Matt Fong Withdraws from Army Nomination (in National News) Broken Trust: Rally of solidarity for Japantown YWCA (in Bay Area News) The Picky Eater: Cold Soba Noodles (in A&E) Paying Attention: Fighting for homosexual rights in India (in Opinion)

It’s Your Birthday, Get Busy

Who’s Who in Aviation and Space

Earlier, at an elaborate dinner held in the City of Brotherly Love, a pioneer of aerospace science, Luther Lee Jr., was honored by Drexel University as he received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award for his 50-plus years of work in the industry. Lee managed technical programs for major aerospace companies involved in research and flight test development for experimental airplanes, helicopters and rockets. He also taught engineering, technology, and aeronautics at Sacramento City College, receiving an Award for Excellence, and is listed in Jones’ Who’s Who Aviation and Space. Other awards include those from the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Navy Institute of Aeronautical Science, American Institute of Aeronauticals and Astronautics, United Airlines, American Society for Nondestructive Testing and from Aerojet General for his work on the Gemini and Appollo Space Flights.

Let’s Hear It for the Girls

The first Asian female principal hired by the San Francisco School District over 60 years ago was honored on her 90th birthday recently. What a surprise for Elizabeth Hall as she entered the quiet lunchroom of the elegant Tommy Toys to hear shouts of “Surprise!” and “Happy Birthday!” The pioneer educator and founder of Sigma Omicron Pi Sorority, the only Asian woman’s sorority recognized by the Panhellenic League, was overwhelmed with delight by the ladies’ luncheon given by May Chan, Nora Lee, Emily Leong, Annette Leung, Mary Jane Tom, and Eileen Tong.

Good for His Word

Celebrating his landmark 60th birthday in a unique way was author William Wong who was thoroughly “roasted” by his loving family and son Sam. Bill generously donated all gifts and proceeds from his recently published book, Yellow Journalist: Dispatches fom Asian America to Angel Island Immigration Station as a benefit fundraiser. Witty and sometimes cynical, Bill’s remarks on the political, social, historical and contemporary scenes are always honest and thoughtful. Not one to mince words, Bill truly stirs the soul with his insights.

Fashion at the Fairmont

Mayor Willie Brown and Hall of Fame football star Roger Craig will take center stage at the University of Pacific (UOP) School of Dentistry’s benefit fashion show and luncheon on August 18, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. TV Personality Jan Yanehiro will emcee the fashion show featuring dental school alumni (including Dr. Rene Dell Acqua — Mrs. California 2001), faculty and friends. Co-chairpersons Bonnie Kwong and Dr. Susan Bittner announce that the fundraiser begins at 11 a.m. with a silent auction and no-host cocktails, followed by the luncheon and fashion show at noon in the Grand Ballroom. Proceeds will benefit UOP’s Hutto Patterson Pediatric Dental Clinic, which provides a variety of dental services to underserved children in the Bay Area.

Tickets are $75, $100, and $125. Call UOP at 415-929-6432 or Bonnie Kwong at 408-867-5343.