From Bray to San Diego, Letter 1

Our first response back from the HiRez Youth Centre!  Excitement abounds!

Red is for good luck in the Year of the Dragon

SDAIHYC was privy to the traditions of Chinese New Year last night, when we feasted on foods that are traditional around China and other parts of Asia during this season: noodles for long life, chicken for unity, tangerines for luck and spring rolls for wealth.  Red apples dotted the chicken curry, mirroring the red paper around the Youth Center with Chinese writing calling for a happy new year, announcing the "Year of the Dragon," and others with the character "double happiness," like the one on the food table at right.  After dinner, our winter intern Yue Helen Tang gave a presentation about traditional Chinese medicine. 

From San Diego to Bray, Letter 1

Today, SDAIHYC is starting correspondence with the HiRez Youth Centre in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland! We are excited to learn more about their program, their youth, and the amazing work they do across the Atlantic. What's up to Ireland from San Diego!

Skateboarding and Gung Fu update

Skateboarding group is now back in full swing...with an actual skateboard instructor!  Yes, you can now skate AND have someone to teach you cool tricks...not just have Daniel saying "Don't fall!" The group is still on Thursdays from 430-6PM; try to be at the YC by 415PM so that you can get your board and safety equipment (the helmet is NOT optional, everything else is) before we venture to Balboa Park or one of the local skate parks, specifically those in Ocean Beach or National City.  Our new instructor, Rafael Uno, has been involved in the San Diego skate community for many years, and has already taught our group attendees some new things.  As for gung fu, Ciani's schedule has changed, so classes are looking to be on either Wednesdays or Thursdays.  Don't forget what you've learned...

Best of luck, Dr. Cain!

Our original Youth Center Coordinator, Licensed Psychologist, Health Circle facilitator, and all-around awesome lady Dr. Melanie Cain has left the building...and San Diego :(. Dr. Cain has taken a position in Los Angeles County serving the urban Native population up there, but we are forever grateful for the service she provided for all of us here in San Diego. On January 3rd, her last day here at San Diego American Indian Health, we here at the Youth Center provided a surprise potluck and go-away dinner for her. The youth, staff and parents alike thanked her for her kindness, generosity, humility, and the outstanding example she has provided for our youth and all of us. Best of luck, Dr. Cain; enjoy the traffic!!!

And a little video of the surprise: