Ding Ding TV Report – OCPSC’s California Connects: Regional Convening in Sacramento

How can we ensure that AAPI voices are included the conversation in the state of California? How can we engage young people to lead in their communities, participate in civic engagement, or consider volunteering? How can we make sure no community is left behind?

California Connects: Regional Convening wants to reach every community to ensure diverse community of California has the resources and tools to participate in the civic life.

On October 21st, Ding Ding TV participated in California Connects: Regional Convening in Sacramento. Organized by the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC), it brought together community-based organizations, local community leaders, government representatives, and philanthropic organizations.

The event featured workshops, discussions, and plenary sessions. The aim is to encourage participants to learn practical tools, connect with state partners, and create regional networks. The first event took place in San Francisco on October 8th. A total of eight events were held across California in October and November.

OCPSC was set up in 2024 under the California Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve). The agency’s focus is on encouraging and expanding civic engagement, public service, and volunteering.

Ding Ding TV’s reporter Nina Liu spoke to Josh Fryday, GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer, to learn how the state of California can ensure that AAPI voices are included in the conversation.
Fryday stated: “That is why we are here today, because we want to reach every community. We know every community is important. At a time when the federal government is attacking our communities, and making it difficult to receive resources, the state of California can step up and support our communities in a real way. Our Asian communities play such a key role throughout the state of California, and we are here to support them.”

Karina Talamantes, the Vice Mayor of Sacramento, spoke to Ding Ding TV about how we can inspire more young AAPI people to volunteer and lead in their communities. She said: “It is about sending an email, a message, getting in contact with your locally elected officials. I promise you that we in the government are always looking for people who want to be a helping hand, a part of the solution, who want to give back. So if you are watching this and have an interest in getting involved, please contact your local representative, whether it is a Councilmember, Mayor, State Senator, or Assemblymember.”

Ding Ding TV also spoke with Angelique Ashby, the State Senator for District 8, about her experience working with the AAPI community. She talked about APAPA, one of the AAPI organizations based in her district. It brings the AAPI community together and supports candidates not only in elected office but in other important positions. Senator Ashby said, “The school district where I’m at is the most diverse in California, it’s called Natomas. The AAPI community makes up a very large part of that community. It is a group that I had the wonderful privilege of getting to work on a lot of occasions.”

Rejie Marie Baloyos introduced Asian Resources Inc., a non-profit community-based organization from Sacramento. It started as a refugee program in 1980. Today, the organization’s reach expanded, from Asians and Pacific Islanders to refugees, immigrants, and low-income individuals. She said, “For us, California Connects is important so that we can get more resources, but also share resources that we have.”

About Ding Ding TV:
Since 2009, Ding Ding TV has been the leading voice of Silicon Valley Asian American community. In 2023, Ding Ding TV and Silicon Valley Community Media (non-profit) launched Asian American Stories Video Contest, a powerful platform to uplift AAPI voices, foster unity, and combat anti-Asian sentiment through storytelling.

Since 2009, Ding Ding TV has:
Created 3,000+ videos on YouTube covering Asian American stories, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship,
Sent out 1,000+ newsletters in both English and Chinese, reaching over 30,000 subscribers weekly
Published 1 million+ pieces of online content with more than 100,000 followers across social media platforms.
500+ events organized in collaboration with over 800 AAPI organizations nationwide.