Asian Avenue magazine - August 2015

magazine

asian avenue August 2015 Volume 10 Issue 8

Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

DENVER HOUSING OH DENVER,

Where are we growing?

Metro Denver

Farmers’ Market

Supreme Court says “I Do” to same-sex marriage

wants you to buy COLORADO PROUD

Meet Denver artist

Chef Steven Li joins

Restaurant Peek

Go Fish

Charlie An

Miyabi Jr.

GO FISH J A PA N E S E R E S TA U R A N T & S U S H I

BROADWAY LO CAT IO N 1 Broadway, B108 Denver CO 80203 Tel: 303-733-8881 Happy Hour: Mon- Sat: 2pm to 6pm Fri-Sat: 10pm to 2am

Open Hours: Mon- Thurs: 11am to 10 pm Fri 11am to 2am Sat: 12pm to 2am, Sun 12pm to 9:30pm

B R OOM F IE L D LOCAT ION 2055 W 136th Suite B106 Broomfield, CO 80023 Tel: 720-593-1888 Happy Hour: Fri- Sat: 2pm to 6pm

Open Hours: Sun- Thurs: 11am to 9:30pm Fri- Sat: 11am to 10:30pm

M ETRO DENVER FARMERS’ MARKET Weekend Markets Start First Weekend of May •Weekday Markets Start June 17 Saturdays

SOUTHWEST PLAZA MAY 2 - OCTOBER 31 Southeast Parking Lot Wadsworth & Bowles 8am-2pm or Sellout

NEW! Starts June 27

Saturdays

Sundays

8 LAKEWOOD

JUNE 27 - SEPTEMBER 26 9077 W Alameda Ave Alameda & Garrison (Mile Hi Church) 10am-2pm or Sellout

LITTLETON

MAY 3 - NOVEMBER 1 Highlands Ranch Town Center 9288 Dorchester St. 10am-2pm or Sellout

Thursdays

Wednesdays

JUNE 17 - OCTOBER 28 Aspen Grove Lifestyle Ctr. 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr. 10am-2pm or Sellout

HIGHLANDS RANCH

WHEAT RIDGE

JUNE 18 - OCTOBER 29 4252 Wadsworth Blvd.

10am-2pm or Sellout

For more information call the Metro Denver Farmers’ Market Hotline

303-887-FARM

www.denverfarmersmarket.com

Dear Asian Avenue readers, Thank you to many of you who attended our 9th anniversary celebration at Metropolitan Lounge and Event Center on July 25. It was a fun night, and as always, our staff enjoyed meeting with you and learning who our readers are! We look forward to celebrating our 10th anniversary with you next summer. Thank you for the continued support that has helped sustain Asian Avenue magazine, during a time where print publications are closing across the nation. We have not only thrived but have grown tremendously with the help of our readers and advertisers.

In our housing issue, guest writer Diana Aqra takes a look at how the city plans to meet the growing need of affordable housing, as thousands of new residents are moving to Denver each month. While this economic growth is fantastic for the mile-high city, it is also forcing current residents out into neighboring suburbs and counties. Read our cover story to gain an understanding of just how fast Denver is growing and what the city plans to do about it.

Last month, the nation celebrated the Supreme’s Court ruling to legalize same-sex marriage.

In our legal column, Harry Budisidharta sheds light on what this means. While we rejoice, we also must recognize that the battle for LGBT rights does not end here. Learn about the disparities that continue to exist for our LGBT community and how to get involved.

While we still the gorgeous summer sun, be sure to visit the Metro Denver Farmers’ Market at any of their locations: Southwest Plaza, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, or Wheat Ridge. The markets have gardening and fresh flowers and plants, beef, honey, rice, breads and pastries, herbs, spices and condiments, ready-to-eat foods including breakfast burritos and tamales. They are not only healthy products but all Colorado-made and grown! Lastly, enjoy the annual Boulder Asian Festival and Global Festival in Aurora this month as we celebrate the many cultures and heritages of Colorado!

Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine

asian avenue magazine

staff & support

Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Editorial and Marketing Manager: Sarah Shirazi Marketing Coordinator: Chun Guo Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Staff Writer: Brenda Velasquez Photographer: Trang Luong Intern: Anastasia Yagolnik Intern: Akemi Tsutsui

advisors group

General Counsel: Michael C. Song Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida

contributing writers

Diana Aqra, Gil Asakawa, Harry Budisidharta, Peter Tran

on the cover

The city of Denver is booming! As we welcome visitors and new residents to the mile-high city, we are experiencing a lack of affordable housing available.

In this housing issue, learn more about how the city will manage this surge of economic growth.

Cover art by Anastasia Yagolnik

subscriptions

To subscribe, e-mail marketing@asianavenuemag azine.com. A one-year subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues.

Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine. For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping and handling included.

advertising

Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at marketing@asianavenuemagazine.com for our media kit and ad rates.

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editorial

To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or event calendar listings, e-mail editor@asianavenuemagazine.com.

Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission.

The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine.

Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.

Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488 www.asianavenuemagazine.com Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

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August 2015 | President’s Note

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Find Inside >> Table of Contents

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Event Calendar Chef Profile Chef Steven Li Joins Go Fish Denver as new Sushi Chef Artist Spotlight Denver-born Korean-American designer Charlie An Inside Story Metro Denver Farmers’ Market wants you to buy Colorado Proud

COVER STORY

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Denver Housing Issue: Oh Denver, where are we growing?

August 2015 | Table of Contents

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MILE HIGH SOCIETY: ON SCENE

18

Chinese media executives complete

management program at University of Denver

Marsha Aizumi speaks in Denver for LGBT dialogue

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43rd annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japanese American culture in downtown Denver 15th annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival holds races at Sloan’s Lake

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Restaurant Peek Miyabi Jr.

Book Review Margaret Dilloway’s Sisters of Heart and Snow Feature 7th annual AsiaXpress.com Tennis Tournament, August 22 and 23 in Denver

LEGAL COLUMN

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National News

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Love is Love: Recent Supreme Court of the United States ruling Financial Education Advertorial Saving For Your Future

events upcoming 19th Annual Boulder Asian Festival

Weekend of August 10-11, 11am to 5pm 1300 Block of Pearl Street, Boulder, CO Cost: Free and open to the public For more information, visit www.bapaweb.org.

Newman Center for the Performing Arts 2344 E. Iliff Avenue, Dever 80210 Cost: $75- $125; Discount tickets available for Students and Groups (10 or more).

For more information, please contact Jane Lundwall, 303.923.6517 or janelundwall@apdc.org

This lavish live-stage performance brings China’s Terracotta Warriors to life and portrays the tale of Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the second century B.C. Hundreds of period costumes designed by China’s best, will enhance the show as nearly 50 performing artists from China and select Denver dancers and singers, perform acrobatic dances and martial arts, in front of a high-definition 3D cinema backdrop.

or contact event organizer Jessica Hernandez at 303-326-8659 or jhernand@auroragov.org.

Fantastic flavors, cultural experiences and artistic expression abound at Global Fest in Aurora presented by the City of Aurora & ConocoPhillips. The event features your favorite flavors from across the globe at The World Food & Beer Market!

17th annual AsiaXpress.com Tennis Tournament

Sat. August 22 and Sun. August 23

Aurora’s Global Fest

Sat. August 22, 2pm to 8pm

Join the 20,500 expected attendance at the annual Boulder Asian Festival on the worldfamous Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder.

The festival will feature Asian and Pacific Island themed booths, live cultural performances, martial arts and crafts. The Boulder Asian Festival is an eco-friendly, “zero-waste” event.

Join in on the fun of the music, dance and food now in its 19th year.

Aurora Municipal Center, Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO Cost: Free For more information, visit www.auroragov.org

Terracotta Warriors 3D

Fri. August 14 Dinner: 6pm, Performance: 8pm

Gates Tennis Center, 3300 E Bayaud Ave, Denver Cost: $15 Juniors; $25 - Singles; $30 Per Doubles team Register at www.asiaxpress.com or contact tod@asiaxpress.com.

Asiaxpress.com’s tennis tournament began 17 years ago as a way to expose the sport of tennis to Colorado’s Asian American community. The tennis tournament welcomes all ages and skill levels!

Get Your Hang Time!

Open Now thru November 1st Upcoming Events | asian avenue magazine

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AUGUST 7 — OCTOBER 24, 2015 Artist Reception — August 27, 6 - 8 pm Gongbi Demonstration — August 27, 5 - 6 pm FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Center for Visual Art 965 Santa Fe Drive Denver CO 80204 msudenver.edu/cva 303.294.5207

17th annual

tennis tournament

Present this ad at either course to receive a large bucket of balls for the price of a small. Offer expires 10/1/15.

REGISTER TODAY!

$10 Juniors $25 Singles $30 Per Doubles team Free lunch voucher per person per day while still in draw

August 22-23

Gates Tennis Center 3300 East Bayaud Avenue Denver, CO 80209

All ages and skill levels welcome!

Information and tee times at

LakewoodGolf.org

303.986.7888

720.963.5181

www.asiaxpress.com

Fresh Catch Sushi Chef Steven Li joins Go Fish

S

1 Broadway St B108 Denver, CO 80203 Tel: 303-733-8881

2055 W 136th Suite B106 Broomfield, CO 80023 Tel: 720-593-1888

www.gofishdenver.com highly skilled chefs. I also worked for various Asian restaurants and eventually landed a coveted position at Fushimi in New York City. It was an amazing experience, I loved living in the heart of China Town as well. It was one of the happiest moments in my career, and it made me feel very accomplished.

Steven Li: Everything, I just love paying attention to all the details.

AAm: How do you like living in the Mile High City so far?

Steven Li: Its different than anywhere that I’ve ever lived, but a change of environment is always a good thing. Above all, I’m excited to be the new chef at Go Fish, and AAm: How did you become a su- i’m excited to transform this place to an even better sushi restaurant shi chef?

Steven Li: It all started seven years than it already is. ago. A friend helped me get a job in AAm: What is your favorite thing Philadelphia at a Japanese restaurant and I learned from some to make?

AAm: What have you been focusing on at Go Fish?

Steven Li: We’re currently working on developing a gluten free menu and a new happy hour menu.

From there, we’re looking at developing new special rolls. I’m spending most of my time at the Broadway location, but eventually I will spend more time training our chefs at the Broomfield location. I’m excited to apply my experience and elevate things to the next level.

outh Broadway’s Go Fish has become one of Denver’s hottest sushi and sake bars. With their 8th anniversary around the corner, they have much to celebrate, along with a new location that opened earlier this year in Broomfield and the recent arrival of a new sushi chef who has worked in some of New York City’s most popular sushi restaurants. Asian Avenue magazine sat down with Chef Steven Li to chat over lunch about our shared love of sushi and his plans to take Go Fish to the next level.

AAm: What is your favorite type of sushi to eat?

Steven Li: I like the variety of specialty rolls that we offer at Go Fish, there’s so much to choose from, its hard to pick!

Chef’s Profile | asian avenue magazine

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August 2015 | Artist Profile

www.denverfarmers market.com

303-887-FARM

Metro Denver Farmers’ Market wants you to

BUY COLOR ADO PROUD

Metro Denver Farmers’ Market, the oldest farmers’ market in the Denver area, celebrates its 38th season this year. Many of the farmers are from generations of Colorado farming families, locally grown in all ways!

The Metro Denver Farmers’ Market has five convenient locations easily accessible from anywhere within the Denver metro area.

The markets originated with a small group of farmers in Downtown Denver’s Auraria Campus parking lot. The Department of Agriculture received a grant that encouraged Colorado farmers to supply fresh produce to Colorado citizens.

Many family run farms were too small to sell to big chain stores; the Farmers’ Market enabled the small farmers to stay in farming. From the beginning, the Denver Farmers’ Market was run by the farmers just as it is today.

This summer, it’s time to go green and buy local produce from Colorado farmers who live on and work their own farms.

The markets have gardening and fresh flowers and plants, beef, honey, rice, fresh European breads and pastries, herbs, spices

and condiments, ready-to-eat foods including breakfast burritos and tamales.

Farmers are gathering Colorado produce from their farms to bring to you. They are not only healthy for you but you are getting all Colorado products!

The Metro Denver Farmers Market provides a unique opportunity for neighborhood residents to buy just-picked produce straight from the local farmers just as if it were from your own backyard. You can’t beat locally grown fruits and vegetables for health and fantastic flavor! Support your Colorado farmers and buy Colorado Proud!

The Metro Denver Farmers Market during the peak season can have over thirty vendors. All locations are part of the SNAP Program and accept EBT card for payment.

Alan Mazzotti, Board President heads up the Denver Farmers’ Market, a non-profit organization. For more information regarding the Metro Denver Farmers’ Market, call the Farm Line at 303.887.FARM or visit www.denverfarmersmarket.com. To speak to someone personally, call the market manager John Herian at 303-809-2865.

LOCATIONS

SATURDAYS through OCTOBER 31

SOUTHWEST PLAZA

Southeast Parking Lot Wadsworth & Bowles 8am-2pm or Sellout SATURDAYS through SEPTEMBER 26

LAKEWOOD

9077 W. Alameda Avenue Alameda & Garrison (Mile Hi Church) 10am-2pm or Sellout SUNDAYS through NOVEMBER 1

HIGHLANDS RANCH

Highlands Ranch Town Center 9288 Dorchester St. 10am-2pm or Sellout WEDNESDAYS through OCTOBER 28

LITTLETON

Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr. 10am-2pm or Sellout THURSDAYS through OCTOBER 29

WHEAT RIDGE

4252 Wadsworth Blvd.

10am-2pm or Sellout Inside Story | asian avenue magazine

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Oh Denver, Where Are We Growing?

By Diana Aqra

Denver’s growing at a brisk pace, but steadily rising rents and lack of affordable housing are putting a major strain on developers and city planners to come up with adequate solutions. At the same time, Denver residents are struggling to maintain a comfortable living in the city they love. It’s the issue everyone is talking about but no one seems to grasp what’s really going on or where we’re headed.

Denver’s growth over recent years is quite remarkable. Estimates show that in our metro area population has increased by more than 50,000 people in the last year, making it the sixth fastest growing city in the United States.

Our growth proves that our city is bountiful; we get to share the great outdoors, an eclectic culture, and a healthy lifestyle with people from all over the country and even the world.

The worrisome part is, however, that residents and city planners are finding it more and more difficult to stretch resources to new limits. Housing—arguably, the most essential component to a healthy life and economy— is facing severe shortages in the Denver metro area. According to the City and County of Denver, it is estimated that there is a shortage of about 30,000 affordable housing units in Denver county alone. In the seven county Denver metro area (including Boulder, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Jefferson, and Broomfield), the number is closer to a shortage of 60,000 affordable housing units.

As the population grows and large corporations with high-paying jobs continue to relocate to Denver, the gap to provide affordable housing in the metro area will continue to widen greatly.

“Our millennial population is growing while baby boomers are retiring. This is putting tremendous downward pressure on housing,” said Rick Padilla, the City and County of Denver’s Director for Housing and Neighborhood Development.

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August 2015 | Cover Story

“It’s a double-edged sword,” he tells Asian Avenue. Denver’s growth is on track with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. But, with our popularity comes “numerous issues metro-wide,” he maintained.

Simply, the main issue is supply. Apartment buildings, especially affordable housing units, are becoming less and less available, causing rents to soar.

On a whole, there is a lack of housing supply for those that want to live in Denver.

According to the Denver Metro Apartment

Association, at the end of 2014, the vacancy rate for the entire metro area was on average 4.6%, markedly lower the natural rate of 5%.

While the number for the entire area doesn’t seem too far from the norm, many areas in and around Denver are near 2%, a dangerous rate.

Southwest Denver’s vacancy rate was 2.8% and Aurora North, the area marked by Green Valley Ranch and Montbello, are only 1%.

Under these conditions, rents have soared 12% in 2014 to $1,168 per month, on average for the metro area.

Average Rent and Vacancy Rates of Denver Metro, 2009 through 2014 Source: Metro Denver Apartment Association

“

It is especially hard for immigrants and refugees...Because the rent is too high, now immigrants and

”

refugees are moving

away [from Denver].

Vacancy rates in the Denver metro area | Source: Metro Denver Apartment Association

For those making more than $60,000 per year, the situation is not as daunting. Families with large amounts of income to put towards several months of rent are welcomed by landlords and property owners who are, in general, “banking” on the situation.

In the current market, “many landlords are realizing that they can charge 20% higher from what they used to,” said Shannon Peer, director of Housing Counseling at Brothers Redevelopment, a nonprofit organization helping to alleviate homelessness and improve sustainable housing in Denver. Most of these landlords haven’t increased the rent in years, he tells Asian Avenue, but it is still quite a shock for people who are paying rental rates from a few years ago. At the same time, the wages and salaries of the majority of renters has not offset increased rental rates.

“It is especially hard for immigrants and refugees,” said Harry Budisidharta, a Health Equity Advocate for the Asian Pacific Development Center in Aurora, Colorado. Aurora was once one of the most welcoming and affordable places for immigrants and refugees to come, making it known as one of the most diverse cities in the United States. People in Denver frequently travel to find international grocery stores, the best Asian restaurants, and a wide variety of authentic cultural events seldom seen in Denver.

“Because the rent is too high, now immigrants and refugees are moving away,” said Budisidharta. It is likely to see one bedroom apartments filling with four to five families because of high rent, he said, which can be

dangerous for their health and future.

What may shock many is that 40% of all Denver residents live on less than $30,000 a year, according to City Data.com, making the average workforce; professionals in teaching, small business and construction, considerably housing burdened.

According to the City and County of Denver, more than $450,000 has been given to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless to fund new affordable units. Still, only 12,000 affordable housing units have been built.

A report by the advocacy and education nonprofit, Housing Colorado, expanded on the severity of the shortage in a report in 2014: “While this gap [of 60,000] may not sound like a large number, put in perspective, it is an affordable housing gap equal to almost 16% of the existing rental housing stock in the State of Colorado. At the current rates of affordable rental housing construction of 823 homes a year, it will take over 100 years to eliminate.”

What seems to be apparent is that the majority of Denver’s housing development is geared toward renters who earn between $25,000 and $37,000. According to Denver Housing Authority data only 4% of new housing development built by private developers is being built for those earning less than $20,000 per year, 58% of new private development is being developed for those making at least $25,000 and $31,000, and 30% is being built for those making $32,000 to $50,000.

Padilla, director of Housing for the City

and County of Denver, reflected on the fact that there is not enough affordable public or private housing being developed to meet the current demand.

One of the main financial tools the City is currently using to develop new housing is called the “Revolving Loan Fund,” in which $10 million is being used to support the development of affordable multifamily rental units.

Units funded by this loan program, however, are also priced for families and individuals earning more than $30,000 per year. Additionally, this is only a short-term solution, while the City looks for a “permanent source of funding,” for future affordable housing.

Padilla said the key to manage population growth is to make sure public transportation is expanding and reaching people living outside the metro area, which he says is being aided by the expansion of the light rail system.

As a last resort, people may turn to the Federal Section 8 program, which gives low-income individuals and families vouchers to use to pay for rent. But, sadly, this program is also on its last legs.

“People have been languishing,” on the Section 8 process, said Stella Madrid, Intergovernmental and Community Affairs Officer with Denver Housing Authority in a phone interview, explaining that it has been so strained that it hasn’t been able to offer any “real-time response for housing.” Vouchers are not covering the amount of rent in Denver, Shannon Peer of Brothers Development explained.

While the city waits for an adjustment of the Federal limits, there is only a lottery system Denver Housing | asian avenue magazine

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Denver is expected to add another 45,000 jobs in 2015, on top of 3.2% employment growth in 2015, compared to a 1.9% national average. he said his wage as a factory and construction worker have decreased from $15 per hour to $10 per hour since the 1990s. After separating from his wife and foreclosing on his house, being convicted of a crime, and serving time in prison for four years more than a decade ago, he has struggled to find rental housing.

He has lived on couches of friends and family and even in lived in his car for four months at the Cherry Creek Reservoir, which costs $450 per month for the $15 per day camping fee.

Both Sonya and Franklin’s situation are difficult because they do not want to leave their “beloved community” behind. Sonya’s worst fear is taking her children out of a school that they have established themselves in and moving away from affordable childcare. “I have invested too much in this community,” Sonya said. Although resources are dry for housing, Franklin is optimistic that he will find suitable work with buzz that Denver is expected to add another 45,000 jobs in 2015, on top of 3.2% employment growth in 2015, compared to a 1.9% national average.

that opens once a year, giving a very low number of people a chance to win. The Section 8 program hasn’t even existed for years in the city of Aurora, according to housing representative at the local office. When asked about rent-subsidized housing for Aurora, only two complexes were offering just a handful of units, for which the waiting list was at least three years, according to property managers.

The Young, Low-wage Earners and Singles Most Affected Those living as single parents with a single income, young people working in low-wage jobs and ex-offenders are most affected by the housing crisis. Asian Avenue spoke with several people from all walks of life to understand the problem is not reduced to a small segment of society.

Sonya, is a young mother and part-time teacher living in the Highlands of Denver. Her financial situation is improving by becoming a

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August 2015 | Cover Story

full-time as a teacher in the Fall. Yet, the housing situation is actually making her condition worse. She currently lives in a rent-restricted apartment, and pays $750 per month for rent, which is a rarity in Denver. Because her salary is increasing, she will no longer qualify for the apartment. Paradoxically, her new wages still cannot afford a unit within her building that will now rent for $1,600 per month. Even if she could afford the rent, there are no available units left in her building. Sonya is one of the many people living “on the edge” of poverty who can quickly fall off when subsidies are taken away. She is considering moving in with her ex- husband, whom she divorced two years ago.

“There aren’t many options,” echoes Franklin, a man of color in his 50’s who was born and raised in Denver. For him, stagnant wages in his industry are the problem. Although he, his four other siblings and two parents grew up comfortably in the Park Hill neighborhood,

Is there future relief from the housing crunch?

While the city is being built for the more affluent and affordable housing is slowed to a crawl, poverty is expected to grow. According to “Confronting Suburban Poverty” by the Brookings Institute, poverty has grown 61.6% in the city of Denver and 138% in suburban areas from 2000 to 2011.

“There’s a real lack of availability of affordable housing and a lack of funding to develop more affordable housing,” Brendalee Connors of Metro West Housing Solutions commented in a recently produced video by Jefferson County Human Services, where rent is an average of $1,123 per month.

“It seems so simple,” commented LuAnn Smidt of LifePoint Realty in the same video.

“Just build it. But I also understand the counties and the building process itself. There’s also the construction defect litigation issue,” which is cited by several sources as the reason for slow development of housing, especially affordable units.

The Construction Defect Bill was legislation (Senate Bill 177) introduced two years

40%

of all Denver residents live on less than $30,000 a year

ago in the Colorado legislature and was squashed in the last session. Proponents of the bill said, if passed, it would give developers security to build multifamily condos without fear that buyers/owners would sue for exorbitant amounts if they discovered a defect in their property. The bill was opposed by Colorado Democrats who believed the result would not be a greater number of affordable housing units, but rather, protection for developers and slashing home-owners’ rights. Funding as authorized by the State is still cited as a major barrier to affordable developments.

“Until the State dictates that we need to do something different, counties hands are tied,” said Smidt. “They can’t make us do affordable housing.”

While the problem of housing affordability in the Denver-metro region is a big concern for city government, the solution is not all in their hands. Community efforts made up of private and nonprofit organizations are undertaking the huge challenge.

Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) is a funded nonprofit working to build cooperative relationships between the community and the private sector to prevent homelessness and build stable and sustainable communities.

In 2015, MDHI and its partner organizations were awarded millions of dollars to alleviate the housing crisis by starting the Landlord Re-

cruitment Campaign, a program which offers incentives for landlords to set aside properties for low-income families. Under this program, landlords that participate are provided a subsidy from MDHI that covers a portion of the rent. Landlords can also receive incentives for housing improvements, or repairs for damages, and cleaning services.

The most valuable part of this program is that property managers are setting aside properties for low-income families who would normally get looked over in the highly competitive market, Peer said. Even as rents increase, the program ensures low-income families will get a chance at landing a rental, while landlords can still receive market value rent.

Peer said he and his organization are working with “civic-minded,” people that want to see the city prosper. While the program is still in its infancy, it has provided 40 units and leased 5 since it began six months ago, Peer said. He is hoping the program grows.

“We can’t control how many people move to Denver,” Peer said, “but we can still grow.”

The organization is working with the private sector interested in investing in affordable housing to contribute to economic prosperity in Denver.

“We have a bit of a ‘funding soup,’” said Peer, which consists of cities, counties, corporations, and even state Attorney Generals

whose mission is in alignment with reducing the housing crisis - a concern and need that is “evident and warranted in our conversations.”

“Our experience has been successful,” he said optimistically.

Still, people will need to be educated on the “rough market,” Peer stated. If you are looking, “start sooner than later and cast a wide open net,” he said. Do not expect to find a place within a month of looking.

At the same time, low-income people who are interested in the issue of housing affordability need to be involved in future conversations.

“They are our workforce and they support our city,” Peer said.

Slowly, people are realizing that, amidst the problem, they need to become part of the solution. A newly arrived millennial, Dane Ralston, who moved from Austin, Texas one month ago to find work and housing, said that it is part of our “cultural responsibility,” to make sure our people maintain the quality of life we want while the city grows.

Even though he is homeless and looking for work, he is optimistic that he will be able to to find work and live here. To do that, we need to get people off the streets (by creating more green spaces), and build housing that is close to working centers.

That, he said, is what will truly “develop Denver.”

Denver Housing | asian avenue magazine

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Resources

Denver Asian Pacific American Commission The Denver Asian Pacific American Commission (DAPAC) serves as a support liaison and facilitator between the Asian Pacific American community in Denver, the Agency for Human Rights and Community Relations and the office of the Mayor of Denver.

Dialing 2-1-1 Colorado connects families and individuals to social and community resources best suited to meet their need.

211colorado.communityos.org

Colorado Housing Connects provides access to general housing and fair-housing resources. www.coloradohousingconnects.org 1-844-926-6632

Apartment Association Metro Denver enhances member and association profitability, prosperity and professional growth through legislative representation, educational advancement and networking opportunities. www.aamdhq.org 303-329-3300

According to the American Housing Survey, the average mortgage payment in Denver County was $1,266 in 2011. In July 2013, the median home sales price was $315,150 and has hovered around $300,000 for most of 2013.

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August 2015 | Cover Story

Further it is the Commission’s objective to act as catalyst, educator, collective voice, and respond to issues and/or advocate based on community assessment of need, and create awareness and visibility of Asian Pacific American community to the community at large.

DAPAC Chair Will Chan says, “DAPAC has been supporting the City with various development projects to ensure AAPI voices from businesses and the community-at-large are heard. In the past few years, DAPAC has assisted with outreach efforts along the Federal Business District to connect to funds from the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) for capital improvements that would help make businesses particularly in the Federal and Mississippi Shopping Center safer and more attractive to customers.”

Will Chan, DAPAC Chair and Program Administrator at Denver Public Library

“In the coming year, DAPAC will be continuing to build relationships within the AAPI community as talks begin revolving development in the Westwood neighborhood.”

The commission’s focus areas are Asian Pacific American visibility, jobs and economic development, youth, “immigrAsian”, healthcare and research.

For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/AsianPacificAmerican.

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Chinese media executives complete management program at University of Denver

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he Chinese Executive Media Management Program (CEMMP) celebrated the graduation of its 14th annual class last month in Denver. The program, made possible by a $1 million gift from the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation has been a successful partnership between the Foundation, The Cable Center and the University of Denver.

During each summer since 2000, with the exception of the 2003 during the SARS scare and 2008 immediately following the Wenchuan earthquake, a group of visiting scholars selected from China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television; China Central Television; the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and Encore International have come to Denver to study business management and visit area companies.

This year the CEMMP fellows visited The Cable Center, CableLabs, Comcast Media Center, DISH Network, Layer3TV and starz.

They received warm welcomes and precious insight into management and the operations of these media organizations.

“These organizations have been the backbone of the program for over a decade, and are very willing to share their insights and experience with our group. Colo- The 2015 Chinese Executive Media Management Program Fellows at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business. rado hospitality carries the day again!” said professor of Finance at Mountain National Park, the Cog Railway up DU’s Daniels College of Business, Ron Riz- Pikes Peak, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the zuto, Ph.D., who directs the CEMMP and has U.S. Olympic Training Center and a Coors taught courses during each year since its in- Brewery tour — to sample the Silver Bulception. let® that they first tasted in Beijing! It’s no Rizzuto added, “Stay tuned for a totally re- surprise then that over the years 126 Chivamped CEMMP in coming years, designed nese fellows from CEMMP have developed a to be even more suited to the rapidly chang- soft spot in their hearts for Denver and the ing media landscape in China. Globalization, people of Colorado. increased competition for traditional media, The fellows’ time in Colorado culminated and plateauing economic growth in China is when the two teams presented their busia great time to innovate.” ness plans to the faculty and local business No trip to Colorado would be complete leaders. without taking in some of our top attracAsian Avenue magazine congratulates CEtions. The program’s generous fellowships MMP on a successful program – helping to allowed for group excursions to Rocky connect Colorado with China!

By Gil Asakawa

Aizumi was invited by Mile High Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) to speak about her experience, and the JACL chapter reached out to local AAPI, LGBT and community activist organizations to help sponsor the event. The mini-rainbow coalition, included PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, an organization that Marsha is active with) and One Colorado (a group fighting for gay rights in the state) as well as Facing History (an international group that educates people about racism and prejudice), all standing alongside JACL, OCA, the Denver Asian Pacific American Commission and other Denver AAPI groups (including Asian Avenue Magazine).

The event was held at the Tri State Denver Buddhist Temple, a hub of the local Japanese American community.

The coalition-building and networking between such a disparate audience was a major accomplishment in itself. But Aizumi’s presentation, during which she showed a slide show about her son and related the many challenges he had to face, was the highlight. She teared up many times as she shared photos of young Ashley, who refused to wear “girly” costumes and proudly dressed as Zorro for Halloween in one snap-

Marsha Aizumi speaks in Denver for LGBT Dialogue

M

arsha Aizumi is a Los Angeles-based writer and speaker who was in Denver on June 19 to share her incredible personal and family journey, Aizumi’s on her journey with her son, Aiden. Aiden was named Ashley when he was adopted as a girl by the Aizumi family, and came out as lesbian in high school, then later told his mother he realized he’s a man in the body of a woman. Aizumi has supported his transition and the two have written a book, “Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance.”

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August 2015 | On Scene

shot, and was a “tomboy” and held up her younger brother by the scruff of his t-shirt in another so he wouldn’t slip and fall into the river where they posed.

She emotionally related how Ashley struggled when she reached middle school and the boys she played with stopped hanging out with her and she didn’t feel at home with the girls who became mean and bullying.

And she was honest about her own struggles as a parent who had to accept that her expectations for her child needed to change so she could help and support Aiden become the successful married man he is today.

Many in the audience dabbed our eyes every time Aizumi choked up. But they left feeling empowered and inspired by her experience. The result may be a coordinated effort to bring the area’s LGBT Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders together, and Aizumi may return to help facilitate the meeting.

Cherry Blossom Festival T

he 43rd annual Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicked off the start of summer, the weekend of June 27-28 in downtown’s Sakura Square on Lawrence street, between 19th and 20th. Vendor booths lined the street that led up to the event stage and food and beverage area.

Among the entertainment was Denver Taiko, as well as performances of Japanese dance, koto and shamisen, and martial arts.

Inside the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple, festival attendees had the opportunity to explore exhibits of ikebana (flower arrangement) and bonsai, and informative lectures on Buddhism. The temple’s gymnasium was also home to a variety of food and drink, including the popular teriyaki chicken dinner plate, sushi, and delicious Japanese sweets called manju and mochi.

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he Colorado Dragon Boat Festival welcomed thousands of attendees at Sloan’s Lake over the course of two days, on July 1819. The festival was packed with fun activities, something for everyone, from the exciting dragon boat races to delicious Asian cuisine, a variety of entertaining cultural performances and vendor booths.

New this year was a Two Days of Anime, a tent screening a variety of family-friendly Japanese animation all weekend, programmed by Colorado Anime Fest. Many of the spectators who come every year to the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival are there for the “main event”: the dragon boat races.

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Mile-High Happenings | asian avenue magazine

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Nikki Haley’s Star is Rising in the GOP

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outh Carolina GOP Gov. Nikki Haley’s response to the Charleston massacre, highlighted by her call to remove the Confederate flag from statehouse grounds, has thrust her back into the national spotlight and re-ignited talk about what role she might play in the 2016 race.

Not only is Haley poised to be a powerful surrogate, there’s already chatter that she could make a solid Republican vice presidential candidate.

“She’d be on anybody’s list,” Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, said,. “She’s done a terrific job in South Carolina.”

Haley is the first woman to serve as Governor of South Carolina. Her parents are immigrants from India.

New Obama Policy Opens Door For Family Reunification For Filipino American Veterans

F

ilipino American veterans separated from their families may finally be reunited with loved ones under a new immigration policy announced by the Obama administration.

The State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to allow family members of veterans to come. The policy can significantly cut the 20-year wait time for many immigrants.

“These are people who are eligible for an immigration visa by virtue of their U.S. citizen family member.” a White House official said. “But because the family immigration system is so backlogged, it can take decades for them to actually get a visa.”

The new policy is one of many ways the administration is seeking to change the immigration system through executive actions.

Supreme Court victory for Indian American Motel Owners

T

Professional Sports

he US Supreme Court has ruled 5-4 that the section of the Los Angeles Municipal Code that allows police to check motel and hotel guest registries without a warrant is unconstitutional and a violation of the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The case of Los Angeles v. Patel was brought forth in 2003 by a group of Indian motel owners, after a series of incidents with the Los Angeles police in which the say hotel employees were harassed, threatened and arrested for clerical mistakes and English errors.

“No hotel owner wants to see human trafficking or crime on his premises,” Ray Patel, president of the North East Los Angeles Hotel Owners Association (NELAHOA), said. “But the tactics used by the LAPD were not preventing crimes.”

About half of American motel owners are Indian American.

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Jeremy Lin going to the Charlotte Hornets

August 2015 | National News

Song Andong from China was drafted by the New York Islanders of the NHL

Satnam Singh from India was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks

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When you think of dining out for hibachi you might associate it with long elaborate feasts where a chef skillfully grills meats and vegetables on a hibachi grill, often mixing the cooking process with entertaining tricks and knife skills. It’s a fun experience but beyond that, this grilling technique also gives meat, vegetables, and rice a unique flavor profile that is simply delightful.

Chef Russell Helgenberger is an expert Hibachi chef

Love hibachi but don’t have time to spend hours sitting around the hibachi table? Luckily for all of us, a Japanese-American entrepreneur named Junya Nakajima recently brought Miyabi Jr. a fast-casual hibachi restaurant to Denver, Colorado so that we can enjoy quality and delicious hibachi at our own pace.

Miyabi Jr. is conveniently located in the shopping center near the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and Tamarac near the Whole Foods. Inside, the decor is modern with beautiful dark wood tables, and Japanese inspired accent pieces on the walls. The menu is digitally displayed on the electronic menu board which gives it a high tech and modern feel. The open kitchen and hibachi grill allows you to peek at the chef preparing food, and smell the delicious aroma of the grilled foods.

Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

There’s something for everyone at Miyabi Jr. Meat lovers must try the hibachi steak entree, the rib eye steak is aged for 4-6 weeks, giving the meat additional tenderness and flavor. You cannot go wrong with the steak and shrimp combo: generous portions of perfectly seasoned steak and American wild caught shrimp. All entrees are served with fried or steamed rice, onion and zucchini. The hibachi vegetables were also a favorite, and are served with mushrooms, broccoli, onions, and zucchini, perfectly flavored. Miyabi Jr. also has a variety of house-made sauces to kick the entrees up a notch, including hot sauce, teriyaki, mustard, ginger, and white sauce.

The teriyaki chicken bowl is a great option as well, it comes with sweet teriyaki glazed chicken served on top of rice.

New on the menu is the yakisoba, a fried buckwheat dish with vegetables and your choice of chicken, shrimp, or steak.

22

August 2015 | Restaurant Peek

By Sarah Shirazi | Asian Avenue magazine Miyabi Jr. also offers a selection of sushi rolls including most of the standard sushi rolls like the California roll, NY roll, shrimp tempura roll and others.

Miyabi Jr. is taking fast casual to a new level by serving healthy and high quality hibachi and sushi rolls at more than affordable prices. Welcome to Denver Miyabi Jr. we hope to see you expand your presence in Colorado!

Served with Fried Rice (Steamed Rice), Onion & Zucchini.

Hibachi Vegetable $5.95

Teriyaki Chicken $7.85

Hibachi Shrimp $9.25

Hibachi Steak $12.50 Combination Served with Fried Rice (Steamed Rice), Onion & Zucchini.

Shrimp & Teriyaki Chicken $9.85

Steak & Teriyaki Chicken $10.65

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS

Entrees

Steak and shrimp combination

Junya, Manager of Miyabi Jr.

Miyabi Jr. | asian avenue magazine

23

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BOOK REVIEW Sisters of Heart and Snow

By Margaret Dilloway

Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz

Sometimes, inspiration comes from out of nowhere. Other times, inspiration is earth-shattering.

In author Margaret Dilloway’s case, her inspiration comes from a simple conversation with her father about the lineage of her family’s past.

“My father had told us only a couple of years ago that my mother was from a samurai family, which my brother and I didn’t know before,” said Dilloway in a phone interview.

Before setting out to write her third novel, Dilloway researched her mother’s past. She found her lineage traced to the legendary female samurai Tomoe Gozen.

Her mother of Japanese descent, passed away when Dilloway was 20. She is currently 41 years old.

Her research included Internet searches, a book about female samurais, and historical writings.

“I discovered not much is known about Tome Gozen,” Dilloway said. “Other historians did not believe she was real.”

But Dilloway felt a connection to her and her Japanese heritage. Through her newest book, she weaved a story between a contemporary setting of two sisters in San Diego and the historical setting of samurais during the 12th century.

“I wanted it to be relatable to the modern woman,” she said, adding the readers who enjoy family drama and the unfolding historical fiction would savor the story. “It’s sorta more adventurous story than a typical woman fiction.”

The contemporary story takes two sisters, who were close growing up, but are divided as adults in careers, lifestyles and different paths. Dilloway admits struggling to write about the sister relationship because in her own life, she grew up with two brothers. But she takes inspiration from her

own two daughters.

In the story, the daughters come together when their mother, Hikari gives the older sister power of attorney, dividing the sisters more.

In a rare lucid moment, Hikari asks her daughters to find a book from her sewing room, containing old photos and an ancient text, which reveals the story of Tome Gozen and her epic saga of love, loss and conflict during 12th century Japan.

As the sisters work out the puzzle of the ancient text’s meaning, they find inspiration in the life of the warrior woman, and in the process, unearth truths about their relationship that resonate across the centuries and connect them, turning their differences into assets.

The moving story solicited emotional responses from Dilloway’s fans. Readers told Dilloway hat after finishing the book, they called their sisters.

Drawing inspiration from her mother’s life, Dilloway confessed she was not close to her mother when she was a teenager. “She had a different concept of what it meant to be a young lady and be proper in the “American” way,” Dilloway said. “We had miscommunication and language barriers.”

The year her mother passed away, Dilloway said, “We were just starting to be friends.”

How to Be an American Housewife and Sisters of Heart and Snow allows Dilloway a way to connect with her mother, drawing inspiration from her life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dilloway, a resident of Southern California, teaches creative writing classes at San Diego Writers Ink and to high school students at her alma mater. She recently signed a 2-book deal with Disney-Hyperion for a middle-grade fantasy series that is scheduled for publication in June 2016. Her previous books include: How to be an American Housewife and The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns.

Book title: Sister of Heart and Snow Author: Margaret Dilloway Pages: 400 Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons ISBN: 9780399170805 Website: www.MargaretDilloway.com

Book Review | asian avenue magazine

25

17th annual AsiaXpress.com Tennis Tournament, August 22nd and 23rd in Denver

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siaXpress.com’s tennis tournament began 17 years ago as a way to expose the sport of tennis to Colorado’s Asian American community. There is often a public preconception that Asian Americans are not interested in sports in general and we’re out to change that misconception by creating an event for tennis enthusiasts to participate in as well as introduce the sport to kids who may never have competed in any organized sports event.

The tournament has attracted people local as well as players from other states like California, Texas and even Florida. A variety of ethnic groups participate each year, including people from the Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Laos, Cambodia, Filipinos, Indone-

sian, Polynesian, Mongolian communities in Colorado. One of the top tennis players was from Mongolia, which has a population of only a few hundred in Colorado!

Although this is an Asian American tennis tournament, the organizers are inclusive and encourage and welcome everyone from the broader community to compete and participate in this fun, two-day summer event. The event allows people to meet and learn about other cultures as they engage in friendly competition.

The event is non-sanctioned, which means you don’t have to belong to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to complete like most of the other tennis events in Colorado. We intentionally kept it this way to attract people with a wide

17th annual AsiaXpress.com Tennis Tournament August 22nd and 23rd Gates Tennis Center 3300 E Bayaud Ave Denver, CO 80209

Cost: $15 Juniors; $25 - Singles; $30 Per Doubles team Register at www.asiaxpress.com.

Chong Nguyen and children

26

August 2015 | Feature

Questions? Email: tod@asiaxpress.com

range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced tennis players. The event is set up so that all skill levels can play. There are multiple divisions that a player can register so that they can engage with players that match their skills level. If you don’t know your skill level, then you’re probably a beginner.

You don’t have to participate directly in the tournament to have fun, people often attend to support friends, and enjoy food and drinks available for purchase.

For many, the annual AsiaXpress.com Tennis Tournament has become a yearly reunion. This year’s tournament date is August 22nd and 23rd at the Gates Tennis Center across from Cherry Creek Mall in Denver.

LEGAL COLUMN Love is Love:

O

Recent Supreme Court of the United States ruling

by Harry Budisidharta | Asian Pacific Development Center

n June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that people in same-sex relationships have the fundamental right to marry their loved ones. This ruling requires all states to issue marriage licenses to samesex couples and to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.

Reaction to this historic ruling has been swift.

Many conservative groups have criticized the ruling and called for a new constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, progressive and liberal groups praised the ruling and President Obama likened it to “justice that arrives like a thunderbolt.�

There is no doubt that this is a monumental victory for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. A lot of people and advocacy organizations have spent a lot of time and money fighting for this victory. However, the battle is not over since members of the LGBT community still face discrimination in other areas.

Did you know that twenty eight states do not offer employment discrimination protection for LGBT employees? Many LGBT employees are subjected to discrimination and harassment at their job because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

According to a 2013 study by the Center for American Progress, 58% of LGBT employees have been subjected to derogatory comments at work. Furthermore, according to a 2013

study by the National Center for Transgender Equality, 90% of transgender employees have reported experiencing harassment, mistreatment, or discrimination on the job.

Sadly, many LGBT youth have also reported experiencing bullying and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. According to a 2011 survey conducted by Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 80% of LGBT youths have been bullied at school and 32% have missed school because they were worried about their safety. Other reports note that bullying, harassment and discrimination can come from school officials and teachers as well as from classmates.

The good news is that Colorado is doing pretty well when it comes to equal protection for LGBT community: Colorado has laws that expressly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the areas of housing, healthcare, public accommodations, and adoption. Colorado also has laws that address bullying and harassment of LGBT students, hate and bias crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and has some laws and policies in place to assist transgender individuals to identify as their chosen gender. A 2014 study conducted by the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Federation ranked Colorado in the highest category of LGBT rights and protections.

HARRY BUDISIDHARTA received his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School. As the Health Equity Advocate at the Asian Pacific Development Center, he works with government officials and community organizations to address health disparities in the refugee and immigrant communities. You can contact him at HarryBudisidharta@apdc.org.

To learn more about the LGBT community in Colorado, please contact The Center, a Colorado-specific LGBT rights organization, by visiting their website at

www.GLBTcolorado.org Legal Column | asian avenue magazine

27

SAVING FOR YOUR FUTURE* ACCORDING TO RECENT SURVEYS, NORTH AMERICANS ARE FACING SERIOUS FINANCIAL CHALLENGES. In Canada: • 35% of Canadians do not have any savings or investments.

• Only 27% of private sector workers have an employer-funded pension plan.

• The average savings in Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) is only $55,000.

In the U.S., the picture is even gloomier: • 33% or more than 77 million of Americans don’t pay their bills on time.

• 39% carry credit card debt from month to month.

• Only 59% of adults say they have savings.

• Worse, more than half now think it’s acceptable to default on their mortgage if they cannot afford to pay it.

Most of us don’t wait to become a statistic to know that we are in trouble.

These problems are all around us. They happen to our own family and our friends’ families.

It’s ironic that we live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but we always have money problems. We can work hard all our lives but retire poor.

We do so much to raise our kids just to see them finish college with a lot of debt.

Debt becomes a way of life.

We don’t have much, and we don’t know much. Nobody teaches us how manage our money in school. Financial issues are not often discussed, and financial products not always explained. Most people have trouble balancing their own checkbook and

28

reading a financial statement. We use credit cards every day and don’t always understand all the hidden charges. We buy insurance policies and stick them in file cabinet. We contribute to our 401k or RRSP and hope someone will take care of it. We all want to have a comfortable retirement, but few have a plan. We are active spenders but passive savers.

It is possible that we don’t know what we don’t know. Even though the financial industry is one of the largest industries in the world, and even though we are flooded with financial news, channels, and websites, financial literacy is a murky as ever.

There are a jungle of complex rules, regulations, and guidelines for the thousands of stocks, bonds, funds, savings plans, credit cards, and loans out there.

We need to change, and the task won’t be easy. But we need understanding first.

The old days of passive dependence have to end. A new era of proactivism and financial freedom must begin.

For the next following months, we want to explain finance as how a friend would

August 2015 | Financial Education Advertorial

talk to another friend. We want to make it simple enough, using common language for common people. We don’t intend to get into a lot of detail but are more focused on the fundamentals of how money works. We try to use simple examples and common assumptions.

The best we can hope for is to get your attention and interest into financial matters and for you to obtain some basics of how money works. It’s is the first step toward your financial future. Like many of us, once you enter the gate of financial knowledge, you will discover that is doable to understand, plan, and build a financial foundation for your family.

Remember: There is nobody more interested in your financial future than you are, definitely not the government or your employer. It is your responsibility to learn the simple rules of how money works.

Understanding how money works is part of taking care of your family. You can do it. You can control your future.

Based on “Saving Your Future” book copyright by X Press WSB, Inc. Advertorial provided by: Paul Tran, Marketing Director World Financial Group / Transamerica Financial Advisors WSB Highland Denver 6860 S. Yosemite Ct, Suite 2201 Centennial, CO 80112 Tel: 720-778-7166 Paultranwfg@gmail.com

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