Author: shuiyaoinns.com

In the upcoming local elections this November, Jingyuan Huang, who goes by Jing, is running for a seat on the Saratoga Union School District (SUSD) board in the affluent city of Saratoga, California. In a recent interview, Huang expressed his commitment, stating, “I believe that if more parents like me are willing to dedicate a bit of their time, we can work together to build a stronger community.”

Huang boasts an impressive academic background, having graduated from the University of Waterloo—often dubbed the “MIT of Canada”—with a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering and a Master’s degree in Mathematics (Computer Science). After moving to the U.S. for work, he took on roles at Nvidia and Qualcomm. In addition, he pursued a part-time law degree from UC San Diego, ultimately becoming a patent attorney. In 2018, he relocated with his family to Saratoga, where his two children are currently enrolled at Argonaut Elementary School, in fifth and third grades.

While juggling his professional responsibilities and parenting, Huang has volunteered extensively at local schools and served on the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee from 2021 to 2023. This academic year, he is also on the board of the Argonaut Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Saratoga Education Foundation (SEF).

Through these experiences, Huang has gained valuable insights into the school district and believes there is always room for improved collaboration and resource utilization, despite the district’s overall sound financial status. He envisions enhancing long-term extracurricular offerings in various areas, including sports, arts, and crafts for students.

Recognizing SUSD’s strong academic reputation, Huang aims to broaden the focus on children’s holistic development and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among parents, the district, and teachers to achieve these goals.

With his legal background, Huang feels well-prepared to navigate district policies and interpret state education laws, ensuring transparency and sustainability in their implementation.

As the number of Chinese students in the Saratoga school district continues to grow, Huang is motivating more Chinese parents to get involved in community activities. He reiterated, “I believe that if more parents like me are willing to dedicate a bit of their time, we can work together to build a stronger community.”

His campaign is gaining traction, supported by a network of current and former Chinese American school board members, including Katherine Tseng, Cynthia Chang, and Phyllis Tung.

As we celebrate National Love Your Teeth Day on September 20, 2024, this year’s theme emphasizes the crucial role of oral health in maintaining overall wellness. A popular adage reminds us that “Good teeth lead to a good appetite,” reinforcing the strong connection between oral health and our general well-being.

In an exclusive interview, we explored some seemingly harmless habits that may be quietly harming our teeth. We’ll uncover these detrimental practices that could be impacting your dental health without you even realizing it.

Stay tuned, because recognizing these habits is the first step toward improving your oral care and enhancing your overall health!

(Health China WeChat Official Account)
【Edited by: Liu Pai】

On Election Day, New Yorkers have the opportunity to vote early in person, making the process convenient, quick, and flexible. If you’re a voter in New York City, here’s what you need to know about early voting and mail-in ballots.

**What are the steps for early voting?**

First, it’s important to locate your designated early voting site, which could be different from your official Election Day polling place. Make sure to verify the location before you head out!

Starting this year, the Early Mail Voter Act allows all registered voters to apply for mail-in ballots without needing a specific reason.

**Essential Information:**

1. Any registered voter can request an early mail-in ballot.
2. If you have received an early mail-in ballot or an absentee ballot for this election, you cannot use a voting machine at your polling site.
3. If you choose not to use an absentee ballot or early mail-in ballot, you can only use a provisional ballot at the polling site, not a voting machine.

**How to Apply for an Early Mail-in Ballot:**

1. Apply online at: [requestballot.vote.nyc](https://requestballot.vote.nyc).
2. Voters with disabilities can request an accessible ballot here: [requestballot.vote.nyc/accessibility](https://requestballot.vote.nyc/accessibility).
3. Visit your local Board of Elections (BOE) office to apply in person.

**When to Apply for Your Ballot:**

Be sure to apply for your early mail-in or absentee ballot by the deadline, which is ten days before the election. You can also request a ballot in person until the day before the election. For the upcoming election on November 5, 2024, the online or mail application deadline is October 26, 2024.

1. The in-person application deadline at your local Board of Elections office is November 4, 2024.
2. Once you receive your ballot, make your selections for each office and circle them clearly.
3. Place your ballot in the provided secure envelope.
4. Sign and date the outside of the secure envelope.
5. Seal the secure envelope.
6. Place the secure envelope into a larger return envelope, which is pre-addressed to your election office and marked “Official Election Mail.”
7. Seal the return envelope and drop it in a mailbox—postage is free!

For more information, visit: [NYC Votes](https://traditionalchinese.nycvotes.org/).

The Temu app, a subsidiary of the Chinese e-commerce giant Pinduoduo, is on track to surpass global leader Amazon in downloads this year. As of August, data from SensorTower shows that Temu has emerged as the third-largest e-commerce platform in terms of user base, reaching 91% of Amazon’s user numbers. Experts predict that Temu could potentially outpace Amazon, which has established a presence over the last 30 years, by the end of this year.

Additionally, a report from Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) indicates that by June 2024, the average U.S. user of Temu is expected to spend around 23 minutes per day on the app, significantly more than Amazon’s 11 minutes or Shein’s 12 minutes. This suggests that users are increasingly engaged with the Temu platform.

Temu’s impressive download figures are complemented by its ability to extend the duration of customer engagement, effectively boosting user loyalty. So, what’s driving Temu’s swift rise in popularity? The most evident factor is the platform’s remarkably low prices, which have drawn in consumers from diverse regions.

A report from Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun highlights an intriguing case: a male police officer in his 50s from Hyogo Prefecture became so captivated by Temu’s “cut a deal” feature—where users can invite others to negotiate prices—that he enlisted 21 subordinates to help him secure gifts. He defended his actions by pointing out that Temu’s offerings are “very cheap” and that he wanted to share this benefit with everyone.

Temu’s low-price approach is primarily driven by two factors: First, it focuses on selling a substantial volume of non-branded products, which reduces intermediary costs and helps maintain lower prices. Second, the app capitalizes on various tax exemption policies for low-priced goods when exporting from China, allowing for nearly wholesale pricing for customers abroad.

During the recent National Day holiday, the Beijing Railway Police took significant steps to ensure the safety of travelers during this peak travel season. According to officials from the Beijing Railway Public Security Bureau, the police managed to recover over 300 lost items for passengers, collectively worth more than 1 million yuan.

To enhance safety, the police increased their presence at major railway and high-speed train stations, particularly in high-traffic areas. They deployed additional officers to improve security measures, which helped boost visibility and readiness to respond to any incidents. By collaborating closely with the ticketing departments at these stations, they ensured they were well-informed about passenger flows and could effectively manage the large crowds.

A specialized police task force, alongside canine units, was also mobilized for joint patrols, focusing on key locations within the stations. Additionally, the railway police coordinated efforts with local law enforcement, city management, and transportation enforcement teams to conduct crackdowns on illegal taxi operations and unlicensed vehicles near train stations, fostering a safer and more orderly travel environment.

Statistics from the holiday period show that over 15,000 police officers were deployed, along with more than 3,500 community volunteers. Their efforts led to the successful resolution of 184 public security cases, resulting in the administrative detention of 12 individuals.

Security checks were a priority, with the police adhering to strict guidelines regarding prohibited and restricted items. During the holiday, more than 31,000 dangerous items were confiscated, including 78.9 kilograms of flammable liquids like gasoline and kerosene, as well as 2,037 kilograms of hazardous chemicals.

Throughout the holiday, the Beijing Railway Police intensified on-board security measures, increasing patrols on key and temporarily assigned passenger trains. They established a comprehensive prevention and control framework, enhancing the effectiveness of their operations and ensuring quick responses to potential risks. In total, over 420 safety awareness campaigns were conducted on trains, reaching more than 50,000 passengers.

On October 5th, we learned from the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports that Chiang Mai, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, is experiencing its worst flooding in half a century. This unprecedented situation has left over 500 tourists stranded and heavily impacted several major attractions.

Recent heavy rainfall has caused the Ping River to swell dramatically, with water levels overtopping sandbags and flooding numerous areas within the city. Local residents expressed disbelief at the severity of the flooding, noting that they have not seen anything like this in years.

According to the Ministry, many of the stranded tourists are currently at hotels along the banks of the Ping River. The rising waters have made roadways impassable, and communication systems have failed, leaving these visitors without a way to contact anyone outside. After receiving a situation report from the Chiang Mai Tourism Office, the Ministry quickly sprang into action, mobilizing resources to assist in evacuating the stranded tourists using boats.

The Ministry is also advising remaining visitors in the city to evacuate as soon as they can. For those requiring transportation to the airport, tour police are providing shuttle services in the affected areas.

As of now, the water level of the Ping River continues to rise, hitting 5.20 meters at the monitoring station near the New Light Bridge, which is well above the crisis threshold of 4.20 meters, highlighting the ongoing nature of this situation.

Additionally, the Ministry has stated that due to landslides, both lanes of Highway 107 are temporarily shut down, hindering vehicle access. They are urging the public to plan their travels carefully and to stay vigilant in these conditions.

On October 7, Long “David” Liu, a Republican candidate vying for California’s 49th Assembly District, made headlines by announcing his legal action against Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding the recently enacted SB 1174 bill. This legislation prohibits local governments from requiring voter identification prior to ballot casting. Liu asserts that he is the first candidate to take such measures against both officials, with the goal of safeguarding election integrity and ensuring every citizen’s right to vote legitimately.

During a press conference in Los Angeles, Liu emphasized his dedication to maintaining the legitimacy and sanctity of elections, stressing the importance of public trust in the upcoming November election and its results. He criticized Governor Newsom for supporting SB 1174, arguing that it undermines the fundamental fairness of the electoral process.

The SB 1174 bill, which Newsom recently signed into law, specifically bars local regulations that impose voter ID mandates. Liu contends that this law facilitates voting for individuals who cannot provide identification, which he believes poses a serious threat to the integrity of the democratic process. “The consequences could lead to a breakdown of our democratic system,” he asserted.

Liu highlighted the contrast between public discussions about election integrity and the apparent lack of decisive action. “It’s time to stand up against laws that undermine democracy,” he declared. “By suing the governor today, I am defending one of our most sacred rights: the right to free and fair elections. At this time, nothing is more critical than the integrity of our electoral processes.”

Supporters of the controversial SB 1174 argue that imposing identification requirements may create obstacles for marginalized groups, including minorities, low-income individuals, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Liu, however, noted that numerous areas manage to enforce voter ID requirements without adversely affecting voter participation rates. He argues that backing this bill could inadvertently foster an environment conducive to fraudulent voting.

Liu is actively pursuing a court injunction to prevent the implementation of this law and is calling on local election officials to take proactive steps to bolster public confidence ahead of the November 5 elections. He underscored the urgency of his lawsuit, asserting that a federal court ruling against the prohibition on voter ID checks could dramatically reshape California’s electoral landscape, securing legal protections for elections at all levels—mayoral, prosecutorial, and legislative. “Fair elections are crucial to the fate of America,” Liu emphasized. “We must employ legal avenues to protect citizens’ voting rights and reinforce the legal groundwork of our democracy.”

Organizations within the Chinese community have set up booths along 7th Avenue to help people register to vote. This initiative comes in the wake of a recent decision by the New York City government to establish a homeless shelter in Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst neighborhood without consulting the community, a move that has raised tensions and underscored the urgent need for increased political engagement among Chinese residents. In response, the Prosperity Brooklyn Association and the New York Community Alliance are launching a voter registration drive this month at Sunset Park on 7th Avenue, offering daily services and encouraging eligible Chinese residents to get involved.

Ling Fei, a longtime community member, shared his insights into why many Chinese individuals choose not to vote. “A major factor is their unfamiliarity with the democratic electoral system,” he explained. “Many have never experienced democratic practices before, which has led to a weak voting culture and a sense of disconnect regarding how their votes can affect their lives.” He pointed to the bustling foot traffic on 8th Avenue, noting the importance of communicating the significance of voting. “Voting is power, and we need to spread this message to more people,” Ling stressed.

He cited the city’s decision to place a homeless shelter on 86th Street as an example of government disregard for community input. Ling expressed concern over how protests are often framed as “racial discrimination,” suggesting a lack of accountability to Chinese residents. He observed that among the thousands who participate in protests, very few actually vote, allowing city officials to overlook their concerns. “The only way we can leverage our influence is by increasing voter turnout. Chinese residents need to recognize that registering to vote and participating in elections is one of their most essential civic duties.”

To support this initiative, volunteers will be available every day in August at Sunset Park, near 8th Avenue, to assist residents with the registration process. Those interested can bring their ID and visit between 11 AM and 2 PM at 5619 7th Avenue, Brooklyn. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to scan a QR code to join a WeChat public group dedicated to voter registration, where they can find information on the upcoming elections, voting guidelines, and answers to their questions.

Interviewer: Boeing has been facing significant challenges lately, especially with its largest union. Can you provide an update on the ongoing negotiations?

Interviewee: Absolutely. Recently, Boeing and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 751 hit a significant roadblock in their negotiations, which has resulted in a strike that has now persisted for almost a month. The company retracted its pay proposal for around 33,000 U.S. workers, which has intensified the ongoing work stoppage.

Interviewer: What impact has this strike had on Boeing’s finances?

Interviewee: It’s been quite substantial. According to S&P Global, despite Boeing implementing cost-cutting measures, such as unpaid leave, the strike is costing the company over $1 billion each month. Because of this, credit rating agencies have placed Boeing’s credit rating under negative watch, suggesting a potential downgrade to junk status is possible.

Interviewer: How long has this strike been going on, and what issues are at the center of the dispute?

Interviewee: The strike began on September 13 and has primarily revolved around disputes over wages and pensions. Despite the intervention of federal mediators, negotiations that took place on October 7 and 8 did not yield any agreements. During those discussions, Boeing proposed a 30% wage increase and improved retirement benefits, yet tensions have remained high, and there is currently no scheduled date for further negotiations.

Interviewer: What is Boeing’s position regarding the negotiations at this time?

Interviewee: Boeing has expressed that retracting its wage proposal and suggesting new discussions is simply not reasonable at this juncture. The company’s current focus is on preserving cash amid these ongoing challenges.

Interviewer: It sounds like the strike is also affecting Boeing’s operational goals. Can you elaborate on that?

Interviewee: Yes, the ongoing strike is putting significant pressure on Boeing’s operations. S&P Global reported that the labor dispute is jeopardizing the company’s recovery efforts, making it increasingly unlikely that Boeing will meet its goal of producing 38 MAX aircraft monthly by year-end.

Interviewer: What could happen if Boeing’s credit rating gets downgraded?

Interviewee: A downgrade to junk status could substantially raise Boeing’s borrowing costs and may lead to investors, particularly those who avoid speculative-grade assets, pulling their investments. Currently, all three major credit rating agencies have placed Boeing at the lowest level of investment-grade rating. According to Moody’s, the company faces $4 billion in debt maturities next year and an additional $8 billion the year after that.

In a thrilling development, the stars of 367 Collins Street in Melbourne have welcomed a couple of lively baby peregrine falcons to their nest. These adorable chicks have just made their debut atop one of the city’s iconic skyscrapers, much to the delight of fans and birdwatching enthusiasts.

This year’s hatching is particularly meaningful, especially following last year’s disappointing outcome when the eggs failed to hatch after the mother abandoned the nest, possibly due to a territorial conflict. With so much at stake, it’s truly heartwarming to witness these new chicks flourishing.

What’s your take on the arrival of these new falcon chicks?