PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 38 NO 6 FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
FREE
37 YEARS YOUR VOICE
LNY TRADITIONS STASH OR TRASH?
A STAMP OF GOOD
SEE PAGE 10
Graphic by Han Bui & Stacy Nguyen/NWAW Golden Pig on loan from the Pike Place Market. Pig designed by Deng Zuolei
SEE ! R A D N E L LNY CA
right HOUSTON — B soms pink peach blos 19 Year of highlight the 20 r stamp, the Boar Foreve al stamp in the 12th and fin Lunar New the Celebrating U.S. Postal Year series. The d the Service dedicate 17 during a stamps on Jan. ceremony first-day-of-issue Community at the Chinese on, Texas ... Center in Houst
PAGE 6
SEE PAGE 13
HEALTH TTLE A E S N I T E T AT
2019
By Sun Lee Chang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY What do Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elton John, and Julie Andrews have in common? They were all born in the Year of the Pig! Set to begin on Feb. 5, 2019, and ending on Jan. 24, 2020, the Year of the Earth Pig couldn’t come soon enough. The Pig is in
■
FORTUNE
ASTROLOGICAL PREDICTIONS
YEAR OF THE PIG
the 12th position of the Chinese Zodiac of 12 animals, which comes after the Year of the Dog. Of the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water associated with the Zodiac animals, the coming lunar year will be the Year of the Earth Pig. Though ample opportunities for adventures are offered, the Earth Pig would do well not to stay away from home base
for too long in the coming year. With an intense love for learning and equal share of curiosity, the Pig may stumble upon uncomfortable truths at times. That said, they are brave enough to be honest with themselves and others about what they find — whether it brings them admiration or scorn. Those born in the Year of the Pig are careful, but that does not
stop them from indulging in what they enjoy, just not overly so. If you are lucky enough to call one who was born in the Year of the Pig a friend, then they will be a loyal and lasting ally. Traditionally a sign of fortune and wealth, here is what is ahead in the areas of work and love in the upcoming Year of the Earth Pig.
SEE PAGE 13
SEE PAGE 3
CELEBRATE ASIA CONCE RT
E7 SEE PAG
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37 YEARS
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Affordable Middle-Income Housing Advisory Council
Gary Locke
Faith Pettis
The officials honored five surviving Chinese American World War II veterans and recognized the new law that allows for Chinese American World War II veterans to be eligible to receive the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. President Trump signed into law the Chinese American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act back in December. ■
Doris Koo
Former Governor Gary Locke is among the two dozen members of the newly formed Affordable Middle-Income Housing Advisory Council. Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the establishment of the Advisory Council on Jan. 28. Its role is to identify investment strategies and related tools to help close existing market gaps and attract significant capital investment to create more for-rent and for-sale homes that are affordable to Seattle’s middle-income wage earners. Also on the council are Faith Pettis of Pacifica Law Group and Doris Koo of Yesler Community Collaborative. ■
Chinese American WWII veterans honored
Chinese WWII vets
As the co-chairs of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos delivered remarks on Jan. 29 at the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony.
Kenzo “Gunner” Moriguchi passes
NaFFAA’s leadership development retreat participants
Kenzo “Gunner” Moriguchi passed away on Jan. 14 in Seattle. He was 85 years old. The eldest of seven children, Moriguchi grew up in Tacoma until World War II, when he and his family were sent to a Japanese internment camp at Tule Lake in California. After the war, they re- Kenzo Moriguchi located to Seattle. In 1956, Moriguchi earned a bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and then served two years in the U.S. Army. Afterwards, he worked for his father’s Japanese grocery store, Uwajimaya. When his father passed away in 1962, he and his brothers managed the Uwajimaya business and oversaw its growth with the addition of new stores and other Asian products. Moriguchi was also a member of the Nisei Veterans Committee and a true sports fan. In his younger years, he played basketball and often continuously fired off shots giving him the nickname “Gunner.” He loved watching sports on TV, especially football and golf. A private service was held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home. ■
Filipino American leadership retreat Young Filipino American professionals from 15 cities, representing 16 universities and colleges, were in Seattle on Jan. 26 for the annual National Federation of Filipino American
Associations (NaFFAA) Empowering Pilipino Youth through Collaboration (EPYC) leadership development retreat. As part of the program, participants met with Microsoft tech workers and leaders from the Filipino Community Center. They participated in a Filipino labor and activism tour of the Chinatown-International District, led by local Filipino American advocate and self-described community historian Joaquin Uy. During the tour, attendees learned more about Seattle’s significant role in Filipino American history and they reflected on how that history connects to their lived experiences. ■
Japanese American shares memory of internment Elsie Yotsuuye Taniguchi was just 5 years old when she and her family were forced from their home and into Camp Harmony, a Japanese internment camp, at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. She shared her story in a recently published book called “True Tales of Puget Sound,” authored by Dorothy Wilhelm. In chapter 20, Fife: Return from Minidoka, Taniguchi recalls having to leave behind a brand new kitten, among other things, and life as an internee. ■
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YOUR VOICE
■ COMMUNITY NEWS
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
Tết in Seattle promotes health with expanded health fair
Photos by Sam Le/NWAW
Community member communicating with volunteers on health insurance
Community members communicating with staff on diabetes and cholesterol information
By Sam Le NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY With thousands of Vietnamese community members coming together to celebrate Tết at the Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion, organizers hosted a comprehensive health fair on Jan. 26 and 27. Dedicated to serving the members of the community, this year’s health fair was expanded to two days of the celebration and inclusive for all participants.
“Tet in Seattle Health Fair started five years ago by Ashley Nguyen, who at the time was a registered nurse at Swedish Medical,” said Ly Huynh, one of the organizers. “The health fair has grown, and has tripled from last year.” This year, the fair offered free screenings and services for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, flu shots, chiropractic care, and more. Included with these services and heavily emphasized was the access to mental health services, with the Asian Coun-
seling and Referral Services (ACRS), a key API community partner. Huynh said, “A big part of our goal is to get community members checked into health care and provide a space for community members to be comfortable by providing Vietnamese interpreters and familiar faces in the community, such as ACRS and the Vietnamese Health Board.” One of the key reasons for the health fair success stem from the active participation of students, health professionals, and organizations. “I learned about volunteering at the health fair through my student organization, Seattle University Student Nurses Association — we are doing vital signs screenings. I wanted to get involved with my community this year and show up for my people,” said Kristine Dao, a third-year see HEALTH FAIR on 15
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Ruth Woo Fellowship accepting applications The office of Gov. Jay Inslee is recruiting individuals with a commitment to civil rights and equality for the Ruth Woo Fellowship. This fellowship is a 10-week program beginning on June 3 or 17, 2019. It is named after the late Ruth Woo — a revered community mentor who dedicated her life to public service for historically disadvantaged populations and empowerment of the next generation of emerging leaders. To be considered for this opportunity, students must submit all Leadership Academy application materials, including a letter of interest, resume, and short writing sample describing how they will bring a unique, diverse voice to the program and what they hope to gain from the experience. Students should submit applications electronically (ofmhr@ofm.wa.gov) or by mail. Applications must be received by Feb. 11. For more information about this position, please email internships@gov.wa.gov.
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FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
■ SPORTS Mariners won’t promise spot to Ichiro after Japan trip By Tim Booth AP SPORTS WRITER SEATTLE (AP) — The plan seems to be in place for Ichiro Suzuki to be on the Seattle Mariners’ expanded roster when they open the regular season with two games in his native Japan. After that? Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto isn’t promising anything to the 45-year-old, especially if it gets in the way of developing some of the
Ichiro Suzuki
younger players who are part of the club’s rebuilding plans. “First we have to envision him being on the 28-man when get to Tokyo,’’ Dipoto said. “Obviously we did agree on a minor-league deal for Ichiro to come to spring training. When we do have hope when we break for Tokyo he is healthy and ready to go. If that is the case we’re going to give him an opportunity to play. But this season for us is about giving an opportunity to young players.’’
Suzuki was announced as one of Seattle’s spring training invitees on Jan. 24 after he agreed to a minor league contract with the club. If Suzuki is added to the major league roster — as is expected for the games against the Oakland Athletics in Tokyo on March 20 and 21 — he would receive a one-year contract paying $750,000 while in the major leagues. But Dipoto made clear that
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Liberty have a new owner and get to keep their NBA ties. An investment group led by Brooklyn Nets minority owner Joseph Tsai has bought the Liberty, the WNBA announced on Jan. 23. Terms were not disclosed. Tsai, co-founder of the ecommerce giant Alibaba Group, bought a 49 percent interest in the
Nets in April. “We are fortunate to welcome Joe Tsai to the WNBA family at a pivotal time for our league,” WNBA interim president Mark Tatum said in a statement. “As active participants in the New York community, Joe and his team are very well-positioned to take the Liberty to exciting new heights.” The team will continue to play most of its home games at the Westchester County Center this year. The Liberty will play one
game at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, the home of the Nets, as a Comm-UNITY Day celebrating community, diversity and inclusion. “The Liberty and WNBA exemplify what it means to compete at the highest level, serve as role models in the local community, and bring greater opportunities to female athletes,” Tsai said. “Our goal is to continue this important work and help bring the WNBA into its next phase of growth.”
Can Chen, Liu lead a U.S. skating rebound?
Nathan Chen
see ICHIRO on 12
Joseph Tsai buys WNBA’s Liberty By Doug Feinberg THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
37 YEARS
Alysa Liu
By Noah Trister THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Previous Liberty owner James Dolan put the team up for sale in
DETROIT (AP) — The present and future of American figure skating were on display at last week’s national championships. Nathan Chen and Alysa Liu were captivating, but it remains to be seen how much they can help the U.S. rebound on the international stage. Chen, the reigning world
see TSAI on 12
see SKATERS on 12
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY & NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY FOUNDATION PRESENTS 10TH ANNUAL
win $$$ in the year of the pig
no age limit!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019 MAKE A PIG MASK — Size (an adult or child can wear it) — It can cover the entire face — Be creative with all types of colorful materials — It can show happy, sad, or funny emotions — Must be displayed or worn by a model at the contest PRIZES First ($300), Second ($200), Third ($100) + prizes for honorable mentions
Please submit completed application through one of the following methods: Mail: Northwest Asian Weekly Lunar New Year Costume Contest 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104 ________________________________________________________
School Name: ___________________________________________Age: ________ Profession: ________________________________________________________ Phone:
__________________________________________________________
E-mail:
___________________________________________________________
I am entering contest for:
Pig Mask
Costume
Both Contests
Please send your photo of entry by February 1, 2019 to rsvp@nwasianweekly.com. Contestants must adhere to all rules and regulations. Contest officials will remove any contestant failing to cooperate with officials or failing to comply with the rules and regulations. If you have any questions, please contact Northwest Asian Weekly at 206.223.5559 or via email at rsvp@nwasianweekly.com. FOR MORE INFO, GO TO CIDBIA.ORG, NWASIANWEEKLY.COM/EVENTS
Registration/Sign-Up: • You may pre-register for the contest by filling out this application and sending it in or sign-up on the day of the contest (Saturday, February 9) beginning at
SPONSORS
Name:
Costume Parade Schedule: • 11 AM — Registration • 12:30 PM — Line up • 1 PM — Parade begins • 1:30 PM — Parade winners announced • Start from Northwest Asian Weekly’s front door, march to main stage • Contestants must be present at the announcement of finalists (1:30 PM). • Finalists will be lined up in numerical order. • The first 20 registered will get a gift.
Make a Pig Mask or be a part of the Costume Contest or enter both contests! LUNAR NEW YEAR COSTUME CONTEST — Contestants’ attire should be culturally relevant to the Lunar New Year Celebration PRIZES First ($100), Second ($75), Third ($50)
11 a.m. at the registration table. Registration table will be located in front of Seattle Chinese Post/Northwest Asian Weekly – 412 Maynard Ave S. • Contestants must sign-in at the registration table 30 minutes prior to parade. Rules/Guidelines: • You are welcome to participate in both contests: pig mask and costume contest. The costume contest will begin first, followed by the pig mask contest. • Adults & children are welcome to participate • Parents are welcome to accompany their children during the Parade • All contestants will be given a contestant number for order of Parade lineup • Contestants must be present to win
community SPONSORs JIM DOANE
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
YOUR VOICE
asianweekly northwest
■ WORLD NEWS Thai girl Adoptee deported by U.S. group in hot water over sues S. Korea, agency swastika shirt By Kim Tong-Hyung THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BANGKOK (AP) — A popular Thai music act has apologized amid a scandal set off when one of its members wore a shirt showing the swastika flag of Nazi Germany during a performance. The incident involving the girl group BNK48 occurred just two days ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marked on Jan. 27 with somber ceremonies in other parts of the world to remember the 6 million Jews and others killed in Adolf Hitler’s notorious death camps. Israel’s embassy in Thailand posted a statement on Twitter expressing “shock and dismay over the Nazi outfit worn by the singer.’’ “Presenting Nazi symbols by the band’s singer, hurt the feelings of millions around the world, whose relatives were murdered by the Nazis,’’ it said. The performer, 19-year-old Pichayapa ‘Namsai’ Natha, blamed her own ignorance for her actions as she delivered a tearful apology and asked for forgiveness. In the video apology made on the stage where the group usually performs, see BNK48 on 12
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Adam Crapser lives in limbo, a stranger in South Korea, the country of his birth. Forcibly separated from his wife, children and friends in America, he is isolated by language and culture, left alone to navigate this sprawling city he’s
been expelled to four decades after being sent to adoptive parents in Michigan at age 3. Crapser was abused and abandoned by two different sets of adoptive parents in the United States then deported after run-ins with the law because none of his guardians filed citizenship papers for him. He told The Associated Press in an interview that he has struggled in South Korea with
intense anxiety and depression, even as he searches for answers about why his life has become defined by displacement. That search has led him to file a landmark lawsuit against South Korea’s government and a private adoption agency, the Seoulbased Holt Children’s Services, over what Crapser calls gross negligence regarding the way he and thousands of other Korean
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children were sent to the United States and other Western nations without accounting for their future citizenship. The 200 million won ($177,000) civil suit, which was described exclusively to the AP ahead of its Jan. 24 filing by Crapser’s lawyers in a Seoul court, exposes a dark side of South Korean see CRAPSER on 11
Microsoft’s Bing blocked in China, prompting grumbling By Joe McDonald AP BUSINESS WRITER BEIJING (AP) — Chinese internet users lost access to Microsoft’s Bing search engine for two days, setting off grumbling about the ruling Communist Party’s increasingly tight online censorship. Microsoft Corp. said that access had been restored. A brief
statement gave no reason for the disruption or other details. Comments on social media had accused regulators of choking off access to information. Others complained they were forced to use Chinese search engines they say deliver poor results. “Why can’t we choose what we want to use?’’ said a comment signed Aurelito on the Sina Weibo microblog service.
■ COMMUNITY
Washington Impact ads get results!
see BING on 13
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2 Million Festivals, Fairs, car shows, resorts and golf courses love the results they get!
Inquire at this newspaper or call 360-344-2938 • ads@wnpa.com
wall. Earlier in the shift, the officer had taken a burglary report for the business next door. In that case, too, the glass pane had been carefully removed from the door and it appeared that was how entry was made. When the other officers arrived, they found a 30-year-old woman hiding behind a refrigerator in the kitchen. She was taken into custody and booked into the King County Jail for investigation of burglary. ■
Special election ballots The King County Elections Office said it mailed out ballots on Jan. 23, to about 560,000 registered voters for the Feb. 12 special election. The department estimates a 34 percent voter turnout rate. This special election includes propositions from the Seattle and Renton public school districts. “We had record-breaking voter turnout
China has by far the biggest population of internet users, with some 800 million people online, according to government data. The Communist Party encourages internet use for business and education but blocks access to foreign websites run by news organizations, human rights and Tibet activists and others deemed
Readers
Police catch woman burglarizing businesses in Chinatown/ID A woman is in custody after she was located inside a Chinatown restaurant on Jan. 24. At approximately 2:30 a.m., an officer was checking on businesses in the Chinatown-International District (CID) that had experienced a recent series of burglaries. The officer noticed an open alley door to a restaurant in the 700 block of South King Street. It appeared that the glass pane in the door had been carefully removed from the door and propped up against the business
Bing complied with government censorship rules by excluding foreign websites that are blocked by Chinese filters from search results. But President Xi Jinping’s government has steadily tightened control over online activity. The agency that enforces online censorship, the Cyberspace Administration of China, didn’t respond to questions sent by fax.
in November, but local elections matter, too,” said Julie Wise, Director of King County Elections. “This special election will have a direct impact on our communities, so it’s important to vote and return your ballot early.” Ballots include pre-paid postage so you don’t need a stamp to return your ballots through the mail. ■
“Happy Lunar New Year, from my family to yours. May the Year of the Pig be a year of happiness, innovation, and prosperity for all.” — Congressman Adam Smith Democrat, 9th District
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FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
37 YEARS
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR JAN 31 PIG OUT WITH CSA: LUNAR NEW YEAR FUNDRAISER Red Square at UW 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
FEB 1
CRAZY RICH SEMIFORMAL HOSTED BY TAIWANESE STUDENT ASSOCIATION AT UW Fremont Foundry Events, 154 N. 35th St., Seattle 7-11 p.m. CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Peony Kitchen, 10317 Main St., Bellevue 7 p.m.
2 KEIRO NORTHWEST’S 3RD ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Hyatt Regency Lake Washington $175/ticket nikkeiconcerns.ejoinme.org HONG KONG ASSOCIATION LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Seattle Sheraton $280/ticket
SEATTLE ART MUSEUM LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Brotman Forum 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Free tickets.seattleartmuseum.org LUNAR NEW YEAR The Shops at the Bravern, 11111 NE 8th St., Bellevue 2-4 p.m. LUNAR NEW YEAR IN SEATTLE’S CHINATOWNINTERNATIONAL DISTRICT Wing Luke Museum 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free for kids and students (with ID) wingluke.org/2019newyear DYNASTY BOOGIE HOSTED BY HOUDINI CAZIMI, TRACEY WONG, AND KATIE J 714 S. King St., Seattle 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
2&3 STEP FORWARD GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION New SR 99 Tunnel (Sixth Ave. North and Harrison St.) 11 a.m. 99stepforward.com JAPANESE GENEALOGY SEMINAR Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., Seattle 9 a.m.–4 p.m. RSVP required
3 UWCSSA LUNAR NEW YEAR GALA 2019 UW, Kane Hall, 4069 Spokane Lane 6:30-9:30 p.m.
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GOLDEN PIG AT NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY’S OFFICE 412 Maynard Ave S., Seattle 12-5 p.m.
GOLDEN PIG AT NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY’S OFFICE 412 Maynard Ave S., Seattle 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
5 YEAR OF THE PIG CELEBRATION Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip 8 p.m. tulalipresort.com GOLDEN PIG AT NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY’S OFFICE 412 Maynard Ave S., Seattle 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
5&7 PIG OUT WITH CSA: LUNAR NEW YEAR FUNDRAISER Red Square at UW 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
6 GOLDEN PIG AT NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY’S OFFICE 412 Maynard Ave S., Seattle 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
7-17
KIN ON’S CHINESE NEW YEAR MAHJONG NIGHT Kin On, 4416 S. Brandon St., Seattle 6:45-9 p.m. SEMINAR “HOW TO MANAGE A REAL ESTATE DOWNTURN” Bellevue City Hall, Room 1E-108, 450 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue 7-9 p.m. seattlechinesechamber.org FIUTS CULTURALFEST INTERNATIONAL EXPO Husky Union Building, 4001 E. Stevens Way N.E., Seattle 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. THE 2019 CID KICKOFF Hing Hay Coworks, 409B Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 4-6 p.m.
8 GOLDEN PIG AT NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY’S OFFICE 412 Maynard Ave S., Seattle 10 a.m.-4 p.m. LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENT AT MUCKLESHOOT CASINO Muckleshoot Casino
“140 LBS. — HOW BEAUTY KILLED MY MOTHER” BY SUSAN LIEU Theatre Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave. S., Seattle 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets at goo.gl/Zggoym
9 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Bellevue Square 11 a.m.-6 p.m. bellevuecollection.com/ lunarnewyear
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, “YEAR OF THE PIG” Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 52ND ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR GALA University of Washington, Kane Hall 5:30-9:30 p.m. NWAW & SCP PRESENTS 10TH ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR COSTUME CONTEST Two contests to enter: Pig Mask and Costume Contest Northwest Asian Weekly office, 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 11 a.m. Contests for everyone. No age limit. Register online: nwasianweekly.com/events 206-223-5559 21ST ANNUAL ASIA PACIFIC NEW YEAR Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall 11 a.m.-6 p.m. AAJA SEATTLE LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET 2019 House of Hong Restaurant, 409 8th Ave. S., Seattle 6:30-9:30 p.m. CHIBI CHIBI CON 2019 The Evergreen State College, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia 12 p.m.
13 SAMUEL SINYANGWE: USING DATA TO ADVANCE RACIAL JUSTICE UW Graduate School Public Lectures, 4069 Spokane Lane, Seattle 7:30-8:30 p.m.
View the solution on page 14
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The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.” The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article. Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
YOUR VOICE
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
asianweekly northwest
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Photos by George Liu/NWAW
At Celebrate Asia 2019, we unite for the sake of diversity
Conductor Shiyeon Sung (left) and pianist Seong-Jin Cho joined hands on stage. More than 2,000 people attended.
By Jessica Kai Curry NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY “We don’t have walls. We are anti-wall.” So spoke emcee Aleksa Manila at the kick-off of Seattle Sym-
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culture was represented. Regular favorites were present, such as Japan’s CHIKIRI and the School of TAIKO. New and young talent was recognized in the form of Celebrate Asia’s Composition Competition winner, Taiwan’s Chia-Ying Lin.
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From left: Naomi Minegishi, Chia-Ying Lin, and Yoshi Minegishi.
What became apparent throughout the performances was the possibility of unifying as a whole — a whole room, city, or country, while also celebrating individuality — be it that of a cultural tradition from a particular place, or the singular achievements of
award-winning guest performers, including conductor Shiyeon Sung, soprano Kathleen Kim, and pianist Seong-Jin Cho. Pre-show began with a rousing number from Morning Star see CELEBRATE on 12
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FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
■ COMMUNITY NEWS Hundreds engage legislators at 2019 APA Legislative Day
Organized by the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) of King, Pierce, Snohomish,
Yakima, and Spokane counties, the 2019 APA Legislative Day brought hundreds of community members to meet with Gov. Jay Inslee and state legislators in Olympia on Jan. 28.
see APA DAY on 14
see LAWSUIT on 15
APIC Leadership Delegation meeting with Gov. Jay Inslee
After arriving, community members, led by Lua Pritchard, chair of APIC Spokane County chapter, gathered at the Capitol’s Flag Circle for a rally to hear remarks from state legislators,
Chúc mừng năm mới từ Thị trưởng Jenny A. Durkan và Seattle Văn Phòng Nội Vụ Di Dân và Tị Nạn.
西雅圖市長Jenny A. Durkan和西雅圖移 民難民事務辦公室祝大家新年快樂。 제니 더칸 (Jenny A. Durkan) 시장과 시애틀 이민 및 난민 사무국 (Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs) 은 여러분 모두에게 새해 복 많이 받으시기를 기원합니다.
Happy Lunar New Year from Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs! Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs would like to remind you that... City employees will not ask you for your citizenship status. And all City services are accessible to residents, regardless of your status. Learn more about City of Seattle services here: www.seattle.gov/affordable. Big construction projects will continue to change how we get around Seattle for the next five years. We call this the #SeattleSqueeze. Learn more here: www.seattle.gov/traffic.
Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
By Sean Harding WNPA OLYMPIA NEWS BUREAU
including Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib, and Gov. Inslee. Also featured and welcomed were recently elected senators Joe Nguyen and
Photos by Sam Le/NWAW
By Sam Le NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Lawmakers seek revisions to wrongful death and injury statutes
A proposal prompted by the 2015 “Ride the Ducks” accident in Seattle came one step closer to becoming law last week, as people voiced their views on changes to Washington’s wrongful death and injury statutes that would expand the beneficiaries entitled to claim damages. “The law currently does not allow for a nonresident parent to seek justice,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Sharon Santos. “It was a law that was established more than 100 years ago.” Santos said the changes were prompted by the collision between a Ride the Ducks tourist vehicle and a chartered school bus carrying students from North Seattle College in 2015, killing five international students and injuring more than 60 other people. Santos’ bill would allow parents to claim a wrongful death, regardless of their residency. “Our concern regarding HB 1135 is not with the residency requirement. We absolutely support that
AAPI Community Members participating in the rally before meeting with legislators
State Sen. Joe Nguyen and APIC Spokane Chair, Lua Pritchard, engaging community members at the rally
37 YEARS
YOUR VOICE
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
asianweekly northwest
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asianweekly northwest
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37 YEARS
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG
Lunar New Year: Past and present
Tracy Luu
What traditions to cherish, shed, & add?
Lunar New Year was the happiest days of my childhood in Hong Kong, where I was raised. What’s not to love? There’s no school, great food, new clothes, and lots of red envelopes (lucky money). Since we were poor, my parents never gave us much of an allowance. The lucky money would last me almost a year. Now that I’ve lived in America for decades, many of those New Year traditions are still close to my heart, it reminds me of the joyous times I had. Some of them are enjoyable, while others are downright silly to follow. I will explain later. You don’t have to be Asian to celebrate Lunar New Year. You can do more than simply dine in an Asian restaurant. What inspired me to write this blog was when Seattle Rotary Club President Cindy asked me to recognize Lunar New Year during our Rotary meeting on Feb. 6. That’s a first in my 27 years as a club member. Thank you, Cindy, for the opportunity to share my culture. It’s more inclusive to do a Lunar New Year, rather than a Chinese
Left: Stuffe d by Tracy Lu toys for Lunar New Year. Right u
Photos by
By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
: Fondant
New Year celebration since Washington state is made up of diverse Asian communities. Seattle’s Chinatown is part of the International District, including Filipinotown, Little Saigon, and Japantown.
Appetizing cuisine
A major theme of Lunar New Year is the food. I don’t mean to stereotype. My Chinese DNA would never say “no” to yummy food. You can easily organize an Asian dinner or lunch to celebrate the New Year with friends and family. The first thing that comes to mind is to get rid of the overcooked chicken we have at our club meeting when we meet each week. I understand the rationale behind it. Seattle’s food
cost is high, and chicken is a good source of protein and reasonablypriced. Our club staff member Mariah requested the Grand Hyatt Hotel for an Asian entrée for our meeting. The chance of getting the same old is high. We never know unless we try! To my surprise, Hyatt presented us with an Asian fusion menu, including miso and citrus glazed salmon, bok choy, jasmine rice, cilantro and cabbage slaw, and matcha white chocolate mousse for dessert. I was elated. And fish symbolizes abundance, it is a wise choice for Lunar New Year. If you want an elaborate Lunar New Year dinner, you have to include oysters (meaning good things will happen to you); shrimp (sounds the same as laughter in Chinese so
you can laugh all year round); noodles (longevity); and steamed cake nien go (you rise higher). (For more Lunar New Year’s foods, read next week’s issue of the Northwest Asian Weekly.) Adding small delights, you can treat your guests with lucky candies and fortune cookies (an American invention). That’s okay, too.
Dress in red and gold
Although my family didn’t have much money, my late mom would try to buy us kids new clothes for New Year. She skipped some years. We didn’t mind as it’s more exciting to have delicious food and lucky money. Now in America, I don’t buy clothes because of New Year. What for? I don’t need it. I prefer dark pants and my black leather jacket every day during the winter. Comfort overcomes vanity. Black is not a
January 30 February 12, 2019
Lunar New Year YEAR Sale BOAR
pigs,
lucky color. As long as I wear something colorful and often red during the first two days of New Year, it will compensate for my black outfit. Asian cultures are big on symbolism, especially fortune and luck. Red and gold symbolize good luck. Our club president has invited members to dress in red and gold for our meeting. Wow! A sea of fortune in our meeting next week would be a charming sight. Some female members already said they would wear their Asian dress. She confessed that she would diet a week before to fit in. Using Lunar New Year to improve your wellbeing is wonderful.
No knives or clocks
Knives, in Chinese culture, see BLOG on 16
Lucky Red Envelope Giveaway
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FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
YOUR VOICE
■ EDITORIAL
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Come on, People! People Magazine is being called out after horribly misidentifying Asian actors at a SAG Awards after-party. Daily Show correspondent Ronny Chieng, who also played Eddie Cheng in “Crazy Rich Asians,” was quick to point out the error in his Instagram story and then a Twitter post. In the photo shared by People Magazine, Chieng and his wife, Hannah Pham, were misidentified as Randall Park and his wife, Jae W. Suh, while Tan Kheng Hua was mistaken as Michelle Yeoh. Jae Suh and Michelle Yeoh weren’t even in the photo. Fellow “Crazy Rich Asians” actor Remy Hii, who played Alistair Cheng, tweeted in support of his co-star. He wrote, “@people I’m singling you
CRAPSER from 5 adoptions, which exploded as a business during the 1970s and ’80s when many children were carelessly and unnecessarily removed from their families. The country was then at the height of a socalled “child export” frenzy pushed by military dictatorships that focused on economic growth and reducing the number of mouths to feed. There was no stringent oversight of adoption agencies, which were infamous for aggressive child-gathering activities and fraudulent paperwork as they competed to send more children abroad at faster speeds. Crapser’s case also highlights the shaky legal status of possibly thousands of South Korean adoptees in the United States whose parents may have failed to get them citizenship, potentially leaving them vulnerable to deportation if they acquire a criminal record in a country that’s becoming increasingly aggressive about going after undocumented immigrants. Crapser, who was named Shin Seonghyeok by his Korean mother, is one of five adoptees who the Seoul government confirms now live in South Korea after being deported from the United States. Several of the deportees have reportedly dealt with mental health issues and served jail time in South Korea for assault and other crimes. Activists say the South Korean government has done a poor job tracking deported adoptees and that the real number is almost certainly larger. Officials wouldn’t provide details about the other deportees. In South Korea, human rights lawsuits against the government can drag on for years and are rarely successful because the burden of proof in non-criminal cases is entirely on the plaintiffs, who often lack information and resources. Even if Crapser wins, the payout will likely be significantly smaller than what was demanded, considering past cases, according to Soh Rami, one of his lawyers. Crapser said the amount of money is less important than forcing officials from Holt and the government into a courtroom to face questions of accountability. He said the government and Holt are responsible for failing to follow through on his adoption and ensuring that his American parents naturalized him. Because he wasn’t a citizen, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials ordered him deported in November 2016 over criminal convictions, including unlawful possession of a firearm and assault. His lawsuit will also attempt to hold Holt and the government accountable for supposedly fraudulent paperwork over his adoption status. Most South Korean adoptees, including Crapser, were documented as abandoned, even in cases where they had known parents
out because not only do Ronny Chieng and Randall Park, Jae W Suh and Kheng Hua look NOTHING alike, Michelle Yeoh ISNT EVEN IN THAT PHOTO. This wasn’t even a case of mistaken identity, you straight up threw a bunch of yellow names up and hoped they’d stick.” Hii continued, “To the journalists consistently at fault, I refuse to believe you’ve never mistaken a Bomer for a Cavill, an Adams for a Fisher, a Hemsworth for a Hemsworth and yet it happens ALL the time with PoC - *particularly* Asian performers and it’s always just an ‘honest mistake’. He went on to tweet, “When you fail to recognise our faces, when you consistently misattribute our names as though any asian performer is interchangeable ... you erase
our humanity. You negate our achievements & talents with your ignorance. We’re not going to take it. Do better.” The photo caption has now been changed to “The cast of Crazy Rich Asians.” Try again, People! You were lazy with the first cutline, and even lazier with trying to fix it! It wasn’t just People Magazine. In Vogue, a photo of Crazy Rich Asians’ Gemma Chan at the SAG Awards was labeled as “Liv Lo.” In the same gallery from Vogue, a red carpet snap of Tan Kheng Hua at the SAG Awards was incorrectly labeled as “Michelle Yeoh.” As Hii said, it’s time to “do better.” ■ Ronny Chieng
or were simply lost, which made them easily adoptable under U.S. laws. He also seeks to hold the government responsible for allowing foreigners to adopt babies without actually visiting South Korea, which Crapser blames for screening failures that led to his adoption by abusive parents. “It’s a daily struggle to survive and to continue to want to push forward and want some justice and want some accountability and want some answers,” Crapser, now 43, told AP. “For everything to fall apart and for everything to happen the way it has, most people wouldn’t be alive here to talk.” Kim Ho Hyun, Holt’s president, said the agency followed the laws and procedures of the time and that it was mainly the responsibility of U.S. parents and institutions to ensure that adoptees obtained citizenship. Seong Chang-hyeon, an official from South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, said the government is trying to improve welfare services for deported adoptees while also consulting with Washington over possible U.S. legal changes that could prevent adoptee deportations. Currently living in a cramped one-bedroom apartment in Seoul, Crapser said the deportation has seriously strained his marriage and he often sinks into dark moods over his inability to be actively involved in the lives of his children. He described the difficulties of being stuck in a country where he doesn’t speak
the language, including dismissive treatment at public offices and monthly visits to a psychiatrist who can’t really speak English. While he talked fondly about meeting with his Korean mother every few months, he also expressed frustration over what he sees as a social stigma against adoptees here. He has eight more years before he’s eligible to return to the United States. About 200,000 South Koreans were adopted overseas during the past six decades, the majority to American couples. More than 4,000 Korean children were sent abroad in 1979, the year Crapser arrived in the United States. Agency board members with ties to the military dictators of the day were less worried about child welfare than maintaining a business that brought in as much as $20 million a year by some estimates, critics say. Reached on the telephone, Crapser’s birthmother, Kwon Pil-ju, sobbed and said she felt like she had “horribly sinned” against her son. She said she was single, disabled and desperately poor, and that she finally decided to give her children away because of fears that they’d starve. They also have problems communicating — he can’t speak Korean, she can’t speak English, and they don’t always have someone who could interpret. Crapser said he “definitely didn’t win the lottery” when it came to his American parents. He and a sister were sent to what
he says was an abusive couple in Michigan in 1979. Seven years later, the couple abandoned Crapser, then 10, and his sister, and he ended up with Thomas and Dolly Crapser, who he said would sometimes slam their children’s heads against walls, strike them with kitchen utensils and burn them with heated objects. Repeated calls to the Crapser home went unanswered. In 1991, the couple was arrested on charges of physical child abuse, sexual abuse and rape. They were reportedly convicted in 1992 on multiple counts of criminal mistreatment and assault. Kicked out of his parents’ house after an argument, Crapser pleaded guilty to burglary after he said he later broke into the home to retrieve a Korean-language Bible and a stuffed dog that came with him from a Korean orphanage. He was later convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and assault. Crapser thought he had turned a corner, opening a barber shop and an upholstery business and starting a family, when he was served his deportation paperwork in 2015 after a green card application triggered a background check. “It’s heartbreaking. A lot of the depression that I deal with, a lot of the hopelessness that I feel at times is attributed to the separation from my family that I created and not being able to be actually involved in their life every day like I was,” he said. ■
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ICHIRO from 4 developing younger players will be critical as part of Seattle’s intent to be able to contend by the 2021 season. “A lot of it is going to be up to Ichiro. Our intent with Ichiro is to bring one of the great players in the history of baseball ... back to the playing field and see what happens, especially since this is
TSAI from 4 November 2017. There had been several potential buyers and a few were close to a purchase, but the deals fell through for various reasons. “As the proud owner of the Liberty for the past 22 years, we are pleased that Joe Tsai will now SKATERS from 4 champion, is rolling right along after winning a third straight title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. His performance was expected, but the biggest new star to emerge at this competition was the 13-year-old Liu, who became the youngest person to win an individual championship in the event’s history. “She’s the hope,” said Tara Lipinski, who won the national title at age 14 in 1997 and was supplanted by Liu as the youngest women’s champion. “Obviously, it’s been many years since there’s BNK48 from 5 she dropped to her knees as she finished her brief statement and was comforted by fellow band members. Her apology was also posted on her Instagram account. Management of the group, noted more for its marketing prowess than its musical abilities, also apologized that they had “inadvertently caused dismay and distress to people affected’’ by the
CELEBRATE from 7 Korean Cultural Center called “In the Beginning,” meant to depict the formation of the earth. “In the beginning, it wasn’t just spoken word,” explained the group’s artistic director, Sinae Cheh. “It was an explosive sound.” Colorfully-clad drummers recreated perfectly the seismic activity of volcanoes. “Our mission is to share Korean culture, not just for Korean Americans and Korean American identity, but also to celebrate the diversity in our society,” said Cheh, who felt that performing at Celebrate Asia was a way to “contribute to our multicultural community.” Morning Star was followed by the singing of Swaranjali School of Music, which marks its 20th year in 2019. According to the program, the school was formed to “bring awareness of the rich heritage of India with engaging vocal performances.” After two choral pieces, and another number from Morning Star based upon royal court dances, the audience’s attention was directed to the lion dancers of the International Lion Dance and Martial Arts Team, which herald-
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
37 YEARS
what he wants to do. We want to handle Ichiro with all the respect and gratitude in the world for what he has done for the Mariners organization and really celebrate him for what he has done globally for baseball,’’ Dipoto said. “What happens after we come back from Tokyo? First we have to ensure he’s healthy enough to be on our roster in order to go, but when we come back our goal is to develop
our young players. I don’t know how more clearly I can say that.’’ Suzuki started last season playing for the Mariners but transitioned into a front-office role as a special assistant to the chairman that allowed him to take part in pregame workouts and batting practice but not to be in the dugout during games. The move ended his season abruptly but with the knowledge that Seattle was open-
ing 2019 in Japan, which would be a highly anticipated opportunity for him to play in his home country. Suzuki was hitting .205 in 44 at-bats during his limited action in 2018, and all nine of his hits this were singles. But Suzuki has worked out through the offseason with the intent of being ready to open the 2019 season with the big league club.
Suzuki was voted both the 2001 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP with the Mariners and won a pair of AL batting titles. He was traded to the Yankees midway through 2012, played parts of three seasons with New York, then spent three seasons with Miami. The 10-time All-Star has a .311 average and 3,089 hits, not including the 1,278 hits he amassed in nine seasons in Japan. ■
guide the franchise with a commitment to serving its loyal and passionate fans in New York,” Dolan said. New York is one of the three original WNBA franchises still in existence, along with the Los Angeles Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury. The team said before last sea-
son it had “lost money every year since its inception and cumulative losses exceed $100 million.” The franchise played most of its home games in 2018 at the suburban Westchester County Center, which saved the team a lot of money. Operating costs were nearly 20 times less than playing at Madison Square Garden, its
previous home. The team dropped from fourth in attendance in 2017 to last in the league last season, averaging 2,823 fans. That number was even smaller when the two kids’ day games at MSG were taken out, with an average of just 1,886 fans coming to the 15 Westchester dates. The Liberty couldn’t
routinely fill the arena, which was configured to hold only 2,319 fans. Improved play on the court could help draw more fans. The Liberty struggled last season, finishing with the second-worst record in the league. They have the No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft in April. ■
been a U.S. lady on an Olympic podium.” The last time an American won an Olympic medal in women’s figure skating was in 2006, when Sasha Cohen took silver. The U.S. won bronze in the team competition at each of the past two Olympics, but the Americans came up empty in the men’s and women’s individual events in both Pyeongchang and Sochi. In Chen, the Americans already have a high-flying star. He won the Olympic free skate last year with an unprecedented six quad jumps, and while a poor short program cost him a medal, he has three straight
national titles and last year’s world title to his credit at age 19. Chen defeated Vincent Zhou by over 58 points on Jan. 27, and right now, the main question seems to be how well Chen can balance his skating with his studies at Yale. So far, so good, it seems. “I really don’t mind the training atmosphere that I’m in. I’m really lucky and really honored to have the opportunity to be able to skate at Yale,” he said. “Some competitions have been really good, some competitions have not necessarily been so good under these circumstances, but ultimately, I feel like I’m improving competition to
competition.” Chen is skipping the Four Continents Championships in California in February but can try to defend his world title in Japan in March. Liu, meanwhile, faces a more uncertain international future. After Lipinski won at nationals in ’97, she took gold at the Nagano Olympics the following year. Liu’s national title came three years before the next Olympics, and under the current age restriction, she’s not eligible to compete at worlds until 2022. That may be frustrating for those who want to see her compete on the biggest stage, but it
could also stave off the pressure for a little while. “There are some obvious places where I can be better and (I will keep) working on those,” she said. “Focusing on myself is what works for me. Just focusing on being the best version and best skater that I can be.” Liu landed a rare triple axel in her short program and two more in the free skate, so it’s only natural to view her as someone who can help the American women start closing the gap. Lipinski, now a commentator with NBC, said Liu is setting the tone and is going to push the next generation of U.S. skaters. ■
historical crime against humanity. Incidents involving insensitive use of Nazi symbols occur from time to time in Thailand, where there is little awareness of the Holocaust and an inclination to use them as design elements or comic props. Past scandals have involved bars, restaurants, motels and clothing using swastikas and images of Hitler for decorative purposes. But on several occasions
students at schools and colleges have mimicked Nazi regalia and rituals, including the infamous ‘Heil, Hitler’ salute, in skits, artworks and ceremonies. Thais are not alone among the peoples of Asia with little knowledge or sensitivity about the Holocaust. In what may be a mark of disinterest in history among the younger generation, several other youth-oriented music groups have been involved in similar scandals.
Late last year, management for the South Korean hit K-pop boy band BTS had to apologize for one of its members wearing a Tshirt depicting the explosion of an atomic bomb and another a hat with a Nazi emblem in a magazine photo book, Band members previously flew flags with what appeared to be the Nazi swastika during a concert. In 2016, the producer for a Japanese all-girl “idol’’ group like
BNK48 joined Sony Music in apologizing after the popular act performed in outfits resembling Naziera German military uniforms. Keyakizaka46, a group of about 20 mostly teenage girls who sing and dance in synch, appeared at a concert in black knee-length dresses that look like military overcoats, and black capes and officer caps with a Nazi-like eagle emblem. Sony Music is the group’s label. ■
ed the opening of Benaroya Hall’s S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium for the concert. Once everyone was seated, guest conductor Shiyeon Sung entered to a round of applause. From Pusan, South Korea, Sung has been Boston Symphony Orchestra’s assistant conductor since 2007, and collaborates with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, where she has been associate conductor since 2009. Sung’s presence on the stage and in the conducting world is remarkable in a field where women are not often seen, in Seattle or in the world. Her conducting style is elegant yet precise. Not a single extra move was made as she led Gramophone’s Orchestra of the Year through a series of pieces, starting with John Adam’s The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot for Orchestra from Nixon in China. On this night, Seattle audiences were privileged to witness a world premiere: competition winner Lin’s Ascolsia, a piece based on traditional folk music of Taiwan called Beiguan. “It has a highpitched, clear, festive, and exhilarated character, often used in tra-
ditional ceremony, parade, temple, or funeral,” explained Lin to the Weekly. The title, she said, was a word she created from three words and two languages — Italian and English. Lin intended for Ascolsia to be “an invitation for different cultures to listen to each other and be able to celebrate the Asian influences by using a western medium like orchestra.” At the end of the piece, the young composer ascended the stage to hug the conductor and accept her accolades. No sooner was Lin’s premiere accomplished, then the pianist that some audience members described as a “rock star” appeared: Seong-Jin Cho. Hailing originally from Seoul, and winner of a gold medal at the Chopin International Competition in 2015, Cho gave a masterful performance of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43. His fingers danced across the keys like Fred Astaire, and at other times, he struck the keys so forcefully he nearly propelled himself from the bench. Watching him seemed to confirm that this year’s Celebrate Asia was about the performers and their achievements as indi-
viduals, as men and women, and as Asians. Cho’s performance inspired a lengthy standing ovation — and the gift from him of an encore — Franz Liszt’s, “La Campanella” from Grandes Études de Paganini. A few audience members were seen wiping their eyes. Enter soprano Kathleen Kim, who debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 2007. A browse of media coverage about Kim gives an impression of her as a consummate professional and a maverick — someone that doesn’t hesitate to tackle new material. Kim began her set with such a piece, Unsuk Chin’s snagS&Snarls (scenes from Alice in Wonderland). The audience laughed appreciatively as the soprano flawlessly sang snippets from the famous song, and famously quirky story, including multiplication tables. After a piece from Thailand by Narong Prangcharoen, titled Pubbanimitta, in which Kim did not sing, she returned to close the show with two traditional Korean songs, New Arirang and I Miss Mount Keumkang. Clothed in a gorgeous white hanbok and a dazzling headpiece, Kim, along with
conductor Sung, invited the audience to sing along. Perhaps out of respect, or perhaps because of the formal setting and genre, which seemed to inhibit Kim somewhat from opening up until close to the end, the room was hesitant. Finally, Kim and Sung both held out their arms and a deep murmur of voices at last responded. Multicultural events exist for those who already know, and those who are learning. Older audience members thrill to hear a favorite melody or watch a cherished traditional dance, while younger generations are exposed to their heritage, and those that do not hail from any of the cultures represented benefit in education. Somewhere along the way, be it caught up in the post-show dancing of the Rhythms of India, or absorbed by the flying fingers of pianist Cho, everyone joins in a harmony of intention and experience, to share in a room without walls. ■ Jessica Kai can be reached at info@northwestasianweekly. com.
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
YOUR VOICE
■ ASTROLOGY PREDICTIONS from 1
Rat Though you typically prefer to keep a low profile, that isn’t always possible. Your position dictates that you must take the lead once in a while. WORK: It’s not about working harder for a better result. A bit of advance planning should actually allow you to get more done with less effort. LOVE: Don’t worry about scoring points for originality. A good idea can be borrowed and even improved upon for the benefit of your relationship.
Ox You thrive under pressure, but too much of it can be overwhelming. Just because someone asks does not mean you should take it on. WORK: Success has been a long, steady road for you. While shortcuts seem tempting, avoid the ones that seem too good to be true. LOVE: The question is not whether you can do it yourself, but what you can do together that is important.
Tiger An unexpected windfall should not be an excuse to deviate from your original budget. Sticking to it should allow for greater flexibility later on. WORK: While you do have an eye for the finer details, letting yourself spend too much time on them could cause an unintended delay in completing your project. LOVE: Put your competitive streak on hold when it comes to matters of love. Remember that you are looking for a partner, not a rival.
Rabbit You are about to enter a new phase of understanding. How far you go depends largely on how open you are to additional study and application. WORK: To the extent that you are able to dictate the terms, don’t be afraid to speak up for what you want. LOVE: The stubborn streak that runs through you needs to be tamed in order to allow for a compromise that works for both sides.
Dragon
Monkey
Your patience has been thoroughly tested lately, but there is something to be gained if you are able to stick it out. WORK: If you have to choose between being liked or respected, the latter should serve your purposes better. LOVE: A little thoughtfulness should go a long way. Don’t underestimate the value of a caring gesture.
It’s all about efficiency for you this year. That is, making the most of what you have and not wasting it. WORK: Where your attention has been spread thin before, focusing in on a few key areas should allow you to see a marked improvement. LOVE: While your differences could initially be quite intriguing, you should still share enough similarities to be compatible.
Snake A quieter year than usual with no major hiccups, this will be one where you continue to work toward a long-held goal. WORK: The actual cost of pursuing your ambition can be higher than you realize. At some point, you must decide whether your job is a means to an end or something more. LOVE: Mistakes have been made on both sides, but hiding it just compounds the problem. A fresh start will require everyone to lay their cards on the table.
Horse Does it seem as though you have come full circle? You are back at a starting point of sorts, though this time around, you have the benefit of hindsight. WORK: Adept at breaking down even the most complex problems into manageable pieces, you will be able to tackle your next challenge in short order. LOVE: Although the romantic in you likes the idea of love at first sight, don’t rule out the possibility of being friends first.
Goat Your ability to think outside the box will come in handy this year, as an out of the ordinary situation will require a creative solution. WORK: In the name of fairness, there is no doubt that you are going to play by the rules to gain the win that you are seeking. LOVE: If you have started to keep score, stop and figure out why. Banish pettiness in favor of generosity.
STAMPS from 1 Luke Grossmann, USPS vice president of finance ...and planning, said, “The Postal Service has long celebrated our nation’s rich heritage through our stamp program. The brilliant design of this stamp helps celebrate the diversity of the American experience.” The boar, also referred to as a pig, is one of 12 zodiac animal signs associated with the Chinese lunar calendar. The 2019 Year of the Boar begins Feb. 5 and ends Jan. 24, 2020. Peach blossoms, like those depicted in the stamp art,
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What’s your animal sign? RAT 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 OX 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 TIGER 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962,
Rooster
1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 RABBIT 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963,
Pursuing your passion is going to take some sacrifice, but the satisfaction of being true to yourself will be well worth it. WORK: A labor of love is a reward unto itself. If you receive anything additional, it is simply icing on the cake. LOVE: As you make the journey together, a shared discovery could bring you much closer together.
1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 DRAGON 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 SNAKE 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Dog
HORSE 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966,
Once you realize that you have the power to change yourself, the rest just becomes background noise. WORK: While your practical side often gets priority, you should carve out space for your artistic side to show through as well. LOVE: Seek to be in the company of those who want your opinion, rather than just supporting their own.
1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Pig
1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Your sound judgment has allowed you to carve out a rather successful niche for yourself. This is not a year where you should stray from your strengths. WORK: Sensing a change of the guard, you are ready to take advantage of the approaching shift. Use your knowledge of the past to help guide you going forward. LOVE: Just as you are looking for certain virtues in another, so too are they in you. Emulate the qualities that you believe are attractive.
GOAT 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 MONKEY 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 ROOSTER 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969,
DOG 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 PIG 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
*The year ends on the first new moon of the following year. For those born in January and February, please take care when determining your sign.
Sun Lee Chang can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
are of particular significance during this time of year. In China, peach trees typically bloom in early February, just in time for the new year, with the striking pink blossoms marking the beginning of spring. Combining original artwork by Kam Mak with two elements from the previous series of Lunar New Year stamps — Clarence Lee’s intricate cut-paper design of a boar and the Chinese character for “boar” drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun — art director Ethel Kessler created a culturally rich stamp design that celebrates the diversity of America. ■
BING from 5 subversive. Since coming to power in 2012, Xi has promoted the notion of “internet sovereignty,’’ or the right of Beijing and other governments to dictate what their publics can do and see online. Chinese filters block access to global social media including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Officials argue such services operating beyond their control pose a threat to national security. Xi’s government also has tightened controls on use of virtual private network technology that can evade its filters. Alphabet Inc.’s Google unit operated a search engine in China until 2010 that excluded blocked sites from results. The company closed that after hacking attacks aimed at stealing Google’s source code and breaking into email accounts were traced to China. That has helped Chinese competitors such as search engine Baidu.com to flourish. But Baidu has been hit by repeated complaints that too many search results are irrelevant or are paid advertising.
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EMPLOYMENT
Looking for: Wok Chef w/ decent English. Prep/Pantry Cook w/ little English. Experienced. Good pay with excellent benefits. Capital Hill, Seattle. 206-227-8000. Chinoise Café in Issaquah is now hiring fulltime chef for stir fry wok. Must have experience, and can read tickets in English. Dependable and like teamwork. Please call -206-790-3611 for interview Chinoise Cafe 936 NE Park Drive Issaquah wa 98029 Outdoor Research is hiring experienced fulltime sewing operators and helpers, especially Flatseam, Coverstitch, and Single needle machine operators. This position will be eligible for medical insurance and paid vacation benefits. Please come apply in person at 2203 1st Ave S. Seattle, WA 98134 or fax resume to 206-4670374 or email jobs@orgear.com
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
NOTICE
NOTICE
Request for Proposals
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
King County Housing Authority is issuing a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified applicants to provide staff augmentation, consulting/advisory services, and/or other related services on behalf of KCHA for one or more of the following Specialty Areas on an “as-needed” basis: 1) HUD Programmatic and Regulatory Advisory Services; 2) Program Administration and Operating Services; 3) Process Improvement/Management Advisory and Consulting Services; and 4) Grant Writing. To submit an application, view the RFPs on our website: https://www.kcha.org/business/ professional/open/. Applications due at 3:30 PM PST on February 15, 2019.
KING COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY (KCHA) IS ISSUING A COMPETITIVE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FROM QUALIFIED INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT FIRMS TO PROVIDE INSURANCE CONSULTING, MARKETING, PLACEMENT, AND RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES RELATED TO KCHA.
Want to be a part of the NWAW team? Northwest Asian Weekly is accepting applications for freelance writers. Flexible hours. Journalism degree preferred but not required. Send resume and writing samples to: Ruth Bayang editor@nwasianweekly.com.
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THE CONTRACT WILL RUN FOR A PERIOD OF SIX YEARS . PROPOSALS ARE DUE AT 2:00 P.M. LOCAL TIME ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019 AT KCHA CENTRAL OFFICE, 600 ANDOVER PARK WEST, TUKWILA, WA 98188. OBTAIN BID PACKET BEGINNING JANUARY 25, 2019 BY CALLING MARK ABERNATHY AT (206)574-1124 OR EMAIL MARKA@KCHA.ORG
Northwest Asian Weekly $40 for one year. Name__________________________ Address ________________________ City ___________________ State____ Zip Code ________________________ Phone __________________________ Mail to: NW Asian Weekly 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104
APA DAY from 8 Mona Das, and representative My Linh Nguyen. Remarks given included the gratitude of the communities organizing and advocacy efforts for issues and concerns seen as most impactful and urgent. As the rally concluded, community members supported by staff and volunteers from partnering organizations, such as the Asian Counseling Referral Service, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, and Chinese Information Service Center, met with legislators. Additionally, an annual leadership delegation met with Gov. Inslee to voice the concerns and issues affecting the AAPI community. Among the highlights, APIC called for a fairer tax system, as “the state’s current tax system is one of the most regressive in the nation.” APIC also gave its support for the governor’s proposed capital gains tax. Despite the anti-immigrant rhetoric from the Trump administration, APIC
commended Washington state’s efforts to welcome refugees and immigrants. “In an anti-immigrant and refugee climate nationally, APA Legislative Day is more important than ever.” said Diane Narasaki, co-chair for APIC King County chapter. “It’s critical for our community to mobilize and use our voice and power to ensure that our rights and programs critical to our community are funded as they should be statewide.” APIC continued its push for increased naturalization services, support for limited English speakers, dental coverage for elderly immigrants, and the legal defense fund. Additionally, after a key victory in the 2018 legislative session in achieving health care access for immigrants from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations, APIC engaged legislators to consider supporting access to dental coverage as well. One of the top actions APIC hopes to address this legislative session is the
SERVICE DIRECTORY CONTACT JOHN TO PLACE AN AD ON CLASSIFIED PAGE 206-223-5559 JOHN@NWASIANWEEKLY.COM
37 YEARS
The American Legion Cathay Post 186
Serving the community since 1946
cathaypost@hotmail.com
NOTICE
NOTICE
NOTICE
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids will be received by the King County Procurement Services Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 2:00 PM of bid opening date for the following listed bids. To download a document, go to our web page at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/procurement. King County encourages minority business enterprise participation. King County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, and employment opportunities. 1004-19-LSM OPENS: February 14, 2019 Emergency Mobile Fuel Services-Cedar Hills Regional Landfill 1007-19-VLN OPENS: February 19, 2019 Waste to Energy Feasibility Study Pre-proposal Conference: January 30, 2019 at 1:30 PM, Chinook Building, 3rd Floor, Room 310, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 1008-19-ALP OPENS: February 19, 2019 Forestry Planting Services Pre-bid Conference: February 04, 2019 at 10:00 AM, Chinook Building, 3rd Floor, Room 310, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 Conference Call: 1-206-263-8114 Conference ID: 732684 1295-18-ALP OPENS: February 19, 2019 Landscape Maintenance and Restoration Services Pre-bid Conference: February 12, 2019 at 2:00 PM, Chinook Building, 3rd Floor, Room 310, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 Conference Call: 1-206-263-8114 Conference ID: 732684
reestablishing of affirmative action and repealing Initiative 200. The goal is to address the lack of opportunities of public employment, education, and contracting experienced by women and people of color. Achieving a complete count during the 2020 Census is another top priority. APIC requested the legislature increase funding to support community-led and focused efforts in assuring historically under-counted communities are reached. Due to the anti-immigrant rhetoric and concerns of a citizenship question, the efforts and investments by the state need to be deliberate and intentional in rebuilding trust between communities and governments. Capital projects listed for support included the Wing Luke Homestead Homes Project, ICHS Bellevue Clinic Expansion, Aging in PACE Project by ICHS and Kin On, the Filipino Community of Seattle’s Village Innovation Learning Center, and SCIDpda North Lot Project.
Additionally, APIC voiced support for adoptee rights, environmental justice, and voting access. For more information, visit apicwa.org. Sam Le can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com. SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 6.
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FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
YOUR VOICE
Photo by Sam Le/NWAW
HEALTH FAIR from 3
Seattle University Nursing Students performing screening at Tet In Seattle Health Fair
nursing student at Seattle University. “I want to be more than just a student nurse and to be active in spreading awareness and opportunities with other students and the community.” Student volunteers from Seattle University and University of Washington undergraduate and graduate health programs volunteered in both the capacities of organizing the health fair and providing community members with services. Furthermore, professionals volunteered their time to provide the flu shots, dentistry needs, and mammograms. “Any health care organizations or individuals who have any health education
built into their mission and vision should share that with the community to increase awareness and prevention,” shared My Linh Nguyen, the director of the clinical operations at the Vietnam Health Clinic and representative of Bartell Drugs and Pharmacy. “With the Vietnamese community, we always try to incorporate health fairs at many levels, as we are always involved and wanting to share and give back to the community. This health fair is one way we allow our communities to learn about health care, whether it is medical, dental, or vision care,” said Nguyen. ■
LAWSUIT from 8
cially dependent on the adult child. In both the current and proposed version of the law, a parent is not eligible for damages if the adult child has a domestic partner, spouse, or children. The proposal would allow each parent to file separate claims regardless of marital status, and expands the damages that may be claimed, including anxiety, loss of emotional support, and humiliation. HB 1135 is retroactive and if passed, would apply to all claims that are not time barred and all claims pending in court on the date the legislation becomes effective. ■
change in the law,” said Jennifer Burkhardt, chief human resources officer and general counsel at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles. “Our concern is with the other changes that increase legal exposure and will lead to increases in insurance premiums.” Other provisions allow parents of adult children to seek recoveries if they had “significant involvement” in the child’s life. Under current law, a parent may not seek wrongful death if they are not finan-
PRESENTED BY
asianweekly northwest
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asianweekly northwest
16
37 YEARS
FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 8, 2019
Photos by
Assunta N
g/NWAW
BLOG from 10
Viet Wah’s Lunar New Year Flowers
ents at
s and ornam
Lucky poster
ood Lam’s Seaf
symbolizes severing ties. I guess if you dislike someone, you can give them a knife as a gift. My kitchen knives are so blunt, they are non-functional. So Paul Mar, a community leader, suggested that I ask Tai Tung Restaurant owner Harry Chan to sharpen them. Harry quickly said yes. After all, Tai Tung has the equipment. “We are old pals,” I said. “I don’t want to be cut off from Tai Tung.” “Just put a penny on it,” said Paul. That will do the trick of warding the bad spell from the knife. I didn’t know that. Mom also said don’t buy your friends clocks or watches either. The word for clock in Chinese rhymes with death. It is safer to get your friends Lunar New Year cookies and candies, they are all available in Asian supermarkets.
Decorate with lucky items
You can decorate your room with posters of lucky red and gold Chinese characters, available in the International District (ID). Or make your own. The beautifully designed long posters should be on both sides of your door to receive fortune in your house. The square ones should be on the upper center part of the door. The easiest way is to buy some
Decorate plants
with red envelop
red envelopes and decorate them around your home. We place them on our house plants. You can also buy those in the ID. Representing life and energy, flowers are good accessories for the New Year. My family would go to the Flower Festival before the New Year, to buy “lucky flowers,” such as red gladioli, tulips, and peonies. Visit ID floral shops, and you will find those fortunate plants and flowers.
Hand out red envelopes
What does giving out red envelopes mean? The giver wishes the receiver good luck. In giving, both the giver and receiver will receive blessings. It doesn’t matter how much money you put in the envelope, you give what you can afford. In my childhood, a small amount would be enough to make me smile. Anytime I received over $1.50 US, I would scream with tears of joy. That was rare, though. Usually, my red envelopes from relatives consisted of 15 cents to $2. Adults including bosses are supposed to give out red envelopes. If you don’t, it will create a lot of bad feelings. One year, a Chinese reader complained that his Chinese boss failed to do so. It did affect morale. In my 37 years as publisher of the
es
Uwajimaya’s Lunar New
Year section
Asian Weekly and Chinese Post, I have never failed in handing out red envelopes for Christmas and Lunar New Year. Just think, I am actually the lucky one who can afford to give. And everyone is happy. My son lamented that he could no longer receive red envelopes since he just got married. Instead, he has to hand out lucky money to his nieces, nephews, and even friends’ kids. Well, son, you have already over-earned since you married late. Think of those who got married in their 20s, and have no kids. Shall I say, “Kids are a good investment in the New Year!” My late mom griped about giving out red envelopes to relatives who have more than five kids, and grandkids. One year, my brother got a red envelope with less money from his godmother, but I got the big one. I guess his godmother mixed up the red envelopes. Did I return the big envelope to my brother? Not if you were a kid! So always mark the ones if you put in a bigger check. You can buy all styles of red envelopes in ID grocery stores.
No funerals or hospitals
Mom didn’t visit her sick friends in a hospital during New Year or attend a funeral. It’s bad luck to do so
during Lunar New Year. However, deaths and fortunes are unpredictable in our lives. I would object to what my mom did. When someone is vulnerable, they need your support the most. Yes, I have visited hospitals and attended funerals right before and during New Year. Ironically, mom died three weeks before New Year last year. I immediately wanted to go back to Hong Kong to see her one last time. But a relative said no, it takes longer to get the death certificate. And no funeral homes were open right before, and 15 days after, New Year. What that demonstrates is that a cultural belief has transformed into unhealthy practices. In life, you just can’t worry about all the rules and traditions which prevent you from doing the right thing. Were those years bad luck for me when I went to funerals and hospitals? I don’t recall any major disasters happening to Asian Weekly or my family in those years. To me, that’s good enough. There is a difference between using cultural practices wisely to enrich our lives, and letting them handicap us so we couldn’t grow as sensible and kind human beings.
Open house
Since Lunar New Year is a national holiday in Asia, there will be no
school. Students in China have about a week to 10 days off. I remember we had to visit all our relatives and loved ones during the first 10 days of Lunar New Year. Usually, we brought with us fruits, cookies, and candies when we visited. In turn, our relatives would pay us respect by visiting us. Yes, they would bring along goodies, too. That’s why we needed to clean our house before New Year, just as Americans do during spring cleaning.
Clean house
My mom did a good job in keeping our home clean in Hong Kong. Not me, I am mostly overwhelmed by it this time of the year. This year, I started cleaning my table cloths and quilts on Jan. 20. (Just put them in my washer, and sent the big heavy ones to the dry cleaners.) Both my home and the Asian Weekly’s office would be cleaned a few days before the New Year. No one is supposed to clean on New Year’s day since it would mean throwing away your wealth. We don’t even touch the dishes. Just put them away in the dishwasher overnight. I would admit, that’s a superstition. I don’t know why I still embrace it after all these years! Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.
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