VOL 39 NO 49 | DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA

VOL 39 NO 49 DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

Political fight brewing over Neera Tanden, Biden’s OMB nominee

By ZEKE MILLER and ANDREW TAYLOR WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is quickly emerging as a political battle that could disrupt his efforts to swiftly fill out his administration.

Neera Tanden would be the first woman of color and the first South Asian woman to oversee OMB. Some Republicans are expressing doubt that Tanden could be confirmed by the Senate after she spent years attacking GOP lawmakers on social media—and many panned the choice.

Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton claimed Tanden’s rhetoric was “Filled with hate & guided by the woke left.”

Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn said Tanden’s “combative

FREE 38 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Biden and China: Guarded optimism from local Chinese leaders

President-elect Joe Biden

Gary Locke

By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Neera Tanden

and insulting comments” about Republican senators created “certainly a problematic path.” He called her “maybe (Biden’s) worst see TANDEN on 12

Amazon Fresh uses bins that would have been marked up 25% because of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. But Ben Zhang, whose company Greater Pacific Industries imports them, last year shifted operations to Cambodia, where he could obtain them duty-free. He also found new supply chains in Vietnam, the Philippines, Burma, and Taiwan.

Ben Zhang

“I cannot predict the future,” he said in an interview with Northwest Asian Weekly. “But we are hopeful that President-elect Biden will lift the tariffs soon.”

Like other local notaries, whether in trade or politics, many have strong but guarded optimism for how a Biden administration will bring stability and mutual growth back to China-U.S. relations. see BIDEN on 9

Volunteers needed to deliver Prosecutors: Hate groceries, hot meals in CID crimes on the rise in King County

“Due to COVID, we have seen hate crimes cases come in against Asian Americans”

Seattle-International District Rotary Club members Judy Ginn, David Della, David Goldsmith, and Henry Wong along with Bethany Burton and Meghan Cannon from Washington Alarm

SEATTLE — On the day before Thanksgiving, members and friends of the Seattle International District Rotary Club helped pick up and deliver groceries and hot meals to hundreds of residents across the Chinatown-International District (CID).

Club members Judy Ginn, David Della, David Goldsmith, and Henry Wong, along with Bethany Burton and Meghan Cannon from Washington Alarm, volunteered alongside other organizations and community supporters.

This work was in support of coordinated efforts between Asian Counseling and Referral Service and Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Agency to provide weekly grocery and meal deliveries to CID residents in need. These critical grocery and meal

■

deliveries have been ongoing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.

If you want to support these organizations with providing no-contact grocery and meal deliveries, email Club President Henry Wong at henry.n.wong.tn@gmail.com, or Membership Chair and SCIDpda Board Member David Della at ddella03@gmail.com.

Volunteers are needed to either pick up groceries or meals and drive them to designated CID buildings, or to meet the drivers in the CID and make door-todoor deliveries inside the buildings (delivery carts and PPE provided).

Volunteer support is needed each Friday from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and on two Wednesdays (Dec. 23 and Dec. 30). 

SEATTLE (AP) — Two years ago, there were 30 hate crimes in King County, and last year that number was 38, but so far in 2020, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has handled 51 hate crime cases.

One case happened last month in Federal Way. Police say two white men chased a Black man in their cars for more than 10 miles, KING 5 reported.

The defendants accused the man of a hit and run, and when they caught him, they began beating him and yelling racial

epithets, according to police.

The man had to be hospitalized.

“By far the most common victims for hate crimes in Seattle are African Americans and gay men,” said David Bannick.

He and Leandra Craft are the deputy prosecuting attorneys who focus on hate crime cases for King County.

The pandemic has contributed to the rise in hate crimes in King County, they said.

“Due to COVID, we have see HATE CRIMES on 12

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asianweekly northwest

38 YEARS

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh dies

Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos. com, has died. He was 46.

Hsieh was with family when he died on Nov. 27, according to DTP Companies, which he founded. He died of injuries suffered in a Tony Hsieh Nov. 18 fire in New London, Connecticut.

Hsieh was a Harvard University graduate who joined Zappos—then called ShoeSite.com—in 1999. Zappos was sold to Amazon for $1.2 billion in 2009, but Hsieh had remained with the company until his retirement. 

Turkey giveaway

600 meals of turkeys, pies, and side dishes on Nov. 24 to Senior Services and the Black community.

Katherine Cheng of Expedia cooked the turkeys.

Additionally, Asian Counseling & Referral Service has picked Dec. 18 for the annual Christmas Roasted Costco Chicken giveaway. 

ArtsFund announces new board chair

ArtsFund announced on Nov. 20 that long-term board member Sung Yang has stepped into the role of board chair.

Yang is a partner and principal of the public relations firm, Pacific Public Affairs.

He established the first voter approved cultural access program in Washington state, developed cultural Sung Yang facility capital funding programs in King County, and successfully advocated for a permanent funding source for county-wide arts, culture, and heritage programs.

Additionally, Yang is a member of the Community Development Roundtable and serves on the Boards of the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Center Foundation, CulturePAC, Seattle Academy, Eastrail, and the YMCA Youth and Government program. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Washington. 

CISC fundraiser Fred Brown, Seattle Sonic NBA champion (left) and Cordell Lui, Yuen Lui Photographer owner

A group of drivers, organized by MG2 Foundation Executive Director Jerry Lee, delivered 200 bags or

Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC) held its first ever “2020 Giving Thanks Virtual Charity Concert” on Nov. 21.

CISC has raised more than $40,000 toward its goal of $45,000. The proceeds will benefit CISC programs

Rosa Leung and Dennis Lam

such as youth development, family support services, healthcare access, and senior services to help immigrant families and elders.

To donate, send a check payable to “CISC” to 611 South Lane Street, Seattle, WA 98104.

For other inquiries, call 206-957-8542 or email events@cisc-seattle.org. 

Help Helping Link

Helping Link is still accepting donations for its annual fundraiser. A Nov. 12 virtual gala raised more than $43,000 of the organization’s $50,000 goal, including $5,000 from Viet Wah owner Duc Tran.

Proceeds will support Helping Link in its mission to empower Vietnamese Americans’ social adjustment, family stability, and self-sufficiency.

Trinh Nguyen, chef of Ba Sa Restaurant, participated in the gala with a cooking demonstration.

She also shared her personal story of how Helping Link assisted her when she was new to this country. To make a financial gift to Helping Link, go to helpinglink.org and click on the yellow DONATE button. 

YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

asianweekly northwest

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Man stabs brother to death

NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY RENTON — The man charged with stabbing and killing his younger brother had been under psychiatric care and spoke of “demons” before the attack, his mother said.

Bobby Hun, 22, stabbed Murphy, 11, on Nov. 21 near Monroe Avenue Northeast and Northeast 8th Place in Renton.

Shanty Hak, the boys’ mother, told police Bobby had been despondent recently and on Nov. 21, she asked Murphy to try and cheer up his brother.

Murphy made a joke that set off his older brother—Bobby leapt up, chased Murphy around a table, ranting about his younger brother and some kind of demons, then grabbed a kitchen knife out of a drawer in the kitchen.

According to probable cause documents, Bobby—barefoot and shirtless—chased Murphy out of the house and 100 yards down the street before stabbing him 30 times with a kitchen knife.

Hysterical and distraught, Hak told police she couldn’t stop or catch her older son in time.

Bobby Hun was booked into the King

County Jail and charged with murder in the first degree.

At his first court appearance on Nov. 23, Bobby refused to come to court. His case was set for a bail hearing on Nov. 24, but he was deemed unsuitable for court. Prosecutors are requesting bail of $2 million. 

■ NATIONAL NEWS

PA university student Yukai Yang admits to poisoning roommate

NC Dept. of Corrections

EASTON, Pa. (AP) — A former Lehigh University student admitted on Nov. 30 to poisoning his roommate’s food and drink with a heavy metal substance.

Yukai Yang, 24, pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Under the terms of a plea agreement, the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office will withdraw other charges in two separate cases against Yang.

Yang, a chemistry major, acknowledged he purchased thallium in March 2018 and began Yukai Yang

giving it to his roommate, Juwan Royal. Royal testified in an earlier court hearing that he suffered weight loss, headaches, and nausea.

Royal was diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning in April 2018. Thallium is odorless and tasteless, and can be fatal in humans. The soft metal is used internationally in electronics manufacturing and for other purposes. It once was used in rat poison in the U.S, but has been banned for that use since the 1970s.

The motive is not known. Months before

the attempted murder charge, Yang was charged with ethnic intimidation for allegedly damaging his roommate’s TV and writing a racial epithet on his belongings. Royal is Black.

Yang faces between six to 20 years in state prison when he’s sentenced on Jan. 21. He is not a U.S. citizen, and his student visa was revoked after his arrest. The judge told Yang he will likely face deportation to China. 

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asianweekly northwest

38 YEARS

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

■ NATIONAL NEWS Report: Andrew Yang considering New York mayoral bid NEW YORK — Former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang, who advocated for a “universal basic income” during the Democratic primary, is now the subject of a poll that tests New York City voters’ appetites for a third-party candidate in the upcoming mayoral race.

Yang was also among 11 people Andrew Yang listed in a question assessing responders’ top picks in the Democratic primary to succeed Mayor Bill de Blasio next June, according to an online survey targeting Manhattan residents through a Facebook

ad and shared with POLITICO by someone who took it.

The poll did not indicate it was being conducted on Yang’s behalf, the person said, but several questions focused on his potential candidacy—something his team said he was weighing as recently as October. Others asked respondents to gauge a nameless candidate, whose description closely matched Yang’s profile.

In the recent online poll, respondents were asked whether they would support their top pick from the Democratic primary as an independent or third-party candidate, should that person lose in June to one of the more than 10 people in the race.

The person who provided the information to POLITICO asked not to be named, but said he understood the poll

to be “exploring Yang’s viability both in the Democratic primary and as an independent candidate, but that they are very seriously considering an independent candidacy.” The respondent is a Democrat who already supports someone else.

In another clue the survey was testing a Yang mayoral bid, it asked respondents about specific policies he’s championed, such as providing people a monthly cash payment of $1,000—a central theme of Yang’s presidential bid.

The poll was conducted via the online service Survey Monkey and targeted as a social media ad, seemingly through the company Montana Research, the respondent said. 

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR DEC 9

CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY WITH SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI TO HONOR THE CHINESE AMERICAN WORLD WAR II VETERANS 3 p.m.

RSVP by Dec. 3, at speakerRSVP@mail.house. gov

12 KOLLABORATION’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Livestream on Facebook and YouTube 3-5 p.m.

RSVP at kollaboration.org View the solution on page 10

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DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

YOUR VOICE

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

asianweekly northwest

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Evergreen City Ballet’s Bennyroyce Royon: A new “Nutcracker” school,” Royon said. “I joined the school’s orchestra and show choir... I used to take

have much money then, so they offered me a full scholarship."

Royon was born in the Philippines, and grew up moving between Laguna and Pangasinan. He recalls being a happy-golucky kid, getting into all sorts of creative mischief. To this day, he misses the food, and the cousins he could always play with.

He moved to Auburn in 1996 at age 12, with his mother, siblings, and stepfather.

“My mom was still pregnant with our youngest brother Brian at that time... I

remember getting used to eating mashed potatoes, drinking milk, and the cold weather. It was a huge culture shock!”

His studies and performances at ECB led him to the Juilliard School in New York City, and a career in dancing in NYC. He still maintains an apartment in Brooklyn, but his Seattle home sits on First Hill.

Asked about Filipinx presence in NYC dance, Royon has quite a list. see ROYON on 9

Photo credit: Laura Fuchs

By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

E

very dancer takes a slightly different path to the stage. For Bennyroyce Royon, artistic director of Seattle’s Evergreen City Ballet (ECB) and prime mover behind the Ballet’s “Nutcracker Suites” for the holidays, the path includes figure skating, and a jury-rigged audition outfit.

“Sports were not my thing in high

figure skating lessons before attending Evergreen City Ballet.

“Then I found Evergreen City Ballet’s ad in the Auburn Reporter. They were looking for interested and talented teenage boys to audition. I remember auditioning on a Saturday wearing only socks, a white tank top, and my stretchy figure skating pants... My family didn’t

Photo credit: Paul Kolnik

Bennyroyce Royon creating a new work on Ballet Hispanico

Bennyroyce Royon (in mid-air) in King and I

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asianweekly northwest

38 YEARS

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG

Lockdown: Creating your own adventures PART I

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

I have decided not to let the virus control me. Even though much of the world ceases to function during the pandemic, and my calendar shows no excitement in weeks, I decide to reinvent my days. What I have succeeded in doing the past few months is creating special moments and occasions for myself and others. You can turn something simple into something adventurous and wonderful.

“I find that when I say yes more, I will have more possibilities,” said Gary Drobnack, retired Weyerhaeuser executive.

He once accepted an assignment to go to Brunei, and some family members were not thrilled about it. Had he said “no,” it would not have led him to those amazing experiences in Asia, he said.

That’s exactly what I have done. Take initiative to create activities and even inspire others to do things for joy, have new experiences, and help others. Never wait for things to happen.

Here were some adventures of mine, and others.

Surprise someone

The idea is to bring fun and joy to

Photo by Assunta Ng

Do you let the virus win or do you win?

Nina Huang and Tony Vongdara, were happy about the gifts for their new baby

someone’s life. My first instinct over our freelancer Nina Huang’s baby news was, “A surprise baby shower!”

When my husband and I arrived outside Nina’s house with her favorite dim sum items and baby gifts, her jaw dropped and then flashed into a smile. My “partnersin-crime” were another writer, Janice Nesnamani, who connected with Tony, Nina’s husband, to plot our scheme. My daughter-in-law and son bought the baby gifts. My staff member Kelly made the card. Nina loved the whole baby package.

Was it COVID that inspired me to do a baby shower? No, COVID inspires us to care more for others whenever we can. We regret that we only gave baby showers to our staff and not freelancers. So COVID has ignited our yearning for connectedness.

Great Medicare coverage. $0 premium. Local plan.

So send your loved ones cards and notes.

Call them. With social distancing in mind, adapt celebrations to surprise birthdays, weddings, or anniversary events, to lift everyone up.

What we didn’t expect was a lake exploration, which Nina and Tony told us about. We parked our car outside their house, and explored Echo Lake, a pleasant corner of town we had never visited before.

A gem in the city, the lake relaxed us with its serenity and charm. It’s perfect to build adventures one over the other!

the song from his school.

“We had so much fun singing it together in the past few months during the pandemic,” said Chow. “I wanted to share the joy I had with the audience...it’s heartwarming that our community can enjoy local entertainment in the comfort of their own home...this concert was an exhilarating experience for me!”

More than 37 friends and family members contributed to her performance.

Not only was she the No. 1 performer in raising money, the whole affair became an adventure for her village of fans cheering her on.

Sing+love+charity=adventure

Retiree Selina Chow’s passion for singing, love for her grandkid, and desire to do good brought her joy and success recently.

Chow, one of the top fundraisers, raised close to $4,000 to perform one Selina Chow song, “Jasmin,” in Mandarin, at Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC)’s Virtual Charity Concert. She practiced “Jasmin” with her grandson during the pandemic. He learned

Turning disasters into wins

After looters attacked the ChinatownInternational District (CID) and destroyed or damaged storefronts last May, I wondered, “What can we do to capture this unusual history of CID in the midst of a pandemic? How can we turn this into a positive?” A group of artists did just that.

Close to 100 artists descended in CID, painting beautiful art murals with multicultural themes to convert the boarded up storefronts into an art gallery.

Besides Asian Weekly’s coverage, we wanted to find a way to support the community, businesses, and artists. The see BLOG on 11

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YOUR VOICE

■ AT THE MOVIES

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

asianweekly northwest

“I Hate New Year’s” unites music, moods, and meaning

By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY The two stars of the new movie “I Hate New Year’s” grew up in America at the same time. Some of their experiences dovetailed. But others could not seem more different.

“The Filipino culture is all about family,” stated Ashley Argota, who plays Cassie Holmes in the new film, streaming wide starting Dec. 4. “I was super close to my family growing up. I never had any babysitters who weren’t blood related, and when I wasn’t working or in school, I was at my aunt and grandma’s house. My family was always very supportive of my career endeavors at a young age and were at every one of my performances, whether it was a national show or a small show in our hometown.

“That sense of family has been kept alive my whole life, and I’m so excited that now my family is expanding because I’m getting married next year.”

Dia Frampton, co-starring as country music sensation Layne Price, remembers her own upbringing quite differently.

“I don’t think [race] shaped me growing up as much as it has shaped me in the past few years,” said Frampton. “There aren't a lot of Korean American faces on television right now, and that’s something I’m actively trying to change. I’m always looking to support Asian American films, music, and entertainers so that the younger generation can see themselves reflected in the world.

“As a Korean kid growing up in Utah, I tried to hide my ethnicity, not bring it out.

I wanted to fit in. I wanted to look like my friends. I wanted to be Mormon. I wanted to be white. I was the only kid in my friend group who was not, and I grew up for years being ashamed that my family was not Mormon. I still went to church with my friends on Sundays though. I wanted to be like them, and I wanted to be, what I thought at the time, was ‘good.’”

Both of them act, of course, but both grew up musical. Argota remembers listening to Celine Dion non-stop and imitating every move Dion made, down to emotive chest-beating. She loved Barbara Streisand, The Carpenters, The Beatles, but also Britney Spears, NSYNC, and the Backstreet Boys. Frampton, taking it a step further, had her own working band in her teens called Meg & Dia, co-starring her sister, when Dia was 14 and Meg was 16.

Frampton’s accomplishments include being runner-up on the hit show “The Voice,” and collaborations with several DJs in the field of Electronic Dance Music.

Argota starred on such TV shows as “The Fosters” and “Lab Rats,” plus a turn on Broadway in “The Lion King.”

“I Hate New Year’s” sets Frampton as the struggling country singer returning to her roots in Nashville, against Argota, as the singer’s best friend. Both characters date women, and Argota, as Cassie Holmes, struggles to tell Frampton’s Layne that her feelings have deepened into something beyond friendship. But distractions and mishaps—some funny, others sad—keep getting in the way as the clock counts down to midnight.

Both women bonded quickly with the

film’s director, Christin Baker.

“I absolutely loved working with her,” said Argota. “Sometimes when you do a project, you get directors who don’t care about your opinion of the script or character, or who over-direct you. This wasn’t the case with Christin at all. She was so open to hearing our thoughts and opinions while telling us what her vision was as well. She was incredibly collaborative and kind and fun and the perfect leader.”

Frampton praised the director’s steadfastness.

“We were shooting a scene outside and a very loud baseball

game just happened to be going in a yard not too far off—Christin just shrugged and waited it out. There's a lot of directors out there that would get really mad, take it out on the crew, try to rush through it, etc. Christin understands that life happens.

We took 20 [minutes] and came back focused, and shot the scene.”

Other challenges to the shoot included virus shutdowns, Daylight Saving Time, and a huge tornado that tore through downtown Nashville. They persevered with a lot of deep see NEW YEAR on 10

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38 YEARS

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

Sponsored content

Asian-owned small businesses may now apply for support from Comcast Rise Recipients will receive marketing consultations, media placements, commercial creative production services, or technology services U.S. small businesses have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. A recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the number of U.S. active business owners dropped from 15 million to 11.7 million from February to April. The study cited that Asian-owned small businesses were hit especially hard, suffering a steep decline (26%).

In response, Comcast Corporation launched the Comcast RISE program to help strengthen and empower these Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)owned small businesses hard hit by COVID-19. Comcast RISE aims to help thousands of small businesses over the next three years by offering grants, marketing and technology upgrades, including media campaigns and connectivity, computer and voice equipment, as well as free marketing insights to all applicants.

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—Technology Makeovers: Computer equipment and Internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period to support business recovery while implementing other Comcast small business initiatives.

(Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services.)  Business resources to help with curated content: Comcast has launched the Comcast RISE destination complete with aggregated small business news, tips, insights and more on the X1 platform. The destination is designed to help businesses grow by empowering them through education, inspiration and entertainment. Just say “Comcast RISE” into the X1 voice remote.  Grants: Comcast will be awarding grants of up to $10,000 each for U.S.-based small and diverse businesses that have been in operations for three to five years. Grants will soon be available in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, and Philadelphia and with plans to expand to additional cities in the future.

Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched this summer. In June, Comcast NBCUniversal announced the development of a comprehensive, multiyear plan to allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. 

Lift Zones with free wifi provided by Comcast will help students participate in distance learning Comcast Launching 30 WiFi-Connected “Lift Zones” in Washington, including more than 10 locations in King County

By Rodrigo Lopez, Comcast The COVID-19 crisis put many of our low-income students in Washington state at risk of being left behind and has accelerated the need for Internet adoption and technology access programs to support distanced learning. Hearing the stories of our kids being cut off from educational programming because of a lack of an Internet connection has been painful, and as the state’s leading internet provider, we recognize that our company plays an important role in helping connect those that need it to the Internet.

That is why we plan to equip more than 30 different community hubs in the state with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” over the next few months to help students get online, participate in distance learning, and do their homework. Working with our network of nonprofit partners, Comcast will provide robust WiFi hotspots at more than 10 safe spaces in King County alone.

This initiative will provide free connectivity inside the community centers for the next three years, as well as access to hundreds of hours of educational and digital skills content to help families and site coordinators navigate online learning. Each facility will be run by a nonprofit, city, or business and follow Washington state and local rules with respect to indoor gatherings and safety protocols around COVID-19.

Several more Lift Zones sites are currently under consideration, with

the goal to have all locations installed by early 2021. These Lift Zones will feature free WiFi provided by Comcast, which allows students to work on laptops simultaneously so they can successfully participate in distance learning.

The Lift Zones complement our Internet Essentials program and build upon our commitment to bridge the Digital Divide, which adversely impacts individuals, families, and diverse communities across our state. Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest, most comprehensive, and most successful broadband adoption program for low-income Americans in the country. The program has helped connect more than 340,000 low-income individuals in Washington to affordable, high-speed internet over the past nine years.

But Internet Essentials is only a part of our commitment. We are investing in and leveraging our technology and reach to advance tech equity across the spectrum, from access to building digital skills to translating those skills into economic opportunity and mobility. Our work brings connectivity, technology and digital skills to those that do not have it, and levels the playing field so all can participate in and benefit from Washington’s technology ecosystem.

Through funding from the Internet Essentials program and other Comcast resources, we have built digital classrooms and labs provisioned with technology that helps to bridge the digital divide across our state. These labs give more people access to the resources they need to compete in today’s digital-first

society and provide a range of support functions for school-aged children and adults without consistent access to internet and technology resources. For school-aged children, we’ve opened labs with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, which provide computers, connectivity, and state of the art technology for an immersive learning experience for children to use when not in school.

For adults, we’ve invested in labs with organizations like Mary’s Place, Goodwill and Compass Housing that help vulnerable people understand how to use technology to better their lives.

Some have never used a computer or connected to the internet before, and this programming helps them embrace it to find jobs and housing, and a stable footing in life. Through these efforts, we trained 1,620 individuals in digital inclusion programs last year alone, and participants increased their digital literacy by 83% on average.

I am extremely proud of the growth of Internet Essentials and our commitment to digital equity in Washington over the past 10 years. And I’m particularly proud of the Lift Zones that we will reach even more school-aged Washingtonians in need of the life changing power of an Internet connection.  Rodrigo Lopez is the Region Senior Vice President at Comcast Washington.

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DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

YOUR VOICE ROYON from 5 “Some of which are my friends! I continue to be inspired

by Stella Abrera (American Ballet Theatre), Georgina Pazcoguin (New York City Ballet), and Mica Bernas (Mark Morris Dance Group). Other Fil-Ams dance artists worth noting are Alexis Convento, LaMae Caparas, and Norbert De La Cruz III. “Things are getting better, but we are not there yet in terms of fully celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society.

We still need more opportunities for BIPOC dance artists in the performing arts. More dance created by different people from various backgrounds and perspectives enriches all of our

lives.”

The ECB’s artistic director post opened up in 2019. He took meetings with the board, and consulted with his fiancé about what the job would mean. Living bi-coastally meant travel stress and other challenges. But being close to family, and honoring the company that gave him his career, meant much to him. He sealed the deal.

“Nutcracker Suites,” his adaptation of the famous “Nutcracker” ballet, will be shown over the web on selected dates in December.

Patrons can visit the website at evergreencityballet.org to purchase tickets, plus a digital program. Royon encourages folks to buy one ticket per

BIDEN from 1 Greater Pacific Industries, which Zhang founded, was able to import $40 million worth of personal protective gear last year to provide relief for the pandemic. But this year, demand for that is expected to fall off.

Former Gov. Gary Locke sees increased multilateralism, a willingness to engage China on human rights issues, predictability in foreign policy, and an existing relationship of mutual respect between President-elect Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“The fundamental difference will be working with our other partners and taking a more unified coalition approach to get China to change economic and trade policies,” said Locke, in an interview with Northwest Asian Weekly.

“Unilateral trade policies have only benefited consumers of other countries— even those that are aligned with us.”

Zhang has similar hopes.

“We are hoping President-elect Biden will reform the trade relations with China and other countries, including the European Union, Japan, Korea, Canada and others,” he said. “Perhaps an indication of this is that [Biden] recently said he will re-enter those international organizations such as the WTO and WHO and team up with allies to pressure China to meet international standards.”

In February, China pledged to massively increase its purchasing of three types of exports from the U.S.—agricultural, energy, and manufacturing. China had agreed to purchase $137.3 billion worth of goods from the U.S. by October. In actuality, it had only imported a total of $75.5 billion—less than 55%, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

“Western countries like the U.S. want the China market, the strong middle class there,” added Zhang. “If you consider the buying power of China’s currency, it may have already passed the U.S. as the number one economy.”

He also said that, unlike 40 years ago, China has now developed its military to the point so that if foreign powers “don’t get what they want, they can’t start a war as in the past.”

The Biden administration will also adopt a multilateral approach in addressing human rights, said Locke.

“We’re not going to reverse course and jump all over the map so that world leaders are left guessing.” Nor will trade issues deter him from addressing human rights, he added.

At the same time, Locke said he has observed Biden and Xi together, and they show mutual respect and are candid with each other.

household member, pointing out that the show is a crucial fundraiser that will help the ECB out during the rest of the year.

The bold, intense, and unorthodox show includes quite a bit of culture from the Philippines. “Representation is important to me,” said Royon.

“Seattle-based Fil-Am drag personality Mx. Aleksa Manila is reprising her role of Mother Ginger this year, but with a bit of a twist involving Filipino desserts. I’m including the ‘parol’ as part of our Christmas tree set in Act I. “The ‘parol’ is a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern that symbolizes the holiday spirit of people in the Philippines.

“Joe Biden believes in personal relationships and following through,” said Locke.

Multilateralism will also be important as the U.S. contends with a country that is set to become the world’s largest economy using a system of state-sponsored capitalism that has been a threat to some U.S. and western companies, said J. Norwell Coquillard, executive director of the Washington State China Relations Council.

“They run around the world and buy up German and American companies for the technology, for example. They buy them up, transfer the technology and then some of the companies go out of business.”

Coquillard added the Biden administration will “reach out to other allies to pressure China to play by the established rules.”

Noting that China is far behind in its agreement to buy U.S. products, and might blame their laggardness on the pandemic, he remarked that perhaps the quickest way to catch up would be to purchase Boeing aircraft.

Boeing has not sold a single airplane to China since 2017, he said. The reasons included the trade war with the Trump administration and the issues surrounding the 737 Max. But he also corroborated news reports that China still aims to become the world leader in the areas of artificial intelligence and aircraft manufacturing.

“They have plans to take over the world in those areas,” Coquillard said.

Still, he stressed, “China is on course to become the world’s largest economy and that’s a fact—so people need to get over this and move on.”

However, another factor influencing the relationship between the U.S. and China will be Congress, said David Bachman, a professor in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington, in an email. Given how strongly critical Congress is of China on a bipartisan level, he said he did not think U.S. relations with China will change all that much.

“Republicans are set to make an issue of China in the 2022 and 2024 elections if Biden is seen as soft.” At the same time, “Biden will also be more likely to be focusing his limited political capital on domestic issues,” he said.

“Some tariffs might be reduced, and this might help trade a bit, but I don’t see major changes in the overall relationship or in Washington State China relations,” he added.

For Benjamin Lee, chairman of the Greater Hong Kong China Business Association of Washington, a Biden presidency might also signal a return to normalcy, in which Chinese Americans

I bought it from my last trip back to the Philippines in 2016.

I asked my fiancé to ship it to me from NYC. The person in the post office helping him was Filipina and was thrilled to safely package it!”

Asked about plans for the future, Royon understandably stressed safety and wellbeing for ECB’s people. He’ll work on training the next generation of dancers, as much as he can. But he does have a few lofty goals for when the virus lifts.

“I plan to create an arts and cultural center in downtown Renton. This center will house our ballet school and performing company. I plan to also expand our mission by providing opportunities to a diverse body

are not targeted for their ethnicity.

Earlier this year, the FBI paid him a visit.

“We just want to ask you some questions about your relationship with China,” the agents said.

Lee was already gloomy. His family’s textile business in China, which has run for five generations, had to lay off 30% of its workers in Southeast Asia in the past year.

He named a list of high-end department stores that used to carry his family company’s products. Some of them are shuttered. Others are reeling.

And it’s not just the pandemic. A generational shift has contributed to the decline in retail shopping.

“All the young people, they don’t want to go out,” Lee said.

Meanwhile, the pandemic has prevented him from hosting his annual gala to raise money for charity that also serves as a

asianweekly northwest

of emerging BIPOC artists. I plan on launching a creative residency called ‘Made in Renton’ in the next year or so. This aims to cultivate collaboration, innovation, and community building through the creation of new works.

“I am currently looking for local sponsors and philanthropists to help make all of this happen. We have to all come together to keep the arts alive, especially now.

The arts are integral to having a purposeful, fulfilling, and enriched life. Invest in the arts now and secure a future full of creativity, joy, and beauty.”  Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

networking opportunity for Chinese and U.S. businesses.

When the FBI visited him, they came to his home.

“I told them to talk to my attorney,” he said.

Under the Trump administration, Chinese and Chinese Americans have been targeted by law enforcement as national security threats.

Under a Biden administration, such attitudes could change. His cabinet choices seem to indicate a shift.

The president-elect is “assembling a very, very diverse group in the highest positions,” said Locke. “He is breaking glass ceilings left and right, and it’s about integrity and competence.”  Mahlon can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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38 YEARS

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received for KC000022, RapidRide H Line Bus Rapid Transit Improvements; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, via E-Procurement system, until 1:30 p.m. on January 7, 2021. Late bids will not be accepted. The public bid opening will only be conducted via Skype or telephone following The Bid Due Date and Time. See Invitation to Bid Section 00 10 00 for details regarding the public bid opening.

There is a 15% minimum Apprentice Utilization Requirement on this contract.

There is a 15% minimum requirement for King County Certified Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) on this contract.

This AGREEMENT is subject to the appropriations of the State of Washington.

The Work under this Contract consists of improvements at various locations along King County Metro Transit Route 120 (west King County) by installing Rapid Ride Stations in the jurisdictions of unincorporated King County and the Cities of Seattle and Burien. The Work also includes modifications of roadways, signals, and channelization to facilitate bus movements.

Estimated contract price: $26,600,000 Pre-Bid: December 16, 2020 / 10:00 a.m.

Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://fa-epvhsaasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/supplierPortal/faces/ FndOverview?fndGlobalItemNodeId=itemNode_supplier_ portal_supplier_portal

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Asked about going on, through the pandemic, each lady has her own plans.

“My fiancé, Mick, and I have been busy planning our wedding and continuing to host our podcast, Mismo,” said Argota. “Dia and Christin will be guests on our show around the time ‘I Hate New Year’s’ comes out! In addition to filming another movie this summer, I also finished cowriting my first screenplay with Mick. Our favorite part of quarantine so far is our new puppy, Didi. She came to our

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home in October and we couldn’t love her more.”

As for Frampton, the tours scheduled with her sister obviously won't happen anytime soon.

“So my sister and I have just been writing new music.

We're hoping to release a new Meg & Dia album in the nottoo-distant future.

“I’ve also been writing my own screenplay and that has been a lot of fun. This year has been full of yoga, learning to make new variations of blueberry muffins, Zoom hangs with my mom, and trying not to freak out!”  Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 4.

YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

asianweekly northwest

11

Predictions and advice for the week of December 5–11, 2020

By Sun Lee Chang Rat—An unexpected encounter could be quite profitable. However, that will not be evident from the start.

Dragon—As long as your priorities are clear, weighing future opportunities should be a relatively straightforward exercise.

Monkey—As the action becomes more intense, there could be some developments that catch all by surprise.

Ox—It’s easier to focus on someone else’s problem instead of yours. Shift your attention to where it needs to go.

Snake—You are careful to plan for the future, but don’t lose sight of living in the moment as well.

Rooster—Don’t be fooled by a relatively calm surface. There could be things taking shape that are not readily apparent.

Tiger—A true original and not content to go along with the crowd, you prefer to find your own way.

Horse—While it may be useful to get advice from others, you know the leanings of your heart the best.

Dog—Being true to yourself means acknowledging both your serious and playful side, and letting each take a turn.

Rabbit—Don’t assume everyone will want to go along. Check in early as others might be considering different plans.

Goat—You want to skip right to the fun stuff, but there are some things you should take care of first.

Pig—Although you have carved out a niche for yourself, don’t close the door on other options just yet.

WHAT’S YOUR ANIMAL SIGN? RAT 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 OX 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 TIGER 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 RABBIT 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 DRAGON 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 SNAKE 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 HORSE 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 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, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 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.

answer was, a community art mural contest with restaurant certificates for the winning artists. One thing led to another.

We produced a YouTube video to honor the artists and preserve CID history with funding support from the City of Seattle’s Arts + Culture and 4Culture. The video will be released in January.

The whole concept is a win-win for artists, restaurants, the community, and the Asian Weekly.

Look around. How can you turn something ugly into something beautiful? You would be surprised by how many solutions you can imagine.

one-way track around the lake. No bikes are allowed. You don’t have to finish the 2.8-mile track as there’s another route in the opposite direction.

The fresh air was worth the trip. The tip gave me an excuse to visit and examine Green Lake on another level. It gave me a chance to reflect on my past—the lake was once my favorite walking spot.

Turkey adventure

Joan Seko, 83, is the author of five books and currently working on six other novels.

The community probably knows her as the former owner of Bush Garden Restaurant more than a literary figure. A humble person, she doesn’t talk about her accomplishments as an author.

Pandemic or no pandemic, Joan Seko Seko is busy writing and editing.

She began to write probably in her teens. An ardent book lover, she read four to five books per week then.

“The famous authors are my champions and give me courage to write. I want to give the world something to fantasize about, and learn fictional and factual information inside each of my books,” she said.

Oh, her books are not about CID. It’s about romance, history, survival, and much more. You may not become an author at once, but you can try journaling during COVID and share your memories with the younger generation later.

Photo by Assunta Ng

Investigate fishing at Green Lake

The Green Lake I know is pleasurable for walking, biking, and jogging, but fishing? A staff member’s husband enjoys fishing at Green Lake. So I investigated.

Fishing at Green Lake During a stroll, we found that Green Lake is rich with trout. The lake is designed with several small piers for fishermen to dock easily. It works for social distancing, too.

People bring their chairs and mats to sit and hang out while fishing. You can walk and jog on the much widened

Photo by George Liu

From restaurateur to author

Our 7-dish Thanksgiving dinner cooked by Tracy Luu

News about slow turkey sales during COVID prompted me to ask my daughter-in-law, Tracy, a brilliant cook, to make a turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner. I always try to do my part to support the economy.

I didn’t realize she had never cooked the bird before. But she accepted the challenge.

I am more of a chicken fan than a turkey fan. But the pandemic reminded me to honor traditions. An organic turkey Tracy picked was part of her seven-dish Thanksgiving feast. The bird was big enough to serve three families, including her parents and brother’s family. It’s the best turkey I have ever eaten. Even the leftovers were delicious.

While Tracy had her fun cooking, I have a new appreciation for turkey. Eating turkey is much more healthy than chicken. It is low-fat, high in protein, and contains vitamin B6 and niacin. Also, it has mood-enhancing properties such as tryptophan, which produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps improve your mood.

The turkey made me appreciate my son John and his wife Tracy’s love and support even more. “Why did you give me two drumsticks and thighs, the best parts?” I asked my son John. “You like dark meat, too. You should keep one for yourself.”

“You always get the best part,” said John, when bringing us food. While I am grateful and happy that our kids are so thoughtful, I felt rotten simultaneously. I don’t want to just take and not share.

Tracy and John, thanks for the lovely meal, the turkey’s dark meat, and, oh, the bones!!!

Triple birthday celebrations

My birthday celebration is usually a low-key family affair. But this year, “wonder, surprise, and delight” mingled at once. First, my staff member Rebecca gave me a birthday surprise by ordering delicious take-out and a beautiful green tea cake, all from CID restaurants days before my birthday.

On my birthday, Tracy baked me my favorite chocolate cake with splendid decorations, and cooked Hainan chicken and rice for me. I couldn’t ask for anything better.

But the third celebration was an unscripted fascinating tale. The weekend before my birthday, my oldest son called from Asia and asked me what I wanted to eat.

Out of the blue, I replied, “A French dinner.”

He spent most of his night ordering online from a French restaurant on Queen Anne. His order was accepted, then canceled on my cell phone text several times. He tried many times and in vain. Apparently, the restaurant couldn’t accept international orders. It’s the thought that counts, “Go to bed,” I said to him.

Two weeks later, I planned a Saturday walk and lunch on Seattle’s waterfront. But the restaurant we wanted opened at 1 p.m. and all the other restaurants were closed due to the collapse at Pier 58.

When I looked up, a sign pointing to the Pike Place Market appeared.

My husband and I walked to the market. But the unexpected big crowds frightened us. Literally, we were running to escape into French entrees at Place Pigalle a restaurant near us.

Place Pigalle, a French restaurant, had only one table of guests. So we felt comfortable to sit down and order a salad, yummy duck leg, and crab cakes. Was it fate or coincidence that I ended up dining there? The question lingered in my mind, so I went home and checked the calendar. That day was my lunar birthday, according to the Chinese calendar.

And I had never celebrated my lunar birthday before. The only two people who remembered my lunar birthday were my late parents. I felt that my mom’s spirit was guiding me that day.

My mom told me, “You were born with a fortunate mouth.” Thanks, mom, for granting me a life blessed with great food and endless fabulous adventures.

So make something magical out of the ordinary to spice up your days. Don’t ever let COVID destroy your sense of fun and adventure.  Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweeklycom.

Photo by Assunta Ng

BLOG from 6

12

asianweekly northwest

TANDEN from 1 nominee so far” and “radioactive.”

Potential Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was less hostile, telling reporters, “Let’s see what happens.” Moderate Susan Collins, R-Maine, a target of Tanden’s, said, “I do not know her or much about her, but I’ve heard she’s a very prolific user of Twitter.”

Such sentiment is notable considering the GOP’s general reluctance to criticize President Donald Trump’s broadsides on Twitter. But like all of Biden’s nominees, Tanden has little margin for error as she faces confirmation in a closely divided Senate.

That could be especially daunting for Tanden, the former adviser to Hillary Clinton and the president of the center-left Center for American Progress, given her history of political combat.

Biden’s transition team released a litany of praise for Tanden from figures including Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.

Other Democrats also rushed to defend Tanden’s nomination.

Former Obama aide Valerie Jarrett said Tanden “grew up on welfare and lived in public housing. She experienced first hand the importance of our social programs. Her extraordinary career has been devoted to

HATE CRIMES from 1 seen hate crimes cases come in against Asian Americans,” Craft said.

Overall, an increase is being seen nationwide. The FBI reports that hate crimes in the United States have reached the highest level in more than a decade. Data from the U.S. Department of Justice shows that Washington state had over 500 cases in 2018. Only three other states reported more crimes motivated by hate.

Washington passed a bill last year that changed the legal name of the crime from malicious harassment to hate

38 YEARS

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2020

improving opportunities for working families. She is an excellent choice to lead OMB.” “Neera Tanden is smart, experienced, and qualified for the position of OMB Director,” added Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, a member of the party’s progressive wing. “The American people decisively voted for change - Mitch McConnell shouldn’t block us from having a functioning government that gets to work for the people we serve.”

On the Senate floor, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said it’s impossible to take Republicans’ criticism of Tanden seriously.

“Honestly, the hypocrisy is astounding. If Republicans are concerned about criticism on Twitter, their complaints are better directed at President Trump,” Schumer said.

At OMB, Tanden would be responsible for preparing Biden’s budget submission and would command several hundred budget analysts, economists and policy advisers with deep knowledge of the inner workings of the government.

Tanden shares a commonly held view among Democratic lawmakers that Republicans usually profess concerns about deficits only when Democrats are in power, pointing to tax cut packages passed in the opening year of Trump’s administration and former President George W. Bush’s 2001 tax cut. 

crime. Bannick said the change sends a message.

“It sounds like a little thing, but to me it’s a very big thing just to be able to communicate to victims, to judges, to attorneys, to the community.

Call these crimes what they actually are,” Bannick said.

Bannick also says Seattle police created a bias crime unit with a detective dedicated to those cases. But not all departments have such a system in place.

“There’s likely dozens of hate crimes that go unreported, or do not ever make it to us,” Bannick said. 

412 MAYNARD AVE. S., SEATTLE, WA 98104 | 206-223-5559 | NWASIANWEEKLY.COM

Nomination Form Northwest Asian Weekly/Seattle Chinese Post special issue on Jan. 21 (NWAW) and Jan. 28 (SCP) Honoring health care workers Outstanding health care individuals including administrators, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, janitors, etc.

Goal: To recognize outstanding Asian and BIPOC healthcare workers who have made significant contributions to his/her field during COVID-19. If any Asian and BIPOC employees in your organization have done an outstanding job exhibiting resilience, compassion, and going beyond her/his job responsibilities, you can nominate her/him. Limit to three nominees in each organization. Nominees will be recognized in a special issue of Northwest Asian Weekly and Seattle Chinese Post on Jan. 21, and Jan. 28, 2021.

Deadline: Dec. 28, 2020 for nomination Publication date: Asian Weekly Jan. 23, 2021; SCP Jan. 28, 2021 Asian Weekly issue of Winners announcement: Asian Weekly Jan. 28, 2021. Winners will be picked based on his/her leadership, innovations, mobilization of resources and manpower, mental health work, etc.

Award Ceremony: Feb. 4, 5-6 p.m. Live Facebook award ceremony.

Plaques and Chinatown International-District restaurant certificates will be mailed, or you may pick up at the Northwest Asian Weekly office, 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104.

For any questions, please contact Assunta Ng at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

Name: Organization: Reasons for Nomination: Nominee’s Name: Nominee’s Phone Number: Nominee’s Email: Nominator’s Name: Nominator’s Phone Number: Nominator’s Email: