VOL 40 NO 18 | MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

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

VOL 40 NO 18 MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

FREE 39 YEARS YOUR VOICE

State Sen. Joe Nguyen wants Fire at Dow Constantine’s job Deng’s Studio

Joe Nguyen making his announcement at Hing Hay Park on April 27.

wins, it would be his fourth term.

Constantine has already secured early endorsements from Gov. Jay Inslee, former Gov. Gary Locke, Bellevue Councilmember Janice

Zahn, Burien Councilmember Sofia Aragon, four labor unions, and 13 King County mayors, see NGUYEN on 13

Chloé Zhao is first Asian American woman to win Best Director Oscar

On April 27, a fire broke out at 515 7th Avenue South, affecting mostly the exterior of the building. The Seattle Fire Department said nobody was hurt.

The Gee How Oak Tin building, a family association for Chin, Chan, Chen, Woo, and Yuen, houses Deng’s see FIRE on 16

Senate OKs bill to fight hate crimes against Asian Americans

color to win best director and a historically diverse group of winners took home awards.

The “Nomadland” victory, while widely expected, see OSCARS on 16

see HATE CRIMES on 14

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, Pool

Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland,” a wistful portrait of itinerant lives on open roads across the American West, won best picture on April 25 at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Zhao, born in China, became the first woman of

Damaged store on 515 7th Ave. S, with owner and artist Duoli Deng looking on.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate on April 22 overwhelmingly passed a bill that would help combat the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a bipartisan denunciation of such violence during the coronavirus pandemic and a modest step toward legislating in a chamber where most of President Joe Biden’s agenda has stalled.

The measure would expedite the review of hate crimes at the Justice Department and provide support for local law enforcement in response to thousands of reported violent incidents in the past year. Police have seen a noted uptick in such crimes, including the February death of an 84-year-old man who was pushed to the ground near his home in San Francisco, a young family that was injured in a Texas grocery store attack last year, and the killing of six Asian women in

Chloe Zhao, winner of the award for best picture for “Nomadland,” poses in the press room at the Oscars on April 25, at Union Station in Los Angeles.

■

Photo by Susan Lee Woo

Promising “a New Deal for King County,” Joe Nguyen announced in a news conference on April 27 that he is running for King County Executive.

Surrounded by supporters and onlookers at Hing Hay Park, Nguyen said, “It’s time for a King County government that acts as if—and not just says—‘You belong here.’ It’s time for a King County government that reflects the care and compassion our communities demonstrate every day. It’s time for a King County government that listens to the voices of those furthest from power and centers the lived experiences of those navigating a society that wasn’t built for them.” The current King County Executive, Dow Constantine, has announced that he will run for re-election. If he

Photo by George Liu

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

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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asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Sarathy is the new IAS dean at UW Bothell

Dr. Brinda Sarathy

Dr. Brinda Sarathy, professor of environmental analysis at Pitzer College in Claremont, California, has been named dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (IAS) at the University of Washington

Bothell, effective July 1.

Sarathy said she was struck by how closely the mission of IAS resonated with her own work at Pitzer, a private, liberal arts college that is part of the Claremont consortium in Southern California. The “values and commitment to social and environmental justice aligned with me,” Sarathy said.

“I was also impressed by Bothell’s strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its track record on social mobility for first-generation students,” she said.

Sarathy received a doctorate in environmental science, policy, and management at the University of California, Berkeley.

At Pitzer, Sarathy also directed the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability.

Steve Fortney runs for Seattle City Attorney

Steve Fortney, a former Department of Justice lawyer, current lawyer at Microsoft, and progressive Democrat, announced in April that he is running for Seattle City Attorney.

Steve Fortney “More than 15 years ago, Seattle committed to end homelessness in 10 years. It’s even worse today than it was then, despite us spending three times the amount of money that we used to,” “That’s an indictment on every single incumbent,

including (Seattle City Attorney) Pete Holmes,” Fortney said.

Born to a Filipino mother and Norwegian father, Forney graduated from Newport High School, the University of Washington, Johns Hopkins, and the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. “I’m outraged that after 12 years of Pete Holmes that the City is worse, not better,” Forney said in a press release. 

Korea Consulate General donates 20,000 face masks

Sen. Hirono releases political memoir

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) released her book, “Heart of Fire: An Immigrant Daughter’s Story,” on April 20.

In the memoir, Hirono traces her life from her earliest days in Hawaii to her emergence as a legislator, and it chronicles her recent transformation from dogged yet soft-spoken public servant, into a fiery advocate. 

Chef Shota Nakajima reopening Taku

Consul General Won-jik Kwon presents KF 94 face masks to WDVA Director Alfie Alvarado-Ramos.

Consul General Won-Jik Kwon, of the Republic of Korea in Seattle, presented 20,000 KF 94 Face Masks to the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) on behalf of the Republic of Korea Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on April 16.

“We are grateful to the more than 120,000 Washingtonians who served in the Korean War, and the 500 servicemen and women who lost their lives,” said Kwon. “Korea is a nation that does not forget its past and we are grateful to be reminded of their contributions by today’s face mask donation. It is a small token of our sincere gratitude.”

This was the second donation of supplies to combat the spread of COVID-19 from the Consulate General’s office to WDVA. In December 2020, 850 bottles of donated hand sanitizer were delivered to Washington’s four State Veterans Homes, State Veterans Cemetery, and other WDVA office locations. 

Three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist, Chef Shota Nakajima, will reopen his casual Capitol Hill restaurant, Taku, on May 5—nearly one year after closing it due to the Chef Shota Nakajima pandemic.

Nakajima has simplified and recreated Taku’s menu to feature his favorite childhood food—karaage, also known as Japanese fried chicken.

“My favorite lunch growing up was my mom’s chicken karaage and rice. The nostalgia and comfort I feel for this homemade dish inspired me to make it the focus of Taku’s new menu. I can’t wait to convey the simplicity of Japanese fried chicken to Seattleites!” Nakajima said.

Taku will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 3–10 p.m. for to-go orders only. Orders can be placed online at takuseattle.com or at Taku’s takeout window on East Pike Street.

Nakajima plans to open Taku for dine-in when his whole team is fully vaccinated and when he feels it is safe enough. 

Got your 1st shot?

Here are 8 things to know before your second COVID-19 vaccine shot

1 2 3 4

Side effects will likely be stronger

While many people report the second shot packs a punch, the good news is that older adults are less likely to experience vaccine reactions.

Avoid taking pain relievers before your shot

Pain relievers taken preemptively ahead of a shot could dampen the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Timing between doses doesn't need to be exact

The second dose of the Pfizer shot is recommended to be given 21 days after the first; for Moderna, 28 days. But if you miss it, the second dose can be given up to 6 weeks after the first.

The second dose should be from the same manufacturer as the first

5

A rash at the injection site isn't a reason to skip your second dose A rash at the injection site after getting the first shot should not deter from getting the second shot.

6

Temporarily avoid all other vaccines

7

Full immunity is not immediate

8

Continue preventative measures

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are not interchangeable with each other or with other COVID-19 vaccine products.

Avoid other immunizations in the two weeks before and after both doses.

It takes 2 weeks after the second dose to build full protection to the virus.

Continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing after vaccination. It’s still possible to carry the virus and silently transmit it to others.

AARP is fighting to protect the health of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders 50+ and their families by providing trusted information and resources surrounding COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination at aarp.org/vaccineinfo

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

■ COMMUNITY HEALTH

COVID-19: How to get help for unemployment and help in other services Individuals unable to work due to COVID-19 risk may qualify for Unemployment Insurance support. A worker may file an unemployment claim at the same time they initiate a discrimination action with Labor and Industries (L&I).

Unemployment claims are addressed on a case-by-case basis. Nonetheless, the following scenarios can be a useful guide:

ALLOWABLE

SPONSORED CONTENT

• An individual working at a worksite that does not follow guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Labor and Washington State Department of Health and who is unable to telework.

• An individual at high-risk for severe illness, in the same household as a person identified as high-risk or providing direct care for a person identified as high-risk who is therefore unable to work and is unable to telework.

• An individual must stay home to care for a young child because school or daycare is closed.

NOT ALLOWABLE

• An individual that quits work for an essential employer maintaining a worksite that does meet guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Labor and Washington State Department of Health.

Note: Per federal guidance, quitting work without good cause to obtain unemployment benefits is fraud.

The Employment Security Department (ESD) has resources to help with frequently asked questions related to emergency rules and COVID-19 related claims, as well as webinars that provide more information about unemployment insurance.

Unemployment claims may be filed online or by phone at 800-318-6022. Learn more about what you’ll need in the unemployment application checklist at: esdorchardstorage.blob. core.windows.net/esdwa/Default/ESDWAGOV/ Unemployment/COVID-19_Applications_ CheckList.pdf.

The federal stimulus bill that extends CARES Act unemployment benefits was signed into law.

The legislation: • Extends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Employment Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) until Sept. 4, 2021.

• Continues the additional $300 per week for all eligible claimants until Sept. 4, 2021.

By federal law, all claimants who are eligible for at least $1 each week will get this benefit, except those receiving Training Benefits. The $300 is in addition to claimants’ usual weekly benefit amount.

asianweekly

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■ COMMUNITY NEWS ID Rotary Club welcomes homeless moving into new homes

Photo provided by LIHI

YOUR VOICE

northwest

Judy Ginn (second from right) with Rotarians assembling welcome baskets and sorting donations for homeless people moving into the Clay Apartments and the Executive Pacific Hotel.

Members of the International District Rotary Club, along with club members from the Mercer Island and Sammamish Rotary, raised money and collected donations to help 225 homeless people move into their new homes on Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle.

Homeless veterans and other homeless individuals are moving into the 76-unit Clay Apartments, a new building purchased by the Low Income Housing Institute. An additional 150 homeless people, who are currently living on the street, are moving into the Executive Pacific Hotel by the Downtown Library. The ID Rotary, in collaboration with the other clubs, helped raise over $20,000 and provided welcome baskets, household furnishings, essential hygiene supplies and donated clothing, and other items for the residents.

David Goldsmith, ID Rotary Community Service Committee Chair, said, “One of our most important roles is to support our community organizations in their efforts to improve the lives of our community members...I feel so bad for the homeless and I feel so helpless. At least this is one way I can help.” 

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asianweekly northwest

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

Vietnamese man stabbed, killed The Bothell Police Department (BPD) said it is investigating “all possible motives” in the stabbing death of 29-year-old John Huynh. He was stabbed on the night of April 25 in the 19000 block of 112th Avenue Northeast, just west of Beardslee Boulevard.

Police arrived on scene shortly after many 911 calls around 7:30 p.m., but they couldn’t save Huynh. A 25-year-old suspect was arrested “without incident” and booked into the King County Jail.

A GoFundMe page for Huynh, a Vietnamese American, said, “There are no words to describe the devastation that is felt by all. John impacted the lives of countless individuals, friends, and family.” The proceeds will benefit Huynh’s wife—they were newlyweds who tied the knot last November.

A report by KIRO 7 said Huynh and another Asian American were leaving an apartment building when a resident, a white man, gave them the finger. When one of them asked, “What’s the matter with you?” eyewitnesses said the suspect lunged with a knife and stabbed Huynh in the heart.

The BPD wants anyone with additional

John Huynh

information on the case to call (425) 486-1254. There’s no indication if BPD is investigating the case as a hate crime.

On its website, BPD said, “We understand that many people have questions and concerns. While there is very limited new information we can share at this time, we would like to assure our community that we are devoting all possible resources to this case, and take it very seriously.” 

■ NATIONAL NEWS

Police arrest suspect who attacked Chinese American man

By KAREN MATTHEWS ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP) — A man suspected of a “horrific attack” on a 61-year-old Chinese American man in New York City was arrested on April 27, police said.

Jarrod Powell, 49, of East Harlem, faces two counts of felony assault, according to a statement from the New York City Police Department.

Police say Powell attacked Yao Pan Ma, 61, while he was collecting cans in East Harlem. He was knocked to the ground and kicked repeatedly in the head on April 23. He was taken to Harlem Hospital in critical but stable condition, police said.

The department’s hate crimes task force is investigating the attack, the latest in a troubling rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in New York and around the country.

Mayor Bill de Blasio called the attack “outrageous'” on Twitter.

In a statement, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, “I’m sickened to learn of yet another bigoted act of violence against an Asian American man. This is not who we are as New Yorkers, and we will not let these cowardly acts of hate against members of our New York family intimidate us.”

The victim is a former restaurant worker who lost his job because of the pandemic and was collecting cans to make ends meet. 

39 YEARS

Teen shot, killed in Rainier Beach Seattle police are investigating the shooting death of Earl Estrella, a 16-year-old of Filipino descent.

Just before 11 p.m. on April 23, someone shot Estrella as he answered the door of a home on the 9200 block of Waters Avenue South.

According to eyewitnesses, he was shot multiple times. The suspect ran away.

If you have any information on this shooting, call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

The victim’s aunt and godmother, Daisy Ganal, has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses.

“For those of you who knew and loved Earl, this news is absolutely devastating as he was only 16 years old and was a kind and sweet person,” wrote Ganal.

In regards to the fundraiser, Ganal said, “Any amount is greatly appreciated and if you cannot donate at this time, sharing this post will also go a long way.” 

Earl Estrella

You may contribute at gofundme.com/f/ earl-estrella-funeral-expenses?utm_ campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_ medium=copy_link_all&utm_ source=customer.

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Sealed bids will be received for KC000194, Chinook Wind Mitigation Project; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, via the E-Procurement system, until 1:30pm on 5/20/2021. Late bids will not be accepted. The public bid opening will only be conducted on-line following the Bid Close Date and Time; see Section 00 10 00 for details.

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.

Synopsis: The project consists of creating a wetland along the right bank of the Duwamish River and placement of large woody debris throughout the project area. Work includes installing and maintaining temporary erosion and sediment control measures; removing existing timber and concrete pilings remnant from a previously demolished motel; tree salvage; designing, installing, and maintaining temporary isolation systems for in-water work; excavation, haul and wetland grading; wetland soil amendment; topsoil placement; wood placement and anchoring; wetland sod mat placement; seeding; and goose exclusion system installation. The Contractor is required to prepare Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Isolation plans and execute the work in compliance with water quality requirements set by Washington State Department of Ecology and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as per the project permits.

Estimated contract price: $5,152,957.30 Mandatory Pre-Bid/Site Tours(s): 5/4/2021, 8:00am and 5/12/2021, 3:00pm Prospective bidders can view more details at: https:// kingcounty.gov/procurement/solicitations Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://kingcounty.gov/procurement/ supplierportal

YOUR VOICE

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

asianweekly northwest

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asianweekly northwest

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

39 YEARS

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAY 2

3

4

5

7

VIRTUAL ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION 12-2 p.m. facebook.com/apiheritage

“ORIGINAL VOICES,” A CONCERT IN RECOGNITION OF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY ANGIE ZHANG AND MIYA HIGASHIYAMA 10 a.m.

Virtually at olyso.org/voices

DEBUT NOVEL, “THINGS WE LOST TO THE WATER” BY ERIC NGUYEN Virtual event at Elliott Bay, Seattle More info at elliottbaybook.com

LIVESTREAM EVENT: “DOWNTOWN SEATTLE: REBUILDING A TROUBLED SUPERSTAR” 6-7 p.m.

Tickets: $5

EXHIBIT: “COMMUNITY SPREAD: HOW WE FACED A PANDEMIC” Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St., Seattle wingluke.org

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

Survey: 1 in 3 Asian Americans fear they will be attacked Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have growing concerns about their safety amid attacks that have targeted them during the pandemic, according to a Pew Research Center survey released on April 21.

Roughly one-third of Asian Americans feared someone might threaten or physically attack them, a larger share than all other races. More than 80% say violence against them is increasing.

Researchers conducted the survey following the March 16 shooting at three Atlanta-area spas that claimed the lives of eight people, including six Asian women. The interviews, conducted in both English and Spanish, included responses from more than 5,100 adults across races, including 352 Asian Americans.

Pew found that 45% of Asian Americans experienced one of five specific offensive incidents, including being told to go back to their home country, people acting uncomfortable around them, or being blamed for the coronavirus. Additionally, 32% noted that “someone has expressed support for them since the start of the pandemic.”

While the vast majority of Asian Americans felt that violence against their community is increasing, roughly 56% of the general American adult population felt the same increase in violence.

When asked about the reasons for the violence, around 20% of Asian American respondents cited former President Donald Trump and his “China virus” rhetoric for the rise in attacks.

Others attributed it to broader racism against Asian Americans and the impacts of Covid-19 on the nation.

The survey also showed that Asian Americans reported discrimination at similar rates before the pandemic. In

February 2019, 76% of Asian American adults said they had personally experienced discrimination or unfair treatment because of their race or ethnicity. This year, 73% of Asian Americans reported discrimination, according to Pew. 

Want free yummy dog treats made of salmon?

Send a self-addressed-stamped envelope to:

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The stamp amount should be $6.14 to hold the 5 oz. treats.

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For other info, email at rick@seanativeusa.com View the solution on page 14

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The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.”

The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article.

Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission.

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

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

YOUR VOICE

■ AT THE MOVIES

asianweekly northwest

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Mortal Kombat has blood, gore, and fatalities… but that’s it.

By John Liu NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

It only took 24 years, but Mortal Kombat is back! So was it worth the wait? If you are a Mortal Kombat fan, then get over here! For the younger generation who are not familiar with the Mortal Kombat brand, it took center stage as a 2D fighting video game created by Midway. It was the first game to feature massive blood and gore in a video game and cause some controversy in the 1990s.

The first Mortal Kombat movie was released in 1995, with a sequel called “Annihilation” in 1997.

While the first movie enjoyed box office success, the second was a flop.

I was excited when I heard James Wan was the producer since I am a big fan of “Saw” and “Aquaman.” I was not expecting an amazing storyline, but it feels straight out of an old school video game. Let me explain. Mortal Kombat champions are born with a dragon insignia and have to fight in a tournament for the fate of Earth.

Another way to get an insignia is by killing another person who has it. A Mortal Kombat tournament will determine the fate of Earthrealm.

Shang Tsung (Chin Han) and his minions, who are

stuck in the Outworld, have already won nine out of 10 times. If they win one more time, Outworld can take over Earthrealm. There is a prophecy that a “blood of Hanzo Hasashi” will unite good and stop Outworld victory. To make sure the prophecy does not come true, Shang Tsung decides to kill all the Earthrealm champions before they have a chance to enter the tournament.

The movie starts out with some backstories on all the champions. Bi Han (Joe Taslim) leads a group of assassins to attack their rivals, Shirai Ryu ninja clan and responsible for the murders of Hanzo Hasashi (Hiroyuki Sanada), his wife, and son. If you ever played the game, you probably have a good idea where this is going. Then the story follows Cole Young (Lewis Tan), an MMA fighter, who thought his dragon insignia was just a birthmark. He meets Jax who helps him escape a dangerous situation and tells Cole to meet up with Sonya Blade. At Blade’s compound, we discover she has captured Kano. Along the way, Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) and his cousin, Kung Lao (Max Huang), help them find Raiden (Tadanobu Asano)’s temple to train. Their goal is to find their arcana so they can perform special moves like in the video game. There are bad champions, too. Nitara (Mel Jarnson), a half-female vampire, has some brief screen time. Then more fighting.

Like other movies based on fighting video games, see MORTAL KOMBAT on 12

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39 YEARS

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG

6 things to do

after COVID vaccination

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY To men, it might not be a big deal whether a woman wears earrings. To us women, earrings are part of our femininity, if not identity. I have spent more time deciding what earrings to wear than my outfit. It has been months since I wore earrings and attractive clothes. What happened to a ritual that I fondly enjoyed in the past! Why bother to make ourselves look nice when we don’t meet with friends, don’t go anywhere, and isolate ourselves during COVID! And wearing a mask does not make us feel charming at all.

I realized I have been wearing the same few sets of clothes every day last year. My ear piercings almost closed. COVID has stolen my desire for vanity, pleasures, audacity, and adventures!

When friends asked me out to lunch, it was a wake-up call to put my life back together. I decided to start wearing my jewelry again, including a pretty pair of earrings. How much we had neglected ourselves during the virus! And how many of you had skipped your dental and physical check-ups? Our lives have been halted in a pandemic. It’s time we take care of serious business after vaccination.

changes in our life. Someone said, “If I have to go back to work in the office, I will look for a new job (for remote work).” Or, “Time for us to have a baby,” said a couple who thought they didn’t want to have kids before the pandemic.

Or, “I want to retire.” Or, “This is the land on my bucket list to visit.”

Perhaps, “I want to move” to another city or state. It’s time to move on to a new chapter of our lives for new challenges or environments. Do it before you regret that you have not made it happen.

DENTAL CARE AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

reveals your cholesterol level, iron level, vitamin B, and glucose. Any detection of diseases, including cancer or stroke, liver or kidney malfunction, can be shown from a lab report.

It puts your mind at ease to see your lab test results come back normal. If not, you can work to improve any issues. Awareness is a prerequisite for health.

Some friends have also been postponing mammographies. Now is the time to do it.

Lately, I also had my bone density checked. It’s efficiently done and quite safe. It took about 35 minutes from the time I arrived at the clinic to finishing the task.

Schedule an appointment once a week or every other week so you don’t get too overwhelmed with all the medical procedures.

THE BEAUTY BUSINESS

HONORING THE DEAD

I wish I could have been present at the services of a couple of friends who died from different causes, and console their families. Yet, funerals were impossible during COVID. COVID has killed many loved ones, and many families and loved ones were unable to give them a full service. Now that many of us have been vaccinated, the deceased deserve a proper and dignified celebration of life ceremony. This time, it should be held in an outdoor venue, due to COVID, with food, possibly a picnic or lunch. In Chinese culture, it is important to have a meal after the service.

The program is about a positive celebration of someone’s life, so it should be filled with animated (and not sad) stories. What can we learn from our dear ones who died so suddenly and tragically!

If the deceased was a Buddhist, go with a Buddhist ceremony to guide his/her soul towards reincarnation.

If you are Catholic, perhaps, a mass. It’s better late than never. If you can’t do any of the above, go visit his/her grave and bring flowers or a letter for your loved ones to say your final goodbyes.

It’s bad to postpone your teeth cleaning. In several surveys, dentists said there was an increase in broken teeth and dental emergencies during the pandemic.

According to the Oral Health Foundation, a study on tooth loss and mortality has shown the number of teeth we have is significantly correlated to our life expectancy.

Results found that those with 20 teeth or more at the age of 70 had a considerably higher chance of living longer than those with fewer than 20 teeth.

A friend of mine said she has her teeth cleaned and checked thrice a year. Because of the pandemic, she skipped her dental appointment, and tried to take care of her own teeth by brushing after every meal.

Over brushing your teeth can wear off your teeth’s enamel protection. I didn’t miss any of my regular dental appointments last year. My dentist’s office is clean and safe. She follows all the safety precautions and state guidelines. At the entrance, my temperature was checked and I had to gargle off with her disinfectant before she proceeded. I was comfortable during the whole procedure.

Go see your dentist.

ACTIVITIES WITH LOVED ONES

PHYSICAL CHECK-UP

TURN A NEW PAGE IN YOUR LIFE

COVID has prompted many of us to make unforeseen

For a year, I didn’t wear much make-up. What for?

No one can see us. No lip stick because the mask would smear it. I was not in the mood to make myself look great.

Vanity gives me no joy or pride in the past months. After the vaccination, I changed my attitude. It’s not a matter of looking good, it’s part of self-love and the joy of living.

Besides changing our outfits every day, I had a revelation that much of my clothing should go to Goodwill, but I just don’t want to let go. I am working on my reckoning. As for make-up, I will not wear it as long as we have our masks on. It’s pointless. If there’s any consolation to this new habit, I am saving quite a bit of money, but it’s not good for the economy.

If you have skipped your annual physical check-up in 2020, it’s time to do one this year. But I did miss my eye checkup for more than a year, and I need to do it soon.

I was lucky that I had my physical check-up before the lockdown. Recently, I had another check-up. Early detection of any disease, including cancer, is critical for cure.

A couple of routine check-ups include getting your urine and blood sample to detect any type of illness. It’s not the most pleasant thing to be poked with a needle to get your blood drawn. I am always amazed at what science can tell about your health from a tiny drop of blood. It

Summer is coming soon. My brother is organizing a family trip with his grandkids to Alaska. It’s good to have reunions with your loved ones. Domestic travel is now a hit. Take those trips you have been postponing. Plan them with safety in mind. Rent a trailer for family fun. And be careful.

If you hold parties at home, you should organize them in your yard. The outdoors is the best venue. Forget about fancy venues for elaborate partying. A picnic or barbecue in the park or wilderness is a good choice.

We lost too much last year, including loved ones.

We have too many sad memories. Let’s make it up this summer and live our precious moments.  Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

YOUR VOICE

■ HEALTH

asianweekly northwest

9

Taking care of our spines Educating our AAPI community

By Dr. Philip Louie, Dr. Venu Nemani, and Mary Gutierrez, ARNP VIRGINIA MASON FRANCISCAN HEALTH “This is just part of getting old!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get better soon!”

“I have too much to do, I don’t have time to go to the doctor!”

“I never feel comfortable with my doctor when I visit them!”

“I am really hurting, but I don’t know where to go!”

“I don’t want spine surgery … I’m fine!”

“I know my body; this isn’t a spine problem!”

These are the statements that we grew up listening to and continue to hear from our families and friends in the AAPI community. You are smiling because it’s true. We all know people in our lives that simply will find any reason to suffer through problems with their body, including their neck and back, and avoid going to the doctor.

Based on our experience and years of medical research—most problems with your neck and back do not need solved with surgery and can be treated effectively using simple and safe treatments.

That doesn’t mean that you should simply avoid seeing a doctor or a specialist when you have neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in your arms and legs. Sometimes these problems, when recognized and treated early, essentially can be resolved (or managed). Problems left undiagnosed or untreated, however, can slowly lead to loss of function and take away from your ability to spend time pursuing activities you love with family and friends. While we reserve surgery as a last resort for the vast majority of spinal problems, sometimes surgery is the only option to avoid a lifetime of pain, suffering, and disability. All of us have seen family members and friends in the AAPI community suffer in this way.

Spine problems

Lower back/legs – The lumbar spine “sciatica” We use the term “spinal stenosis,” which means that there is not enough space for the nerves in your spine.

Commonly, this could be from arthritis or a “herniated disc.” Often, there may be no symptoms with spinal stenosis, or the symptoms can come and go.

However, inflamed nerves from spinal stenosis can sometimes lead to pain (Figure 1a). When spinal stenosis involves the nerves of the lower back, in addition to back pain, you can experience: • Legs, back, or buttocks that are sore, numb, tingling, or weak • Pain that worsens with walking or standing and decreases when sitting or bending forward • Cramping in legs • Pain that shoots into one or both legs, similar to “sciatica” • Unable to control your bowel or bladder movements (this is an

tried multiple treatments.

Neck/arms – The cervical spine

Dr. Philip Louie

Dr. Venu Nemani

emergency!)

X-rays and MRI scans can be helpful to understand the possible reasons for these symptoms. Treatments often

Mary Gutierrez

include different types of medications, physical therapy, exercises, heat/ice, and injections. Surgery can also be an option if your symptoms continue despite having

Spinal stenosis can affect the nerves of the cervical spine as well. Cervical spine symptoms can include neck pain or pain that runs down the arm, caused by nerve irritation (Figure 1b). Weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms are also common. Finally, symptoms may become worse because of certain movements and can include aching or sharp, radiating pain when the neck is extended backward.

Some patients also describe headaches that travel up from the neck.

Again, if you experience major see SPINES on 15

What if every patient felt like the only patient?

What if every patient’s health care experience felt less formal, and more personal? More convenient. More one-on-one.

Creating this kind of experience will require people, capabilities, and technology at a scale that’s beyond what any one health system can provide. That’s why Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan have come together as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. With our combined resources, we’ll be able to innovate your health care experience like never before—all while delivering the medical excellence you expect from us.

Our caregivers are united in a shared purpose to improve the health of the communities we serve—and in a shared belief that there is tremendous healing power unleashed through simple acts of kindness, empathy, and respect.

We can’t wait to show you what’s possible. Learn more at vmfh.org.

CHIF193 VMFH EveryPatient_NW EveryPatient_NW AsainWeekly_vert AsainWeekly_vert 7.25w 7.25w x 9.75t_1.indd x 9.75t_1.indd1 1

4/7/21 6:28 PM

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asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

Wing Luke “Community Spread” exhibit tells of a year of hardship and heart

By Kai Curry NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY The memes abounded at New Year.

“What happened in 2020, stays in 2020.” Or, “The first rule of 2021 is don’t talk about 2020.” People understandably wanted to put a turbulent year behind them. But the Wing Luke Museum had a different idea. They put together an exhibition, “Community Spread: How We Faced a Pandemic,” to collect the stories before we forget the challenges but also the triumphs of a year of pandemic and its fallout.

“We tried to represent as broad of a community as we could,” Wing Luke Exhibit Developer Mikala Woodard explained. “The process has been challenging, emotionally draining. We’ve had to push back the opening date.” She expressed concerns over the Wing Luke’s ability to welcome patrons during a lockdown.

“You never know. Is anyone going to see it?” And the fact that it was a year seemingly without end, with troubling events overlapping into 2021. “More and more things kept piling on…issues we need to address around race and antiAsian attacks. We are trying to keep it focused on the pandemic and these other things as they relate to that.”

Now, finally, with the Wing Luke

open to walk-ins and with virtual tours available, they are ready to open the exhibition on May 7. It will feature displays such as COVID-19 masks and artwork, along with the stories collected over the past year by members of the community. Among others, the Wing Luke partnered with a University of Washington Public Health associate teaching professor, Anjulie Ganti, whose students conducted interviews with area residents about their experiences; Nola Liu, a graduate student who created an

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Sealed bids will be received for KC000204, PSERN Radio System Renton City Hall Site Improvement; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, via the E-Procurement system, until 1:45pm on 5/18/2021. Late bids will not be accepted. The public bid opening will only be conducted on-line following the Bid Close Date and Time; see Section 00 10 00 for details.

There is a 3% minimum Apprentice Utilization Requirement on this contract.

There is a 10% minimum requirement for King County Certified Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) on this contract.

Brief Scope The Contractor shall provide labor, materials, and equipment necessary to perform construction services for replacing the King County Emergency Radio Communications System (KCERCS) with a new P25 Phase 2 land mobile radio system for the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) at the Renton City Hall. Work shall also include site improvement.

Estimated contract price: $460,000 Site Tours: 5/10/21, see Section 00 10 00 for more details.

Prospective bidders can view more details at: https:// kingcounty.gov/procurement/solicitations Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://kingcounty.gov/procurement/ supplierportal

interactive story map with interviews, photos, and other materials to track the effects of the pandemic; and Erica Chung, who during the preparation of the project was a board member of the Korean American Historical Society here in Seattle.

“It was fascinating to hear the many stories of community members,” Chung shared. “For those lucky enough to isolate with their immediate family members, they appreciated the time they were spending together, even if it was just

meals together. For those separated from family by distance, they were finding ways to stay connected virtually and anxiously waiting for when they could reconnect in person.” Chung recalled a couple of interviews that stood out to her, those of Sunset Kwon and Lori Wada, who are providing technical assistance to Korean Americans, such as helping them fill out grant or unemployment applications.

“They stated that many Korean Americans they are helping are not technically savvy and are limited to nonEnglish speakers, so helping them has been especially challenging. Yet, at the same time, [they] recognized the desperation of the many Korean Americans who are calling for assistance.”

Something that occurred to Woodward over the course of the year was how quickly we could forget what it was like in the beginning. Before we really understood what was coming.

“We got this whole batch of interviews… documenting that early feeling of ‘What’s happening?’ Before all the George Floyd stuff happened.” Woodward said that she knew “we should capture these stories before things changed…In the beginning, we had no idea. Two-week lockdown. We thought we weren’t supposed to wear see WING LUKE on 16

YOUR VOICE

■ NATIONAL NEWS

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

asianweekly northwest

11

California OKs 1st As virus-era attacks on Asians Filipino American rise, past victims as attorney general look back

By DON THOMPSON ASSOCIATED PRESS

By TERRY TANG ASSOCIATED PRESS Nearly a year after they were almost stabbed to death inside a Midland, Texas, Sam’s Club, Bawi Cung and his two sons all have visible scars.

It’s the unseen ones though that are harder to get over. Cung can’t walk through any store without constantly looking in all directions. His 6-year-old son, who now can’t move one eyebrow, is afraid to sleep alone.

On a Saturday evening in March, when COVID-19 panic shopping gripped the nation, Cung was in search of rice at a cheaper price.

The family was in the Sam’s Club meat section when Cung suddenly felt a punch to the back of his head.

A man he didn’t know then slashed his face with a knife. The assailant left but soon returned to stab the boys. He wounded the 3-year-old in the back and slashed the 6-yearold from his right eye to a couple of inches past his right ear.

The grisly encounter brought home the dangerous climate Asian Americans have faced since the coronavirus entered the U.S., with racially motivated harassment and assaults occurring from coast to coast.

Now, just over a year and thousands of incidents later, some of the early victims find moving forward has been difficult or, at best, bittersweet. A recent wave of attacks on elderly Asian Americans—including the death of an 84-year-old San Francisco man—has fueled worries that hostilities have only worsened.

In Cung’s case, the man responsible for the attack believed the Myanmar man and his children were Chinese and spreading the virus, according to the FBI. Cung said he’s not sure what would have happened had a Sam’s Club employee, Zach Owen, not intervened.

“Maybe I might kill him.

Maybe he might kill all of my family. I don’t know,” Cung said.

“God protected my family, God sent Zach to protect my family right there at the right time.”

Owen, who was stabbed in the leg and deeply cut in his right palm, and an off-duty Border Patrol agent detained the suspect, Jose Gomez, 19.

Verbal attacks have also made a lasting mark.

In April, a confrontation in a Richmond, California, park left an irrevocable impact not just on Kelly Yang, 36, but her children.

She was forced to discuss anti-

Asian racism with her son, 10, and daughter, 7—a talk she didn’t think would happen for a few more years. An elderly white couple, upset over her unleashed dog, called Yang, who is Chinese American, an “Oriental” and said the words many Asian Americans dread: “Go back where you came from.”

Her children thought the couple meant for them to go home. Torn, Yang eventually explained they meant “for us to go back to Asia.“ “It means that we’re not welcome here.”

Her son burst into tears.

Yang believes the couple felt emboldened by then-President Donald Trump’s use of racially charged terms like “Chinese virus.“ She applauded President Joe Biden’s recent executive order condemning anti-Asian xenophobia as a good start. But Yang is afraid a lot of non-Asians have already shrugged off the issue as though it ceased when Trump’s presidency did.

“I don’t know what can be done,” said Yang, who writes young adult novels and plans to weave her experience into her next book. “But I do know talking about it, acknowledging it, remembering—that’s what we do with wars—we have to remember what happened.”

Douglas Kim, 42, chef and owner of Jeju Noodle Bar in New York City, is certain COVID-19-fueled racism was behind the April vandalizing of his Michelin-starred, Korean restaurant. Someone used a Sharpie to scrawl on the winter vestibule “Stop eating dogs,” referring to a stereotype about Asian cuisines. Ultimately, Kim decided not to report it.

“At the time it pissed me off, but I have more important things to worry about,“ Kim said. see CUNG on 13

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers approved the state’s first Filipino American to hold the top law enforcement job in the nation’s most populous state on April 22— saying the progressive Democrat is taking office during a critical debate Rob Bonta over racial justice and the changing role of police.

Rob Bonta becomes California’s second attorney general of Asian descent, after Kamala Harris.

Harris’ rise to U.S. senator and now vice president illustrates the prominence of the job.

“It’s the right choice at the right time,” said Democratic Sen. Dave Min. “Our Asian American community is experiencing unprecedented levels of hate and violence. We’ve seen at the same time that our state and nation are grappling with a wide array of challenges on racial unrest, domestic terrorism, a surge in gun violence, and the need for meaningful law enforcement reforms.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a Democrat, nominated Bonta in March. The 49-year-old assemblyman from the east San Francisco Bay Area city of Alameda, to succeed Xavier Becerra. He resigned to become the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary.

The Assembly approved Bonta’s nomination on a 62-0 vote with Republicans abstaining, while the Senate followed on a 29-6 roll call with three additional Republicans not voting.

GOP Caucus chairwoman Sen. Patri-

cia Bates said Republicans remain concerned about Bonta’s progressive track record since he was elected to the Assembly in 2012, but were reassured by his promise “that he is very committed to a bipartisan role on issues that do affect our constituents.”

Republicans didn’t support his nomination, Bates said, “but do want to recognize a commitment and a passion that he will bring to this assignment, and we wish him well and we very much look forward to working with him in the coming years.”

Bonta will be up for election with other statewide officials next year.

He takes office during a time of “a very strong examining of our justice system and whether it has really truly been just,” said Democratic Sen. Nancy Skinner.

Bonta will be responsible for enforcing laws that the Legislature has recently enacted “through the lens of racial equity,” Skinner said, including a law requiring his office to investigate police shootings that result in the deaths of unarmed civilians.

Bonta said after his confirmation that he views the attorney general as “the people’s attorney.”

“To fight for everyday folks, the vulnerable, the voiceless, the disadvantaged, those who need a champion, those who are hurting, being abused, and to push back and fight back against those in power who are overreaching that power or abusing that power,” he said. “That’s the job.” 

12

asianweekly northwest

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

39 YEARS

■ NATIONAL NEWS

Colorado Asian leaders demand apology from newspaper It also mocks the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus was first identified, and uses fake quotes from local public officials, although with altered name spellings.

“We are demanding an apology to the Asian community,” Fran Campbell, president and chief executive officer of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, told The Denver Post. “We strongly suggest diversity training and hiring.”

The newspaper has posted a note on its website saying, “Our April Fool’s spoof article contained words and content that were poorly chosen and we are sorry for that.”

DENVER (AP) — Leaders of Colorado’s Asian community have demanded an apology and are planning a boycott against The Villager newspaper in Greenwood Village for publishing a story on April Fools’ Day that used extensive Asian stereotypes.

The article, headlined “America’s Largest Amusement Park Heads to Greenwood Village,” jokes about an influx of Chinese students in the school district and includes a paragraph about stocking hotels with extra rice, vegetables and chopsticks for the hundreds of Chinese workers being brought in to build the fictitious park.

MORTAL KOMBAT from 7 they have to introduce way too many characters so there’s no room for development or anything else.

Although I was never a big fan of Mortal Kombat, I did play a few versions so I got most of the game references in the movie. They even address Kombat being spelled with a K. Famous catch phrases are littered all over the movie, “Get Over here,” “Fatality,” “Test Your Might,” and “Flawless Victory.” I thought adding in Mortal Kombat references was corny but effective. I wish they had gone the extra mile and was hoping for comedic video game references incorporated in a witty way. A Mortal Kombat arcade machine cameo would have been perfect.

Friendships and Babalities would have also made surprising additions. There are a ton of Sub-Zero fight scenes, but not once did Sub-Zero freeze the floor and make his opponent slip on the ice.

That would have been hilarious and would have really made the movie!

There are some positives to Mortal Kombat. I counted seven Asian actors.

That is some good Asian representation!

Hiroyuki Sanada was the only actor I knew at the time of watching. I had to look up the other actors afterwards. To my surprise, they were in many roles in other movies I have watched.

I definitely miss going to the movies.

It was one of my favorite pastimes before the pandemic. However, I recommend “testing your might” at home with HBO Max. I rewatched some scenes a few times to catch a few Mortal Kombat references I missed my first time.  Mortal Kombat is playing on HBO Max for 30 days and in local theaters.

John can be reached at john@nwasianweekly.com.

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The note also said the paper has reached out to the Asian Chamber of Commerce, the City of Greenwood Village and the Cherry Creek School District “to embrace, listen and learn.” Its April 15 edition included a spread highlighting examples of the publication’s “positive, culturally inclusive coverage.”

Chris Smith, the incoming Cherry Creek Schools superintendent who was quoted in the article, sent a letter to district families criticizing the newspaper, the Post reported.

“The racist and xenophobic language used in this article is harmful to the Asian American community and it is offensive

to all of us,“ he wrote.

Posting April Fools’ Day stories in newspapers and on news websites is not supported by journalism ethics experts, including the Society of Professional Journalists.

“Not only does this article provide completely fabricated information that could easily be confused as truth, it contains racist stereotypes about a population that has been subject to a wave of hate crimes over the past year,” said Danielle McLean, chair of SPJ’s ethics committee. 

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Sealed bids will be received for KC000206, S 277th St Bridge No. 3126 Replacement; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, via the E-Procurement system, until 1:30:59 PM on 5/18/21. Late bids will not be accepted. The public bid opening will only be conducted online following the Bid Close Date and Time; see Invitation to Bid for details.

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.

King County in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex in consideration for an award.

This project provides for the improvement South 277th Street from West Valley Highway N to 55th Avenue South in King County by designing, dewatering, and installing a temporary stormwater system bypass, shoring, removing the existing bridge structure, installing a County-provided precast concrete box culvert, casting approach slabs, paving with hot mix asphalt, providing temporary traffic control, erosion control, and other work.

Estimated contract price: $1,048,074 Pre-Bid Conference/Site Tour: None. The site is open to the public.

Prospective bidders can view more details at: https:// kingcounty.gov/procurement/solicitations Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://kingcounty.gov/procurement/ supplierportal

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

YOUR VOICE

■ BUSINESS

asianweekly northwest

13

Online grocery Weee’s Larry Liu on delivering in a pandemic

By TALI ARBEL AP TECHNOLOGY WRITER

two decades ago. He said he started the company because he was dissatisfied with the selection available from local Asian grocery stores and by how long it took to reach them from his home.

He spoke with The Associated Press about how the pandemic affected grocery delivery, the company’s expansion goals after it recently raised over $300 million and how Weee’s customers saw the pandemic coming long before other Americans. The conversation has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: Why did you start Weee?

Larry Liu

Virtual grocery shopping became more popular during the pandemic lockdowns, and Weee, a startup focused on Asian grocery delivery, was no exception.

Its founder, Larry Liu, came to the U.S. from China as a young engineer nearly

NGUYEN from 1 according to an email from Constantine’s campaign sent to Northwest Asian Weekly.

Nguyen currently serves on the Washington state Senate— the first Vietnamese American ever elected to that role. His announcement comes days after the end of the 2021 legislative session in Olympia. Criminal justice reform is a major part of Nguyen’s platform, as he ran for Senate following the death of Tommy Le, a Burien man who was fatally shot by a King County sheriff’s deputy in 2017.

He plans on using the county’s $12 billion budget to scale up crime prevention and community services, divert youth from incarceration, and create more police accountability to build

A: In the Bay Area where I live, it took me 25 minutes to get to the closest Chinese store, and it took us two minutes to get to a mainstream supermarket.

Asian markets were relatively harder to get access to, and also the shopping experience is not great. They’re usually very crowded, and the assortment is usually pretty old. A lot of the (brands) were actually from the 80s, when most of the stores were set up in this country.

trust with law enforcement.

On his official campaign website, Nguyen also lists housing affordability, homelessness, climate change, transportation, and creating a more just economy, among his key priorities.

“Politics should be about people, not careers, and it’s increasingly clear that governments run by transactional politicians do not serve communities,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen volunteered for Constantine’s first campaign in 2009 and he beat Constantine’s current deputy chief of staff, Shannon Braddock, for the Senate seat he now holds.

Nguyen says it’s time for a change.

“Decisions from the top down are easy—but they do not solve real and systemic problems. Engaging

CUNG from 11 “Maintaining a business is more important.”

He shared a picture of the graffiti on Instagram to call attention to hate crimes. There was a groundswell of support, but he feels like much of it has faded.

Yet, Kim is hopeful fewer people are stereotyping Asian Americans as foreigners who don’t belong in the U.S. “I think it’s all about education,” Kim said. “If you raise your children that way, they’re gonna learn that way. I think things are changing but it’s not 100% yet.

That’s why somebody obviously wrote that on our door.”

More than 3,000 incidents have been reported to Stop AAPI Hate, a California-based reporting center for Asian American Pacific Islanders, and its partner advocacy groups, since mid-March 2020. What’s frustrating is that the encounters don’t often rise to the legal definition of a hate crime. Still, police in several major cities saw a sharp uptick in Asian-targeted hate crimes between 2019 and 2020, according to data collected by the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, California State University, San Bernardino. New York City went from three incidents to 27, Los Angeles from seven to 15, and Denver had three incidents in 2020—the first reported

Q: And you’re from Wuhan, where the pandemic began.

Do you have family there, are A: We have a lot of Chinese immigrant they OK?

Q: What was the effect of the coronavirus pandemic?

customers, so the pandemic actually impacted our customers psychologically before everybody.

A: That’s my hometown. Everyone was OK. It was a difficult time for the city for sure.

Q: What was that psychological effect?

Q: Was it frustrating to see the response of people in A: In China, the shutdown of Wuhan the U.S. to the pandemic in happened in mid-January. At that time a early 2020, given what you regular American wouldn’t think much saw happening in China? about the pandemic. But as Chinese immigrants started to see that in China, they started to be more cautious and started to buy more online. The first U.S. case was in Seattle (in January).

Immigrant communities just took that a lot more seriously than the general public.

We’re seeing demand growing very rapidly in February. In early February we started to require our employees to wear masks and take everybody’s temperature every day.

A: I wouldn’t say frustrating. Nobody knew what’s going to happen, right?

I think we took the situation more seriously than a regular business that probably didn’t see what’s happening in China. We tried to tell everyone, hey, we need to take this seriously. It could be a big catastrophic thing.

communities, being mindful of the people you serve, adjusting systems and behaviors to accommodate the people you work for—that’s good governing.”

Nguyen’s parents came here as refugees from the Vietnam War. They were resettled in public housing in White Center, where they raised Nguyen and his siblings. His father was a mechanic and his mother worked as a seamstress before a tragic car accident left his father quadraplegic.

In the state legislature, Nguyen sponsored a bill to expand benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program—a program he says kept him and his family fed following his father’s accident.

As part of his housing affordability plan, Nguyen said he plans to create

alternative pathways to homeownership for communities of color who may not have access to intergenerational wealth, especially in unincorporated parts of King County.

Outside of politics, Nguyen is a senior manager at Microsoft—working to provide job training that supports all people with the skills needed to succeed in a technologically dependent economy.

He lives in West Seattle with his wife Tallie, a former special education teacher in the Highline Public School District, and they have three children under the age of 5. 

there in six years.

A rash of crimes victimizing elderly Asian Americans in the past two months has renewed outcry for more attention from politicians and the media. On April 21, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off on legislation allocating $1.4 million to Stop AAPI Hate and the UCLA Asian American Studies Center. The funding will go toward community resources and further tracking of anti-Asian hate incidents.

Local officials and citizens have also taken notice.

Initiatives like increased police presence, volunteer patrols and special crime hotlines are coming to fruition.

Big-name brands like the Golden State Warriors and Apple, based in the Bay Area, have promised to donate to the cause.

Cynthia Choi, of Stop AAPI Hate, wishes news cycles would focus not just on the latest crimes but the solutions being discussed. Policing and prosecution aren’t necessarily the answers, she said. COVID-19 vitriol is rooted in more than a century of anti-Chinese and anti-immigrant attitudes. She and other advocates think more investment in education and community resources could help get at those root causes. Anti-Asian xenophobia should be part of the ongoing conversations on racial reckoning, Choi added.

see LIU on 15

Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

“Our work to address anti-Asian racism is inextricably tied to fighting anti-Black racism,” Choi said. “That’s gonna take all of us, it’s gonna take public education efforts, it’s gonna take racial solidarity efforts that really bring our communities together.“ Before immigrating to the U.S. six years ago, Cung, the Texas hate crime survivor, had never encountered racism. Now, it’s difficult for him to hear stories about anti-Asian American violence. Initially after the attack, Cung wrestled with how Gomez tried to kill him simply because of how he looked. Now, he prays for his attacker.

As for what should happen to Gomez, who remains jailed on three counts of attempted capital murder, Cung said that’s up to the courts.

“I can forgive him, but we cannot accept racism or that kind of terrorist attack,” said Cung, who received more than $20,000 in online donations.

One thing he is looking ahead to—life as a newly naturalized U.S. citizen in a country where “they respect people.” Cung remains unbothered that he may not fit some people’s idea of what America looks like.

“Maybe personally they have racism,” Cung said.

“I don’t care. I’m proud of being Asian and Asian American.” 

April 20, 2021

DATE ORDERED:

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SUB-BIDS REQUESTED You must respond in writing if you want the court to consider your side. Deadline! Your All Subs Response must be filed and served within 60 days of the date this Summons is published SHA Lam Bow Apartments EITHER: DUE and ACTUAL April 11, 2021. If you do not file and serve your Response orENTER a Notice of Appearance by theBIDS-PROPOSALS-SUBMITTALS 6935-6955 Delridge Way SWDUE DATE deadline: No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and The court may SEATTLE, WA 98106 ENTER EITHER: REQUEST FOR BIDS- PROPOSALS-QUALIFICATIONS approve the requests in the Petition without hearing your side (called a default judgment).

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Thursday, May 20th, 2021 by 4:00pm.

Those documents explain what the other party is asking for.

SCOPE OF WORK: WALSH CONSTRUCTION CO./WA 2. Fill out a Response on this for FL Divorce 211, Response to Petition about a Marriage. or Fifth Ave. S., Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104 3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the person who filed this Summons at theSITE MEETING 315 (206) 547-4008 address below, and to any other parties. You may use certified mail with return receipt PRE-BID MEETING/CONFERENCE: (If There is One) WMBE / SECTION 3 / APPRENTICESHIP PARTICIPATION: WCC requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5. and and SHA strongly encourage Women and Minority Business Enter4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Superior Court Clerk, SITE prisesLOCATION/ADDRESS (WMBEs) and Section 3 Businesses to submit proposals for King County 516 3rd Ave Seattle, Washington 98104 this project.

The project will also track WMBE, Apprenticeship and 5. Lawyer not required: It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve yourDUE DATE: (Identify) Response without one Section 3 participation; see bxwa at the link below for more informaPACKET and: Person filing this Summons or his/her lawyer fills out below: tionCOST: regarding project goals.

March 9, 2021 - Khaled Youseff Ali. I agree to accept legal papers for this case at the folWEB SITE INFO: lowing address (this does not have to be your home address): 15127 NE 24th Street, Suite PREVAILING WAGES: All subcontractors must comply with Wash314 Redmond, Washington 98052 ington State Residential Prevailing Wage AND Davis Bacon Residen-

EMpLoyMENT

EMpLoyMENT

PROJECT MANAGER and/or PHONE or EMAIL: tial Prevailing Wage requirements – see specific information under project posting.

Saar’s Super Saver Foods is hiring Grocery Store Cashiers. There are job opportunities in White Center, Tukwila and Tacoma store locations. Applicants must be able to speak some English. Call 253298-2497 to inquire about the grocery store cashier positions.

Please join Walsh Construction for an information session outlining the SHA Lam Bow Apartments project. In this session we will cover high-level project details, general bidding information and answer any questions bidders may have before bids are due.

-Session 1: Thursday, April 29th 2:00-3:00pm: bit.ly/lam-bow1 -Session 2: Friday, April 30th 2:00-3:00pm: bit.ly/lam-bow2 All Bid Documents are available on Builders Exchange, you can also download it from sharefile link here: Bid Documents

WoK CHEF -1 good wok chef with so so English -1 kitchen manager with good English for upscale restaurant.

Japanese restaurant in Everett Little English is fine. Good work hiring Sushi chef and Server . ethnic. Team work. Good Pay. Both with good benefits. Call Please call 404-376-5407.

206-227-8000.

LOCATION OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS - Current plans, specifications, bid packages and bid forms can be accessed: Builders Exchange at www.bxwa.com. (Click on: Posted Projects, General Contractor - Project Areas, WA, Walsh Construction Co. Seattle, Projects Bidding. Username: walsh Password: safety). All subcontractors are advised to frequently visit Builders Exchange to check for any Addenda to the Bid Documents.

CCO1 WALSHCC990D1

DONE RITE

Subscribe to the Northwest Asian Weekly $40 for one year. Mail info to: NW Asian Weekly 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104 or call 206-223-0623

Kitsap Transit Marine Mechanic Req: HS dipl/GED & 3 yrs exp in service & repair of marine engines & equip. on small ferries at least 65 ft. in length. $42.56 - $57.24/hr + generous benefits. Job details, appl. & benefits info: http://kitsaptransit.appone.com/. Deadline: 4:00 PM, 4/30/21 KITSAP TRANSIT IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CARPET CLEANING

206-487-8236

HATE CRIMES from 1 shootings in March in Atlanta.

The names of the six women killed in Georgia are listed in the bill, which passed the Senate on a 94-1 vote. Biden applauded the measure, tweeting, “Acts of hate against Asian Americans are wrong, un-American, and must stop.”

The House is expected to consider similar legislation in the coming weeks.

Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, the legislation’s lead sponsor, said the measure is incredibly important to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, “who have often felt very invisible in our country, always seen as foreign, always seen as the other.” She said the message of the legislation is as important as its content and substance.

Hirono, the first Asian American woman elected to the Senate, said the attacks are “a predictable and foreseeable consequence” of racist and inflammatory language that has been used against Asians during the pandemic, including slurs used by former President Donald Trump.

Illinois.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a former Army helicopter pilot who lost her legs during a 2004 attack in Iraq, said she had been asked what country she was from while wearing her U.S. military uniform. Duckworth, the first member of Congress born in Thailand, said there

is more work to be done, but the bill’s passage tells the community that “we will stand with you and we will protect you.”

It’s unclear whether the bipartisan bill is a sign of things to come in the Senate, where Republicans and Democrats have fundamental differences and often struggle to work together. Under an agreement struck by Senate leaders at the start of the year, Republicans and Democrats pledged to at least try to debate bills and see if they could reach agreement through the legislative process. The hate crimes legislation is the first byproduct of that agreement.

Some said it doesn’t need to be the last.

Hirono said it is her “sincere hope that we can channel and sustain the bipartisan work done on this important piece of legislation” to a larger bill that would change policing laws, which Senate Republicans are negotiating with House Democrats. South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Republican, said ahead of the vote that he hopes the bipartisan example of the hate crimes bill will extend to an infrastructure package that has so far divided the parties.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the legislation shows that the chamber can work in a bipartisan fashion, and he aims to make that happen as much as possible. “That doesn’t

206-233-0623 206-233-0626

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MAY ORDER 1 – MAY PURCHASE #:

See ‘Insertion Information’ listed below

ADVERTISING SIZE:

mean we forgo our principles. It doesn’t mean we cut back on the boldness that is needed,” he said.

“It means we try to work with our Republican colleagues wherever we can.”

But unlike many of the larger, more controversial policy issues Democrats hope to tackle in their new majority, efforts to combat the rising violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have almost universal backing.

More than 3,000 incidents have been reported to Stop AAPI Hate, a California-based reporting center for such crimes, and its partner advocacy groups since mid-March 2020.

Republicans said that they agreed with the premise of the legislation and signaled they were willing to back it with minor changes, an unusual sign of comity amid frequent standstills in the polarized Senate. Hirono

39 YEARS

john@nwasianweekly.com

FOR VENDOR:

ACTUAL AD LISTED BELOW

FIRST PUBLICATION

King County Housing Authority (KCHA) Landscaping Services at Various King County Housing Authority Properties BID DUE DATE:

May 4, 2021 at 4:00 pm

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS KCHA is seeking proposals from qualified, licensed contractors interested in submitting bids for the Landscaping Services at Various King County Housing Authority Properties.

Landscaping services will be for labor and materials, for a period of three (3) years, with an option for an additional three (3) year term..

KCHA may consider awarding contracts individually or in groups of any combination of the following properties: Vantage Glen - 18100 107th PL SE, Renton, WA 98055; Wonderland Estates - 14645 Maple Valley Rd, Renton, WA 98058; Rainier View – 32631 1st Ave., Black Diamond, WA 98010.. There is an optional prebid meeting at the property on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 8:00 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 Mary Gonzalez-Hansen at Maryg@kcha.org. [Project Estimate].

worked closely with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to incorporate some additional Republican and bipartisan provisions, including better reporting of hate crimes nationally and grant money for states to set up hate crime hotlines.

The revised bill would also replace language in the original legislation that called for “guidance describing best practices to mitigate racially discriminatory language in describing the COVID–19 pandemic.” The legislation would instead require the government to issue guidance aimed at “raising awareness of hate crimes during the pandemic” to address some GOP concerns about policing speech.

Republicans agreed to back the compromise bill after the Senate also voted on and rejected a series of GOP amendments, including

efforts to prevent discrimination against Asian Americans in college admissions and reporting about restrictions on religious exercise during the pandemic.

Only one Republican, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, voted against the bill. In a statement, Hawley said he believed the legislation was too broad, and “my view is it’s dangerous to simply give the federal government openended authority to define a whole new class of federal hate crime incidents.”

Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., introduced a similar bill in the House, which she says is expected to be considered in May. “For more than a year, Asian Americans all across our nation have been screaming out for help,” Meng said, and the Senate showed that “they heard our pleas.” 

SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 6.

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

asianweekly northwest

15

Predictions and advice for the week of May 1–7, 2021

By Sun Lee Chang

Rat—Spontaneity isn’t your strong suit, but you recognize a bargain when you see one and can act quickly if needed.

Dragon—Are two things a little too close for comfort? Consider creating or building a buffer of some sort.

Monkey—A race to the finish could lead to sloppy results. A better end product might be worth taking your time.

Ox—Before a special occasion becomes a distant memory, think ahead about capturing it as a picture or video.

Snake—Spending a little too much time indoors lately? Get some fresh air with a brisk walk or sit outside.

Rooster—When you believe in yourself, much is possible. Prepare as necessary and build on your successes.

Tiger—Although you probably envisioned something else, take advantage of an opening to get your foot in the door.

Horse—Sometimes the best advice is doled out to others. Turn the tables and think about taking your own advice.

Dog—Only you can decide when you’ve had enough. Trust what your instincts are telling you.

Rabbit—When you have competing interests, make the effort to clearly define and understand where the conflicts exist.

Goat—If your instructions are too complicated, they might not be followed. Simplify where it makes sense.

Pig—Remember that good luck can mean that you are lucky enough to have the resources to deal with what happens.

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, 2021 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.

SPINES from 9 weakness or can’t control your bladder or bowels, this is an emergency, and you should seek medical attention right away.

Spinal cord – cervical myelopathy

This is a neck condition that arises when the spinal cord becomes compressed—or squeezed—due to the wearand-tear changes or a large, herniated disc. Often, symptoms develop slowly and progress over several years. In some patients, however, the condition may worsen more rapidly. In addition to neck pain, patients with spinal cord compression (myelopathy) also describe:

Tingling or numbness in the arms, fingers, or hands

Weakness in the muscles of the arms, shoulders, or hands.

You may have trouble grasping and holding on to items.

Imbalance and other coordination problems. You may have trouble walking or you may fall down.

Loss of fine motor skills.

You may have difficulty with handwriting, buttoning your clothes, picking up coins, or feeding yourself.

If symptoms are mild, nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy can help.

However, if your condition is worsening rapidly due to the

Cervical spine symptoms can include neck pain or pain that runs down the arm.

Inflamed nerves can sometimes lead to pain

pressure on the spinal cord, we recommend that most patients have surgery to stop the symptoms from worsening.

Scoliosis and spinal deformity

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. The most common symptom is back or neck pain. You may also notice an abnormal curvature of the spine, the entire body leaning to one side or leaning forward, difficulty holding your head upright, prominent ribs on either side, humpback deformity

(abnormal forward curve), abnormal gait, and a rigid and stiff spine. Not every patient with scoliosis requires surgical treatment. Lifestyle changes (ie. stopping smoking, weight loss, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise) are helpful in addressing the back pain.

Most cases are treated using medications, physical therapy, and spinal injections to control pain. Surgery is an option for those with severe body imbalance, a larger curvature, and/or neurologic symptoms that have failed other treatments.

(aka “family doctor”) is a great place to start for any medical concerns, including any neck or back problems. This is generally someone that you have already had a relationship with and has worked with you on other issues. They may not know exactly what is going on, but they will certainly be able to direct you to someone that does.

If you are experiencing a fever or unexpected weight loss, you should seek care soon. Looking for a primary care provider? We can help you find one online at virginiamason.org or by calling (888) 862-2737.

When to seek medical attention and who to Spine specialist (nonsurgeon) – The “Spine visit?

Primary care provider

Your primary care provider

Clinic”

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) providers

are non-surgical spine and musculoskeletal specialists.

They are a great team to start off with if you have concerns regarding your back or neck pain, pain shooting down the arms or legs, numbness, tingling, or weakness. There are many effective treatments that may be offered that do not involve surgery, including physical therapy. The team also works closely with the surgeons in optimizing your care should surgery be warranted.

There is also a dedicated “Spine Clinic” focused on back and neck pain that addresses acute symptoms (less than 6 months). Feel free to reach out at any time online at virginiamason.org/spine-clinic or call (206) 41-SPINE or (206) 417-7463.

When do I visit a spine surgeon?

Hopefully never, but we are here if you need us! Usually, it is best to have your primary care provider or a spine specialist to reach out to us about your condition and concerns. This will help the team know more about you and ensure that you have maximized your nonsurgical options.

Questions in general?

Email at any time at VMMC.Communications@ virginiamason.org. 

LIU from 13

Q: Now that you’ve raised this money, what do you want to do?

A: We’re constantly expanding to other markets.

Right now we have fulfillment centers in five cities, we’re adding a few this year across the U.S. We’re also trying to expand in Canada in the near future.

Q: Why are you adding Hispanic foods to the business?

A: We looked at the demographics. The reason we chose Asian and Hispanic, there are a lot of similarities between the two groups. They’re growing, they’re underserved.

Q: And what are your best-selling foods?

A: Our biggest category is fresh produce. Our No. 1 item is actually green onions. No. 2 item is enoki mushrooms. Produce is No. 1, followed by meat and seafood. 

asianweekly

39 YEARS

MAY 1 – MAY 7, 2021

OSCARS from 1 nevertheless capped the extraordinary rise of Zhao, a lyrical filmmaker whose winning film is just her third, and which—with a budget less than $5 million and featuring a cast populated by non-professional actors— ranks as one of the most modest-sized movies to win Hollywood’s top honor. (Zhao’s next film, Marvel’s “Eternals,” has a budget approximately 40 times that of “Nomadland.”)

A plain-spoken meditation on solitude, grief and grit, “Nomadland” struck a chord in a pandemic-ravaged year. It made for an unlikely Oscar champ: A film about people who gravitate to the margins took center stage.

“I have always found goodness in the people I’ve met everywhere I went in the world,” said Zhao when accepting best director, which Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker”) was the only previous woman to win.

“This is for anyone who has the faith and the courage to hold on to the goodness in themselves and to hold on the goodness in others no matter how difficult it is to do that.”

The film also won the Best Picture award. With a howl, “Nomadland” star Frances McDormand implored people to seek out the film and others on the big screen.

Released by the Disney-owned Searchlight Pictures,

WING LUKE from 10 masks. What a confusing and shocking time it was…and how the ID took it hard.

The businesses were really impacted…a lot of the existing inequalities have been deepened…[We] wanted to address the loss and honor the grief and hardship people are experiencing, but…emphasize the resilience and mutual aid, extended family values, and collective community support—so there are a lot of great stories about grocery deliveries, and making masks and checking on elders, all the ways people have been supporting each other logistically and finding ways to find joy.”

It wasn’t easy—it still isn’t easy—for everyone to share their experiences since the pandemic, separation from loved ones, financial hardship, and racism, threatened to dominate our lives.

“The interviewees thought it was a great idea to collect Korean American COVID-19 stories,” Chung said. “But for many, it is still too raw and emotional for them to consider. Many first-generation Korean American business owners or workers who are still struggling with the pandemic are reluctant to share their personal adversities and misfortunes.

Culturally, it is not done.” But this very reticence is what spurred Chung on.

“We need to break the stigma of sharing our adversities so we can learn from them

“Nomadland” premiered at a drive-in and debuted in theaters, but found its largest audience on Hulu.

“Please watch our movie on the largest screen possible,” McDormand said. “And one day very, very soon, take everyone you know into a theater, shoulder to shoulder in that dark space, and watch every film that’s represented here tonight.”

AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

16

northwest

People watch a live broadcast on TV showing South Korean actress Yuh-Jung Youn receiving the Oscar for best supporting actress for her performance in “Minari,” at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, on April 26.

Best supporting actress went to Youn Yuh-jung for the matriarch of Lee Isaac Chung’s tender Korean American family drama “Minari.” The 73-year-old Youn, a well-

and so our Korean American community can evolve from this experience. I also started this project because it is important that we as Korean Americans are represented in history…In 25 years, in 50 years, or in 100 years, people will want to know.”

The “Community Spread” exhibition aims to make sure that people know the important part that was played by all members of the Puget Sound Asian American and Pacific Islander population during these months of both 2020 and 2021 that, as much as we might want to, will not be forgotten. The Wing Luke would like people to take from the exhibition what we have learned and can carry forward.

“There are ways that we can pull together to support each other and that’s how we can make it through,” said Woodward, who explained that the name of the exhibit was chosen as a deliberate double entendre to emphasize the good and the bad. As represented by the title art, which shows a heart with COVID spikes on it, “We want the community to spread…mutual aid and mutual care have been as contagious as the virus. People have been spreading that spirit and that’s what we wanted to focus on.”  Kai can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

Studio and Art Gallery.

Deng Duoli, the studio owner, told the Northwest Asian Weekly that the fire also burned the ceiling inside, affecting the second floor. He has basic insurance coverage, but none for his art. There are an estimated 1,000 paintings and other works of art.

“There’s a fire every other day in the ID because I work late and see fire trucks under the freeway bridge. With so many homeless under the bridge, the whole Chinatown is a mess.”

Deng thinks the fire was caused by people sleeping outside his studio entrance who lit newspapers. His gallery has been open since 2001. 

Photo by Susan Lee Woo

FIRE from 1

Damaged storefront at 515 7th Ave S

known actress in her native South Korea, is the first Asian actress to win an Oscar since 1957 and the second in history. She accepted the award from Brad Pitt, an executive producer on “Minari.” “Mr. Brad Pitt, finally,” said Youn. “Nice to meet you.”

The pandemic-delayed Oscars bring to a close the longest awards season ever—one that turned the season’s industrial complex of cocktail parties and screenings virtual. Eligibility was extended into February of this year, and for the first time, a theatrical run wasn’t a requirement of nominees.

The most ambitious award show held during the pandemic, the Oscars rolled out a red carpet and tried to restore some glamor to a grim year. For the first time ever, this year’s nominees were overwhelmingly seen in the home during a pandemic year that forced theaters to close and prompted radical change in Hollywood.

More women and more actors of color were nominated than ever before, and this year’s awards brought a litany of records and firsts across many categories, spanning everything from hairstyling to composing to acting. It was, some observers said, a sea change for an awards show harshly criticized as “OscarsSoWhite” in recent years, leading the film academy to greatly expand membership. 