VCCAA
Introduction
The Ventura County
Chinese-American Association (VCCAA) was organized in 1970 and chartered as a
non-profit organization in 1976.
The Association’s objectives
are to preserve the Chinese cultural heritage, language and customs. It promotes participation in education,
business and government as Chinese Americans, so as to foster constructive
citizenship, improve general well-being and cultivate an appreciation of their
dual heritage.
Meetings
The Board meets at 7:30
pm on the third Monday of every month at the Camarillo Inn,
located at 165 Daily Drive in Camarillo. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Paul Lu for generously donating the use
of their facility! All members are
welcome to attend. Please contact your
city representative for further information.
Historical Society
The Ventura County
Chinese-American Historical Society was founded in December 2000 under the
auspices of the VCCAA. Currently, the
Historical Society comprises thirty-five members. The current Chair of the Historical Society is George Yu, MD.
The mission of the
Historical Society is to perform original research, preserve, publish and teach
the history and experiences of Chinese Americans in Ventura County. The Historical Society also coordinates with
city, county and state government offices and officials in matters relating to
the preservation, communication and recognition of the Chinese American
heritage. In addition, the Historical
Society serves as the focal point for the distribution of related educational
materials, presentation of historical symposia and the arrangement of public
speakers on topics relating to the history of Chinese Americans in Ventura
County.
Projects that are currently
in progress by the Historical Society include a documentary of the history of
Chinese in Ventura County, a memorial for the China Alley in Ventura, in
conjunction with the City of Ventura and the development of education materials
for the public schools on the history of Chinese Americans in Ventura County.
For more visit their web
site: http://www.vccahs.org.
Classical and Folk
Dance Troupe
These young Chinese
classical dancers, under the direction of Yu-Ling Lu, have won many awards
throughout Southern California. Classes
are held on Fridays, from 4-6:45 pm. For
further information, please contact Yu-Ling Lu at (805) 983-6082.
Adult Dance Troupe
The troupe, under the
direction of Yu-Ling Lu, is composed of active, hard-working and dedicated
adults. Classes are held on Wednesdays,
from 7-9 pm at 2031 Spyglass Trail West, Oxnard. For further information, please contact Yu-Ling Lu at (805)
983-6082.
Youth Group
To pass the torch of Chinese tradition, youth are invited to get involved in the VCCAA. The VCCAA Youth Group consists of the children of VCCAA members, ages 12 to 18. Involvement in various exciting activities such as swimming parties and bowling, as well as VCCAA activities (Mid-Autumn Festival, Halloween Party, Christmas Party, Cultural Night & Chinese New Year Celebration, Memorial Day Picnic) and the Chinese School Yard Sale.
If you want to help out or have any ideas, suggestions, questions or comments, please contact President Sarah Yim at (805) 639-0455.
Chinese School
The Chinese Language School
of Ventura County was established in 1978.
Presently, the school offers six classes: Kindergarten, Pin Yin I, II, III, and IV, and
Conversational. Classes are held on
Fridays from 7-9 pm at Los Altos Middle School, 700 Temple Ave., Camarillo, in
accordance with the school calendar of the Pleasant Valley School District.
For high school students, a
credit class is available, where you can learn Chinese and earn high school
credit at the same time. The first two
50-minute sessions are language-oriented, while the last session, 9-10 pm,
conducted in English, is for enrichment in topics related to the custom, culture,
history and geography of China.
If you are interested in the
Chinese Language Program, please contact Principal Lee-May Little at (805)
484-5222.
Chinese Language
School Library
Through the efforts and help
of many people, the Chinese Language School Library currently carries many
books, journals and newspapers, videos and cassettes. We welcome members’ patronage, and your tax-deductible donations
are greatly appreciated.
Please contact Lee-May
Little at (805) 484-5222 for questions.
Lion Dance Troupe
& Kung Fu Club
The Lion Dance Troupe, under
the direction of Master Kee C. Ling, was founded in 1982, and has performed
countless Lion Dance shows for Chinese New Year festivities and other happy
occasions. For more information, please
contact Master Kee C. Ling at (805) 482-0879 or visit http://www.lohan.8k.com.
The Kung Fu Club, also
founded in 1982, has won trophies at various tournaments, including the Ventura
County Open Karate Championship, Long Beach International Karate Championship
and Los Angeles Ultimate Karate Youth Classic Tournament. If you are interested in joining the Club,
please contact Master Kee C. Ling at (805) 482-0879.