International Examiner May 7, 2014

The country’s premier nonprofit pan-Asian newspaper

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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

FREE EST. 1974 —SEATTLE VOLUME 41, NUMBER 9 — MAY 7 – MAY 20

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THE NEWSPAPER OF NORTHWEST ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COMMUNITIES. FIND YOUR INSPIRASIAN.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

IE 40th A nniv Dinner & ersary GALA Honoring Ron Chew

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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE OPINION

International Examiner legacy lies with the community, history

By Chong-suk Han IE Special Guest Columnist Writing a column reflecting on one’s past is by definition a presumptuous task.

It assumes, for example, that one has done something special enough to share with others. And it requires that someone refer to himself as “one,” as if a movie with Laurence Fishburne offering little red pills will be built around his life.

If I push modesty aside for a moment, I suppose there are things that I did while I was editor that deserve some small bit of praise. But the thing is, there is a difference between those who deserve accolades for things that they have done and those who have simply fulfilled the obligations to a role that they were fortunate enough to have been able to inhabit, albeit for a short period of time. If I did anything worth remembering, I did so only because the International Examiner gave me a platform and a base from which such things were possible. And there lies the real story of my time at the Examiner. It’s not about what I did for the paper or the community that it represents, but what the paper did for me and what the community gave to me.

The paper helped me find my voice. It gave me the courage to put pen to paper and share the truth as I saw it to be. But, the paper and the people most intimately connected to the paper gave me the support and guidance I needed to find that particular truth that moved me. More importantly, it gave me a platform to share the stories that others had to tell, stories that often go untold. These were the stories about people facing tremendous odds, yet somehow finding their place in the world. These were the stories about people challenging injustices, confronting wrongs, and changing lives, including their own. These were the stories that helped us find ourselves, and find each other.

Just as importantly, the Examiner helped me find a home, a place where I belonged.

Although I grew up in San Francisco, Seattle became my home. I suspect, more

IE STAFF

Established in 1974, the International Examiner is the only non-profit pan-Asian American media organization in the country. Named after the International District in Seattle, the “IE” strives to create awareness within and for our APA communities. 622 South Washington Street, Seattle, WA 98104. (206) 6243925. iexaminer@iexaminer.org.

IE provides the only and the other

By Ken Mochizuki IE Special Guest Columnist

than anything else, the Examiner played the single most important role in defining “home” for me. Through the Examiner, I didn’t find a job, I found a community, both real and remembered.

Taking my place at the paper, I joined a long list of others who came before me, people whose talents and dedication helped build a small paper that started in the Han backroom of an office supply store into the oldest continuously publishing pan-Asian American paper in the country.

True, the Examiner survived because these people, perhaps by sheer will, kept the paper alive. But the paper’s survival is also a testament to the members of the community who saw its worth and value.

It is through the memory of this past that I found a place in the present. I joined a community that had already dedicated the better part of their collective lives to community empowerment. And that community welcomed me with open arms. For that, I will always be grateful.

The Examiner is a special paper. The neighborhood that gave birth to it is a special place. And the people who have been a part of the paper’s past have left a unique legacy. My only hope on my first day was to be able to maintain that legacy.

The paper, the community it represents, and the community that supports it, were there before me and continue to thrive after me. It is the paper and the community that deserve praise. It is the paper and the community that changes lives, including mine. All I did was hold down the fort.

After serving for three years as editor of the International Examiner, Chong-suk Han received his PhD in Social Welfare from the University of Washington. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Middlebury College.

I was hired on as the International Examiner’s staff writer in 1985, leading to a short stint as editor in 1989. When I first came on board, computers came with monitors as big as old portable TVs. IE had two computers, a brand called Morrow, and then later a Kaypro, in which the keyboard could be snapped onto the top of the drive, making for a “portable” suitcase—it was more like lugging lead. Glowing green text on a black background was what you stared at all day. The word processing program, Wordstar, moved the cursor around by using certain letters of the alphabet—there were no directional keys on keyboards then.

shooter in tow. Layout and graphic design got shuffled around on the monitor screen.

And, of course, the Internet had changed everything. No more typing in stories. You edited them as they arrived in your inbox.

And, that meant writing more copy. Stories Still, what a marvel computer word that I used to have the luxury of about a week processing was! Correcting mistakes on the to do during my first tour, then I often had to screen? Cutting and pasting, moving whole get ‘em done in a day. You want it when? chunks of text on the screen? Wooowww! WHAT HASN’T CHANGED Especially from the generation for whom Through it all, to me, IE’s raison d’être has the IBM Selectric and using Wite-Out was state of the art. The daisy-wheel printer always been: tacked out text at the speed of a super-typist, • To cover what the mainstream media yet text appeared on paper exactly the way does cover. Yes, daily news sources have a you had typed it onscreen. Oooohhh! Then lot less time to cover events and issues, but came the dot-matrix printer, even faster with when it comes to coverage of the local and its printing head sliding back and forth on national Asian Pacific Islander community, continuous perforated paper. Check that out! resorting to stereotypes and jumping to Hey, IE was state of the art, being that conclusions from a limited set of sources the contributors dropped off typewritten meets deadlines. IE provides the more inhard copy, and most of our time was spent depth alternative, from the API point of view. typing copy into the computer. As for the • To cover what the mainstream media graphic design and layout department, editor does not cover. Every issue of the IE takes Ron Chew and I would bring floppy disks care of that. Not only the major events and to Franklin Press in Pioneer Square. There, issues, but IE’s longtime arts coverage—are copy got spit out into columns to be laid you going to see that anywhere else? IE can’t out by hand. Even the thread-thin borders compete with the reach of the mainstream around photos were done by hand—surgery media, but better covered than not covered with an X-Acto knife. Mess it up, start all at all. over again. #%&*!!!

So, here’s to another 40 years of the IE When I signed up again as assistant providing us with the only, and the other. editor to Editor Nhien Nguyen from 2006 to 2007, I got knocked over the head by the Ken Mochizuki is the author of the speed at which info by then was processed children’s picture books Baseball Saved and produced, kicking my technically- Us; Heroes; Passage to Freedom: the dormant self into the 21st century. Of course, Sugihara Story; the young adult novel everything was computerized and digitized Beacon Hill Boys; and now also authors by that time. Reporters were required to take nonfiction history, including Meet Me At their own photos with digital cameras— Higo: An Enduring Story of a Japanese no more bringing the black-and-white American Family.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Travis Quezon

IE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Iwamoto, Vice President Arlene Oki Andy Yip Jacqueline Wu Steve Kipp

iexaminer@iexaminer.org

ADVISOR Ron Chew

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ryan Catabay

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Kathy Ho

ryan@RN2.co

editor@iexaminer.org

ARTS EDITOR Alan Chong Lau

advertising@iexaminer.org

VIDEOGRAPHER Tuyen Kim Than

BUSINESS MANAGER Ellen Suzuki

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR Holly Martinez

finance@iexaminer.org

Mochizuki

INTERN Chelsee Yee

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Vowel Chu PROOFREADER Anna Carriveau CONTRIBUTORS Diem Ly Nhien Ngyuen Dean Wong Bob Shimabukuro Chong-suk Han Steve Kofahl Rich Stohlz Rebecca Yeung Joshua Bessex Imana Gunawan Yayoi Winfrey

International Examiner 622 S. Washington St. Seattle, WA 98104 Tel: (206) 624-3925 Fax: (206) 624-3046 Website: www.iexaminer.org

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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014 — 3

IE OPINION

International Examiner midlife crisis: Moving forward after 40 years

By Nhien Nguyen IE Special Guest Columnist So this is 40. It’s hard to believe, but the International Examiner, and myself, are both turning 40 this year. The big 4-0 comes with mixed feelings, one being: “Wow, I am turning 40!” And the other being: “Ugh, I am turning 40?!”

The first thing that comes to mind when one turns 40 is that it’s midlife crisis time.

Elliott Jacques coined the term “midlife” in 1965 as a time when adults came to realize their own mortality and how much time is left in their life, according to our trusty Wikipedia resource. It’s a time of reflecting back on our achievements during our 30s of building relationships, making families, and establishing careers. We worked through our identity issues of figuring out who we were and we became responsible for building the lives we wanted as adults.

Looking back as editor of the IE during its 30s, I recall the challenges I had trying to delicately move the IE’s identity from grassroots activism to transforming it to reflect the newer generation who didn’t necessarily care about what those activists had done to build the community services and equal opportunities that were now available from the fruits of their labor. As a Seattle transplant, I was not raised with the consciousness of the International District activists—I had to learn about it

and get ingrained in the mindset of the ongoing work that had been done and still needed to be done in our communities.

I saw the IE’s 30s as a time to keep the activism alive while bridging the gap with the newer generation.

For me personally, my 30s were an incredible time of many ups and many downs. I had my dream job as editor of the IE, which melded my passions of fundraising, community work, and writing. I got married to who I thought was the man of my dreams and faced my worst nightmare of divorce. I got over my personal identity crisis as an Asian American and I began my existential crisis of finding my true Self. With a new focus on my spiritual journey, I also found my second career as a drug counselor.

Similar to journalism, I found another outlet for being nosy into people’s lives.

On the cusp of turning 40, with a better understanding about ourselves and the people around us, have we finally found ourselves? Toward the end of our 30s, we thought we had it all figured out, only to find out in our 40s that perhaps we didn’t really know who we were or what we wanted. Moving into the next phase of our lives, we ask the question, “Now what?”

The question of where do we go from here is a great one with no easy answer.

This is a time to look at how the IE can avoid stagnation and continue to grow.

days of acceptance and celebration of the diversity of others.

The IE can use its solid foundation in Seattle’s community coupled with today’s power of social media to make impacts across other neighborhoods around the country and even other countries. It would be fascinating to get a glimpse of the lives of other Asian Americans outside of Seattle and see how their communities are moving toward or moving away from embracing multiculturalism.

Nguyen

It’s a time to ask how can the IE impact the next generation on a deeper and more profound level.

Living in south Florida for the past three and a half years, I realize how good I had it living in Seattle where multiculturalism is a way of life, so much so that one can take that for granted while living there.

The IE can be a major force to help solidify and disseminate the values of a truly multicultural society, where having the first Asian-American/Latina, openly gay member as part of the state’s highest court is just another day among many

Looking back at the IE’s achievements over the past four decades, all the contributors to the newspaper and the community members that read and supported it have a lot to be proud of. Starting off in 1974 as a fourpage newspaper with the slogan, “The Heartbeat of the International District,” no one would have predicted that the IE would still be running strong in 2014 with a new slogan reflecting the newer generation, “Find Your InspirAsian.”

Let’s truly find our inspirAsian and take the IE into its fifties.

Nhien Nguyen (aka Sachi Ananda) was editor of the International Examiner from May 2002 to April 2008. She is currently a drug counselor working towards her master’s degree in mental health counseling. She lives in sunny South Florida, and yes, there are days she misses the rainy days of the Pacific Northwest.

Marijuana, money laundering, and mayhem:

Anecdotes from half a dozen years at the helm of the IE

By Diem Ly IE Special Guest Columnist

the way, who would give up steaming hot sticky rice with pork to talk to a newspaper?), my take-away lesson was this: Dim sum isn’t good cold. Second lesson: Don’t change. You’re also not doing your job if you try to please everyone or hide the truth.

I felt I grew from a child to an adult during my six years at the International Examiner. And I like to think I grew into a better person. If a lifetime could be compressed into half a dozen years, I came close to experiencing it. Just for kicks, let’s stroll down memory lane and I’ll explain more.

Now, it’s my opinion that as media, if you’re not threatened with a lawsuit, you’re not doing your job. The occasional office visit colored with the threat of a lawsuit or an angry call demanding an apology was a rare occurrence—but it did happen. One incident stands out. A few years back, I came into the office on a Saturday to work on the layout for the upcoming issue. A local businessperson I knew called me. He along with some friends were eating dim sum when a conversation sparked around a recent Examiner article profiling a local defense attorney. The lawyer specialized in representing clients accused of participating in illegal marijuana growing operations. The angle of the article focused on the attorney’s sympathetic view of his clients, all of who immigrated recently from Vietnam, experienced social and economic

Ly

barriers to securing employment, and perhaps most tragic of all, were easy prey to clever drug operators. The businessperson and his friends, all of who are Vietnamese, took offense to the story.

“It makes the Vietnamese community look bad,” one person explained. “You’re

Vietnamese—why would you want to show your people like that?” The phone was passed around the dim sum table. “I expect you to print an apology in the paper apologizing to all Vietnamese people,” another exclaimed. After speaking with nearly every person around the dim sum table, (by

Truth was not on the mind of a couple who, a year before my departure from the Examiner, proposed a not-so-sophisticated money laundering scheme. Before this, the only other time I heard of money laundering was in reference to Al Capone. The proposal requested I accept a $100,000 donation. The catch was I’d have to return all of the funds the following month to the donor. For fulfilling this transaction, I’d receive their patronage as a sponsor in the future. My answer was swift. It may not be money laundering, but I do prefer to keep our money clean.

Another fun story occurred on an early fall day. A local candidate for office and his campaign manager paid us a visit. Both complimented us as the “gateway to the Asian community.” They sought out not only our endorsement and the names and contacts of local community leaders, but also a quick lesson on Asian Community ANECDOTES: Continued on page 4 . . .

4 — May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE OPINION . . . ANECDOTES: Continued from page 3

101. My question posed to them: If you are running for office, shouldn’t you already know the community you want to represent? Election Day was two months away.

In a nutshell, I wasn’t going to provide a “101” to someone who had no prior interest or knowledge of a community, and reached out only to win an office. I realize this isn’t the first time it has ever happened. But the ID is our town and we don’t want the wrong person representing us. The smoking gun for me was the campaign manager’s use of two phrases in the conversation that did little to butter me up: “I’m colorblind,” he said, and, “Look, sweetheart …” How did I grow and develop into a better person here when I asked them to leave the office.

Taking a turn for the more positive, legal, less contentious, and heartwarming side of my time at the Examiner, are the people.

When you run a community newsroom, you learn to become a coach or therapist, to the staff: there’s the hypochondriac who is tormented by, well, everything; the delivery driver who says he could’ve made millions in the corporate world but chose not to while another driver smokes copious amounts of weed to ward off pain from his gout; and the graphic designer who moves office furniture every three months. I loved all of the people that came through our

doors. Their energy, colorful personalities, and quirks made our team both ahead of its game as well as rooted to its mission. After years of trying to control the mayhem and the personalities within it, I eventually learned how to navigate people’s strengths, communication differences, and motivations toward a common cause.

I learned a new trade while at the Examiner, too—one I hadn’t expected. When you work in a building a hundred years old, strange things happen: ice-cold drafts leave goose bumps and creaks from stairways perk up one’s ears. No, my new trade wasn’t as a ghostbuster—try something less superstitious (or awesome): maintenance person. The Examiner office has its fair share of bathroom inefficiencies, uneven carpet, windows better fit for a haunted attic, and chipped paint in a color that no longer exists. In one occasion, while working at my desk in the production room, a ceiling tile fell from 20 feet onto my keyboard, grazing my head close enough to blow wind through my hair. But best of all was the inexplicable broccoli smell emanating from under the stairs a few years ago. Sorting through the space looking for a dead rat or long-forgotten Tupperware case of food, we discovered an open-ended sewer pipe original to the building protruding from the wall. On the floor beneath it appeared to be scraps of a disintegrated rubber band and an ancient-

looking plastic sandwich bag, yellowed and crumbling, molded to the shape of the pipe.

Long ago, someone else must have detected that same broccoli smell, wrinkled their nose and devised a plastic contraption to seal it off—apparently not forever.

To sum up my Examiner life lessons, I appreciate this: After facing multiple angry confrontations, I learned there is hurt under anger. Address the hurt and you promote understanding. The money-laundering scheme to take advantage of our non-profit drove me to stand up for others. A candidate’s superficial desire to learn and gain from a community taught me that protecting the community was as critical to my role as it was in covering it. Running a newsroom and nonprofit with few resources and lots of personalities taught me humility. And maintenance work taught me, well, how masking tape can work with virtually every surface.

The Examiner is not your typical nonprofit. It’s not known for saving lives or getting kids into college. It’s not providing remote villages access to clean water or vaccines. It’s not even your run-of-themill newspaper. I mean, on any given day, activists stop by just to chat, the work of renowned Asian American artists lay on a table in the middle of being framed for an upcoming fundraiser, and the accountant is

teaching staff how to make mochi by hand in the front lobby.

As the Examiner enters middle age, it feels a lot older. At 40 years old, its pages witnessed massacres, grieved over murdered friends, celebrated the election of one of its own as governor, never backed down from opposing unjust treatment, and told the stories of countless people who— against all odds—achieved their own version of the American Dream.

What is the legacy of the Examiner and what’s in its future? All I know is somehow it has retained that grit, that street-smart savvy, and colorful character. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Diem served as the Editor in Chief of the International Examiner from 20082012. Prior to that, she worked as the IE Assistant Editor, a Morning News Writer for Northwest Cable News, and at the Assignment Desk at King 5 TV. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelors of Science, focusing on Neuropsychology, she worked in the PTSD clinic for women veterans at the Veteran’s Administration of Puget Sound before realizing her writing hobby could turn into a career. Today she works in External Affairs and Community Investment at Comcast (diem_ly@cable.comcast.com).

Ron Chew’s International Examiner legacy: Stories still need to be told

By Bob Shimabukuro IE Special Guest Columnist

“Wow, what kind of dish is that?” I asked. because I was exploring the notion of “comEveryone bursted out laughing. “You just munity inreach” as opposed to community have to wait and see what they bring out,” “outreach.”

“Well, Bob, the International Examiner’s giving me a lifetime achievement award. It’s kind of embarrassing, these awards, but they think they can raise money,” Ron Chew said, characteristically downplaying his worthiness.

“Look at the record. You’ve got a successful $23 million campaign,” I reminded him. “And don’t forget, I was the first one to use your name. Remember the Ron Chew Legacy Fund for the IE to buy equipment?

Everybody thought you were dying.”

Serena said.

Shimabukuro

ular column, and it became (depending on your view) a beacon of truth, straight talk, “I told them you weren’t, but it’s better diced out with a little humor, or just a bunch to honor someone when they’re alive than of stupid ramblings from an arrogant sansei when they’re dead,” I said. jerk. Which I wasn’t. Sansei, I mean.

It worked. We got a lot of donations. But Ron obviously thought I was the former the biggest was about $50. Most were in the rather than the latter, because when I moved $10 range. $23 million—you don’t get there to Seattle, he invited me to lunch with the with $10 donations, that’s for sure. staff while we discussed what he wanted.

I had heard about Ron Chew in the 1980s He felt at the time that I could inject some when I was working in Los Angeles at the much-needed humor and a little more life Pacific Citizen, the national newspaper for into the paper. the Japanese American Citizens League.

We were at the Ying Hei Restaurant, and The Pacific Citizen had a subscription for Ron to my surprise began ordering for evthe IE and I was impressed by the quality eryone. of the articles, good editing, and look of the “Ron thinks we take too long trying to paper. It also had a great following all over figure out what we want, so he just tells us the country. what to order,” Serena Louie told me.

I had a column in the Pacific Citizen Ron told Ken Mochizuki that he should which was often funny, satirical, angry, you know, whatever came into my mind when I get the “lo fan special,” which loosely transhad some space to fill. Then it became a reg- lated means, “white folks special.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Ron said.

We didn’t get the grant, but Ron liked Soon the waitress brought out the dishes. what I had written and he encouraged me to And Ken showed me his dish. “This is it, do more writing on community organizing Bob,” Ken said. “The lo fan special—squid and community stories. and cauliflower on rice.”

We have to keep supporting our institutions, which tell our history from our exThis is going to be easy, I thought, I could perience.

Already this year, we have seen just record the lunchtime discussions and attempts to question whether race and civil write them down and have my columns done rights played a part in Vincent Chin’s murin no time. der, model minority myths being brought up Of course, it wasn’t that easy. But as any- again via Tiger Mom, and Filipino American one who works with Ron finds out quickly workers’ partnership with Caesar Chavez that beneath that quirkiness and seemingly and the United Farm Workers being erased. lighthearted, friendly approach to the world For me personally, the International Exand his community, is a serious revolutionary spirit. And that made it a little more fun aminer staff was a great group to work with for me because we were on the same page, to learn what was going on in the commuin terms of what we wanted to accomplish. nity. And being friends with Ron opened a lot of doors for me. So did other members Ron knows there are a lot of stories in our of the IE staff and others I met on that first community that need to be told. Stories by day of the “lo fan special.” Older (or is it “elus, people in the community. After leaving der”?) IE former staff members, including the IE, Ron has continued to tell our com- Ron, still meet monthly to talk about “stuff” munity (individual and collective) stories old and new. while working at the Commission on Asian Things have changed. I haven’t noticed Pacific American Affairs, the Chinese Oral him trying to dictate what everyone should History Project, International Community eat.

Health Services, and, of course, the Ron Chew Legacy II, the Wing Luke Museum of Of course, we now order family style. And Asian Pacific American Experience.

Ying Hei is no longer. But it’s still better.

And I found myself studying what he does, and trying to codify it, one, because it was interesting to me, and, two, because I thought I could get a grant for him—community-organizing grant for a historical museum. It was a very creative piece, I thought,

Bob Shimabukuro is a former editor (1988 to 1990) and columnist of the International Examiner and is the author of Born is Seattle: The Campaign for Japanese American Redress.

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014 — 5

IE OPINION

International Examiner carries tradition of opening doors for APIs

By Dean Wong IE Special Guest Columnist

Internment Camp where their Japanese American parents were forced to live behind barbed wire fences with all their freedom stripped away. Guards treated Onodera as the enemy. “It was very galling to be in uniform, knowing there are our parents, still in camp. Perhaps there was a feeling of bitterness and anger,” he recalled.

It was an unmistakable sound, the clacking noise of Ron Chew’s typewriter at the University of Washington. I always knew where to find Ron at the School of Communication and he was always sitting behind a Smith Corona, a relic of the past in this modern age of laptops and smart phones.

A publisher once told me, “Your writing shows you care about people.” The general manager of another newspaper chain called me a prominent local historian. Others take pride in seeing my photography, because of the way it depicts our community.

Ron helped reinforce my interest in the printed media. As our friendship grew, I joined him at the International Examiner, which is now celebrating 40 years of service to the community.

After Ron became the editor of the International Examiner in the mid-1970s, he would call me to help deliver the newspaper.

I was touched by these compliments.

My work defines my life and place on this earth.

Sometimes I still write for the Examiner.

But I mostly read the stories written by a In the late 1980s and early 1990s, my new generation of writers. photography matured. As my vision with I pick up the Examiner to see what’s on the camera grew, the lens captured more their mind. It’s up to them to write what out of life in front of me, freezing decisive they think is important. moments in time.

Now my job is easy. I just read.

In 1984, there was Frank Valdez, an Occasionally I’ll go out with my camera, elderly hotel clerk in his room at the Alps seeking the next great image. It’s difficult The Examiner gave the Asian American Hotel. Valdez was a farm laborer, worked to find. community and the International District in the Alaska canneries, and spent time a voice. That’s journalism at its best. as a prizefighter before settling on King Remember to always support your Street in this dusty hotel. local community newspaper. Treasure the As a neighborhood publication, fact that you can still touch it and hold it the Examiner covered community I captured Andy Cheng returning from physically in your hands. By doing so, you preservation, low-income housing, civil the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Cheng’s are keeping a great tradition alive. rights, and healthcare and interviewed family waited for hours for his arrival.

Andy Cheng returns from the Persian Gulf War in 1991. • Photo by Dean Wong

In the time-honored tradition of a On a bad day, a stack of newspapers grassroots publication, Ron and his band of volunteers brought stacks of newspapers would break as you carried it across the to stores and restaurants up and down street or you got a parking ticket on your Chinatown route. On a good day, someone King Street.

Ron continued to serve as editor off and would say something nice about a story on throughout the 1980s, establishing a or photograph. Those were the rewards of solid reputation for himself as a serious community journalism. journalist. Under his leadership, the Examiner earned a reputation as a critical source of news and information for the Asian American community in the Northwest.

The California dream was always on my mind when I was young, so I moved to San Francisco for a few years, returning to Seattle in the fall of 1979. By then, Sue Chin was the editor and I began taking photography assignments. With a 35mm camera loaded with Kodak Tri-X film, I photographed community meetings, residents of the International District, and local events.

Back then, articles were written on typewriters, with handwritten editing in words and symbols. Stories were taken to a print shop, where typesetters would create columns in long sheets of paper. We ran these through wax machines, then cut the columns and aligned them on layout sheets. If we needed to fill space, we cut paragraphs and spaced them further apart.

The Examiner joined the computer age in the 1980s thanks to computer guru Greg Tuai. Eventually, the paper was produced on the early Macintosh Plus computers, which ran at a “snails” pace compared to today’s technology. It took 20 minutes to print half the classified page.

Distribution of the Examiner never benefited from the computer revolution. It was feet pounding the pavement with the strings around each bundle digging into our fingers.

Each staff member had a designated route, rain or shine. Each of us would load our cars with bundles of newspapers until the springs sagged and the engines groaned. Then we made the steep climb up Washington Street to our office at the Nippon Kan Building.

local residents whose ordinary lives made for interesting stories that defined us. These were stories not found in the mainstream media and the very reason why community press was so vital.

Rain was falling. As the plane landed, the sun came out. Crowds rushed the plane.

Andy was surrounded by his family, each member caught in a decisive moment of varying emotion.

During this period, editors Bob Shimabukuro, Danny Howe, and Jeff Lin gave me the opportunity to learn the craft of writing.

Lin especially, pushed me to sharpen my photography and to better express myself with the written word. People began recognizing me for my stories as well as my pictures.

Dean Wong has been photographing the Asian Pacific American community since the early 1980s. His photographs have been exhibited locally and at the Wing Luke Asian Museum. He volunteers with the International District Emergency Center and works at Asian Counseling and Referral Service. He grew up in Seattle’s Chinatown International District where his mother ran Re-New Cleaners and his father owned the Little Three Grand restaurant.

I did photo essays, feature articles, and personal commentaries. Lin would clear out the middle pages of the Examiner to publish photo essay stories. It was rare then and is rare now.

Ryan Rhinehart wanted to tell me about himself, after he was diagnosed with AIDS. He had stopped taking his medications because of the pain. He knew the end was near. He wanted to tell me his Eun Young Lee. • Photo by Dean Wong life story and I was there to listen. During his last days, he told me, “I can’t take it As a training ground for young anymore. I’m ready to die. I’m not afraid.”

Asian Americans, the Examiner gave Eun Young Lee felt people treated her photographers, writers, and illustrators differently.

She said the odds were stacked their first exposure to being published. against her because she was a woman, It’s a role that continues to this day short in stature, Korean, and had been under editor in chief Travis Quezon as blind from birth. “Having all those things he features the work of Asian Pacific against you gets me upset,” she said.

American journalists.

Dressed in his U.S. Army uniform, The Examiner gave me a chance to Kaun Onodera and his fellow 442nd learn photojournalism. soldiers stood at the gate of the Minidoka

Dean Wong explores his musical side today. • Photo by Owen Lei

6 — May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE OPINION

It’s time to raise wages and focus on policies to help immigrants

By Rich Stolz IE Guest Columnist

years, and during that timeframe, lower wage workers will have at least 100 million dollars more to spend in 2017 than if wages increased with inflation alone.

And while this raise for Seattle’s lowest paid workers will be unprecedented, economic studies suggest that creating a new $15 minimum wage would result in a $526 million stimulus to low wage worker households in the Seattle region, and boost wages and increase consumer demand.

As an organization grounded in the aspirations of immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle and across Washington State, OneAmerica has carefully weighed the potential impact of a $15 minimum wage. The compromise proposal presented by Mayor Ed Murray last week is one that we can support. The concerns raised by immigrant business owners are real, yet the compromises Still, there are real issues that a reflected in this proposal address many minimum wage increase cannot address of these concerns. on its own.

We also know that our work to ensure We are deeply concerned that it may that immigrant and refugee workers and get harder for immigrant and refugee businesses can thrive in Seattle is only workers with limited English skills to just beginning. find jobs in Seattle, particularly in the The Mayor’s proposal would require short term. That’s why we’re advocating large companies with more than 500 for new City investments in ESL employees, like Target and McDonald’s, programs in partnership with businesses to increase wages to $15 an hour by that can lead to better employment 2017.

Larger businesses that also options. Such a policy was part of the provide quality health care coverage mayor’s campaign platform, and we for their employees would have an must call on the mayor and City Council additional year to reach $15 in 2018. For to follow-through on his commitment smaller businesses, the phase-in period quickly. would last four years, increasing wages We are also acutely aware of the to $15 an hour by 2018. And smaller challenges facing very small mom businesses that also provide quality health care coverage and guarantee a and pop businesses and start-ups in minimum level of compensation to their immigrant and refugee communities tipped workers would be required to in Seattle, and there are a number of steadily increase their wages to $15 an actions that the mayor and City Council could begin to address now. For example, hour by 2021. the city could work with business and In more concrete terms, immigrant community leaders to simplify business workers earning the current minimum licensing processes, establish targeted wage today in a restaurant where they tax credits and provide technical support make tips and get healthcare would see to such businesses for longer periods their base wage slowly increase over of time. The city could also work to seven years until they make $15 an hour establish low-interest or zero interest in 2021, and immigrant workers at a lending and financing programs, create clothing manufacturer in the Sodo area or expand commercial insurance pools that make no tips but do receive health to help bring down business operating care would also see their wages slowly costs, and strengthen enforcement of increase over seven years to $15 an hour existing minority contracting laws and in 2021. In another example, workers in regulations. The city could also help an electronics store in north Seattle who to market and promote immigrant and make no tips and do not have healthcare refugee business districts. would see their wages increase over five Seattle is poised to make a powerful years until they made $15 and hour in statement about our commitment to 2019. addressing income inequality.

This amounts to a huge benefit for It’s time to raise wages, and it’s time Seattle’s minimum wage workers to turn our attention to other policies who are disproportionately women, that will ensure that our communities immigrants, and people of color. can and will prosper.

Today, more than 100,000 Seattle Rich Stolz is the executive director residents earn less than $15 an hour, half of them are older than 30 and a third of OneAmerica, which was formed of them are parents. The cost of living directly after September 11, 2001 has out-paced wage growth in Seattle, in response to the hate crimes and targeting Arabs, and we’ve seen firsthand how too many discrimination immigrant families and communities Muslims, and South Asians. Called are struggling to keep up, and in fact Hate Free Zone at the time, the falling further behind. organization expanded to organize As a result of this proposal, nearly half and advocate with many diverse of Seattle’s low-wage workforce would communities of color. OneAmerica see a significant and immediate boost in has now grown into a leading force for their wages over the next two to three immigrant, civil, and human rights.

Ethnic business community says ‘no’ to $15 minimum wage hike The following statement was written by the Ethnic Community Coalition, which is comprised of The Greater Seattle Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, The King County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and The Korean American Chamber of Commerce.

It was written prior to Mayor Ed Murray’s announcement detailing his minimum wage proposal last week.

community. Tam Nguyen of Tamarind Tree estimated he would pay $45,500 each month in additional wages and taxes.

“Even with a 30 percent price increase, how can I afford that?” said Nguyen.

The CIDBIA survey reported 79 percent of businesses would increase prices.

Washington Restaurant Association’s survey of 400 restaurant owners showed the wage hike would mean 82 percent of restaurants would raise prices, 69 percent would lay off some staff, and 45 percent Although Seattle’s proposed $15 would close business/declare bankruptcy/ an hour minimum wage increase has close a location.

Ethnic restaurant owners and shop been publicly debated since last fall, we local ethnic and immigrant small keepers like at Tamarind Tree and Lam’s business owners have just begun to Seafood will be disproportionately realize the negative impact the wage impacted. The University of Washington hike will have on our businesses and on research commissioned by the city’s our employees. For months, we tried to Income Inequality Advisory Committee ignore it. In the meantime, groups like reported most jobs that pay less than $15 15Now and the labor unions spoke on an hour are in the Accommodation and behalf of our traditionally quiet and Food Industry (63 percent) and in Retail Trade (48 percent). According to the U.S. underrepresented communities.

These groups argue Seattle’s proposed Census 2007 Survey of Business Owners, 61 percent minimum wage increase will Asians and Asian Americans own a 24 bring large scale economic benefits to percent share of the Accommodation and over 100,000 low wage workers, many Food Industry market in Seattle and 19 of whom are women and minorities. On percent of Retail Trade. This is relatively the surface, the wage increase will put high, considering Asians comprise less than 14 percent of the city’s population. more money into our pockets.

Since wage compression will likely But the proposed hike also will have result, it is still unclear to what degree the many unintended consequences for our income gap between minorities and whites small businesses. will close. Moreover, the extra income will First, we would need to reduce our not necessarily stay in Seattle to stimulate work force and increase productivity its economy—40 percent of low wage by hiring highly skilled employees to workers in Seattle live outside the city, compensate for fewer employees. Low- according to the University of Washington level workers with limited English study. may lose their jobs and they would We are aware there is great income have difficulty finding other work in inequality—50 percent of those surveyed such a competitive market. Over 10 by CIDBIA ‘strongly agreed’ an increase percent of low-wage workers in Seattle in minimum wage would reduce income “do not speak English well.” In a inequality.

It also means having fewer, survey of business owners conducted better paying jobs.

by Chinatown International District With all these reasons, why did we Business Improvement Association (CIDBIA), 71 percent would lay off ethnic small business owners wait until employees. Half of those surveyed said now to rally against this proposed wage they believed increasing minimum hike? wage would reduce income inequality, Because we were afraid to talk openly at the expense of jobs. with each other and with our employees— Second, we would upgrade our technology and use machines to do some work formerly done by hand.

For example, the people you see packing produce at Lam’s Seafood in Little Saigon would be replaced by automation.

Third, we would halt plans to expand our businesses in Seattle. Ethnic communities have been moving outside Seattle for years because of the city’s rising prices. This proposal would accelerate the migration of minorities from Seattle to the surrounding areas, a trend shown in the 2010 Census.

Fourth, we would have to raise prices on an already price sensitive

it’s not in our culture to make waves. We feared we would be accused of not wanting to improve the lives of our workers. We feared being bullied and boycotted.

Our fear clouded our ability to use the greatest weapon this country can give us: our voice.

Now, we’ve come together to say, “no,” to the proposed $15/hr minimum wage that would become effective next January. We need to determine a sustainable approach to economic growth that will be a win-win for both employees and employers and that will respect the diversity of our city.

—Ethnic Community Coalition

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014 — 7

IE OPINION

40 years with CAPAA: Changing with the times, looking to the future

By Amy Van and Jintana Lityouvong IE Guest Columnists

hope to change these generalized perceptions that are often harmful.

In the past decade, CAPAA’s work has spanned from assisting Hmong refugees acquire farmland to holding a health disparity summit in 2004, followed by a diversity business summit to help small businesses compete for state contracting opportunities.

Former director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) Ellen Abellera said that one of the best things that happened during her term was receiving funding from the state Legislature for the 2008 studies on the achievement gaps of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students in Washington’s public schools.

Commissioner Frieda Takamura eagerly supported this effort Abellera helped jumpstart. Takamura’s extensive background as an educator and education advocate made her the perfect candidate to chair CAPAA’s education committee having taught junior high and high school, and worked on the Human and Civil Rights Coordinator with the Washington Education Association.

Takamura, who joined the Commission in 2008, credits the foresight of individuals like Abellera and Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos who saw the need to uncover API achievement or opportunity gaps by requesting two separate studies, one for Asian Americans and one for Pacific Islanders. By examining educational data of API students in Washington at a disaggregated level, the researchers found hidden and invisible opportunity gaps among Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander students.

Most recently, the Commission released the first report to comprehensively describe the state of APIs in Washington and partnered with community groups in 2012 to convene two summits to raise the voices of Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander students and families in improving education.

Commissioner Frieda Takamura sharing lunch in the Vedic Cultural Center in 2010. • Courtesy Photo

informs the legislators, who in turn create As chair of the Economic Development policies; laws and policies help create Committee, Dash works to support and civil rights.” connect with small, minority-owned For Abellera, civic engagement is vital businesses. Despite language and cultural to bringing about change. Before Gov. barriers, he finds APIs to be incredibly Gary Locke appointed her executive enterprising people.

director in 2003, Abellera was a community volunteer for 10 years. As the president of the Filipino American Political Action Group of Washington (FAPAGOW), Abellera had experience in voter registration and engaging people in “Now after that study, the government the voting process. cannot generalize or stereotype or lump “We have a reputation of not really Asian Americans into one,” Abellera said. going to the polls,” Abellera said. “We The data dispelled the “model minority” myth of APIs in the education system and helped push for legislation to create the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee in 2009, to which Takamura now cochairs. The committee works to engage community members and policymakers alike to resolve the opportunity gaps for all students.

need to be politically aware of what’s going on. We need to be a part of the political process with a big number of us.”

In Commissioner Debadutta Dash’s view, influencing policymakers has never been an easy task for the API community.

“Because of the language barrier, because of the lack of understanding, people may think that they’re on their own, that nobody is there to help them,” The community engagement piece is Dash said. “So that’s what we do. We help pivotal to developing strategies that work, them with the state government.”

Takamura stresses. “The community

As the Commission looks toward a future that promises to bring significant demographic changes, community leaders hope to see the tradition of communitydriven leadership continue.

“Change will happen and I feel CAPAA and other community organizations and nonprofits have a role to play. They will be the catalyst for changes,” Dash said.

Abellera said it is important for more APIs to “adopt a culture of activism and volunteerism, because then they will not feel like someone is just telling them to do it. It’s coming from their inner core. They will claim ownership of that.”

“When I see the lack of finances is a major bottleneck for them to start a business, it really hurts,” said Dash, who was appointed in 2009. With the slowdown of the economy and lack of programs, “I see so much in our younger generations, small businesses have had challenges in especially in their ability to say aloud, getting the funds to even start. ‘this is good, but is it good enough?’” said CAPAA has been working to assist Takamura, who already sees that hope minority business owners in accessing state materializing. “The structure of CAPAA resources and services. The Commission is unusual, how fortunate are we to have often refers small business owners to the a body of representation, written in law, Office of Minority & Women’s Business to bring voices of APAs at the decisionEnterprises (OMWBE), which works making level?” to ensure equity and opportunity for This series of op-eds are written to minorities and women. celebrate, reminisce, and highlight the Dash, like Takamura, has observed the Commission on Asian Pacific American large growth in the API community in Affairs 40th Anniversary.

The Washington in the last decade, particularly anniversary celebration will take place among South Asians and Southeast Asians. on May 15, 2014. Please visit http://www.

With large disparities among the different capaa.wa.gov/about/40.shtml for longer communities and stereotypes of financial articles and for more information. and academic success, both commissioners

COMMUNITY LETTER

InterIm CDA names Andrea Akita as executive director, continues mission for APIs The Board of Directors of InterIm Community Development Association (InterIm CDA) is pleased to announce the selection of Andrea Akita as its new Executive Director. We are thrilled that Andrea will lead and continue InterIm CDA’s long-standing work to promote resiliency in Asian and Pacific Islander, immigrant, and refugee communities through culturally and linguistically responsive community building. Her appointment comes at an exciting time for our organization, as we start construction on Hirabayashi Place, expand our housing stability services, build

new programs for the community garden, where she planned and developed housing and forge new partnerships to address stability and supportive services programs growing needs of the communities we serve. to reduce and end homelessness. She has Andrea is a respected leader with a career served as the Housing Services Manager dedicated to human services, affordable for the Northwest AIDS Foundation and housing, and community development. She has worked as a program officer for the has more than 20 years of experience in Washington Community Development nonprofit and local government organizations Loan Fund. that share InterIm CDA’s vision of building culturally rich communities where all people thrive. Prior to joining InterIm CDA in September 2013, Andrea was a manager in the Seattle Human Services Department,

In addition, Andrea has trained with the Seattle Culinary Academy at Seattle Central Community College, where she had unique opportunities to work with local chefs and farmers and experience the farm-to-table connection first-hand.

As Andrea begins her new leadership role, please join us in congratulating her. We Andrea holds dual Masters degrees in thank you for the ongoing support you have Urban & Regional Planning and Public provided to InterIm CDA so that we can do Administration from the University of what we do—in the past, present, and future.

Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UCLA. —InterIm CDA

8 — May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT Chi Sigma Alpha hosts 10th annual Music 4 Life IE News Services The University of Washington’s Chi Sigma Alpha will be hosting its 10th annual awareness concert on May 16 called Music 4 Life.

Music 4 Life benefit show has been held yearly as Chi Sigma Alpha’s main fundraiser for their local and national philanthropies. Music 4 Life aims to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and UW’s Experimental Education Unit (EEU) while showcasing the talents of community members.

Asian American Youtube star David Choi will be headlining the show.

Other acts include Chi Sigma Alpha Dance Team, Hana_B, I’m with Amy, JRodTwins, Leanna Le, Roland Arii, Sendai Era, and UW Bollywood Kahaani Dance Team.

Chi Sigma Alpha works directly with The Make-A-Wish Foundation (Northwest Region) and aids in fundraising to help local (and national) children’s dreams come true. The sisters also help prepare special care packages for the children who travel the distance for their life-long wishes to come true.

In the EEU program, children with neurological injuries (including autism and Down syndrome) can take classes with teachers specialized in helping these children gain an ordinary Choi education. During parent-teacher meetings, Chi Sigma Alpha National Sorority, Inc. volunteers to play with and babysit the children on a regular basis during the school year. Chi Sigma Alpha continues its support for the EEU by volunteering for the Annual EEU Gala, which raises thousands of dollars to fund the EEU and provide education for the enrolled children of low-income families at no cost.

Music 4 Life Friday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m.

University of Washington, Kane Hall 130 Presale tickets $12, VIP tickets $30 Online pre-sale tickets available at http:// uwmusic4life.brownpapertickets.com

Trial of former Police Chief Jeffrey Chen’s discrimination case postponed

By Chelsee Yee IE Contributor

• December 2010—Bolasina interviews Chen about complaints of unauthorized activity and asks to review his Back in June 2010, the City of Medina documentation. Chen resigns two days hired Jeffrey Chen, a Chinese American, later but later revokes it and is placed on as their Police Chief—a distinguished role administrative leave. responsible for the control and supervision • January 2011—Chen provides a over their policy developments and memorandum contradicting his earlier program implementations. statements to Bolasina.

A year later, Chen filed a lawsuit • February 2011—Chen faces an against the City of Medina and City internal investigation, which finds Manager Donna Hanson on the basis of evidence of misconduct: voiding racial discrimination after a controversial citations for influential Medina residents, resignation that later became an using his work vehicle to take vacation, administrative leave order before paying for gas with the City’s credit card, resulting in his full dismissal. and attempting to access the City’s email Chen was awarded $2 million in archive. damages for his dismissal on grounds • April 2011—Chen resigns and files a of racial discrimination. However, in lawsuit against the City of Medina on the what The Seattle Times describes as basis that he was dismissed because of his “an extraordinary legal turnaround,” the federal judge vacated the jury’s race. Chen claims that city officials and verdict, concluding that Chen’s lawyer, employees made derogatory statements Marianne Jones, had improperly and racial slurs about his heritage, such influenced the members of the jury as being referred to as a “Chinaman” and in seeing Chen as a victim of racial “a regular Charlie Chan.” discrimination.

• March 2013—After 11 days of trial, the jury was in favor of Chen who was The judge called for a new trial, which awarded $2 million in damages, which has thus been postponed from April 28 included back pay, loss of income, and to July 28, 2014. It is scheduled to take $100,000 in emotional damages. place in the Western Washington District Court.

Captain Amerigroup says,

“Can you find the hidden foods that are part of the five food groups?”

Chen v. The City of Medina is a confusing case that continues to hit the headlines during its final finger-pointing playoff. The controversy has raised important discussion points for the APA community in how race is not only handled in the legal context but also in the larger contemporary society.

Below is a timeline of events to help readers understand the case in its full context:

• June 2010—The City of Medina hires Jeffrey Chen who had since served the department since 2001 and later became the interim chief of police in early 2004.

• November 2010—The City’s insurer hired attorney Michael Bolasina to provide legal advice following reports of unauthorized access into its records.

The five food groups that keep your body healthy and fit are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats and dairy. Can you find these foods in your neighborhood?

• Cheese

• Banana

• Broccoli

• Chicken leg

• Apple

• Orange

• Fish

• Carrot

• Oatmeal

• Shrimp

• Milk carton

• Egg

Amerigroup is a culturally diverse company. We welcome all eligible individuals into our health care programs, regardless of health status. If you have questions or concerns, please call 1-800-600-4441 (TTY 1-800-855-2880) and ask for extension 34925. Or visit www.myamerigroup.com.

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• August 2013—U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly issues an order of reversal soon that nullifies the previous verdict, which was determined that the members of the jury were subjected to the prosecutor’s innuendo rather than evidence to establish a racial motivation in Chen’s case.

• January 2014—Judge Zilly issues a new trial, the first in his 25 years on the bench, for April 28, which has now been postponed to July 28. Chen’s attorney has since submitted a new “supplemental economics damage report” that was rejected by the court. According to Chen, the judge is “allowing the supplemental report in but will permit the city a continuance to depose the new economics expert.”

For more information, visit http://www. courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/694294.pdf.

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014 — 9

IE NEWS

Seattle Neighborhood Summit incites conversation, but no solutions

By Joshua Bessex IE Contributor

Other parts of the summit included over a dozen government and community booths— Seattle Fire Department and Emergency Management to the Waterfront for All Project— organized farmers-market style near the back of the hall.

The “Seattle Freeze” is a very real thing according to the “Civic Health Index” survey presented at the Seattle Neighborhood Summit on April 5.

The event, held in the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, drew a crowd of about 600 people in an attempt by Mayor Ed Murray to bring neighborhoods together and start conversations.

The greater Seattle region ranked 37th out of 51 large metropolitan areas when it came to exchanging favors with neighbors and 48th in how frequently people speak with their neighbors, said Diane Douglas, executive director for the Seattle City Club, who presented the club’s findings.

While Murray did not specifically respond to the findings by the Seattle City Club, he did express a need for communication between neighborhoods.

“This summit is about engagement,” said Murray during his opening speech. “We have to be able to listen to each other.”

Discussions near the booths were so loud that Murray often paused the speakers to shush the crowd.

In the end, many of the attendees were happy to have their voices heard but felt that Alan Lai, from the Chinese Information and Service Center, speaks during a discussion session at the 2014 the summit wasn’t enough on its own and Neighborhood Summit held at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on April 5. • Photo by Joshua Bessex that Murray’s office needs to take the next When Douglas asked audience members from their community. During the sum- steps. to share things that make them proud of their mit, someone handed Lai a letter written “I think they should go back, and visit and neighborhoods, many attendees spoke about in Chinese pleading with the mayor’s ofsee what people said and then maybe three fice to help fix public transportation in problems with zoning laws. or four months later say we heard your con“I can’t say I heard what I was proud of,” Chinatown. cerns, your questions, and this is what we Hodan Mohamed, from South Seattle, ex- have done so far,” Mohamed said. said Linda Clifton from the Fremont Counpressed a need for more public safety in the cil.

Mohamed also expressed the need for “I heard we really need a change in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. more inclusion and an interpreter at the next “Rainier Beach is one of the most violent event. design review process so that new buildings going in single-family zones and every- neighborhoods, it’s not safe,” Mohamed said.

“There was a lot of families here where where get better design reviews so we can “We need some kind of patrol in the area.”

English is not a first language,” she said. live by them more comfortably.”

To address transportation, the mayor Seward Park resident David Okimato exDorothy Wong and Alan Lai from the called for public input about the new pressed similar views and called the summit Chinese Information and Service Center SDOT director. Attendees called for some“a start” but expressed disappointment at the were at the event to help coordinate com- one who uses transit services, understands lack of solutions he heard. munity members and translate concerns the geographical challenges presented by

The summit included talks from Douglas, former Seattle Councilmember Jim Street, and a community question-and-answer session for people to discuss what they want to from members of the Chinese community. the region—especially snow—and could “I’d give [the summit] a C as a beginning,” see in the next Seattle Department of Trans- They said public safety and transportation balance support for many types of trans- Okimato said. “It depends on where it goes portation Director. from here.” were the two biggest concerns coming portation.

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10 — May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE NEWS

Small businesses gather in ID to oppose $15 minimum wage

By Rebecca Yeung IE Contributor

It is shown in the same research that with a 10 percent increase in minimum wage, the operating costs for restaurants will increase by 1 to 2 percent. The increase of payroll cost can also be absorbed by reduced turnover costs and small price raises in the menu.

More than 80 representatives of small and minority businesses gathered at New Hong Kong Restaurant on April 23 to voice their opinions and concerns about a proposed Seattle minimum wage hike.

However, there is not enough evidence that shows the San Francisco study can apply to other cities. With the 60 percent raise, business owners are worried that the payroll costs will outgrow the profit, as most of the small businesses make less than $50,000 per year, said Trong Pham, President of the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce.

The Ethnic Community Coalition held a “save immigrant jobs and businesses” forum at New Hong Kong Restaurant in the International District for immigrants and small business owners to speak directly to Seattle City Council members about their concerns regarding an increase in the minimum wage.

Councilmembers Sally Clark and Jean Godden attended the forum.

Many business owners agreed that income inequality is an important issue Lan Tran owns Tony’s Bakery and Deli that needs to be discussed and accept a and Banh Mi Unwrapped and has about 13 small raise in the minimum wage. But they employees. Tran said that with the raise of cannot afford a 60 percent jump, they said. minimum wage, she will have to close or David Leong, Vice President of the relocate her businesses.

Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said As an owner of insurance agencies, that with the bad economy, raising the Lawrence Pang, board member and minimum wage to $15 is unreasonable. past president of Chinese Chamber of “If the economy is strong, if the businesses are doing well, why not? I would give bonuses to my staff,” he said.

“But the world economy is bad. If you are talking about Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, … they are going to do good no matter what. But Boeing and Microsoft are not going to uphold the economy.”

“I would rather work for $12 an hour for years until the economy gets strong [than getting fired]. Having some income is better than having no income,” Leong The UW Evans Schools of Public said.

Affairs expects that with the increase of Loeng was disappointed that only two minimum wage, the poverty rate will drop from 13.6 percent to 9.4 percent given the councilmembers attended the forum. “It’s same employment and hours. Food stamp disappointing,” he said. “Heart breaking benefits for a minimum wage worker … We voted them in.” family will also drop from $348 to $75.

Mike Sotelo, president of King County Researchers at UC Berkeley have found Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also that in San Francisco, the family poverty questioned if the council really understood rates and the enrollments in public their needs and could represent them when assistance programs, such as food stamps, there were so many empty seats for the decrease as the minimum wage increases. councilmembers in the forum.

Seattle Councilmembers Sally Clark and Jean Godden answer questions after the Ethnic Community Coalition forum. • Photo by Rebecca Yeung

Commerce, said his biggest cost is payroll.

“We have no food product, my main cost is wages,” he said. “Sixty percent jump? I’m leaving. I can’t afford it, I will leave Seattle.”

Pang is also worried that with the raise, people outside of Seattle will arrive to compete with local employees, which Washington currently has the highest defeats the purpose of helping the lowestminimum wage in the nation at $9.32 waged workers. per hour. Connecticut has passed an Multiple representatives, including ordinance to raise its minimum wage to $10.10 by 2017. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray Susanna Tran, daughter of Lan Tran, is currently proposing a phased-in $15 expressed that for the immigrant community, these businesses not only minimum wage. provide them job opportunities, but also “I support fixing the income inequality teach them skills, provide them with care gap, I agree the minimum wage should be and help, and provide a place to connect raised,” I-Miun Liu, owner of Oasis and with the community. Clark guessed that Eastern Café said. “I don’t agree going up with the increase in the minimum wage, to $15 right away.” we would see more Pizza Huts and With about 40 employees, Liu pays McDonald’s instead of more New Hong about $13,000 every two weeks and Kong. $4,000 in taxes on top of that. With the “A lot of current business owners were minimum wage increase, not only will the my parents’ employees,” said Susanna cost of payroll go up, but the tax as well. Tran. “Minimum wage is a starting point Liu said that he may have to stop his plan for everybody. They learn the skills and of expanding the business and increase open their own business.” the menu prices.

Turn playing on the bed into a brain-building moment!

The first 5 years are when children’s brains grow the fastest, so connecting with them now will make a big difference tomorrow.

Small business owners gather to have their voice heard. • Photo by Rebecca Yeung

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014 — 11

IE NEWS

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announces details of minimum wage plan • Large businesses (businesses with 500 or more employees, either in Seattle or nationOn May 1, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray ally) will reach $15 per hour in three years. The announced the details of a plan to raise Se- wages of employees who receive health care attle’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, the benefits will reach $15 per hour in four years. highest of any major city in the nation.

Previously, Murray had announced some “Seattle workers are getting a raise,” Mur- guiding principles of the proposal while it was ray said in a statement. “Throughout this still under negotiation. Included among these process, I’ve had two goals: to get Seattle’s principles is the agreement that once $15 per low-wage workers to $15-per-hour while hour is reached, future increases will be tied also supporting our employers, and to avoid to the consumer price index; and no industry, a costly battle at the ballot box between organization, or class of employers is exempted competing initiatives. We have a deal that I from any provisions of the deal except as probelieve accomplishes both goals.” vided under state and federal law.

Murray said the plan has the confirmed The Ethnic Community Coalition (which is support of 21 of 24 members of his Income comprised of The Greater Seattle Vietnamese Inequality Advisory Committee (IIAC), a Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Seattle group convened in December with represen- Chinese Chamber of Commerce, The King tatives from Seattle’s employer, labor, and County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, non-profit communities to address the press- and The Korean American Chamber of Coming issue of income equality in Seattle. merce) recently formed to speak out against The IIAC-supported plan lays out the fol- raising the minimum wage to $15. The group said a minimum wage increase would affect lowing framework: low-level workers with limited English who • Small businesses (businesses with fewer may lose their jobs and would have difficulty than 500 employees) will reach a $15 per finding other work in such a competitive marhour minimum wage in seven years. Also ket; halt plans for business expansion; and raise established is a temporary compensation re- prices. sponsibility of $15 per hour to be met within On April 1, Murray met with ethnic media the first five years, which can be achieved by combining employer-paid health care contri- to discuss a number of issues, among them butions, consumer-paid tips, and employer- minimum wage concerns. The International Examiner asked the mayor: “If the minimum paid wages.

there are people in this community, immigrants and immigrant-owned businesses, who are concerned about how we proceed with the $15 minimum wage because it’s been portrayed as somewhat differently in the mainstream press. So that will happen if we don’t do this right. Someone will lose their job because a restaurant, and most restaurants I realize make a lot of money, but most restaurants operate on a margin and a 60 percent hike, and what they would pay people at once, is far higher than their probably four-to-eight percent margin in a small restaurant in a neighborhood. Maybe two percent.”

IE News Services

A conversation among business owners on the $15 minimum wage proposal will wage is raised to $15, and a business owner take place in the International District as has to make a choice of letting someone go, part of the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamwill they let go the non-English speaking ber of Commerce monthly luncheon on Friday, May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. immigrant and keep the other person?”

The luncheon, called “$15 Minimum Murray replied: “I think if we raise the Wage: Survival Tips for Minority Busiminimum wage too high, too fast that’s exnesses,” will feature SCIDpda executive actly what will happen. And what worries me is, we hear a lot of concern about the director Maiko Winkler-Chin and business waitstaff, and we should. But I’m just as owners Taylor Hoang and Lawrence Pang. concerned about people at the back of the Current Chinese Chamber members who house, the dishwashers, who often, are the register and pay online by 10:30 a.m. May most recently arrived people in this coun- 9 will pay $15. New members are also $15. try, who often had some of the biggest lan- Paying at the door is $20. guage challenges. So that’s why I believe For more information, email luncheon@ that we need to do this and we need to do seattlechinesechamber.org. this smart. And we need to understand that

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray speaks to ethnic media on April 1. • Photo by Travis Quezon

12 — May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE COMMUNITY

Comcast Cares Day—ID Spring Clean brings neighborhood together

By Chelsee Yee IE Contributor On Saturday, April 26, more than 500 local Comcast employees, community partners, their families, and friends took to the streets of Seattle’s historic ChinatownInternational District as part of Comcast Cares Day- ID Spring Clean.

Working side-by-side with volunteers, nonprofits, and businesses, it was a day for Comcast to bring local communities together in its mission to beautify and revitalize the home to many of our APIs.

Comcast Cares Day-ID Spring Clean included the following projects (among many others): • Pressure-washing sidewalks and organizing a widespread trash pick-up

• Painting over graffiti and cleaning culturally significant artwork, such as the fish designs on the I-5 pillars • Restoring the Danny Woo Community Garden

• Giving a makeover to the Asian Counseling and Referral Service Food Bank • Painting the offices of the International Examiner

Comcast has worked closely with the CIDBIA, SCIDpda, ICDA, City Year, and other non-profits to make this day successful.

Here’s a glimpse of the big day.

Photo by C. B. Bell, III Photographer, www.cbbell.com

Photo by C. B. Bell, III Photographer, www.cbbell.com

Photo by C. B. Bell, III Photographer, www.cbbell.com

Courtesy Photo

Tweeted by Asian Counseling and Referral Service’s Twitter account (@ ACRSNews): “EVERYONE gets involved in the #ccday #Zumba warmup!”

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014 — 13

IE COMMUNITY

Night Market: A slice of Taiwanese life to take over UW’s Red Square

By Imana Gunawan IE Contributor A University of Washington student group aims to recreate a slice of Taiwanese life this May, right on the UW campus.

Taiwanese Student Association’s (TSA) annual Night Market will be held at UW’s Red Square on the evening of May 10.

“Our goal is to spread the culture and the people of Taiwan,” said Henry Lin, UW senior and TSA president.

Night markets are prominent cultural events in Taiwan, Lin explained. The group’s goal is to recreate that event in Seattle in order to spread Taiwanese culture to the greater Seattle community.

The Night Market will feature food vendors and performances from Youtube star Clara C, New Heights, and Lions Ambition. Students will also have the opportunity to perform during the event.

Taiwan, it’s actually more diverse than just Taiwanese food,” Chen said.

Chen said in recent years, there has been a surge in immigrants from Vietnam and Thailand in Taiwan, which added to the diversity in cultures represented through the traditional night markets. He said that TSA would like to replicate that environment.

“What you would see in a night market in Taiwan, you’ll find at the Night Market at UW,” he said.

Lin hopes that in the future, the Night Market could further expand to become a street fair-like event that could be held on the streets of the University District instead of just on Red Square.

As for this year’s event, the group hopes that the event can go smoothly and set new standards for the TSA Night Market, Chen said.

“One of the most important Students and community members visit a vendor at the Taiwanese Student Association’s Last year, the event attracted about Night Market last year, which attracted about 4,000 visitors. This year, TSA is expecting Taiwanese aspect that we want to share 4,000 people, according to Lin. This year, an even bigger turnout. • Photo courtesy of TSA UW is the welcoming culture and attitude they are expecting an even bigger turnout. of Taiwanese people,” Lin said. “The “This year, to accommodate that ... we are This year, the Night Market is “In previous years, we’ve focused almost whole event is a family event but at the enlarging the night market in terms of space,” incorporating vendors that will sell exclusively on [traditional] Taiwanese same time, anyone can come.”

Lin said. “Last year we had 12 vendors, this food from other cultures, said Ted cuisines ... but this year we’ve expanded TSA UW Night Market 2014 happens year we have 15. Space-wise, we’re expanding Chen, UW graduate student and to include Vietnamese and Thai cuisine Saturday, May 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 down to the Meany Hall area.” general officer for TSA. because when you go to a night market in p.m. at UW Red Square.

14 — May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE COMMUNITY

Newly-appointed Justice Mary Yu first Asian-American/ Latina, first openly gay member of state’s highest court Yu earned her bachelor’s degree in that I can to remember that the trial court remains the place where the law is religious studies from Rosary College Gov. Jay Inslee appointed King actually applied to everyday life.”

(Dominican University), a master’s in County Superior Court Judge Mary Yu Yu will be sworn in later this month. She theology from Mundelein College of to the Washington State Supreme Court Loyola University and her law degree on May 1. Yu will fill the seat of Justice will run for election this fall for the two from the University of Notre Dame Law Jim Johnson who retired from the court years remaining in Johnson’s six-year term. School. earlier this week due to health issues.

“That combination of experience “I believe it is clear to everyone that has allowed Judge Yu to see the realYu, age 56, grew up in Chicago as the Judge Yu has both the qualifications and life impacts our legal system has on a daughter of two immigrants who met at experience to sit on our Supreme Court. And a factory, her mother from Mexico and diverse population,” Inslee said. her personal story adds a unique perspective her father from China. The judge will be Yu was appointed to King County that is important as our state’s demographics the first Asian-American and Latina on Superior Court by former Gov. Gary continue to shift,” Inslee said. the state Supreme Court. She will also Locke. She subsequently was reelected be the first openly gay member of the to the seat four times. state’s highest court.

In 2011, Yu received the Outstanding IE News Services

Yu has served 14 years on the King County Superior Court, was a top deputy in the King County Prosecutor’s Office under the late Norm Maleng and began her public service career working for the Archdiocese of Chicago, first as an associate and then director of the Office for the Ministry of Peace and Justice.

“Trial court judges, at every level of court, are the workhorses of our system of justice,” Yu said. “I am proud to come from their ranks and will do all

Judge of the Year Award from the Washington State Bar Association, with current Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González, for work in researching and exposing racial disparity in Washington state’s criminal justice system. A task force they formed with Seattle University School of Law Professor Robert Chang drew attention to a system where communities of color faced a disproportionality of arrests, the imposition of more severe penalties and higher rates of incarceration.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Shiosaki and Murray • Courtesy Photo

Meet and greet Seattle’s First Gentleman IE News Services Nikkei Community Network is presenting a “Meet and Greet” with Michael Shiosaki, a Sansei born in Spokane, who is Seattle’s First Gentleman as the husband of Mayor Ed Murray.

This is an opportunity to meet Shiosaki and Murray together.

The “Meet and Greet” happens on Monday, May 12 at the Nagomi Tea House, 519 6th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98104. A tea ceremony takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The reception is from 7:00 p.m.

Shiosaki and Murray married in 2013 to 8:00 p.m. after 22 years when same-sex marriage $5 parking is available in the front lot. was legalized in Washington state.

Light refreshments will be served. The Shiosaki is the director of planning and event is free. development for the Seattle Parks and To RSVP, contact elaine@hokubeihochi.

Recreation Department. org or (206) 623-0100 by May 9.

YOUR OPINION COUNTS Please share your concerns, your solutions, and your voices.

Send a letter to the editor to editor@iexaminer.org with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.”

Yu

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014 — 15

IE COMMUNITY

Asian Hall of Fame brings national focus to Asian Pacific Americans

By Chelsee Yee IE Contributor

youths in education and football skills as part of his community service to local Washington high school programs, Founded in 2004, the premier initiative Samoan organizations, and the larger APA of the Robert Chinn Foundation has led community. to an annual event in the Asian Pacific “The Asian Hall of Fame is important American community: the Asian Hall for all APAs because it shows the wide of Fame. It’s the only event of its kind breadth of opportunities that have to bring a national focus to the personal opened up to all APAs,” said honoree achievements of APAs who contribute to Norman Mineta.

“It shows that with selfthe American experience and continue to determination, perseverance, hard work, inspire the next generation. good mentoring and networking, there are This year, the Asian Hall of Fame will all kinds of opportunities to pursue — even be held at the Fairmont Olympic in Seattle, those which were felt to be unattainable or honoring the following individuals: closed in the past.”

Nathan Adrian, Norman Mineta, Grace Mineta has made a significant impact Park, and Manu Tuiasosopo. through his long political career as the “I am extremely honored to be the first former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Samoan Pacific Islander included in the Mayor of San Jose, and member of the Asian Hall of Fame,” said Tuiasosopo, a U.S. House of Representatives. He was former NFL player and first-round draft also the longest-serving Secretary of choice for the Seattle Seahawks. “I am Transportation in the history of the delighted for the positive exposure this position, and today, he serves as the experience will bring to our Samoan Vice Chairman of Hill & Knowlton, a families and culture.” leading international communications Tuiasosopo has played for five seasons consultancy, providing services to local, before receiving NFL All-Rookie honors multinational and global clients. in his first year as a pro. Today, he spends “My heritage and the experience of his seasons helping coach and counsel those of Japanese ancestry has driven

me in many of the actions of my career in public service,” he adds. “As I reflected and acted on these needs of the Japaense American community, I came to realize that the totality of the Asian American Pacific Islander community was not much different. Therefore, I have in the last 10 to 15 years been more devoted to the idea of Pan Asian community needs.”

would say that there is a disproportionately low number of Asians as professional athletes. I take pride in trying my best to be a role model to show young Asian American boys and girls that they are only limited by the size of their dreams.”

Though Adrian has proved himself to be a world-class swimmer, holding the American record in the 50 and 100-yard Grace Park, known for her role in freestyle events, he also aspires to be a Battlestar Galactica and Hawaii Five- leader in public health and to influence 0, also recognizes the importance her policy and patient care. heritage has in her many life achievements.

The Robert Chinn Foundation invites you “There is a liberty that exists with to join them on Saturday, May 31 at 6:00 the ability to float between two cultural p.m. to celebrate this year’s honorees and worlds,” she said. “It allows one to be more their contributions to the APA community. aware of oneself, as apart from society, as After the cocktail and silent auction, the well as feeling one can choose which rules program will commence at 7:00 p.m., led to play by. Perhaps this influenced me to by emcee Mimi Jung of KING 5 Television strive for what I wanted, even if I were to who will guide the rest of the evening. obtain it, I always had the other society’s Guests can look forward to a night of a perspective to bring it into balance.” celebration and entertainment, including Nathan Adrian, three-time Olympic performances by Morning Star Korean gold medalist swimmer and another one Cultural Center. Be sure to get your tickets of this year’s honorees for the Asian Hall now as tables are being reserved fast. of Fame, also takes notice in his own life. General admission is $200. For more “My heritage is something that I have information, visit www.asianhalloffame. always been aware of, however, some org.

2014 Northwest Folklife Festival showcases arts, music from India IE News Services It’s been the tradition of Northwest Folklife to celebrate at its signature festival event each May one of the many cultures that make up the greater Pacific Northwest. This year, Northwest Folklife will showcase a history of east Indian traditions, styles, and identities across six different stages at Seattle Center.

“Folklife works with over 100 communities each festival,” lead programmer Kelli Faryar said. “Most of our community showcases are framed in a two-to-three hour window, which is only a glimpse into who and what these particular communities thrive on and the traditions that they are passing along.

Our cultural focus allows us to further engage a community and showcase who they are not just at the festival, but throughout the year and with a much greater platform.”

opportunities for cultural integration from young to old of the community.

IAWW also fosters those activities that enhance mutual understanding and appreciation between the IndoAmerican community and mainstream American community. Here are some highlights from the 2014 Northwest Folklife Festival’s cultural focus on India:

• Bollywood Show (Exhibition Hall—Friday, 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.): An array of Bollywood Dance performances curated by Mollie Singh, director and curator of Bollywood Seattle. The “Bollywood Show” gives audiences a chance to experience various Bollywood dance styles, Indian folk dance, and the Bollywood story through this dance form. Featuring Vibha Srinivasan, Queen Harish, UW Bollywood Kahaani, Nachle, Bolly Dance Moves, UW DangeRaas Dawgs, The 2014 Northwest Folklife Festival, Bollywood Seattle, Desi Girls, Bhangrea which takes place May 23 to 26, offers with Chi. an opportunity to learn more about the • Color & Cultures of India (Bagley Indian community of the Northwest Wright Theatre—Saturday, 11:00 through panels and discussions, films, a.m. to 1:00 p.m.): A popular, classical dance and music presentations, visual Indian dance style, Kathak originated arts, and even a chance to learn how to in ancient northern India, and contains dance Bollywood. traces of temple and ritual dance. The This year, Northwest Folklife has “Colors & Cultures of India” showcase been working closely with The India will feature an elaborate array of allAssociation of Western Washington ages Kathak dance performance from (IAWW) on the event. IAWW provides areas with other Indian dance styles a common identity to the Indian interwoven. Featuring Leela Kathak community and facilitates cultural, Dancers, Nupur Dancing Superstars, social, educational services, and Anga Kala Kathak Academy, Urvasi

music from first-time Folklife groupperformers Junior Tabla Eastside, a Carnatic music presentation from internationally-known artist Priya Raghav, as well as presentation of Indian instrumental music from the students of Anjali Music School. Featuring Junior Tabla (Group Indian Drumming), Proya Raghav (South Indian Classical Vocal), Vadya Vrinda (Indian Instrumental Music).

• Fashion of India (Exhibition Hall—Sunday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.): Àtiz Fashion House presents “The Fashions of India: Then and Now.” Catch a live catwalk-style fashion show at the Folklife Festival. The fashions of Àtiz Fashion House balance the concept of feminine beauty found in both Indian and America. Behold the opulent textiles and brilliant colors swirling in translucent layers.

• Mahishasura Mardini Kuchipudi Dance Ballet (Bagley Wright Theatre—Sunday, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.): A grand and traditional Indian Sri Pasumarthi Venkateswara Sarma opera, Mahishasura Mardini Kuchipudi performs Monday, May 25 in the Bagley will fill the Bagley Wright Theatre with music and dance. Starring internationally Wright Theatre. • Courtesy Photo renowned Indian dancer Sri Pasumarthi Dance Ensemble, Mohini Dance School, Venkateswara Sarma, this is the first Sangeetha Nrithyalaya, Tanjavur Dance operatic dance ballet of this caliber to School, Vidhi Jain, Arpan, Nrityalaya be produced at the Folklife Festival and seating is limited.

Dance.

For more information and for a • Music Across India (Center schedule of all the festivities, visit www.

Theatre—Sunday, 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 nwfolklife.org/festival. p.m.): Three performances featuring

16 — May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE ARTS

Watermark

‘Watermark’ a work of art, tells story of H2O through stunning visuals, harsh truths

By Yayoi L. Winfrey IE Contributor

geometric-shaped rice paddies or a ferociously crashing sea. His images, much like abstract renderings, are often shot from dizzying heights, from aircraft or the tops of dams and processing plants.

Watching Burtynsky work on his coffee table book of photos about the same subject, it’s clear that he’s the visual partner of the team.

At times, the feature documentary Watermark looks like some hi-tech graphic designer’s portfolio spilling eloquently beautiful artwork. Even the movie’s title suggests a sheet of translucent parchment engraved with an ornamental logo or copyright. But Watermark is not Conversely, Baichwal seems to be about art in a literal sense. Instead, the film focuses on one of this planet’s most urging a narrative, although it’s strangely devoid of any real dialogue about basic elements—water. climate change. Still, any unspoken Co-directors Jennifer Baichwal and commentary seems to contrast nicely Edward Burtynsky tell a remarkable story with the powerful images, as if to declare of H2O, as both being desperately sought that no words are necessary. Along with in drought-stricken areas and taken for Baichwal’s husband, Nick de Pencier granted by those having an abundance of as cinematographer, the trio develops a it. Drinking it, bathing in it, harnessing visually robust yet mostly silent story. it for electrical power or agriculture, the As for the countries they visit, all yield people in this film find no limit to its incredible journeys with two really usefulness. standing out—India and China.

Traveling to 20 locations throughout 10 Baichwal, who’s made several countries, Baichwal and Burtynsky train documentaries (including the highly their cameras on various bodies of water: touted Manufactured Landscapes), is from naturally flowing to manmade, a multi-racial Canadian with an Indian from raw beauty to rare ugliness. There’s father. Over a decade ago, she and the meandering once-mighty Colorado her siblings made a pilgrimage to the River. Its tributaries looking like dead sacred Ganges (or Ganga-ji as Hindus tree branches, unable to reach the Pacific call it) to take her father’s ashes to Ocean anymore as it once did. There’s Badrinath according to his last wishes the violent surge of ocean waves rushing and as dictated by tradition. Filming the upward as if seizing air. There’s the frozen celebrants of Maha Kumbh Mela at the water of Iceland, ice that’s thousands of Ganges in Allahabad Uttar Pradesh must years old being tested by scientists today. have regenerated memories for her. The And, at Las Vegas’ Bellagio Hotel, divers alluring footage of 30 million devotees repair hoses while computer technicians washing away their sins in the Ganges troubleshoot water until it gurgles and is indescribable. Gazing at the landscape dances again in the fountains fronting the of colorfully clothed participants lobby. splashing in the river’s water is like With his background as a painter, looking through a kaleidoscope. But Burtynsky intuitively creates exhilarating where the participants of Kumbh Mela designs with his pictures of water, like are joyous in the water, the laborers at

Dhaka Bangladesh’s tannery factories find misery in theirs.

As workers stomp in bare feet on soda ash. The run off, thick with toxic chemicals, flows straight into the Buriganga River.

This is how leather is made that will be sold mostly to Europe and the U.S. While up to 200 liters of wastewater races to the river, a father bends to wash his son’s face in it.

In China, colossal floating abalone farms off East China Sea’s Fujian coast are breathtaking. Embraced by a mass of nets, the aquaculture in Luoyuan Bay is extraordinary. China is also the site where the largest arch dam in the world, the Xiluodu, is being built. Six times the size and power of the Hoover, it will stand 500 feet tall and 4,300 feet wide. Another reservoir, the Xiaolandgi Dam on the Yellow River opens the film, its explosive waters accelerating next to tourists carrying umbrellas.

David Finckel cello Wu Han piano Phil Setzer violin performing works by Beethoven, Dvorak, and Schubert

May 21 Meany Hall

on the UW Campus

At a Yunnan Province rice paddy collective, wood is carved to equally distribute highly prized water to each family farming its fields. A Michael Jackson look-alike (in blue jeans, red hat and glittering blazer) jokes to the filmmakers that he’s “a water guard” before revealing his desire to travel and lamenting that many villagers have left for Beijing to find work instead of growing rice as their ancestors did.

Despite being portrayed elaborately in this film, water still remains a fundamental element. As Burtynksy says, “All life starts with water, inside the mother’s womb.”

Watermark opened May 2 at Landmark Varsity Theatre, 4329 University Way Northeast, Seattle, Washington. For ticket information, visit http://goo.gl/KJMoNf.

206-543-4880

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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014 — 17

IE COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Arts &RENT Culture

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Shoji Screens for Sale....in beautiful Asian Counseling & Referral Service condition, framed in Jr.cedar withWArice 3639 Martin Luther King Way S, Seattle, 206-695-7600 fx: 206-695-7606 paper. 98144 12ph: screen total $100.00 per events@acrs.org www.acrs.org offers multilingual, behavioral health and social screen.ACRS please contact 425-736-2440.

Asia Pacific Cultural Center 4851 So. Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409 Ph: 253-383-3900 Fx: 253-292-1551 faalua@comcast.net www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org Bridging communities and generations through arts, culture, education and business.

1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 Ph: 206-654-3209 Fx: 206-654-3135 SAM connects art to life through special exhibitions, educational programs and installations drawn from its collection of approximately 25,000 objects. Through its three sites, SAM presents global perspectives, making the arts a part of everyday life for people of all ages, interests, backgrounds and cultures.

Education 3327 Beacon Ave S. Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-725-9740

services to Asian Pacific Americans and other lowincome people in King County.

Executive Development Institute 310 – 120th Ave NE. Suite A102 Bellevue, WA Ph. 425-467-9365 • Fax: 425-467-1244 Email: edi@ediorg.org • Website: www.ediorg.org EDI offers culturally relevant leadership development programs.

WE MAKE LEADERS Queen Anne Station, P.O. Box 19888, Seattle, WA 98109 info@naaapseattle.org, www.naaapseattle.org Fostering future leaders through education, networking and community services for Asian American professionals and entrepreneurs.

Facebook: NAAAP-Seattle Twitter: twitter.com/naaapseattle

Senior Services

VNSF enables underprivileged students in Viet Nam to achieve success and happiness through education. We are looking for volunteers and board members to join the team and make a difference in the lives of kids in Vietnam.

Housing & Neighborhood Planning HomeSight 5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-723-4355 fx: 206-760-4210 www.homesightwa.org HomeSight creates homeownership opportunities through real estate development, home buyer education and counseling, and lending.

Address tobacco control and other health justice issues in the Asian American/Pacific Islander communities.

PO Box 14047, Seattle WA 98114 (206) 325.0325 (Helpline) info@apichaya.org www. apichaya.org API Chaya is dedicated to serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking in the Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islander communities. We offer multi-lingual services that are free and confidential.

815 S Weller St, Suite 212, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-652-2330 fx: 206-652-2344 contact@kinon.org www.kinon.org Provides home care, Alzheimer’s and caregiver support, community education and chronic care management; coordinates medical supply delivery for Asian/Chinese seniors and families in King County.

Housing, property management and community development.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is seeking individuals, groups, or organizations that best demonstrate their ability to provide culturally relevant, safe, and reliable programs to the community through the Summer Art in the Park Program. The program is designed to have elements of academic alignment to help reduce summer learning loss; build self-esteem and self-efficacy; promote cross-cultural experiences; build on-going participation, and welcome drop in participants. A maximum of $4,000 can be allocated for each park for the season.

See link http://www.seattle.gov/parks/ partnerships/RFP.htm for the 2014 Summer Art in the Park Request for Proposal (RFP) and Guidelines. The deadline for the RFP is Friday, May 16, 2014.

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803 South Lane Street Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-292-5184 fx: 206-838-3057 info@legacyhouse.org www.scidpda.org/programs/legacyhouse.aspx Description of organization/services offered: Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, meal programs for low-income seniors.

Medicaid accepted.

Senior Community Service Employment Program ph: 206-322-5272 fx: 206-322-5387 www.napca.org Part-time training program for low income Asian Pacific Islanders age 55+ in Seattle/ King & Pierce Counties.

International District Medical & Dental Clinic 720 8th Ave S, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-788-3650 fax: 206-490-4011 email: info@ichs.com website: www.ichs.com Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic Coming in 2014!

ICHS is a non-profit medical and dental center that provides health care to low income Asian, Pacific Islanders, immigrants and refugees in Washington State.

Seattle Rotary Club Bill Nagel Meets Every Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

New Hong Kong Restaurant Bill.nagel@gmail.com http://www.seattleidrotary.org/ Improve the local community by engaging activities such as community improvement projects, scholarship opportunities, and undertakings that promote education.

Please mail a check for $35 to the International Examiner or donate to: 622 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104.Thank you for your contribution.

Our programs help people meet their immediate needs and gain the skills and resources needed to reach solid ground and achieve their dreams.

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1601 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122 ph: 206-323-7100 fx: 206-325-1502 www.nikkeiconcerns.org Rehabilitation & care center; assisted living community; senior activity program; continuing education.

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1501 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103 ph: 206-694-6700 fx: 206-694-6777 info@solid-ground.org www.solid-ground.org

ph: 206-624-3426 Seattle Chinatown/International District Preservation and Development Authority ph: 206-624-8929 fx: 206-467-6376 info@scidpda.org

EMPLOYMENT

Community Care Network of Kin On

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging Kawabe Memorial House 221 18th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-322-4550 fx: 206-329-3330 connie.devaney@gmail.com We provide affordable, safe, culturally sensitive housing and support services to people aged 62 and older.

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CISC helps Asian immigrants make the transition to a new life while keeping later generations on touch with their rich heritage.

Legacy House InterIm Community Development Association 310 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 Ph: 206.624-1802 Services: 601 S King St, Ph: 206. 623-5132 Interimicda.org Multilingual community building: housing & parking, housing/ asset counseling, projects, teen leadership and gardening programs.

601 = S King St. $6 X 4 lines $24 Seattle, WA 98104 Bold lines = $0 ph: 206-682-1668

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18 — May 7, 2014 – May 20, 2014

INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER

IE COMMUNITY

Collin Tong’s Into the Storm brings Alzheimer’s caregivers together

By Travis Quezon IE Editor in Chief For journalist Collin Tong, the release of his book, Into the Storm: Journeys with Alzheimer’s, has marked a turning point in the nearly two-decade journey toward closure. The book, for which Collin is the editor, is an anthology of 23 stories by writers, journalists, educators, health practitioners, clergy, and other family caregivers who traveled similar paths in their time caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The book begins with Collin’s own story as caregiver for his late wife, Linda, who began showing signs of short-term memory in 1999. She was stricken with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease at 51.

Collin is able to share the initial feelings of helplessness, and denial, that came in their relationship as the disease progressed. The amount of pressure and energy spent by caregivers Collin describes is immense.

Collin would spend 15 years as Linda’s caregiver before her death.

and unexpected reality of being a care partner to a loved one with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Telling our stories creates a golden bridge that links us to each other and allows our shared humanity to emerge. In this lies the opportunity for transition and renewal.”

Another was a retired clergyman and psychology professor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who coauthored a book about Alzheimer’s disease. He posted this note on his blog: “I have made contact with Collin Tong, whose book, Into the Storm, was so powerful, I could not put it down. Twenty three writers from across the United States share their stories as caregivers for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He writes that the demands of 24/7 caregiving means ‘one’s own physical and emotional well-being is often given short shrift.’ I have seen all too often that the caregiver ‘gives out’ before the loved ones they are caring for.

This book needs to be read by all who are affected by this disease, which robs loved ones of their identity.”

For me, the Alzheimer’s Association was an essential part of that support system. They provided care consultation, including assistance with placing Linda in an adult family home. Through the Association I learned about Elderhealth Northwest [now called Full Life], an adult day health center for people with dementia. I also joined an Alzheimer’s Association early-onset caregivers support group, which proved to be a real lifesaver.

Tong: Yes, I’ve kept in touch with a number of my former Alzheimer’s support group members. I attended the group for over five years, and many of those members have become lifelong friends.

IE: What’s in store for you in the future?

Tong: Although I retired from my job as communications director at Washington State University several years ago, I serve on several nonprofit boards IE: I imagine the release of this book and plan to continue my work as a health continues to contribute to your own correspondent for Crosscut News and healing process. Can you describe what other publications in the near future. it means to you to be able to share such intimate thoughts and details of your Collin Tong was a staff writer and experience as a caregiver? Have you longtime contributor for the International learned anything further in retrospect? Examiner.

Tong: Sharing my own caregiving story has provided some helpful emotional closure for me. It was a long 15-year journey from the time my wife was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s to her death three years ago. Because Alzheimer’s disease has now become such a public health epidemic in our country, I wrote the book as a service to other caregivers and am committed to doing more public outreach and advocacy on behalf the Alzheimer’s Association in the coming year. I’m donating 90 percent of the royalties from the book sales to an endowed memorial scholarship fund that I’ve established in Linda’s memory at the University of Redlands, my alma mater in California.

It was at an Alzheimer’s support group IE: You mentioned that you hoped that Collin began to see how much healing this book would have something for other people’s stories could provide— everyone.

What do you hope Asian which would eventually form the basis of Pacific Islanders take away from this the anthology. book?

The International Examiner caught up Tong: In compiling these stories, I with Collin to talk about the recent release sought to bring together a broad and of Into the Storm. diverse cross-section of caregivers from throughout the country. More than International Examiner: In the last 5.2 million Americans are living with few months, you’ve been able to reach a Alzheimer’s disease and it has become the IE: Do you still keep in close contact lot of people while promoting your book third leading cause of death in Washington with your group of caregivers? and let caregivers around the country State. know that they are not alone. Have My hope is that these stories will be there been any responses from people helpful for caregivers regardless of their that you’d like to share? ethnic or cultural backgrounds. In recent Check back for Sudoku in the IE every issue!

Collin Tong: Yes, I’ve received many months, I’ve spoken at many public the next issue on Wednesday, May 20. responses from readers throughout forums, community organizations, and the country. One came from a Seattle social service groups. Next month, I’ll be attorney who recently attended my Elliott speaking at First Chinese Baptist Church, Bay Book Company talk. He found the my home congregation in San Francisco. stories in my book resonated with his own My hope is that families who are caring experience: “In my work as a family law for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and attorney and mediator, I listen to stories every day from clients who are in the midst other dementias will find helpful ideas for of challenging journeys as they move being more effective caregivers. The most through complicated transitions in their important take-away is the understanding relationships. As a coach for caregivers that it really takes a village to be a caregiver. of those with dementia, I listen to stories It’s virtually impossible to do it alone. We from individuals caught in the unplanned need our community, families, and friends.

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