President's Message

Dear CAAGE Members and Friends,
Summer has been a season of service, connection, and community for CAAGE. Whether celebrating our cultural heritage, volunteering across San Francisco, or supporting organizations that strengthen our neighborhoods, our members continue to demonstrate what public service looks like—both inside and outside the workplace.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in our recent activities. Your dedication reflects CAAGE’s mission to promote leadership, professional development, civic engagement, and community service.
As we move into the second half of the year, we invite you to stay involved by attending our upcoming membership meeting, networking events, and volunteer opportunities. Together, we will continue building a strong, supportive community of Asian American government employees serving the people of San Francisco.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Warm regards,
Tina Cen-Camarao
President
Coalition of Asian American Government Employees (CAAGE)

Recent Community Highlights

🌸APA Heritage Month

CAAGE members Gladys Soto, Lilly Zoltak, Ken Dare, Annie Dare, Edwin Camarao and many others volunteered at the 22nd APA Heritage Awards & Community Gala—San Francisco’s signature AAPI Heritage Month kickoff—on May 6, 2026. In the spirit of civic engagement and community service, members supported event operations, welcomed guests, and helped make the evening a success, including the awards presentation at the Herbst Theatre and the gala reception at City Hall.

🎭 Jing Ying Cantonese Opera Festival

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, CAAGE members Rose Chung, Ken Dare, Annie Dare, Esther Tang, Edwin Camarao and others attended the 13th Jing Ying Cantonese Opera Festival at San Francisco’s historic Great Star Theater on May 16–17, 2026.

The festival highlighted the artistry of Cantonese opera—one of the world’s oldest performing arts traditions— through intricate costumes, live music, martial arts, and powerful storytelling. The event also brought together community leaders, elected officials, and supporters to celebrate and uplift the cultural heritage of San Francisco’s Chinese American community.

CAAGE is proud to support organizations that preserve and share Asian cultural traditions while fostering community engagement and cross-cultural understanding. Events like the Jing Ying Cantonese Opera Festival remind us that honoring heritage strengthens community connections and inspires future generations. We thank the Jing Ying Cantonese Opera Institute and the program director Esther Tang, who is also CAAGE Director, for presenting another outstanding festival, and we look forward to supporting future cultural programs.

Kickoff Events for One City Day

CAAGE members Steve Kim, Hazelle Fernandez, Edwin Camarao and others joined hundreds of volunteers for One City Day on July 11, 2026, at the Treasure Island Park Project—working together to beautify our city and give back to the community.

Community service is one of CAAGE’s core values, and we are grateful to every member who volunteered their time and represented public service beyond the workplace.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

🚶 Give Back Lead Forward Global Run/Walk/Bike 2026

CAAGE proudly supported the Give Back Lead Forward Global Run/Walk/Bike 2026 on July 17, 2026, at Oyster Point in South San Francisco, benefiting The Mentoring Club.

Members Ken Nim, Esther Tang and Tina Cen-Camarao joined participants around the world to promote wellness, leadership, mentorship, and community impact.

Members participated alongside supporters from around the world to promote:

Leading the Charge
Thriving Vibes
Guiding Gurus
Serving Squad

Thank you to everyone who helped create positive impact through this inspiring event.
Registration remains open for those who would like to support:
https://www.thementoringclub.org/

Upcoming CAAGE Events

Membership Meeting

Please join us for our next CAAGE Membership Meeting. The agenda and Zoom link will be sent to
members shortly.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
12:00 Noon

JOIN MEETING

CAAGE Member Appreciation Happy Hour

Take a break from the workweek and reconnect with fellow members!
Thursday, July 30, 2026
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Chao Pescao
272 McAllister St
San Francisco, CA 94102

Whether you're a longtime member or new to CAAGE, we hope you'll join us for an evening of
networking, conversation, and camaraderie.

RSVP

Save the Date | Community Calendar - National Night Out

📅 Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Join neighborhoods across San Francisco in celebrating community partnerships with local police officers through food, entertainment, family activities, and neighborhood gatherings. San Francisco's annual National Night Out is a free, citywide event aimed at strengthening police-community partnerships. Hosted by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), it occurs on the first Tuesday of August. Festivities typically feature free food (like barbecues),music, youth activities, and opportunities to meet neighborhood officers. National Night Out is the first Tuesday in August. This year it will occur on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. View your station's NNO festivities here: https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/nno

Member Spotlight

Celebrating Our Members

We are proud to recognize our former President, Rose Chung, on receiving the Chinese Consolidated Women’s Association’s Outstanding Woman of the Year Award—an honor that is truly well deserved. Through her leadership with CAAGE and her continued advocacy for equity in public service, Rose has helped elevate Asian American voices and strengthen our community. She is also known forgiving her time generously—volunteering at community events, mentoring emerging leaders, and encouraging members to step into roles where they can make a difference.

Her steady, people-first approach has had a lasting impact on CAAGE and the broader Asian American community, and this recognition reflects the many people she has supported and inspired.