VOL 40 NO 8 | FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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VOL 40 NO 8 FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

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Attacks on older Asians stoke fear as Lunar New Year begins

Photo by Han Bui

Honoring healthcare workers and organizations A behind-the-scenes look at the pandemic

John Chen emceed the Northwest Asian Weekly’s virtual Healthcare Excellence Awards on Feb. 9

By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY A ceremony honoring healthcare providers and organizations opened up new ways of looking at the pandemic. The virtual event, hosted by the Northwest Asian Weekly on Feb. 9, was structured so that supporters were free to pose any questions to the

honorees.

The results were illuminating.

Healthcare professionals rated the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis, shared previously unknown details about the origins of the outbreak in Seattle, reflected on what practices they hoped would see HEALTHCARE WORKERS on 12

Health officials too late with equity measures, say AAPI leaders

By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY An online briefing by county and state health officials for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders on Feb. 10 led to an outpouring of frustration for failed, incomplete, and tardy efforts to address inequities in vaccine distribution.

“An ongoing concern for me and others in the community is why some of these weren’t developed

earlier,” said Trang Tu, a community organizer, referring to equity plans announced by the officials. “I appreciate the efforts now, but it’s frustrating that this wasn’t figured out earlier so that ...everyone could have fair access.”

Instead, she added, in a text message shared on-screen during the briefing, “We have some folks able to get access while others are effectively back of the line.” see VACCINES on 11

San Francisco’s Chinatown

By Daisy Nguyen THE ASSOCIATED PRESS OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Police are stepping up their patrols and volunteers are increasing their street presence after several violent attacks on older Asians stoked fear in San Francisco Bay Area Chinatowns and subdued the celebratory mood leading up to Lunar New Year.

City officials also have visited Chinatowns in San Francisco and Oakland to address residents’ safety concerns and condemn the violence. They vowed to combat a problem that has been simmering since the start of the coronavirus pandemic but sparked new outrage after two unprovoked attacks were caught on video within a span of days and spread widely online.

In one, a young man shoved Vicha Ratanapakdee to the ground on Jan. 28 as he was taking his morning walk. The 84-year-old Thai man’s head struck the pavement, and he died two days later in a hospital.

Prosecutors charged a 19-yearold with murder and elder abuse.

On Jan. 31, a security camera caught a man in a hooded sweatshirt barreling into a

91-year-old Asian man in Oakland’s Chinatown, causing him to fall face-first into the pavement, narrowly missing a bike rack. Police arrested the suspect and said he had assaulted a couple on the same block later that day and another on Feb. 1.

In just the first two weeks of February, authorities recorded 18 crimes against Asian Americans around Oakland’s Chinatown, said Nancy O’Malley, district attorney for Alameda County.

Community advocates said the attacks have left many older Asians fearful about going out to shop for the start of the Lunar New Year. Shops and restaurants are typically bustling in Chinatowns this time of year, but the pandemic and safety concerns have dampened the festive atmosphere.

“There’s a huge amount of sadness and rage in the community,’’ said Alvina Wong, director of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network.

“Folks are on edge and tense and don’t know when the next thing is going to happen.

They see what’s happening in other cities, and it’s not see ATTACKS on 4

THE INSIDE STORY

COMMUNITY NEWS Taylor Hoang primed 3

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PUBLISHER’S BLOG My diary on a snowy Lunar New Year  8 PICTORIAL Record-setting snow 6

LUNAR NEW YEAR Red, white, and Ox  7

412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 • f. 206.223.0626 • editor@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com

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39 YEARS

FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Bidens’ Lunar New Year greeting

ally in such pioneering projects like Pista sa Nayon, Independence Day Festival at Seattle Center, which is now the yearly Pagdiriwang in June Philippine Independence week.

Rick is survived by eight sons and a daughter, 20 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. 

Washingtonian of the Year: Dr. Helen Chu

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden wished Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders a happy, healthy, and prosperous Lunar New Year. In a two-minute video, they said this is a time of renewal, “a chance to celebrate, remember the joys and sorrows of the path that brought us here, and imagine the possibilities of all that lies ahead of us. Like paper lanterns, we let our hope light the way forward.”

They also spoke of the “racism, harassment, hate crimes against Asian-American Pacific Islanders,” and called for unity in the country. 

Rick Beltran dies

Rick Beltran (right)

Filipino community leader Rick Beltran died on Feb. 3, according to an obituary.

Beltran served as president of the Filipino Community of Seattle, regional chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Association, and adviser to scores of organizations in the Puget Sound area.

He was an important

Frontline COVID-19 researcher Dr. Helen Chu has been selected Washingtonian of the Year in the 46th Annual Washington Leadership Awards—which recognizes those who exemplify outstanding leadership and service in our state.

Dr. Helen Chu Chu, director of Seattle Flu Study, is credited with first identifying the presence of coronavirus in Washington.

She’s an immunologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington.

Former Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib said, “This past year has been unlike any other, and these individuals and organizations are just as extraordinary. It is an honor to recognize them in this special way on behalf of all Washingtonians.” 

RAI makes Bernie-inspired mittens

Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI), a local nonprofit, is now re-creating those infamous mittens worn by Sen. Bernie Sanders at the inauguration of Joe Biden.

RAI—which generally makes fashionable clothing and jewelry—switched gears this time last year to sewing masks to help with the shortage.

Now, using donated sweaters and upcycled fleece, RAI makes “Bernie’s Big & Cozy (En) viral-mittens.”

They cost $35 and for each pair sold, RAI donates a handmade pair of fleece gloves to a person experiencing homelessness.  Local nonprofit RAI makes Bernieinspired mittens

CACA essay contest

The Chinese American Citizens Alliance is sponsoring a national essay contest.

Any student enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) is eligible to enter. It is free.

Participants are to compose an essay in English, not to exceed 500 words, on a subject regarding the Chinese in the United States. Each essay will be judged on originality, clarity of thought, and expression.

First prize is up to $1,000.

Register online at cacaseattle.org/youth-activities. html and submit all forms no later than March 1. 

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YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Taylor Hoang

By Janice Nesamani NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Taylor Hoang

Taylor Hoang has donned several hats—perhaps it’s a genetic trait inherited from her mother, who she admits could never sit still. From waiting tables and helping her mother as a little girl at their restaurant Huong Binh, in Little Saigon, to opening and running her own restaurants in Seattle and on the Eastside, Hoang has seen it all and wanted to improve things for herself and the community.

Having received her business degree from UW Bothell, she helped farmers in Vietnam grow more sustainable coffee beans and benefit by exporting them internationally. She then supported ethnic minority business owners through cofounding the Ethnic Business Coalition.

Hoang’s impressive resume now has a new and perhaps even unexpected addition—Senior Manager of External Affairs at Amazon.

“The opportunity to join Amazon came at a time when I was looking to pivot my career and enter an organization that would allow me to serve our community in a more strategic and impactful way,” she said.

In her new role, she wants to leverage Amazon’s scale for good, and work hand-in-hand with local partners to build strength in our community.

“I look forward to continuing to develop Amazon’s connections with local communities. Our goal at Amazon is to grow and deepen our community partnerships to help our neighbors thrive,” Hoang said.

“Amazon is committed to being a ‘good neighbor’ in Seattle by doing the things that good neighbors do: looking after one another, showing up for each other, and making the community stronger and more resilient,” Hoang said. After all, it’s something she recognizes because she’s

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“I’ve just taken that same mindset to this role and it has been great. The pro is having all the corporate support at your fingertips, including resources, collaboration, teammates, benefits, and a steady pay. The con is getting used to a more structured work environment than what I was used to as a business owner.”

— Taylor Hoang done it before.

“This is done by supporting local organizations, nonprofits, and other community institutions and making investments in projects that improve the natural and built environment,” she said.

It may be difficult to see the champion of ethnic minority business owners toeing the line for Amazon, especially as the e-commerce giant got flak for asking federal regulators to block some shareholder proposals that revolve around curbing hate speech and offensive content as well as diversity, but Hoang said, “Diversity and inclusion are important to me and to Amazon. Amazon believes that building a culture that is welcoming and inclusive is integral to people doing their best work and is essential to what we can achieve as a company.”

Hoang points out that Amazon actively recruits people from diverse backgrounds to build a supportive and inclusive workplace.

“We take steps to ensure employees have a sense of belonging, value, and opportunity,” she said. “Our diverse perspectives come from many sources, including gender, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, culture, education, and professional and life experience,” Hoang added.

Having been her own boss for a large portion of her career, the Northwest Asian Weekly asked if the switch has been tough.

“It comes down to your work ethic, and as any small business owner knows, to build a successful business, you have to work hard and be smart,” Hoang said. “I’ve just taken that same mindset to this role and it has been great. The pro is having all the corporate support at your fingertips, including resources, collaboration, teammates, benefits, and a steady pay.”

When pressed for a con, she said, “The con is getting used to a more structured work environment than what I was used to as a business owner.”

All that said, one of the things that Hoang values in her new role is that Amazon has been great about recognizing

asianweekly northwest

the work and life balance challenge we are all facing due to COVID. “We are encouraged to take mental health time for ourselves and families, resources and tools to streamline workloads, and consistent check-ins with our managers to ensure we have what we need to be productive at home and work,” Hoang said.

Managing work and home has been like walking a tightrope for many, especially when you have kids and homeschooling is thrown in. With two kids and a new job, Hoang said, “Wine helps a lot,” when asked how she is holding up.

“Each family is different so you really need to find what’s right for yours. For example, to keep a consistent follow-up on the kids’ schoolwork, my husband and I do a 50/50 split, where I help my daughter manage her schoolwork and he helps my son,” Hoang said.

The family also leans on immediate

family for help with dinner, laundry, and other tasks.

“We also find time to go outdoors as much as we can just to get fresh air and breathe.”

When asked if life in quarantine has meant any new hobbies or skills, Hoang said, “Life hunkered down is much busier than pre-covid, so there’s not a lot of room for hobbies or skills building. My superpower, however, would be the ability to multitask like never before.”

The past year has had challenges, but has definitely changed the way we think about work, something companies like Amazon may have to take into consideration when things get back to normal.

“I think for any company, the first concern is to ensure a safe environment for their customers, employees, vendors, community, and Amazon is no different,” Hoang said.

“How we work or return to work will really depend on health guidelines and the available resources to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe,” Hoang said.

Based on announcements from other companies, she thinks we can expect some kind of hybrid in office and work from home structure.

“I think it will be great to help with traffic congestion, the environment, and flexibility.”  Janice can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

Uncle Bob’s Place, InterIm CDA’s New Low Income Housing Project Breaking Ground!

Virtual Celebration, February 25th, 5-6pm - Leslie Morishita, InterIm CDA Real Estate Development Director

On what would be Uncle Bob’s 89th birthday, we’ll be celebrating the groundbreaking of Uncle Bob’s Place –a new mixed use, low income housing project in the heart of the Chinatown International District at 8th Ave S and S King St. While this won’t be the big bash we’d been planning, with karaoke and dancing at the Dynasty Room Bar, we envision this virtual gathering as a moment for us to feel connected in community, as, together, we remember Uncle Bob and celebrate the start of a project that’s really a continuation of what he started so many years ago.

With 126 units that will provide permanent homes for low income families with children, elders, and others; with retail spaces including one designed for the historic Bush Garden, a cherished legacy business and Uncle Bob’s favorite karaoke bar; with the Bob Santos Community Room, a community gathering space for organizing, education, events, parties and more; and with a long term partnership with the Chan family who has deep roots in the community and is the longtime owner of the Four Seas restaurant with its Dynasty Room bar, another of Uncle Bob’s favorite neighborhood haunts –Uncle Bob’s Place will embody Uncle Bob’s values and contribute to advancing his and our vision for the community. Public art and interpretive installations, will lend beauty, meaning and joy to the place and lift up the story of Uncle Bob and the history and culture of our community.

InterIm CDA is grateful to the Bob Santos family for entrusting us with his name and the awesome privilege of honoring and carrying forward his legacy at Uncle Bob’s Place. And, we’re grateful to the individuals giving so freely of their time and talents to serve on the Uncle Bob’s Place Steering Committee, the Uncle Bob’s Place Art & Aesthetic Integration Committee, and yes, soon, the Uncle Bob’s Place Fundraising Committee. This project is truly a labor of love –love for Uncle Bob, and love for the community. InterIm CDA is committed to developing Uncle Bob’s Place in the spirit of Uncle Bob, to best serve the International District community and contribute to its ongoing sense of community, self determination, stability, and vibrancy.

Everyone is welcome to join the celebration, to partake in a virtual toast, and hear about exciting plans for public art that will make the project sing (literally)! For info and registration, go to: interimcda.org/unclebobsplace.

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FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

39 YEARS

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR FEB 18-20 NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY’S LNY COSTUME PHOTO CONTEST 2021 Deadline is February 20 Email photos to us at info@nwasianweekly.com Winner’s highlighted photo will be published in newspaper on February 28.

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18-22

CISC’ VIRTUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 7 p.m. cisc-seattle.org/lunarnewyear

LUNAR NEW YEAR’S PHOTO BOOTH Hello Em Cafe 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

19

20

THE NORTHWEST NIKKEI MUSEUM SPEAKER SERIES “OMOIDE” 7 p.m. via Zoom Register at http://bit.ly/3aLqsHZ/

LUNAR NEW YEAR FOOD WALK Seattle’s C-ID 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CIDBIA LUCKY HONG BAO Seattle’s C-ID 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

PHOTO BOOTH Hing Hay Park 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

25 UNCLE BOB’S PLACE VIRTUAL GROUNDBREAKING 5-6 p.m.

Register at interimcda.org/ unclebobsplace

■ BRIEFLY

MAR 8 WORKSHOP, “FIERCE SELF-COMPASSION MINIRETREAT, SHAME” WITH CHRIS GERMER 7:30 a.m.

Register to join: http://bit.ly/3dkNNTK

Bailey Gatzert clean up The phased return of students to in-person learning begins on March 1 for Bailey Gatzert Elementary School.

School principal Ronnie Belle is sponsoring a clean up around the school on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Supplies will be provided, but you may bring your own gloves if you prefer.  For more information: follow the “16 S and S Main” Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/16sandsmain or email Jay Taylor at jaywtaylor@yahoo.com.

ATTACKS from 1 stopping.’’

The recent attacks represent the latest spike in verbal and physical attacks against Asian Americans since the coronavirus, which emerged in China, reached the United States. Stop AAPI Hate, launched by two advocacy groups to encourage Asian Americans to report such incidents, has documented more than 3,000 attacks to date.

O’Malley said older Asians are targeted because of the stereotype that they don’t report crimes due to language barriers. Her office is investigating whether the attacks were racially motivated and has launched a special response unit focused on crimes against Asian Americans, especially older Asians.

She said her team will focus on outreach and

encourage victims to report crimes.

“For many of the seniors, it’s not part of their nature or culture to call the police. Some of them come from countries where you do everything to avoid the police,’’ the prosecutor said. “So the more they meet with us and understand our culture, the more people will open up to us about what’s been happening to them.’’

Oakland’s new police chief, LeRonne Armstrong, visited Chinatown twice in his first week to build trust with business owners and residents and let them know about the increased presence of police there.

“We want them to feel like they’re not alone,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the attacks have prompted volunteers to offer to walk older residents to their cars or homes after shopping.

Jacob Azevedo said more than 200 people signed up after he posted on social media the idea of an on-call

buddy system to chaperone residents who feel unsafe walking alone in Oakland’s Chinatown. They also donated thousands of dollars to help him buy a personal alarm device that will be distributed to older Asians in the community.

“The only way that we can help people and stop this from happening is if everyone steps in,“ he said.

Azevedo said he intends to keep the program going “as long as old people don’t feel safe and people are taking advantage of a vulnerable group like that.’’ 

View the solution on page 10

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FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

YOUR VOICE

asianweekly northwest

■ LUNAR NEW YEAR Famous ox celebs — do they exemplify or defy their oxen traits?

Oxen who

By Stacy Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Story time! Have you ever wondered where the 12 animals of the lunar calendar come from? It comes from this legendary great animal race.

See, many centuries ago, the Jade Emperor of China gathered the 12 animals to see which were the best and brightest (and most qualified to be part of his heavenly entourage).

The ox, diligent, consistent, and an early riser, was one of the first two animals to cross the heavenly gate, along with the rat.

What went down with these two animals is reflected really well in their personality traits. (FYI, rats are known for being quick-witted and cunning. Oxen are known for being predictable duty-fulfillers.)

What happened was that both the rat and ox started early, so they were neck-andneck—until they encountered a really brutal river. Obviously the rat was very small and the ox very big. So the ox did the rat a real solid and let the rat chill on his ear as the ox crossed the river steadily.

And then once they hit the other side of the river, the jerk rat betrayed the naive ox!

The rat jumped over the ox’s head and just took first place without a care in the world!

Besides being a chump, here are other ox traits, the positive ones: • Strength • Reliability • Fairness and conscientiousness

• • • • • • •

Calm and patient Trustworthy Methodical Annnd here are the less positive traits: Stubborn Overly serious and quiet Not sociable and kind of boring

The following are some super famous people born in the year of the ox. There may be many that exemplify their ox-like traits!

Let’s see, shall we?

Mason Disick (2009) Known for: Being the kid of two reality TV stars, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick.

Ox-rating: 9/10 Reasoning: Of the entire Kardashian-Jenner clan, this child is one of the boringest, quietest members, which makes him seem pretty ox-like.

Kylie Jenner (1997) Known for: Being Mason’s aunt. No, I’m joking. She’s actually apparently known for being a “self-made” billionaire.

Ox-rating: 8/10 Reasoning: Kylie is only mildly more interesting than Mason, and the kind of drama she brings to her family’s reality show is the one time she lied about getting lip injections and then was found out. I rated her high for her dependable blandness.

Simone Biles (1997) Known for: Being an Olympic gymnast—one of the most decorated in U.S. history!

Ox-rating: 10/10 Reasoning: I don’t know much about gymnastics or being an Olympian, but I do know it takes a lot of training, commitment, diligence, and strength. Simone Biles fits this to a T!

Bruno Mars (1985) Known for: Making the hits! (Also is Filipino on his mom’s side!)

Ox-rating: 3/10 Reasoning: Okay, if you’ve ever seen him in concert or on James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke segment, you know that Bruno is not quiet, he’s not serious, and he’s not antisocial. He’s the opposite of all those things.

Chrissy Teigan (1985) Known for: Great burns on her Twitter trolls. (Also is a model, from the Pacific Northwest, a TV host, married to John Legend, and her mom is Thai!)

Ox-rating: 5/10 Reasoning: Chrissy falls in the middle because she is the best friend I wish I had— seemingly trustworthy, fair, conscientious, and is consistent in striking down haters.

She does so in a loud and emotional way, most of the time (also a trait I require in a best friend).

made history

A lot of world and local leaders and people of influence (good and terrible) were oxen.

How many names do you recognize?

Catherine the Great (1729) Napoleon (1769) Adolph Hitler (1889) Charlie Chaplin (1889) Emperor Hirohito (1901) Louis Armstrong (1901) Walt Disney (1901) Sukarno (1901) Richard Nixon (1913) Rosa Parks (1913) Mahathir Mohamad (1925) Malcolm X (1925) Margaret Thatcher (1925) Pol Pot (1925) Saddam Hussein (1937) Sharon Tomiko Santos (1961) Gary Locke (1950)

Other notable 1985 oxen Actor Raven-Symoné, actor Anna Kendrick, actor Dave Franco, actor Gal Gadot, swimmer Michael Phelps, singer Carly Rae Jepsen, dancer Derek Hough see OXEN on 9

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asianweekly northwest

■ PICTORIAL

39 YEARS

FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Snowy Lunar New Year start 2

GEORGE LIU

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GEORGE LIU

3 4 GEORGE LIU

GEORGE LIU

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ASSUNTA NG

GEORGE LIU

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KELLY LIAO

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ASSUNTA NG

RUTH BAYANG

11 han bui

10 GEORGE liu

1. Red Gateway at Hing Hay Park covered with snow 2. Seattle Chinese Chinatown Historical Gate 3. Bus stranded at the intersection of S. Jackson St. 4. Snow-topped pavilion at Hing Hay Park 5. Jessica Yao and Oliver Kombol create a snowman next to Seattle Chinese Chinatown Historical Gate 6. Workers shovel snow to open a road for pedestrians

JUN CHEN

7. Snow in Kent 8. Snow covered newsstands in CID 9. Snow covered steps outside a Kent home 10. Enjoying a walk in the snow 11. Snow in Everett 12. A tennis enthusiast creates a pattern of a tennis racket with tennis balls at his Bellevue home.

YOUR VOICE

■ LUNAR NEW YEAR

FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

asianweekly northwest

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Red, white, and Ox

By Becky Chan NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Photo by Becky Chan

This Year of the Ox, around Spring Festival, my father would have been 100 years old. Beer or whiskey. He would have raised his glass to celebrate. He drank according to his mood, good or bad. The idea of pairing his drink of choice to enhance the flavor of the steamed fish or stir-fried pork belly never crossed his mind.

I’m not into whiskey. But yes, to beer, as a social drinker, since moving to Seattle. It’s easy when there’s a microbrew or 10 in every neighborhood. The Pacific Northwest is also ripe with wineries, small and large.

Wine appreciation came later for me. It helps to have friends who are sophisticated or pretentious, whatever you want to call it, introducing me to wine pairing with food. No more Tsingtao with mapo tofu. Let’s take it up a notch and try wine with geoduck or roast duck to welcome the Ox. My friends Steve Fellows and Theresa Kwan are my favorite dining partners, especially at their Queen Anne home. PreCOVID, they prepared multicourse Chinese dinners with wine pairings. A self-proclaimed

vineyard, upslope with cooling fog. It’s not produced much like cabernet.” The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s leading producer in pinot noir. “Any poultry dish will go well with it.”

As for white wines, Fellows likes chardonnays and recommends unoaked ones from Washington’s Columbia Crest Winery or Airfield Estates.

Reasonably priced French chardonnay can also be found and will pair well with your meal.

“Chardonnay is developed to be drunk with seafood. But don’t get the sweet, buttery, and oaky ones.”

Unoaked chardonnays, less sweet and creamy, are aged in stainless steel tanks or older oak barrels. Some white and most reds undergo a natural process that changes the malic acid found in grapes into lactic acid, found in milk, thus the buttery flavor. The types of oak, along with many other variables, add a different dimension to wine.

I spoke recently with Cyril Frechier, a renowned Seattle sommelier and a partner at L&G Distributors, who worked at French restaurants Campagne and the defunct Rover’s.

Red or white wine can make good pairing with Chinese food to welcome the Year of the Ox.

“unemployed entrepreneur,” Fellows is a fabulous chef. He once bought all the camphor wood for sale on eBay to make the Szechuan dish, camphor-teasmoked duck served with a dry Chardonnay.

“Just about anything you like can go with Chinese food,” Fellows replied when I asked him

recently the challenge of wine pairing with my favorite cuisine.

Chinese food tends to blend several flavors together and be shared communal style. However, he said, “There ARE some strong pairings. Cantonese seafood with a white, Burgundy style wine goes nicely,” he said. Cantonese seafood is usually cooked quickly

and lightly to retain the dish’s “yuanwei,” the natural flavor.

Simply put, Burgundy is a wine region in east-central France that produces distinctive white wines from chardonnay grapes and reds with pinot noir grapes.

Fellows is a big fan of Oregon’s pinot noir, a light body red. He said, “Pinot noir requires a special

see OX on 10

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...

We encourage all eligible residents to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you are able.

There is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine In Washington State.

Wishing you prosperity in the year of the Ox.

All eligible residents are able to receive a vaccine, regardless of immigration and citizenship status.

Vaccine providers should not be asking about your immigration status.

More information about vaccination: www.seattle.gov/vaccine.

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For additional locations, or to open a new account online, visit wafdbank.com.

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asianweekly northwest

8

39 YEARS

FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Asian American doctors who serve immigrant clients, usually close their offices during Lunar New Year (LNY), as so few patients show up. It’s not that Asian immigrants would like to have a day off. LNY is not a public holiday. There is something else…

Some consider it a tradition to never visit a doctor during LNY to protect yourself from bad luck.

It’s one of those traditions on my late mom’s and grandma’s to-do list to preserve good luck. Actually, it’s more like a “don’t” list. One of them is, if you do visit a doctor, sickness may follow you for the rest of the year. And if you need surgery, many Asians would probably postpone it until after LNY. The truth is, some of those customs are bogus. Despite the fact that I knew some customs foster superstitions, I went along with mom and grandma just because they said so. I listened to them, not because I was an obedient daughter, but because it made them very happy that I respected their views.

What if you really feel sick and you need a doctor? Sorry, grandma, this year, I have violated your rule in the Year of the Ox. It was not to prove you were wrong. I didn’t plan on it, but I needed a medical procedure.

For decades, I have been fortunate to never get sick or need to visit a doctor during LNY. However, my gums were swollen in January, and it was getting worse.

My dentist referred me to an endodontist to do a root canal, to drain out possible pus or remove bacteria. That sounded like a minor surgery. Chinese people don’t like to use the word “knife” during LNY. “Knife” symbolizes severing ties, risk, and viciousness. Never give knives to your good friends as gifts.

But my gum problem was serious, if not dangerous. I needed to take action quickly.

Then, I got more unwanted news. The only time that I was free and the endodontist could do it would be Feb. 12, the first day of LNY. Yes or no, her office asked.

My gums couldn’t wait, and there was some pain.

American dentists work during LNY, I reminded myself. Well, all signs pointed to this being a not-solucky year. Strange, I realize that some of my mom and grandma’s beliefs had no logic. So why was I bothered that the endodontist’s appointment was on Feb. 12? Subconsciously, mom might have influenced my inner self.

According to a 2016 study on 35 families, the part of the brain that regulates emotions is more similar between mothers and daughters than any other intergenerational pairing, as quoted in the Motherly website. My mother passed away in 2018, but I have dreamed of her often. And what would she say about my decision to fix my tooth on Feb. 12?

“Don’t do it,” she would have probably nagged me. I did have some regrets after I said yes to the endodontist. Yet, my reasoning overruled my emotions.

A few days before my dental appointment, fears were swimming in my head. I imagined that it would be as painful as the time I got a crown.

And it was the same tooth which caused the problem. I prepared myself mentally to bear the pain and all

the unpleasantness. Confession: it was mostly anxiety and some stupid thoughts. I assumed I wouldn’t be able to eat regular foods on Feb. 12.

“Yuck! There goes my mouth-watering LNY dinner!”

My daughter-in-law Tracy was so sweet that she decided to cook me and my husband special LNY dishes on Feb. 11, instead of Feb. 12. I presumed that I should chew on soft food such as congee on the 12th. It would be the worst LNY dinner (or nothing to eat) in my life, I ranted.

Well, I love to eat. How tormenting it would be, if not humiliating, to watch others enjoy their food, while I just stare, unable touch any of those foods!

On Feb. 12, everything proceeded as planned. The endodontist drilled open my tooth inside the crown all the way up, and cleaned and fixed three nerves inside my tooth. She prescribed a sleeping pill for me, and I slept for half an hour during the two-hour plus procedure. I expected I would be sick when it was over. Instead, I felt very much alive.

I was like a new person. There was hardly any pain.

I went home and enjoyed the leftovers from my daughter-in-law’s LNY plate from the day before.

Buoyed by the joy of a new year, I chopsticked every bite of food, including oyster, abalone, chicken,

Photo by Tracy Luu

sunta Ng Photos by As

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG

sea cucumber, prawns, and Chinese sausage, with pleasure and gratitude. I was thankful for minimal pain in my tooth and gums. I was back to normal right away.

The following day, when the snowstorm descended on Seattle, I was so happy that I had my root canal done already. LNY in Chinatown-International District CID on a Saturday, is usually a big celebration with ceaseless firecrackers and several lions dancing around the streets. But this year, the snow completely overshadowed the festival.

But people still came, hoping perhaps, there might be some Lunar New Year activities. Sadly, what they found was a quiet “city within a city” filled with relentless falling white snow.

Most ID businesses were closed.

We were lucky that Tracy

had prepared so much food, it was enough for the next two meals. While many neighborhoods suffered power outages, we didn’t have that problem, and were spared from the freezing cold.

There were countless LNY blessings during the last week, including my escape for a day of misery and pain! And the snow began only after I returned from the endodontist. It was one of the biggest snowstorms in the last 58 years in Seattle.

Almost a foot of snow accumulated in a day. The snow and the dental appointment were circumstances beyond my control. Yet, everything worked out perfectly. Thank God, all my assumptions were wrong.

On the eve of LNY, the Northwest Asian see BLOG on 12

FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

YOUR VOICE

■ EDITORIAL

asianweekly northwest

9

Trump acquitted. Now what?

Donald Trump was acquitted of inciting the horrific attack on the U.S. Capitol, concluding a historic impeachment trial that spared him the first-ever conviction of a current or former U.S. president.

Barely a month since the deadly Jan. 6 riot that stunned the world, the Senate convened for a rare weekend session to deliver its verdict on Saturday, Feb. 13, voting while armed National Guard troops continued to stand their posts outside the iconic building.

Seven Senate Republicans joined Democrats in voting to convict Trump on a charge of insurrection arising from the Capitol riot. The defections were significant, the most against a president of their own party in any impeachment, but the vote still fell 10 short of the twothirds majority needed.

Voting to find Trump guilty were GOP Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana,

OXEN from 5 Tyra Banks (1973) Known for: Bringing us “America’s Next Top Model.”

Ox-rating: 6/10 Reasoning: Oxen are known for being very calm … until they are not. Remember when the straw broke the camel’s back for Tyra, resulting in her screaming, “WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU! HOW DARE YOU!” at a “Model” contestant? Classic, ox!

David Blaine (1973) Known for: Magic!

Ox-rating: 4/10 Reasoning: Look, if the original ox could’ve done some David Blaine now-you-see-me-now-youdon’t trickery with the rat during the great race, the ox wouldn’t have come in second place. That’s all I’m saying.

Other notable 1973 oxen Musician Pharrell Williams, actor Kate Beckingsale, actor Neil Patrick Harris, rapper Nas, actor Portia de Rossi, actor Aishwarya Rai, football player Terrell Owens Barack Obama (1961) Known for: Being a way better president than his successor Ox-rating: 10/10 Reasoning: He completely embodies all of the positive, hardworking traits of an ox. He is also pretty quiet and kind of dull in his personal life (yeah, I said it!).

Enya (1961) Known for: Relaxing music Ox-rating: 10/10 Reasoning: This woman’s discography is bananas and extensive!

Do you think she won four Grammys by being lazy? No. She didn’t.

Other notable 1961 oxen Princess Diana, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, actor George Clooney, actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, actor and comedian George Lopez, actor Michael J. Fox, singer and pop icon Boy George Caitlyn Jenner (1949) Known for: OMG, there are so many Kardashian-Jenners on this list, what is going on?

Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, and Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania.

Trump, unrepentant, welcomed his second impeachment acquittal and said his movement “has only just begun.” He slammed the trial as “yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our Country.”

“By once again putting their one-man cult over the wellbeing of this nation, 43 Republican senators not only failed to hold Donald Trump accountable for inciting a deadly insurrection, but they failed to protect our country, our constitution, and our very democracy,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

A new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds over half of Americans (58%) say that Trump should have been convicted. The 43 Republican senators, by voting to acquit, have set a terrible precedent. Refusing to

Ox-rating: 9/10 Reasoning: Caitlyn earns her ox rating both for her Olympic gold past life, and also for being curmudgeonly stubborn. (I’ve watched both of her reality shows!)

Ox-rating: 4/10 Reasoning: Man, when I think of George Takei’s spirit animal, a steady ox just doesn’t come to mind. He seems like he’d be a mischievous monkey or something.

Other notable 1949 oxen Actor Meryl Streep, musicians Bruce Springstreen, Gene Simmons, Billy Joel, and Lionel Richie, designer Vera Wang

Other notable 1937 oxen Actors Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson, Jane Fonda, Anthony Hopkins, and Dustin Hoffman. King Harald V of Norway. 

George Takei (1937) Known for: “Star Trek” and occasionally saying bizarre, problematic things on Twitter.

Stacy Nguyen can be reached at stacy@nwasianweekly.com.

surrender power when you have lost an election is the most dangerous threat. And, now, future presidents who wish to cling to power know they can go to all lengths to overturn the election and not be punished, so long as they can hold the allegiance of a third of the Senate.

Big tech companies like Amazon have suspended contributions to any member of Congress who voted to override the election results. Amazon made more than $1.94 million in total PAC contributions in the 2020 cycle. Microsoft has said it will not make any political donations until after it “assesses the implications” of the riot. Total PAC contributions by Microsoft in the 2020 cycle—more than $1.87 million.

While you and I don’t have the deep pockets of Amazon and Microsoft, we wield an important power— the power of our vote. Remember who voted to acquit Trump the next time they are up for re-election. 

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

Proposals will be received for KC000129, Architectural Services for 2021 North Highline Urban Design Standards Project; by King County Procurement and Payables Section until 12:00 PM on 03/09/2021.

This contract includes development and submittal of an Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Innovation Plan. The ESJ Innovation Plan details the approach, strategies, and actionable steps that will be taken to maximize the participation of Minority

Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) firms. Both MBE and WBE firms must be certified by the State of Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises.

Total Estimated Price: $106,329 Prospective proposers can view more details at: https://kingcounty.gov/procurement/solicitations Contact: Taylor Lee, talee@kingcounty.gov, 206263-3173

ICATION INFO:

NESS PHONE #:

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REQUEST FOR BIDS KCHA is seeking qualified contractors interested in submitting bids for the Fire Restoration at Riverstone Apartments. The Work consists of fire restoration at Bldg 29 as described in the Contract Documents including, but not limited to, supervision, labor, materials, supplies, equipment, services, permits, engineering, and the manufacture and fabrication of components, performed, furnished, or provided in accordance with the Contract Documents.. The property is located at 27314 24th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003. There is an optional pre-bid meeting at the property on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Bid packets are available for download on KCHA’s website at http://www.kcha.org/business/construction/open/.

All bids must be received by KCHA no later than the above due date and time. No Bids will be accepted after that date and time. If you have questions, please contact Michelle Jackson at MichelleJ@kcha.org. The estimate is $564,184.51.

39 YEARS

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He said, “The wine barrels can last 50 to 100 years, but more commonly are replaced in 10 or 15 years.”

After three or four years of use, the barrels become neutral and no longer impart flavors of toast and spice. The tannin and structure of the wine is dependent on time spent in new oak barrels versus older barrels or steel tanks. Too much oak with inferior grapes can give you “oak juice.”

Frechier said, “The general rule is to pair hot, spicy food with wine having residual sugar that aren’t quite as dry, such as pinot gris or pinot blanc.” A riesling can be a good match, too.

“Black peppered food will go well with Austria’s gruner veltliner, which has a white pepper quality to it,” Frechier said. A few of the Washington vineyards in the Columbia Gorge area grow this grape and produce this varietal of white wine.

According to Winefolly.com, gruner veltliner’s “newfound glory is with Asian spices.”

As for red wines, the additional component is tannin found in the skins, stems, and seeds of the grape. If you have eaten unpeeled, seeded grapes, you know that mouth puckering taste. Wine drinkers are well aware of the antioxidant benefit

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of the reds. But tannin can give some people headaches.

Reds with lighter Chinese food that Frechier recommends are pinot noir or grenache. In general, he advised against high acidity wine unless you’re having a grilled juicy steak.

He said, “Match the astringency of the food with the wine.”

He believes a lot of wine pairing is in theory. “It’s just a guide,” he commented. Taste is also subjective. “One ingredient in a dish can change everything,” he said, “No two chefs are going to cook the same even with the same dish.” Frechier said, “Some top chefs taste the wine first and then create a dish to go with it. This gets the closest pairing.”

Since most of us are cooking more at home these days, Frechier suggests experimenting and creating “an ensemble” if you want to learn more about wine pairing. Analyze both wine and food to try to get a concept of what the flavors are.

“You want to find a balance, find the harmony between them—the saltiness, acidity, sweetness, and the umami,” Frechier said.

I’ll drink to that.

May your Year of the Ox be filled with balance and harmony. And happy birthday to my father.  Becky can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

» PERSONAL INJURY

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SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 4.

YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

asianweekly northwest

11

Predictions and advice for the week of February 20–26, 2021

By Sun Lee Chang Rat—An unforeseen advantage could factor in quite prominently this week and provide you with a needed boost.

Dragon—Planning a surprise for someone special? Remember that a thoughtful gift will have the most impact regardless of price.

Monkey—No matter how far down the road you are, there is always room to turn back or make a detour if you need to.

Ox—A limited window of opportunity has opened up for you. Act quickly to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit.

Snake—Is there a color that brings a smile to your face? Find a way to incorporate it into your day today.

Rooster—Is what you want slightly out of reach?

That may be true now, but could soon change in your favor.

Tiger—Considering whether to listen to advice from a loved one? If possible, learn from someone else’s mistake.

Horse—If this week has been more hectic than usual, schedule some time for yourself away from all the activity.

Dog—If the option you desire is not available, consider whether you should broaden your search.

Rabbit—Are you so busy that you are losing sight of the big picture? It might help to take a step back.

Goat—Whether it is something high impact or slower paced, this is a good day for your exercise of choice.

Pig—Sometimes sticking to the plan isn’t in the cards. Wise adjustment could, in fact, make it that much better.

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.

VACCINES from 1 Members of the Asian Pacific Directors Coalition (APDC), which hosted the forum, at first seemed hesitant to question the new measures in the works. Soon, however, they asked if materials used to counter disinformation about the vaccine would be in multiple languages, when a call center for marginalized communities would be completed, and if the equity policies would still be in place for the next crisis.

Others seemed frustrated by a lack of direct coordination with the members of APDC, who are community leaders.

“We’re all organizers, so give us something to do!” said Vy Nguyen, senior policy advisor for the Seattle City Council.

Moreover, there seemed a disconnect between the concrete steps requested by APDC members and the multiple PowerPoints containing abstract principles for addressing the crisis, along with somewhat irrelevant data.

At the outset of the briefing, Teresita Batayola, president and CEO of International Community Health Services (ICHS), gave a concrete example of how vaccine access could be made more equitable. Referring to an innovative approach, she shared that one community-based health organization that specializes in service to Latinos was no longer advertising its vaccine availability online. Instead, she said, Sea Mar Community Health Centers had adopted the approach of only advertising their vaccines through the Spanish radio station, thus enabling them to reach their community members effectively.

Such an approach prevents shots being swallowed up by anyone with internet proficiency, often excluding those in their community.

“Now they’ve started lining up at four or five in the morning, as a result,” she said.

Just getting vaccines has often been impossible for marginalized communities. ICHS received no doses for two weeks recently until Batayola personally made numerous calls to government contacts.

Local organizers have also asked for a steady supply of vaccines for community health clinics. Otherwise, they may not have time to contact enough members of their communities to use the allotted doses, which would jeopardize future access to more vaccines. State policy penalizes those organizations that do not exhaust their allotment of vaccines.

During the meeting, Batayola said she had just received an email from the public health department offering her 300 vaccines that were left over from their original deployment.

“Can you take them?” it asked. The main problem, officials said, is that the state is now receiving fewer vac-

cines than it had even a few weeks ago.

Nevertheless, on the surface at least, the data they shared seemed promising. It showed that 43% of residents of King County 75 years and older had been vaccinated with at least one dose and 38.8% of those between the ages of 65 to 74.

However, questions raised by APDC members revealed that the data did not reflect racial disparities.

Race and ethnicity are not required data entries when vaccines are deployed, leaving no indication of what proportion of those vaccinated come from marginalized communities.

“It was optional putting in race and ethnicity data,” said Batayola. “So many people are not filling that out.”

Officials could not guarantee that collecting data on race and ethnicity would become mandatory. But they said they were hopeful it would.

The data did, however, reveal economic disparities in deployment of the vaccines. Areas such as Bellevue and Issaquah had much higher rates of vaccination than areas such as West Seattle and South Seattle. It was not clear if the apparent negligence on the part of the health departments was isolated to their handling of marginalized communities or was part of a larger failure to engage with some of the most distressing parts of the pandemic.

Mental health professionals treating COVID “long haulers,” those with long-term debilitating impacts from the contagion, recently expressed outrage that the Washington State Department of Health would not include information related to their behavioral health traumas in a PowerPoint presentation for officials and professionals around the state, according to one of those involved, who asked for anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the information (the presentation was obtained by the Asian Weekly).

During the briefing, there also seemed to be a disconnect in understanding the reasons for low vaccination rates among marginalized communities.

While organizers in the Chinatown-International District (ID) have reported a frustrating and difficult series of logistical challenges in organizing vaccine drives, the officials’ presentation seemed mostly focused on vaccine hesitation, including fears that they are “some form of experimentation,” “contain human or animal tissues,” or will alter a person’s DNA, said Naisha Williams, Planning Section Chief at King County Department of Health.

She described a newsletter the state was developing to address concerns about the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines and to explain how mRNA vaccines work.

One APDC member asked whether the newsletter would be in multiple languages, an ongoing concern of community activists. It was not clear if Williams saw

the question. However, another official showed multiple languages available on an existing county website providing great detail about the pandemic and the vaccines.

But the speed of changing information makes maintaining the site “a challenge,” said Meredith Li-Vollmer, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine and a risk communication specialist at Public Health-Seattle & King County.

In seeking to share information about the vaccinations, the state has funded 41 community organizations, 27 media outlets, and 21 community-based organizations, said Hang Ngo, Community Outreach Consultant for the Washington State Department of Health Equity and Engagement COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Team.

The team initially had only two members, but as of next week will expand to 11, she said.

It was not clear if officials saw a reporter’s question about the grants, and their distribution raises questions about the team’s awareness of community media.

Chinese Radio Seattle appears to have made the most of a small grant. Xiaoyuan Su, founder and CEO, said he had received $15,000 from the state and had used it for three 30-second radio ads promoting the mask mandate, social distancing, and vaccine registration, as well as daily on-air and online updates about COVID-19. He is also interviewing health care workers and professionals twice a week, sometimes visiting them on-site, and providing daily updates on social media. Chinese Radio Seattle has four Cantonese programs on Sunday. He did not have the exact numbers of listeners in the ID, “but we know there are many,” he said.

But Seattle’s only Chinese-language television station may have fared worse. AATV is watched by 80% of residents in senior housing in the neighborhood, according to David Cho, the former owner who now works as an engineering and operations consultant. Despite changing hands, the station still has one hour of Cantonese programming daily. But, said Cho, “From my understanding, no ad revenue was provided.”

Uncertainty about a promised call center was another concern shared at the briefing. Matias Valenzuela, Equity Director at Public Health-Seattle & King County, said staff were trying to get it going as quickly as possible, hopefully “by the end of the week.”

Amidst other concerns, frustration about the tardiness of the response was echoed by John Kim, Executive Director at Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Authority, another APDC member. But he said he wanted “to express support for locking in the equity efforts of the moment so we are not back here again with the next crisis!”  Mahlon can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

12

asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

FEBRUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 26, 2021

HEALTHCARE WORKERS from 1 continue, advised on how to find a balance between caring for others and oneself, and shared ways to overcome fear in the face of death.

In addition, Nate Miles, vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Eli Lilly, offered coaching about how to talk about an experiment undertaken by the United States government, lasting from the 1930s to the 1970s, to infect Black men with syphilis, the memory of which dissuades some Blacks from trusting the vaccine, he said.

“You’ve got to understand, you’re going to have to slow walk these people and really convince them and you just can’t gloss over it and pretend it didn’t happen,” he said.

Miles said similar abuses experienced by other marginalized groups must also be acknowledged as part of a broader strategy to engender trust.

“You have to make this country understand what you did. You put people on reservations. You took people’s homes from them and you put them in encampments and you want to call them camps.

They weren’t camps,” he said, referring lastly to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Miles asked questions of Winona Hollins-Hauge, a social worker, activist, and radio host, and several other honorees, and his comments came in response to their remarks.

Asked to rate the Biden administration’s handling of the pandemic, Hollins-Hauge praised the renewed “unleashing” of Dr. Anthony Fauci and said the new leadership “realized this is a big problem and that it is going to take everybody.”

Another question from Miles, this time directed to Teresita Batayola, president and CEO of International Community Health Services (ICHS), asked her to compare differences between now and when the virus broke out.

As for the start of the pandemic, it has been largely unknown that it was in the Bellevue Clinic of ICHS where the first COVID-19 case was detected, even before King County Public Health announced it, she said.

Winnie Lee, the assistant medical director there, and one of the honorees, recognized COVID-19 even at that early stage and instantly ordered personal protective equipment (PPE) for herself and her staff.

As for the future, Batayola said one unanswered question was whether the Defense Production Act invoked by Biden would make a difference in the accelerated production of vaccines.

“The community needs to keep advocating to make sure that vaccines land in our hands instead of in mass distribution, where allocation formulas are so complex that community health centers like ICHS are being shorted,” she said.

Responding to another question by

BLOG from 8 Weekly came out the day before the snowstorm, avoiding delivery challenges, not to mention the issue was full of interesting stories and advertisements. It couldn’t have been a more satisfying and joyful LNY. Well, if that’s the indication of my fortune for the rest of the year, I will gleefully accept it with open arms.

The lessons are numerous for this LNY. In this modern age, not every LNY tradition makes sense. Be flexible in following traditions. If you can’t follow them, it’s not the end of the world.

Secondly, don’t worry about your environment, it’s beyond your control. Over-

Miles, Michael Byun, executive director at Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), praised his entire team and said it takes a collaborative approach to combat the pandemic.

“A lot of the solutions are within our communities, policymakers need to acknowledge that and lean in and listen to provide the support that the community is asking,” he said.

Advocacy was also a theme of a question by Leeching Tran, vice president of the Viet-Wah Group, another event supporter.

“After the pandemic is over, what habits or behaviors do you want to see people continue or keep?” she asked Dr. Anthony Chen, director of health of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

After offering praise for the widespread wearing of masks, social distancing, avoiding gatherings, and staying home while sick, all of which have actually lowered the transmission of the flu this season, Chen offered concrete hopes for the future. Asian countries routinely adopt mass mask wearing during cold and flu season, and he hoped we would consider doing so in this country.

Nevertheless, people should continue hygienic practices, self-care measures, such as eating healthily and getting enough rest, and continue to get outdoor exercise, he said. Finally, he marveled at the levels of compassion he had seen people showing for each other.

“We’re all traumatized to some degree so this is wonderful that people are really focusing on compassion, I’d love to see that continue,” he said Balancing compassion between oneself and others was the topic of a question by Tim Otani, director and external affairs manager at Union Bank.

“How do you train your students, our future nurses, to balance caring for patients with the need to take care of their own families?” he asked Gayle Robinson, a registered nurse and professional development specialist at Swedish Medical Center.

Beyond educating them in the appropriate use of PPE, Robinson, who also has a doctorate along with several other advanced degrees, teaches them to take into account how marginalized populations are impacted differently by society.

Albert Chun, International District branch manager for Washington Federal Bank, asked about the opposite end of the emotional spectrum.

“How do you overcome the fear of getting this disease while continuing to work in the health sector?”

Keith Koga answered, “Not just taking care of oneself physically and mentally and using PPE properly, ‘but donning and doffing’ it is vital.” Koga is a clinical assistant nursing manager at Harborview, and manages a COVID testing site. “It’s our job and responsibility to call anyone out that is not doing it correctly.”

thinking causes anxiety. Letting it go is the best solution. It would mean freedom for you and the people around you.

Last is most important. If you don’t feel well and need to see a doctor, do it as soon as possible. Your and your loved ones’ well-being should take priority. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first or second day of LNY, just go. Sometimes, delaying a day could be a matter of life and death.

Live in the present, my friends. Be in the moment. Don’t spoil today. As Mother Teresa said, “Each moment is all we need... not more.”  Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

Min Chang, CEO of Kin On, added that both prevention and containment of positive cases were necessary. There is no good answer for how to take away the fear experienced by her staff, particularly in nursing, she said. But she has opened up units in Kin On’s adult family home for nursing staff to stay in so they don’t bring the virus home. Meanwhile, ACRS has provided classes about how to reduce stress.

Stress has reached new levels not only among healthcare workers, said Imei Hsu, a licensed mental health counselor and registered nurse, also an honoree. In comments made during the portion of the program supported by Rocky Fong, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility at U.S. Bank, Hsu said with the dawn of 2021, we have moved beyond simply panic into disillusionment.

“In the disillusionment phase, there is more emphasis on what are you really going to do for your mental health now, because you’ve been putting it off saying, ‘I think I can just get through this year (2020),’ and that didn’t quite happen the way we thought it would,” she said.

One strategy she recommended was resilience.

“Never give up, always be available for others with the knowledge you have and the training you have.” She also encouraged everyone to find inspiration from a past ancestor’s story of courage.

Northwest Asian Weekly’s associate publisher, John Liu, asked Yoon Joo Han, behavioral health director at ACRS, about tips for dealing with depression.

“Reach out to people you know and care about,” said Han. “It’s okay not to feel okay. Talk about your feelings with someone you trust.”

Other questions centered on the logistics of vaccination, for instance, should those who’ve already had COVID-19 get the

vaccine?

As long as you’re feeling better and not still isolating, then yes, said Lee, the assistant director of the ICHS clinic in Bellevue.

While getting vaccinated, pop-up health clinics can also serve as places where a community can reunite and find emotional support.

A shot clinic last week at the Central Area Senior Center not only vaccinated 400 people, but it was the first time people had gathered in months.

“When we brought all those people together, with six feet of distancing and all the safety protocol, you wouldn’t believe how good it felt, it felt like old home week,” said Hollins-Hauge.

A less visible part of confronting the pandemic, however, emerged in remarks

by Jim Doane, corporate counsel at Costco Wholesale. When large retail stores sell PPE from overseas, there is a herculean effort necessary to make sure it is reliable.

“You have to look at labeling, customs regulations, you have to look at FDA regulations, so there’s a lot of nitty-gritty nerdy work behind the scenes to try to get non-counterfeit PPE into the country,” said Doane.

Each individual honoree received a plaque, a bottle of red wine, and a gift certificate for a restaurant in the Chinatown-International District.

Organizations that were nominated received gift certificates from the Viet-Wah Supermarket.

“Please take time for yourself and don’t forget to laugh every single day,” said Assunta Ng, publisher of Northwest Asian Weekly.  Mahlon can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.