The World Felt Right This Past Friday

First of all, happy birthday to the soon papa-to-be Will Tong, whose wife used to claim they would name their sons Sal and Ed... (salad tongs, get it!?!)

Ok, whatever....

So June 27 began with my first summer movie of the year... that's right... I have yet to see Iron Man, Indy, and a host of many others that I need to get to soon. But I've always loved being there to see midnight showing when a film first debuts. I would do it all the time in the 90s but then teaching and whatever Friday night activity (dance, football game, performing arts show, birthday parties, Giants games) kept me away... and that's why I love the Thursday night/Friday morning midnight madness premiere. So S. and N. got me a ticket and asked me to join them watch WALL-E. Now I'm not the biggest Disney fan, but I am a huge Pixar fan. You always know you're in for a treat when you get that opening cartoon that serves as a warm-up for the feature. It was about a magician and it reminded me of the old school
Warner Brothers cartoons with the Carl Stalling scores. Pixar shorts are great and that's why I bought that DVD. Now the main feature, WALL-E. I was curious how I would feel about a mostly dialogue-less film, but the story held strong for the most part for me. The parts that felt the most cartoonish happened aboard the Axiom, whereas the Earth scenes captured a beautiful stillness but depressing image of what humans are doing to the planet. Being a person who loves and hates solitude, I related to WALL-E in the sense of collecting things that have a hidden personal value that maybe no one else can share. WALL-E beheld a beauty in the simplicity of certain objects, though we might consider them to be consumable. These moments remind me of the lessons I have on Emerson's "Poet" and Whitman's "Preface" to Leaves of Grass. The main point of which is to ask the students to think about how particular words came to be and how every name/word was once a poem until it became everyday/cliche. One of WALL-E's treasured items is a VHS tape of a particular musical and it lends a humanity to WALL-E that seems to be waning from the souls of each successive generation (and the film comments on that concept as well). I particularly appreciated the lone survivor archetype (most recently seen in I Am Legend) and the homage to Kubrick's 2001: the music, the steps, the jogging track reference, and the autopilot/HAL character (my favorite Otto/autopilot is still from Airplane! though). I've read a couple of reviews from EW and the Chronicle and I agree with both to a degree. I did feel the movie possessed a soul and was educational without being in your face about it. While WALL-E may not produce the most merchandise ever (I don't know how many parents will buy toys of stuffed fat people in their hover chairs), I expect the film to resonate in viewers and hopefully our next generation will be like the one in the film and learn to value life a little differently.

And that was just the first two hours of my Friday...

The latter part of the evening ended with another set of great friends. For the first time in a long time, my softball team held a batting practice. Usually these sessions go for an hour or so and about 5 people show up. Last night we practiced from 5:00 to 8:30 pm, just long enough for all of us to start freezing our asses off. More impressive, 12 people showed up (nothing like losing your first two games to get people wanting to hit). But the practice felt like old times with a bunch of us cracking jokes ripping on each other (echoing Shaq's chorus to Kobe). Transitionally, we went out to eat at Fung Wong near the Gellert/Hickey 7-11. Often these meals are fun but not always so unified because too many of us are there to sit at one table. Well eight of us went to dinner and it was the best night of bonding and bitching... reminiscing... hopes... family... although not everyone came to practice... and not everyone who practiced went to dinner... the meal felt like a good family dinner... which i think is the most important thing for our team's psyche....

so thanks to all of you for helping have a wonderful summer night

The More Famous Relative and It's Not My Brother

First, Happy Birthday to my most creative buddy Eric!!!!!!!!!!!

Rest in Peace George Carlin... a truly innovative comedian who also made you think.

A recent article in Asian Week recognizes my cousin Christine for all her efforts in the Asian American community.

Asian Pacific American Women Coalition Honors Five Young Leaders

By: Miriam Ling, Jun 08, 2008
Tags: Bay Area |

SAN FRANCISCO — The Pacific Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition honored young Asian Pacific Islander women leaders at the Monarch Leadership Awards at the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown on June 1.

Broadcast journalist Jan Yanehiro was the mistress of ceremonies, and Hawai‘i Congresswoman Mazie Hirono was the special guest speaker. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown also made an appearance.

Hirono, the first immigrant woman of Asian descent to be elected to a statewide office, and more recently the first woman of Asian ancestry to serve in Congress, spoke of her humble beginnings: She was born in a small village in Fukushima, Japan, and then immigrated to Hawai‘i with her mother and sisters.

“It was the promise of America that brought my mother,” she said, “the promise of fulfilling our dreams.”

She applauded the women being honored because they were enabling others to fulfill their dreams.

“You are extraordinary,” she told them. “It gives me hope for the future. Women, you are doing life-changing work.”

However, she added that there was a “long way to go before we help Asian Americans. … Keep doing what you’re doing. There’s more work to be done!”

Over the past 25 years, PAAWBAC has recognized 101 “Women Warriors” for their distinguished contributions in work and community. In 2006, the group established the Monarch Awards to recognize emerging API women leaders who inspire those around them and who are making outstanding contributions at a young age.

This year PAAWBAC honored five new awardees: Angela Chan, staff attorney at the Asian Law Caucus; Yuri Futamura, administrator of the New Field Foundation; Buu Thai, public affairs director of Planned Parenthood Santa Clara/San Benito and Coastal Region; Christine Padilla; and Amy Sujishi.

PAAWBAC Awardee
Amy Sujishi
Sujishi, a fourth-generation Japanese American and San Francisco native, is currently the executive assistant to senior VP, marketing and PlayStation network of Sony Computer Entertainment America. In her spare time over the past four years, Amy has acted as board chair of the Japanese Community Youth Council, serving Bay Area children, youth and their families. Her involvement with the group began when she was 11 years old.

Other volunteer work includes acting as 2006 and 2007 co-chair of “Sansei Live!,” organized by Kimochi Inc., a Japantown-based agency that provides senior citizens and their families with 24-hour care and other services. She will be co-chairing “Sansei Live!” again in October.

Sujishi is involved in the Nihonmachi Street Fair and also volunteers for the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Queen Program, which partners with the three remaining Japantowns in the United States and provides an opportunity for young women to become an ambassador for the Japanese American community.

PAAWBAC Awardee Christine Padilla
For the past three years, Padilla, a Bay Area native, acted as the field representative/special assistant to the late Congressman Tom Lantos. She advised him on Asian American Pacific Islander and Latino issues, as well as supported his human rights agenda by collaborating with local, national and international human rights advocates.

For four years, Padilla has been program director for the Asian Heritage Street Celebration, an event that she helped found. She is also currently involved in the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee and traveled with Mayor Gavin Newsom to the Philippines as a delegate. She serves on the Filipino Mental Health Initiative Oversight Committee, as well as the Overcoming Relationship Abuse Kumares/Kumpares. She is on the national summit steering committee of the Filipina Women’s Network, and also works for the Pistahan Parade and Festival steering committee and the Bay Area Asian Pacific American Legislative Staffers. She was formerly executive director of the Contemporary Asian Theater Scene in San Jose.

Here is a family pic with (from left to right): Lance, Christine, Me, Rochelle

two brothers and two sisters...

and in the article picture... Christine is the second one in from the right...

Starting to feel like summer

Although the Giants lost 5 of 6 games on this homestand, I was there for all of those losses. I basically have moved into my summer home and you can always find me in 138 from now until school starts August 18th (boo! boo!)

Unique happenings occurred at every game naturally and I'll highlight those fit for public consumption.

Friday night vs. the A's
I finally got to bring my CADA buddy, David, to his first game at AT&T Park. Along with us came Faye who continues to think that David is Ryan Stiles. Good times!

Saturday night vs. the A's
I spent the afternoon at Lauren's graduation picnic and I was able to spend some time with family, whom I did not see enough. In particular, my ninong's kids, Jing and Virgie, who ended up having tickets to the game (I sold mine on stubhub) and I had the opportunity to show them my summer home. Sadly, Jing lost her wallet and all seemed at a lost. We went to the executives suite but they had no luck finding it. Seriously, what are the odds someone would turn the wallet in. But I had an inkling, and just before the Giants staff who worked the Marina Gate left, we caught up with them and Bob radioed up to the lost and found. And what do you know? My cousin's wallet was there fully intact. Thanks to Charlie, who patrols 138 for finding it and allowing my cousin peace of mind.

Sunday vs. the A's (father's day)
Again, I sold my tickets because I was going to the game with All-star teacher of the year nominee, Alicia Vosberg. Some of you saw her interview on the pre-game show and a lucky few of you saw both of us along with Alicia's daughter and our co-worker, Nikki, between the 3rd and 4th innings. I loved being able to hangout on the field, especially in the dugout. Take a look and enjoy...

But don't forget to vote for my co-worker... and tell all your friends...

Monday vs. the Tigers
I recovered and didn't go to the game. Of course the Giants won, but not because I wasn't there but because Tim Lincecum pitched. He better be in the all-star game.

Tuesday night vs. the Tigers
I brought two scorned women to the game with me. They kept me entertained as I heard all about the failings of men. It's a good thing I'm usually the designated driver.

Wednesday vs. the Tigers
My sister and co-workers showed up to the game with me and they got a full dose of what it means to be in 138. A few of us were there and my co-workers realized why my section is so cool. Game ended at 4; we hung out until 11pm.

That summer feeling took a backseat today as I went into work from 3pm to 9pm in order to set up some things for next school year. Here's to sleeping in though....

Brag Bag

When I first started teaching, one of the final lessons I learned is that I should keep a "brag bag." This is a bag, drawer, folder, secret stash of items that remind you why you teach. Every teacher needs this because most days tend to be relentless and unappreciated, and there will be those special days that make you feel like hell. Usually a student will be disrespectful or worse and you begin to think to yourself that you don't deserve this when you can make money elsewhere for that kind of disrespect. You take a moment to pause... take in a deep breath... and reach for the brag bag... that collection of little trinkets, letters, gifts, pictures (most of mine consists of letters I've received from students on Teacher Appreciation Day or their messages in previous yearbooks).

This year has been a good school year and I'm thankful that I received some interesting new items for my brag bag. I think what made it interesting was that I received some emails of appreciation from my co-workers. Unfortunately, we as a society don't often say thanks or recognize those who deserve it. Even though much of the appreciation may have been prompted by the fact I may leave El Camino High School, I've always felt confident that I have had their support. Some of the best things I read were from my co-workers who honored me by writing me letters of recommendation so I could apply for this rare opportunity for a full-time activities position. The most intriguing email, though, is from my principal which I will share first...

Derek,

This has been by far the best year that ECHS students have worked together as a team and community, giving back to organizations in need. I’ll never forget my first rally here three years ago and being so very impressed by what you do with ASB; I have never seen a more effective director in my years in education. You have mastered the art of teaching students how to be leaders, not holding their hands along the way, but putting them in an environment where they master the skills necessary to effect change. Look at the award you won this year! That says it all.

Thank you for being Mr. El Camino; I truly value you the person and the teacher. You put ECHS on the map as a positive place and a school where parents want their children to attend and teachers want to teach.

Thank you Derek!

Adele

My boss sent this out to the entire staff which then encouraged further commentary from others.

1.
I completely agree with Adele! Derek, you have done an amazing job with your leadership students!! I have been at 3 other schools where the school spirit and tone of the student body did not even come close to what has been created at El Camino. The rally’s, the lunch time activities, homecoming, sprit days, INSPIRED campaign, and support of students with sound, art, ideas, etc, etc, etc; all of the activities help students to feel more part of the school and help them really enjoy El Camino. I think these things help the students create memories which make them feel proud to attend here and sad to leave when graduation comes. I know you and the students have put in SO many hours before and after school to create this positive, spirited atmosphere and from my perspective, it has paid off. Well done!

2.
Hi Derek, this is my feedback: you are such an awesome person and coworker and teacher. Your students love you and the leadership this year was great as always and the Inspired campaign was really inspiring- to see kids coming together to help others.

Letters
1.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to recommend Derek Padilla. We worked together in the English department and in activities at El Camino High School for five years, from 2001 through 2006. As the head of the department for a few of those years, I was always grateful for Derek’s sense of the school as a whole. He was, and still is, always thinking of the students’ best interests and their success.

I was inspired as a second-year teacher to emulate his school spirit and to get involved. I followed his lead and eventually became the Link Crew Advisor. Derek provided instruction and support through my adventure in Link Crew. He made sure there was money to get me trained. He encouraged Link Crew leaders to continue their connections to freshmen throughout the year. He and I helped Link Crew carry on the traditions he had established, and these traditions became a crucial part of our school culture.

Now that I’ve moved on to another school, I value Derek’s strengths as a teacher and an activities director even more. I realize, in the dearth of a positive school community here, that Derek, almost single-handedly, made El Camino High School the warm and welcoming place it is. Students care on that campus. They care about each other, and they’re excited to be at school. They look forward to traditions like Link Crew and Homecoming. In Derek’s classes, students know that they will be held to high expectations. The class work is meaningful and rigorous—in English and in leadership. All this makes them better students and better community members.

2.

Derek has been the Activities Director for El Camino High School for over 11 years. For five of those years, I have worked closely with him both on campus and at leadership conferences as one of his class advisors. I have watched him in amazement as he tirelessly makes activities come alive for our campus. He is hard-working, enthusiastic, caring, and conscientious when it comes to students. Any campus should be so lucky to have Derek as their Activities Director.

Positive remarks from students, staff, and campus visitors about the school spirit on our campus are heard all the time. El Camino walls are bursting with pride and everyone notices. Derek’s leadership students create fun, positive and meaningful activities for ALL students and staff to enjoy. Some activities happen weekly, such as the very imaginative “spirit weeks,” while others happen annually like Home Coming. Regardless of the event, Derek’s thoughtfulness and ability to organize on a massive scale are obvious. Throughout the year, Derek has some of the best rallies any school has every experienced. They are timed to the final second and engage our very diverse student body. One of the school’s favorites is the “Lip Sync Rally.” For years it has been Derek’s tradition to get the staff involved lip singing and dancing much to the students’ delight.

Derek’s program is not only entertaining and appealing but meaningful. Just this year, the leadership team created an award-winning program they call INSPIRED. This program was designed to inspire El Camino students to think of others first. For example, this year’s Home Coming theme was childhood. As part of the requirement to earn spirit points, each class had to raise money for their adopted organization such as the Ronald McDonald House or Make a Wish Foundation. They also honor the “Most INSPIRED Student and Teacher of the Month” proudly on their activities board. And, as an entire INSPIRED student body, the school has raised thousands of dollars for the Global AIDS Foundation this year alone.

However, perhaps the most valuable part of Derek is his relationship with students and staff. He works around the clock for his students taking them to endless weekend and summer conferences or raising money with weekend car washes. He cares about students and understands them better than anyone. His interpersonal skills carry over to his relationships with the staff as well. While his demeanor is always professional, he loves nothing more than getting the staff together for the staff softball team or a night out at the Giants. Derek would be an asset to any faculty.

Resume

OBJECTIVE

Full-Time Director of Activities

EDUCATION

January 1996 – January 1997 San Francisco State University

Single Subject Teaching Credential—English

August 1991 – January 1996 San Francisco State University

B.A. Creative Writing; B.A. English Literature, concentration in Education

EXPERIENCE

January 1997 – Current Position El Camino High School So. San Francisco, CA

Director of Activities (1997-present); Link Crew Coordinator (1997-2002)

Subjects Taught: Student Leadership, English, Creative Writing, Film Literature,

CAHSEE Test Prep, and Health/Safety

Student Leadership

• Student council advisor, Faculty/Student Liaison, Administrative Council member

• CADA member: currently participating in CADA Advisor Certification

• Development and Implementation of Link Crew Program

• Producer of Video/DVD Yearbook (1999-2005)

• Establishment of a School Planner

• Creator and Director of S.T.A.R.S. Conference and Inspi(red) Campaign

English

• Experience teaching Grades 9 & 11, levels Basic, General, College Preparatory, and Honors

• Workshop Experience: 6+1 Writing Traits, SDAIE Training

• Targeted Unit Plans Produced: Life Soundtracks, The Scarlet Letter, Billy Budd, American Author

  Project, Poetry Book Term Paper, The Great Gatsby, The Catcher in the Rye, The House on Mango Street, Romeo & Juliet, and Mythology

Creative Writing

• Guide Students to discover themselves, trust their words, and express their voices

• Editor of School Literary Magazine

• Director of School Poetry Slam

Film Literature

• Development and Implementation of new course and curriculum

• Targeted Units: Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, Director Research Project, Film Noir

CAHSEE

• Development and Implementation of new CAHSEE Language Arts Support Class

• Targeted Units: Essay Writing, Reading Comprehension, Test Preparation

Spring 1992-2000, Spring 2006-208 El Camino High School So. San Francisco, CA

Assistant Track Coach—Throwing Events and Weight Training

AWARDS

San Francisco State University Graduate Distinguished Student Achievement Award 1999

San Francisco Chronicle Hero of the Bay 2000

CADA Area B Activities Director of the Year 2002

San Jose State University Dorothy Wright Award For Teaching 2002

CADA/CASL Outstanding Activity Program 2007-2008

OK, time to stop the brag bag for now That was kind of fun... maybe I'll have to do that more often... 13 hours away from the job interview...

Let us dance the night away

Vote for Alicia Vosberg & Help EC Win $10,000

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jay dela Cruz

415-296-8900, jdelacruz@comcastsportsnet.com

COMCAST SPORTSNET BAY AREA ANNOUNCES FINALISTS

FOR 2008 ALL-STAR TEACHER AWARD

Comcast SportsNet Bay Area to Donate $10,000 to the Winning Teacher’s School; 2008 All-Star Teacher Announced Sunday, July 20

During Giants Pregame Live show

Online Voting for All-Star Teacher Begins May 23 on ComcastSportsNet.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 21, 2008) – Comcast SportsNet Bay Area announced today the five finalists for the 2008 ALL-STAR TEACHER Award. This award was established to acknowledge middle and high school teachers in Northern and Central California for their dedication to go above and beyond to guide their students in school and in the community. The finalists were chosen by a panel of community leaders for their hard work and dedication to helping their students stay in school.

The five finalists are Clyde Carpino of Fairfield High School (Fairfield, CA); Tommie Lindsey of James Logan High School (Union City, CA); Alan Nakamura of Alameda High School (Alameda, CA); Alicia Vosberg of El Camino High School (South San Francisco, CA); and Chris Wardlaw of Anzar High School (San Juan Bautista, CA).

The five finalists’ biographies, along with videos, and photo galleries will be featured online at www.comcastsportsnet.com starting Friday, May 23. Video vignettes featuring the five finalists will air on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area from June 1 – July 11 during select Giants and A’s pregame shows.

Members of the public can help select the 2008 ALL-STAR TEACHER by voting from May 23 through July 15 either online at www.comcastsportsnet.com or by filling out an official ballot form in the San Francisco Chronicle. The winner will be announced at AT&T Park during a Comcast SportsNet Bay Area telecast of Giants Pregame Live on July 20. The 2008 ALL-STAR TEACHER will be presented with a check for $10,000 for his/her school.

The ALL-STAR TEACHER finalists were selected based on their accomplishments in four areas: Overall Commitment, Excellence in Teaching, Rapport with Students, and Level of Distinction. The elite panel of community leaders that selected the finalists consisted of Doug Bartlett, Senior Marketing Director, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), and former Bay Area teacher; Rob Jaynes, Director of Fan Development/The Sharks Foundation, San Jose Sharks; Detra Paige, Director of Community Relations, Oakland Athletics; and Sue Petersen, Executive Director of Giants Community Fund, San Francisco Giants.

Last February, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area sent ALL-STAR TEACHER nomination forms to over 200 middle and high schools. Nominations for the 2008 ALL-STAR TEACHER Award were received from students, parents, principals, and teachers throughout the Central Coast and Northern California regions.

“Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and our partners for the ALL-STAR TEACHER Award are grateful to all the finalists for their dedication to their students," said Ted Griggs, Vice President and General Manager, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. “Each of them exemplifies the commitment, loyalty, and service that make a difference in their schools and communities, and especially in the lives of their students, who have learned so much from them. We applaud their efforts and wish them all the best.”

The ALL-STAR TEACHER Award is sponsored by Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast Cable, KNBR 680 AM, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

The ALL-STAR TEACHER Award is a component of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area’s annual Stay in School Challenge. The Stay in School Challenge is a community outreach program that rewards middle and high school students for perfect attendance over an eight-week period. Students in grades 6-12 in the Northern California/Northern Nevada region who maintain perfect attendance (no unexcused absences) can win tickets to a 2008 Oakland Athletics or San Francisco Giants home game. Since 1996, over 215,000 tickets to an Oakland or San Francisco baseball game have been awarded to students.