January 3, 2012

The New Year has dawned upon us and some of us are in disbelief at how quickly 2011 came and went. The past year was filled with challenges for our Association and our membership. But, we met those challenges head-on with tenacity, unity and success. Regardless, a new year signals a renewed opportunity for fresh ideas and goals. We can never overlook our core values of selflessness and community service. Therefore I look forward to continuing and strengthening our mission in 2012!

I’m also reminded the Lunar New Year is just around the corner. Many Asian cultures will celebrate the Year of the Dragon set to begin on Tuesday, January 23rd. The day marks Year 4710. The Dragon is the only legendary figure in the Asian Zodiac. The other eleven figures are based on animals. Some of the qualities the Dragon represents are strength, loyalty and dignity.

The world-renowned San Francisco Chinatown New Year’s Parade is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 5:15pm. Additionally, numerous events are scheduled this month as well as in February. For more information, please visit the Chinese New Year Festival & Parade website.

History will bear witness to 2012 as the year when the first Asian-American Mayor of San Francisco, Honorable Edwin Lee, started his elected term.

Finally I want to express my wish for all of us to start the New Year-both Gregorian and Lunar, with optimism and hope!

-Paul Yep, President