“Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half.” – Gore Vidal, American writer

Dear Members and Friends,

Happy New Year! We had an incredible 4^th quarter 2012.  Let me tell you about some highlights of what we had accomplished.

APAPA had another successful Voters Education & Candidates Forum held at California State University, Sacramento on September 30, 2012. We had a strong showing of candidates at both the federal and state levels. The audience also had an opportunity to hear more about the different initiatives that were on the ballot. APAPA’s local chapters including headquarters hosted town halls to better educate and prepare API Americans to vote.

In October, APAPA’s Southern California Region (SCR) had its annual signature event, their Leadership Conference held in Diamond Bar. The conference was well attended by high school and college students. Many elected officials came to support and participate in the program.  Assemblymember Mike Eng presented Nelson Huang, SCR Director, with a resolution for his outstanding leadership in the API community.

APAPA reached a major milestone this year. On December 3, 2012, APAPA opened a new chapter in the heart of Chinatown in the city of Flushing, New York. Over 300 guests came to celebrate this momentous and historic occasion. We thank New York Comptroller John Liu, Congressmember Grace Meng, Justice Doris Ling-Cohan, Justice Peter Tom, and Assemblymember Ron Kim for attending and speaking at the luncheon. Special thanks to New York Chair, Justin Yu, Tim Young, Honorary Chair, Ching K. Chen, Executive Director, Julie Wu and New York board members for helping to coordinate the event.

Back in California, APAPA wrapped up the year with a Holiday Mixer held at headquarters. The mixer was an opportunity to thank our sponsors, recognize board members and all the wonderful people who tirelessly volunteered their time throughout the year. We thank State Farm for generously sponsoring this event.

We want to give a special thanks to our corporate sponsors and partners for supporting us in 2012. Because of their commitment, APAPA successfully continued its journey towards fulfilling its mission. We want to recognize Chevron, AT&T, PG&E, Comcast, Yin Foundation, Wells Fargo and Wal*Mart for their partnership in helping APAPA educate API Americans in civic and public affairs. 

Planning for 2013 programs and events are currently underway. Please join and get involved. Stay informed by visiting us at www.apapa.org and www.apapablog.org.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 916-928-9988 or info@apapa.org.

Lucy Oback

APAPA Southern California Region (APAPA-SCR) will be hosting its annual holiday mixer on Friday, December 14, 2012 from 6-10pm in Diamond Bar. Donations to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Huang, APAPA-SCR VP-Outreach at ehuang@aspus.com.

Congratulations to Nelson Huang and all the awardees of the Philippine American Expo in Los Angeles County. Special guests included the Honorable Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States of America and many other dignitaries. The following received awards on September 8, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center: Lydia Duro, Rancho Penasquitos, SD; Regina Ong Garcia, Rolling Hills, CV; Sherry Hunter, Chula Vista, SD; Nelson Huang, Diamond Bar, Los Angeles; and Lydia Reyes Loristo, Navajo, SD.

NELSON F. HUANG is a business executive and software engineer by profession. Nelson is the founding Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association - Southern California Regional Headquarters (APAPA SCR) located in the City of Industry. The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) was founded by McDonald's magnate CC Yin in 2001 in Sacramento with the mission to promote the advancement of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Americans through education, active participation and leadership in civic and public affairs. The organization educates the public about public policy and provides opportunities for youth to gain firsthand knowledge and experience in governmental and public affairs.

Nelson is one of the main liaisons for Southern California who is instrumental in formulating a task force of Asian Pacific Islander (API's) youth communities to disembark and mentor them to engage in civic and public affairs, helping them to intern in offices of elected officials and being enriched while attending a college or university of their choice. It is a rewarding experience for the youth and the mentors involved.

Nelson Huang is committed to ensuring that the organization continues and planted a seed of fusion in 2011 in San Diego too. The family is in full support of the program that he has committed such as his loving Filipina/Chinese American wife Elizabeth Huang and his children. They have many volunteers who support the program and may the advocacy to educate continue to enrich the lives of all the API's community.

Written by:
Nicole Huang,
APAPA-Collegiate Council Chapter President

_{Please click on the following link for PDF article:}

20120703_Chu-Berman_Awards_Press_Conference_Article.pdf (571.99 kb)

For Immediate Release

June 28, 2012

For more information, contact: Nelson Huang, Chair, APAPA-SCR

nhuang@aspus.com, (909) 860-4316

PRESS CONFERENCE INVITATION

Special Awards Ceremony and Press Conference

In Celebration of The Passage of H. Res. 683 "Regret for Chinese Exclusionary Laws"

City of Industry, CA: On Tuesday, July 3, the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) will host a special awards ceremony to show the Asian Community's gratitude to the two great leaders, Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congressman Howard Berman, whom have been instrumental for the passage of the historic House Resolution 683 "Regret for Chinese Exclusionary Laws" on June 18, 2012 by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first major law that singled out and forbade a specific ethnic group, the Chinese, from immigrating to and becoming naturalized citizens of the United States. It first started as a law against the Chinese, later expanded against Asians, eventually against most immigrants. For example, the Geary Act of 1892 and the Alien Land Law of 1913 prohibited the immigration and property ownership of Asians.

APAPA is proud to be part of a nationwide coalition under the leadership of Hon. Judy Chu, and the critical backing of Hon. Howard Berman. The community worked diligently for many months together rallying support from Congress and the general public.

You are invited to join us in commemorating this historic event. Please see our attached flyer for more information.

Event: Special Awards Ceremony and Press Conference - In Celebration of The Passage of H. Res. 683 "Regret for Chinese Exclusionary Laws"

Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Time: 2:00PM - 3:00PM 

Location: Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel, Santa Barbara Room (2nd FL)

225 West Valley Boulevard

San Gabriel, CA 91776

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Please click on the link below to read the full press release:

2012_Chu-Berman_Awards_Press_Release.pdf (298.58 kb)