Author: arefaziz

LOS ANGELES / SACRAMENTO – The California Democratic Party (CDP) Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus today announced the launch of the California Democratic Party’s Chinese-language website section, making the California Democratic Party the first State Party in the nation to have such a feature online.

“The Democratic Party is the Party of diversity, of inclusion, and opportunity. While Democrats are decades ahead of our Republican counterparts when it comes to reaching California’s diverse communities, we’re not going to rest on our laurels. That’s why the California Democratic Party’s Asian Pacific Islander Caucus undertook this first of its kind effort to create a Chinese language section of the California Democratic Party website. This is but part of our continuing outreach efforts to the Asian Pacific Islander community, the fastest growing immigrant population in California,” said Clark Lee, Chair of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus.

There are over 400,000 Chinese-American voters in California and an estimated 20% of that total request a Chinese-language ballot from the Secretary of State.

The addition of a Chinese language section makes the California Democratic Party the first state party in the country – either Democratic or Republican – to host a Chinese language section. The addition also means the California Democratic Party is host to the first tri-lingual state party website in the nation since a Spanish language section was added in 2009.

Lee continued, “California is a state rich in diversity. The Golden State is home to the largest concentration of Chinese Americans in the United States. We hope that the Chinese-language website section will help foster better understanding about our Democratic Party values and increase Democratic political engagement in the Chinese American community.”

The translation project was spearheaded by Tommy Tseng, community activist and former Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Kennedy School’s Asian American Policy Review; Charity Chao, community activist and Chinese-language educator; and Clark Lee, CDP API Caucus Chair. All of whom are fluent in Chinese.

Click here to visit the California Democratic Party Chinese-language section: http://www.cadem.org/chinese

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加州民主黨亞太裔黨團
宣布推出加州民主黨網站的中文部分

洛杉磯/ 薩克拉門托 – 美國加州民主黨 (California Democratic Party / CDP) 的亞太裔黨團 (Asian Pacific Islander Caucus / API Caucus) 今天宣布推出加州民主黨網站的中文部分。加州民主黨成為美國第一個有這類網站功能的州政黨機構。

加州民主黨亞太裔黨團主席李天然 (Clark Lee) 表示 ︰「民主黨是代表多元性，包容性和機會的政黨。雖然民主黨在幾十多年來外展加州多元化人口的能力高超過共和黨，我們並不滿足於已有的成就。因此，加州民主黨亞太裔黨團創設了全國第一有中文部分的加州民主黨網站。這是我們外展擁有最快增長移民人口的亞太裔社區的努力。」

加州有超過40萬名華裔選民，其中估計有20％的選民從州務卿辦公室要求中文選票。

無論是民主黨或共和黨，加州民主黨不僅是全國第一個有中文網站的政黨，加州民主黨也是美國第一個具有三種語言網站的政黨。2009年時，加州民主黨網站添加了西班牙文的部分。

李天然繼續說：「加州是具有豐富地多元化社區的州。加州也是美國華裔人口最集中的州。我們希望中文網站將促進華人社區更加了解民主黨的價值觀，並鼓勵更多華人參與民主黨的政治活動。」

民主黨網站中文翻譯計劃的主要成員包括社會活動家及前哈佛大學肯尼迪政府學院 (Harvard Kennedy School of Government) 亞太裔美國人政策檢討主編 (Asian American Policy Review Editor-in-Chief) 曾建瑋 (Tommy Tseng)， 社會活動家和中文教師趙素秋 (Charity Chao)，和加州民主黨亞太裔黨團主席李天然。所有的人都會講流利的中文。

探訪加州民主黨中文部分，請點擊這裡: http://www.cadem.org/chinesePosted in Latest News | Comments Off

California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus State Chair Clark Lee released the following statement on the tragic shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin:

“On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we offer our deepest condolences to the victims and the families of the Sikh Temple shooting and the Oak Creek community.

“Discrimination and hatred have no place in America. Even as we embrace diversity as our strength, this horrific shooting is a solemn reminder that we still have a long road ahead. We must work to make sure that such tragedy is not repeated in any corner of our communities. We must continue to work hard to embrace diversity and promote tolerance.”

California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus State Chair Clark Lee released the following statement on the tragic shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin:

“On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we offer our deepest condolences to the victims and the families of the Sikh Temple shooting and the Oak Creek community.

“Discrimination and hatred have no place in America. Even as we embrace diversity as our strength, this horrific shooting is a solemn reminder that we still have a long road ahead. We must work to make sure that such tragedy is not repeated in any corner of our communities. We must continue to work hard to embrace diversity and promote tolerance.”

At the California Democratic Party Executive Board Meeting, the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and the California Democratic Party Executive Board took action in passing the following resolution:

Resolution Opposing the “English Only” City Council Meeting Proposal in the City of Walnut and Any Other California Cities or Counties

Whereas, diversity is the strength of California; in the City of Walnut in the east San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County, the population consists of 63.6% Asian and Pacific Islanders and 19.1% Latinos, with 46.8% of the City’s population being foreign born;

Whereas, the City of Walnut has a history of blatant disregard for the needs of limited English proficient residents in the City, including having been sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for failing to provide in-language election materials and election-related assistance to limited English proficient voters as required by the federal Voting Rights Act;

Whereas, the City of Walnut is now considering the adoption of an “English Only” policy at its City Council Meetings, in which City Council Meeting proceedings would be conducted only in English, and non-English speakers wishing to participate in City Council proceedings would be required to provide their own interpreters, and that this discriminatory policy would hinder civic participation and access to the government for many residents and other cities and counties are experiencing the same issue;

Be It Resolved, that the California Democratic Party opposes the “English Only” policy of the Walnut City Council and any other cities and counties in California; and

Be It Further Resolved, that this resolution be transmitted to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Walnut City Council, the League of Cities, the Contract Cities Association, the California State Association of Counties, interested parties, and the media.

Authors:

Clark Lee
Chair, Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, California Democratic Party
Resident, City of Walnut

Eric C. Bauman
Vice Chair, California Democratic Party
Chair, Los Angeles County Democratic Party

Olivia Lee
Assembly District 55 Delegation Chair, Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Resident, City of Walnut

Arnold Lee
Democratic State Central Committee Member, Assembly District 55
Resident, City of Walnut

Adopted by the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, 7/28/12
Adopted by the California Democratic Party Executive Board, 7/29/12

LOS ANGELES – California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus State Chair Clark Lee released the following statement on the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:

“On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we are proud to join all Americans in celebrating the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and cherishing the vast diversity of our unique community that exists only in America.

“As one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in the United States, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has been a crucial partner in weaving the fabric of modern America for more than a century and a half. Even today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continue to break barriers.

“In the last four years, under the Obama administration, we’ve accomplished historic achievements benefiting the AAPI community, including:

• The most AAPIs serving as Cabinet secretaries in U.S. history, including Energy Secretary Steven Chu, former Commerce Secretary and current Ambassador to China Gary Locke, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki;
• The nomination of more AAPIs to the federal bench than any other administration;
• Tax relief to 7.6 million AAPI workers via the payroll tax cut;
• The passage of several tax cuts to help small businesses grow, including 1.5 AAPI-owned small businesses;
• The creation of 4.1 million private sector jobs in the past 25 months;
• Increasing the accessibility and affordability of health care to AAPI families and expanding preventive care to 3 million AAPIs;
• Making college more affordable, with efforts to prevent student loan increase for nearly 335,000 AAPI students;
• The historic election of Rep. Judy Chu, the first Chinese American woman ever elected to Congress, currently Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

“As we move forward during this critical year, we must work hard together to safeguard the progress we’ve made in the last few years. This May, we ask the California AAPI community to join the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and stand together behind President Barack Obama.

“Together, we can further strengthen the AAPI community. And together, we can continue to help President Obama in putting America back on track.”

LOS ANGELES – California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Chair Clark Lee released the following statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Riots:

“On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we remember the how far Los Angeles has come since April 29, 1992, ‘Sai-I-Gu’, one of the most destructive civil unrests in history, during which crimes and violence ravaged rampantly through the streets of Koreatown and South Central neighborhoods, flames engulfed small shops and office buildings alike, helpless store owners defended against vicious looters, and vulnerable residents devastated by fear.

“The Los Angeles Riots was a defining moment in the historic transformation of Southern California. As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Riots, we cherish the resilience of our diverse neighborhoods that have rebirthed Los Angeles block by block, from the ashes of the Riot to the vibrant multicultural community today. We see the effects of proactive leadership of Angelenos and our leaders who have worked hard to restore and maintain harmony. We have seen the change in the relations between law enforcement and the community. This wasn’t easy, and there is more to be done.

“Diversity is the strength of Los Angeles and is the strength of California. We must continue to strive for racial tolerance, embrace diversity, and fight for economic, social, and civil justice and equality for all Californians so the events of 1992 do not repeat anywhere in any neighborhood.

“We can all get along if we all stand together, work together, and fight together for our common future. This is California, and this is our home.”

LOS ANGELES – California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Chair Clark Lee released the following statement on the 2012 Holocaust Remembrance Day:

“On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we solemnly remember all the women, men, and children from all walks of life who perished during one of the darkest times in human history. Discrimination, prejudice, and hatred have no place in America and have no place anywhere.

“California is one of the most diverse places on earth. As we treasure our vibrant diversity in the Golden State, we must not forget the lessons of history and make sure that such tragedy and injustice does not repeat in any corner of our community, in any form, and on any scale. We must continue to work hard to embrace diversity, promote tolerance, and fight for equality and justice for all.”

Join the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus (CDP API Caucus) at the 2012 California Democrats State Convention in San Diego as California Democrats kick off the 2012 election cycle that will see us take back the House, protect our U.S. Senate seat and return President Obama to the White House.

2012 California Democrats State Convention
Friday – Sunday, February 10 – 12, 2012
San Diego Convention Center
Click here to visit the official California Democratic Party Convention website.

Party endorsements for statewide, State Assembly, State Senate and Congressional candidates will take place along with the adoption of the Party platform.

Caucus Meeting at the Convention
The CDP API Caucus Meeting at the Convention will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012, from 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM at the San Diego Bayfront Hilton – Room Indigo 202A, adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center. Click here to download the CDP API Caucus Meeting Agenda (revised with updated reception information). If you would like to join the CDP API Caucus or to renew your Caucus membership prior to the Convention, please click here to visit the Caucus Membership page.

Caucus Reception at the Convention (Note: Location Change)
Additionally, please join our Caucus and our co-hosts for a Convention Reception on Friday, February 10, 2012, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Hotel Solamar, Luna Loft (435 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101). Please click here to download the CDP API Caucus Convention Reception Invitation.

LOS ANGELES – California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Chair Clark Lee released the following statement commemorating the 2012 Korean American Day:

“On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we celebrate the 2012 Korean American Day and commemorate more than one century of Korean American successes and contributions to the United States.

“Korean American history and culture are an inseparable part of the American fabric. As the most diverse state of the Union, California is home to the largest concentration of ethnic Koreans outside of Korea, where the story of every Korean American is a story of the American Dream.

“The accomplishments and the successes of the Korean American community in California and across the United States are a testament of the vibrancy and the resilience of the immigrant communities that have been the backbone of America.”

The CDP API Caucus Leadership Team has been working hard up and down the state with Caucus members and allied organizations during the 2011-2012 Year to improve internal Caucus operations, elect Democrats to public offices, and register Democrats, according to the CDP API Caucus Goals & Action Items set forth in July 2011.

Click here to download the CDP API Caucus 2011-2012 Goals & Action Items.

Below are the accomplishments in the last year, as presented at the 2012 California Democrats State Convention in San Diego.

Click here to download the CDP API Caucus Accomplishments: Year-in-Review.

• Communications
  • Updated Caucus website with up-to-date information as an information hub – http://www.apicaucus.com
  • Began active media outreach as a Caucus for the first time in recent years, including releasing statements and press releases on significant issues and events affecting API community, such as holding Michigan GOP Senatorial candidate Pete Hoekstra and then-Nevada GOP Congressional candidate Mark Amodei accountable for their racially charged ads
  • Working closely with the CDP Communications Dept. and Organizing for America-California (OFA-CA) on targeted messaging projects
  • Nearly doubled Caucus electronic newsletter subscribers since last year
  • Continued Caucus electronic newsletter – please sign up at cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com

• Elections & Campaigns
  • Mobilized for Janice Hahn for Congress against Tea Party Republican Craig Huey during Special Election with allied API Democratic groups, such as the CDP Filipino American Caucus, Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC), Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD), and Asian Pacific Islander Democrats of Orange County (APIDOC)
  • Mobilized for Warren Furutani for Los Angeles City Council during Special Election with allied API Democratic and labor groups, such as Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), CDP Filipino American Caucus, APIDOC, KADC, PALAD
  • Encouraged local API candidates to seek County Democratic Party endorsement

• Outreach – Community & Voter
  • Mobilized for CDP “Operation Game Changer” in Los Angeles County to sign up Democrats as permanent vote-by-mail (PVBM) voters
  • Mobilized for CDP “It Gets Bluer” Program in the Inland Empire to increase Democratic voter registration in traditionally red counties
  • Registered new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies (ongoing project)
  • Held preliminary API grassroots leaders meeting with OFA-CA leadership on 2012 API outreach, with subsequent follow-up meetings with OFA-CA on targeted media/community outreach
  • Promoting CDP DEM2012 Program to help sustain CDP through grassroots action – http://www.cadem.org/dem2012
  • Hosted/hosting receptions in Anaheim, Burlingame, and San Diego with various co-hosts, such as the CDP Filipino American Caucus, CYD API Caucus, Filipinos for Obama, KADC, Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club, and many elected officials and candidates
  • Building statewide API speakers bureau program with surrogate speakers for community and media outreach (Please sign up if you are interested: email cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com)

• Membership
  • Streamlined membership sign-up opportunities, including online sign-ups on Caucus website
  • Adjusted membership fee structure to allow for a lower rate for seniors and students and to accommodate CDP administrative procedural changes on membership fees

• Administration
  • Holding monthly Caucus Board conference calls to increase communication/accountability among board members
  • Established 2011-2013 Goals and Action Items for the current term