Press Release & News

ThankYou from Miss Lor Bopha

2008-05-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you for having me as a part of that special New Year event. I thought your crew, Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 Committee and team did a fantastic job for the community. I commend you and the others for all your hard work in trying to preserve our culture, heritage, and traditions. It's a big responsibility and demands a lot of your time, commitment, and efforts; at times, not many people can appreciate your doing and those involve enough. I appreciate it.

I had a great time performing with the Seak Meas Band and the other singers. The crowd was awesome too!

I was so glad to have met you, Miss Kara Uy. Saied and I would like to give our sincere thanks to you and all the crew members involved. Hopefully, Cambodian New Year Festival 2009 Committee will give me the opportunity to be involved with more future events. Once again, thanks for everything and may the new year shower you and your family with happiness and prosperity.

Ms. Hassina B. Lor

Happy New Year, Year of the Rat, 2552 B.E.!!!

2008-04-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year, Year of the Rat, 2552 B.E.!!!
Wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous Khmer New Year
"Saum Choun Por Teing Praim Prakar Koeu: Ayu, Vannak, Sokhak, Polak, noeung Badekpheanak"

Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 - Bay Area - North California

Saturday, April 12, 2008 (8am - Midnight)
Milpitas Community Center, 457 E. Calaveras Bvld, Milpitas, Ca 95035
- Morning: 8:30am - 1pm: Cultural Ceremony by Watt Khmer San Jose
- Evening: 5:30pm - Midnight
($20/person donated to community event)

Guest Speakers (San Jose Vice Mayor, Milpitas Mayor, Rep. of US Congress)

Cultural Performance

Fashion Show

Social Dance - Seak Meas Band & Miss Lor Bopha

Sunday - Monday - Tuesday, April 13, 14, 15, 2008
Watt Khmer San Jose: 840 Mervyn's Way, San Jose, Ca 95127
- 9am - 6pm: Mound up the sand, homage, offering food to monk....

Program of Watt Khmer San Jose

Video Clip of Event Sponsors:

Khmer Horoscope - Year of the Rat (in Khmer):

Poster of Cambodian New Year Cultural Festival 2008:

Description of Cultural Performance and Fashion Show:

Brief of Khmer New Year Festival:

Cambodian New Year 2008 Evening Program - April 12, 2008

All the Best Wishes!

Chanthoeun To & Miss Kara Uy
Cambodian New Year Festival Committee 2008
Cambodian-American community of Santa Clara County
http://www.caraweb.org/new_year/2008/

Thanks to All Sponsors of Cambodian New Year Festival

2008-04-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Community,

Based on the U.S. Census 2000, Cambodian-American population in the Bay Area - San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose - totaled approximately 10,500, but mostly concentrated in Oakland and San Jose. Among those in the region celebrating Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 are doctors, lawyers, engineers, college professors, teachers, small business owners, CEO/president of corporation, and military officers. This represents a small but integral part of society.

GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY

Many contribute their talents and their times to organize and coordinate during event planning and preparation. Others contribute financial by taking part as event sponsors. This year the San Jose Cambodian Cultural Dance Troupe will be collaborating with Khmer Angkor Dance Troupe from Oakland to put a full schedule performance during the evening program. And for the first time, the evening entertainment will include traditional Cambodian ensembles from Angkor era apparel to modern fashion.

On behalf of the Cambodian New Year Festival Committee 2008, we would like to thank all of the sponsors for their financial support of the Cambodian New Year Festival 2008.

Best Regards,

Co-Chairs Mr. Chanthoeun To & Miss. Kara Uy

PERFORMANCE ARTS GRANTS BY:

Arts Council Silicon Valley
http://www.artscouncil.org

Farrington Historical Foundation
http://www.farringtonfoundation.org

Office of Cultural Affairs, City of San Jose
http://www.sanjoseculture.org/

MAJOR SPONSOR:

Dr. Darith S. Khay Family Clinic
696 E. Santa Clara St., Suite 103, San Jose, Ca 95112

PREMIER SPONSORS:

Angkor Collision
1695 Angela St., San Jose, Ca 95125

Gardner Family Care Corporation
408-938-2137

Dr. Sovathana Khuong, Chiropractic
42 Race St., San Jose, Ca 95126
http://www.evchiro.com

Lucky Jewelry
2471 Alvin Ave., San Jose, Ca 95121

SPECIAL SPONSORS:

Dr. Steven Kas & Associates Optometry
5710 Cahalan Ave., Bldg. 2, San Jose, Ca 95123
http://www.kasod.com/

Farmers Insurance - Bodavy Boun, Agent
556 N. First St., #102, San Jose, Ca 95112

Sambath Boun's Accounting Services
408-394-8537

GOLD SPONSORS:

Arnold & Wilson, DDS
2930 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley
http://www.drhappytooth.com/

Quick Stop Market - Sopheap Ngar
1510 Mt. Pleasant Dr., #7094, San Jose, Ca 95127

Chez Sovan Restaurant
2425 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, Ca

Asian Pacific Family Resource Center
625 Wool Creek Dr., Suite F, San Jose, Ca 95112

Realty World – San Trinh
408-509-3889

Grand Fortune Restaurant
4100 Monterey Rd. San Jose, Ca 95111

Denise's Donut
4138 Monterey Rd. San Jose, Ca 95111

Mekong Jewelry
1954 Aborn Rd. San Jose, Ca 95121

Golden Jewelry & Gift Shop
2355-10 Mckee Rd. San Jose, Ca 95116

VV's Hardwood Floor
408-313-5350

Daily Donuts & Sandwiches
505 South Pastoria Ave. Sunnyvale, Ca 94086

Daily Donuts & Sandwiches
408 North Fair Oaks Ave. Sunnyvale, Ca 94085

Asian Market
2001 Story Rd. #500, San Jose, Ca 95122

Sonora Press, Inc.
http://www.sonorapress.biz

Costco Wholesale Corporation
http://www.costco.com

FASHION SHOW SPONSORS:

Banteay Srey Khmer Wedding Boutique
2430 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, Ca 90804

Darany's Fashion
2201 Anahaim St., 102, Long Beach, Ca 90804

Remtek Entrepreneur
Myspace.com/remtek

Lilies Hair Studios
330 S. Third St. San Jose, Ca. Tel: 408-885-1737
http://www.lilieshairstudios.com/

Greetings from Congressman Michael M. Honda

2008-04-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Congress of the United States

House of Representatives

Greetings from Congressman Michael M. Honda on the Occasion of the 2008 Cambodian New Year

April 12, 2008

It is with great pleasure that I welcome everyone to this year's Cambodian New Year Festival, celebrating the coming "Year of the Rat." I would like to commend the efforts of the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, Santa Clara County Cambodian Women Association, San Jose Cambodian Cultural Dance, Cambodian Language School, and Cambodian American Resource Agency for making this year’s festival possible.

The Cambodian American community in the Silicon Valley is as vibrant as ever. Today's event presents an opportunity for families and individuals to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. Equally important, the New Year’s celebration provides a platform to empower younger generations by educating them on their multifaceted heritage.

As a nation, we have encountered numerous challenges in the past years. However, we continue to maintain our resiliency as a community, and these celebrations humbly portray our unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. I am proud of represent the diverse community of the Silicon Valley, where our respective customs are woven together in a multicultural tapestry.

I offer my warmest welcome to all of you gathered for the 2008 Cambodian New Year ‘s Festival. I wish you all a Soursdey Chhnum Thmeiy.

Best Wishes,
Signed
Mike Honda
Member of Congress

Michael M. Honda, 15th District, California
Washington Office: 1713 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
District Office: 1999 South Bascom Ave., Suite # 815, Campbell, CA 95008

CAMBODIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE CULTURAL NEW YEAR IN GRAND STYLE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008 AT MILPITAS COMMUNITY CENTER.

2008-04-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

CAMBODIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE CULTURAL NEW YEAR IN GRAND STYLE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008 AT MILPITAS COMMUNITY CENTER.

This Year of Rat Will Feature Blessings by Buddhist Monks, Special Guests Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteve, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Keynote Speaker, Fashion Show, Cultural Dance Performances, and Followed by Social Dance Accompanied by Miss Lor Bopha, Miss Asian American Pageant.

SAN JOSE, California. (March 15, 2008) – The Cambodian-American community of Santa Clara County will celebrate its 24th annual cultural New Year, year of the RAT, on Saturday, April 12th, 2005 at the Milpitas Community Center, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035 from 9:00 AM to midnight. Typically, the New Year’s celebration lasts for three days, but we will be sponsoring this event for one fun-filled day of excitement.

In the previous years, where the public was warmly welcomed, thousands of people attended this holiday observance featuring blessings by Buddhist monks, traditional new year’s games, cultural dance performances, and social dance.

This year the day long community celebration will begin at 9:00 AM with Buddhist monks in saffron robes chanting and performing the New Year’s Blessing ceremony. These daytime festivities provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer people who have made a new home in this country .In addition, there will also be a host of vendors displaying their arts and crafts and other Cambodian-related products.

The evening cultural program begins at 5:30 PM and will feature several performances of Khmer classical ballet and folk dance, classical and folk music, as well as modern performances. This year will also highlight special guests Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteve, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, and a fashion show incorporating a more modern flare.

The morning and afternoon festivities are free, however, contributions are requested at the door starting at 4:30 PM and thereafter. There is no contribution requested for children ages 9 and younger.

Most importantly, the celebration of "Khmer New Year" is a symbol to remind us of our culture and heritage. The Cambodian New Year Festival showcases the richness of Cambodian life in our community. The treasured folk culture and history of Cambodia delight the senses in colorful display of art, music, and dance.
The cultural diversity in the Bay Area makes it one of the best places to live in the world. Cambodian-Americans are certainly significant pieces of that cultural tapestry. The preservation of the Cambodian culture is, therefore, vital. It is paramount not only to the collective community, but also to the Cambodian community, and the individual Cambodians themselves.

This is a time for joy, unity and friendship for the whole community and we would like to wish you a peaceful new year. Let's hope that next year will bring us a step closer to where we wanted to be and what we wished to achieve. This event will not be successful without the help of volunteers and sponsors.

About Us:
This year the Cambodian community in Santa Clara County, in collaboration with the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, the Santa Clara Cambodian Women Association, the Cambodian American Resource Agency, Cambodian Dance Troupe of San Jose, Cambodian School, Cultural Dance Group of Oakland, and active community members, has 180 members including volunteers and performers:
Chanthoeun To - Co-Chairperson, Miss Kara Uy - Co-Chairperson, Phillip Lim, Chamroeun Yean, Jennifer Chan, Franliny Khuon, Van Chek, Nepar Penn, Bun So, Kelvin So, Peter Chan, Promoul Ban, Vearday Chea, Vinita Kylin, Paul Tun, Davy Chea, Perom Uch, Channary Bill, Leslie Kim, Tahry Ros, Sambun Boun, Sovandy Hang, Keo Yim, and more...

To learn more about our sponsors.

Our Special Guest Speakers, Leaders

2008-03-06T18:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Community,

The success of our Cambodian New Year celebration relies tremendously on community support, team work and participation. The presence of our community leaders and special guests during our community event will not only illustrate their dedication to our community, but it will also help illuminate the importance of our culture and celebration.

On behalf of the Cambodian New Year Committee, we proudly introduce our Special Guest Speakers, leaders that have made impact and will continue to play an integral part in shaping and changing our community.

Chuck Reed, Mayor of the City San Jose:
Elected on November 7, 2006, Chuck Reed is the 64th Mayor of the City of San Jose. Mr. Reed ran for City Council in 2000. He represents District 4 including Berryessa, North San Jose, and Alviso. We would like to extend our appreciation to Mr. Perom Uch, our very own extraordinary leader, for coordinating the invitation to Chuck Reed. To read more about Mayor Chuck Reed, please visit http://www.caraweb.org/new_year/2008/mayor_chuck_reed.php

Jose Esteves, Mayor of the City of Milpitas:
Mayor Jose Esteves has always been a close friend to our community. Like previous years, his presence this year, is always appreciated. Surprisingly, our event will take place in Milpitas, where Mr. Esteves dedicates his commitment. Due to Ms. Vinita Kylin’s (committee member and Board member of Santa Clara County’s Cambodian Women’s Association) established relationship with the mayor, she has helped made his presence at our event possible.

Van Chek, President of the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc.:
Aside from the government officials, we have our very own Super-Star! Mr. Van Chek, our keynote speaker, is a prime example and displays characteristics of a dedicated community leader. Due to Mr. Van Check’s dedication and desire to improve the community, he has been elected as the President of the Cambodian Buddhist Society consecutively for 5 terms. In return, there are no expectations of monetary value but only the hope that our Cambodian community continue to unite and support each other. Growth can only happen with participation and an open heart. By Volunteering countless hours to a cause he believes in, he invites you to join Wat San Jose as they begin the building/renovation of the temple. Did we mention that he is also a member of our New Year Committee? There is always enough time if there is enough desire in your heart and he is an example of that.

Appreciate the real super-stars of the community and don’t forget to encourage and acknowledge them. Your appreciation and gratitude is a small but necessary token for their hard work. They make a difference in our lives, our children’s lives and our community. The results are not always tangible but the desire is great. We can not achieve or fuel energy into our vision unless we move forward as a team, a community that desires connection and growth.

Inspired? Please share your thoughts and feedback regarding our event and planning by contact us at http://www.caraweb.org/contact.html

Best regards,
Mr. Chanthoeun To & Miss Kara Uy
Event Co-Chairs, Cambodian New Year Committee 2008
http://www.caraweb.org/new_year/2008/

MC: Mr. Sovandy Hang & Miss Amanda Yean

2008-03-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Community,

The Year of the Rat
Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him during New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking.

Cambodian New Year: Only moments away!

Cambodian New year is about a month and half away. Our committee is still hard at work in planning the details of the New Year celebration. We are excited and look forward to the New Year’s cultural dance, fashion show and social dance. We are also pleased to announce our Masters of Ceremony (MC’s), Mr. Sovandy Hang and Miss Amanda Yean.

Mr. Sovandy Hang is very active in the Cambodian community. Aside from being a part of Cambodian New Year’s planning for several years, he was formally part of the Cambodian Literacy School of San Jose. Mr. Hang, currently resides in Oakland, Ca and is an active participant in the Cambodian community there.

Miss Amanda Yean also plays an active part in her community. Being the daughter of Mrs. Chamroeun Yean, whom is a member of our New Year committee, Amanda is dedicated in preserving the Cambodian culture. For many years, starting as a child, Amanda performs cultural dances with the Cambodian Dance Troupe of San Jose.

Committee Meeting: Friday, February 29, 2008

To learn more about our planning and preparation, we welcome you to attend the Cambodian New Year Committee meeting this upcoming Friday on February 29, 2008 at The Asian Pacific Family Resource Center (APFC) located on 625 Wool Creek Dr. Suite F, San Jose, Ca 95112 (Room #1). The meeting will begin at 6:30pm –8:00pm.

As always, especially during our last few meetings, your input, opinions, and comments, are essential to the success of our event. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Best regards,
Chanthoeun To & Kara Uy
newyearcaraweb.org
http://www.caraweb.org/new_year/2008/

Social Dance, Fashion Show, & Cultural Dance

2008-01-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Community,

In Collaborating with the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, the Santa Clara Cambodian Women Association, the Cambodian American Resource Agency, and community members, the Cambodian New Year Festival Committee (CNYF-2008) has been hard at work in preparing and planning the Cambodian New Year event on April 12, 2008, located at Milpitas Community Center. Without the efforts of our volunteers and community members, our important celebration would not be possible. We would like to thank you.

Although we have made great progress, we still have a lot to do. Our committee only has about five more meetings to plan and prepare for our community event. During our last few meetings, it is imperative that we have your support and suggestions on details of our event. This celebration is salient to all of us so your thoughts opinions, and comments, are essential to the success of our event.

We look forward to seeing you at our 7th Meeting this Friday, January 25, 2008, commencing at 6:30pm-8: 30pm. We will meet at the Asian Pacific Family Resource Center (APFC) located on 625 Wool Creek Dr. Suite F, San Jose, Ca 95112 (Room #1)

UPDATE/PROGRESS:

Band/singer:

The talented Seak Meas Band will accompany our social dance. Unfortunately, as some of you many already know, one of the band's members, Pou Sambok, passed away not too long ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. This year, his band will play to celebrate his life and in memory of him. Miss Bopha Lor, the popular singer from Southern California, will be our main singer/entertainer for the social dance. Bopha won the Asian American Pageant a few years ago and has been entertaining/singing for numerous years. Along with Bopha, we will have other singers from the Bay Area (TBA).

Special Event:
This year we would also like to do a fashion show incorporating a more modern flare. We are in the process of getting donations and Sponsors from our community leaders and other retail stores. Currently we have three Khmer designers who have offered to create unique pieces for the show. This will be a high fashion, trendy fashion show, infused with Khmer elements. During the intervals of the fashion show, we will have performers and other creative acts. If you know any one interested in being a part of the fashion show (model, designer, make-up artist, etc) or would like to perform during the intervals, please contact us. We will schedule meetings and a photo-shoot soon. We need help in obtaining Khmer inspired clothing. If you know anyone that can be of help, please refer him or her to our committee.

Cultural Dance:
An intrinsic part of our culture is the traditional Cambodian dances. The Cambodian Cultural Dance Troupe, in collaboration with the Cultural Dance Group of Oakland are preparing cultural performances that aims to preserve our culture and to remind our youths of our rich heritage. Students meet for practice and dance lessons every Friday at Tully's Library. For more information, please visit

Wat San Jose: Building New Hope
It is of extreme happiness to announce that
the building/renovation permit for Wat Khmer of San Jose has been approved by the city. The Sub-Committee of the temple's renovation project has been selected and formed to retain contractors, review legal terms and issues, and manage project financing/schedule. Should you have any questions regarding the renovation, please contact Wat Khmer of San Jose. This is an exciting new year for all of us. The approval and building of our temple is illuminates new hope and great teamwork.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication towards the community!

Best regards,
Chanthoeun To & Kara Uy
newyear@caraweb.org
http://www.caraweb.org/new_year/2008/

Happy New Year - Miss Kara Uy

2008-01-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

Dear All,

Happy New Year! Hopefully everyone had a great Christmas and New Year holiday.

Now, let’s get back to our preparation and planning for the Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 (CNYF-08), "Year of the Rat 2552 B.E." We, the committee, would like to inform you that the CNYF-08’s facility has changed to a new location as indicated below, but the date will be still the same, Saturday, April 12, 2008.

Milpitas Community Center
457 E. Calaveras Blvd.,
Milpitas, CA 95035

Just like passed years, the committee started with a small number of people. And this year, I would like to let everyone know that we have a very outstanding member among us. That is Miss Kara Uy. Kara is a member of the SCCCWA, and she is very energetic. She works with passion in helping to drive the planning stage, and has been making very quick and effective decisions such as as finding and securing the new location and scouting for vocal talents.

This is only her first year in the committee, but she already is taking leadership positions as co-chair of the committee, involves in searching/evaluating facilities, retain live band and singer(s), and has also committed to manage the fashion show as part of evening entertainment program. If you want to be a model in the fashion show or know someone who wants to be a model, please contact her life.notesyahoo.com. If you want to share your view with her, please come to the CNYF’s meeting on January 25. I am proud to work with her as co-chair of the committee.

Best regards,
Chanthoeun To
newyear@caraweb.org
http://www.caraweb.org/new_year/2008/

Announce New Year Committee

2007-12-01T18:20:00.000-08:00

Announce Cambodian New Year Festival and 2008 Committee

Dear Community

On behalf of the Cambodian community in the Santa Clara County, we would like to announce the commencement of the Community Khmer New Year 2008 Committee (CKNY-08 Committee). Every year the local Cambodian community comes together to plan and prepare for the annual Khmer New Year Celebration around mid April the following year. Everyone is welcomed to join!

This year the Cambodian community, in collaboration with the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, the Santa Clara Cambodian Women Association, the Cambodian American Resource Agency and active community members, will be celebrating the coming “Year of The Rat 2552 B.E.” featuring:

» Morning Program (8am - noon): Cultural Ceremony
» Evening Program (4pm - midnight):
• Fashion Show Featuring American-Cambodian Styles
• Cultural Performance by San Jose Group & Oakland Group
• Social Dance with popular singers
• More...

Please contact newyearcaraweb.org, if you think:
• you can be a model for the Fashion Show;
• you can dance for the cultural performance;
• you would like join CKNY-08 Committee.

CKNY-08's Committee meets on Friday evening byweekly (6:30pm - 8:30pm). Because of the holiday season, we will meet again on Janaury 25, 2008 at Asian Pacific Family Resource Center: Room #1: 625 Wool Creek Dr., #F, San Jose, Ca 95112

Go to the page of Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 for more info

On behalf of CKNY-08's Committee, we would like to wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Best regards,

Mr. Chanthoeun To
Co-Chairperson

Miss Kara Uy
Co-Chairperson