wiener 2nd. Prozan’s 2nd place jobs and business opportunities and and CADC, with a little more money, bers will be historic, most lean to the votes mostly went to Wiener, the ramping up discussion of west- would have prevailed in several more left – contrary to their center-right ultimate winner. Although District ward BART service into S.F. Asian races. Overall, the CADC Slate Card APA constituencies: 8 is viewed as an LGBT seat, Asian American communities. Fang won earns a solid “B”. Americans reside in western hilly overwhelmingly with 51% of the Near Miss in District 10 (Bay- portions like Diamond Heights and vote –more than twice the number CADC put together a slate mailer view, Visitation Valley, Silver Twin Peaks and vote moderate-con- of votes of his two opponents. His targeting more than 20,000 Chinese Terrace) – District 10’s Asian servative and would likely support success stood in stark contrast with American voters and another 15,000 American community was over- liberal-moderates like Wiener or 65% voting for G and rebuking Chinese-language voters in a Sing looked by most “political insiders” Prozan over the more progressive MUNI for deteriorating service with Tao Daily ad for the final weeks of for a long time until now. The Rafael Mandelman. only 70% on-time service. CADC the November 2 campaign. CADC club had endorsed Marlene Tran opposed Prop AA’s $10 hike in likely impacted smaller district and Teresa Duque as 2nd and District 4 (Sunset) – Endorsed vehicle registration fees which passed supervisor races and even citywide 3rd picks respectively after BART by CADC for this major Asian with 58% of voters. The fee unfairly races by drawing out Chinese Director Lynette Sweet, the top American district, Carmen Chu was impacts our community especially American voters sharing the club’s CADC candidate. Retired teacher unopposed and is likely to align with when out of town drivers do not pay. philosophy on jobs and business, Tran in trial RCV counts benefited a centrist mayor. Chu could chart school choice and homeownership in from Duque votes drawn major her own political course with the TAXATION & BONDS - PROP San Francisco. Asian American support. How- departure of Mayor Newsom - her A & J DEFEATED: The sagging ever, African American candidate appointing ally. economy probably had a major role Historic 4 APA Supes: The votes were consolidating for Malia in defeating the hotel tax increase final results show that moderates District 2 (Marina) – CADC was Cohen - leaving her as the only (Prop J) which CADC also op- and conservatives will increase and neutral. Janet Reilly led in first African American supervisor. Later posed. The earthquake bond (Prop perhaps shift what was a progressive choices by nearly 200 votes but counts had shown Sweet in the A) missed passage by less than 4 board. That could shift more with ranked choice votes helped 2nd place lead among first choices of vot- percent. CADC had major objec- Mayor Gavin Newsom departing candidate Mark Farrell overtake her. ers. However, she slipped out of tions to its impact of higher property to be Lt. Governor and District He is likely to align with a moderate first when ranked choice was run. taxes on many Chinese American Attorney Kamala Harris becoming mayor. Although Sweet lost, she remains homeowners and discriminatory Attorney General in early January with the BART majority (see below SCHOOL & COLLEGE BOARD: policies excluding Chinese American 2011. “Transit – BART and Prop G”). Jane Kim’s supe run opened up a seat small businesses from bond project for CADC endorsee Emily Murase work. Although voters might be A moderate mayoral successor – Historic Fourth Asian from to win – which could impact student tighter with pocketbooks, they still who could be supportive of CADC District 6 (Little Saigon) – CADC choice issues like student assign- supported Prop AA (see previous) homeownership, jobs, business and endorsed Jane Kim in the third ments and JROTC and the ability of and Prop N’s transfer tax increase school choice issues - will have allies ranking. The school board member APA small businesses to win a fairer with 58% voter support. of at least four centrists or conserva- upset perceived frontrunner Debra tives to sustain mayoral vetoes as share of school contracts. Walker. Kim had supported elimi- FRIENDLIER STREETS FOR Newsom did. nating JROTC at the school board. Hydra Mendoza won re-election KIDS: CADC supported Prop L, CADC endorsees Carmen Chu Kim would align with a progressive- with the club’s endorsement while the sit/lie measure, which passed (District 4), Jane Kim (District 6) liberal mayor. The club’s slate and CADC-endorsed Margaret Brodkin with 54% of S.F. voters. Likewise the and Scott Wiener (District 8) will ad urged Chinese American voters was 1,300-1,400 votes behind club opposed Prop M – a dangerous become supervisor. With Kim and to support the likely first Korean Murase and incumbent Kim-Shree measure politicizing patrol tactics of Chu joining Eric Mar and David American elected to office. Like Dis- Maufas. With more resources to S.F. police department. That measure Chiu, at least four Asian Pacific trict 10, more Asian Americans are conduct early mailings and advertis- lost with 53 percent of voters. American (APA) supervisors will settling in newly developed District ing to capture vote-by-mail ballots, CADC could have pushed Brodkin FAKE : Finally, over the top and upset Maufas, a foe CADC endorsed incumbent Superi- Chinatown Hate Crime Hearing of JROTC. The Japanese American or Court Judge Richard Ulmer who Murase, Filipina American Mendoza won the runoff, 53%-46% against along with Chinese Americans San- attorney Michael Nava. Ulmer had dra Fewer and Norman Yee give the the endorsements of Lillian Sing board a historic four APA members. and Julie Tang – two superior court judges and leading club figures in the In the College Board, former club 1970s and 1980s. Nava’s campaign president Lawrence Wong finished a triggered a controversy over design- strong second – a strong mandate for ing and exploiting his Chinese name his leadership in the Chinatown City to draw votes. The debate’s intensity College campus. was captured in the Chronicle and legal S.F. Daily Journal which ran TRANSIT – BART AND PROP G: stories and letters by CADC board CADC Board members Richard Casuga, Wilson Chu and Tim Louie watch Performance counts in public transit. club members testify at S.F. Human Rights Commission hate crime hearing on member Samson Wong criticizing CADC endorsed BART President the Nava tactic. April 22, 2010. James Fang for re-election and Prop March 2011 The Fiery Dragon Page 7 Retaking the Initiative – Student Assigments By Samson Wong

Columnist Samson Wong’s columns Cathay Post’s Bok Pon, Nelson have appeared in more than 400,000 Lum and Ron Lee, businesswoman households weekly through the Quincy Yu, Assemblywoman Fiona Examiner, Independent and Asian- Ma and political consultant Johnny Week newspapers. The CADC board Wang. They had surprisingly passed member and former CADC president a non-binding Nov. 2008 resolution can be reached at potsticker@prodigy. overturning a school board resolu- net. Views expressed do not reflect tion to end the program. The victory CADC policy nor were they reviewed of 55% was surprising during a - to make some student assignment whose state law theoretically would by CADC. record high liberal and pro-Obama policy concessions. Before CADC have trumped JROTC school board presidential election turnout, which and parents went to court in the policy… Are Chinese American public school otherwise would have doomed any students better off than now than 1994 (under Amy Chang, Anthony perceived “conservative” or pro- Chow, Louis Lee, Roland Quan SPILLOVER EFFECT: The threat they were over 10 years ago? Unlike military political candidate or issue. of a student assignment initiative over 15 years of courthouse argu- and Lee Cheng’s leadership), School However, the Yes on V supporters Superintendent Bill Rojas probably with an organized campaign like ments and lobbying the superinten- convinced voters to allow student JROTC could spill into 2011 races dent and school board for revised sensed pressure on a school bond choice, instead of making scapegoats (which required one-third to defeat) for mayor and district attorney. Since student assignment formulas, there of high school cadets for a then Bush both seats will be vacated by Gavin is one nuclear button that CADC and made a few short-term student military and anti-LGBT policy. Prop assignment concessions. Rojas had Newsom and Kamala Harris for could push – petitioning more V has made it feasible for a student statewide office in Nov. 2010, the than 7,100 San Francisco voters to already seen two defeated bond assignment issue to win in a high measures (Prop A – Cultural Facility measure could affect the calculations qualify a student assignment policy turnout congressional election like of often speculated mayoral contend- statement for the 2011 ballot. That Improvement and Prop B – Street November 2010 or a lower turnout and Traffic Improvements) in Nov. ers like, State Senator Leland Yee, option depends on whether CADC mayoral election like Nov. 2011…. Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting and and community can accept allegedly 1993. And in the 1991 mayoral race, overwhelming Chinese American Board of Supervisor President David race-neutral student assignment revi- A student assignment initiative has Chiu…If a candidate wins or is sions to the reforms in the wake of these scenarios: margins were crucial to former police chief Frank Jordan’s 4-point upset defeated because of the initiative, the Ho vs. SFUSD settlement. It was that could give a student assign- this CADC-led 1999 settlement that NON-BINDING PROP MAKE of incumbent . Poten- POLICY CHANGE?: Like JROTC, tially, Chinese American opposition ment coalition much more political supposedly ended the discrimination leverage… of Chinese Americans in city public a student assignment issue could be on student assignments could have schools. The issue of student and a non-binding issue. After Prop V’s doomed the SFUSD June 1994 MORAL VICTORY: Even if it parental choice has always come up victory, a reconstituted school board Prop. A school bond, which barely loses by an insubstantial margin, again, two years after the stunning relented and restored JROTC in passed with more than 32% opposi- a student assignment measure is a victory of another student choice 2009. Thus, a school board may have tion…. Chinese American rally point to measure - Prop V. The JROTC to accept student assignment reform pressure City Hall on any number by a “non-binding” ballot measure. PREEMPTIVE ACTION: Po- proposition could provide the inspi- tentially, the school board – with of issues. Although the 1997 Central ration for a 2011 student assignment However, JROTC was much more Freeway campaign (Proposition H) limited in scope – affecting as many incumbents facing re-election in initiative that could have the same 2012 - could nip a grassroots student was overturned by another measure, impact as the Ho case in 1994…. as 1,400 cadets and instructors. S.F. Neighbors Association – along Imposing an assignment policy assignment campaign in the bud by making acceptable compromises. with Rose Tsai and Julie Lee – PAST INITIATIVES: When con- through the ballot could invite a gained the political capital to pres- ventional City Hall action has failed, legal challenge by the school board The school board can also learn the lesson of former school board sure liberal leaning APA supervisors. S.F. Chinese American leaders have or other groups, considering its effect For example, supervisors Michael turned to petitioning the elector- on over 55,000 students – includ- member Eric Mar’s near defeat for supervisor in 2008 by more than Yaki and Mabel Teng, who lost ate. JROTC isn’t the only Chinese ing the 31.6% who are Chinese a 1998 bid for board presidency, American-inspired citizen initia- Americans and at least 39.2% who 300 votes. Mar’s failure in 2008 to successfully forge a compromise took tremendous heat from SFNA tive…. In Nov. 1997, the S.F. Neigh- are APA (not including hapa) - and over balancing tenant and landlord bors Association, led by Chinese more than 4,000 employees who are on JROTC, as well as making concessions to the Asian American issues on owner move-in evictions. radio co-hosts Julie Lee and Rose 13.3% Chinese and 18.6% APA . Likewise that type of pressure could Tsai and new Supervisor Leland Yee, We should all remember that student Contractors Association on fairer contracting for APA small busi- face current Supervisors Jane Kim, won Proposition H. The measure assignment parameters were based on Chiu, Chu and Mar…With the temporarily stalled demolition of the the 1983 desegregation consent de- nesses turned his race into a squeaker against former Planning Commis- Central Freeway victory, SFNA’s earthquake damaged Central Free- cree which ended with the 1999 Ho new found power encouraged Mayor way, a major artery between the city’s settlement, which led to an allegedly sioner Sue Lee. Instead of clearing the field of challengers, Mar barely Willie Brown to forge a coalition center and APA communities on the race-neutral assignment policy… with them. They were instrumental peripheries of San Francisco… won. That has opened him to ongo- POLITICAL PRESSURE: Just ing speculation as to his vulnerability in Brown’s 1999 swing from the left JROTC – PROPOSITION V: Of merely organizing parents in 2011 for 2012 re-election… Further, if the to the center, where Brown won course, the most recent initiative is to gather signatures for a student school board refused to act, then the overwhelming re-election majori- the restoration of JROTC with APA assignment campaign may force legislature might have acted. Assem- ties in Chinese American precincts support from among 1,000 Asian the school board – including APAs blywoman Fiona Ma had introduced over progressive write-in mayoral Pacific American (APA) high school Hydra Mendoza, Norman Yee, Em- legislation well before Proposition insurgent Tom Ammiano… cadets and their parents, CADC, ily Murase and Sandra Lee Fewer V’s victory to restore JROTC – Chinese American Democratic Club 706 Sacramento Street, #134 San Francisco, CA 94108 www.cadcsf.org

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