ABS-CBN TFC, BA Support First-Ever APA-Facing Gubernatorial Debate in California History (Woman.ph)

By FEATURESDESK (ICG)

ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel and BA, its daily news show in North America, have joined over 70 community organizations and over 15 press agencies in the Asian Pacific American (APA) community to support the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) in hosting the first ever APA facing-Gubernatorial Debate in California History. Tickets are sold out with over 1,200 guests attending.

The historic event will take place this Friday, April 27, from 7-8:30pm Pacific, at the Sexson Auditorium of Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California. Those who don’t have tickets can watch the livestream on the CAUSE YouTube channel.

Invited gubernatorial candidates are:

Travis Allen (R) (Confirmed)
John Chiang (D) (Confirmed)
John H. Cox (R) (Confirmed)
Delaine Eastin (D) (Confirmed)
Gavin Newsom (D)
Antonio Villaraigosa (D) (Confirmed)

The debate will be moderated by MSNBC and NBC News Anchor Richard Lui and Los Angeles Times political writer Seema Mehta.

APA communities are the fastest growing ethnic group across the nation. Today, more than one-third (5.7 million) of the United States’ APA population resides in California. California is also home to the largest number of APA-owned businesses (32% of the total in the nation) and boasts an APA consumer market of $172 billion.

With the APA population comprising nearly 15% of California’s electorate, it has the potential to decide the outcome of the 2018 elections.

Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.

Watch the CA Midterm Gubernatorial Debate Live on CAUSE (Balitang America)

By Steve Angeles

As we dig deep into the 2018 midterm election seasons, BA has partnered with Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment, or CAUSE, for what may be California’s most important elections: the race for governor.

This Friday at 7 PM, at the Pasadena City College, five of the gubernatorial candidates will be debating for the Asian Pacific American community.

California is home to the largest Filipino population. Many important issues are expected to be brought up during the forum.

CAUSE will YouTube live-stream the debate through their website CAUSEUSA.org.

【面對亞太裔】27日州長辯論 預約旁聽 (World Journal)

記者王若然

加州歷史上第一次面向亞太裔社區的州長候選人政見辯論會，將在27日晚7時至8時30分在巴沙迪那社區學院 （Pasadena City College，PCC）的Sexson禮堂舉行，屆時排名前六的五位候選人將在醫保、移民等問題上表述自己的政見。該政見會免費對公眾開放，唯需事先在網上預約：https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-apa-gubernatorial-debate-tickets-42300610264

五位將參加政見會的州長候選人為加州華裔財務長江俊輝（John Chiang）、加州眾議員艾倫（Travis Allen）、律師考克斯（John Cox）、前加州教育廳長易思婷（Delaine Eastin）、前洛杉磯市市長維拉萊構沙（Antonio Villaraigosa）。

今年州長競選的大熱門之一的副州長紐森（Gavin Newsom）將未能出席，根據其競選團隊聲明，是因為近來辯論會太多，他無法抽身參加。

此次政見會由公益組織「亞美政聯」（Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment ，簡稱CAUSE）聯合70多個社區組織和15多家媒體共同舉辦。亞美政聯首席執行長（Executive Director）Kim Yamasaki說，「這是一個讓加州州長候選人分享他們對亞裔美國人群體需求和問題看法的好機會。」

此次政見會除了面對現場觀眾，還通過媒體播出，將配有中英文字幕。

In California, Asian Americans Find Growing Political Power (NBC)

By Agnes Constante

A growing number of Asian-American candidates are running for elected office at all levels of government, particularly in California.

LOS ANGELES — When Rob Bonta became California’s first Filipino-American state legislator in 2012, he wanted to show that someone who understood the Asian-American community could be a champion for it.

In his first year, he introduced a bill requiring schools to teach the Filipino-American role in California history, including in the farmworkers labor movement. That measure was signed into law the next year.

In this 2015 photo, Paul Chavez gives Assemblymember Rob Bonta a tour of the Agbayani Village in Delano, California, a retirement home created for Filipino farmworkers. Courtesy Of The Office Of Assemblymember Rob Bonta

In this 2015 photo, Paul Chavez gives Assemblymember Rob Bonta a tour of the Agbayani Village in Delano, California, a retirement home created for Filipino farmworkers. Courtesy Of The Office Of Assemblymember Rob Bonta

“That was very much inspired by my Filipino-American heritage, my family’s own personal experience in the movement, and was something I wanted to share more broadly with the larger Filipino-American community and the larger Asian-American community and the larger California community,” Bonta said.

His election is part of a trend of growing political power for the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, especially in the state of California, where AAPIs account for nearly 15 percent of the population, according to Census estimates.

In 1980, there were at least 160 AAPI elected officials in various levels of government, including Congress, state legislatures, counties, cities and school boards, according to Pei-te Lien, a professor who specializes in Asian-American politics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. By the time Bonta was elected to the California State Assembly, there were at least 343. That number had grown to at least 463 by 2016.

California is home to many of those elected officials: 16 of the 120 lawmakers in the state legislature are currently Asian American or Pacific Islander, according to Catherine Nou, chief consultant at the California Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, and several cities and counties in the state have majority Asian American boards of supervisors or city councils.

Voters cast ballots in Los Angeles County in California on November 6, 2012. FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP/Getty Images

The community’s growing influence can also be seen on California’s ballot this year.

California voters will find at least a dozen Asian Americans contending for office in the June primary election, including state treasurer John Chiang, who is running for governor; state controller Betty Yee, who is seeking re-election; and California Board of Equalization member Fiona Ma, who is running for state treasurer.

The number of candidates has prompted the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Center for Asian Americans United For Self Empowerment (CAUSE) to organize what it calls the first ever AAPI-focused gubernatorial debate in the state’s history, scheduled for April 27. The event is the largest in a series of debates the group is planning as part of its voter engagement initiatives.

“I think for us … 2018 really felt like an opportunity to leverage the community to get out there and vote,” Kim Yamasaki, CAUSE’s executive director said.

“We’re seeing more AAPIs running for office up and down the ticket,” Christine Chen — executive director of APIAVote, a nonprofit that aims to boost civic participation among AAPIs — said. “It’s not just only the school board or city council or various commissions, but we also saw a lot more success in state legislature races as well.”

James Lai, an ethnic studies professor at Santa Clara University who focuses on political participation, noted that a key reason for the rise in political representation is rooted in suburbs that serve as “political incubators,” where candidates can get early experience in politics.

One of the most prominent examples of an elected official going through such a political incubator, Lai said, is Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif, the chair of Congress’ Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Paul Sancya / AP

“She started on the Monterey Park City Council and then worked her way up to State Assembly, then ran in the congressional house district from California that included Monterey Park,” Lai said. “So she kind of built it up that way. And I think that’s a great example of what we’re going to see in California in the future.”

Once candidates successfully make it out of these incubators and into elected office, it enables them to create a pipeline through staffing choices that can enable others to replace them in the future, Lai added.

BUILDING THE BENCH

Outside of government, organizations like CAUSE and the Asian Pacific Islander Community Leadership Foundation also contribute to the pipeline through leadership training.

Annie Lam, executive director of the League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and founder of APIs Mobilize, reaches out to high school students in areas with large AAPI populations and recently launched a training program to teach AAPI legislative staffers leadership and management skills.

“We all have our training programs to help build the bench. And that goes into the infrastructure building,” Lam said. “APIs get elected, then they hire API staff, then we train them so that they move up in the ladder in the legislature.”

By 2040, the number of Asian American registered voters is expected to hit 12.2 million, according to a 2015 study by the UCLA Center for the Study of Inequality and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.

But the rapid growth, even with the rise in AAPI political representation and power, does not necessarily mean there will be proportional growth in the political sphere, Lai, the Santa Clara University professor, said.

“You’re already seeing trends within Asian-American communities, this low voter turnout,” he said. “What we need to do is focus on the reasons those gaps exist.”

According to the Pew Research Center, 49.3 percent of Asian voters went to the polls in the 2016 election, less than White (65.3 percent) and Black (59.6 percent) voters and slightly ahead of Hispanic (47.6 percent) voters.

The reasons for the gaps, Lai said, are in part tied to language and systemic barriers.

Some advocates say civic engagement among California AAPIs, especially in recent years, is on the rise.

“I think more and more people are seeing if they don’t vote, they have no say in the issues,” Mary Anne Foo, executive director of the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, said. “A lot of these issues affect them on a daily basis, from healthcare to housing to taxes to small business development to access to higher education, poverty.…They see the importance of having that voice.”

Once candidates successfully make it out of these incubators and into elected office, it enables them to create and facilitate a pipeline that will enable others to replace them in the future.

Once candidates successfully make it out of these incubators and into elected office, it enables them to create and facilitate a pipeline that will enable others to replace them in the future.
Foo said she has noticed that Asian Americans are also voicing their opinions in ways other than heading to the polls on election day. Some college students have advocated for Dreamers, as participants in the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals program have become known.

“I think they’re really fired up,” Foo said. “I think I can see more young people running for office.”

As California heads into the future, Bonta said he expects that AAPI political power in the state will continue to grow and strengthen.

Of the 16 Asian-American and Pacific Islander members of the California legislature, 12 are members of the California Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, which Bonta chairs. He calls that figure a “historic high.”

“We have momentum moving in the right direction,” Bonta said. “And as we continue to display our API talent in the political world, that will lead to changing attitudes and changing culture that will open up more doors and provide more opportunities for API leaders to step up and lead, and in the process strengthen our API political empowerment.”

First-Ever APA-Facing Gubernatorial Debate in California History

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Haidee Pan
Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: (213)269-4639
Email: haidee@causeusa.org

Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) has partnered with over 70+ community organizations and 15+ press agencies in the Asian Pacific American (APA) community to host the first ever APA facing-Gubernatorial Debate in California History. Tickets are sold out with over 1200 guests attending.

Who:

Richard Lui (Moderator)
News Anchor, MSNBC and NBC News

Seema Mehta (Moderator)
Political Writer, Los Angeles Times

Invited gubernatorial candidates:

• Travis Allen (R) (Confirmed)

• John Chiang (D) (Confirmed)

• John H. Cox (R) (Confirmed)

• Delaine Eastin (D) (Confirmed)

• Gavin Newsom (D)

• Antonio Villaraigosa (D) (Confirmed)

What: Leading candidates of the 2018 California Governor Race will debate issues facing the APA community.

When: Friday, April 27, 2018, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Press should arrive at 6:30PM to ensure ample time for setup before the debate.

Where: Pasadena City College
Sexson Auditorium
1570 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106

Parking is $2 in Lot 5. A map of Pasadena City College is available at https://pasadena.edu/about/campus-maps.php

Why: APA communities are the fastest growing ethnic group across the nation. Today, more than one-third (5.7 million) of the United States’ APA population resides in California. California is also home to the largest number of APA-owned businesses (32% of the total in the nation) and boasts an APA consumer market of $172 billion.

With the APA population comprising nearly 15% of California’s electorate, our community has the potential to decide the outcome of the 2018 elections. We are a community that cannot be ignored.

Interview Opportunities:

The Sexson Auditorium balcony will be reserved for the press for the duration of the debate.

Interviews with campaign representatives and/or candidates may be conducted after the program from 8:45 PM  – 9:15 PM in Room C155.

Photo Opportunities:

1. Speakers:  Mariko Carpenter, Charlie Woo, Kim Yamasaki

2. Moderators:  Richard Lui, Seema Mehta

3. Gubernatorial Candidates: Travis Allen, John Chiang, John H. Cox, Delaine Eastin, Antonio Villaraigosa

Dress code:
Business casual/casual attire is appropriate.

About CAUSE
Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the  political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 S. Los Robles Avenue, #115, Pasadena, CA 91101.

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The 2018 APA Gubernatorial Debate Will Bring Asian American Issues Front and Center (The Alhambra Source)

Alhambra, CA – Candidates for governor of California will debate each other in a forum focusing on Asian Pacific American issues on April 28 at Pasadena City College.

The forum will include five out of the six top polling candidates in the gubernatorial race, according to a press release from the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment, which organized it. The candidates include former Los Angeles Mayor Anthony Villaraigosa, State Treasurer John Chiang, State Assemblymember Travis Allen; businessman John Cox and former State Superintendent and Assemblymember Delaine Eastin.

Because Asian Pacific Americans comprise 15 percent of California’s electorate, the vote of this group could have a big impact on the governor’s race, a reality that CAUSE wants to capitalize on. Asian Americans are also the fastest growing ethnic group in the nation, according to the Pew Research Center.

Lt. Gov Gavin Newsom declined to participate in the forum, citing competing commitments. Newsom is the current frontrunner in the governor’s race, with Cox and Villaraigosa centering his platform around opposing sanctuary laws for undocumented immigrants.

For information on how to watch or attend, go here.

James Hsu Named Managing Partner of the Squire Patton Boggs Los Angeles Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – April 05, 2018 – Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to announce that James Hsu has been appointed managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office. The managing partner role transitions to Mr. Hsu from Adam Fox, who was appointed to the firm’s 12-person Global Board earlier this year.

“In the years that I have known James, he has proven to be an exceptional lawyer and a leader. His integrity, commitment to clients and civic engagement make him a natural choice to carry the torch in the Los Angeles market,” said Mark J. Ruehlmann, Chairman and Global CEO of Squire Patton Boggs. “It is with deep respect and admiration that I thank Adam for his service to the Los Angeles office, and am pleased he will continue to serve in a senior leadership position at the firm.”

Mr. Hsu, who currently leads the Los Angeles Corporate Practice Group, represents clients in a broad range of corporate finance and securities matters, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity offerings, joint ventures, public finance transactions, tax-exempt financing, fund formation and private equity/venture capital transactions.

Mr. Hsu has particular experience representing clients in complex multijurisdictional acquisition and divestiture transactions. Fluent in Spanish and Chinese, he has focused on practices in Latin America and the Greater China region. Over the last two decades, Mr. Hsu has represented numerous clients in inbound and outbound matters involving jurisdictions such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Spain, Australia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. In addition to his cross-border corporate transactional practice, Mr. Hsu also has extensive litigation experience representing clients in US federal and state court actions, arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

Mr. Hsu is active in the community and serves on the board of a number of not-for-profit organizations, including the Asian Business League (ABL), Center of Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and UCLA Department of Political Science. In 2007, Mr. Hsu received The California Lawyer’s Angel Award for outstanding pro bono service.

“Adam has been a tireless steward for the firm and it is an honor to take up this role,” said Mr. Hsu. “We have a talented, diverse team in LA that is closely integrated into the global firm and will carry forward our tradition of exceptional client service.”

Mr. Fox assumed the role of the Los Angeles office managing partner in 2015, while maintaining his positions as leader of the firm’s False Advertising Litigation & Protection Practice and the Food & Beverage Litigation Practice. Mr. Fox focuses on handling and trying to verdict high-stakes controversies spanning a wide range of subject matters. In addition to his leadership in many false advertising class actions and competitor suits under the Lanham Act (often in the food and beverage industry), he also has substantial experience in other complex commercial cases and those involving environmental contamination or exposure. A graduate of the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program, Mr. Fox serves as co-chair of the Los Angeles branch of the National Campaign to Stop Violence and coordinates the Los Angeles office’s pro bono activities.

“James is a stellar lawyer with substantial cross-border corporate and M&A transactions,” said Mr. Fox. “His leadership, judgement, global perspective and commitment to service make him an excellent choice for this role.”

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記者張宏／洛杉磯市報導

亞美政聯（Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment，簡稱CAUSE）5日晚在洛杉磯市中心舉辦第25屆年度晚宴，今年主題是「就是現在」（The Time Is Now），邀請加州州務卿帕迪拉（Alex Padilla）擔任演講嘉賓，近500位政界及社區人士與會。

帕迪拉表示，今年的主題「就是現在」切合當下的美國社會和亞美政聯主旨，希望更多人投身政治，投身爭取民主權益的隊伍中，投身到為社區服務中。

聯邦眾議員趙美心、Brad Sherman和加州眾議員Rob Bonta、周本立等民選官員也都到場。趙美心祝賀亞美政聯成立25周年，感謝亞美政聯，並為該組織多年來為社區做出的貢獻感到驕傲。趙美心指出，25年來她也是一路從蒙市市議員成長為美國第一個華裔女性聯邦眾議員。只有行動起來才能打破界限，做出改變。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）表示，亞美政聯多年來致力於培養亞裔青年領袖，很多人現在都已成為為社區發聲的民選官員和活躍人士，希望他們可以成為青年的楷模，鼓勵更多亞裔從政，在社區中發揮領袖作用。

洛杉磯韓裔市議員柳大衛（David Ryu）獲得「激勵領導獎」（Inspirational Leadership Award），聯邦眾議員趙美心也為亞美政聯主席胡澤群頒獎。

洛杉磯韓裔市議員柳大衛感謝亞美政聯頒予自己這個重要獎項，未來繼續為社區服務。

데이비드 류 시의원 'CAUSE' 리더십 상 (Korea Daily)

데이비드 류 LA 4지구 시의원이 5일 LA 호텔 캘리포니아 볼룸(333 S. Figueroa St LA)에서 열린 아시아계 권익 단체의 하나인 아시안아메리칸연합 권익센터(CAUSE) 연례 행사에서 ‘리더십 상’을 수상했다. 데이비드 류 시의원이 행사장으로 입장하고 있다. 김상진 기자

亞美政聯晚宴 胡澤群獲頒獎 (World Journal)

洛杉磯韓裔市議員柳大衛（David Ryu，左二）獲得「勵志領導獎」。（記者張宏／攝影）

亞美政聯5日晚在洛杉磯市中心舉辦第25屆年度晚宴。（記者張宏／攝影）

記者張宏／洛杉磯市報導

亞美政聯（Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment，簡稱CAUSE）5日晚在洛杉磯市中心舉辦第25屆年度晚宴，今年主題是「就是現在」（The Time Is Now），邀請加州州務卿帕迪拉（Alex Padilla）擔任演講嘉賓，近500位政界及社區人士與會。

帕迪拉表示，今年的主題「就是現在」切合當下的美國社會和亞美政聯主旨，希望更多人投身政治，投身爭取民主權益的隊伍中，投身到為社區服務中。

聯邦眾議員趙美心、Brad Sherman和加州眾議員Rob Bonta、周本立等民選官員也都到場。趙美心祝賀亞美政聯成立25周年，感謝亞美政聯，並為該組織多年來為社區做出的貢獻感到驕傲。趙美心指出，25年來她也是一路從蒙市市議員成長為美國第一個華裔女性聯邦眾議員。只有行動起來才能打破界限，做出改變。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）表示，亞美政聯多年來致力於培養亞裔青年領袖，很多人現在都已成為為社區發聲的民選官員和活躍人士，希望他們可以成為青年的楷模，鼓勵更多亞裔從政，在社區中發揮領袖作用。

洛杉磯韓裔市議員柳大衛（David Ryu）獲得「激勵領導獎」（Inspirational Leadership Award），聯邦眾議員趙美心也為亞美政聯主席胡澤群頒獎。

洛杉磯韓裔市議員柳大衛感謝亞美政聯頒予自己這個重要獎項，未來繼續為社區服務。

데이비드 류 시의원 ‘CAUSE’ 리더십 상 (Korea Daily)

데이비드 류 LA 4지구 시의원이 5일 LA 호텔 캘리포니아 볼룸(333 S. Figueroa St LA)에서 열린 아시아계 권익 단체의 하나인 아시안아메리칸연합 권익센터(CAUSE) 연례 행사에서 ‘리더십 상’을 수상했다. 데이비드 류 시의원이 행사장으로 입장하고 있다. 김상진 기자

데이비드 류 시의원 ‘CAUSE’ 리더십 상 (The Korea Times)

데이빗 류 LA시의원이 지난 5일 LA호텔 캘리포니아에서 개최된 제25회 아시안아메리칸연합권익센터(CAUSE) 기금 만찬 갈라에서 ‘인스피레이셔널 리더십 어워드’를 수상했다. 이날 행사에 참석한 데이빗 류(왼쪽) LA시의원이 LA시 최초 아시안 시의원이었던 마이크 우 학장과 함께 했다.

2018 APA-Facing Gubernatorial Debate Secures 5 Leading Candidates 江俊辉将参加2018加州州长候选人辩论会 (AMTV)

Pasadena, CA – March 26, 2018 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self- Empowerment (CAUSE) has partnered with over 70+ community organizations and 15+ press agencies in the Asian Pacific American (APA) community to host the first ever APA facing-Gubernatorial Debate on Friday, April 27, 2018, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (PST). Admission to the debate is free and open to the public at the Sexson Auditorium of Pasadena City College (1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106).

The selection criteria for candidates to participate in the 2018 APA-Facing Gubernatorial Debate was based on the data results from extensive polling conducted at the time of determination.

The following candidates have confirmed their attendance:

Travis Allen, CA State Assemblyman (R)
John Chiang, CA State Treasurer (D)
John Cox, Businessman (R)
Delaine Eastin, Former CA State Superintendent of Education (D)
Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor of the City of Los Angeles (D)

Candidate Gavin Newsom, CA State Lieutenant Governor has declined to attend the event. Representatives from Newsom’s campaign team officially responded as follows, “Unfortunately based on the large number of debate requests and competing demands for the Lieutenant Governor’s time, we will be unable to attend. For context, by the end of February, we will have already completed seven candidate debates and forums…”

The response drew concern from leaders within the APA community. “The APA community will no longer be associated with being soft-spoken,” said Charlie Woo, Chair of CAUSE. “…we are a community that will not be ignored. Our gubernatorial candidates need to treat us with the same respect as all other communities.”

Paul Song, President of Physicians for a National Health Program California, also chimed in and encouraged candidates to take APA voters seriously. Understanding that the debate has the ability to impact the decision-making process of APA voters, Song emphasized, “We are not a monolithic group, but rather politically diverse and independent minded. Therefore we encourage all gubernatorial candidates not to dismiss this wonderful opportunity and to readily participate in the [debate]. It is very important for each candidate to share their visions, goals, and to speak directly to an important constituency.”

Today, APA communities are the fastest growing ethnic group across the nation. Additionally, more than one-third (5.7 million) of the United States’ APA population resides in California. California is also home to the largest number of APA-owned businesses (32% of the total in the nation) and has a consumer market of $172 billion. With the APA population comprising nearly 15% of California’s electorate, the APA community could potentially decide the outcome of the 2018 elections.

2018 APA-Facing Gubernatorial Debate Secures 5 Leading Candidates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Miko Jao

Manager of Voter Engagement

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: miko@causeusa.org

2018 APA-Facing Gubernatorial Debate Secures 5 Leading Candidates

Pasadena, CA – March 26, 2018 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) has partnered with over 70+ community organizations and 15+ press agencies in the Asian Pacific American (APA) community to host the first ever APA facing-Gubernatorial Debate on Friday, April 27, 2018, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (PST). Admission to the debate is free and open to the public at the Sexson Auditorium of Pasadena City College (1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106). To RSVP, please click here.

“The first ever APA-Facing Gubernatorial Debate will be historical for the state of California,” said Kim Yamasaki, Executive Director of CAUSE. “This will be an opportunity for our gubernatorial candidates to share their stance on our community’s needs and issues.”

The selection criteria for candidates to participate in the 2018 APA-Facing Gubernatorial Debate was based on the data results from extensive polling conducted at the time of determination.

 The following candidates have confirmed their attendance:

• Travis Allen, CA State Assemblyman (R)

• John Chiang, CA State Treasurer (D)

• John Cox, Businessman (R)

• Delaine Eastin, Former CA State Superintendent of Education (D)

• Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor of the City of Los Angeles (D)

Candidate Gavin Newsom, CA State Lieutenant Governor has declined to attend the event. Representatives from Newsom’s campaign team officially responded as follows, “Unfortunately based on the large number of debate requests and competing demands for the Lieutenant Governor’s time, we will be unable to attend. For context, by the end of February, we will have already completed seven candidate debates and forums…”

The response drew concern from leaders within the APA community. “The APA community will no longer be associated with being soft-spoken,” said Charlie Woo, Chair of CAUSE. “…we are a community that will not be ignored. Our gubernatorial candidates need to treat us with the same respect as all other communities.”

Paul Song, President of Physicians for a National Health Program California, also chimed in and encouraged candidates to take APA voters seriously. Understanding that the debate has the ability to impact the decision-making process of APA voters, Song emphasized, “We are not a monolithic group, but rather politically diverse and independent minded. Therefore we encourage all gubernatorial candidates not to dismiss this wonderful opportunity and to readily participate in the [debate]. It is very important for each candidate to share their visions, goals, and to speak directly to an important constituency.”

Today, APA communities are the fastest growing ethnic group across the nation. Additionally, more than one-third (5.7 million) of the United States’ APA population resides in California. California is also home to the largest number of APA-owned businesses (32% of the total in the nation) and has a consumer market of $172 billion. With the APA population comprising nearly 15% of California’s electorate, the APA community could potentially decide the outcome of the 2018 elections.

“… Candidates and elected officials alike must address the growing AAPI community to succeed here, which is why the first AAPI-focused Gubernatorial Debate hosted by CAUSE is so important,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, Founder and Director of AAPI Data. “By showing up, candidates demonstrate their commitment to addressing issues facing the AAPI community, and that they understand the power of our vote.”

The debate will be held in front of a live audience as well as streamed for broadcast by media outlets with English and Asian language programming.

—

Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.

Media and press agencies interested in partnership opportunities for this debate should contact Miko Jao, CAUSE Manager of Voter Engagement at miko@causeusa.org 

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 S. Los Robles Avenue, #115, Pasadena, CA 91101

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Cause Mobilizes APA Community For Its 25th Annual Gala: “The Time Is Now!”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Haidee Pan

Director of Marketing & Communications

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: haidee@causeusa.org

CAUSE mobilizes APA community for its 25th Annual Gala – “The Time Is Now!”

Pasadena, CA – March 23, 2018 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the L.A. Hotel Downtown (333 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071).

The schedule of events is as follows:
6:00 P.M. VIP Reception | Pacific Room
6:00 P.M. Silent Auction & Networking | California Ballroom Foyer
7:00 P.M. Dinner Program | California Ballroom

The CAUSE Annual Gala is the premier APA event for those interested in politics and community. It boasts the largest attendance of APA elected officials and is a celebration of those striving to make an impact in our community. More than 100 APA federal, state and local officials from all over California will be in attendance. The gala also serves as the largest fundraiser of the year for CAUSE. Funds raised help sustain our many programs and services, which include voter outreach, training, and education and leadership development programs. Our programs have proven to be successful in encouraging increased civic engagement and political leadership in the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond. Additionally, 400+ guests are expected to attend this year— all of whom are dedicated to elevating the APA community.

This year’s theme is “The Time is Now!” CAUSE Executive Director Kim Yamasaki says, “As our country enters a new era of politics, it is important, now more than ever, to mobilize and empower our community, to make an impact in future elections.”

We are delighted to recognize the following honoree for their audacity and resolve to stand as a leader for the APA community:

Inspirational Leadership Award
Los Angeles Councilmember David Ryu

Los Angeles City Councilmember David E. Ryu represented the 4th council district which includes the neighborhoods of Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, Silverlake, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Larchmont and a portion of Koreatown.

Ryu studied economics at UCLA; Public Policy and Administration at Rutgers; won a prestigious United Nations graduate internship; and was a Netkal Fellow at USC’s School of Social Work.

As Senior Deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Burke, he worked for years on issues like public health, housing, children and family services, transportation and senior services. He helped oversee the County budget and worked for a time as a Special Investigator for the Auditor-Controller, rooting out waste and fraudulent expenditures.

Ryu returned to the non-profit world and served as Director of Development and Public Affairs at one of Los Angeles’s largest non-profit health care providers: Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital and Community Health Center.

On July 1st, 2015 Ryu became the first Korean American to serve on the LA City Council and only the second Asian American.

“The work that CAUSE does to empower leadership and organize the API community is remarkable, effective and important,” Councilmember Ryu said. “I am so honored to receive this award, and to work with CAUSE on bringing a new generation of leadership to the fore, inspiring the voices of our community, and ensuring that Asian-Americans remain a key part of the Los Angeles story.”

Press will receive complimentary admission; to reserve your press spot, please RSVP with Audrey Soriano by email at audrey@causeusa.org or phone at (818) 621-3642 by Tuesday, April 3.

—

Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the civic and political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

For press inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website, www.causeusa.org. Our offices are located at 260 S. Los Robles Avenue, #115, Pasadena, CA 91101.

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華人為何不愛投票？

4月初一些城市將舉行市議員選舉，如何提升投票率，是許多關心政治的華裔，亟思了解的議題。

儘管最近幾十年華裔群體逐漸壯大，華人參政積極性也越來越高，但華人投票率始終低迷。專家認為，華人因文化和語言的障礙，傳統觀念對政治冷感，以及對民主制度不了解，導致投票率低。若想提高投票率，各機構和媒體，對參選人政見以及公投法案的宣導和講解必不可少。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）表示，華人不愛投票，主要是文化和語言障礙。對於不少華裔移民來說，美國民主程序非常複雜。尤其在競選時，每個參選人都出來說一樣的話，讓不了解政治的普通華人非常困惑，不知道這位參選人真正的立場如何，是否跟自己的立場吻合。

此外，每次選舉選票上常有許多不同的職位和提案，很多華人選民並不認識這些職位的參選人，對一些提案更聞所未聞。另外登記選民填寫選票，郵寄或去投票站投票，整個過程對於新手選民很複雜，於是乾脆不投票。

如何提高華人投票率一直是難題，相對來說，西語裔同樣面臨文化和語言的障礙，但投票率就較高。胡澤群解釋，從歷史上來看，例如1994年加州187號提案（Prop.187）反對讓非法移民免費就讀公立學校，當時的西語裔紛紛入籍公民，投票人數上升一倍。

胡澤群表示，其實各類機構、組織和媒體，宣導和解析每個提案的意義，了解候選人立場，幫助選民做出自己的決定十分重要。如果選民了解提案的涵義便願意投票。

他表示，由於今年參加選舉的華裔候選人非常多，趙美心、劉雲平都競選連任，陳介飛競選國會眾議員。州級有江俊輝競選州長，余淑婷連任主計長，馬世雲競選州財務長，伍國慶競選州參議員。令華人熟悉的華裔面孔和名字，可能會讓華裔選民願意出來投票。

曾任聖瑪利諾市長、現任聯邦衛生福利部副助理部長的林元清表示，華人總是覺得「我這一票也不會差到哪裡去」，而且認為政治高高在上，不會影響到自己的生活和工作，因而不太有投票的熱情。華人文化習慣認為，天高皇帝遠，政治是皇帝的事情。但在民主社會，選民要意識到自己做主人。

他鼓勵華人投票，對候選人也要研究對方的政見、理念和政績，查看此人以前做過的事情，是對華人有利還是有害的。他鼓勵各機構和媒體多給民眾提供這些資訊，這樣華人投票的動力會比較大。

保家衛國有苦自己扛 亞裔退伍軍靠讀書重回社會 (Apple Daily)

記者張紫茵／洛杉磯報導

經歷戰爭、身體創傷以及心理上的創傷後壓力（PTSD），部分軍人退伍後難以融入社會。但其實他們當初在戰場上獨當一面，重投社會一樣可以發光發亮。亞美政聯（CAUSE）周二於洛杉磯啟動2017亞裔退伍軍人學者計劃（Veterans Initiative program），支持亞裔從軍報國之餘，並提供資源，輔助退伍軍人重回社會。

受惠此計畫的一位華裔退伍軍人麥龍飛（Richard Mai）是廣東移民，17歲到美國，他表示家族有軍人背景，因此很仰慕軍人，從小聽說海軍陸戰隊好厲害，因此2001年完成高中後，就加入美國海軍陸戰隊，更兩度遠赴伊拉克，負責運輸保安工作，保護貨物﹑軍火及軍人前後線往返，從軍四年多後退役，退役時為軍銜中士（Sergeant）。

戰場上烽煙四起，退役後回復平靜，麥龍飛表示很不適應，後來重新由社區大學讀起，最後在爾灣加州大學（UCI）取得雙工程學士學位。現在洛杉磯蒙特利公園市環境委員。他認為，當時在軍隊受訓是學做一個領袖的角色，回到社會後要重新開始，當中沒有對接點，讓很多軍人退役後無所適從，心理障礙下難以重投社會，雖然政府有很多補助可以解決他們生活所需，但他認為，幫他們找到工作來重投社會，找回生活的動力最有效。
另一位越南華裔退伍軍人張俊鴻（Jayce Wolf）19歲加入軍隊，在伊拉克戰役中負責通訊支援，服役2年半後退伍，他坦言重返社會很困難。「我相信每個人某程度上都有創傷後壓力症候群，單是負責開車都可以有PTSD，從軍時經歷過這些極端的環境，會有一定的創傷，有多大我現在也不想再提起。」

戰場上所發生的事，會跟隨著軍人一輩子。經過6年的時間，張俊鴻坦言至今仍未回復正常生活，「我們都假裝正常，直到我們有一日真正做到。」他認為重新融入社會最好的辦法就是溝通，因在軍中的溝通方式很不一樣，很粗俗很直接﹐回來後慢慢學會體貼別人，不斷與身邊的家人﹑朋友溝通，慢慢重新適應社會。

他表示高中畢業後入伍，是因為當時沒有人生的方向，但從中他亦獲益良多，「在軍隊中學到的是，你可以花上幾年時間來準備一個最好的計劃，但一旦到戰場上，多完美的計劃都有可能煙消雲散。」所以他在軍隊時曾經想過退役後許多大計，預計不到的是，當他實踐時心理上承受不了，一度自我孤立令到自己陷入困境，最後他花了幾年時間從陰霾中慢慢走出。

他透露自己在單親家庭成長，沒有一個成年男性作為榜樣或指導他，從軍前他有問過一些遠房親戚的意見，他叔叔劈頭一句就是「你很蠢！」對於亞裔家庭，父母總是希望子女去當個醫生﹑律師，不會希望他們去從軍，承受危險。他入伍前到最後一刻才告知家人，媽媽發現後痛哭崩潰，更曾一日打四五十通電話給他，至今仍然未能接受。雖然加入軍隊令他經歷了很多，但他無悔，認為這個經歷難忘可貴，現在在社區大學讀書，並幫助其他伍軍人重返校園。
亞美政聯總監山崎（Kim Yamasaki）指，機構的退伍軍人學者計劃主要是幫助亞裔退伍軍人重返社區及擔任領導角色，將會提供資源及人脈﹐與其他亞裔退伍軍人聚集起來互相扶持。

亞裔退役軍人學者計畫 錄取6人 (World Journal)

亞美政聯（CAUSE）24日舉辦第三屆亞裔軍人表彰大會，啟動2017亞裔退役軍人學者計畫（Veterans Initiative program）錄取六人，支持亞裔從軍報國，提供輔助資源，鼓勵融入主流，改變傳統觀念，提高亞裔從軍意願和美軍代表性。

表彰大會邀請到亞美青年退役後備役軍人代表，以及民選官員、社區領袖聚集一堂，討論新時代亞裔從軍的重要性，交流當兵受訓的經驗，改善亞裔退伍軍人的就業、教育、醫療待遇，改變美軍中的亞裔比例小、將官少、代表性差的弱勢。

亞美聯政主席胡澤群指出，川普政府提升軍人地位，然而，美軍各兵種的亞裔將領很少見，亞裔從軍的比例很低。因此，亞美政聯連續三年推展「退役後備役軍人學者計畫」，探討當前亞裔退役軍人面臨的各種社會問題，幫助他們善用社會服務資源，提高從軍報國的意願。

羅斯密副市長兼美軍陸軍後備役少尉李志（Steven Ly）應邀擔入大會講員，他表示，每月一個周末、每年兩星期參加軍事訓練，包括出操、射擊、擲彈、格鬥等戰鬥技術和體能訓練。雖然他的本職是小企業主，同時也是民選官員，但並行不悖，相得益彰。

今年亞裔軍人學者麥龍飛（Richard Mai），17歲從廣東移民美國，曾經在美國陸戰隊服役四年，軍銜中士（Sergeant）。退役後就讀爾灣加州大學（UCI）取得雙工程學士學位。畢業後曾在Pankl太空公司任職工程師，目前自己開業與中國做貿易，並且還雇用了一名退役軍人。他認為，亞裔退役軍人需要進一步融入主流政治，培訓領導能力，成為社區領袖或民選官員。他本人目前擔任蒙特利公園市環境委員，以及美國退伍軍人628分會行政參謀。

亞美政聯市場和公關主任潘芸（Haidee Pan）介紹，亞裔退役軍人學者計畫為期三個月，每月召開一次研討會，探索亞裔軍人面臨的挑戰，提供有價值的工具，開發福利和服務資源，公平分配給亞裔退役軍人。學員們透過專業培訓，掌握議題和政策，將來在亞裔社區宣傳和動員，促進亞裔青年的從軍意願。

CAUSE Hosts The 2017 Veterans Initiative Leadership Luncheon

Contact: Haidee Pan, Director of Marketing & Communications

626-356-9838  haidee@causeusa.org

260 S. Los Robles Avenue, Suite 115, Pasadena, CA 91101

www.causeusa.org

MEDIA ADVISORY

CAUSE  Hosts the 2017 Veterans Initiative Leadership Luncheon

A leadership luncheon to discuss the best practices in working on veterans’ issues and to celebrate accomplished leaders in veterans affairs will occur at City Club- Los Angeles on October 24, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Who: 
Renata Simril (Keynote Speaker)
President & CEO of LA84 Foundation
Military Police Officer, US Army Veteran

The Honorable Steven Ly (Elected Remarks) 
Mayor Pro Tem of the Rosemead City Council
Second Lieutenant, US Army Reserves

Blas Villalobos (Status of Veterans)
Veterans Affairs Manager  at the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
Squad Leader, US Marine Corps Veteran

The 2017 CAUSE Veterans Initiative cohort:

• Evette Kim, US Army Reserve | Specialist | Reservist

• Richard Mai, US Marine Corps | Sergeant | Veteran

• Audrey Oh, US Army | Sergeant | Veteran

• Andrew Saetern, US Army Reserve | Specialist | Reservist

• Priscilla Songsanand, US Army | Major | Veteran

• Jayce Wolf, US Army | Specialist | Veteran

What: Veterans Leadership Luncheon to learn about best practices in working on veterans’ issues and to    celebrate some of the most accomplished leaders in veterans affairs in Los Angeles.

When: Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 11:30AM – 1:30PM 
Lunch will be served.

Where: City Club Los Angeles
Hollywood Room
555 S. Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Complimentary parking will be provided at City National Plaza at 515 S. Flower Street.

Why: This luncheon is an effort to spotlight the need for more veterans in civic leadership positions and provides attendees with a greater understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities for veterans pursuing these avenues.

Interview Opportunities:
Interviews with speakers may be conducted before the program from 11:30AM – 12:00PM. Interviews with the 2017 Veterans Initiative fellows may be conducted before the program from 11:30AM – 12:00PM and/or after the program from 1:30 – 2:00PM.

Photo Opportunities:

1. Presentation of Colors

2. Program speakers:  Renata Simril, The Honorable Steven Ly, Blas Villalobos, Kim Yamasaki

3. Military personnel in uniform: Veterans, reservists, and active duty service members will be attending in their appropriate uniforms.

Dress code:
Business attire is appropriate for civilians.
US Army: Army Service Uniform
US Marine Corps: Service Alpha
US Navy: Navy Dress Blues
US Air Force: Service Dress
US Coast Guard: Service Dress

About the Veterans Initiative
The CAUSE Veterans Initiative is a fellowship and civic leadership program for veterans and reservists who are seeking community leadership roles outside of the military. The Veterans Initiative program was specifically designed for veterans interested in increasing the accessibility and awareness of available veterans resources as well as learning how to effectively advocate on behalf of Asian Pacific American (APA) veterans issues. In this program, participants are provided with mentors, professional development opportunities, and issue/policy briefings.

During this program, participants will not only gain insight on issues related to the veteran community and how to provide assistance, but will also be exposed to opportunities for individual professional development. Exclusive access to a network of prominent mentors and enhanced political awareness are a few notable examples.

About CAUSE
Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the  political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 S. Los Robles Avenue, #115, Pasadena, CA 91101.

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（影音）暑期政界實習 15亞裔生收穫豐 (World Journal)

記者李雪

亞美政聯（CAUSE）今年暑期政界實習（Leadership Academy Internship）18日舉行畢業典禮，15位年輕亞裔大學生獲得官員表彰，並展示其共同完成的「選民資源項目」策畫。

這批學生在過去九周時間，分別在國會眾議員趙美心、華特斯（Mimi Walters）、謝安達(Adam Schiff)、羅考莉(Lou Correa)，以及數位州參議員和眾議員，洛市市長賈西提、州財務長江俊輝和主計長余淑婷等民選官員的辦公室實習。當日出席畢業典禮的民選官員們，對實習生表現表示非常滿意。

今年19歲並就讀於波莫納學院的華生任容甫表示，實習期間主要負責接電話、接待選民等。雖然是簡單的工作內容，但能第一手接觸選民，了解其需求。為有訴求的選民建立案例，看著案例經過層層程序，最終得到解決，他覺得是工作中最有成就感的事。

他表示，實習改變了他對政治的看法，以往看到政客們的鬥爭，覺得他們「壞」。但在趙美心的辦公室，看到趙美心和幕僚們認真對待選民們提出的訴求，為他們解決疑難問題，發覺原來政客也沒有那麼「壞」，「看到了(政治)好的一面」。

他表示，去年的大選讓他和同齡的朋友同學感到無助，不知有何方式能發出屬於自己這一代的聲音。主流的意見表達幾乎都被年長的人掌控，年輕人的利益不被顧及。他認為加入實習能更多參政，幫助自己發聲，不過他也表示只要關心政治，參與政治的途徑有很多。

趙美心為學生們頒發獎狀，她回憶自己從小也沒想過成為政治家，那時更沒有這樣幫助年輕人從政的項目。直到蒙市20年多前的一場反移民排華情緒，激發她走上政治道路，一路走到第一位華裔女性國會議員的位置，她表示打破玻璃天花板真的很難。以前在國會山莊極難見到亞太裔，現在因為有不少這樣鼓勵亞裔參政的計畫，華府也能常見到亞裔面孔了。

日裔眾議員土村（Al Muratsuchi）也到場感謝實習生的幫助，鼓勵年輕人未來更多參與政治。亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）也恭喜各畢業學生，為他們一一頒發證書。