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Editor’s Note: Cherry Blossom Alumnae will be organizing a community forum on Saturday Oct. 10, 2009 to discuss, “What It Means To Be a Japanese American Woman.” Over the next 3 weeks, CBA members address that topic and share their personal experiences with AsianWeek readers. The CBA conference will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2009 from 10am - 3pm at the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown, 1625 Post Street in San Francisco. Contact Tina Hamada-Wong at tina@structive.com or (650) 619-0613 for tickets.This is part 2 of 3.
By Amy Schoemehl
Last weekend I found myself flipping though every cable channel, half hopeful that something would catch my eye enough to end the mindless surfing. For the umpteenth time, I stopped at Jerry Maguire, this day at the part when Rod Tidwell (played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is explaining the definition of a word he called kwan – it meant love, respect, and community.
It instantly reminded me of my trips traveling to visit sister cities who sponsored Cherry Blossom programs, where I met a man all the girls knew as Uncle Bobby. In his Pidgin accent he would often talk about the spirit of ohana (a Hawaiian term for friends and family, though not of necessarily blood relations, and community).
“What It Means To Be a Japanese American Woman,” to me, means to be a part of something bigger than myself or my kin, a legacy that binds women of Japanese descent.
Many of us have Issei (first generation Japanese American) great grandmothers who came to America as picture brides at the turn of the last century, often to meet men they had never even met. Most of us have Nisei (second generation Japanese American) grandmothers or family members who were interned in concentrations camps during World War II. Often times I can rely on my best friend to sympathize with things that are going on between me and my mom because we were raised by similarly minded Sansei (third generation Japanese American) mothers – in many ways, it’s as though our separate Yonsei (fourth generation Japanese American) pasts were actually rather the same.
When I ran for the Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program in 2000, I met several women whose histories did not reflect my own – one was biracial and three had shin Issei (first generation Japanese Americans who immigrated to America post World War II) parents. And yet, we were brought together as Japanese American women and there was a collective identity we could not deny, so it taught me that our shared identity even transcended the stereotypical trends of the Japanese American experience.
This kwan, for us, illustrates the power of the Japanese woman, or perhaps burdens us with the onus of perpetuating our culture and being active and impactful members of this very special ohana. It tasks us with staying involved with the community in whatever capacity we are able, to share our experience with the community and other Japanese American women. It pushes us to form groups such as the Cherry Blossom Alumnae, which I am a charter board member of, that supports Japanese American women in the next chapters of their lives beyond their program years into social and professional networks they can leverage throughout their lives.
Being a Japanese woman and mother challenges me to raise my Gosei (fifth generation Japanese American) daughter to learn and appreciate not only the Japanese culture but also her Japanese American identity. Because her father is not of Japanese descent, I put pressure on myself to teach her the things that made me who I am, and to guide her through experiences that defined my life as a young Nikkei (an ethnically Japanese person, an important term because it separates ethnicity from citizenship as a means of self-identification). It makes me hope that my daughter will have friends and family whom she can identify with on a level, as I am able to do so with my best friend – a level that is near beyond words and can be assumed because of a shared acceptance into the ohana which is the Japanese American Woman.

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World-class dragon boat racing, spectacular cultural performances, and fun-filled activities for the whole family will take place at the 2009 Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival on September 26 and 27 at Treasure Island. The San Francisco event is the largest competitive dragon boat festival in the United States with over 110 dragon boat teams and 3,500 dragon boat paddlers competing in the 500 and 300 meter courses.
On Saturday at noon, festivities commence with the Dragon Horse Lion Dance Group. The Dharma Masters of the Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale will perform the official blessing & eye dotting to awaken the dragons for the weekend of racing.
The food area will feature a wide variety of delicious food vendors, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Hawaiian food, BBQ, seafood, hot dogs, sno cones, cupcakes, yogurt, and much more!
Free arts & crafts activities and fun games & prizes for children of all ages will take place in the designated family area - Dragon Land.
http://www.sfdragonboat.com

Festival Schedule
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Festival Hours 10 AM - 5 PM, Racing Hours 8 AM - 5 PM
- Opening Ceremonies
- Competitive and Recreation Division Seeding
- Men’s and Women’s Seeding
- Novice Division Races and Challenge Cups
- College Cup
- Novice Division Awards Ceremony
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Festival Hours 10 AM - 5 PM, Racing Hours 8 AM - 5 PM
- Visiting Teams Races / Championship
- Competitive and Recreation Division Championships
- High School Division Races
- Men’s and Women’s Championships
- Masters Race
- Closing / Awards Ceremony
* Schedule is subject to change
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This 2009 Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival, taking place Sept. 26 and 27 at Treasure Island, features a wide array of entertainment. Here is a look at this year’s performers. For more about the festival, visit sfdragonboat.com/
Chen Tai Chi
The Traditional Chen Family Taijiquan class has been taught at San Francisco Chinese Culture Center for many years by instructor Debbie Au.  They meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Center.
Chung Ngai Dance Troupe

Established in 1966, Chung Ngai Dance Troupe is a non-profit, non-political organization. Our mission is to promote and preserve Chinese culture in the United States through performing arts. In addition, Chung Ngai offers opportunites for members and volunteers alike to participate in events such as the Chinese New Year parade. In the process, participants learn about Chinese culture and gain experience in performing arts. Chung Ngai is an organization run solely by our members. And as many of our members are college students or younger, the skills that are developed provide solid foundations for the rest of their lives. Since the 1970’s, Chung Ngai has been a staple unit of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade. We are widely known for our outrageous drum ensembles. We have performed a drumset with as many as eight drummers drumming at once.

Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale
Teaching ways to discover peace of mind and insights to life in the high tech valley, Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale offers weekly classes on meditation and Buddhism and regular meditation retreats and workshops that are especially relevant for people ridden by stress and anxiety in the fast pace and hectic schedule of modern living.  Conveniently located at 750 E. Arques Avenue (by N. Wolfe Road) in Sunnyvale, right off Central Expressway, the Zen Center offers these and other programs in English and Chinese, free of charge, and open to all.  The Abbot (head priest) Ven. Jian Hu, Ph.D. frequently gives lectures and workshops locally, across the U.S. and abroad at universities, colleges and high schools to high tech companies and organizations. For more information about the Zen Center, please call (408)733-0750 or visit https://sunnyvale.ctzen.org/.
Chinese Folk Dance Association
The CFDA is a non-profit dance company established by Asian Americans in 1959 for the promotion of Chinese culture to other Californians through performances and classes in Chinese traditional and classical dancing.  The CFDA has performed, in its 44 year history, in large scale productions, in smaller community shows, and by invitation to many other cultural events in the San Francisco Bay Area, normally averaging 40 performances annually.  Over the past 17 years, they have performed in the prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival thirteen times.

Dennis Woo

12-year old Dennis Woo was first noted for his musical talents at age 3 by his parents and he could sing in many different languages such as Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and Japanese.  Since then, he has been utilizing his gift as a vocalist to provide inspiration to his listeners at countless community events throughout the Bay Area.  He released his first CD and performed in Reno at age 8. Outside of the arts, Dennis is an excellent student and has been awarded the President’s Education Award in recognition of Outstanding Academic Achievement.

Dragon Horse Lion Dance Group (Loong Mah)
This group was founded in April 1994 as a non-profit, San Francisco-based organization who performs regularly for worthwhile charities, fundraisers, community, corporate and multi-cultural events.  Loong Mah’s primary objective is to teach and share the art of lion dance which will help develop among our youth the sense of spirit of sharing, teamwork, community involvement, and charity.  We also emphasize to our members the development of honesty, loyalty, trust, integrity, self-confidence, and a deep and genuine awareness of our beautiful art forms and cultural heritage.  Building new traditions is one of our hallmarks in that we train the members who are as young as 4 years old and our membership is comprised equally of girls and boys.  Entering its third year is the mothers’ dragon team, a team comprised entirely of female athletes who have heretofore not been involved with such a physical activity.  This team is powerful yet light-hearted and sparked with a youthful vitality that has to be seen to be believed.
Emeryville Taiko

Emeryville Taiko, led by Susan Horn, was founded in 1998.  Formerly an East Bay class location for the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, headed by Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, Emeryville Taiko has evolved to become an independent local resource for taiko aficionados who love energetic and enthusiastic drumming that pushes traditional taiko to new heights of creativity.  Susan-san, once a member of the SF Taiko Dojo, has also studied in Japan and welcomes people of all backgrounds and ages to join us.

Gold Mountain Ensemble
Consisting of musicians Harriet Lim and Valerie Samson, Gold Mountain Ensemble has been bringing Cantonese music to residents and visitors of San Francisco for over four years.  They made their debut at the Chinese New Year Spring Festival a few years ago.
Groove MonkeeZ
We are a group of people from Vallejo in the north bay area and Walnut Creek in the east bay area who love to get together and dance.  Groove MonkeeZ is based on hearing the music and grooving to the beat of the song.  We practice hard, train hard, and we always love to perform with our love.  We love to entertain & put on a show…. Enjoy!
Luckystars Marnie & Nicole, The Molano Twins
Our very own rising stars, Marnie & Nicole began singing at age two and a half years old. Singing and playing together were their daily activites at home. At age six, they memorized 16 songs way before they could even read and write. Being young, enthusiastic, and determined performers, the gutsy twins decided to put their shows on the road and made a name for themselves as Luckystars Marnie & Nicole, The Molano Twins. Since they have traveled a lot, they became award-winning performers all over the state. They have sung the US Anthem hundreds of times and done outstanding presentations before national, and local dignitaries at public and private events
Mengru Liang
Mengru Liang has been performing onstage at numerous community events, including the Chinese Spring Festival. This weekend, she will perform a number of traditional Chinese dances.
The Magic of Chin-Chin

Chin-Chin’s featured performance on KRON TV’s “Bay Area Backroads” was just the latest move for this fine young performer. Chin-Chin, a San Francisco native, has been performing magic since the age of seven, when he was entertained by a magician at the hospital after having surgery on a cleft palette.  Growing up in the Bay Area, his fellow magicians dubbed him “Master Prodigy” for his great aptitude in the art of magic at a very early age.   Soon the master prodigy became a master.  Three times awarded “Stage Magician of The Year” in San Francisco, Chin-Chin has become the most awarded magician in the Bay Area.  He combines the art of illusion with a hilarious and dynamic personality and intertwines a message of love and respect to present a show all audiences can enjoy.  In 2008, Chin-Chin’s original and signature act, the “D.U.V.” act has been awarded the Gold Medal by the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians, earning him his first international championship of magic. You are in for a real treat!
chin-chin.com
Ming Fai
Ming Fai, a Chinese-American (Rap) Hip-Hop artist born in Hong Kong, came to America at a very young age and grew up in San Francisco, CA. He raps in both English and Chinese. Ming Fai has the skills of switching from English to Chinese so smoothly in his songs that it captivates both cultures. His passion for music was mainly developed from his everyday life hustle and struggle on being a Chinese-American male trying to place his identity in society. Ming Fai has the best of both worlds by growing up in Western America yet still embracing his Chinese culture and traditions. He has one album “Breathe Easy” to his credit. Since the release of his album, he has put his recording and performing career aside to pursue a position in the business aspect of the entertainment industry, including Asia. He has brought a new perspective of Hip Hop to Hong Kong (Hierophat Entertainment http://www.hierophat.com/).  Ming Fai is currently the manager for DJ Motiv8 (Motivate), who is the founder and DJ of the world famous pop group “The Black Eyed Peas”.

Parangal Dance Company
As the newest Philippine Dance Company in the Bay Area, Parangal means tribute. Founded in May 2008, our company consists of members who share the same passion and love of Philippine folk dancing. Parangal Dance Company’s mission is to give tribute to our motherland, the Philippines, by preserving and promoting its rich culture and tradition through dance, music, and costumes. Through our research, public and private performances, and free dance workshops, we aim to also educate the diverse San Francisco Bay Area and beyond about the Philippines and its culture and tradition.
QueensFunk (formerly Mystic Rhythm League)
QueensFunk is a bay area quartet consisting of members that are longtime veterans of the San Francisco music scene. Keyboardist Lani Honma and guitarist Leoncio Santos are joined by brother Nelson Santos on drums and Phil Douglas on bass. Rounding out the band are Debbie Douglass and Michelle Gonzales on lead vocals. They come together as a formidable task force on dance grooves from the 70’s. A virtual plethora of old school songs and hits that you have at some point in your life either danced to…. or just bopped your head to in time with the beat. The music that QueensFunk plays is good for the heart and soul. . . And will sho’nuf make you wanna get down!

Red Panda
The Red Panda Acrobats formed in 1990 in Shanghai and its members are professionally trained in China.  The troupe started performing in the United States in 1991.  The group performs all year long in a variety of venues including corporate and company events, fairs, festivals, sporting events, school assemblies, and TV shows.  The Red Panda Acrobats have traveled throughout the nation and overseas performing for well-known companies that include Disney World, EPCOT Center, Las Vegas Casinos, and Apple Computer.  They have appeared in the Crook and Chase Show, Incredible Acrobats, London Television, China’s Best Acrobats, Shanghai Television, Mornings Live on 2, Channel 2 KTVU, and many more.  The group is based in the San Francisco area and is led by Wayne Huey who studied at the Fu Shing Acrobatics Academy in Taipei and trained with the prestigious Shanghai Circus School.

Reincarnation Performance Group
Reincarnation Performance Group was started in 1997 by four people and now has grown to over one hundred members.  The group is dedicated to building a safe and educational environment in which youth may grow and gain cultural awareness through the Arts.  Today, they are actively involved in many community events to raise cultural awareness because of their strong belief that with the growing diversity of our society, it is crucial to acknowledge and respect different cultures in order to better understand and appreciate ourselves.  Previous performances have included the Asian American Expos in San Mateo and Los Angeles, Chinese New Year Street Fair and the International Dragon Boat Festival.
San Francisco Wushu Team
The world tour by China’s National Wushu Team in 1974 left a great effect on the martial arts community in the United States.  After that team’s tour, many Chinese Americans were inspired to learn wushu.  As a result of that interest, the San Francisco Wushu Team was founded by Sifu Anthony Chan, Sifu Bryant Fong, and others to perform and promote the art of wushu.  The team has competed in international competitions.  They also have been part of the U.S. Wushu Team, participating in the World Wushu Championships in Beijing. http://www.sfwushu.net
Those Kids
Those kids love to sing and entertain, and of course have fun.  They range in age from 7 to 15 years old.  They are goofy, crazy, and awesome entertainers that have captured the hearts of many.  They consist of two sisters, Caite and Ciara, their brother Daric and cousin Kiana.  The Carvajal Kids also dubbed “Those Kids” are proud of their San Francisco roots, though the three siblings moved to Sacramento in 2001.  They began performing at family gatherings and have been entertaining ever since at many community events, festivals and shows throughout California, Hawaii and Nevada.  They hope to stay in the music scene in the years to come and dream of being on the Disney Channel and MTV one day.  As for the future, the kids are taking one step at a time, putting school first.  When they’re not singing you can find them performing in musicals, in the Lowell High School Drill Team, playing for the 49ers flag football team and playing piano.  In their spare time they enjoy going to the movies, sports, and hanging out with friends.  You can check them out at www.myspace.com/thosekids916 or at youtube.com tags under “Those Kids 916”

A Touch of Polynesia

We are an ohana-based performance group established in 1986, presenting dances and our own style of live music from the islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, and New Zealand. Each of our members – dancers and musicians alike – brings a diversity of experience and talent to the group that have been developed and nurtured through many years of learning, competing and performing with various award-winning hula halau, tahitian and musical groups. Together, we are “A Touch of Polynesia”, and we look forward to sharing the “ALOHA spirit” through our dance and music.
World Kung Fu Federation
A long time festival favorite, Henry Chang was born in Northern China where he learned various acrobatic skills and traditional martial arts.  During the 1980’s, Mr. Chang taught Chinese folk acrobatic arts such as Diablo, tops, Chinese Kung Fu Boxing, Iron rings, and more at the East Bay Chinese School.

Yau Kung Moon Kung Fu Sports Association
Yau Kung Moon, also known in the United States as YKM, is an unfamiliar style that stresses not only physical, but also mental well being.  Based on the movements of ten animals, it incorporates not only their varied strengths, but also their gracefulness and speed; unifying these characteristics comprises the physical aspects of this system.  Although it originated in the Tang Dynasty (800 AD) by Ding Yang, a monk of the Shaolin Temple, it wasn’t until the 1960’s that YKM finally came to America.  Two of Grandmaster Ha Kwok Cheung’s top disciples, Wong Cheung and Wan Tak Kei, immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong and are Master Wong in San Francisco and Master Wan in Los Angeles.  For the past twenty-six years, the two Grandmasters, with the help of their disciples, grew the Yau Kung Moon Association to over a thousand members strong. http://www.ykmusa.com/
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An exciting weekend of world-class dragon boat racing, spectacular cultural performances, and fun-filled activities for the whole family will take place at the 2009 Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival on September 26 and 27 at Treasure Island.
The San Francisco event is the largest competitive dragon boat festival in the United States with over 110 dragon boat teams and 3,500 dragon boat paddlers competing in the 500 and 300 meter courses.
Dragon boat teams range from novice to competitive skill level. Novice teams represent local Bay Area corporations, public agencies, and non-profit community organizations. Recreational and competitive teams practice year-round and hail from all over the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. This year’s championship race is going to be one of the fiercest battles for victory to date!
Here is a look at some of this year’s teams. Part 1 of 2.
AAA Flying Dragons

The AAA Flying Dragons are employees of AAA of Northern California¸ Nevada¸ and Utah¸ an eight-time sponsor of the festival.  You know us as friendly folks when we arrange your travel¸ pay your auto and homeowners insurance claims¸ or rescue you on the road.  But in the dragon boat¸ watch out — we’re ferocious.  We love the challenge of the race.  We’re not masochists — we’re just into teamwork¸ hard workouts¸ and developing our skills.  And it doesn’t hurt that we have loads of FUN and trophies to show for our efforts.  Back on land. . . we’re just the friendly AAA folks again.
Absolute Dragons
The Absolute Dragons: Dragon Boat Team¸ Wherever they go they make a huge scene. Stronger and sexier they are extreme¸ You’ll be behind when we call Six-Sixteen!  A plethora of specialties¸ Absolute served straight up or on the rocks. Intoxicating personalities¸ These Dragons will knock off your socks¸  Short or long races they always go the extra mile They travel to distant lands and do it in style. A family of friends¸ 09 marks their tenth year¸ There is one thing for sure¸ this team enjoys their beer!

Alameda Dragon Flyers
Alameda Dragon Flyers is the first East Bay team affiliated with CDBA. Formed in 2002¸ ADF paddlers come from various East Bay cities to enjoy our island blend of exercising¸ socializing¸ competing and eating. In 2004 we formed a non-profit to support youth dragon boating and now sponsor the Alameda Fishtix¸ a citywide high school dragon boat team. Our practice site at Alameda’s Mariner Square has great water¸ beautiful views¸ plentiful parking and easy access. We are grateful to our sponsors and donors¸ including John Beery Yachts/Mariner Square Associates and San Francisco Fire Protection Company.
Alameda Fishtix

Alameda Fishtix is a high school paddling team from the island city of Alameda. Since 2004 our team has been recruiting citywide and using dragon boating to build unity¸ friendship¸ service and fun between all Alameda youth. Our two crews love hard work and Ice Cream Days¸ when we reward our efforts by paddling across the estuary for treats at Ben and Jerry’s.  Thanks to the Alameda Dragon Flyers and our corporate sponsor¸ John Beery Yachts¸ we have great adult support and a beautiful venue on the Alameda-Oakland estuary.
Anniemaniacs
The Anniemaniacs were born in the cold¸ wet winter of 2003 when 19 “newbie” paddlers overruled the captain to name the team what it is now.  We’re a motley crew of teachers who fail to pay attention and engineers who debate the finer points of the technique.  Throw in a few significant others¸ recruits “stolen” from other teams¸ and some people that just love the competition; and in a nutshell¸ that is the Anniemaniacs.  We’re like a family.  We laugh¸ we cry¸ and we fight; but¸ we wouldn’t be on the water if we didn’t love to RACE! We are the Anniemaniacs¸ maybe you’ve heard of us.
Arizona Gila Dragons
In 2001¸ a diverse group of friends & strangers with no dragon boating experience was invited to compete in the Taipei International Dragon Boat Festival as part of the Sister Cities Program.  We instantly fell in love with the sport & in the fall of 2002¸ the Gila Dragons formed as AZ’s first dragon boating club.  We started off by practicing on milk crates on the side of Tempe Town Lake¸ eventually moving into real dragon boats.  With a love for fun & fierce competition¸ the team has traveled to & competed in places such as Long Beach¸ San Francisco¸ Hawaii¸ Las Vegas¸ Houston¸ Portland¸ and Denver.  Please visit us at www.GilaDragons.com.
Arms of Fury
CYC’s adult dragon boat team is determined once again to rise to the challenge for the third year with team ARMS OF FURY! Dedicated during the weekdays to empowering and strengthening high-need Asian youth and their families by providing for comprehensive youth development through education¸ employment training¸ advocacy¸ and other supportive services¸ this team of arthritic weekend wannabe warriors WILL cross the finish line this year as a top contender. You’ll know it when you FEEL OUR FURY!
Austin Coolers
Austin Coolers is the first year-round dragon boat team in Austin¸ Texas and began as a mix of interested members from various corporate teams in May 2008. We train throughout the year to compete in various races and have both competitive and recreational members. You can often find us on Lady Bird Lake in the heart of downtown Austin on weekends practicing hard for our next race or just paddling for fun¸ our team motto being “If it hurts¸ KEEP PADDLING!!” For SFDBF 2009¸ we are lucky to have some paddlers joining us from Victorious Secret¸ a team formed in 1999 based out of Victoria¸ B.C.

Balboa Buccaneers
In January of 2009¸ a local bay area high school was given the opportunity to possess its very own dragon boat team. Since then¸ the team has shown its passion and love of dragon boating by coming out to weekly practices and paddling hard. When the time came for the team’s very first race on April 18th¸ they gave everything they had and ended up taking home the first place plaque in their division. Five months later¸ the team comes back with more experience and is ready to race again.   Though still a new team¸ we are filled with spirit. We are filled with ambition. We are the Balboa High Buccaneers.
Bay Area Dragons

Founded in 1996¸ the San Francisco Bay Area Dragons (a.k.a. BAD) was the first dragon boat team in Northern California - have paddle¸ will travel! We are a nonprofit organization providing coaching¸ steering¸ and general support for our members/local teams. BAD competed in Club Crew World Championships in Penang¸ Malaysia in 2008 and Rome¸ Italy in 2002. We love to travel and plan on racing in Hong Kong/Shanghai in 2010. BAD founded the annual Paddle For Life Charity Dragon Boat Race to raise money to fight against cancer. FREE lessons every Saturday @ 10:30am in Foster City - www.bayareadragons.org
Cal Dragonboat
Cal Dragonboat is comprised of a group of crazy and loud college students who hail from UC Berkeley. Besides paddling and pulling together as a team¸ we have bonded together in so many different ways that we consider one another family. With more than 2 water practices a week at Alameda Bay¸ Cal DB has been training hard to improve on our past successes¸ including a first place finish in our college division this past August at Long Beach. So when you pass by our tent and see a bunch of college kids wearing blue and gold jerseys¸ don’t be shy to show your Cal pride and yell “GO BEARS!”
CCF In Search of Roots
Founded by Him Mark Lai and Albert Cheng back in 1991¸ In Search of Roots is a joint program between the Chinese Culture Foundation¸ Chinese Historical Society of America¸ and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Guangdong province. The year long program bridges cultures and generations for the Chinese American youth selected to go each year. As this is our first year we¸ the Roots family and friends¸ are eager to paddle and have a great time!
Central Coast SurviveOars
SurviveOars started in the fall of 2007 as a BCS team.  We are part of Team Survivor based in Morro Bay.  The club has over 40 members and growing.  San Francisco will be our sixth festival.  In addition to promoting exercise and camaraderie for women cancer survivors¸ we are promoting dragon boating in our area.  Our first non-cancer team is Morro Dragons who will also be racing in San Francisco.  As the only club between San Francisco and Long Beach¸ we expect to form more recreational teams.
Community Youth Center
CYC is a diverse high school Dragon Boat team consisting of a variety of high school students from the Bay Area. The CYC high school Dragon Boat team was founded in 2001. Ever since¸ our team has worked hard for the past nine years to prove we are capable of becoming the number one high school Dragon Boat team in California. In the 2007 S.F. International Dragon Boat Festival¸ CYC reached its goal for the first time to become the number one high school Dragon Boat team in California. CYC has also expanded to compete across international waters in the 2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival¸ placing 2nd overall in the high school division.
CPMC Dragon Our Tails

We may be Dragon Our Tails but we’re speedy on the water! California Pacific Medical Center’s team is made up of nurses¸ technicians¸ physical therapists¸ dieticians¸ perfusionists¸ and communications and database professionals. CPMC is embarking on an ambitious plan to build state-of-the-art facilities at our St. Luke’s Campus at Van Ness & Geary. Our plan will help ensure that we can continue providing the highest quality¸ compassionate and culturally sensitive care to all San Franciscans. We believe in the power of medicine. Because medicine can transform a body. Going Beyond Medicine can transform a life.
Davis Racing Dragons
Davis Racing Dragons was founded by Jeremy Wong and Lisa Huyhn¸ both paddlers when they attended high school in San Francisco.  A month after the team’s birth¸ it received its first trophy in the 2004 Long Beach Dragon Boat Tournament¸ thus marking the establishment of the first official UC Davis dragon boat team. We finished our inaugural season by ranking 20th out of the 95 teams that attended the 9th Annual Northern California Dragon Boat Championships and 2nd in the College Division. We are always ready to paddle to our hearts’ desire. Hooah!
Deloitte Dragons
Deloitte Dragons are ready to bring it again this year! Not only do we work hard¸ we paddle hard as a team of auditors¸ consultants¸ and tax accountants from the various bay area offices. Who are we? We’re the DELOITTE DRAGONS¸ watch out now!   Deloitte provides audit¸ tax¸ consulting¸ and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in approximately 140 countries¸ Deloitte brings world class capabilities and deep local expertise to help clients succeed wherever they operate.

Delta Dragons
Delta Dragons is comprised of vivacious paddlers coming together from Stockton¸ Sacramento and the Bay Area. Many paddlers are returning from last year¸ eager to race again! We also have fresh faces coming on board due to the awesome hype of this sport¸ wanting to feel the waters. Delta Dragons’ sponsoring organization is CCSS (Chinese Cultural Society of Stockton)¸ and the team captain is Stefanie Chu for the 3rd year in a row. Stefanie is extra excited to lead this team again¸ to get the adrenaline pumping¸ and to put forth their best effort in crossing the finish line. With enthusiasm¸ they roar “Who are weee?!!…Delta Delta Dra-gunnnnnss!”
Despirit Housewives
We are a women’s team who share a common enthusiasm and devotion to the sport of dragon boating¸ that shows in our capacity to pull together persistently & consistently. Thus demonstrating the esprit de corps of our name¸ Despirit Housewives. We live for fun and enjoy the humour of a simple play on words. Pride and loyalty to the team & sport go deeper than our attention to how great we look; in our jerseys¸ on the water¸ during races & of course¸ how we look first across the finish line.   As with all that is good in life¸ it all comes down to timing; time for practice¸ time for races¸ time for fun¸ time for beer & martinis!
DieselFish

BEHOLD! Another dragon boat team that introspectively asks¸ “Who are we?” The answer¸ in our case¸ is DieselFish! From paddling waters of SF-Bay Area and afar over the past 12 years; strong friendships¸ and even the odd marriage with ‘Fish fry’ have developed amongst our tight-knit but welcoming Fishie Family. Our extended family includes our newest DF Youth members from Pioneer HS of San Jose¸ as well as other SF¸ South Bay & Peninsula crews coached by Fishies. So from our Redwood City home¸ we look forward to seeing you at Treasure Island - our favorite race of the year! Do drop by our tent or visit us at www.DieselFish.com
Dragnum
Dragnum is a Calgary¸ Alberta based fun/competitive team that began in 1998 under the name of Dragon’s Pulse. The team came together as a bunch of friends who shared a passion for outdoor fun (mainly mountain activities) who decided one year to “give that dragon boat thing” a try. Since then the crew has continued to enjoy the dragon boat scene with an identity crisis¸ racing under various team names including Pulse¸ Tri-Cort¸ Dragnum PI¸ CP Dragnum and this year as simply Dragnum. Through it all¸ the team has never gone south of the border and is looking forward to the San Francisco experience!

Dragon Hearts Magnum
Magnum is a competitive team from Vancouver¸ Canada. Our creed: We are one team with one desire. Hoping that we can go to a division higher.  Practice by practice¸ we paddle harder. Learning in the process to paddle smarter.  We will paddle in rain¸ sun or snow¸ With ambitions that it will make us pro. We will bring surprises along the way too¸ Making teams yell N-F-W…N-F-W!  And as the end of the season comes to a near¸  We will have nothing to fear. Because our preparation will have brought us here¸ With 2009 being our year.   Our statement will be bold¸ and maybe it’ll come with gold. We are Dragon Hearts Magnum¸ And our time has come!
Dragon Warriors
The Dragon Warriors is a high-energy¸ competitive¸ spirited team based right here in the San Francisco Bay Area¸ and we are proud to be celebrating our 10th year of fun¸ competition¸ food¸ contribution¸ and excellence! We are active in the local DB community as a CDBA member team and typically field 3 crews at local races. DW loves to hit the road as well and has raced across the US¸ Canada¸ and throughout Asia.  We look forward to a great weekend of good¸ hard racing with you all! When you aren’t on the water¸ please drop on by our tent and say hello. For more information on DW¸ please visit www.dragonwarriors.org
DragonMax
DragonMax trains year-round in Berkeley¸ California using dragon boats¸ outrigger canoes¸ and kayaks.  As part of the Berkeley Racing Canoe Center¸ we provide access to the San Francisco Bay for all community members on a weekly¸ drop-in basis.  DragonMax is a warm¸ welcoming family that sticks together both on and off the water.    Please visit our websites at dragonmax.org and berkeleyrcc.org
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>>Dr. Elisa Tong Publishes New Study Focusing on Asian-American Women
>>My Sister’s House Receives Grant from Sacramento Law Foundation
>> JCCNC Open Golf Tournament
>> KAYA Event Featuring Congressman Mike Honda
>> Far East Movement Heading on National “Party Rock Tour” with LMFAO
>>“When Dreams are Interrupted” Performance in Berkeley
>> Andrew Lam Wins SPJ’s 2009 Excellence in Journalism Award

Compiled by Melissa He

BAY/CAL
Dr. Elisa Tong Publishes New Study Focusing on Asian-American Women
Sacramento - UC Davis researcher Elisa Tong, an assistant professor of internal medicine, found that while California has a long-standing history of smoke-free social norms and regulations, their effectiveness in the Asian-American communities depends largely upon socioeconomic status.
Tong’s study, “Smoke-Free Policies Among Asian-American Women: Comparisons by Education Status,” was recently published in a special supplement of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine funded by the National Cancer Institute and American Legacy Foundation, which was dedicated to the unintended consequences of tobacco control policies in women of low socioeconomic status.
“Asians are half of the world’s smokers,” she said. “But this is a population that hasn’t been looked at traditionally in the U.S. because it is difficult to study.”
Tong concluded that an unintended consequence of the success in California’s tobacco-control efforts is that disparities exist in how they are enforced among Asian-American women due to educational status. Lower-educated women, she said, may need assistance with empowerment in enforcing rules around exposure to second-hand smoke.

My Sister’s House Receives Grant from Sacramento Law Foundation
Sacramento - My Sister’s House, an organization that assists women and children in the Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities who have been impacted by domestic violence, has received a $5,00 grant from the Sacramento Law Foundation (SLF).
My Sister’s House operates a Safe Haven shelter for women and children, as well as education, prevention and career development services for Central Valley residents of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.
Darrel, Woo, Board President of My Sister’s House, said that the grant would be used primarily to assist immigrant victims of domestic violence by aiding with legal-related expenses.  Additionally, the grant will assist in providing legal training to domestic violence victims.
The Sacramento Law Foundation is the charitable funding arm of the Sacramento County Bar Association.  SLF awards grants twice a year to qualifying organizations in Sacramento County.
Information about My Sister’s House can be found at www.my-sisters-house.org.  the 24/7 multi-lingual crisis line is (916) 428-3271.  The deadline for SLF’s next funding cycle is 10/31/09.  Information about the SLF’s mission and instructions for applicants are at www.saclawfoundation.org.
EVENT: JCCNC Open Golf Tournament
DESCRIPTION: The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) invites all golfers to the 7th JCCNC Annual Open Golf Tournament.
The deadline for entries is coming this Friday, 25th. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, play golf and win round trip tickets to Japan, generously donated from ANA, JAL, also other wonderful prizes from JCCNC member corporations!
DETAILS: $140 entry fee. Sun, 10/18. 8:30 am Check-in/9:00 am Shotgun Start. Coyote Creek Golf Club (Valley Course), One Coyote Creek Drive San Jose, CA(408) 463-1400
CONTACT: Email to reserve your entry today, then send the check to JCCNC by 25th;
Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, 1875 So, Grant St. Ste. 760 San Mateo, CA 94402.  Coyote Creek: (408) 463-1400
EVENT: KAYA Event Featuring Congressman Mike Honda
DESCRIPTION: KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress, also previously known as Filipinos for Obama, will also present Congressman Honda with a special honor for his contribution to the community. The event’s headliners will also include documentary photographer Rick Rocamora who will be showcasing an exhibit on Filipino American community activism. The evening promises to be both a celebration of accomplishments and the start of a strong effort by KAYA to mobilize the Filipino American community around issues of reform and a another eventful year in 2010. KAYA invites the community to come celebrate and join the movement for achieving greater Filipino American representation in government, strengthening civic engagement and developing leaders within the community.
DETAILS: $10-100. Mon. 9/28. 6-9PM. Roe, 651 Howard St. San Francisco, CA
CONTACT: You can purchase tickets at www.kayagrassroots.org.
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ARTS
Far East Movement Heading on National “Party Rock Tour” with LMFAO
Interscope recording artists, LMFAO, have invited Far East Movement to join them as the main supporting act on their nation-wide Party Rock Tour.  This will be Far East Movement’s first 31 city national tour, which will run all through November and December.
Along with LMFAO and the FAR EAST MOVEMENT will be Interscope recording artists, The Paradiso Girls (hit single “Patron Tequila”) and Space Cowboy (hit single”Falling Down”, Lady Gaga’s DJ)
For more info, visit http://www.fareastmovement.com/st/official-party-rock-tour-dates/
EVENT: “When Dreams are Interrupted” Performance in Berkeley
DESCRIPTION: Bay Area choreographer and Purple Moon Dance Project founder Jill Togawa collaborates with a host of accomplished local artists to conjure up the “interrupted dreams,” stories and memories of Japanese Americans forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in camps during World War II.
DETAILS: Free. Fri-Sun. 10/9-10/11. 2PM. 1623 Stuart St. (between McGee and California), Berkeley, CA.  Free and open to public, but reservations are strongly recommended for outdoor seating.
CONTACT: For more information call 415-552-1105, email project@purplemoondance.org or go to www.purplemoondance.org.  Purple Moon Dance Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit; donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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COMMERCE
Andrew Lam Wins SPJ’s 2009 Excellence in Journalism Award
Andrew Lam, from New America Media, was announced a winner of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) 2009 Excellence in Journalism Award in the Opinion category for three of his outstanding opinion pieces, “Letter from Athens: Greek Tragedies and News Media in the Age of Twitter,” “Our Man Obama: The Post-Imperial Presidency,” and “How McCain Became MacBeth.”  The SPJ remarked that these pieces reflect a well-considered point of view and a unique ability to portray contemporary events in a rich context by drawing on history, literature and philosophy.
Congratulations, Andrew!

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A bus packed with Afghan civilians hit a roadside bomb, killing at least 30 people and underscoring the dangers Afghans face as the eight-year war turns increasingly violent.