INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 1
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2 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE OPINION
Local human rights organizers grade Duterte with an ‘F’ for Failure
Watching Maleakahana Waves
By Devin Cabanilla IE Columnist
By Bob Shimabukuro
Filipino Americans of the Greater Seattle area raised concerns regarding a conflict in the Philippines with multiple forums across the region. On May 23, 2017 Filipino President Duterte declared martial law in Marawi City, Mindanao. The southern island city was besieged by ISIS affiliated militants. Since then, an estimated 294,000 Filipino people have been displaced (ACAPS). The ongoing fight for the city creates anxiety for local Philippine nationals and American relatives. The civil unrest creates the added factor of humanitarian crisis, as well as military escalation. The latest Duterte declaration itself reflects the past corrupt and bloody martial law period under the dictatorship of the former Marcos regime.
IE Columnist Watching the Bay Go Away I’m sitting on the dock of the bay Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay Wastin’ time ---Otis Redding, Stephen Lee Cropper Watching Maleakahana waves roll in and out T’inking ‘bout life, death, culture, genocide. About final days of Fumi Auntie, Sam, and the Mariners; And da Polynesians of interest to UH(awai‘i), PAC 12 and da SEC. Odda stuff too: Like American culture: Discover, develop/take out, no need replenish, but “added value” needed; Buy low, sell high … Like anyt’ing, everyt’ing; Use’em, den trow ‘em away. Make lan’ & watah like one toilet, the sky like one dusty bowl dat nomo’ boundaries. Like rising tides in Hawai‘i Big trouble when saltwater get inside aquifers, Get times can see rising tides in Waikiki & Hilo covah da beach. Like rising towahs of condos fo’ tourists fo’ stay’ while next to ‘em, get people
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Established in 1974, the International Examiner is the only non-profit pan-Asian and Pacific Islander 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. 409 Maynard Ave. S. #203, Seattle, WA 98104. (206) 624-3925. iexaminer@iexaminer.org.
dat sleep in tents, on da beach, in pahks, on da sidewalks, in malls. Hard fo’ take. What to do? Stay too easy fo’ blame all dis on Imperialism and Greed and White Supremacy. And too easy fo’ say “too bad, dat’s progress, dat’s life.” ‘Cause at’s not progress, at’s not life. Kill land/watah, bury culture? Dat genocide. Mo’ bettah respond before dat happen. We need listen to da ocean and da waves. We need hear Mother Earth call fo’ action. At’s what I t’inking about Watching the tide roll in and out. Catch a Breath, Keep on moving.
IE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ron Chew, President Gary Iwamoto, Secretary Arlene Oki, At-Large Jordan Wong, At-Large Edgar Batayola, At-Large Lexie Rodriguez, At-Large Peggy Lynch, At-Large Nam Le, At-Large COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER Lexi Potter lexi@iexaminer.org
BUSINESS MANAGER Ellen Suzuki finance@iexaminer.org
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Heidi Park heidi@iexaminer.org
A new collective has formed in response to Duterte’s administration. The group, Kababayan4Change held a public forum along with an assessment of Duterte’s first year in office. The range of people who gathered in the Central District showed the broad swath of diversity inside of the Filipino American community. Mothers with infants, college students, local activists, folk singers, and young professionals made up the interested attendees. Some came as far as Port Orchard with the intent to relay the feelings and ideas heard to other Filipinos in the Kitsap peninsula area. Seattle organizer Donna Denina felt the need to shine attention on Duterte so that local Filipinos could be better informed on how to take action and stay updated. She also realizes that global conflict can shape sides here in Seattle. Denina explains: “Kababayan4Change is more of a platform to have discussions on issues impacting the Philippines as concerned Filipinos overseas. There are many pro-Duterte supporters, there are anti-Duterte supporters—regardless, both sides can unite on wanting to
EDITOR IN CHIEF Travis Quezon editor@iexaminer.org
ASSISTANT EDITOR Chetanya Robinson news@iexaminer.org
ARTS EDITOR Alan Chong Lau arts@iexaminer.org
CONTRIBUTORS Bob Shimabukuro Devin Cabanilla Lalaine Ignao Kelsey Hamlin Roxanne Ray Clarissa Gines Tamiko Nimura Jessica Davis Hazel Lozano Aya Bisbee
Yayoi Winfrey Thay Cheam DISTRIBUTORS Joshua Kelso Makayla Dorn Maryross Olanday Antonia Dorn Kristen Navaluna Kat Punzalan Eli Savitt Christina Nguyen Stephany Hernandez Vincent Dy INTERNS Cathy You Kanami Yamashita Christine Smet CVA COORDINATOR Ngoc Dinh cva@iexaminer.org
Kababayan4Change held a public forum on Duterte on June 29. • Courtesy Photo
see change for the Philippines. Similarly whether you are for Martial Law in the current political situation or against it, we can still strive to unite to figure out the best solution to the conflict.” Information shared and presentations revealed military and capital interests for the Mindanao region, and individual speakers recounted the fear they felt during the Marcos era while living in Manila. Although some Filipinos feel martial law has necessity to suppress ISIS control, the inherent warning by Kababayan’s speakers is that military government control can be a greater danger. Kababayan4Changes’s event asked participants to grade the Duterte presidency based on the information and accounts given. According to Denina, “The Overall grade was an ‘F’ minus, based primarily on the impact to peace and upholding human rights.” Besides the recent military engagement in Marawi, Duterte has become notorious for his tough stance on drug users. His rhetoric is believed to have caused a rise in vigilante justice in the Philippines drug war. The Non-profit Human Rights Watch estimates extrajudicial deaths at over 7,000 people. Duterte’s continued aggression in policy making shows no relent. Duterte has exclaimed to the press that, “Martial law is martial law. It will not be any different from what President Marcos did. I’d be harsh.”
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COMMUNITY VOICES
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 3
End mass incarceration, consider giving opportunities to the elderly By Tanya Quinata F.I.G.H.T.
incarcerated. I believe that if a person has done everything in their power to correct their deficiencies and comply with all Most people love to tell stories, but of the department’s requirements they the stories that they tell are basically should be given the opportunity to reone-sided. In Danger of a Single Story, enter society. by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, she Giving the elderly this opportunity speaks about the danger that one-sided would be beneficial for everyone in society stories can cause. She says these stories to see that rehabilitation is possible. are incomplete and can lead people into giving undue credence to stereotypes. I do not know what story is behind Although the single story can be the decisions that a person took to end dangerous, the whole story can balance them in prison. I can tell you that it is out the complete narrative by adding disheartening for any person to be judged important information that completes on a crime or a single story. What about it. One story, a crime committed by an the first 40-plus years of a person’s life? individual, takes a snapshot in a person’s What about a person’s 20-plus years of life, and eliminates perspective and incarceration in which they have climbed context. It disregards the past, negatively mountains to make exceptional progress? taints the future, and presents a “present” A person’s life should not be based on one that leaves little hope or incentive. We, incident that occurred more than 20 plus as a people should be more than this. We years ago. People should be judged above should allow others to be more than this and beyond a crime and should also be or we run the risk of spending our lives seen as parents, grandparents, brothers, complicit in oppression. sisters and, over all, human beings.
a better person. I see them enrolling into numerous self-help programs and working hard every day without complaint. In this environment it is important to see people being positive role models for others and many do just that. From what I see they not only want what is best for their future but, also a good future for everyone else around them. I agree with the law that we are responsible for our actions; however, being removed from society for more than 20 years is unreasonable. Anything after 15 years of incarceration is unjust and is basically warehousing human lives. I know that I am not the same person I was 20 years ago. And you yourself have also changed from the young inexperienced person who could not make a cognizant decision to a person who is in a position to make decisions that could positively change a person’s life.
Formerly Incarcerated Group Healing Together (F.I.G.H.T.) was started by a group of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) men who were at one time incarcerated in the Washington state prison system. F.I.G.H.T. is a direct outgrowth of the organizing that many of us did through different API groups in different prisons. This organizing built deep bonds of unity among us. Together we learned about our own diverse cultures and political histories, life experiences, and perspectives. We also created cultural celebrations featuring various forms of traditional arts, like language, music, and dance.
Upon being released, we stayed committed to continuing to support each other, whether inside or outside of the prison system. We support both current and formerly incarcerated APIs through mentoring, advocacy, outreach, and political education. We encourage each We need to support the movement to other to embrace positivity, compassion, end mass incarceration. I believe helping strength, hope, confidence, and building healthy lives and healthy communities, So, here I am writing this to support In my six-plus years of incarceration the elderly with long term sentences is a while breaking the cycle of mass incarthe release of the elderly people who are I have spent many days learning from good start. ceration. For more information, visit my elders. They have inspired me to be www.fightwa.org.
Announcements CID Coalition Youth Voices Meeting on August 5 CID Coalition is calling all youth and young people who care about the Chinatown International District and its future to a youth meeting to learn about, be informed, get involved in work pushing back against the displacement and cultural erosion happening in the CID. The Youth Voices Meeting happens Saturday, August 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Beacon, Massive Monkees Studio, 664 S King St., Seattle. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ events/107158286625412.
‘Facing Prejudice, Past and Present’ on August 5 The Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) and NVC Foundation (NVCF) invites the community to “Facing Prejudice, Past and Present,” a Japanese American and Muslim American community panel. Japanese American and Muslim American speakers will share their experiences and lessons learned, both past and present. The panel event will be held at the Nisei Veterans Hall, 1212 South King Street, Seattle, WA, on Saturday, August 5 at 7:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 that led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans based solely on their ethnicity. Anti-Japanese rhetoric of the time inflamed public opinion against all Japanese Americans. People lost jobs, homes, farms, businesses, and most importantly, their freedom. Despite this,
of the Poor (ANCOP) Foundation USA— Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) and Priest Sponsorship Program (PSP) that supports young and promising Filipino priests towards obtaining their Masters, Licentiate or Doctorates studies at the Pontifico Collegio Filippino in Rome. This program is ANCOP’s response to Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s (Archdiocese of Manila) call to better prepare and equip During the past 15 years, rhetoric future leaders of the church not only for around the “War on Terror” has grown the Philippines but worldwide. Other artists to perform include Joshua more heated in American society. This rhetoric too often results in expressions Stephen Kartes (pianist, singer and of prejudice against Muslim Americans, composer from New York City), ArtRose and has even led to acts of violence. Dance Group, and other surprise guests. Significant parallels can be drawn Tickets are now available online at www. between the experiences of Muslim benaroyahall.org for $45 and $35. Americans today and the experiences of Japanese Americans before, during, Survey about expanded and enhanced and after WWII, when the government sanitation in the CID removed 120,000 Japanese-Americans The Chinatown-International District from their homes and incarcerated them Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) in concentration camps. has opened a survey about enhanced Stephanie Reese at Benaroya Hall on sanitation services in the ChinatownInternational District (CID), specifically August 26 the new contract expanding sanitation ANCOP USA of Western Washington services since July 1. presents “The World of Stephanie Reese” Additional funds from the City of on August 26 at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Seattle were allocated to the CID for Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall. sanitation through December 31, 2017. many Japanese Americans left the camps to serve in the famous 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Battalion, and Military Intelligence Service (MIS)—all segregated armed services units. When the 442nd RCT returned from overseas in July 1946, President Truman welcomed these veterans home, saying, “You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice—and you have won.”
Stephanie Reese is an international singer, actress, and philanthropist. With roots in Seattle, and a diverse ethnic background of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Irish, English and Welsh, she is gifted with an eclectic versatility that is reflected in her style, her music and the variety of roles she has played on stage.
took effect July 1st. Please see the Service Area Map for more details. Main changes with the new contract: • The “Core Area” is extended to the north side of Main Street. Previously, the “Core Area” stopped at S. Jackson Street. • Recology CleanScapes crew will be onsite seven days per week, for 8 hours per day from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Previously, Recology CleanScapes was onsite for four days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday). To take the survey, visit https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/KR2Y5NL.
Washington State Parks to Celebrate Cambodian Culture at Annual Event The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will host the 10th Annual Cambodian Cultural Celebration at Saltwater State Park in King County. The free event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, at Saltwater State Park, 25205 8th Place South in Des Moines. The event celebrates Cambodian culture in the Pacific Northwest region. Members of the South Puget Sound Cambodian communities will perform traditional music, dance and drumming, as well as host activities, contests, displays and demonstrations for the entire family. In addition, Cambodian food will be available for purchase. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free. The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the event.
CIDBIA has been working with Recology CleanScapes, a waste management service, to expand the contract for cleaning in the neighborhood west of I-5 and hold the contract for cleaning in the Little Saigon part of the district, east of I-5. This new contract with Recology CleanScapes expands cleaning service For more information, visit www. “The World of Stephanie Reese” days and core areas. The new contract facebook.com/events/1451132334933416. Concert will benefit Answering the Cry
4 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
NEWS
On July 23, the community gathered to remember Donnie Chin. • Photo by Chetanya Robinson
Two years after his death, community vigil keeps Donnie Chin’s legacy alive By Chetanya Robinson IE Assistant Editor More than 100 people filled Canton Alley on July 23 to remember Donnie Chin on the two-year anniversary of his murder. People folded cranes to hang near his portrait, which sits overlooking the alley that once served as headquarters of the organization he founded to keep his beloved neighborhood safe—the International District Emergency Center (IDEC). “Donnie was the heart and soul of the International District,” said Chin’s sister, Connie Chin-Magorty to the people gathered in Canton Alley. “He was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, mentor, surrogate father, uncle. ... I pictured him as an elder in the ID telling stories to the next generation, but it wasn’t meant to be.” Chin was fatally shot on July 23, after responding to gunfire on Eighth Avenue South and South Weller Street. His murder is still unsolved. Among those attending the vigil were members of the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, Seattle Deputy Chief Carmen Best, State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, former Seattle mayor and current mayoral candidate Mike McGinn, and members of Chin’s family. People wore glowsticks around their necks, which illuminated the alley as the daylight dimmed. Chin-Magorty told of how her brother founded the IDEC organization in 1968 while he was still in junior high, to respond to neighborhood emergencies at a time when fire and police officers were slow to show up. Chin would listen to police radios so he could be first on the scene, and he trained himself and others in first aid and CPR. “Donnie responded to thousands of emergencies—medical, emotional traumas, fires, shootings, assaults, car accidents, break-ins, water leaks and power outages,” Chin-Magorty said. Chin provided his services at no cost, and with no desire for fame or recognition, ChinMagorty said. His organization depended on donations to survive. Despite receiving numerous awards over the years, Chin was embarrassed to to accept them unless they came with a donation for the IDEC. Dean Wong, a celebrated Seattle photographer and close friend of Chin, told of the early days of IDEC. With Canton Alley as their headquarters, they ran the organization on a shoestring budget. “In fact, it was a shoe with no strings,” said Wong. In addition to public safety work volunteers would gather
canned food to give to the needy, and look after elders. “His dedication to the neighborhood was beyond determined,” said Wong. “It was fierce, it was loyal, it was heart-of-gold solid, risking his own safety for the protection of others.” While most people had day jobs and families, Chin was usually out in the streets, ready to help whoever needed it. “Some described Donnie as Batman,” Wong said. “Batman was fictitious.” Dicky Mar, board president of the IDEC organization Chin founded, reminded people that Chin’s murder remains unsolved. “Donnie Chin loved this community,” Mar said. “He dedicated his life to protect and preserve the neighborhood. In the end, Donnie Chin gave his life to the community he loved.” Mar remembered Chin’s passion for Chinese American history, and how he collected artifacts throughout the neighborhood. Melissa Wong, one of many of “Donnie’s kids”—young people who were mentored and looked after by Chin—shared anecdotes about Chin’s affection and self-reliant outlook on life, and the pain of losing him as she was applying to medical school. Others spoke of Chin’s thoughtful acts of kindness—from gathering $300 from the community to pay for the funeral of a man’s young son, to saving Hawaiian shirt themed post-it notes for someone because they were from Hawai‘i. Sonny Nguyen, CID neighborhood Public Safety Coordinator, spoke about how meeting Chin helped inspire them to get involved in public safety work with the CID community. “There’s so many people here who would not be in the same space at the same time if it wasn’t for Donnie. And I think that’s something beautiful,” Nguyen said. Near the end of the vigil, Jamie Lee, IDEA Space manager at the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Association (SCIDpda), spoke of the impact Chin had on her, despite them only knowing each other for a little more than a year. “He’s changed my life. And the people that I’ve met through him, through his tragedy, and all of you, have changed my life,” she said. CID resident Bill Lee became a member of IDEC this year, but knew Chin for 30 years. “To me he was the shepherd of the community. He tried to protect it, he tried to help the people out no matter who it was,” Lee said. “He is a hero that we will not be able to replace.”
COMMUNITY
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 5
Crystal Anguay Reed Designs is about being bold, empowered By Lalaine Ignao IE Contributor
Ignao: When someone buys your clutch, what kind of message do you want them to get out of it?
After the election last November, Crystal Anguay Reed wanted to do something that would contribute to empowering people, especially those wanting to take a political stand. A the nonprofit Washington Bus, Anguay Reed works regularly with young people to become involved in social justice, politics, and civil engagement. Eventually, she started a fashion blog which organically inspired her into creating a fashion line called Crystal Anguay Reed Designs.
Reed: The number one thing is being and feeling empowered and being bold, being out. I think that is what the clutch says, standing in solidarity with the movements. It’s about standing on the right side of history and making sure that people feel empowered. One of the hard things being a fashion designer is being one of the capitalists in society.
Lalaine Ignao: What do you do for a living? Crystal Anguay Reed: I work for an organization called the Washington Bus. I am their deputy director. My main duties are staff management, strategic development, and most of my time is fundraising. We’re a statewide organization that gets young people involved in social justice, politics, and civic engagement. We have leadership development that people learn online and on the ground to be an activist or advocate for an issue. We also work in Olympia on policy. We do campaigns and other activities that are more issues based. The biggest thing we do is voter registration and turnout. So we do a lot of things.
Crystal Anguay Reed. • Courtesy Photo
know how to sew. So I had to ask my mom if she could send me one of her old sewing machines. I started taking sewing classes and eventually I started making tote bags, trying to put a different spin on tote bags and making it like vegan leather and making it a little bit more fancier than a normal tote bag.
After the election, I went back home to Ignao: What made you want to apply Hawai‘i and I was drawing a bunch of diffor and work for Washington Bus? ferent designs that I wanted to make and I Reed: I worked in politics for a while had a vision of a clutch bag and I wanted before. I worked in campaigns and I had a to put a statement on it. I put things like fellowship in DC where I worked on edu- freed in the bold kind of movement, more cation reform and staff for one of the folks women empowerment, POC stuff. I wantwho was a senior consultant of the White ed something symbolic and knowing that House for the Bush and Clinton adminis- obviously this is going to be a symbol that trations. I was a fellowship there through we’re going to be standing on many of the the Washington Center. After that, I did folks who paved the way for, but wanted six years of campaigning. My trajectory to redefine what that meant for me and in life has always been politics, so I did I redrew the punch fist which you know political science and law society and jus- is from the civil rights movement and I tice in college and it’s always been poli- wanted to draw it a little bit more sassy. tics and advocacy and community orga- I think the original fist does not have the nizing. The Bus is really cool because in fingernail on it so I drew that in. Initially, I the intersection of art and politics, they do wanted that to be red so that it will be a litnightlife events, festivals, and Capitol Hill tle bit more different. But the embroidery block parties. They even become involved machine can only do so much. I didn’t exat Sasquatch. It’s a really cool organiza- pect it to go anywhere. I think that I was tion and I actually applied as their devel- very very lucky to be at the right place at opment director and I have been that for a the right time with the right thing. couple years before getting my promotion Ignao: Why did you call it “Revolulast year. tion Collection?” Ignao: Tell me about your revolution Reed: So I thought a lot about of what clutches. am I doing. I worked in politics for a while Reed: I started out as a fashion blog- now and I feel like we’ve just been losing ger with my friend named Alicia. It was for a while and this was the ultimate loss. I kind of self-care for me. 2016 was a tough called it the revolution collection because year and we wanted to get over all of it. I think this is a time for a revolution. I So we started doing some creative activi- know that a lot of people might say revoties. We love fashion and we wanted to do lution as in revolting against Trump and something like that. I think there isn’t a lot there’s so much more than that. There’s of representation for people of color do- so much more than just hating on Trump. ing blogging or fashion that gets lots of There’s a lot of policy that we need to publicity so I wanted to see how it goes. change. I hope that when people wear If anything, it’s going to be self care for it, they’re empowered by what it means, us. We did it for ourselves and then after a know the history and where it came from, while, we started to go to blogging events and know that there’s a lot of contention where we met other bloggers and we were between a lot of different movements that like, “Okay this is kind of cool.” But as are happening. I hope people understand politics goes, things got really busy, and what it really means to be in solidarity one day I was searching things that would with people of color and what that does. be cool to make and I realized that I didn’t I really want that kind of revolution, that
revolution towards equity rather than, “Oh, we’re going to revolt against Donald Trump.” It’s easy to go and rally and easy to show up but it’s really hard to continue showing up and continue phone banking, doorbelling, or voting. The true revolution will be when people are able to make their way into true action, when it’s not just another thing that you go to. It’s a continued action and that’s my idea of a revolution. It’s not really about a one time thing, but it’s a continuous acting of being. It’s about what is right and standing on the right side of history and that’s why even if it’s a struggle, it is a struggle that has been a struggle for people of color for a long time. This has been a struggle for people of color and it has been disenfranchised and has been marginalized for a long time. I want other people to know that the revolution isn’t something that is just showing up to something.
The radical part of myself is like, “I don’t want to monetize the movement or monetize on what the movement means.” That is the biggest conflict I have within myself. But I put 100% of what I make back into the business to buy fabric or thread, or to buy place mats, but I am hoping that by the end of this year I’m able to donate a significant part of what I make back into the movement Black Lives Matter, or somewhere in the API community that I can give back to because that is the reason why I am doing it and so when people buy it they are able to see that it’s not only about empowerment and looking cute, it’s also about giving back to the community. Ignao: What are your goals for the future? Reed: I want to have it in a place where I am able to open a boutique one day and have a store. I’m hoping that people are able to wear my product because I think that is the biggest honor. I hope to continue making high quality garments and quality items and hope that one day, hopefully I can be big enough to have my own store and or be in all the boutiques in the pacific northwest. Ignao: What advice can you give to those who want to make a stand and be a part of the revoltuion but don’t know how?
Reed: I would say come to The Bus. Ignao: How do you practice your revThere are so many volunteer opportunities olution? at The Bus and outside The Bus as well Reed: Because of my job, I do it everybut if you’re a young person and you’re day because I have to. I try to stay true looking at something that you want to get to being inclusive and not exclusive and involved in, take my number, email and when we’re making decisions, including let me know. There are so many things to everybody in the process. I’m practicing do and get done. We do it in a really fun what I preach. I also try to be very open. way and not really in a boring, sit in a conBecause we work in politics and there is ference room for hours. We have phone an institutional biases and racism that banks, we go to campuses, high schools happens that within the nonprofit sector, and do presentations, and we call people the non profit institution and politics as and tell people about issues that are hapa whole, I try to make sure that people pening in their area. There is a myriad of know their voice is heard and that their things we can do together. If they want voice matters and it could be through askto get involved, look left and look right, ing them for an opinion about a project or there’s many places. All you have to do is it could be through making sure they’re ask and show up. Anybody, but especially looped in major decision points or writThe Bus would be glad to have you. ing. Ignao: Where can we find your RevoIt’s little things as asking in giving adlution Collection? vice, or asking to be in their space and Reed: Social media, my instagram is @ respecting that because often times, especially young people and young people of anguayreed. My website is anguayreedcolor are not heard because their limited designs.com and my Facebook is Anguay experience. I like making sure that there Reed Designs. You can also go to Clemis open space and dialogue and that also entines which is in Pioneer Square which feed back in certain ways and it’s not like they carry some of my clutches there. I’m the supervisor to the supervisee, but it’s also in a store in Factoria Mall called Kagetting some feedback and growing to- hini Boutique. gether.
6 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
NEWS
TommyLe’s family hears answers, commitments from officials at community-led forum “It’s easy to get lost in the details,” she said, noting that it doesn’t matter much whether Le had a knife or a pen or nothing at all. “To be a young man of color in America today and not go through a mental health crisis, you’re doing something right.”
By Kelsey Hamlin IE Contributor Tommy Le was a 20-year-old high schooler shot and killed by King County deputies on June 13 while they were responding to a disturbance call in Burien. Le was to graduate the next day. Le recently bought a tuxedo for his brother’s wedding, but it had to instead be used for his funeral. The family, due to legal concerns and religious practice, will not be available for interviews for 49 days after his death.
Bhandash admitted to going through some mental illnesses herself. Frank Arango, a veteran, asked if police shoot to kill, and if not, why aren’t they aiming at nonlethal parts of the body?
In an effort to get answers for Tommy Le’s family, members of the community organized a forum at Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) in which officials listened and answered questions. Young Vietnamese Americans were given priority after the family throughout the evening. Due to the nation’s rise in fatal shootings by police and the political ring of distrust growing ever larger, King County Sheriff John Urquhart feels officer-involved shootings should never be investigated within their own police department. For Le’s case in particular, Urquhart said he is asking the Federal Bureau of Investigations to take over. The sheriff also said he will lobby the Legislature to have all officer-involved shootings investigated by state patrol. Throughout the event, however, the sheriff routinely stood up from his seat and went to stand in front of the officials’ tables when on the mic. He also didn’t seem to understand the event’s process. It was predetermined that officials would sit and listen to the community’s questions, which were written down by other staff, and provide answers at the end. Urquhart instead wanted to provide an answer after every question, grabbing the mic. At one point, moderator Linh Thai had to tell the sheriff “you just need to listen.” Urquhart’s demeanor appeared to irritate crowd members.
“Are King County departments trained how to take away a knife at hand to hand combat,” Arango also asked, “which isn’t hard. Everybody in the army can do it.” King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, State Rep. Mia Gregerson, and State Sen. Bob Hasegawa at the July 19, 2017 public forum for Tommy Le. • Photo by Cathy You
So the detective arrived at the father’s At one point, 26-year-old Joseph Lachman asked how, in Le’s “psychotic house, asking if Le had tattoos or if they state,” did Le go home to put a knife away could identify him based on the photo. Neither was confirmed by the family. and bring back a pen. Urquhart explained that witnesses The detective then learned where Tommy said they were attacked with a knife and worked, where Le’s confirmed the tattoos there were stab marks on the door, but were Le’s. Le’s official identification, however, confirmed there was no knife when Le came from the medical examiner three was shot. “There was some sort of mental crisis days after his death.
he was in,” Urquhart said. “This was The witnesses who reported Le with uncharacteristic.” a knife also stated Le was inside his As he said these answers, Lachman house before the shooting. This, Urquhart confirmed, is why the officer believes Le shook his head out of frustration. left a knife behind at his house after the “There were many details shared during call and grabbed a pen, before the deputies [a separate meeting with Urquhart just an arrived on the scene. The sheriff relayed hour prior to the start of the public meeting] that witnesses heard Le “screaming and that did not come out during this time shouting and arguing with himself.” that makes this much more aggravating,” King County Councilmember Larry Lachman wrote on my reporter’s notepad Gossett took issue with some of Urquhart’s after writing a question. “Tommy Le was statements that evening, however. shot in the side at least three times. The goal, according to the sheriff, is always “I was kind of surprised the sheriff said ‘eliminating the threat,’ but not saving the only people Tommy ran toward were lives. It shows a fundamental problem people from the street,” Gossett said, “not with their priorities, and I am feeling a the officers.” sense of anger and grief.” He pointed toward inconsistency
State Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D–Beacon Hill) explained that a legislative bill tried changing the actual malice and good faith standards that determine an officer’s indictment in Washington. The bill didn’t In a later phone call, Urquhart laid out make it, however. So he pointed to Initiative clearer details regarding the timeframe 940, which aims to do the same thing. and identification of Le. The sheriff “Right now we have the most reported Le was only in boxers, and so unattainable bar to bring charges against they could not identify him. When he was pronounced dead at Harborview, they an officer,” Hasegawa said. When it comes to police interactions took his fingerprints but that didn’t come with Le, Urquhart explained the deputies’ back because Le had no criminal history. tasers didn’t work when employed. He speculated that one of the probes (there are two) on the tasers missed, but the department doesn’t know why it didn’t work.
“The bottom line in general they are told to back off,” the sheriff said of protocol. “There was no opportunity in this particular case for them to do that.” Approximately 20 minutes into the event, one of Le’s family members was gently escorted out as she cried.
The next morning, a detective went to take identifiable pictures of Le, namely of his face and hand tattoos. At this point, the investigation determined Le came out of a house approximately 10 houses down from the scene. With a warrant, they searched what they believed was his room and found his driver’s license. The photo, however, wasn’t a complete match to the face in the detective’s photos. Urquhart attributed this to a change of hair. The license, however, did have Le’s parental address on it.
between Urquhart’s earlier statements with the media, and his statement that night. Terry, Le’s uncle, earlier questioned why police reported Le had a knife if he was running at them when it was a pen and they could probably see it.
Aisha, an audience member who requested her last name be excluded, said she saw the King County Sheriff’s office and Seattle Police Department at booths during an earlier event. She went to both tables, asking if they knew the names Tommy Le and Charleena Lyles (another person killed by police in the same month). “No one knew the name of Tommy Le,” she said. “I’m wondering why that isn’t a normal conversation you guys are having.” Deepa Bhandash also rose to take the mic.
A 14-year Vietnamese veteran, Tuan Nguyen, took the helm, speaking in Vietnamese while the moderator translated. “It’s disheartening that we are at a state of war with our people,” he said. “It looks like a pair of military organizations. The community is not a battlefield and [police] are not the soldiers. You cannot apply the same community standards. Every officer needs to be trained in proper attitude and unarmed tactics. Discharging a weapon and hurting and killing someone is an awesome responsibility and one that will eat at your heart and your soul for the rest of your life.” Le’s cousin, Jennie, expressed gratitude for the event, but still remained confused about the deputies’ decisions and perspectives regarding the pen. In addition, she said she didn’t manage to ask one question: Why did they have to shoot him in the torso? Michael Moynihan, a previously renowned Seattle activist for Black Lives Matter, said the event felt the same as all of the other meetings in Arizona and Washington that follow-suit for people killed by police. The air felt like a thousand pounds but words felt empty. “It’s a repeating record,” he said of authorities and police encounters. While Seattle voters approved law enforcement oversight in 2015 by 57 percent county-wide, it still has to be negotiated with and approved by the Seattle Police Officers Guild. Urquhart advocated for body cameras that evening but said the Sheriff’s office doesn’t have them because of the money it would take to then abide by Washington’s public records laws. He referenced the redactions (like body and face blurring) that would require time and money. The sheriff did plan on asking King County Executive Dow Constantine for body camera money regardless, but Gossett laughed and shook his head at this. Meanwhile, an audience member whispered, “He’s basically shifting the burden.”
NEWS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 7
Jayapal leads Seattle town hall rally against Trumpcare By Kelsey Hamlin IE Contributor Town Hall Seattle filled with mostly seniors July 6, gathered together for Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D– Wash) as she talked about politicians’ strategies and proposals for America’s new healthcare. The Republican base vowed to rail against the Affordable Care Act (ACA) before its implementation, quickly renaming it Obamacare in 2010. After that negative political nickname trickled down throughout America, now-President Donald Trump promised to repeal the ACA as soon as he was elected. Now, seven months into his term, Republicans are still trying to replace it. The Republican-controlled House passed the new American Health and doctor Scott Barnhart looks on as Rep. Pramilla Jayapal addresses the crowd. She called the Care Act (Trumpcare) in May. Since Moderator new healthcare bills “outrageous.” • Photo by Kelsey Hamlin then, Republican Senators have tried to sign various healthcare bills into law, and have also explored repealing the CBO expects one half of Americans to chemo three days before—researching ACA without replacement. All of these live in states where Trumpcare would which insurance company might offer me attempts have been unsuccessful so far. allow insurance companies to cut essential an individual policy.” benefits like maternity care, prescription She knew losing her insurance meant On July 27, the Senate cast their votes drugs, and mental health. These same never getting coverage because of her for the last standing Trumpcare bill. places could also suffer from insurance pre-existing condition: Cancer. Missing a Hoards of protestors stood outside of the companies imposing lifetime and annual payment meant getting dropped. Washington D.C. Capitol shouting, “Don’t limits. In addition, nearly two-thirds of kill us, kill the bill!” Sen. John McCain “There are people sitting around kitchen nursing home residents are currently (R-Ariz.), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), covered by Medicaid. That could all be tables all around this country who got the and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) same letter as I did,” Pate said. “They’re lost. voted against repealing Obamacare and using their precious energy worrying Most articles throw numbers around, about their health finances.” against their own party’s wishes. People watching nationwide were nervous which helps for context, but Jayapal’s Crowd members were tearing up. Pate’s because McCain, recently diagnosed with event showed that if Trumpcare passes, own eyes glistened in the stage light as cancer, had been speaking out in support there will be very real, detrimental effects her chin quivered and her lips pursed. But on real people. Impacted crowd members of the bill the entire week prior and even she pushed on. She thanked people who included a daughter whose mother has after his diagnosis. Alzheimers, a woman with cancer, a show up, people who march, people who Many Americans protest the ACA mother taking care of her son at home, speak out against Trumpcare because, because they’ve experienced higher oftentimes, the sick ones can’t. and many others. premiums as Medicaid expanded. On Another woman, Melissah Watts, took Harborview doctor and Jayapal’s chosen the other hand, a considerable amount of Americans support the ACA as it requires moderator, Scott Barnhart, relayed what the stage alongside her 32-year-old son Max Watts. Town Hall’s stage, however, base-line coverage and expanded to the ACA has done for his medical center. was not wheelchair accessible. Some time include 20 million more people than in “Yes, [Obamacare] has had challenges was spent moving Max on and off the 2010, according to the National Center for with rising premiums, with high platform. Health Statistics. deductibles, high copays, but it did greatly “Most people feel a natural protective Under the House’s new Trumpcare, expand,” Barnhart said. “Before the ACA, instinct toward children with disabilities,” the ACHA, however, the Congressional Harborview was running in the red and it Melissah said. “The problem is, disabled Budget Office (CBO) and Joint Committee was not able to make the budget.” children grow into disabled adults … on Taxation (JCT) estimated 52 million Harborview doesn’t receive any [Max] needs help with every task of daily Americans will be without health operating income from King County. living, and he has a longer list of daily insurance by 2026. Under the Senate’s Barnhart called the ACA critical to fiscal living than most people.” now-dead BCRA, an estimated 49 million stability. She explained that Max would be would be uninsured by 2026. Then a woman with gold-rimmed forced to starve without someone there In comparison, if the ACA stayed glasses stepped on stage. Her name: Leigh to prepare meals. He would remain in in place, nearly half of the predicted Pate. She’s a cancer survivor who finished his wheelchair with soiled clothing. His Trumpcare amounts would remain another round of chemotherapy three skin would be cracked and infected. So uninsured. The CBO’s report on weeks prior, due to fallopian tube cancer. Melissah occupies the role of caretaker Trumpcare, however, was not yet released Her bills, Pate explained, are already at home. Max would otherwise require a skilled nursing home, of which Melissah when the House had to cast their votes. upwards of $300,000. explained costs an approximate $6,000 Locally, the 2026 uninsured Americans Before the ACA, Pate struggled to pay minimum a month, which the Watts would include 418,000 Washingtonians, for her necessary medical interventions. cannot afford. In contrast, Melissah’s according to the Center for American She recalled that the ACA “was a caretaker job earns around $2,300 a Progress Action Fund. tremendous burden lifted.” But that month through the state’s Medicaid personal care program, she explained. Because Trumpcare doesn’t mandate burden wasn’t lifted for too long. This cost, compared to placing Max baseline coverage for insurance “Two weeks ago, I got a love letter elsewhere, saves taxpayers money. But, companies, people with pre-existing from my insurance company,” Pate said. under Trumpcare, her job wouldn’t get conditions and those in need of maternity The paper alerted her to no longer having paid. Max would have to live in a nursing care would pay astronomical rates. The coverage. She held up the paper. home that would send both of them in debt elderly and those with low income would and force taxpayers to eventually make up “I spent the rainy morning at my the difference. be particularly affected, as would the Asian Pacific Islander community. The kitchen table—still sick from having
“[Republicans] appear to be dead set on dramatically capping the Medicaid funding that keeps my son alive,” Melissah said, “and provides me with my health benefits, and puts a roof over my head and food on our table. My son is as important to the fabric, and my job is as important to the fabric, of the American economy as a coal miner’s job.” Jayapal went on to discuss the many nuances of Trumpcare and what’s coming down the political pipeline. She explained that the Senate bill benefits the wealthy, allowing trillions of dollars in tax cuts. Sheldon Adelson—the Republican billionaire who owns Los Angeles Sands (a bunch of casinos) and monetarily backed a huge lawsuit against the press with Hulk Hogan a few years back— would save $44 million in tax breaks alone under Trumpcare, according to Business Insider. The ACHA essentially benefits those in the top one percent, Jayapal argued. “Everybody else would be pretty much screwed,” she said. Tired laughs rippled throughout the crowd. “You’d end up paying more for less.” Despite this, Rep. Jayapal said the BCRA was worse than the House Bill (the ACHA) because “Medicaid cuts [were] deeper,” but this evidently cannot be factchecked. Jayapal said the Senate pushed a tax bill masquerading as a healthcare bill. One audience member asked how people will know the ACHA or BCRA is dead. Jayapal responded that Republicans will have to, at some point, destroy their own agenda. “They have to move onto something else that they can get done,” she said, adding the next Republican feat would be tax reform. “They’re going to have to start weighing how much time and energy they want to spend on this thing that they can’t get passed. It’s a bit of a crapshoot right now. We’re trying to take it one step at a time.” Jayapal urged Democrats to itemize what parts of the ACA they want fixed, like lowering premiums, should Trumpcare fail. “I think we can’t afford to have [Republicans] say, ‘well, you didn’t have anything you wanted to do to fix it,’” she noted. “We need to be on the forefront of proposing those.” Nearing the Town Hall’s end, Jaypal made it clear she can only get her job done because she hears from her constituents. Her office reportedly gets the most calls and emails of any congressional district. The representative references responses on the floor, reads stories people send and posts them out on Facebook and Twitter. “You always help me to know I’m going in the right direction,” Jayapal said. “Keep the pressure on.” Sen. Bernie Sanders (D–Vermont) was said to introduce a single-payer plan. The traction, however popular with crowd members and Jaypal, will likely halt in Republican-controlled Congress. “We build the resistance one story at a time,” Jayapal commented. At one point during her Q&A, an audience member responded to the ACHA during the word “healthcare,” shouting out a correction of “wealthcare!”
8 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
NEWS
CID community speaks out against displacement, upzone generated by the fund would be built in the neighborhood. And overall, only 150 affordable units are expected in the CID over the next ten years.
By Chetanya Robinson IE Assistant Editor For more than 20 minutes, there was silence as City officials explained that zoning in parts of the Chinatown International District (CID) needed to change, to allow developers to build higher. “We are asking for this change because it would allow us to require new buildings to build affordable housing,” said City Councilmember Rob Johnson.
In an interview before the event, Frank Irigon, who has worked as an activist in the CID and the API community for decades, did not mince words when discussing the threats to the preservation of the neighborhood.
He was referring to the Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA), or “Grand Bargain,” one of the recommendations in Mayor Ed Murray’s signature Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA). In return for a change of zoning (an “upzone”), the City can force developers to either set aside seven Audience members held signs against displacement at the July 18 town hall event. • Photo by Cathy You percent of their housing as “affordable,” or else pay into a fund managed by the City. The City can then use this fund to Committee, Chaired by Johnson. The city. Jill Mangaliman, executive director support affordable, subsidized housing event took the form of a public committee of environmental justice organization throughout the City. meeting, legally required as such because Got Green, talked about being displaced to Burien after living in Seattle their On Monday, July 31, the Council a majority of the Council attended. approved the upzone for the CID The forum was hosted by InterIm whole life. “We see what unchecked neighborhood in a 8-0 vote. Community Development Association development looks like in Rainier Valley. It’s so gentrified that our own community But on July 18, around 250 people (InterIm CDA), the CID Coalition (or members can’t even live in our city.” Humbows Not Hotels), Friends of Little packed the Nisei Veteran’s Committee Devin Cabanilla, a business consultant Memorial Hall on South King Street in Saigon, Helping Link, Japanese American League—Seattle Chapter, and Filipino American historian who Little Saigon neighborhood mostly to Citizens oppose the upzone and voice their fears Organization of Chinese Americans, works in the neighborhood, said he’s about displacement and gentrification Puget Sound Sage, South CORE, and concerned about the future of the in the neighborhood. Over 30 limited other CID community organizations and neighborhood. Though his family has lived here since 1910, it’s too expensive to English speaking elders wore headsets as businesses. the forum was translated. After presentations from the City and raise his three children there. The room was quiet as City officials explained why they believed the upzone was necessary. Councilmember Johnson emphasized—repeating three times—that the “historic core” of the CID (roughly between 5th Avenue and I-5 going West to East, and between South Jackson Street and South Weller Street) would be unaffected by the upzone. It was only after Tom Im of InterIm Community Development Association (InterIm CDA) spoke that the room unleashed a wave of cheers and applause. Im said the MHA zoning requirements do not go far enough in helping prevent displacement in the neighborhood. “Ultimately it’s about saving the grandmas and grandpas that live here from being uprooted from their homes, or a family business that has been in the ID for generations from being told to leave because the building housing their business is being sold,” Im said. It was the first of many times the room cheered in response to someone voicing concerns about displacement, affordability, and the future of the CID. In a city where rents have risen to the fifth most expensive in the country, many in the CID expressed their worries about displacement. Five City Councilmembers attended: Bruce Harrell, Lisa Herbold, Lorena González, Rob Johnson and Mike O’Brien. While Harrell represents Council District 2, which includes the CID, the remaining four Council members make up the Planning, Land Use, and Zoning
InterIm CDA, public comments lasted for over two hours. Most people spoke against the MHA, and criticized the City for lacking transparency and not listening to the neighborhood when making decisions that affect them.
“With the median income in the area extremely high, it’s impossible for me to be part of a new foundation of Chinatown,” Cabanilla said. “We may be at the end of our generations here.” One or two people spoke in favor of the upzone, with one man suggesting that the MHA would be the right policy to bring more badly-needed housing to the neighborhood.
Leslie Morishita, Real Estate Development Director at InterIm, explained the importance of the CID as a spiritual home for people around the region, as well as a home for immigrants But most speakers at the forum and refugees and those with limited criticized multiple aspects of the MHA. English. These included the requirement that only “For residents, especially long time, seven percent of housing be designated elderly residents, being pushed out of the as “affordable,” rather than a higher ID means the devastating loss of social percentage. The meaning of “affordable” and cultural ties that support day to day itself was criticized as being misleading. living and the loss of a sense of self and The Mayor’s HALA recommendations agency in the world,” Morishita said. are aimed at people who earn between Several people brought up the history 30 percent and 80 percent of the Area of displacement in the CID, from the Median Income (AMI). In 2017, 80 forcible expulsion of the City’s Chinese percent AMI for a household of one is an population in 1886 to the incarceration of annual income of over $50,000 dollars Japanese Americans during World War II. per year. For a family of four, the AMI is nearly $77,000 per year. Other speakers criticized the upzone as Meanwhile, in a ranking of the a giveaway for developers. median household incomes of some 45 “The very last thing the CID needs is Seattle neighborhoods from data website tall commercial buildings casting literal Statistical Atlas (drawn from slightly shadows across the people who live here,” outdated 2010 census data, it should be said Alice Marabe, a lifelong Seattleite noted), the CID comes dead last in median with family ties to the neighborhood. household income, at around $25,000 “The city needs to know what values dollars per year. For a family of four, this it’s thinking about when it talks about is just above the federal poverty line of development. That’s a very vague word. $24,600 per year. Development for whose benefit and whose People also noted that if developers interests?” choose to pay into an affordable housing Others brought up the effects of fund, there’s no guarantee the housing displacement and gentrification around the
“My own opinion is, they’re colonizing the International District, and the city is telling us to welcome the builders and developers with open arms,” Irigon said. “And that’s bullshit.” Before public comment, representatives from the City and InterIm CDA discussed some solutions to the many issues brought up by neighborhood residents. Near the beginning of the event, Gary Johnson of the City Office of Planning and Community Development explained that the City is about to launch a new planning process in response to concerns from the neighborhood has conveyed over the past year. The City will look at whether it can give City-owned land to the community for affordable housing, as well as allowing the community greater input in new development. A City committee will work to make sure large municipal projects are coordinated to avoid impacting residents, while another group will look at ways to improve parks, cityscapes and the pedestrian environment with the help of an advisory committee composed of neighborhood advocates, including Pradeepta Upadhyay and Maiko Winkler-Chin of InterIm CDA. Im of InterIm ran through a list of proposals from the organization: Community control of more land to build affordable space on, an eviction prevention program and neighborhood tenant organizer, requirements that landlords to provide more notice for businesses to negotiate new leases. Im said the City should support a job training program and Section 8 housing vouchers for those facing displacement. It should also fund a community engagement position so people in the neighborhood can be informed about City projects, Im said. Midway into the public comments, a restaurant owner and board member of Friends of Little Saigon spoke to address something she felt was missing from the discussion so far: the loss of hope. She explained that before the forum, she and others had gone door to door to businesses in the neighborhood asking people to attend. Most didn’t seem to care. They said they’d lost business starting five years ago when the streetcar was constructed in the neighborhood, and blamed a rise in homelessness on hurting business as well. “Community members don’t want to invest in their own community anymore,” she said. “What are we going to do to instill hope in them again?”
PRESENTED BY ICHS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 9
An uncertain future—who’s impacted by health care By International Community Health Services
Community health centers provide comprehensive health services for millions of Americans—many of whom also count among the country’s most vulnerable and underserved. They are neighbors and coworkers, students and seniors. They are immigrants and refugees, professionals and laborers. What they have in common is the desire to feel safe, seek opportunity, and find prosperity, as part of the age-old American Dream. Central to making that dream come alive is the basic and fundamental human need for affordable health care. These are the people and stories behind the uncertain future of the changes wrought by the Affordable Care Act, state expansion of Medicaid, and our nation’s more than 1,000 federally funded community health centers. A patient and provider at ICHS Holly Park Medical and Dental Clinic. • Photo by Joel Aguiar
A hard-fought battle won—for now By Teresita Batayola, ICHS CEO Healthcare for those who need it the most is a long fight that is not done—from the callous proposals within the House’s passage of the American Health Care Act and Senate members’ secret debates on the Better Care Reconciliation Act to the varying threats proposed in a “Medicaid wraparound,” “straight repeal,” “repeal and two-year delay to replace” and most recently, the so-called “skinny repeal.” For months, people in our community and around the country have called, written, marched and protested against stripping 15 to 25 million people of health care coverage. Sen. John McCain voted “No” and handed a 51-49 suspenseful win against the skinny repeal, giving us great cause for relief. But that hardfought win provides no excuse for complacency. We must acknowledge senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, who persisted and ground through all the exclusionary maneuverings behind closed doors and the eventual floor actions that saw repeated cosmetic surgery to the Better Care Reconciliation Act, which lost then was resurrected as the Obamacare Repeal and Reconciliation Act, which lost again only to rise as the Healthcare Freedom Act, in the attempt to kill the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare. Senators Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) courageously stood against their Republican colleagues to steadfastly support the millions who have health care through the ACA.
ICHS CEO Teresita Batayola
The ACA fueled huge strides in expanding millions of Americans’ access to health care, but just as many continue to be left behind. We are reminded that wrapped into the upcoming Congressional budget debate is the question of the basic grants supporting health centers across the country. Without action by September 30, community health centers such as ICHS face a potential 70% funding cut of our federal grant dollars, known as the Health Center Funding Cliff. If this happens, ICHS could lose approximately $1.8 million in federal grant dollars that support health care access for low-income and uninsured populations. This could mean that about 1,200 fewer people will be served. Additionally, the Children’s Health Insurance Program faces the chopping block in the same timeframe
unless it is renewed. In 2014, the program covered 42,637 children through Washington Apple Health for Kids. ICHS serves many of our community’s neediest and most vulnerable—immigrants, refugees, the elderly, the young—people who already face a number of barriers to care, beyond their ability to access health insurance or care from a doctor. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, ICHS takes care of those who are low income, on Medicaid, uninsured and underinsured, regardless of health, housing, or ability to pay. It is premature to assume that efforts to repeal the ACA are dead. We have to be even more tenacious. We must continue to advocate, educate, and organize with fresh calls for a bipartisan approach to health care for those who need it the most. Just as imperative is moving quickly to a different front in September to fight and make sure that funding for community health centers and children’s health are renewed when Congress returns from its August recess. ICHS and community health centers, as part of our nation’s health safety net, serve about 25 million patients a year, at a cost of less than $1,000 per patient per year. We are central in building health
We are reminded that wrapped into the upcoming Congressional budget debate is the question of the basic grants supporting health centers across the country.
equity, offer a frontline resource in addressing the opioid epidemic, and train and fill the need for a future generation of qualified health care professionals. For 44 years, ICHS has embraced all people and turned no one away. Our promise has stayed constant since our modest start as a one-room clinic in 1973. ICHS is here to serve our communities as your medical and dental home. Join us as we stand in solidarity with our sister health centers, health care advocates and organizations, patients and community members for National Health Center Week, August 13 to 19.
10 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
Not going back By International Community Health Services To talk to “Asha” is to understand the blind instinct that drives people to willingly give up everything they know for much they don’t, in pursuit of something they are convinced must be better. It’s the hope for a better life. It’s the universal story of the immigrant. It’s also the backstory for more than 98% percent of all Americans. Asha is a sweet-spoken and engaging 33-year-old Eastside wife and mother. She is originally from a small town in India. She dreams of gaining U.S. asylum with her husband and 19-month-old child, and being granted a work permit so she can continue her career as a nurse. It’s clear that this is what will make what has been much sacrifice, as well as precarious hand-tomouth survival, worth it. “It’s for our child,” said Asha. When prompted, she explains, “We’re not going back. Ever.” It’s been a long journey for Asha and her family. “We met and married in a country outside of India and the United States but we couldn’t settle there,” she said. A brief return to India when she was pregnant only served to cement her resolve to leave what she describes as “a prison.” “My baby was born in India. After five months, I came here,” she said. Unable to legally work in the United States, afraid of any misstep that might jeopardize their hopes of immigration, Asha’s family straddles a narrow precipice. On one side beckons a new life and work opportunities unknown in India. On the other is a yawning maw of debt and uncertainty. Further upsetting the family’s
equilibrium is the stress of learning the ropes, alone in a new country and without the support of family. “We’ll be fine once we can get a job. Right now, I’m feeling the stress. Especially with a child, it’s not just you, you have a family. When we were trying to find a place, for nearly a month I could not sleep. Where could I go? I can’t go back to India,” said Asha. With the guarantees of a work visa, Social Security number and the trappings of residency, Asha and her young family will finally gain access to many entitlements currently closed to them. For the moment however, they can only wait. And hope. “It’s stressful without working, without help,” said Asha. Then she corrects, “Well, we have lots of help coming into our life now.” The help has come from Miran Hothi, an Indian American community outreach worker with International Community Health Services (ICHS). Tireless and indefatigable, she’s been a surrogate big sister, cheerleader and guide, helping Asha navigate a path between her past and the underpinnings of a future. Miran has become a source of salvation—locating and putting the family in touch with resources to help with food costs, medical care and bills. Miran and Asha’s connection is an outgrowth of ICHS outreach efforts that bring Miran directly in touch with the community via her “mobile office”—a pamphlet-packed table parked two times a week outside the Bellevue City Hall annex at Crossroads Mall. She is familiar to regulars and local business owners, who know her as the go-to person for questions on health care, insurance and other social
Miran Hothi of ICHS. • Photo by Michael B. Maine
services. Fluent in Spanish, Russian and Punjabi, she and her colleagues offer a tremendous resource for new immigrants and refugees. “ICHS’ team and program are unique. No one offers in-language help similar to us,” she said. “We are meeting people at genuine points of struggle. Taking away part of their stress is the most important service I can provide.” About half of the people Miran encounter lead to more in-depth relationships and assists. Asha describes Miran’s intervention to ensure their child was covered by health insurance, something the adults in the house have decided is a luxury they cannot yet afford for themselves. “She told me that children under 18 qualify for Medicaid. But my husband and I, we are waiting for our immigration. Thank God I have been fine for the past year,” she said.
PRESENTED BY ICHS
Asha’s husband has not been so lucky. He recently had health problems that threatened to knock the fragile family off their feet. At first, he tried to ignore problems with his stomach. “I saw how he was struggling. He was taking over-the-counter medication but it didn’t work. He brought medication from India and tried that,” she said. Asha’s husband was in pain for six months before finally going to the emergency room for treatment. He and Asha didn’t anticipate how much everything would cost. Their pending request for asylum cast a long shadow— the couple was afraid of making any decision or accepting any financial aid that might risk their immigration status. “We got a $6,700 final bill,” she said. “I approached Miran and she said we could apply for charity care. We were scared but she said to check with our immigration lawyer.” Knowing they could accept help without penalty removed the weight of debt and gave Asha a new confidence. She has moved from feeling in need of advice to feeling she has insight that is of value to others. “Stress won’t give you anything. Don’t be scared and be strong with your decision. That’s the only thing to do,” she said. “Get rid of your ego—if you don’t ask for help you won’t have it.” Asha can see the life she wants to build for her family, and in particular, for her child. “I want to see our baby grow up and get a good education,” said Asha “To be a family person who cares about others and respects others.”
Surviving for a second chance By International Community Health Services It is one of life’s great ironies. As a resident of Hong Kong—the home Yinha Lai left behind more than 20 years ago—she had regular and unimpeded access to one of the world’s most advanced, low-cost universal health care systems. Here in the United States, Yinha’s adopted home, a trip to the doctor’s office has been something she has felt she cannot afford. Petite and well-spoken, looking sprightly in periwinkle blue, Yinha is composed as she explains how a fear of high health care costs kept her from making an appointment for a health exam. “I have a lot of credit card debt accumulated from the recession and have been without insurance since my divorce. I thought I would be fine waiting until I turned 65. I look healthy. I’m energetic,” she said. Instead of seeing a doctor, Yinha hoped her body’s message that something was wrong would simply go away. “For the past year or two, the left side of my body has not been quite right. Recently, it felt like a pinch in my left breast,” she said. She carried the fear of cost with her as she went to see Dr. “Kimo” Hirayama at International Community Health Services (ICHS) clinic in Seattle’s International District. Her choice was deliberate. Dr. Kimo
cared for Yinha through a pregnancy, gave her children their well child checkups, and oversaw countless family bumps, bruises and immunizations. He has been Yinha’s family physician for more than 20 years. “I didn’t have health insurance and there is no other doctor I trust. I went to see him and he sent me to get a mammogram,” she said Yinha’s results showed signs of breast cancer, frightening for anyone, but especially for someone in her vulnerable position. Fortunately, Yinha found help at ICHS. Veronica Kim, Yinha Lai. • Photo by Charles Lee ICHS’ Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program coordinator, retroactively enrolled Yinha in a Susan G. Komen program that covered the cost of screenings. Once she was sure that Yinha was freed from paying for any expensive tests or consultations out-ofpocket, she helped schedule the biopsy that confirmed cancer in Yinha’s left breast. Veronica, a motherly, elegant Korean American, is familiar to many within Seattle’s Asian community. She has run
local community breast cancer education and screening programs directed toward immigrant women since 1995. She also is finely attuned to her patients’ feelings and questions. Veronica herself is a breast cancer survivor. “I know help is on the way. I’m grateful for Veronica. I would be struggling without ICHS,” Yinha said. Yinha found herself in a particularly tight spot with life-altering implications. The owner of a small business, her income is above the qualifying threshold for Medicaid, as well as the Washington State Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program. Yet, the cost of private insurance was too high. Paying out-of-pocket for cancer treatment was out of the question. Undeterred, Veronica used her in-depth knowledge of the state and county public health system to find another cancer health program under which Yinha qualified. All aspects of her cancer treatment are now covered through Apple Health, Washington State’s version of Medicaid. Veronica also made sure Yinha had a copy of a breast health book that was translated into her native Chinese so she would be familiar with medical terms and able to ask questions when meeting with her surgeon.
Even now, Veronica is firmly advocating for Yinha and her future. “You will not feel well during chemotherapy and radiation,” Veronica explains, helping Yinha plan ahead for the days she won’t feel up to running her business. “You will need to have someone help you.” She also reminds Yinha of a coming bright spot, “Next year, you will turn 65 and you can transition to Medicare.” Yinha says she is lucky Veronica found a way to help her pay. Not just the surgery she knows is around the corner, but the years of drug therapy that will follow radiation treatment and chemotherapy. She is against the proposed changes in the Affordable Care Act that will further diminish access to health care for people in her income bracket and with preexisting conditions. “Taking away the benefit people need most, that is insane,” she said. “Health care is a human right, right beside food and shelter.” She envisions what she wants for herself and her future. “I used to enjoy gardening. I would like to garden, to travel,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I was busy making a living and had kids. Hopefully I will have a chance again when I survive this.”
PRESENTED BY ICHS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 11
Waiting for the sun By International Community Health Services Words tumble from Maria Rosa Garcia Felix, a careworn 53-year-old immigrant from Mexico. She shares information about her health, her pending divorce and how much others enjoy her cooking—including recent praise from a Cordon Bleu-trained coworker. She also describes heartbreaking circumstances that expose the numbing power of domestic abuse and Maria’s abuser, and how the promise of a green card was used against her. Maria came to the United States 22 years ago following her first husband. She had little money to secure a new life after paying a guide to see her across the border. “I had only 50 pesos in my pocket and I spent 20 on tostadas,” she said of the meal she ate in Tijuana before crossing into the United States. That marriage ended and Maria married a second time. Reliant on her second husband to sponsor her immigration, Maria was left vulnerable to his cruelty, manipulation and violence. “In 2012, he tried to kill me. I got into the car and drove crazy on 405. My friend said, ‘Go to the police’ and I went there. The police took photos of my bruises,” she said. “I picked up some of my belongings and went to a shelter. They helped us. Otherwise, I didn’t think we could make it.” Offering an example of their life together, Maria said, “In the living room, I would sleep on the floor covered with a blanket.” Maria secretly applied for a green card as the victim of domestic violence—giving her the power to seek emancipation from her husband. Not long after moving out on her own, Maria slipped and fell, suffering a broken leg that went undiagnosed for two months. Her pastor led her to a health worker, who got her enrolled in a Swedish Hospital program that gave her health care and benefits. Maria is diabetic, walks with pain and a limp from the old leg injury, and has a small family reliant upon the low-paying work she obtains from an employment
Maria Rose Garcia. • Photo by Michael B. Maine
Maria Rose Garcia and her daughters. • Photo by Michael B. Maine
agency. Often she does cafeteria work. There Maria can show off her culinary skills. “Insulin is expensive, it costs $2,000,” she said. “I need to switch to insulin but I’m not able to pay for it so the doctor left me on Metformin.” One of Maria’s two pastors passed away. The health advocate from Swedish left, moving onto another position. These small breaks offer insight into how little it takes to derail someone like Maria. The cost of a phone bill can be a barrier to following up on appointments. Unreliable transportation means not getting somewhere. In this case, the exit of people who had made it their commitment to look out for her was all it took to set Maria adrift. “When my case manager left I was out of medication,” she said. “I hadn’t seen a doctor in months.” Earning just $420 a month plus $357 in food stamps, Maria meets the income criteria for Medicaid, but she must hold a green card for five years before she is eligible. She does not yet meet that requirement. Because the Swedish program she was enrolled in expired midyear, she missed open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act, leaving her in a health care limbo. The result was nearly fatal. “My blood sugar level was 580. I was almost in a coma,” she said. “I was in the ICU for 15 days.” Maria’s situation appeared dire until she met Sharissa Tjok, International Community Health Services (ICHS) outreach and enrollment coordinator. Sharissa, a fresh-looking ChineseAmerican woman, is soft-spoken and gentle. Under the softness however, is a steel mind and expert knowledge of the state and federal public health care systems. “She is seeing the doctor and getting medication now,” said Sharissa. “ICHS will make sure she is covered under our sliding fee program until she is able to enroll in a qualified health plan.” Sharissa’s entire focus is helping patients—many of whom don’t speak
English, nearly all of whom feel a bit lost—understand their health insurance eligibility and options, and how and when to apply. “Immigrants really struggle with life,” she explains. “They have to pay bills. It’s hard to find a job. When they do find a job they usually don’t have health insurance,” she said. “My team is good and we have a mission to help as many people as we can.”
She admits to frustration with the attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the possibility of large numbers of ICHS patients losing the benefits of the ACA, and especially Medicaid, just as cumulative gains are coming into place. “I see losing all my effort over the past three years,” Sharissa said. “Fewer people would have preventative health care and they would only see the doctor when they really need to. They would try to cut costs. They would skip medications.” Maria only sees the lifeline in front of her. “God has something for me. I know after the rain the sun will come out” she said. “There’s nothing you can do except keep going. I have two daughters and they need me. They need an education. They need a better life.” Maria’s parents owned a restaurant when she was a child and that’s where she learned to cook with such skill. She’s passing that legacy onto her daughters. Nineteen and 15 years old, they live with her in Kirkland, the oldest attending Cascadia College in Bothell, the youngest a student at Juanita High School. “Now my girls cook for me,” she said with pride.
12 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
PRESENTED BY ICHS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
Multimedia collaboration between community organizations to add voice in support of continued health care funding By Kamna Shastri IE Contributor A new video featuring staff, patients, and providers from International Community Health Services (ICHS) will advocate for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the face of a new political agenda threatening vital health care funding. Community health centers like ICHS aim to bring equitable health care access to communities and individuals that need it, and much of their funding comes from the ACA. As the leaps in health care policy made during the Obama administration are threatened, community health centers—and with them, many people’s access to health care—stand on the edge of a knife. DoQuyen Huynh is the director of ICHS’ Assistant Resident Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) Residency program. Funding for community health centers won’t hurt the health center as much as it will hurt patients and community members, she said. “On a larger level, with the funding cuts, our country’s health system will be reactive instead of preventive; we will spend more while having worse health outcomes,” Huynh wrote in an email, citing the fact that the ACA also funds services like cancer screenings offered by community health centers like ICHS. William Hoskyn, another ARNP, wrote that without Medicaid funding,
A still from a video by the ICHS’ Assistant Resident Nurse Practitioner program and South East Asian Young Men’s Group advocating for the Affordable Care Act.
community health centers would not have resources to provide services to their patients. “And more importantly, more people will be uninsured and will delay care, which has tremendous consequences on our economy and their health,” he wrote. In its five-minute runtime, the video not only addresses the impact of the ACA on community health care centers as
institutions, but captures how its policies have affected the wellbeing of families and individuals. In an early look at the video, one woman speaks, voice shaking, a tear escaping the corner of her eye even as she tries to hold back the emotion. “Cutting the funding, cutting the needs of patients, cutting how you survive and also different programs, but that’s the most important for every human being … I’m speaking with my heart. We want more funding, continue the funding to improve,” she says.
Putting the pieces together It took many community players to put together the multimedia piece. A group of ICHS Advanced Resident Nurse Practitioners gathered the content and reached out to the South East Asian Young Men’s Group (SEAYM) at Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) to help film the piece. The SEAYM group offers a film program where youth learn the art of filmmaking and use the medium to tell powerful personal stories. The program’s director, Joseph Mills, opened up the project to the group and three youth showed interest. They helped with filming subjects and assisted in the editing process as well. Mills approached the after they had returned to Washington, D.C. as Community Anti-Drug
youth soon from a trip part of the Commission
of America (CADCA) conference. The group met with Washington state senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. The visit sparked conversations around legal drug use in Washington and impacts on youth among other health care related questions. The youth were able to personally relate with current health care issues, especially after visiting the national capital where the fate of ACA legislation will be determined. “I think that really connected with some of the kids as far as wanting to do something to advocate for their communities and you know for their families … seeing … as this really being a threat to a lot of people in their communities,” Mills said.
End goals The end goal of the project is to send the final product to state legislators, bringing attention to the importance of community health centers and the meaningful impacts of ACA legislation. “The target audience is politicians who may not understand the capacity of a community health center and how funding impacts the community, which is made of the constituents that they serve,” wrote Esther Park, an ARNP resident at ICHS, in an email. Huynh also noted that the video equally targets regular community folks and patients who might be able to better understand how the ACA has impacted their health care systems. Doing so would allow the community to come together and advocate, or vote in favor of health care service funding. “Regardless of what’s happening there on a federal level” said Mills, “[the goal is] to really emphasize to our local lawmakers here in Washington about the importance of continuing to fund health care and the Medicaid expansion in particular.” The video will go up on YouTube on August 15.
PRESENTED BY ICHS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 13
ICHS vision clinic to reach a diverse group of patients By International Community Health Services Andrea Liem, optometrist for the new International Community Health Services (ICHS) vision clinic, says her career path evolved naturally out of her own experiences as an eye care patient. “Vision is one of our most important senses. As a nearsighted patient myself, I’ve been going to the optometrist yearafter-year since middle school,” Liem said. “I’ve worn contact lenses and eyeglasses in the past, and eventually had laser surgery to correct my myopia. Based on my personal experience and my family’s need for vision care, I am able to empathize with and better serve my patients.” The ICHS vision clinic is currently under construction in a storefront across the plaza from the ICHS medical-dental building in International District Village Square. The 1,200 square foot space, which will include two exam rooms, previously housed a hair salon. It is being remodeled with support from a $350,000 grant from the City of Seattle. Design began in October, 2016 and the Andrea Liem, optometrist for the new ICHS vision clinic. • Courtesy Photo clinic is scheduled to open in September. By its second year of operation, the vision The vision clinic concept arose out of also strongly advocated for establishing the clinic is expected to handle approximately discovery that only half of ICHS patients vision clinic. 900 visits. completed their referrals for eye care. TereLiem, a Shoreline native, traces her proICHS currently provides primary care to sita Batayola, ICHS CEO, said: “Vision nearly 29,000 patients in over 50 different problems in the United States are the most fessional interest to job shadowing experilanguages at its seven clinic locations in prevalent disability among children and ences during her junior year in high school, which included a program designed to inSeattle, Shoreline and Bellevue. youth, and is one of the top disabilities for still career interest in young minds through adults.” The ICHS patient advisory council hands-on experience. She spent a day with
her family optometrist and interviewed the father of a classmate, gaining insight into different clinical settings within the profession. “I fell in love with the relevance of eye care across all demographics and its versatility in health care. You can learn so much about the human body simply through the eye. It is a window into many disease states such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and even allergies” she said. After completing her undergraduate work at the University of Washington, Liem moved East, graduating from State University of New York’s College of Optometry in 2009. She then worked at a predominately Spanish-speaking vision center in Jackson Heights, New York, where she found that having five years of Spanish courses under her belt came in handy. Liem also worked for a Chinatown-based optical group in New York. Having grown up in a blended Cantonese- and English-speaking household, she was able to apply her language skills while working with primarily Chinese clientele. She returned home to Washington state in 2014 to be closer to her family and to start one of her own. “It’s a privilege to be part of this new chapter at ICHS,” she said. “I’m excited for this opportunity. I find it rewarding to serve the community that I grew up in and feel that ICHS will allow me to further provide quality care to patients belonging to diverse backgrounds.”
14 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
NEWS
Mayoral candidate forum focuses on immigrants, refugees, and communities of color Mayor Murray’s Education Action Plan. Murray’s plan includes a list of 18 recommendations for improving academic achievement for low-income students and students of color.
By Thay Cheam IE Contributor The Coalition of Immigrants, Refugees, and Communities of Color (CIRCC) hosted a mayoral candidate forum at the Eritrean Association of Greater Seattle on July 15. The forum was divided into two segments; the first included former Seattle mayor Mike McGinn, lawyer, artist and activist Nikkita Oliver, former State Representative Jessyn Farrell, and State Senator Bob Hasegawa. The second segment featured former U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan, Seattle Police Officer James Norton Jr., Tiniell Cato, Jason Roberts, and Harley Lever.
“What the city can do is provide necessary support for the students and their families,” offered Hasegawa. Farrell echoed that sentiment. To help communities address educational inequities, “the [Parent Teacher Student Association] is the place to allocate funds,” she said.
Before current Mayor Ed Murray ended his re-election bid, Oliver was his only viable challenger. Since then, the field has expanded to include 21 candidates. This election is the first open seat contest since 1997, when incumbent Mayor Paul Schell was unable to make it through the primary. As a condition of invitation to the forum, each candidate spoke to CIRCC within 60 days of the election.
Left to right: Mayoral candidates Mike McGinn, Jessyn Farrell, Nikkita Oliver, Bob Hasegawa • Photos by Thay Cheam
In between the two segments, the audience and mayoral candidates were treated to a huge spread of Ethiopian and Filipino dishes and Classical Khmer dancing by the Des Moines Dance Troupe.
Accountability (OPA), and criticized current OPA head Pierce Murphy and Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole for being absent from a recent Town Hall for Charleena Lyles. “I believe it is their responsibility to Topics included city-specific issues, such show up to hear the communities voices,” as growth and its effect on affordable hous- Oliver said. ing, the opportunity gap in education, and When asked if he would support updataccess to the right resources for jobs, as well ing the language in state law to simplify as national-level issues such as police and community relations, police use of deadly prosecuting law enforcement officers when force, how to best address immigration, deadly force is used, James W. Norton Jr., a and each candidate’s plan to work with the current Seattle Police Officer, said: “We set White House on these issues. The audience them up for failure—we need better mental included members of the Vietnamese, Er- health training for our police officers.” Touting her work in implementing changitrean, Filipino, and Cambodian communies within Seattle Police in line with the 2012 ties. With the shooting of Tommy Le by King Federal Consent Decree, Jenny Durkan said County Sheriffs and Charleena Lyles by she would support updating language in the Seattle Police still fresh in people’s minds, state law. one of the first topics discussed was police and community relations. “The community deserves the opportunity to be a part of the investigation,” said Oliver. “The CPC [Community Police Commission] has 21 members, and we need at least half to represent communities of colors, LGBTQ, and low-income communities.” Oliver also called for a new head of the Office of Police
In May this year, Councilmembers Lorena González and Tim Burgess sponsored and helped pass a $1 million legal defense fund to help fund legal representation for undocumented immigrants and refugees affected by President’s Trump’s executive orders. King County Council passed similar legislation, allocating $750,000.
The topic of immigration expanded to address racism and inequalities within the city. Former Mayor Mike McGinn said he would make sure the city government reflects the diversity of the city. “When you get to policy in any city; whether it’s taxes, housing, transportation, racism is at the bottom, it’s at the bottom of every story in America,” he said. On the subject of ensuring equity among all communities in the city, many of the candidates presented strategies around zoning changes, finding ways to align wages with the cost of living, and creating more affordable housing. “We have to have a strategy that says we can have all our moderate earners and low-income earners living in any neighborhood,” said Oliver. To achieve these goals, candidates suggested getting large companies in the city to help employees, programs supporting child care and transportation, reallocating dollars within the city’s budget towards programs that support lower-income communities, and implementing impact fees to new development within the city.
At the forum, the Khmer Student Association of UW (KhSA) was collecting signatures for a petition to fight planned cuts to Khmer language classes at the University of Washington. During one of the audienceled questions, KhSA asked how each candidate would help preserve foreign language courses. The candidates who answered all agreed that a combination of coalitionbuilding, as well as leveraging the mayor’s position when negotiating with the University of Washington, would be an effective strategy. Farrell also pointed to her work as a state legislator in attaching an amendment to the 2015 Washington State Transportation package that could help address these type of funding disagreements. The amendment, titled, “Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account” allocates $500 million towards helping fund K-12 and higher education programs for underserved communities. CIRCC organizers expressed hopes that this forum will help build a space where minority communities can engage with politicians. “This gives communities of color firsthand exposure with candidates running for mayor, establishing a relationship and dialogue,” said Clarence Gunn, one of the principal organizers of the forum. “Our big thing is about voter engagement—a lot of people are registered voters but don’t vote.” Bereket Kiros, another coordinator added, “We need more ongoing dialogue with political figures. They only way we can address inequities within communities in the cities is through the political process.”
A poll sampling the forum’s audience concluded the top three candidates were, in order, Nikkita Oliver, Mike McGinn, and Education was also discussed, with some Bob Hasegawa. candidates addressing where they stood on
ARTS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 15
Fall Out and the Quest for Peace On my shelf sits a photo from the past. A shy young man has one hand up brushing strands of chest-length hair out of his face caught as the photographer snaps the shot. Behind him is a woman in an overcoat walking away. In the far distance is the spectre of a dome-like building looming behind a grove of trees. That’s me in 1968 on my first overseas travel experience and I am in Hiroshima. The building behind me was originally known as the Production Exhibition Hall designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and completed in 1915. It was the only structure left standing at the bomb’s epicenter. It has since been better known as the “A-Bomb Dome” and was preserved as a memorial of the bombing and a symbol of peace. It was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Every year an event called “From Hiroshima to Hope” takes place at Green Lake. It is the annual lantern floating ceremony originally conceived to honor victims of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki but also serves to honor all victims of war and strife in the world. This year it takes place on Sunday, August 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the northwest shore, just south of the Bathhouse Theater. To highlight this event, we offer a feature that throws light on both events of the past and our precious future. We take a look at how artists reflect on the history of war with a look at the current Wing Luke Museum exhibition entitled Teardrops That Wound—The Absurdity of War curated by SuJ’n Chon and consider a book for young adults entitled Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story by Caren Stelson. It is the true story of a six-year-old survivor and her life-long quest to find peace out of the ashes of trauma and loss. If you would like to participate in the “From Hiroshima To Hope Lantern Floating Peace Ceremony” and need more information, you can call (206) 453-4471 or visit fromhiroshimatohope.org. Donations and volunteers are always welcome. Go in peace! —Alan Chong Lau, IE Arts Editor
Teardrops that Wound is an immersive, multidimensional exhibition By Aya Bisbee IE Contributor Upon entering the exhibition, Teardrops that Wound: The Absurdity of War, currently showing at the Wing Luke Museum, one is immediately confronted with two immense sculptural representations of the atomic bomb nicknamed “Little Boy.” Their silhouettes serve as a reminder of the violent history associated with this weapon, which was dropped on the city of Hiroshima during World War II killing hundreds of thousands of people and affecting many more. While engaging with a tragic and overwhelming past, the room also has a sense of lightness as hanging kimono fabric ripples in a light breeze and paper cherry blossoms are scattered about the floor. As one wanders through these “teardropshaped” structures, one is initially forced to simply reckon with the form and appearance of the bombs. Visually, they are pleasing to look at, stunning, and even delicate. But how does one conceptualize the incredible, violent capabilities of such a structure? The exhibition, titled Teardrops that Wound: The Absurdity of War, is currently showing at the Wing Luke Museum. The show features contemporary work by Asian Pacific American artists approaching the subject of war from diverse perspectives and backgrounds. In common, the pieces all engross visitors in unique reimaginings of history and reality which shed light on historical events, practices, and concepts which we have become all too familiar with. The curator, SuJ’n Chon, commented on the power of absurdity to allow “a side entry to face what some people might think is a hackneyed topic. I think that we, as a society, are a little bit desensitized to the topic and I think that there’s a lot that is happening in the real world that we are not even picking up on.” She compared absurdity to science fiction, “the power of science fiction is to take parts of reality and be able to approach really difficult topics through a lens that is just not real enough that we can actually tackle them. I think that’s what’s powerful about the work of these artists. It’s like a manifestation of altered reality—a new dimension.” The piece which is perhaps most clearly a representation of an alternate reality is “Break into Blossom,” an installation developed by Sarah and Phong Nguyen. Phong Nguyen is the author of a collection of short stories, Pages from the Textbook of Alternate History. His story, “Einstein Saves Hiroshima,” imagines a world in which the bomb dropped on Hiroshima
lands without detonating. Inspired by the to war as well. Dang is a ceramic artist, a short story, Sarah Nguyen’s sculpture lays microbiologist, and a sergeant in the U.S. partially submerged in moss. Surrounding Marine Corps. As part of the Dirty Canteen the sculpture are paper cherry blossoms and artist collective, Dang hopes to enable hand cut paper scrolls which hang unfurled, veterans to express their experiences and depicting the cherry blossom trees of the open up dialogues between veterans and short story. Having spent time in Japan, others. Dang’s experiences and military identity are central to his Sarah Nguyen was also work which engages with influenced by the idea the “cynical comedy of of kami, or the Shinto warfare.” concept that “every natural thing, be it man, One installation, a volcano, or plum tree, “Bombs Away,” merges has a kami or spirit.” the destructive power of bombs with the hostility Hanging nearby of biological weapons is Yukiyo Kawano’s by combining these two sculpture, “Little Boy— weapons in hanging Sad Tale of Tanuki.” ceramic sculptures. Kawano also engages “Tactical Decision with the history of the Games,” presents army bombing of Hiroshima, canteens placed in a grid an event which she has as if they were pawns in a an extremely personal game. Some are battered relationship to having or broken, pointing to the grown up in Hiroshima impact of war and combat as a third generation on military personnel. hibakusha (atomic bomb Dang hopes viewers survivor). “Bombs Away” (detail), Thomas Dang, 2015 will “connect with the Kawano’s sculpture sacrifices that are still of the Little Boy atomic bomb is made of kimono fabric sewn being faced today.” He believes, “the together with her own hair. While in capacity to unite through art is a weapon graduate school pursuing an MFA, Kawano that everyone can carry to break down walls was deconstructing her grandmother’s and build bridges.” Working to further complicate the kimono and began recalling the story of Hiroshima. “Growing up in Hiroshima,” she narrative of the soldier or other military said, “all the kids have to go through these personnel, is Noa Batle’s “Domestic horrible images of the hibakushas and the Soldiers” series. As a young artist, Batle one that was always especially horrifying, recalls packing up for college and sorting was women losing their long, black hair through childhood possessions. While because of the radiation sickness.” Kawano reflecting upon his set of green, plastic toy remembers feeling discomfort and fear of soldiers, Batle had a realization: “as a child, the grotesque image of seeing her own hair I only saw these toys frozen in the roles they on the floor in the shower or when brushing were cast.” Batle’s work aims to depict the lives of soldiers beyond the battlefield. Using her hair. As an artist, she was intrigued and plastic parts of toy soldiers, Batle creates began sewing with her hair. When the scenes of soldiers involved in activities 2011 Fukushima earthquake and tsunami ranging from vacuuming to reading, playing hit, the process of sewing her hair on her in the park, to sitting on the toilet. For Batle, grandmother’s kimono fabric became, for “it is through the seemingly contradictory Kawano, a process of prayer. The piece juxtaposition of mundane tasks in the hands shown in the exhibition is influenced by of toy soldiers that the absurdity of their Kawano’s experiences; she “collected one-dimensional narrative becomes clear.” In the hallway, photographic pieces from kimonos from the Fukushima region and stitched the sculpture of the bomb into Little Patrick Nagatani’s “Nuclear Enchantment” Boy together with hair, this time melding series hang. An eerie soundscape designed an atomic bomb survivor’s DNA and its by Kamna Shastri situates the visitor in memories with the ongoing and unfolding a desert bomb testing site. Living in New bodily fear of downwinders in Fukushima.” Mexico, Nagatani became concerned and In the next room, Thomas Dang’s fascinated with the repercussions of the work draws on his personal relationship nuclear industry. Using techniques he developed while building sets for films
such as Bladerunner, Nagatani stages his images by hanging props and overlaying images in front of blown up photographs serving as backdrops. Nagatani plays on the way in which we easily accept photographs as truth; by superimposing fantastic experiences and scenes upon his images of real nuclear sites, Nagatani allows one to view nuclear sites in a new way. Nagatani’s works reference historical events in our country’s nuclear history and reflect his anxieties about the ongoing development of the nuclear industry. Through his photos, he says, “I point a boney finger at the contemporary dance of death we are on the verge of joining.” Teardrops that Wound is an illuminating exhibit which opens our eyes to the impacts of war which permeate our present. SuJ’n Chon explains: “When I was asked to do the exhibit, it was during the Obama administration. Now we’re in an age where it’s all about power and we’re flexing our muscles. Everyone’s trying to flex their muscles. We had no idea how painfully relevant [the exhibition] would turn out to be.” In a time when threatening and dehumanizing language is employed regularly by the current administration, when nuclear attacks are an acknowledged concern, this exhibition certainly is relevant and worthwhile. With the recent emergency at the Hanford nuclear site located in Eastern Washington, we see the enduring impact of nuclear technology, locally, and on indigenous communities which once called these lands sacred. With the upcoming anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we are once again reminded of the legacy of this event. A sculpture by Yukiyo Kawano will also be displayed at the “From Hiroshima to Hope” event on August 6 at Greenlake. Teardrops that Wound is an immersive and multidimensional exhibition which expose us to history and reality through the imaginative worlds of an impressive group of artists. Artist Kawano stresses: “When people encounter art that can successfully widen the message, it’s the viewer who actually needs to decide the story behind the art piece. When he or she interprets the art piece, they have to bring their own history when they try to understand the art that is not going to give the answer. I think that’s the process, the hopeful process. That when one is bringing his or her own history, then the art pieces become the viewer’s story— their story, not my story, and that’s what I’m hoping in this show.” The exhibition will be on view at the Wing Luke Museum until May 20, 2018.
16 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
ARTS
Out of War, A Life Quietly Lived for Peace: Caren Stelson’s Sachiko By Hazel Lozano IE Contributor In her new book, Sachiko, Caren Stelson deftly weaves Sachiko Yasui’s memories of living through the 1945 American bombing of Nagasaki with the global wartime perspective. We follow thensix-year-old Sachiko through the aftermath of that bombing, and witness devastating losses accumulate in an otherwise quiet life of someone forever marked as “hibakusha”: a survivor of atomic bombing. Through these challenges, Sachiko gradually finds the strength to speak, guided by pivotal encounters with the activism of Helen Keller, Mahatma Gandhi, and later Martin Luther King, Jr. While Sachiko’s life seems to erupt into tragedy at unexpected times, Stelson shows us an atmosphere of calm, both in the home life that Sachiko’s parents instill, and in Sachiko’s keen absorption of the natural world around her. Tasked at an early age with supporting her family, Sachiko takes on enormous responsibility with a grace that seems as indomitable as the camphor trees at Nagasaki’s Sanno Shrine. As a Filipino-American deeply invested in Asian representation in storytelling, I had reservations about a white (Midwest-born and -bred) writer taking on the words of a non-English speaking Asian survivor of war. But this is the very reason Stelson became involved with, and then instrumental in, bringing Yasui’s story to broader audiences: Stelson addresses the complex relationship
between America and Japan immediately after the war, both in the global perspective and through Sachiko’s experience. This tension is the reason for the sister-city relationship between St. Paul, MN and Nagasaki, which have attempted to “heal the wounds of war in both directions” since 1955. Stelson first saw Sachiko Yasui speaking at the 2005 Minneapolis commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, through the Nagasaki-St. Paul sistercity relationship, and asked her for permission to share her story. Here Stelson describes the unique partnership involved in creating her book: “This sister city relationship was instrumental to supporting Sachiko and my work in Nagasaki. Two professors who were very much involved in the making of the book were also involved in the agreement between the two universities to create an exchange program: Dr. Takayuki Miyanishi, Professor of Environmental Science at Nagasaki University, President of the Nagasaki-Saint Paul Sister City Committee, and Sachiko and my trans-
lator for six years, and Dr. Sumiko Otsubo, Professor of History at Metropolitan State University and one of my subject-matter experts for Japanese History.”
energy and vision to see the interrelationships and was also willing to return home and share his experience in two formal presentations.
To further Sachiko Yasui’s peace-seekNext year at a minimum, we will have ing efforts, Stelson and Drs. Miyanishi another student receive the Sachiko and Otsubo created the “Sachiko Scholar- Scholarship for $1,000. Depending on the ship of Peace”: proceeds of the book and other fundraising “To explain about activities, we hope to be able to support the Sachiko Schol- more. This is the first year of the student arship for Peace: exchange, so we’re all feeling our way This summer, we along. It’s a work in progress--but it is have five students progress. Hope this helps clarify our first involved in the ex- steps in supporting post-publication peacechange between in-action.” Metro State in St. Paul and Nagasaki University. Two Nagasaki University students came to St. Paul this June and three Metro State students will travel to Nagasaki University in August-coming up soon. Originally, I was going to offer two students a $500 scholarship, but as students applied, it became clear the best result would be to award the scholarship to one student with leadership capabilities. Students applying to the Sachiko Scholarship had to write an essay linking their study of the environment with peace. Joe Hurley, our first recipient, clearly had the
As in the story itself, the story surrounding “Sachiko” the book is at the intersection of Japanese-American relations, and is a hopeful legacy of the relationship Caren Stelson built with Sachiko Yasui. As the two often intone, the book hopes you will “pay it forward,” just as Sachiko did with the words and actions of Keller, Gahndi, and King before her. To learn more about the St. PaulNagasaki sister city relationship, visit www.stpaulnagasaki.org. Looking to get involved? From Hiroshima to Hope is a local organization honoring Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and other victims of war. They will be holding their annual lantern floating ceremony at Greenlake on August 6. For more information, visit fromhiroshimatohope.org.
ARTS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 17
Asian American storytelling camp aims to teach youth the power of stories By Roxanne Ray IE Contributor Fresh from the Orcas Island Storyfest in July, Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo and Nancy Wang are soon headed to the Wing Luke Museum, to lead a storytelling camp for kids. Kikuchi-Yngojo and Wang are the cofounders and co-artistic directors of EthNoh-Tec, an organization that has been presenting and teaching Asian American storytelling theater for decades. “Nancy was a modern dancer and I was a musician,” Kikuchi-Yngojo said. “We both loved theater and met at the Asian American Theater in San Francisco.” It was there that the match was made. “Someone approached us looking for entertainment for the conference and asked ‘Can you tell stories?’” KikuchiYngojo related. “To this we answered yes, then set about to create our first story which was titled ‘10,000 Treasure Cave,’ based on a Chinese folktale.” Over the years, Eth-Noh-Tec’s stories have changed and broadened in content. “Though we started off with traditional pan-Asian mythology and folktales, over the years we begin developing contemporary, biographical, and historical Asian American stories, often drawing from our own family histories,” Kikuchi-Yngojo said. “In recent years, many of the new pieces we created, though still based in traditional Asian lore, were in fact allegories, social satire, and political commentary on the current state of affairs.” Their repertoire contains several examples of this dual focus. “We might tell the folktale from Korea, ‘The Man Who Planted Onions,’ he said. “Ancient as it is, the story has a strong message about racism and bigotry.” Other Eth-Noh-Tec stories focus on the wider world. “Another tale, from the Hmong Cambodian culture, ‘Trouble Talk,’ is a powerful cautionary tale about human beings’ impact on our biosphere,” Kikuchi-Yngojo said. “Even though our work is focused on Asian and Asian American stories, people of many races feel connected to the messages while being entertained by our performance delivery.” Kikuchi-Yngojo reports that not every story is based on worldly events. “As we developed our repertoire, we found an affinity towards spiritual and enlightening wisdom stories,” he said. But for Eth-Noh-Tec, stories are not just words. “We believe that all of us are ESL, English as a Second Language,” he said. “Our first is the kinesthetic and somatic language of the human body. Nancy’s background in dance and my background in martial arts and comedic movement have always been a source of inspiration.” Kikuchi-Yngojo and Wang have long enjoyed sharing this inspiration with
Eth-Noh-Tec is an award-winning Asian American nonprofit storytelling theater co-founded by Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo. • Courtesy Photo
young people. “Both Nancy and I have taught performing arts and storytelling for all grade levels since the 1970s,” he said. “Some of the favorite things we like about teaching young people are their spontaneity, vitality, and unfettered creativity.”
camp, Eth-Noh-Tec was on the list,” he Kikuchi-Yngojo said. “Through this work said. we have traveled all across the country, The team has high expectations of and met both wonderful people and the the students who attend the storytelling amazing projects people are doing in their camp. “Our goal for the youth that own local communities. This career has attend the summer camp is to explore also served as a bridge-builder between various expressions of storytelling our lives as American artists and reaching Much of their youth camp experience through body, voice, dramatic theater, our counterparts in other Asian countries, has been in California, where they are and language,” Kikuchi-Yngojo said. including China, Philippines, Singapore, based. “For many years, we taught “Through storytelling, especially India, Japan, and next Korea!” at the Cazadero Family Arts Camp ensemble storytelling, we hope that the At its core, Eth-Noh-Tec’s mission under the canopy of the giant redwood young people will see and experience the is to foster storytelling in all its facets. trees near Russian River, California,” power of creativity for a team-working “Storytelling is at the heart of all our Kikuchi-Yngojo said. “We’ve also made experience.” human cultures around the world,” appearances at several of the Japanese In addition to group work, each student Kikuchi-Yngolo said. “Storytelling is American language and cultural camps will have the opportunity for personal the way we ritualize, encapsulate, and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. practice. “Several will be choosing from affirm the human experience, our human Often these schools, such as Suzume traditional Asian folktales and myths, so condition.” No Gakko, Medaka No Gakko, and they will also gain cultural information He argues that stories are important both Nakayoshi, not only enjoy the physical as well,” he said. “Finally, having young to our past and our future. “Through the art theater aspects of our storytelling but people being able to present themselves of narrative, we not only pass on traditions, certainly appreciate the Asian and dramatically in public lays a strong and learn morals and social constructs, Japanese cultural aspect to the work.” foundation for personal expression, public but also guide ourselves through the Because of this, Eth-Noh-Tec seemed a natural fit for a storytelling camp here in the Northwest. “We’ve had a longstanding connection to the Wing Luke Museum,” Kikuchi-Yngojo said. “In the early days of the Asian American cultural movement, many of the cultural hubs and Asian communities got connected and networked with each other between Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. The Wing Luke Museum has been a cultural institution since the early formation of this movement.”
speaking, and confidence building.”
emotional landscape vicariously through None of these skills come automatically, the reflection of the stories’ metaphors.” and likewise, Eth-Noh-Tec reports that This can become a personal as well as their careers as storytellers have not been public or political practice. “We encourage without challenges. “Just as every story relatives, friends, and family to share has a downward turn of events, so has their stories,” he said. “Whether they be our career, namely mostly the economic traditional folk tales and myths, whether downturn and technological upturn in they be life experiences and challenges the past decade,” Kikuchi-Yngojo said. such as those we face with learning a new “Though the need for stories has not language, immigrating to America, or changed, the medium in the marketing of bridging the gap between American-born how to present this before a live audience and Asian-born generations, storytelling has rapidly changed.” can be the fabric that pulls people together Despite these challenges, the Eth-Noh- one story, one strand, at a time, as it Kikuchi-Yngojo reports that Eth-Noh- Tec team has been able to thrive and reach weaves together our commonalities.” Tec has performed at the Wing Luke out beyond the west coast. “In the past Eth-Noh-Tec’s Storytelling Camp Museum numerous times. “Director four decades, as we have developed our runs from August 14 to 19 at the Wing Vivian Chan has known of our work for careers and our nonprofit organization, Luke Museum, 719 South King Street, years, so when the calendar cycle hit we feel especially grateful to have carved Seattle. For more information, visit www. summertime and the museum needed to out our life as professional storytellers,” ethnohtec.org. program its resident artist for the summer
18 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
ARTS
Fundraiser to support creation of bilingual educational materials By Clarissa Gines IE Contributor The Antipodes Collective, a Seattlebased nonprofit, will be holding their first fundraiser and silent auction on Saturday, August 19 at ArtXchange Gallery in Pioneer Square. The event aims to raise money for the nonprofit to contribute to literacy education in Cambodia by creating high-quality, culturally-relevant learning materials and distributing their bilingual children’s books to underprivileged students around the country. The event will start off with a talk by founder Lauren Iida at 5:00 p.m., and will include a silent auction featuring items from the greater Seattle area’s small businesses, including Kobo at Higo, Maneki Restaurant, Bizzaro Italian Cafe, and Cafe Turko. The event also features affordable work by local artists including Etsuko Ichikawa, Martin Oliver, and June Sekiguchi. Wine and small bites featuring Cambodian cuisine will also be offered throughout the free event. Iida’s first visit to Cambodia in 2008 led to years of her working as a social entrepreneur and volunteer. During her time there, she saw the challenges of English language learners, particularly children. Due to the decimation of literary, visual and performing arts by Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, there are
Publications like In My Village will be distributed throughout Cambodia for free to underserved schools and learning centers. • Courtesy Photo
very few Khmer-focused children’s books currently available. As Iida learned more about the needs of Cambodian English language learners and the readily-available learning materials on the market in Cambodia, she realized how she could help remedy the problem through art. After spending extended periods of time in Cambodia and noticing a huge need for culturally-relevant learning materials, Iida decided to create The Antipodes Collective just before graduating from Cornish College of the Arts in 2014. She recruited author
Carolyn R. Hall and a group of fellow Cornish art students to illustrate In My Village. The book highlights common objects and daily occurrences that are pertinent to the rural life experiences of Cambodian children, such as working on subsistence rice farms and visiting local outdoor markets. In My Village is bilingual and includes Khmer script and English on the same page so it can easily be used as a learning tool for students learning English, and engage Cambodian children in a fun and approachable manner. Over the years many copies
of In My Village have been donated to rural school and grassroots education projects around Cambodia. Two upcoming publications— Colors of Cambodia, illustrated by Danish author and illustrator Pil Ana Tesdorpf, and a culturally relevant letter of the alphabet book by Montreal-based illustrator Emanuelle Dufour—will be self-published later this year. Both contributors have spent time in Cambodia and also realized the need for Khmer focused options for Cambodian youth. Having these two illustrators contribute their talents and time to the cause helps The Antipodes Collective live up to its name. Antipodes, which means “parts of the earth diametrically opposite,” fits with their goal of connecting artists and authors from around the world who generously lend their creative skill for the nonprofit’s mission. Both publications will be distributed throughout Cambodia for free to underserved schools and learning centers with the funds raised at the upcoming fundraiser and silent auction. The Antipodes Collective fundraiser and silent auction will be held on Saturday, August 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at ArtXchange Gallery (512 1st Avenue S) in Pioneer Square. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more about The Antipodes Collective, visit www. theantipodescollective.org.
Acclaimed artist Keiko Matsui returns to Seattle By Jessica Davis IE Contributor Every year for over 20 years, Japanese-born contemporary jazz pianist and composer Keiko Matsui has performed for Seattle audiences. “First of all, I love the city of Seattle,” said Matsui. “I am always having such a wonderful time.” On August 10 through 13, Matsui will perform music from her newest album, Journey to the Heart, at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, as part of a world tour, along with Rico Belled playing bass, Dave Karasony on drums and J.P. Mourão on guitar. Matsui shares her time between the U.S. and Japan, making her home in Los Angeles, California and performing in Japan at least once a year. Recently she performed in Russia, touring 12 cities there. Her compositions are influenced by a variety of music styles including smooth jazz, jazz fusion, new age and world beat. Matsui’s newest album, her 27th in the United States, marks the 30th anniversary of her U.S. recording debut in 1987 with “A Drop of Water.” After recording a live album in Tokyo about two years ago, Matsui said she wanted to try something new.
Keiko Matsui
“It was a really good change for me,” said Matsui, who has performed with such musical luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Hugh Masekela, and Bob James. “It’s kind of a very exciting time for me.” The album, released last summer, marks a new era and page in her life. “I’m not tired. I’m excited,” said Matsui, who now in her mid-fifties shows no signs of slowing down. It is her first acoustic project, made with all acoustic instruments and original songs, as well as previous hits. “While doing recording, I realized I’ve come a really long way,” said Matsui, adding that Journey to the Heart, symbolizes her discovery of self and the journey to reach her fans. “For me, it was a very enjoyable and exciting collaboration.”
Matsui was initially introduced to classical piano at the age of five. Then, after moving to Hiroshima at the age of eight, she studied the organ, listening to different genres of music, including jazz. “I thought it sounded very hip,” she said. Matsui has also been recognized for her humanitarian work. She performed a charity concert and hosted a workshop for children in Lima, Peru, and plans to return to South America early next year. “I really feel that we are all one,” said Matsui. “For me, music has no borders.” Matsui has also been an advocate for breast cancer awareness (she lost a close friend to cancer). She’s donated album proceeds to the National Marrow Donor Program and the Marrow Foundation (in support of the program, Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches), and the United Nations World Food Programme, among others. She also lent her support to the revitalization and healing of Japan in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and Tsunami. “As a musician, we are hoping for peace and harmony – always,” she said. “Good will and good hope are very important.” In October this year, Matsui plans to perform in Eastern Europe with a full
orchestra. She hopes to perform with the same orchestra in Seattle in the future. Matsui invites her audiences to enjoy “not just a concert, but an experience.” As an artist, Matsui said she is always thinking ahead and preparing for the next trip, while concentrating on each day and each concert. “Seeing fans’ happy faces gives me energy,” she said. During her time off, Matsui also enjoys taking in sunsets and walking to the beach. Much of her music is inspired by nature, including the moon and the ocean. And, on days that she is looking to cheer herself up, Matsui said she buys herself a single rose. Her love for nature developed as a child growing up in Hiroshima, Japan, she said. Keiko Matsui performs on Aug. 1320 at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, located at 2033 6th Ave. in Seattle. Tickets are $32.50 each. For tickets, show times and more information, visit www. jazzalley.com or call 206-441-9729. For additional information about Keiko Matsui, visit www.keikomatsui. com.
ARTS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 19
Masahiro Sugano’s Perpetual Irrelevance shows the off-screen labor of a meticulous filmmaker By Tamiko Nimura IE Contributor After the editing rooms, outside the theaters—even off-screen—what does a filmmaker’s work look like? Masahiro Sugano’s show, Perpetual Irrelevance, is a vivid attempt to answer that question. It’s on display now at Feast Arts Center in Tacoma. Curated by Sugano’s artistic collaborator and partner Anida Yoeu Ali, the show highlights the immense tactile labor behind Sugano’s filmmaking endeavors—without using a single electronic screen. Sugano makes many of his own costumes and props; some of these are on display as visitors enter the gallery. Wooden tables, strips of film, costumes, VHS tapes and film canisters—all of these are products of Sugano’s work, but not how his work is typically known. A mixed media human sculpture with a casting of Sugano’s face crouches at the far end of the gallery, pondering; a Jodo Shinshu prayer for enlightenment is lettered in Kanji on the wall behind the sculpture. However, one of the most prominent features of the exhibit, running through the center of the gallery, is the artificial blood spattered all over the walls, plus the guts and viscera (also bloody, also artificial) that litter the floor of the gallery. Filmmaking is in Sugano’s guts, and it comes from his guts, the show seems to say. “I’ve known I wanted to be a filmmaker since I was 12,” Sugano tells me at the show’s opening reception. He left Japan at 18, and came to the United States for school, “a huge investment,” he says now. Since then he’s lived in three different countries
From Masahiro Sugano’s Perpetual Irrelevance.
and created close to 35 films. Sugano’s curator, Ali, selected stills from his films, enlarged and color printed them, and placed them in two long strips, one on each side of the gallery—in effect, creating two new silent films that highlight the body of his work, the uncanny and beautiful ways that Sugano frames the human body. Several of Sugano’s projects are represented by more than one still on the walls, such as The Buddhist Bug and The Red Chador, “where Masa was such a strong contributor,” says Ali. Their joint artistic endeavor, media lab Studio Revolt (studio-revolt.com), is known internationally for its installations and films, including the powerful awardwinning documentary that Sugano directed, Cambodian Son. The stills in Perpetual Irrelevance are gorgeous: a young woman’s face, surrounded by birds suspended midair; a sunlit couple
kissing, encircled by vibrant loops of yarn. So many, in fact, that it would take a while for a careful viewer to absorb them all. They include a spectrum of racial and ethnic and socioeconomic diversity, in settings from forests to tatami rooms, from city streets to factories. Even in these stills, it’s clear that Sugano’s able to capture the humanity and vitality of his subjects, particularly through his use of framing, lighting, and setting. In selecting the stills, “I’m very familiar with [Sugano’s] filmography,” says Ali, “so I basically just went through them all and picked what resonated with me.” She tells me about the themes she sees in the body of his work: symmetry, a diversity of people, a diversity of stories. “What’s complicated about his identity is that he doesn’t claim ‘Asian American,’” Ali told me. “Legally he’s a Japanese national, he has lived here [in the States] for half his life, but to me— [his aesthetic is] totally Asian American. [His films are] centered around the Asian American body, the Asian body, the transnational body, he completely embodies it—every place he’s been—he’s able to mine for these really interesting stories. The way he approaches storytelling, each frame matters. He is not only a serious filmmaker but one who takes his craft and aesthetics seriously, they are an extension of who he is an artist. So that’s been really remarkable to see.” Sugano’s show at Feast Arts Center is just part of Tacoma’s rapidly-growing and vibrant arts scene. Artist Todd Jannausch, who owns and operates Feast with his partner Chandler Woodfin, says that he’s happy to showcase artists like Sugano and Ali in Tacoma. “The gallery [is] about creating exposure to really great emerging
conceptual artists, working in all these different formats, in a way that’s not intimidating. The gallery system can often work] to elevate art so that people feel small ... We can’t change all of that, but what we can do is make it so that people are not not intimidated to walk into a space like this one, and feel comfortable. It’s important for us in this [Hilltop] neighborhood and with [our goals] to have shows that are diverse in the artists that we’re showing, in the mediums that we’re showing, that are pushing conceptual questions. And so having Masa’s show here has been a blessing; it fits so many of the things we’re trying to do here.” Feast is a small but bright and airy space, and it’s been used for classes, galleries, outdoor movie showings, community gatherings like Sunday morning “coffee and doughnuts.” Is Perpetual Irrelevance a retrospective show? In Sugano’s artist statement and explanation of the title for the show, Sugano muses that he worries about the permanence and relevance of his work: “I fear that sometimes my filmmaking existence is as irrelevant to America as [my brief stint as a sushi chef is to me].” “I haven’t paused to look at it all yet,” Sugano says now, at the show’s opening reception. “I’m sure I’d be overwhelmed in looking at it all. But this is what I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life. I’m going to be making films until the day I die.” Masahiro Sugano’s show, ‘Perpetual Irrelevance,’ is at Feast Arts Center (1402 S 11th St, Tacoma), through August 11. Gallery hours are Saturday noon to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and by appointment. For more information, visit feastarts.com.
Films: Dynamic duos in Absurd Accident, Once Upon a Time By Yayoi L. Winfrey IE Contributor What would you do if you suspected your pretty wife of cheating on you? Divorce her? Start all over again in a new town? In Absurd Accident, Yang Baiwan (Xixu Chen) inexplicably does neither. Instead, he hires a professional hit man to kill his spouse. Incredibly insecure over his impotency, he plots to get rid of Ma Lilian (Ye Gao) rather than become the laughingstock among his macho friends. Not only have the aphrodisiacs his doctor prescribed fail him, but it appears his brain has flatlined, too. Owners of a nondescript hotel and restaurant, Baiwan and Lilian live an unglamorous life in an unpretentious rural neighborhood. Like most couples, they struggle to make a living while maintaining a healthy relationship. But when two men arrive and order noodles, and Lilian ensures the bulkier one receives a super-sized bowl, they admire her good looks which further sets off her husband. However, the inept hit man he hires ends up burglarizing Lilian’s bedroom as she sleeps after Baiwan forces her to get drunk. When the robber is accidentally
killed, it sets off a chain of events that’s there no returning back from. One outlandish error leads to another, and when a police officer materializes just as Baiwan and Lilian are hiding the body in their car trunk, the farcical tempo is amped up. A young couple on a blind date even manages to land in the middle of the drama. Arriving at the hotel/restaurant hoping to seduce his companion, the nerdish man (Bo Dong) is shocked to learn his dream date (Suxi Ren) is just a well-heeled gold digger. The selection of 1970s funk music on the soundtrack is as startling as several black and white silent movie scenes, yet apropos for this dark comedy. Director Li Yuhe has said that he wanted to shine a spotlight on rural areas of China that haven’t yet caught up with the modernity of its major cities. Sadly, technology begets tragedy in his portrayal of a contemporary marriage gone wrong. Warning: the English subtitles are laced with present-day expletives.
happening with the duo in Once Upon a Time, a fantasy film with a heavy dose of adventure that turns into a tale of true romance. Based on the best-selling novel Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, the complicated story of thousands of years-old gods and humans intermingling for peace and justice is a little difficult to follow. But the 3D production is gorgeous and the film blooms like a colorful sunset. Hailing from the Heavenly Realms, beautiful Bai Qian (Liu Yifei aka Crystal Liu) lives in the world of mortals in order to train for her promised position as a High Goddess. But after marrying Prince Ye Hua (Yang Yang), she’s dealt a deadly blow and disappears. Now, with no recollection of her previous life, she frolics in a garden paradise with a sage who advises her on everything except how to stop chugging jugs of peach wine. And, despite clouds of blushing peach blossoms enveloping her, she chooses to stay drunk to fight off depression. Enter the handsome Ye Hua, calling her *** SuSu and toting a cute kid named A Li While the couple in Absurd Accident is who calls her “mom,” Stunned, and certain actively uncoupling, just the opposite is they have misidentified her, Bai Qian tries
shooing them away. But Ye Hua insists that she’s SuSu who’s been asleep for 300 years and has forgotten that he saved her soul so they could be together again. Except for the odd-looking nine tails when SuSu morphs into an arctic fox, most of the costumes, like the elaborate armor and flowing gowns are magnificent. When Ye Hua transforms into a black dragon, the effect is dazzling. And several battle scenes taking place in swirling mists are enrapturing. There is an annoying green, animatedlike creature, spouting nonsense, that follows SuSu around in the beginning, but by the film’s end it’s been forgotten and disappears from the screen. Both lead actors share a chemistry that makes their affection believable. In fact, some of their romantic scenes feature long, enthusiastic kisses that are more graphic than what’s normally seen in films from China. Ultimately, beyond the glitter and gossamer wings, this is a film about love. ‘Absurd Accident,’ Mandarin with English subtitles, playing in select cities. ‘Once Upon a Time,’ Mandarin with English subtitles, opens in Seattle August 11.
20 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
PACIFIC READER
Hokusai’s Lost Manga uncovers lost treasures from famed woodblock artist By Rumi Tsuchihashi IE Contributor To many, Katsushika Hokusai (17601849) is the Japanese master world renowned for his iconic Edo-period woodblock print, The Great Wave, from the series Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji. What is less known is that when these celebrated color woodblock prints were introduced to popular acclaim in the 1830s, he was already over seventy years old. For over half a century before The Great Wave, Hokusai had a prolific career as an illustrator (his work accompanying poetry and fiction) and print designer. Some of the elements later found in the Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji series—drawings of boats, travelling merchants, botanicals, and of course, waves—appear in a multivolume bestselling picture book series called Hokusai Sketchbooks (Hokusai manga). Before we get into what makes the recently released Hokusai’s Lost Manga —an exciting and beautifully produced “followup” publication by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston—a rediscovered treasure most likely created between 1823-33, a bit of explanation about what manga means is in order. “The meaning of the Japanese word manga has changed slightly over the past centuries” writes Sarah E. Thompson, author and Curator of Japanese Art. “Today it means ‘graphic stories,’ but in Hokusai’s day it meant simply ‘informal drawings.’” As was the case with the original Hokusai manga series, the contents of Hokusai’s Lost Manga were presumably intended to be compiled into a woodblock-printed picture book for aspiring artists to learn how to draw from. However, for reasons that can only be speculated, the drawings remained
unpublished, and eventually arrived in the form of a three-volume album at MFA Boston. Whereas the original Hokusai manga illustrations were destroyed in the process of preparing them for printing, as was necessary with the printing process of the time, the drawings presented in Hokusai’s Lost Manga have remained remarkably intact. This allows today’s viewers to appreciate some details that would have otherwise been obliterated: the miscellaneous notes
marked in red in the margins; corrections or additions which were sometimes patched in using smaller pieces of paper; and perhaps most importantly, the fine details of the brushwork with which Hokusai created these sublime, if informal, drawings. Ukiyo-e, the predominant school of art of the Edo-period, favored ephemeral pleasures from urban popular culture known as the Floating World as their subject matter. Illustrations of merchants selling fine textiles, crowds filling street markets, and
masked dancers do make an expected appearance in the MFA Boston three-volume album. What makes Hokusai’s Lost Manga especially fascinating, however, is how broadly Hokusai widened his subject matters from there. In no particular order, there are drawings of courtesans, farmers husking rice, architectural drawings, groupings of edible fish, landscapes of mountains and sea, mythical creatures, multiplication tables, doll makers, and much more. In one of the vignettes of hardworking commoners—apparently a favorite theme for Hokusai—”the two men washing a horse ... reappears as one of the most famous scenes in his Waterfalls series.” In addition to find drawings that clearly resemble iconic imagery found in later work, readers will also discover some surprising sets of illustrations that demonstrate the far-reaching range of the artist’s eclectic interests. One example is an enchanting grouping of astrological deities, which appear at the beginning of Volume 2 and are not found elsewhere in Hokusai’s body of work. That the banal and divine intertwine with such ease in this book demonstrates Hokusai’s unparalleled artistic skill and genuine interest in drawing all that he saw and noticed around him. Thompson’s well-written introduction and annotations offer further context and detail into life in the culturally burgeoning Edo-period; the information presented is equal parts illuminating and accessible. Almost two centuries after the initial creation, “Hokusai’s Lost Manga” is out in the world at last—and this formerly unseen collection is sure to become a rich source of historical insight and sheer aesthetic delight to the ever growing fans of Hokusai worldwide.
A brutally honest look at modern-day Delhi through portraits of its citizens By Nalini Iyer IE Contributor India’s cities—Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta—are familiar landscapes for readers of Indian English fiction. What Rushdie did for Bombay in Midnight’s Children or Amitav Ghosh for Calcutta in The Shadow Lines was to render those cityscapes as unforgettable as Joyce’s Dublin or Woolf’s London. Rana Dasgupta’s book Capital: The Eruption of Delhi, with its title pun (Delhi as both the capital of a nation and a city shaped by global capitalism), takes a brutally honest look at Delhi of the 21st century through candid portraits of its denizens. Delhi has been the capital of many a ruler, and as each monarch’s power waned, so did the fortunes of the city. But it rose again and again, and in its present form, the capital of India, it emerged from the catastrophe of the Partition. As refugees poured in and
occupied or appropriated land left behind by fleeing Muslims, the city transformed itself yet again. Satellite cities, Gurgaon and Noida, have emerged near Delhi to make for a sprawling megalopolis which is an homage to global capitalism and free markets. This city, then, is fertile ground for unscrupulous entrepreneurs who build mega mansions, euphemistically called “farm houses,” and contribute to the extraordinary black market that has created an unprecedented growth in the area. As the rich grow richer and become super rich, the condition of the migrant workers who build skyscrapers and malls becomes worse; the unregulated growth
of the city destroys the environment as the holy river Yamuna runs black with sewage and industrial waste, and corruption is way of life for people. Dasgupta’s narrative of Delhi is part socioeconomic analysis and part biography of a city, that is told by a skilled novelist with an unerring eye for description and character portrayals. Dasgupta interviews a vast array of individuals in Delhi, and the primary focus is on the wealthy. He writes of Raman Roy who had been the first to set up a business process outsourcing company that spurred Delhi’s growth in the mid-1990s, of Manish Arora who gained renown as a fashion designer and worked for Paco Rabanne, of the
establishment of mega corporate hospitals that fuel medical tourism. He also profiles Bhalswa Colony where the poor were arbitrarily displaced by a city beautification project and the impact of such settlements on the lives of the working class. Each chapter features an aspect of Delhi life portrayed through interviews with individuals who represent that segment. Interspersed with this is a history of India post-independence and in particular its economic changes. Dasgupta writes with a general audience in mind and his portraits of people keep the reader engaged, but the chapter after chapter of emphasis on unbridled greed, environmental depredation, and amorality begins to wear on the reader. Still, this book is an important read for anyone interested in global capitalism and the rise of India as an economic power.
NEWS
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 21
U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia visits with Cambodian American community of Washington Americans are coming back to Cambodia to help – that’s a direct transfer of skills.”
By Thay Cheam IE Contributor On July 8, the Cambodian American community of Washington State hosted U.S. Ambassador William Heidt and family, which culminated in a dinner reception honoring his visit. The Cambodian American Community Council of Washington (CACCWA) hosted the event which was part of a weekend tour that included a visit to the oldest Khmer Buddhist temple in Washington State, a reception at China Harbor, and a private lunch at the residence of one of its members. The visit was an opportunity for the Cambodian American community of Washington State to get to know the highest-ranking diplomat representing the United States in Cambodia. The tour began with a visit to Wat Dhammacakkaram, the oldest Cambodian Buddhist temple in Washington State, located in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. There Ambassador Heidt, donning traditional Khmer garb, was received by Abbot Soveth Muy. After some handshakes and photo ops with temple patrons, Abbot Muy conducted a blessing ceremony welcoming the Ambassador. Ambassador Heidt and his wife Sotie reciprocated the hospitality by making a personal donation of $500 to the temple. The visit was the third of its kind for the Ambassador in an effort to engage with the Cambodian diaspora in the United States. Pakun Sin, Chair of CACCWA was ecstatic. “The Ambassador and his wife Sotie were very insightful of the local community here,” Sin said. For the first time in history, the wife of the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia is of Khmer descent. With roots in the Pacific Northwest, Sotie Heidt, arrived in the United States in the 1980’s with the wave of refugees fleeing the Cambodian Genocide and settled in the Seattle area. She went on to attend Evergreen State College and then graduate with a master’s degree from Cornell University. In 1997, she made the trip back to Cambodia. While working at the US Embassy, she met Ambassador Heidt, who was an Economic Officer at the time. In 1999, they married in Seattle, having both a church service and a traditional Khmer ceremony.
Following the Ambassador’s presentation, the floor opened up for questions. They ranged from the Ambassador’s thoughts on a $500 million outstanding debt the U.S. claims against Cambodia, visa processes, to how people can directly help Cambodia. Ambassador Heidt encouraged direct engagement to the community by pointing out that the Cambodian economy has been growing at 7% GDP per year with a growing middle class and that “there’s a great opportunity to service this middle class, there’s a lot of business to be done.” Social activist Sina Sam asked the ambassador about issues facing Cambodian Americans in the United States, specifically on the issue of deportation and how the community here can work with the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia William Heidt gives a presentation during his visit to Washington state • Photo State Department. “Policy is set in Washby Thay Cheam ington, the president has made a high priAmbassador Heidt’s foreign services roots here in Seattle. It was a nice fusion of ority of deporting aggravated felons,” said Ambassador Heidt, referring to the AEDcareer spans multiple missions, including both cultures,” Mosqueda said. PA and IIRIRA, legislation passed in 1996. assignments in Indonesia and Poland. He After the dinner, Ambassador Heidt gave was appointed Ambassador to Cambodia a presentation of his own where he spoke on Aggravated felonies as defined by the by President Barack Obama and confirmed the progress that Cambodia has made, high- 1996 law includes misdemeanors such as August 5, 2015. lighting the collaborative work the two coun- theft and trespassing as deportable offensLater in the evening, events shifted to tries have had. In his presentation, the Am- es affecting people who are non-citizens. Lake Union where a dinner reception was bassador touched on Cambodia’s economy, “His response was very appreciated in held at China Harbor restaurant in the Am- the recent communal elections, and how he that he wants to reach out and meet more bassador’s honor. The CACCWA began believes Cambodian Americans can help. to make them [exiled and deported Camthe event with a presentation designed to Noting that Cambodia has a young popu- bodian Americans] feel welcome and supgive Ambassador Heidt and family an in- lation, with 75 percent of the population un- ported in Cambodia. But that doesn’t adtroduction to the organization and the vari- der 30 years of age, and with over 300,000 dress how to prevent future deportation or ous community groups working under its people entering the labor market each year, help families reunite,” said Sam later when umbrella, in addition to data and statisti- the Ambassador envisioned huge growth asked about the Ambassador’s response. cal information to help paint a picture of opportunities where the economy could diThe event ended with dancing and a the Cambodian American community of versify away from the traditional garment live band playing classic Khmer rock and Washington State. and agriculture industry, with the onset of a special performance by the Ambassador Also attending the dinner reception a growing tech sector. He also cautioned and wife Sotie as they took to the mic to were former Washington State Represen- that this young population still faces a serenade the crowd with Khmer songs. tative Velma Veloria, State Senator and huge vocational and skills gap, “The youth When asked about how the dinner went, candidate for Seattle Mayor Bob Hasega- is our greatest asset and also our greatest wa, Seattle City Councilmember Lorena challenge. The current educational system Sin was very happy about how the event turned out and hoped that this would lead González (who is up for re-election for the doesn’t quite meet those needs.” to more mobilization of the community citywide Position 9 seat), and Seattle city Despite those challenges, the Ambascouncil candidate Teresa Mosqueda, who sador was optimistic, seeing the return of and engagement with political figures. is seeking Position 8 seat vacated by Tim Cambodian Americans as a way to fill that “The Ambassador’s presentation really Burgess. “I was impressed with how com- gap, “The exciting thing is that Cambodian opened my eyes, it really shows a different light of Cambodia, it was a very optimistic mitted his family was in representing their view of things.”
Left to Right: Sotie Heidt, Ambasador William Heidt, Councilmember Lorena González • Photo by Thay Cheam
Ambassador Heidt and family during a blessing ceremony at the Wat Dhammacakkaram Cambodian Buddhist temple in Beacon Hill neighborhood • Photo by Thay Cheam
22 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
Arts & Culture 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.
Friends of Asian Art Association (FA3) P.O. Box 15404 Seattle, WA 98115 206-522-5438 friendsofasianart2@gmail.com www.friendsofasianart.org To advance understanding, appreciation and support for Asian arts and cultures, the Friends of Asian Art Association provides and supports programs, activities and materials that reflect the arts and cultures of countries that make up the broad and diverse spectrum of Asia.
RAJANA Society Seattle, WA 206-979-3206 sameth@rajanasociety.org
RAJANA Society is an Arts & Civics project focusing on civic engagement and bridging cultural divides with the Cambodian Diaspora.
Civil Rights & Advocacy Organization of Chinese Americans Asian Pacific American Advocates Greater Seattle Chapter P.O. Box 14141 Seattle, WA 98114 www.ocaseattle.org
OCA—Greater Seattle Chapter was formed in 1995 and since that time it has been serving the Greater Seattle Chinese and Asian Pacific American community as well as other communities in the Pacific Northwest. It is recognized in the local community for its advocacy of civil and voting rights as well as its sponsorship of community activities and events.
Education Denise Louie Education Center 206-767-8223 info@deniselouie.org www.deniselouie.org
COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
Homelessness Services
Professional & Leadership Development
YouthCare 2500 NE 54th Street Seattle, WA 98105 206-694-4500 info@youthcare.org www.youthcare.org
Working to prevent and end youth homelessness with services including meals, shelter, housing, job training, education, and more.
Homeownership Services HomeSight 5117 Rainier Ave S Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-723-4355 fx: 206-760-4210 www.homesightwa.org NMLS#49289 HomeSight creates homeownership opportunities through first mortgage lending, down payment assistance, real estate development, homebuyer education, and counseling.
Housing Services 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: affordable housing, housing counseling, homelessness prevention, advocacy, teen leadership, and the Danny Woo Community Garden.
Executive Development Institute 310 – 120th Ave NE. Suite A102 Bellevue, WA Ph: 425-467-9365 edi@ediorg.org • www.ediorg.org EDI offers culturally relevant leadership development programs.
WE MAKE LEADERS Fostering future leaders through education, networking and community NAAAP Seattle services for Asian American Queen Anne Station professionals and entreP.O. Box 19888 preneurs. Seattle, WA 98109 Facebook: NAAAP-Seattle info@naaapseattle.org Twitter: twitter.com/naaapwww.naaapseattle.org seattle
Senior Services
The Kin On Team is ready to serve YOU! www.kinon.org
Kawabe Memorial House 221 18th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-322-4550 connie.devaney@gmail.com We provide affordable, safe, culturally sensitive housing and support services to people aged 62 and older. Seattle Chinatown/International District Preservation and Development Authority ph: 206-624-8929 fx: 206-467-6376 info@scidpda.org Housing, property management and community development.
Immigration Services
Speak better. Write better. Live better. Improve your English language skills with a professional language consultant at a price you can afford. Learn to write effective business and government correspondence. Improve your reading, conversation, academic writing, and IT skills.
Washington New Americans Program OneAmerica 1225 S. Weller St., Suite 430 Seattle, WA 98144 Are you a lawful permanent resident? The Washington New Americans program can help you complete your application for U.S. citizenship. Low-cost and free services available – please call our hotline or visit www.wanewamericans.org. Phone: 1-877-926-3924 Email: wna@weareoneamerica.org Website: www.wanewamericans.org
Southeast Seattle Senior Center 4655 S. Holly St., Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-722-0317 fax: 206-722-2768 kateh@seniorservices.org www.sessc.org Daytime activities center providing activities social services, trips, and community for seniors and South Seattle neighbors. We have weaving, Tai Chi, indoor beach-ball, yoga, dance, senior-oriented computer classes, trips to the casino, and serve scratch cooked lunch. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30-4. Our thrift store next door is open Mon-Fri 10-2, Sat 10-4. This sweet center has services and fun for the health and well-being of boomers and beyond. Check us out on Facebook or our website.
Social & Health Services Asian Counseling & Referral Service 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-695-7600 fx: 206-695-7606 events@acrs.org www.acrs.org ACRS offers multilingual, behavioral health and social services to Asian Pacific Americans and other low-income people in King County.
APICAT 601 S King St. Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-682-1668 www.apicat.org Addressing tobacco, marijuana prevention and control and other health disparities in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs GA Bldg., 210 11th Ave SW, Suite 301A Olympia, WA 98504 ph: (360) 725-5667 www.facebook.com/wacapaa capaa@capaa.wa.gov www.capaa.wa.gov Statewide liaison between government and APA communities. Monitors and informs the public about legislative issues.
Cathay Post #186 of The American Legion Supporting veterans for over 70 years Accepting new members—contact us today to learn more! (206) 355-4422 P.O. Box 3281 Seattle, WA 98144-3281 cathaypost@hotmail.com
Offering home visiting services for children birth to 3 and full & part-day multicultural preschool education for ages 3 to 5 in the International District, Beacon Hill and Rainier Beach.
Grammar Captive 220 2nd Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 206-291-8468 tutor@grammarcaptive.com www.grammarcaptive.com
Senior Services
Keiro Northwest 1601 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122 ph: 206-323-7100 www.keironorthwest.org rehabilitation care | skilled nursing | assisted living | home care | senior day care | meal delivery | transportation | continuing education | catering services
Legacy House
803 South Lane Street Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-292-5184 fx: 206-838-3057 info@legacyhouse.org www.scidpda.org/programs/legacyhouse. aspx Services offered: Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, meal programs for low-income seniors.
Chinese Information & Service Center 611 S Lane St, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-624-5633 fax: 206-624-5634 info@cisc-seattle.org www.cisc-seattle.org Creating opportunities for Asian immigrants and their families to succeed by helping them make the transition to a new life while keeping later generations in touch with their rich heritage.
Want to join the Community Resource Directory? Contact lexi@iexaminer.org
COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Social & Health Services
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017 — 23
Since 1935
Tai Tung Restaurant International District Medical & Dental Clinic 720 8th Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-788-3700 email: info@ichs.com website: www.ichs.com
Banquet Facilities - Catering - Delivery
Bellevue Medical & Dental Clinic 1050 140th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98005 ph: 425-373-3000 Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic 16549 Aurora Avenue N, Shoreline, WA 98133 ph: 206-533-2600 Holly Park Medical & Dental Clinic 3815 S Othello St, Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-788-3500 The largest Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community health center in Washington state, ICHS provides medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy care with multilingual doctors, nurses and staff experienced in meeting the needs of King County’s diverse and multicultural communities. All are welcome and sliding fee scales are available for uninsured patients.
7301 Beacon Ave S Seattle, WA 98108 ph: 206-587-3735 fax: 206-748-0282 www.idicseniorcenter.org info@idicseniorcenter.org
Come Enjoy the Oldest Chinese Restaurant in Town!
IDIC is a nonprofit human services organization that offers wellness and social service programs to Filipinos and API communities.
655 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 622-7372
Parking & Transportation Services
Mon-Thurs 11am-10:30pm Fri-Sat 11am-12am Sun 11am-10pm
206-624-3426 transia@aol.com Merchants Parking provides convenient and affordable community parking. Transia provides community transportation: para-transportation services, shuttle services, and field trips in and out of Chinatown/International District, and King County.
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Answers to this puzzle are on Wednesday, August 16.
24 — August 2, 2017 – August 15, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER