OCA San Diego

12/21/2023

Washington, D.C. — Today, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Magnuson Act, which repealed the Chinese Exclusion Acts. These acts were the first laws in U.S. history that explicitly targeted and excluded a specific ethnic group from immigration and citizenship.

The Chinese Exclusion Acts were fueled by racial prejudice and economic fears. They prevented Chinese laborers from entering the U.S., denied naturalization rights to Chinese Americans, and exposed them to discrimination, harassment, and violence.

On December 17, 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Magnuson Act into law, ending years of exclusion and injustice. The Magnuson Act granted Chinese Americans the right to become citizens and allowed an annual quota of just 105 Chinese immigrants to enter the U.S. The legislation was a significant step toward racial equality and justice, but with a quota limit, it did not erase the challenges faced by Chinese Americans and other immigrants.

OCA wants to acknowledge the work of Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), in fighting against racial discrimination and profiling. In 2012, she introduced a resolution that expressed regret for the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Laws and reaffirmed the commitment of Congress to uphold the civil rights and constitutional protections of all Americans.

“As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Magnuson Act, we also remember the painful legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Acts that denied the dignity and rights of Chinese Americans,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates President Linda Ng. “The Magnuson Act was a historic victory for our community, but it also reminded us of the need to continue fighting for justice and equality for all immigrants and people of color.”

“The Magnuson Act ended the unjust exclusion of Chinese Americans,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “While we honor their strength and achievements, we recognize the ongoing struggles of anti-Asian discrimination and racial profiling, as well as the continued need for immigration reform. OCA remains committed to empowering the AANHPI community and safeguarding our rights, dignity, and voice.”

12/05/2023

Anti-Asian hate incidents like the one reported below have been happening locally too at San Diego schools- including at Del Mar Union and Solana Beach elementary school districts.

Hai Au Huynh says her two sons were the target of racial taunts and other hateful incidents at their Texas elementary school.

12/03/2023

Leah Tsao, the OCASD president, has resigned. OCASD appreciates her contributions to the organization and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Brocade Wu Harmon will serve as the interim president and oversee the reorganization.

OCASD is live and strong and will continue moving forward with our mission and goals.

Thank you for your understanding in any transitional delays.

Happy holidays to you all!

06/19/2023

The OCASD Annual Gala on May 28 was a resounding success. There were more than 100 rsvp and standing room only attendance on the event day.

People enjoyed the program, food and venue. （see the news article, pictures, video & program brochure attached for details)

- Brocade first presented OCASD annual report, urging members & audience to participate and build on the progress and network established in the past two years and achieve more for the future.

- Board transition: Brocade thank the old board and introduce the new board and new president, Leah Tsao.

- Essay Contest winners Katelyn Wang and Maryam Mohamed were presented with certificates by Leah. They recited part of their essays.

- Georgia Lee was interviewed by Holly Kammier and Michael Williams, in a fireside-chat style, which was well-received. Young audience especially had lively discussion with her.

- The dance performance by a group of amateur dancers were graceful and well-choreographed.

- The Fung Fu demonstration by two young kids were very impressive!

- Novel Excerpt reading by Hans Yang

- The popular Fashion Show again drew a lot of excitement. Ladies dressed in beautiful, traditional costumes competed for cash prizes.

- Winners of the fashion show as well as the raffle drawing were announced and awarded.

- Dim Sum, boba tea drink, egg tarts, shrimp crevice & more were served.

- To conclude, Brocade thanked all the volunteers and Leah express hope and vision for the future.

It was a great event that brought people together and showcased Asian heritage!

Hope you all join us next time!

Acknowledgement:
- We would like to particularly thank Eileen Lundquist for securing the venue and speaker, serving as MC, generate the program flyer, made the dessert & create the beautiful flowers arrangements!

- Leah for making shrimp crevice & Tofu salad, help with setup & in charge of the essay contest.

- Gene Chou &
JJ Chou took charge of the audio system & help with setup & decoration.

- Gloria Chow organized the fashion show and the raffles.
- James Chow conducted the runway show & judging process, which was very entertaining!

- James & Gloria also took care of the check-in process.

- Jerry Harmon, Chih-Wu Chang, Janice Holowka, Fred Lundquist & many others helped with setup of the chairs, tables & decorations.

- A special thank to Susanna Hanitio for renting the venue for us.

05/22/2023

Olga May Wong Memorial Public Service Scholarship
[Deadline: June 18, 2023]

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander college students with unpaid internships at a government office, federally or locally, in the U.S. are eligible to receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Learn more and apply here.

Olga May Wong Memorial Public Service Scholarship Fund Application Deadline: June 18, 2023 at 11:59 PM PT APPLY The Wong family is creating the Olga May Wong Memorial Public Service Scholarship Fund that will benefit Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander college students in their pur...

05/20/2023

*** OCASD Annual Gala ***

* Guest Speaker * Fashion Contest * Dim Sum * Bubble tea * Entertainment program * Free *

What: “From Harvard Biology Major to Hollywood Film Producer” : Interview with Georgia Lee, the creator of the Netflix series “Partner Track”
When: Sunday, May 28 at 1:30 pm
Place: the West Highlands Pacific Recreation Center, 5950 Blazing Star Ln, San Diego, CA 92130

is free but rsvp is required by emailing [email protected] with names of all attendants.
# Asian traditional attires are encouraged. Fashion participants will be judged to win a prize.
# Volunteers are needed.

03/16/2023

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Newsroom
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2023
Joint Statement by HHS Secretary Becerra and Ambassador Tai on the Two-Year Anniversary of the Atlanta Spa Murders
Co-Chairs of the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders reaffirm the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to combat anti-Asian hate and gender-based violence.
View this release in your browser.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai issued a joint statement marking the two-year anniversary of the 2021 Atlanta spa murders, in which eight people, including six women of Asian descent, were killed by a gunman who targeted three Asian-owned businesses.
“Two years ago, eight lives were stolen in a string of shootings in Atlanta that heightened fears for Asian Americans already grappling with anti-Asian sentiment. On this somber anniversary, our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who were impacted by these senseless acts of gun violence, and we share in the grief that remains fresh for many in the Atlanta community.
“The heinous murders were a national tragedy – one that not only brought visibility to the pain of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities, but also placed a spotlight on the violence, racism, and misogyny that Asian women across this country disproportionately experience. In response, the Biden-Harris Administration recently released its first-ever national strategy to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPIs that includes new commitments from federal agencies to combat anti-Asian hate and discrimination. Moreover, the White House Gender Policy Council released a progress report on the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, which outlines the strides made to improve women’s health, education, economic security, and safety.
“From Atlanta to Monterey Park, we have met too many community members shaken by acts of mass violence. And the effects of trauma from these incidents can often persist for decades. This Administration remains committed to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, including mental health support, as part of our long-term efforts to advance safety, inclusion, and belonging for AA and NHPI communities. We continue to be inspired by local leaders and advocates working to build a future without fear, and who demonstrate the resilience of the AA, NHPI, and Atlanta communities.”
Following the 2021 Atlanta spa murders, the Biden-Harris Administration took swift action to combat anti-Asian violence and gender-based violence, including through:
The reinvigoration of the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on AA and NHPIs, which has paved the way for the development of a whole-of-government strategy to address the rise of violence and discrimination—including gender-based violence;
The appointment of the first-ever White House Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison;
The release of the Administration’s first-ever national strategy to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities;
Increased funding to support AA and NHPI survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through the American Rescue Plan, and the strengthening the Violence Against Women Act;
The enactment of the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, issuance of a memoranda from the Attorney General to improve efforts to combat hate crimes, and the appointment of the first hate crimes coordinator within the U.S. Department of Justice;
The convening of a United We Stand Summit at the White House to counter the corrosive effects of hate-fueled violence on our democracy and public safety;
The publication of joint guidance around hate crimes by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and
Executive and legislative actions to reduce gun violence, including the signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which ushered in the most significant gun safety reforms in 30 years.
ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), established by President Joe Biden through Executive Order 14031, is charged with coordinating a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.

03/01/2023

https://apple.news/AVcdYJJ4eS12h6MBuBAhoag

President Joe Biden will nominate Julie Su to serve as labor secretary, the White House confirmed on Tuesday, which would make her the first Asian American to serve in secretary-level role in Biden's Cabinet.

02/27/2023

Congressman questioned Chu’s loyalty to the US. It is very alarming and upsetting! The situation will get worse as US-China competition heats up. The Asian American community has to be prepared.

Just hide and tolerate will not bring relief. Only through unity and fighting back with societal influence and political power, would people take us seriously.

There is another dimension of the situation. Putin wants to stir up war between US and China and the self-destruction of the US with domestic division and infighting.

The xenophobic narrative will get worse. Be prepared and be ready!

Be proud of our heritage, embrace our identity! Fight for the good future of America and the world peace!

Rep. Judy Chu and other House Democrats have fired back after a Republican congressman questioned her loyalty to the U.S. using what they say is anti-Asian rhetoric.

02/25/2023

Anti-Asian bigotry is behind a Texas land bill SB 147.

A bill banning Chinese citizens from owning land may be framed as a security measure, but it’s rooted in a long history of Asian hate.

02/09/2023

Keanu Reeves was abandoned by his father at 3 years old and grew up with 3 different stepfathers. He is dyslexic. His dream of becoming a hockey player was shattered by a serious accident. His daughter died at birth. His wife died in a car accident. His best friend, River Phoenix, died of an overdose. His sister has leukemia.
And with everything that has happened, Keanu Reeves never misses an opportunity to help people in need. When he was filming the movie "The Lake House," he overheard the conversation of two costume assistants; One cried because he would lose his house if he did not pay $20,000 and on the same day Keanu deposited the necessary amount in the woman's bank account; He also donated stratospheric sums to hospitals.
In 2010, on his birthday, Keanu walked into a bakery and bought a brioche with a single candle, ate it in front of the bakery, and offered coffee to people who stopped to talk to him.
After winning astronomical sums for the Matrix trilogy, the actor donated more than $50 million to the staff who handled the costumes and special effects - the true heroes of the trilogy, as he called them.
He also gave a Harley-Davidson to each of the stunt doubles. A total expense of several million dollars. And for many successful films, he has even given up 90% of his salary to allow the production to hire other stars.
In 1997 some paparazzi found him walking one morning in the company of a homeless man in Los Angeles, listening to him and sharing his life for a few hours.
Most stars when they make a charitable gesture they declare it to all the media. He has never claimed to be doing charity, he simply does it as a matter of moral principles and not to look better in the eyes of others.
This man could buy everything, and instead every day he gets up and chooses one thing that cannot be bought: To be a good person.
Keanu Reeves’ father is of Native Hawaiian descent.