DomingoYu.com

You've reached the home of DJ Chino, Domingo Yu, and Daniel D. Zarazua. Yes, we're all the same person, but each name has its role. As you browse the site, you'll quickly see that my interests revolve around urban music and education. On the music side of things I'm currently affiliated with Underground Resistance/Red Planet Records in Detroit. On the educational side I'm a teacher at Oakland Unity High School. Be sure to click on the student life gallery to get an idea of what's happening! I'm always trying to combine these two worlds and even though I'm California based at the moment I try to stay connected to my other homes, namely Detroit and Taiwan. Feel free to drop me a line! To check out my YouTube clips, click here.

Inauguration Report 2

Posted January 25, 2009 3:56 am (about 158 days ago)

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Nitty Gritty Open Studios and Haight Ashbury Street Festival with Alphabet Rockers

Pics from a jam-packed weekend spanning Oakland and San Francisco. The first was an Open Studio and BBQ at Jamie Treacy's Nitty Gritty Studios in West Oakland, while the second was a show with the Alphabet ...

• Nitty Gritty Open Studios and Haight Ashbury Street Festival with Alphabet RockersGallery Pics from a jam-packed weekend spanning Oakland and San Francisco. The first was an Open Studio and BBQ at Jamie Treacy's Nitty Gritty Studios in West Oakland, while the second was a show with the Alphabet Rockers at The 32nd Annual Haight Ashbury Street Festival. Special thanks to Jamie, Shamont, everyone from Unity, Sevaughn, Kaitlin, Stefanie, and Miguel. Looking forward to doing it again!
• Murals: Oakland, CAGallery One reason I moved to Oakland was my perception of its art scene and a group that I’ve been particularly drawn to is the muralists. We actually have an after-school mural program at my school, which has been a great addition to our programming. Below I included some images from a handful of murals and projects from around town, including some involving students at Unity High School and Urban Promise Academy.* Towards the end of the gallery I included a couple of murals that were painted over by Oakland’s city government in an effort to “improve quality of life.” There’s absolutely no distinction made between intricate murals and simple tags or gang-related graffiti. While anecdotal, I’ve had conversations with neighbors and seen postings on e-mail groups that definitely favor murals. I think the before and after photos clearly highlight what the community prefers. Of the two painted-over pieces that I highlighted, I spoke with artist Desi, who oversaw both projects and has done many permission walls. As part of a longer discussion, I explicitly asked him if they were done with permission and he made the following statement: “The short answer is 'no,' but the issue isn’t about who gives permission, it’s about the benefit to the community. These are blank walls, usually on abandoned buildings. These are community treasures painted by people from the community. Oakland is supposed to be a city that supports the arts and artists. It’s like if a garden were to spring up or someone planted fruit trees in an abandoned lot, should they be cut down because the proper channels weren’t used, even if it’s benefiting us and people have good food and a peaceful place to congregate? I’ve been here ten years and that lot and wall next to the liquor store up the street has been unused for as long as I’ve been here. The guy at the liquor store doesn’t even know who owns it. Back in the mid-nineties in Chicago I got permission from Metra to paint viaducts and some already had murals. I didn’t go over any of them, but I would’ve. I was young and didn’t know what I would’ve stepped into. Anyway, a couple of years ago I was approached by the Chicago Public Art Group, who were working with the original artists of those murals and they had received funding to restore the original pieces. Those were all illegal, yet the city saw the value in them, so it can be done.” This is definitely food for thought regarding the idea of what to do with abandoned properties, defining quality of life, what’s best for the community, and who has the interests of the community in mind. When the government is lagging on quality of life issues, when does the community have the right to take control of matters? Check out this link to The Heidelberg Project Project in Detroit that addresses similar issues. Thoughts? *All projects by Unity and UPA are legal, permission pieces.
• Dancing in Los AngelesGallery This past weekend of May 22nd-May 25th found Detroit-based dance instructors Kevin “Flash” Collins and April Hayes in L.A., teaching dances such as The Graystone Ballroom, Bop, and advanced Detroit cha cha. Beyond the well-attend workshops included a dance at The Regency West and a May birthday celebration at Vanessa’s Positive Energy Center, drawing people from cities such as San Jose and Honolulu. Special thanks to Vanessa, Victor, and Jami for the hospitality and Wanda (San Jose), Wanda (L.A.), Spud (Detroit), Carolyn (Oakland), Tony (Honolulu), and everyone else who came out to party! (Sorry, don’t remember all the names!) Check out some youtube links from the weekend’s festivities: Detroit Bop Class demo Detroit Bop demo 2 Graystone Ballroom and Chop *Before heading out to L.A. I stopped by a Chicago Steppers’ Set in Oakland and included a couple of pics from Kimball’s Lounge.
• Our Family Circle and Oakland Food ConnectionGallery As I dipped my toes back into the DJ waters I found myself DJing two great events in Oakland, CA. The first was a fundraiser for The Our Family Circle Foundation, who primarily does work with seniors, including social activities such as this dance! It was a good time and they jammed to music ranging from Johnny "Guitar" Watson, salsa, and even DJ Quik and Flo-Rida! (line dancers will understand). The next day I spun for the farmers' market in the Laurel District, courtesy of Oakland Food Connection, an organization committed strengthening our community via healthy food practices. It was my second time spinning here and the market keeps growing and growing. As always, the food was good and great people came out. Special shout outs to Alisha, April, Philloria, Philloria's sis, David, Maddy, Sheree, Tony, Rainie, and both of the OFCs!Thanks to everyone who contributed pics. Unfortunately the camera from Friday had a dirty lens and most of the images were unusable. Tears...
• You don't have to accept teenage dating abuseIdentity/Culture Journal Entry Oakland Unity High School senior Jennifer Yanez addresses teen dating abuse. Article courtesy of the Oaktown Teen Times.
• Oakland teens shocked by police killingsIdentity/Culture Journal Entry Unity High School students expressed sadness, anger and indifference after four police officers and an East Oakland man were shot and killed on March 21, about a dozen blocks from school.-By Gabrielle Cabarloc, Karina Gonzalez, Brisa Padilla and Dolores Quintana / Unity HighWhile this article is a bit old by internet standards, the larger issues haven't gone anywhere. First appearing in The Oaktown Teen Teams, his particular article went national, which is quite an accomplishment for 9th graders! On the second page I also included comments from an Oakland police officer, whose quotes didn't make the article due to space limitations.
• Detroit Cha Cha in Las VegasGallery I recently spent some time in Las Vegas with "The VBs" of Los Angeles and Flava for a fun filled weekend of dancing and workshops. Line dancing and Detroit-style cha cha were the dances of choice, although Chicago Steppin' was worked in the mix as we bounced around venues such as Bugsy's, Gordon Biersch, and The Hollywood Rec Center. Besides the locals, dancers came from Oakland, Phoenix, and L.A. We didn't get a whole lot of pictures as we were too busy dancing and in spite of the lack of men in the pictures, there were more than two of us! If your'e in Vegas, check for Flava, and of course those in L.A. should seek out Vanessa's Positive Energy Center for dance classes and more.
• Vigil for slain Oakland Police OfficersGallery While I have some strong thoughts on this incident, which I may share later, I hoped to get some images up from this vigil before too much time passed. All politics aside, it was good to see so many people come out and hopefully we'll see something positive come out of this. There were a few hecklers, but most people came to pay their respects. Still, I was disappointed that none of the speakers addressed the fact that the officers weren't the only ones who lost their lives that day. While we can't ignore Mixon's actions and alleged background, to not acknowledge that his family and friends are also in mourning does nothing to help work towards healing and growth as a community. I certainly hope that we can rise to the challenge and turn this tragedy into a positive turning point for Oakland! While I didn't take many pictures of individuals I did try to capture different aspects of the vigil, including the memorial for Mixon and some graffiti that was certainly not from fans of OPD. To truly work through these issues we have to include the differing view points. It must be noted that many of these images are courtesy of Oakland Unity High School senior Leticia Martinez, who certainly captured some better pictures than me! Her images start with the first pastor.
• How To Rent-A-NegroHip-hop Book Review This gem was passed to me by my friend Gloria while I was supposed to be relaxing down in Mobile, AL a couple of years ago. Instead of getting me to relax, it actually got my brain working harder, which was the author’s point. The basic premise of the book is that Black folks are sick and tired of White people objectifying them and taking them for granted. Since these interactions are inevitable, African Americans should be compensated for having to put up with this behavior and the book is full of faux invoices and advice for both the renters and rentees. Need an African American companion so you don’t look racist? Want to make money answering questions about poverty, gangs, and gospel music? Then this book is for you!
• TwilightHip-hop Book Review Oakland Unity High School 9th Grader reviews one of her favorite books about love in the supernatural world.
• Interview with Bay Area DJ Mac GMusic Journal Entry Words from one of the Bay Area's ground-breaking hip hop legends. Mac takes time to share some insider stories, reflect on changes in the industry, and how he's stayed relevant for more than two decades.
• Watchmen movie reviewIdentity/Culture Journal Entry Oakland Unity High School junior Bradley Izaguirre shares his thoughts on this long-awaited graphic novel adaptation.
• Black History TriviaCurriculum February's already passed, but since Black history is year round you can use this any time. While it's hardly all inclusive, I did try to make it global. There's a bit of California leaning, but since that's where I teach I had to represent for the home team!
• 129th Bok Kai FestivalGallery Images from the 129th Bok Kai Festival in Marysville, CA, honoring the Chinese god of water, as well as the pioneering Chinese of the 1800s. This two day event included a parade, which was very multicultural in nature, performances, history lectures, and The Bomb Day Celebration, which includes the firing of lucky rings into the air, leading to a mad dash by select crowd members who hope to catch one of them. This can lead to an all out scrum! In addition to all of these activities I wandered around town, coming across a new favorite bookstore, Amicus Books, and some interesting graffiti. There’s a levy behind the Bok Kai Temple and while distinguished Chinese and Chinese Americans gathered on one side, the other side was enlightening as well. Although it wasn’t the most visually appealing, the graffiti definitely gave some insight into the social life of teens, including couples, ex-couples, gangs, race relations, and drugs. Both elements of the trip were enjoyable and it was good to see another side of California. There’s quite a bit of history in this area, which is about two hours north of San Francisco, including the assertion that there are more people of Punjabi descent than any place in the world outside of India! It’s definitely something I may come back to explore.