APANR September/October 2017 by Dennis Lee

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Encouraging Community & Civic Involvement

2017 Diversity Mixer Hosted by the Port of Stockton Photos by Tim Ulmer A P A

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http://issuu.com/apanewsandreview209 For additional information please visit apanews.org

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Asian Pacific Islander Americans on the importance of civic engagement As a Vietnamese-American working in public service and politics, I am in awe everyday when I walk through the State Capitol and look up at the dome. I am an immigrant. My family escaped from Vietnam before the Fall of Saigon. No money, no clothes, and no food, we arrived to America. We pursued the American dream. More than 40 years later, I am blessed to have the opportunity to work in a field where I can educate other Asian Pacific Islander Americans on the importance of civic engagement. In less than 3 months, 2018 will soon sneak up on us and so will the midterm elections. Next year will be an important year for Asian Pacific Islander American voters. The very first Asian American candidate will run for a statewide office and vie for the title of Governor. According to Professor Paul Ong from the University of California Los Angeles, Asian-Americans are the fastest-growing racial demographic in the country

today. As our numbers grow, we have the opportunity to grow our political clout. Professor Ong says that in the year 2040, the Asian-American electorate nationally will double to 12.2 million. The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA) will be hosting the 16th annual Voters Education and Candidates Forum in October. Candidates running for the office of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, just to name a few, will be showcased and asking for our vote. Notable guests will include Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg who will make opening remarks. Candidates such as Assemblymember Travis Allen, state treasurer John Chiang, and board of equalization Fiona Ma have been invited to attend, just to name a few. Here is your chance to learn more about the candidates and where they stand on issues such as health care,

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public safety, and education. As our political clout continues to expand, it’s also imperative to make educated choices about who we want to elect to lead California. After all, our choices will impact our children’s future and the future of our children’s children. The 16th annual APAPA Voters Education and Candidates Forum will held at the campus of California State University, Sacramento in Union Hall from 1-4PM with a reception following the forum. It is a free event open to the public. Contact Jacqui Nguyen at (858) 9997706, President of Sacramento chapter of APAPA for more information. Jacqui Nguyen is the press secretary and director of Asian Pacific American outreach for the Senate Republican Caucus.

The opinions expressed by contributing writers are their own and do not reflect the opinions of the newspaper’s owner, Editor, or staff.

The Asian Pacific American News and Review is a bi-monthly newspaper dedicated to providing a single, comprehensive publication, both in print and online, that seeks to raise awareness of issues of interest to Asians and associated ethnic groups in Northern California.

Objectives

Educate — inform readers about the issues facing Asian Pacific Americans. And also to give a voice to the community for sharing and lauding accomplishments and concerns. Participate — promote and encourage readers to take an active role in raising awareness of the Asian Pacific American community and its contributions and concerns.

Advocate — Ask readers to be an advocate for the community as an

informed, involved member. While we most directly address the concerns of Asian Pacific Americans, our publication is not a racial or ethnic sorting. It is a gathering of all those who wish to gather.

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APANR Team Dorcas Yee Cheryll Lim Dennis Lee Edgar Calderon Jim Chong Remi Estrella Cynthia Lau Regina Rederford Nai Saechao Joy Neas Jocelyn Conde Art Director Remi Estrella Advertising/Outreach Dennis Lee (209) 327-2407 dennislee99@gmail.com Dorcas Yee dorcasyee@gmail.com Edgar Calderon (916) 627-8701

Asian Pacific American News & Review Mission Statement

Publisher Dennis Lee (209) 327-2407 dennislee99@gmail.com

178 West Adams Street Stockton, CA 95204 Phone: (209) 327-2407 http://issuu.com/ apanewsandreview209

Next Issue November/December 2017

Contributing Writers Jodi King Mary Nicholson, PHC Jim Chong Grant Din Jacqui Nguyen Joy Neas Collaborative Partnerships Jim Chong Contributing Photographers Tim Ulmer Dorcas Yee Jack Funamura Advisors May O. Lee Jodi King Alex Eng Linda Ng Vicki Beaton

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Keeping the American Dream Alive for Californians by Senator Janet Nguyen

Every time I walk into work and look up at the State Capitol dome I am in awe of how far I have come and the power of the American Dream. I was born in Saigon, Vietnam in 1976. The year before my birth Saigon had fallen to Communist forces. My uncle was assassinated in front of his village and my father was assigned to a “reeducation camp”—both had served in the South Vietnamese army and were targets of retaliation for fighting

Senator Nguyen and her son, Tommy Bonikowski at the Senate desk introducing Senate Bill 969 which would allow the legal sale of Vietnamese rice cakes.

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alongside American forces. Facing an uncertain future in Vietnam, my family made the heart wrenching decision to leave it all behind to escape from the Communist government. At age 3, after several failed attempts, my family and I escaped to Thailand in a crammed 10-meter wooden boat. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived we were turned away because Thailand was not accepting any more refugees. Faced with the prospect of returning to Vietnam to be punished or killed for escaping, my family had to break our boat at sea and swim ashore to seek refuge. In 1981, at age 5, after living in several refugee camps a church group sponsored my family and me to come to the United States. Even at that young age I knew things in our new homeland would be better. As new immigrants we struggled financially, did not speak English and were on public assistance but these hurdles were minimized by the

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realization that we were in the land of the free and the home of the brave. At age 28, by all measures, I was living the American Dream. I became the youngest person ever elected to the Garden Grove City Council. At age 30, I was elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors where I also became the first Asian-American and the youngest ever to serve on that board. After seven years of service on the Board of Supervisors I was elected to the California State Senate in 2014 becoming the first woman to represent the 34th Senate District, the first Vietnamese-American in the country to serve the State Senate and the highestranking Vietnamese-American in California. As I look back at my life I am humbled by the fact that I, a poor refugee who spoke no English, could end up serving Californians as a Legislator in Sacramento. Given my life circumstances I share my experience with pride and look for ways to help other Californians achieve their dreams. I make it a personal goal to support legislation that makes higher education accessible to all. I look for opportunities to support our small business community as most are family-owned and operated.

I strive to keep hard earned dollars in the pockets of our residents and make legislative decisions with this fiscal priority in mind. From city council to the State Senate I have promoted policies that give my constituents the same opportunities that were given to me. I am honored to have the ability to support policies that keep the American Dream alive for all Californians and I am optimistic of what our great state can achieve if we work towards this goal.

Anaheim Children’s Festival, as part of the KindCalifornia initiative spearheaded by Senator Nguyen. She and the children are making a “Rainbow of Kindness” every year.

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Stockton Bukkyo Taiko Update FREE Introductory Taiko Lesson Stockton Bukkyo Taiko was well represented at the North American Taiko Conference held at UC San Diego in August. This is a biennial event that brings the taiko GREATS and taiko wanna bees together. We went with other taiko enthusiasts from around the world to learn from the BEST instructors taiko has to offer. It was wonderful growing experience full of music, taiko, food, workshops, taiko, exercises, shopping, taiko, discussion groups, concerts…taiko, taiko, and more taiko. Stockton Bukkyo Taiko was started in 1990 by Reverend David Matsumoto and the group continues to share its love of Japanese drumming. If you are interested in learning taiko, mark your calendar and plan to attend our FREE introductory taiko lesson on Monday, September 11 from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Buddhist Church of Stockton Multipurpose Room, 2820 Shimizu Drive., Stockton,

Stockton Bukkyo Taiko practices for Annual Stockton Buddhist Church Bazaar

Stockton Bukkyo Taiko at North American Taiko Conference

CA. During the class we’ll share a brief history of taiko, tell you our group Stockton Bukkyo Taiko, explain how to hold the drumsticks (bachi) and show you how you should stand at the drum (kata), you’ll be able to do a little drumming and will hear Stockton Bukkyo Taiko perform. No drumming experience needed and you don’t have to be Buddhist to play taiko with us. To reserve your spot in the class, call or

email Aeko Yoshikawa, 209-470-5578 or aeko@sbcglobal.net, she will need your name, email address and phone number. After the FREE introductory class, we

offer 4 consecutive Monday classes for a total of $20 for the series (Sep 18 - Oct 9). Hope you decide to drum with us.

HEROES DEFEND JUSTICE.

LAW Academy students stand up for those who have no voice.

Hear the Panthers ROAR! Explore Florin High School’s Law and the World (LAW) Academy at fhs.egusd.net

E G U S D

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Excellence by Design

Florin High School 7956 Cottonwood Lane Sacramento, CA 95828 916.689.8600

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2017

Filipino Barrio Festival

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CACS 30th Anniversary Saturday, October 14, 2017 1 987 – 2017 CACS Board Installation Dinner in Febuary, 1988

Saturday, October 14, 2017, 5:30pm – 8:30pm Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation 9040 High Tech Court, Elk Grove, CA 95758 Seats at $88 per person or $700 for a table of 8 Prime Rib or Pasta Dinner.

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Please visit www.CACSweb.org for more information and sponsorship opportunities.

Chinese Amer ic

Questions or RSVP, please contact: CACSfoundation@gmail.com or Brenda Fong 916-392-0511

CACS Board Members and Honorees at Gold Mountain Celebration in October 2016

Council Sacramento of

Please make check payable to CACS Foundation P. O. Box 22457, Sacramento, CA 95822 —501(c)3 Tax ID# 81-1929503

and

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“What’s Your Story? Making Dreams A Reality” What two words describes what you need to do to have a dream become a reality? Before we answer this question, I want to bring us back to when we were younger. As a youth, we have dreams and a belief that is unstoppable. I remember a story I read where a boy broke his leg after he folded a sheet and tied it around himself to make a cape and climbed up on a rooftop. Yes he did! He tried to fly. As we age, we seem to start realizing the realness of reality. Statements like, “Let’s be realistic” or “Come on, let’s use common sense” seem to dominate. Understandably, when we are older, we understand the reality of life and also take less chances as our “life experiences” set in and realize it is easier to get hurt physically so are more careful. In the same way, we can also limit our mental activities in “dreaming and believing”. We learn what it means to emotionally be hurt or scarred. Hence, we train ourselves to not take changes emotionally. In the same manner, when there is a goal we want to accomplish and it seemingly is not materializing we can safeguard ourselves against disappointment by whispering in our mind, “It wasn’t going to happen anyway.” This is where the rubber hits the road for most people and they must decide to fish or cut bait…unfortunately, many decide to cut bait and metaphorically speaking, never to go fishing again. VOLUME 15.NO.5

I have come to these decision points many times. I am very thankful that I had decided to move forward as I see the vision of things I want to build materialize. However, every day is not filled with just blessings, but lessons as well. As I learn the many hard lessons dealt to me in life, I am continually asking myself, “Is it worth it?” Sometimes at the moment and when I am honest with myself, the answer is emphatically, “NO!”. However, when I see the bigger picture, the answer becomes a resounding, “Yes, it is worth it.” As we age, the conflict starts to become stronger and stronger. Our belief in doing something great becomes minimized over time if we don’t make decisions along the way to keep the belief alive. It is a much easier path to just settle and be comfortable and not take risks. It takes a strong mindset to keep the dream alive…especially during the times where you are emotionally and financially challenged. I have seen many people blindly pursue a goal without the proper foundation in place. Usually, they run out of resources and become embittered or disgruntled. I have also seen people realize their dreams and hence, do some extraordinary things. In talking and interviewing hundreds of people, I am convinced that we have a purpose to our lives and that there are no short cuts to achieve them. The foundation on what we build our dreams on is possibly more important than the dream itself. I find that also, any endeavor requires a key component…MONEY…which is another topic altogether.

Now, getting back to the question posed in the very beginning of what it takes to make a dream a reality. The two words are…”Take Action!”

is also a National and International best-selling/multibook author, professional speaker, and community leader within multiple communities.

IN SUMMARY…Many enjoy dreaming but there comes a point where tangible action must take place. Whatever difference you strive to make in life, you must take action and get involved. As we continue through this year, you might consider doing the following:

Direct Line: (925)860-9777

1) Define your Vision or Dream 2) Create a Blueprint and the proper steps and milestones to be reached 3) Take Action

WokStar Legend Maker

Here is to your success in 2017. “Dreams make it a Possibility…Actions make it a Reality.”

Email: jtc.wokstar@gmail.com. COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: JOIN THE CACS 30th ANNIVERSITY GOLD MOUNTAIN CELEBRATION On October 14th, 2017. For more information, visit http://www. cacsweb.org. One of the oldest Chinese organizations in Northern California is the Chinese American Council of Sacramento (CACS) which was founded by Frank Fat with the goal of giving the Chinese Community a voice.

#WokStarWokism 3 “Those wondering WHY you are doing it today will be asking, ‘HOW did you do it?’ tomorrow.” #WokStarWokism 132

Exertus Financial Partners LIVING Great

About the Columnist: Jim T. Chong (The “Wok Star” Legend Maker & Publicist) is a licensed financial professional, a radio show personality on MONEY 1055FM Fri 2pm Serving Greater Sacramento, and a Mega-cultural / Master Emcee as the Wok Star. Jim SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

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STOCKTON SCREENING KVIE premieres new documentary on fall prevention Each year, one in three people 65 years or older experiences a fall serious enough to require medical attention. KVIE Public Television’s newest locally produced documentary, Before the Fall – Prevention and Treatment explores key factors that cause falling and ways to prevent falling or reduce your risk. Various ways to prevent falling, such as making simple home modifications and improving strength and balance, can reap benefits for every older adult. Before the Fall premieres

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Wednesday, September 20 at 7 p.m. on KVIE Channel 6. Before the Fall is part of ViewFinder, KVIE Public Television’s anthology of local documentaries. These stories take an in-depth look at our region’s history, present, and future; each episode is a unique documentary look at our community, bringing unique voices and stories to the front and framing them in a larger perspective. ViewFinder airs every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on KVIE Channel 6 and can also be found online at kvie.org/viewfinder, where episodes are available to watch for free online.

September 13 at 6 p.m. Janet Leigh Theatre 3601 Pacific Avenue Join KVIE and the University of the Pacific for a preview screening of the new landmark television documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, The Vietnam War, before it airs! Following the screening, stay for engaging stories and conversations from a group of panelists. The screening is free.

Please RSVP online at kvie.org/vietnam. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the screening begins at 6:30 p.m. The Vietnam War is locally sponsored by Bank of America, Mansour’s Oriental Rug Gallery, Rothschild, Wishek & Sands LLP, and the National Cemetery Administration.

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Entrepreneurs and Startups – A Movement to Build a New Downtown By Ben Sanchez

Leslie Edman Executive Director

A Message on Civic Engagement The CVACC tagline, “Strength in Unity” captures our chamber’s stance on civic engagement and underscores our commitment to bridge the business community through collaboration with chamber members, community partners and leaders. In view of Stockton’s General Plan on land use to focus largely on downtown revitalization, CVACC scheduled five downtown business mixers this year, spotlighting many new businesses. It is our belief that civic engagement is daily involvement in our community and not just active participation during an election year. In 2017, “Strength in Unity” is embodied in our partnerships with Downtown Stockton Alliance, Huddle CoWork, the African-American Chamber of Commerce, Artsplash, Downtown Comeback Club and local government officials. Our collective pool of knowledge, resources and skills is improving downtown’s economic development day by day and block by block. The voice of Stockton’s citizens has been heard and CVACC is on board with the movement to revitalize downtown.

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS Sept. 28, 2017 5:15 – 7:15 pm

Cast Iron Trading Co. 114 N. San Joaquin St. Downtown Stockton

Oct. 26, 2017 5:30 – 8:30 pm

SAVE THE DATE – 3rd Annual Women’s Leadership Event “Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling” Stockton Golf & Country Club

CVACC Metro Bldg. June Mixer

During the past six months, community members and business owners have been busy in the downtown Stockton area near Weber Avenue and N. San Joaquin Street. The entrepreneur labs and programs started by Downtown Stockton Alliance and Huddle Cowork have gained attention and created a platform for unique, like-minded thinkers to pitch their ideas. New business owners have recently joined the Central Valley Asian- American Chamber of Commerce (CVACC) in a collaborative effort with other existing chamber businesses and non-profits. Their strategic goal is to send a positive message to the local business community about the development of new startup companies and businesses in the downtown area. Leslie Edman, Executive Director of the CVACC, along with other community leaders organized two summer events in the downtown area to showcase the new businesses. CVACC’s two mixer events were held on the same downtown block - at La Dolce Vita Bakery and Huddle Cowork, where community guests and chamber members were invited to experience the revitalization of downtown Stockton. The Metro Building ( June) mixer, located at the corner of Sutter Street and Weber Avenue, highlighted chamber members La Dolce Vita, Terra Coffee Roasters, Fusion Boba Café, Road Finch, Ready4Rescue, Filipino American National Historical Society Museum (FANHS), JD Virgen & Associates and the San Joaquin Pride Center. The FANHS museum and Pride Center both held open houses in conjunction with the Metro mixer event. Each business showcased their specialty items, services, art and cultural exhibits. Dance performances and music entertained guests on the sidewalks and venues. The success of the Metro Mixer created an opportunity to collaborate with Huddle Cowork, one of the newest members to the CVACC. On the opposite corner of the block, the Belding Building at Weber Ave. and San Joaquin St., houses several floors filled with new entrepreneurs at the Huddle Cowork space. The historic building has around 28 offices, a conference room and an expanded work space area. Guests were encouraged to take the tour and meet new businesses on multiple floors of the building, as well as the popular Channel Brewing Company and Cast Iron Trading Company restaurant on the ground floor. Matt Amen, Executive Director of Huddle and host of the CVACC July Mixer, promoted the benefits of the co-working space for startups and new businesses. Throughout the evening, young entre-preneurs connected with chamber members and community partners about future opportunities and ventures. In September, the CVACC is planning another business mixer hosted by Cast Iron Trading Company to continue promoting expanding business in Stockton.

CVACC Huddle July Mixer Artist Nicole Caldwell

Visiting Road Finch

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Chef Tobias with Dessert Treats

Diversity at Huddle mixer SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

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Vietnam: Debt and Gratitude

Unless you were around in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it’s difficult to imagine how our military and veterans were treated – spat upon, derided, cajoled and cursed. Don’t wear your uniform off base. When looking for a job, don’t say you are a veteran. That was some of the advice bandied about back then. Today, a troop returns from Afghanistan or Iraq and a myriad of services are there to help. Or a ship returns to San Diego and crowds come out to greet the crew. Back then, there was little support and no greetings for a soldier, sailor, Marine or airman returning from duty in the service. When we finally brought most of our troops back home in 1973, Vietnam was a misadventure most preferred to forget.

By 1975, when all of Vietnam fell to the communists, most of the U.S. hardly noticed. Yet, for thousands of South Vietnamese trapped in those final days, the maelstrom was about to swallow them and sweep them away. The day of reckoning had come – and with it, for 32,000 South Vietnamese, one slim thread of survival. That thread was the crew of the USS Kirk. In a split-second decision, the captain and crew took it upon themselves to step in and take charge of thousands of stranded men, women and children and serve as their beacon, caring for them and guiding their flotilla of small boats, vessels and overloaded ships, leading them over a six-day journey to safety in the Philippines and eventually a new

life in the U.S., where they, their sons and daughters not only survived but prospered. This is the legacy of the USS Kirk that we, the Asian Heritage Society, celebrate on Sept. 30 when members of the crew and widows of crew members come together at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center as we honor these men and recognize what they have done. The following day, Oct. 1, at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park, we will show the documentary “The Lucky Few,” about that rescue, and host a discussion with crew members and some of the Vietnamese they saved. This two-day event is not just about honor, duty and country. It’s about recognition of a debt never paid. This is

our way of paying it. Be you Vietnamese or not, this should be yours, as well. Sept. 30, 2017 – Days of Reckoning – A ceremony honoring and celebrating the USS Kirk, 10 am- 3 pm, Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, 2115 Park Blvd., San Diego. Register at event@asianheritageawards.com Oct. 1, 2017 – “The Lucky Few,” a documentary and panel discussion about the rescue of 32,000 South Vietnamese, 10 am-1:30 pm, Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. Register at event@asianheritageawards.com Both events are open to the public. Tax-deductible donations are also accepted.

Laugh your way to wellness with Laughter Yoga – Unique Concept to Laugh for No Reason for Health Benefits! Laughter is the Best Medicine after all. By Kazuyo L. E. Shimokawabe, CHHC, CLYL, CNHP Laughter Yoga, anyone? Some of you might link this to a traditional yoga with poses, but not so. Laughter Yoga is a unique concept where anyone can laugh for no reason without relying on jokes, humor or comedy bypassing the cognitive process. We combine SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

laughter exercises and yoga breathing (pranayama-life force energy); thus it is called Laughter Yoga. To reap the health benefits of laughter, laughter needs to come from the diaphragm. It should be a hearty belly laugh. This exercise brings more oxygen into the body and

brain that makes one feel more energetic and healthy, and also helps to stimulate the brain cells. Endorphins (feel good hormones) are released and Cortisol (stress hormone) decreases. Because the laughter is contagious even the simulated (fake) laughter becomes real and receive

the health benefits after 10-15 minutes of sustained laughter. Our body cannot differentiate between the real and fake laughter. continued on page 11 VOLUME 15.NO.5

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PAW’S FOR THE MOMENT

Jodi and Trixie A few months ago, on the way to take our three dogs to the groomer’s, I spotted a large dog that looked just like my German-Shepherd Chow, Raanda. But Raanda was safely in the back seat of the car so I knew it wasn’t her. I slowed down and the impatient driver behind me swerved around me, nearly hitting the dog. I honked my horn repeatedly, and the driver stopped just in time. I pulled my car over, got a treat out and coaxed the frightened dog to come to me. The dog obliged. She had no collar, so I took one of the leashes off my dog and wrapped it around her neck to get her into the car. Then I hesitated because my Prius vehicle was already filled with three dogs, and Chow’s are described to be territorial. (Although I never saw any sign of aggressiveness from Raanda). In this case, I was going to have two of them in my small car along with the other two dogs. I said a prayer and asked my Angel’s for help. The decision was made to act in continued from page 10

Laugh your way to wellness.... Laughter Yoga exercise boosts the immune system, reduces stress level, anxiety, depression, loneliness, tension, pain; increases the blood circulation; improves mental functioning, promotes cardiovascular health, etc. and the list goes on. This unique form of exercise takes the laughter to a next level and adds a different dimension.

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Love instead of fear, and so I opened the hatch and the lost dog jumped right in! The dogs were fine and the ride was peaceful. A few hours after arriving home, I received a call from the groomer that she found the owner of the lost dog! The owner came to pick her up but something just didn’t feel right to me. I told him that if he ever needed a home for his dog (Coco), then please call me and I would give her a good home. I didn’t know why I blurted that out…we already had three dogs, two cats, two turtles and fish to care for. Two weeks later, the owner called me to ask me if I could please take Coco home. The other dogs were picking on her and she was not able to properly care for her needs. Coco was kept outdoors most of the time and ran away, this time for five days before she returned. So, I adopted Coco. Coco and Raanda looked so much alike and they were inseparable. I called them the “Chow Sisters”. Raanda took Coco under her wing (in this instance “paw”) and taught her to be housebroken, have manners, and where her place was in the pecking order… which was at the bottom. Coco didn’t mind. Two weeks ago, our sweet Raanda passed on. After many tests and exams, it was determined that Raanda had a pinched nerve that was not going to heal, combined with kidney failure and breathing problems. It got so

The child-like playfulness is another element of Laughter Yoga. This makes it more fun by bringing out the “child-ness” that could be buried deeply inside. We initiate the laughter exercise in a group setting with eye contacts. We provide a safe place so that participants can give permission to themselves to experience unconditional laughter and feel free to just let their inner being out. This can help to release the unblocked energies that are stored in the subconscious level. Laughter is universal and innate. When we laugh others join and it creates almost an instant connectedness with no

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bad that she could no longer walk. Life was not fun for Raanda anymore. So, I made the decision that I dreaded, and Raanda was euthanized peacefully at home. Our cat, “Lion Kitty” and three dogs, “Groovy”, “Trixie” and “Coco” rallied around her when she took her last breath. I miss Raanda, but more than that, I’m grateful for the time that we got to share with Raanda and that we were able to give her a home during the last part of her journey. (Raanda was found running with a pack of dogs in the Mojave Dessert and brought to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah where she lived for five years before I adopted her). And I’m grateful for Coco. Coco came into our lives at just the right time. It would have been so much more difficult to endure Raanda’s transitioning out of her body had it not been for Coco being in our lives. I marvel at how the Universe arranged for me to be there at the exact time and place to find Coco running in the street, and how much she resembled Raanda. God knows what we need before we can even begin to describe it. Raanda’s body is buried under the apple tree, but her loving, kind and calm Spirit blesses us every day in Coco. Letting go of Raanda was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, but I know without a doubt it was what was best for her. Now my focus is on Coco, and our other animals. If I dwell in a place of remorse, they will feel it and I’ll miss out on what is NOW. So we go on our walks and appreciate the moments. Coco

is doing well without Raanda by her side. She seems to know that it was only Raanda’s body that transitioned. Her Spirit is alive and well. Life is good with our three dogs, two cats, two turtles and fish.

explanation. When we laugh together we feel joy; this upward spiral vibration can contribute to a happier and more peaceful world collectively.

about 10 days they ran out of the good jokes. Many said it was a good try, but it’s over. Despite everyone’s discouragement, Dr. Kataria totally believed in it and told everyone to give him a day so that he could figure out a way to continue. He went to his office and went through books for inspiration. Then, he came across with a page in a book titled “The Complete Guide to your Emotions and your Health”. The message was “just pretend”. He exclaimed “this is it!”. He went back to the park next day and told

Laughter Yoga was created by a medical doctor, Dr. Madan Kataria, in India in 1995. He started the club with only 5 people including himself, supported by his wife Madhuri Kataria who is a yoga teacher and 3 others at a park in Mumbai, with an inspiration of science backed “Laughter is the Best Medicine”. More people joined every morning and the club was going well. However, after

Coco stayed by Raanda’s side when she wasn’t feeling too well

Raanda and Coco on a walk

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Laugh your way to wellness.... everyone they could just laugh without any jokes or humor! This was the true beginning and the rest is history. It has now spread to 106 countries around the world. Ready to try now? Kazuyo graduated from Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Health Coach Training by Hilton Johnson and is a Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader. She has completed certification courses from Living Foods Institute, Pure Joy Culinary Academy, METAHealth University as a Living Foods Educator, Raw Food Chef and METAHealth Practitioner along with Lifestyle Prescriptions respectively. She studied extensively on Body-Mind-Brain-Social connections with symptoms with META-Health studies. She understands the power of laughter and deep breathing exercise. She co-leads Laughter Yoga classes at the UCSF Osher Center. She also leads weekly Laughter Yoga class at Pacifica Senior Center and recently presented Laugh Yoga at Brain Fitness Forum in San Francisco. Most recently she was the presenter at the Central Valley Recovery, Awareness, Preventing Program, “CV-RAPS”, a monthly lunch and learn presented by Healings in Motion. “Everyone enjoyed interacting with one another and laughing. It was very therapeutic and the presentation was great.”, says Mary Nicholson, Executive Director of Healings in Motion. To learn more about her services visit www. JoyfulHealthAmbassador.com

East West

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Honoring Paid and Unpaid Caregivers at the INNER SAFARI Caregiver Conference on November 4, 2017 Healings in Motion and the San Joaquin County Department of Aging will present the 10th Annual INNER SAFARI Caregiver Safari on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Robert Cabral Ag Center in Stockton, CA. 95206. The event is offered FREE to ALL Caregivers that pre-register at https:// caregiver2017.eventbrite.com. For Caregivers that do not have access to the internet there are registration forms available at many event partner locations including community events or by calling Healings in Motion at 209-234-2802. There are over 65 million Caregivers in the United States. Every day, over 10,000 baby- boomers become seniors. Many seniors are caring for an elder parent, a spouse, a grandchild or someone with a chronic disease. The lack of training, stress and responsibility weighs heavily on Caregivers. Knowing what resources are available and a day of appreciation and self-care is needed to prevent burn-out and illness to the Caregiver. The unpaid Family Caregiver plays a vital role in continuum care. Many forget to show appreciation to those first in-line at the hospitals who serve as Caregivers. Doctors and nurses are a vital part of the care giving team. This honors profession Caregivers and offers Continued Education Units for Registered Nurses and LVN’s. The CEU Provider is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses. Provider Number 01028. The INNER SAFARI Caregiver Conference includes an auction to a South African Safari. The theme and VOLUME 15.NO.5

the suggested attire is to accentuate the day’s journey inward for self-care or self-love. Oftentimes, Caregiver responsibilities are stretched and they forget to care for themselves. Walgreens will sponsor an area for Caregivers to check their numbers including blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and other vitals. There will also be a Pamper Parlor for Caregivers to receive hugs, massages and other formers of stress-relief. The event will feature speakers to help you navigate through Caregiving. You are invited to hear a dynamic panel of experts on Caregiving; you also will hear speakers and enjoy a Magician and participate in Yoga Laughter. An important part of the day is the Vendor Parlor. There will be information booths that provide services and vendors selling goods that will be beneficial to the Caregiver.

Gary is recognized nationally as an impactful and engaging speaker. “ The Fearless Caregiver “, led by Gary Barg, Publisher and Editorin-Chief of nationally leading magazine, Today’s Caregiver, will facilitate an expert panel to address leading issues and concerns of Caregivers in the audience.

More speakers and great surprise are part of the day. Be sure to register and tell other Caregivers about this special tribute. Seats are limited.

Nadine “ Joy in the Journey “ a special message to honor the journey of Caregiving articulated beautifully by Nadine R. Cornish, a Certified Senior Advisor, Gerontologist, Coach, Consultant and Author of the “ Tears in My Gumbo “. Nadine SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

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2017 Diversity Mixer Hosted by the Port of Stockton It was a great evening networking with local San Joaquin County professionals from the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Central Valley AsianAmerican Chamber of CommerceCVACC, California Delta Chambers and Visitors Bureau, San Joaquin African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce at the Port of Stockton Albert Lindley House for the Summer Diversity Mixer.

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Present: A Start-Up Fund Raising Seminar Taught by Wayne G. Richardson  Current Chief Executive Officer Gospel Center Rescue Mission  Former Vice President of Development Billy Graham Evangelistic Association  Former Vice President of Philanthropy CBN’s Operation Blessing International  Campaign Director The Campaign for Southeastern University  Professional Fund Raising Consultant  Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)  West Point Graduate

9 am – 4 pm Friday, October 13, 2017 at

First Baptist Church’s Welcome Center 3535 N. El Dorado Street Stockton, CA 95204

2011 Wayne fund raising for Operation Blessing International in Haiti

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$25 Non-refundable/Person (A $500 value!) Includes: Lunch, Snacks, Refreshments & Seminar Materials (Note: Wayne Richardson derives no compensation for this Seminar.)

Learn the keys to start-up fund raising. Tired of Theory? Learn & take home real fund raising tools to get started. Learn how to start fund raising with no budget and no fund raising staff. Get the bottom line about websites, capital campaigns and consultants. Register by mailing or delivering a $25 non-refundable check made out to Gospel Center Rescue Mission, 445 S. San Joaquin Street, Stockton, CA 95203. Please reference the Seminar in a note. Questions can be answered by email at wrichardson@gcrms.org

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