VOL 40 NO 10 | MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2021

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VOL 40 NO 10 MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

FREE 39 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Asian couple Local Myanmarese protest a world gone dark assaulted in Community shows opposition to Feb. 1 coup

Chinatown

Photo by Han Bui

Photo credit: UW B/MSA

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Protesters at a Feb. 21 demonstration at Westlake Park hold signs supporting Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s recently deposed heat of state.

A hand outstretched, three fingers up and pointing toward the sky. In Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” trilogy, it’s a gesture symbolizing thanks, admiration, and goodbye. But in the Southeast Asian country of

THE INSIDE STORY COMMUNITY NEWS Deems Tsutakawa passes  3

COMMUNITY NEWS Mary Matsuda Gruenewald: Author, health care pioneer dies  4

BUSINESS Japan Airlines to reinstate partial Seattle schedule in March 2021 4

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Seattle Dances: Laughs, inspiration, and hopefully homeless relief  8

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Myanmar, it’s become a symbol of protest.

On Feb. 1, elected leaders in Myanmar (also known as Burma) were deposed through a military-backed coup d’état. What should’ve been the country’s first parliamentary session of the year instead became the

The Seattle Police Department is currently reviewing surveillance video from businesses near 7th and King streets in the Chinatown-International District. They are investigating a bias crime against an Asian couple on the night of Feb. 25.

Tanya Woo, a volunteer for C-ID Community Night

see MYANMAR on 12

see CHINATOWN on 9

The Paper Tigers

a kung fu movie that makes a Seattle hometown proud

By Kai Curry NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY It’s not often that a movie successfully accomplishes multiple objectives, yet “The Paper Tigers,” our own Seattle-based and Seattle-born film, does just that. The love child of writer, director, and editor Bao Tran, and his friends and colleagues, many of whom have ties to the Emerald City, “The Paper Tigers” is a tribute to the place where Bao grew up and a tribute to martial arts. It’s a comedy that at the same time drives home important gung fu values of honor and integrity.

Many cities provide the backdrop to movies, yet if it’s not an internationally familiar location, such as London or Paris, it’s often

Photo by Mark Malijan

By Madison Morgan NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Seattle’s Chinatown-International District

From left: Ron Yuan as Hing, Alain Uy as Danny, and Mykel Shannon Jenkins as Jim at their first kung fu match—or beimo—back together again in “The Paper Tigers.”

difficult to distinguish one place from another—and in fact, filmmakers often endeavor to obscure the exact place their films are made, changing names of build-

ings and never revealing any distinguishing details.

Not so “The Paper Tigers.”

Local viewers will enjoy the many recognizable shots of Seattle that pop up

throughout the film, and it will give non-locals a view of our city that they will not see PAPER TIGERS on 11

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

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Chloe Zhao wins best director prize at Golden Globes

On Feb. 28, Chloe Zhao became the second woman to win best director at the Golden Globes and the first female winner of Asian descent on a night in which her film “Nomadland” was crowned the top drama film.

The 38-year-old director who lives in Los Angeles is a leading Oscar contender for “Nomadland,”’ which is in select theaters and streaming Chloe Zhao on Hulu.

Born in China, Zhao made her feature directing debut in 2015 with “Songs My Brother Taught Me.” Next up for her is the big-budget Marvel film “Eternals,” set for release this fall. 

9th Annual Seattle Asian American Film Festival

The Seattle Asian American Film Festival (SAAFF) is presenting its 9th annual festival entirely online from March 4–14—in partnership with the Northwest Film Forum.

This year, SAAFF will offer nine feature-length films and 15 shorts programs, including a drive-in screening

of martial arts action comedy “The Paper Tigers” on March 6.

SAAFF showcases works by Northwest Asian American filmmakers, as well as films from across North America dealing with Asian American and Pacific Islander people, issues, and themes. It is the only film festival in Seattle to provide a space for Asian American voices, perspectives, and histories.

For more information, visit seattleaaff.org. 

Will Chen running for Edmonds City Council

Will Chen formally announced his decision on Feb. 28 to run for Position Two on the Edmonds City Council.

According to a news release, his decision to run is motivated by a “desire and commitment to add diversity, passion, and practical experience to the council at a time Will Chen when communities and businesses across the nation are struggling to address social and systemic inequities and are hurting financially from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“I believe I am uniquely qualified to represent these issues and act as a voice for those who often get overlooked,” said Chen, a CPA. If elected, Chen would be the first, first-generation Chinese American to serve on Edmonds City Council.

To find out more, go to friendsofwill.org. 

Ang Lee honor

awarded the Légion d’honneur (The Legion of Honor)—it is France’s highest order of merit.

The three-time Oscar winner was honored for his global contribution to culture and received the honor from the French Ambassador to Taiwan at a private ceremony.

Lee’s work spans Ang Lee decades and covers a broad range of film genres. The filmmaker won Oscars for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” for Best Foreign Film, and Best Director for “Brokeback Mountain” and “Life of Pi.” 

Osaka wins Australian Open

Naomi Osaka won the 2021 Australian Open on Feb. 20—her second Australian Open win and her fourth Grand Slam title, making her the first woman in 31 years (the last was Monica Seles) to win four Grand Slams.

She won her first Australian Open in 2019. 

Taiwanese American film director Ang Lee was

COMMUNITY HEALTH EXCELLENCE AWARD

presented by Northwest Asian Weekly and Foundation

The Community Health Excellence Award was held on Feb. 9. We thanked all the honorees and participants for joining the virtual celebration.

Three organizations (Kin On, ICHS, and ACRS) received plaques and gift certificates, courtesy of Viet Wah. Individual honorees received a plaque, a restaurant certificate, a bottle of red wine and a wine glass.

Thank you to all the supporters, the health care workers and professionals, for making this event possible.

JIM DOANE

From left: Tagoipah Mathno, ICHS Foundation Development Administrator; Leeching Tran, ICHS Foundation President and Viet-Wah Vice President; and Angela Toda, ICHS Foundation Interim Foundation Director

HONOREES: Kin On, ICHS, ACRS Mental Health Dept., Nigel Lo, Keith Koga, Imei Hsu, Dr. Edward Leonard, Dr. Peter Hashisaki, Dr. Gayle Robinson, Dr. Arooj Simmonds, Kristy Carrington, Rachel Wang Martinez, Roxanne Garcia, Ray Tong, Kia Truong, Tram Le, Rattana Chaokhote, Dr. Anthony Chen, Winnie Lee, Scott Sato, Vy Pham, Leovelyn Tamayo, Missy Cruz, Winona Hauge, and Rose Kim EMCEE: John Chen

YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

asianweekly northwest

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Deems Tsutakawa passes

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

SEATTLE — Jazz pianist Deems Tsutakawa died on Feb. 25, according to an obituary. He was 69 years old and battled cancer.

His brother Gerard told the Northwest Asian Weekly, “Deems was always bigger than life. He was fearless in the face of adversity right up to the end.”

Born and raised in Seattle, and a graduate of Franklin High School, Deems Tsutakawa may have been destined to become a musician.

His parents named him after Deems Taylor, a famous classical music composer and host of a popular radio program Tsutakawa’s parents listened to. His father, George Tsutakawa, was a world-renowned sculptor and painter. His mother, Ayame Tsutakawa, played koto—a Japanese instrument that resembles a harp.

Tsutakawa’s musical training began when he was 5 years old. Like his namesake, he first learned to play classical music on the piano. When he was a teenager, he branched out to other forms of popular music, including jazz, R&B, and soul.

When Tsutakawa first Deems Tsutakawa began his career, his parents wished he had a stable job. However, Tsutakawa knew what he wanted to do.

“I think my parents accepted my career choice as they got on in their years,” he said.

It took Tsutakawa “a good 10 to 15 years” before he made

a steady living as a musician.

In 1976, he put out his first record in order to gain exposure for himself. He thought of it as a “promotional piece of material.” When major record labels overlooked Tsutakawa’s music, he decided to create his own company, J-Town Records, as a means to produce and distribute his music.

Brother Marcus told the Northwest Asian Weekly “Deems always was a great showman, putting everything he had into each tune he played, and enjoyed talking with audiences. He loved sports, both playing and watching, and though he started later in life, he became quite a competitive golfer. He and his wife were the most generous and warm hosts, always entertaining at home and at restaurants. And Deems could carry a conversation with anyone, discussing anything from astrophysics to NBA.” see TSUTAKAWA on 10

Mary Matsuda Gruenewald: Author, health care pioneer dies

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Mary Matsuda Gruenewald

SEATTLE — Mary Matsuda Gruenewald died on Feb. 11 of complications from non-COVID-related pneumonia, her son Ray Gruenewald told the Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. She was 96 years old.

A Seattle resident who grew up on Vashon, Gruenewald became a registered nurse

after being released from her last Japanese American internment camp, and worked as an R.N. for more than a quarter of a century.

“She was living at [St. Joseph Residence, a long-term care facility of Providence Mount St. Vincent] in West Seattle, across from my mom’s room,” Diane Kukull wrote on Facebook. “Before COVID, I would stop by to say ‘hi’ and she would talk about her memories on Vashon. I loved hearing her stories and

loved seeing her warm smile and that twinkle in her eyes.”

Gruenewald conceived and developed the Consulting Nurse Service within the Group Health Cooperative in 1971—the first of its kind—which is widely used today in this era of telehealth. The Northwest Asian Weekly honored her in 2003 for this accomplishment. see MATSUDA GRUENEWALD on 11

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asianweekly northwest

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

39 YEARS

■ BUSINESS Japan Airlines to reinstate partial Seattle schedule in March 2021

Photo Courtesy of Japan Airlines

By Kai Curry NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Mr. Kosei Yamada, Vice President and Regional Manager of the Northwestern Region, Seattle Branch, for Japan Airlines.

“It has been a challenging year for the entire travel industry and as a result, we have had to continually adapt and implement modified measures, yet we

remain optimistic that travel will return and we are preparing for the future,” said Kosei Yamada, Vice President and Regional Manager of the Northwestern Region, Seattle Branch for Japan Airlines (JAL). Due to COVID-19 safety measures, JAL temporarily suspended Seattle operations in mid-April 2020. As of March 2, 2021, Seattle routes to/from Japan will be reinstated, with a reduced schedule.

“We are pleased to be resuming Seattle– Tokyo service ... and have announced an initial three-days-per-week schedule,” Yamada told the Northwest Asian Weekly.

“From Narita, flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and from Seattle, flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.”

The travel and tourism industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, nationally and globally. JAL incorporated many adjustments, both domestically and internationally, to cope with events.

“Safety is the foremost priority at JAL, and we quickly responded to the changes in the environment with enhanced, thorough cleaning and hygiene measures throughout

the customer journey,” Yamada shared.

On JAL’s website, requirements for hygienic practices are outlined for guests and the airline’s own introduced safety enhancements are described.

“For example, modifications have been made to services such as inflight meals, without compromising menus, and cabin crew now wear gloves during service, in addition to masks throughout the flight.

We also require customers to wear masks.

At airports, we have adjusted boarding procedures and we encourage customers to check-in online before arriving to the airport…With adjusted entry requirements and new travel guidelines, customers are adapting and our focus is to ensure that we provide the necessary information to them in advance of their travel, so that they can have a smooth journey,” Yamada explained.

Like many companies, JAL has done its utmost to adjust and remain cautious about everyone’s health while paying attention to customer service and employee safety.

Everyone’s life has been disrupted to some degree, be it a passenger, a flight attendant

or airline executive, or on-the-ground staff. JAL responded to alterations in their crews’ schedules by creative operational pivoting.

Yamada has been impressed with how his staff, and others, have responded to this unique time by finding ways to give assistance to their fellow citizens.

“What stands out to me is how so many colleagues and people throughout the world quickly volunteered to assist others in so many ways, such as making masks and helping neighbors,” he said.

International tourism has been important to the economies of both countries. In Seattle, according to a survey released in 2016 by Visit Seattle, international tourism accounted for a small percent of arrivals to the city, but for over 17% of spending because international visitors tend to stay longer and spend more.

According to the Port of Seattle, international travel was hovering around 5% in 2019, yet a great amount of income still comes into the city from this entry see JAL on 9

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAR 4-14

9TH ANNUAL SEATTLE ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL Tickets at saaff2021. eventive.org

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8

13

26-28

LUNCH WEBINAR, “DO NOT LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE” - 2021 TAX UPDATES WITH SPEAKER WILL CHEN 11:30 a.m.

Zoom meeting: http://bit.ly/3riIEjl Meeting ID: 896 8509 7110 Passcode: 001792

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

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

VIRTUAL REGIONAL CEREMONY OF CHINESE AMERICAN WORLD WAR II VETERANS WILL BE PRESENTED THE U.S. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL 1 p.m. cacaseattle.org

ALL THINGS JAPANESE SALE JCCCW, 1414 S. Weller St., Seattle 10 a.m.-3 p.m. by appointment only Register at jcccw.org/allthings-japanese-sale

View the solution on page 10

Assunta Ng

Account Executives

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Publisher assunta@nwasianweekly.com Associate Publisher john@nwasianweekly.com Editor editor@nwasianweekly.com

Han Bui Layout & Web Editor han@nwasianweekly.com

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john@nwasianweekly.com

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ghira@nwasianweekly.com

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

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

YOUR VOICE

asianweekly northwest

■ WORLD NEWS It’s a smash hit! Chinese return big-time to movie theaters BEIJING (AP) — The thrills and chills of the big screen are back big-time in the world’s largest film market.

With the coronavirus well under control in China and cinemas running at half capacity, moviegoers are smashing China’s box office records, with domestic productions far outpacing their Hollywood competitors.

February marked China’s all-time biggest month for movie ticket sales, which have so far totaled 11.2 billion yuan ($1.7 billion). China overtook the U.S. as the world’s biggest market for movie ticket sales last year as the American box office took a massive hit from the closure of cinemas because of the pandemic.

Chinese theaters were able to reopen by midyear and have seen steady audience growth since then. Local movies have also benefited from periodic unofficial “blackout“ periods, when only domestic productions are allowed to be screened. A dearth of major Hollywood blockbusters over recent months appears to have also boosted the market for Chinese films.

“People were encouraged to stay in Beijing for the Lunar New Year, and so watching movies in the cinema became the top choice of entertainment,’’ said Chu Donglei, marketing manager at Poly Cinema’s Tiananmen branch in central Beijing.

Mask wearing is mandatory and moviegoers must register with a cellphone app so they can be traced in the event of an outbreak. Only every other seat is allowed to be occupied, making it even harder to obtain tickets for the most popular films.

AP Photo/Andy Wong

By ANDY WONG THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

People wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus wait for their movies at Poly Cinema in Beijing on Feb. 25.

According to the China Movie Data Information Network, 95% of ticket sales came from the seven top-grossing films timed for release around the Lunar New Year festival, which began this year on Feb. 12.

“Hi, Mom,’’ a time-traveling comedy written and directed by and starring Jia Ling, was the top earner with 4.36 billion yuan, followed by action comedy “Detective Chinatown 3,’’ with 4.13 billion yuan.

Wang Xiaoyu, 32, who works in the film industry, was only able to procure a ticket for “Hi, Mom’’ on Feb. 25 and called the viewing experience “deeply moving.“ “I know there are some movies that are released and streamed online. But I think the experience of watching movies

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received by the King County Procurement Services Section through the County’s E-Procurement system for the following listed bids.

Instructions on how to submit a bid electronically, view any current bid opportunities, express interest, communicate with the Buyer via Message app and/or successfully submit a bid through the E-Procurement system prior to the Close date and time indicated in the solicitation are provided on the County’s website or by following this link: https://kingcounty.gov/procurement/ registration King County encourages minority business enterprise participation. King County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

KC000140 OPENS: 03/18/2021 Workplace Investigations Consultant Pool Supplemental KC000026 OPENS: 03/16/2021 Freshwater Benthic Taxonomy Services

online is not as good as that of watching in a cinema,’’ Wang said.

A lack of entertainment options helped pump up ticket sales during the pandemic, foretelling a bright future for the Chinese film industry, Wang said.

Recent box office figures show the “great resiliency and powerful foundation of China’s film industry,“ said Fu Yalong,

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deputy general manager of the Solution Center at ENDATA, an analysis firm focusing on the entertainment industry.

“During the Lunar New Year, there were films with a variety of genres and topics and the audiences were satisfied,“ Fu said. “Even with the impact of the pandemic and the increase in ticket prices, we were still able to score such achievements.’’

College student Zhang Jiazhi, 21, said the movie theater experience was a welcome break from staying at home watching videos. Successful online film promotion also helped attract many viewers to brick-and-mortar cinemas, Zhang said.

“I’m bored, and you can’t stay at home watching (streaming service) Douyin all the time, so I came to the cinema to watch a movie. There’s nothing to do,’’ said Zhang, who is on winter break and came to the cinema to see “A Writer’s Odyssey,“ a Chinese fantasy film which he said he didn’t quite understand.

Last year, China sold an estimated $2.7 billion in tickets compared to $2.3 billion in the U.S., which saw an 80% drop in ticket sales. China’s theaters also closed for a time during the height of COVID-19 in the country last spring, but gradually reopened over the summer. 

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39 YEARS

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY A year ago, the first coronavirus case in the U.S. was reported in Washington state.

What exactly would you like to call it? First anniversary? It is the first anniversary, but I didn’t like to address it that way. It’s not a celebration and certainly not a milestone, connoting an achievement. It’s definitely not an occasion where you want to organize a party and invite friends over. COVID is the opposite for any kind of celebration.

We will never forget the 2 million deaths globally, and over 500,000 deaths in the U.S. As a journalist, we have to observe the overall picture, and ponder both sides. It isn’t all negative though.

COVID EXPOSED TRUMP’S WEAKNESS

Former president Donald Trump

Without COVID, former president Donald Trump could have easily won the second term. COVID exposed his inability and incompetence to deal with a national crisis.

Bob Woodward, author of “Fear,” had warned that Trump was “the beast in the belly” in 2017. Just one crisis would be enough to challenge and overwhelm Trump. His prediction was correct because Trump was briefed about the virus in late January, and yet he didn’t do anything. Not only did he not have a plan to fight the virus, he denied that the virus was deadly. He said, the virus would disappear as many as 40 times, and that it’s “just like the flu.” His strategy was to blame China. But blaming isn’t a solution, taking action immediately before the virus spread is.

I’m not saying Trump is dumb, but his lies and disinterest in governance to devise a plan to stop the virus became his downfall. What a price we had to pay for his fallible leadership and character!

As his former defense secretary General Johnny Mattis said, Trump’s understanding of issues is like “a fifth and sixth grader.”

Not only is he unwilling to learn complex subjects, he is lazy to study up on issues— which prompted an aide to disclose to CNN that if the briefings and presentations didn’t consist of a video, he wouldn’t pay attention.

THE VACCINE What a remarkable achievement to showcase human genius by having three COVID vaccines, not just one, developed in less than a year!

pandemic. We are in this together!

Historically, a vaccine usually takes 1015 years to develop. It is a lengthy process involving lots of research, testing and trials, and a combination of public and private involvement.

According to vaccines.org, the current system for developing, testing, and regulating vaccines developed during the 20th century, which involves timeconsuming standardized procedures and regulations.

Miraculously, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson created vaccines one after the other. And there will be a couple more vaccines coming up.

Trump claimed he had the vaccine idea. We might never find out if it was him or his aides who suggested it. But his administration strongly pushed for the vaccine, and funded it.

“Don’t give him (Biden) the credit,” Trump said. Let’s give Trump credit for making the vaccines a reality. But he lacked the ability and vision to execute a seamless vaccination plan for the whole country. Then the election was held, and Biden defeated Trump. What incredible timing! Biden is a much better leader in developing a plan and infrastructure to expedite the process of bringing the vaccine to all. How fortunate we are as a country to have elected Biden, who is experienced in working the system inside out.

Dr. Anthony Chen

overwhelming compassion shown from so many individuals and organizations.

“We’re all traumatized to some degree so this is wonderful that people are really focusing on compassion, I love to see that continue,” Chen said during the Northwest Asian Weekly’s Community Health Excellent Award virtual event.

The pandemic is a life-changing event for both the giver and receiver. So many of us want to do something to show care and love, and make life a little easier for others.

We might not be able to do much during a lockdown, but the least we can do is to share a glimpse of our humanity in this

GROWING OUR RESILIENCE If we had known early on about our loss and sacrifice during COVID in 2020, I know I would say, “Hell no!”

Yet, here we are after one gruesome year, I am neither angry or depressed.

And I would not even say that what I went through were sacrifices. On my plate is a loaf of gratitude.

Every day, we grow our resilience and adaptability, and marvel at our limitless patience and endurance. Is that who I am? I didn’t know that I am capable of—wanting less, and still, discovering joy in so many ways.

The pandemic has made me reevaluate the definition of success and failure. It has given me time to do things I have been procrastinating for a long time. I focus on doing less, but really enjoy doing it, including repairing my favorite pair of socks I bought from Japan. Before, if there’s a hole in my sock, I just threw them away without a second thought.

Sudden small surprises, like encountering friends in a park that I have not seen for more than a year, lifts up my spirit. On March 2, I won $50 from see BLOG on 10

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Proposals will be received for KC000092, Engineering Services for Madsen Creek 0306A Tributary Conveyance System; by King County Procurement and Payables Section until 12:00 PM on 3/22/2021.

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 President Joe Biden

Not only that, Biden’s order of millions more vaccines has propelled the pharmaceutical companies to come up with innovations like Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot vaccine, and Pfizer and Moderna can speed up production and require much less refrigeration. As of press time, over 50 million Americans have been inoculated, with 25 million receiving one-shot vaccine!

Biden has been in office for only two months. If that is not success, what is?

COMPASSION STANDS OUT Despite all the tragedy and agony during COVID, Anthony Chen, director of Health of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, said he was impressed with the

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 for Phase 1: $463,716 Total Estimated Price for all Phases: $700,000 Prospective proposers can view more details at: https://kingcounty.gov/procurement/solicitations Contact: John Kim, johkim@kingcounty.gov, 206-263-5825

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

YOUR VOICE

■ SPORTS

asianweekly northwest

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The Layup Drill

By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Welcome to another edition of The Layup Drill. In this edition, we take a look at some serious issues related to several athletes making news for unfortunate reasons.

Mariners CEO resigns President and CEO of the Seattle Mariners, Kevin Mathers, resigned on Feb. 22 after a video surfaced of him expressing his views of the club’s organizational strategy and making insensitive remarks about players during a recent Kevin Mathers online event.

Mather’s most inflammatory comments were references to top prospect Julio Rodriguez and former star pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma, and their grasp of English.

Mather said Rodriguez, a 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic, didn’t have “tremendous” English.

Mather also complained about the cost associated with having an interpreter for Iwakuma, a former All-Star who pitched a no-hitter for the Mariners and is a current special assistant for the club.

“Wonderful human being—his English was terrible.

He wanted to get back into the game, he came to us, we quite frankly want him as our Asian scout/interpreter, what’s going on with the Japanese league. He’s coming to spring training,” Mather said. “And I’m going to say, I’m tired of paying his interpreter. When he was a player, we’d pay Iwakuma ‘X,’ but we’d also have to pay $75,000 a year to have an interpreter with him. His English suddenly got

better. His English got better when we told him that.”

Mariners Chairman John Stanton announced the decision and said Mather resigned before a decision had to be made whether he’d be fired.

But the choice seemed predetermined as the firestorm over Mather’s comments raged since they were first posted to Twitter on Feb. 21—which is how Stanton first learned of its existence. There’s been no determination whether Mather will receive a severance or what will happen to his small ownership stake in the franchise.

Jeremy Lin reportedly called “coronavirus” during game COVID-19 has affected the world in many ways and due to the fact that the previous U.S. president made it a talking point to blame the coronavirus on China, it has resulted in Jeremy Lin an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

The terrible news that many elderly Asian citizens are being attacked is drawing support from the community.

Jeremy Lin decided to speak out about violence against Asian Americans in a Facebook post recently.

In the post, he wrote, “We are tired of Asian American kids growing up and being asked where they’re REALLY from, of having our eyes mocked, of being objectified as exotic or being told we’re inherently unattractive.” He went on to write, “Being a 9 year NBA veteran doesn’t protect me from being called ‘coronavirus’ on the court.”

This news prompted the NBA to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Lin

currently plays for the Golden State Warriors’ G-League team. He stated that he won’t shame anyone by naming the individual(s) that called him this. But it provided awareness that even though Lin is an NBA veteran with a list of accolades on and off the court, he can be reduced to a name just because of how he looks.

Lin, who went to Harvard, stated that he received a lot of racial taunts while playing at away games in the Ivy League. He noted that one of his coaches on the team, who was Black, talked to him about dealing with hearing racial taunts. It shows that the racial divide is real and cuts even to the perceived highest levels of intelligence.

Michelle Wie West responds to comments from Rudy Giuliani Former women’s LGPA golfer and now golf analyst Michelle Wie West responded to inappropriate comments made by former New York Mayor and lawyer to Donald Trump, Michelle Wie West Rudy Giuliani.

The comments were made on a podcast as he reminisced about Rush Limbaugh when he passed away. Giuliani told a story about being trailed by the media on a golf course during a celebrity tournament with Limbaugh and Wie West was in front of them.

“Now Michelle Wie is gorgeous. She’s 6 feet. And she has a strange putting stance. She bends all the way over.

And her panties show. And the press was going crazy…I said, ‘[Rush], it’s not me, it’s not you.” see LAYUP DRILL on 10

GET NOTIFIED WHEN YOU CAN GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE Phase Finder is Washington’s online tool for finding out if you are currently eligible to get the vaccine and where to schedule an appointment.

1.

Visit FindYourPhaseWA.org

2.

Answer the survey questions to see if you are eligible.

3.

If you are currently eligible, you can then find a provider near you to schedule an appointment for the vaccine.

Not your turn yet? Don’t worry – you can also sign up to be notified

by text, email or voicemail when it is your turn!

If you don’t have access to the internet or have a hard time navigating the Phase Finder tool online, you can call 1-800-525-0127 and press # for assistance. Language services are available.

FindYourPhaseWA.org

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asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Seattle Dances: Laughs, inspiration, and hopefully homeless relief

Alexander Oki (right) dancing

By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Over a long and distinguished career at Microsoft, Scott Oki served as vice president of sales and marketing, promoted the company throughout the world, and oversaw as many as 3,000 employees at once.

One thing not on his resume, though: Breakdancing, an unlikely gap which he’s now attempting to fill.

Oki, now 72, will take the stage as one of nine celebrity dancers, at the livestreamed “Seattle Dances” fundraiser for Plymouth Housing, a local organization working to eliminate homelessness. The fundraiser, happening at 7 p.m. on March 13, runs online through seattledances.org, and its sister link for online donations at bit.ly/ Donate2SD. In addition, folks tuning in can reserve a Seattle Dances experience package. Each package comes with a program, raffle ticket, refreshments, and party favors.

Packages, costing $75, $125, or $250, can be reserved up to March 2 for pick-up from Kaspars Catering and Special Events at 3656 34th Avenue West.

The dancers, overseen by a panel of judges, compete for three trophies: People’s Choice, Judge’s Choice, and Cyber Choice.

Styles of dance include Oki's breakdancing, plus tap dance, Bollywood, jazz, and modern pop.

A Seattle native, Oki’s stretch at Microsoft dates back to 1982, when the company had only 200 employees. But he’s old enough to remember some crucial Asian American history.

“I was born in inner Seattle, on the corner of 14th and Yesler (St. George Apartments),” Oki said. “My family (mom, dad, grandma, me, brother, sister) shared a three-room tenement. Small kitchen, family room, and one bedroom. There was a community bathroom down the hall.

My parents scrimped and saved enough to put a down payment on a three-bedroom rambler in Rainier Valley.

“Many other Japanese Americans were doing the same. This was post-WWII internment (EO9066). For the broader Asian community, I think they were adapting. Getting educated. Getting better jobs.”

His charity work dates to 1984, when he started a nonprofit called the Oki Foundation. After retirement from Microsoft in 1992, his involvement

Celebrity judges

in charity and nonprofits escalated dramatically—although he's quick to point out that he doesn’t recommend serving concurrently on 37 nonprofit boards, something he managed to accomplish over the years.

“Seattle Dances” became a family affair when the former magnate’s son, Alexander Oki, also active in charity work, competed in the event two years ago. For 2021, the younger Oki became co-chair, and it seemed only natural that the older one would become involved.

“A longtime Plymouth Housing supporter initially approached me to dance in 2018, but the timing didn’t work out,” Alexander Oki explained. “But in 2019, I competed as one of nine Seattle Dances celebrity dancers. My professional dance partner (Alison Cockrill) and I performed a waltz routine.”

Masterminding such an involved event does of course require sweat, fortitude, and logistics. But Alexander Oki and his cochair, Michelle Mathieu, seem happy with the results so far.

“Seattle Dances” aims to offer matching funds for any donations above $250, although, as the younger Oki admits, they’ve temporarily exhausted their matching funding pool. That’s because the dancers went to work prior to the event, giving momentum to the fundraising. But he’s hopeful more donors will step in to refill that pool.

In addition to Scott Oki, celebrity dancers include Alex Nordstrom and Seattle Seahawks tight end Cooper Helfet.

Kevin Joyce will host, alongside Hallie Kuperman and Patti Payne.

As for the elder Oki, he confesses to studying breakdancing over the last 15 years.

“Even though I am not very good at it, it never ceases to bring a big smile to my face,” he said. “My main trainer is Jerome Aparis (Jeromeskee) of [the breakdance group] Massive Monkees. They are twotime world champions and periodically front for Macklemore.”

Asked about the most challenging aspects of putting it all together, Alexander Oki was quick to mention the inevitable virus conditions.

“Conducting all of our committee meetings and pre-show events via Zoom has been a blessing and a curse. Being allvirtual saves everyone time they might have spent stuck in traffic or looking for parking, but we’ve missed some of the

magic of in-real-life collaboration. I will say [one] highlight has been learning a Bollywood-style dance during our virtual kickoff party!”

Scott Oki hopes that folks will come away from the event with a few laughs, and the notion of celebrities stretching themselves.

He’s not planning to participate again, however—except maybe as a supporter.

One turn onstage should be enough for him.

Alexander Oki, more involved with the nuts and bolts, has a slightly more sophisticated vision.

“I hope everyone in the audience comes away full of joy at the power of dance, and deeply inspired by the compassionate, effective services Plymouth Housing provides to members of our community in need.

“I’d be delighted to participate in future dance events—I’m especially dreaming of the day when it’s once again safe for social dancing.”  Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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YOUR VOICE

■ COMMENTARY

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

asianweekly northwest

9

Remember Rodney King’s words, put aside partisanship & come together against hate

By Curtis S. Chin FOR NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Amidst greater awareness of anti-Asian violence, there is now talk of congressional hearings and resumed efforts to pass legislation to bolster federal aid to localities for hate-crime reporting and Curtis S. Chin training.

That should be welcomed and supported by all parties.

It is time to move beyond the hyper-partisanship of last year’s presidential year which helped doom bicameral action on efforts to call out hate, including a resolution denouncing COVID-19 racism toward Asian Americans.

Nearly three decades ago, stark images of anti-Asian violence in America filled our TV screens. Today’s images on social media and smartphone screens are of a different sort, but no less horrifying.

In 1992, four Los Angeles police officers were acquitted for use of excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King. The LA metropolitan area was then rocked by looting, assaults, and arson, with the city’s Koreatown neighborhood bearing the brunt of the damage. Frustrations over the criminal justice system

CHINATOWN from 1 Watch, learned of the attack while she was patrolling with other volunteers the following day.

“We first heard it was to a couple who did not provoke anything; they were just walking,” Woo told KOMO News.

One of the victims posted on her personal Facebook page, “This individual followed me and attacked with what seemed like a rock in a sock. It hit me in the face and I fell unconscious. I woke up to find myself suffocating in my own blood in the mask and saw the guy hit my boyfriend in the head and keep charging at us until people around us came to help.”

The victim said she and her boyfriend spent the night in the emergency room at Harborview Medical Center.

“I have fractures in my nose and teeth, and my boyfriend’s got 8 stitches in the head,” her post stated.

The C-ID Community Night Watch—a program that started last year soon after the pandemic began—is

JAL from 4 point. As explained by the Port’s current website data, SeattleTacoma International Airport (SEA) is a “top-ten U.S. airport,” which in 2019 served “51.8 million passengers and 453,549 metric tons of air cargo…With a regional economic impact of more than $22.5 billion in business revenue, SEA generates more than 151,400 jobs (87,300 direct jobs), representing over $3.6 billion in direct earnings and more than $442 million in state and local taxes.”

“Japan Airlines is eager to resume service to and from SeaTac,” Yamada said. “When you’re near the airport, be sure to look up and hopefully you’ll see our redcrowned crane as it returns to the skies over Seattle.”  Kai can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

and tensions across communities boiled over.

More than 50 people died, and damages topped $1 billion, including for more than 2,000 damaged or destroyed Korean-run businesses.

Today, we stand witness to a long line of unprovoked attacks against often elderly Asian Americans.

In a sign of how far we have come since the LA riots, individuals and organizations across communities are emphasizing support for each other. So too, after the killing of George Floyd in 2020, Americans of all backgrounds—including Asian Americans—voiced support for Black Lives Matter and shared concerns over equity and access.

Action now must follow awareness.

Indeed. In separate conversations on social media platform Clubhouse, curated by actor Daniel Dae Kim and Silicon Valley artist Drue Kataoka, and joined by rapper and entrepreneur MC Hammer among others, I underscored the importance of a multi-pronged approach to build strong, resilient communities. Longterm solutions are key even as necessary steps are taken in the near-term to protect elderly individuals worried about safety.

Such an approach to stop Asian hate would build on the advocacy, local language outreach, and work of community groups from Seattle to New York. For me, this includes harnessing the power of lessons learned from the nonprofit Asian American Federation, on whose

board I once served, and which has since 1989 worked to raise the influence and well-being of the diverse panAsian community.

Key components of an integrated approach to community building includes support for AAPIspecific research and data collection. We must also support mental health initiatives, immigrant integration programs, economic development assistance, capacity building for nonprofits, and greater civic engagement.

On the third day of the 1992 LA riots, Rodney King publicly appealed for an end to violence. “Can we all get along?” he famously asked.

Today’s unprovoked violence against Asian Americans underscores how much further we as a nation still need to travel.

At a time of great anxiety and fear for many communities from Washington state to Washington, D.C., it is clear that leadership and language matter.

So too is the need to re-invest in community-based solutions against racism and xenophobia if we are to travel forward together and rise up against hate. 

considering starting an escort volunteer program to help Asian seniors. A similar effort is ongoing in Oakland, California where more than 300 volunteers escort fearful elders on their walks and errands.

The King County Prosecutors released data on March 2 showing Seattle as among the cities with the highest hate crime numbers, and attribute more victims reporting the crimes and a designated bias crimes detective dedicated to working these cases.

In 2019, there were 39 reported hate crimes in King County, and in 2020, the total number jumped significantly to 59. For the start of 2021, there have been seven cases already—two of them involve attacks on Asian Americans.

“What we’re seeing nationally is Asian American communities are getting attacked at an increasingly alarming rate based on the negative thoughts that Asian Americans are more likely the reason… why COVID is spreading,” King County Deputy Prosecutor Leandra Craft said during a call with the news media on March 2.

The national coalition “Stop AAPI Hate” said between March 2020 (when it began keeping data) and the end of the year, it received 2,080 reports of anti-Asian hate nationwide, and identified Washington as one of the top states, at just over 4% of reports. 

Curtis S. Chin served as U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He is a former board member of the New York-based nonprofit Asian American Federation.

Follow him on Twitter at @CurtisSChin.

Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

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Wie West responded to Giuliani’s comments on Twitter without referring to Giuliani by name. “What this person should have remembered from that day was the fact that I shot 64 and beat every male golfer in the field leading our team to victory. I shudder thinking he was smiling to my face and complimenting my game while objectifying me and referencing my ‘panties’ behind my back all day.”

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working mother. Without saying it outright, the LGPA stated that Wie West should be seen as more than a woman to ‘gawk’ at based on her looks and body.

Unfortunately, people like Giuliani and Limbaugh, before he died, objectified women based on their looks. Their only respect for women came if they believed that they were attractive.

The good news is that Wie West spoke out about this rather than staying silent.  Jason can be reached at through info@nwasianweekly.com.

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Uwajimaya’s Lunar New Year red envelope giveaway for customers who spend more than $30. I almost threw away the red envelopes like I have done for so many years, and then, forgot about it. But the clerk at Uwajimaya reminded me about it and I claimed my prize. Not only did I feel lucky, it was serendipity. Finding Cheesecake Factory’s brown bread at QFC last year was delightful. It’s also a lesson of survival for Cheesecake Factory to sell outside their restaurants. With COVID, we have to be creative, positive, and help ourselves and others to move forward. We can’t survive by moaning and groaning what we have lost or can’t have.

What does it mean to be positive? Take the insurrection on Jan. 6 at the Capitol, for instance. The riot stained our country’s image and our history. However, it also educated me about U.S. history, the Constitution, and the November presidential election. With COVID and Trump vs. Biden, it is probably the most important election in my lifetime, and the largest voter turnout in the U.S. Those 80 million voters who voted for Biden, were saying, we don’t want another four more years of Trump, we don’t want Trump to tackle COVID because he didn’t and can’t, and we want changes.

The COVID anniversary challenges us to think and learn.

Adversity is a great teacher. We just have to learn how to dance and play in a storm. 

Tsutakawa performed at Benaroya Hall, Highway 99 Blues Club, Factoria Mall, and numerous bars and restaurants. He also found a following in Hawaii and released “Deems and Friends Live in Hawaii” in 2018, which was nominated for Jazz Album of the Year by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts.

The Northwest Asian Weekly honored Deems in 2009

Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

» PERSONAL INJURY

for being a pioneer in music.

“His spirit shows through his music and his love of life,” said Gerard.

Tsutakawa is survived by his wife, Jean, three siblings, and his nieces and nephew.  Donations in memory of Deems Tsutakawa can be sent to seattlemusicpartners.org. For more information on Deems Tsutakawa and his music, visit deemsmusic.com.

SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 4.

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

asianweekly northwest

11

Predictions and advice for the week of March 6–12, 2021

By Sun Lee Chang Rat—Much can be said with your presence— just as the opposite message can be conveyed by your absence.

Dragon—Being right isn’t necessarily the most important thing. Judge the situation for what it is.

Monkey—Exploring another side of your personality can be fun and rewarding, in a completely unexpected way.

Ox—The process of change might be uncomfortable, but that doesn’t make it any less essential.

Snake—Staying connected can be difficult during a busy period. Make it a priority by putting it on your schedule.

Rooster—Are you running towards something or running away from something else? Your answer will determine your next step.

Tiger—By sheer determination and force of will, you manage to land on your feet no matter what the circumstance.

Horse—Is sticking to the plan not in the cards?

There is more than one way to get to your destination.

Dog—As you ease into a different role, give yourself leeway to learn and make adjustments as needed.

Rabbit—Start a new project with your sights set on success. Your intention could soon become your destiny.

Goat—Tempted to jump in uninvited? Think twice about doing that as it could incur a less than positive reaction.

Pig—While there is more that you can say, sometimes the trick is knowing when you’ve said enough.

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.

TIGERS from 1 have seen in any other movie. The film starts off with a shot of one of the dragons in the International District, behind which can be seen the Smith Tower. These kinds “The Paper Tigers” so remarkable—and are deliberate, and affectionate, efforts to locate us geographically.

“Three childhood kung fu prodigies have grown into washed-up, middle-aged men—now one kick away from pulling their hamstrings. But when their master is murdered, they must juggle their dead-end jobs, dad duties, and overcome old grudges to avenge his death,” reads the film’s description. Underlying the film is the sense of kung fu-based morals that the friends, to varying degrees, have let slip a little bit over the years. Once the only students of Shifu Cheung, they drifted away from their master and each other. When Shifu Cheung dies, the three have an opportunity to heal misunderstandings and wash away the shame they carry from having abandoned their art, their teacher, and each other. This aspect of the movie is heavy, yet it’s handled in such a way—interspersed with humor and action, as well as the mystery of Shifu Cheung’s death—that we absorb the deeper lessons while enjoying the fun aspects of the film.

Alain Uy, who plays “Danny Eight Hands,” the acknowledged leader of the group, said, “My favorite… were all the scenes I had with the Tigers—Mykel (Shannon Jenkins) and Ron (Yuan)…We have such a great bond that it was delightful to be on set every day. It never felt like work.”

Uy, Jenkins, and Yuan are the actors who formed the “three tigers” in the film. The rapport that not just the three, but all the actors have, is obvious throughout the film, and most entertaining during the fight scenes and whenever any of them cracks a joke. Since none of the “three” have trained in quite some time, their skills are rusty, to say the least. Action director Ken Quitu-

MATSUDA GRUENEWALD from 3 In 2002, she was part of a delegation to Congress and met with President George W. Bush to advocate for an improved national health system.

In 2003, Gruenewald received an Asian American Living Pioneer Award honoring her contributions.

She was 80 years old when her first book was published in April 2005. In her memoir, “Looking Like the Enemy,” Gruenewald broke her silence as a Nisei (second generation Japanese American) who was imprisoned in Japanese American prison camps during World

gua—who “studied everything from MMA and boxing KO compilations…to classic Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers films” while setting up each fight—does a terrific job of demonstrating the guys’ lack of practice while incorporating a bit of “once you learn how to ride a bike, it never really goes away” into the action, as the “three” slowly regain their instincts.

Along the way, their fumbles are a source of humor, even as they face serious consequences if they mess up too badly against a better honed opponent. The humor, combined with the recognizable landscape, has a uniquely Pacific Northwest feel. The guys are casually sarcastic. There is a running joke, for instance, about one of the “tigers” old adversaries, a white boy named Carter, played by Matthew Page, that the three, especially Danny, regularly throttled growing up. Carter now has his own dojo and is stupendously and unabashedly awkward as he quotes Chinese proverbs to the “tigers.”

Every time, the “tigers” beg him to just hurry up and say it in English. Yet as silly as his role might be—reminiscent of the comical white characters we often find in martial arts movies—Carter also believes in what kung fu stands for; and while all of them relish the chance for a re-match, they work together to avenge Shifu Cheung’s death.

“I was really spoiled with the scene where I got to fight all three of the main characters,” Page told the Northwest Asian Weekly. “It had everything I could’ve wanted. The script was so good and then the action team did a great job with the choreography. It was a perfect blend of comedy and fighting. Pretty much my favorite scene that I’ve done in any movie I’ve worked on so far.”

This chance that the movie offered, for these actors to play roles that they could enjoy was another charming element of the entire project. Yuan, who plays Hing, and acts as a bridge between Danny and the third “tiger,” Jim, said, “I missed playing comedy parts, so I loved

War II. She spoke regularly to educational, library, and community groups about her incarceration, and traveled to Japan to speak to many different Japanese groups about it. While promoting her book, she also was a strong advocate for Arab and Muslim people who faced similar injustice after the 9/11 attacks.

Julie Sotomura wrote on Facebook, “I’m so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a wonderful woman, full of delight.

I photographed her for a project I did in 2008 on Japanese American incarceration camp survivors. She was an inspiration.”

“The Matsudas were our neighbors and friends, attended church with us, and all of

the opportunity to explore those layers again…I did a lot in the beginning of my career, as well as stand up and improv from the times I was 17 to 18 years old back in NYC. Years later, I wanted to focus on more dramatic roles…so peeps don’t even know I can do comedy.”

It’s clear that “The Paper Tigers” is an act of love by its creators. A tribute to the martial arts movies they watched growing up, and to the place they grew up.

During filming, the crew was often seen on Seattle’s streets and the community came forward to give back.

“Gratitude is the greatest reward,” Tran shared. “I was struck by so many moments throughout where the community showed up for us, whether it was Hood Famous bringing the crew snacks or Nisei Vets Hall lending us rehearsal space. Or even seeing our diverse cast and crew truly enjoy each other’s company during lunch.

We knew we were working on something special and it inspired us to do our best.” This family feeling imbues local viewers, too, as we are treated to familiar sights, humor, and thrilling action as the “three tigers” fight to regain their sense of self.

“The most rewarding thing for me was being a part of what I think will be an iconic film,” said Jenkins, who plays Jim. “This film has a real opportunity to impact communities of all backgrounds because the story is about love, honor, respect, and perseverance, not to mention the good guys win. I’ve been in this business for over 30 years and I couldn’t be prouder of a film.”  “The Paper Tigers” screens at the 2021 Seattle Asian American Film Festival on March 6 in Burien. It is currently sold out. For more information about film festivals and the U.S. release of the film, visit pov-films.com/ thepapertigers/#home.

Kai can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

the kids in our large family picked berries for them,” Candace Brown reminisced on Facebook. “I have read her important book. This is another sad passing.”

Gruenewald also consulted with the National Park Service during its establishment of Minidoka Internment Camp as a National Park.

In 2017, at the age of 92, Gruenewald received her Vashon High School (VHS) diploma at the graduation ceremony for VHS Class of 2017—a milestone she would have experienced 75 years earlier if she hadn’t been incarcerated.

Gruenewald is survived by her three children and their families; two

grandchildren, one great-grandchild, four nieces and their families, and her sister-inlaw.  Donations may be made in her memory to Group Health Community Foundation (grouphealthfoundation.org); Japanese American Citizens League (jacl.org); Wesley Foundation (wesleychoice. org); the Vashon Heritage Museum (vashonheritagemuseum.org); and the Vashon Land Trust (vashonlandtrust.org).

Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

12

asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

MARCH 6 – MARCH 12, 2021

day Myanmar returned to military rule, a system of government the country had had from 1962 to 2011.

“When I first read that ‘Hunger Games’ series, I remember thinking, ‘Gosh, maybe [the author] wrote this about Burma,’” Pwint Htun, co-founder of Mobilizing Myanmar and a member of Seattle’s Myanmarese community, said. “There were so many parallels … that’s exactly what has happened in Burma over the last 60 years … and now people in Burma are using the ‘Hunger Games’ defiance symbol of the three-finger salute.”

Htun is one of an estimated 4,000 people from Myanmar living in Washington state, many of whom came to the United States as refugees, and are now using their platforms to advocate for a free Myanmar.

In the aftermath of Myanmar’s coup, police began arresting hundreds of democratically-elected members of parliament, removing State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint from office, detaining them with no access to outside communications.

“It is worse than the scariest dystopian movie,” Htun, also a non-residential fellow in Harvard’s Myanmar program, said during the Harvard Ash Center’s Feb. 19 panel “Myanmar After the Coup.”

At the same time as Myanmar’s government was being purged, communications in the country were disrupted, and everyday citizens became the enemy of the state.

“The first thing we had to do [was] teach them how they can get on VPN and how to get back online,” Htun said. “But the thing is, the military is closing that space, even more and more, so I feel like we’re doing the best that we can to counter that.”

Through her position at Mobilizing Myanmar, Htun works to connect people in Myanmar—especially low-income women, to the digital world. But with the military’s internet shutdown, years of her work within the country are being purposefully undone. And the atmosphere of fear and insecurity the new government has created, Htun said, has made her prepare for the worst regarding friends and family still in Myanmar.

“It’s not easy at all to contact them, but I stay in contact with them every single day just so that they also know I’m keeping an eye on them … Anytime I don’t see someone come online, I think the worst of, ‘Oh my gosh, have they been picked up [by the police]? Is it just the internet cut off, or are they picked up?’ … I mean that’s kind of how you live with this uncertainty,” she

Photo credit: UW B/MSA

MYANMAR from 1

Protesters at a Feb. 21 demonstration at Westlake Park.

said.

The Myanmarese community in Seattle and King County, accounting for almost two-thirds of Washington state’s Myanmarese population, hopes to bring awareness to the free Myanmar campaign through civil disobedience movement events, such as Feb. 21’s anti-military protest at Westlake Park.

Involved in the planning of the Feb. 21 protest in Seattle was Nu Nu Nuam, the president of the Burma/Myanmar Student Association (B/MSA) at the University of Washington. Nuam was born in Myanmar, but fled the country as a refugee when she was in kindergarten—since then, she hasn’t returned.

“Hearing news constantly was very difficult for me,” Nuam said. “It made me tear up multiple times just hearing about it … We have international students in our team who come from Myanmar and their parents are back at home and they couldn’t communicate with them. They don’t know what’s happening … They don’t know what’s next.”

At first, only the UW B/MSA was involved in organizing the protest, Nuam said, but other Myanmar activism groups and ethnic communities reached out and offered their support—activist organizations like the 8888 Activists, Free Burma/Myanmar Seattle, and marginalized ethnic groups like the Karen, Kachin, and Rohingya communities. Another protest hosted by Free Burma/Myanmar Seattle was held at Westlake Park on Feb. 27.

But this world of fear Nuam mentioned is nothing new for members of the “88 Protest Generation,” such as Htun. Growing up in Myanmar, she was subject to the violence of the country’s 8888 Uprising, and her family was forced to flee to America in 1988 when her mother was caught treating demonstrators wounded by police—back

then an arrestable offense “At the time, our apartment was overlooking the area where the soldiers massacred hundreds of unarmed protesters … As a 14-year-old, at the time you see all these injustices and you feel powerless to change it,” Htun said of the experience.

Gim Lalramlian, like Htun, was also forced to leave Myanmar due to his involvement in a protest. After participating in the 2007 Saffron Revolution, he left Myanmar for Malaysia, coming to America in 2011, eventually relocating to Seattle.

Lalramlian said he feels a responsibility to use his platforms to share information regarding online campaigns for Myanmar, doing what he can for people in the country without a voice.

“There, they don’t even have the full right to social media platforms,” he said.

“So living in America, here [and] now I have all this access, so I can freely talk and show my emotions about the military and everything, and I am able to share this with the whole world.”

During the Feb. 19 Harvard panel, Htun asked participants to imagine living in a country under siege. This hypothetical world, she said, her voice quavering with emotion, is the reality for over 54 million unarmed citizens living across Myanmar.

“Once people are telling you that these people exist and you just don’t pay attention or anything, it’s pretty much like not acknowledging other people’s existence,” Lalramlian said. “So as a human being, that’s not very nice. We just want the whole world to recognize our existence and what is going on inside our country.”

For the demonstrators in Seattle, that existence was displayed through the color red, which was the unofficial dress code of the Feb. 21 event.

“So red, in general, it represents bravery, and love, and kindness,” Lalramlian said,

adding that it was also the color of the National League for Democracy, Suu Kyi’s political party. According to Lalramlian, he and other Myanmarese in Seattle were trying to spread the truth—that the government, not Suu Kyi, were at fault for ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses toward minorities in Myanmar.

“There’s no way she can make changes overnight,” he said, referencing the 2016 Rohingya genocide that began in October, only six months after Suu Kyi was approved as State Counsellor. Nonetheless, Suu Kyi has faced criticism over her objectively lax attitude toward these abuses (domestically and internationally), and in 2019 appeared before the UN International Court of Justice for the genocides in a trial against the government of Myanmar.

“When we know the truth, what really happened, and who started the ethnic cleansing, and the whole world’s attacking our only hope, our mother Aung San Suu Kyi—let’s just say we’re the children, of course we got outraged and very angry, and we tried to protect her,” Lalramlian said.

However, organizing a protest amid a pandemic wasn’t easy. To protect demonstrators, organizers included safety guidelines in the protest agenda, including precautions such as getting tested for COVID-19 before and after the protest if possible.

“It was trying to navigate ‘How do we put this together in spite of COVID?’ …

It was a conflicting thought,” Nuam said.

“For me personally, it was that ‘We want to do something, we want to be a voice for the unheard who does not have that right, and also for family members back at home.’”

The snowy weather also posed problems for the protest, delaying it for a week until Feb. 21. The reason why Nuam decided to go forward with the protest, she said, was the resolve she saw within the Myanmarese community. Protestors as far away as Portland indicated that rain or shine, they would make the trip to Seattle to participate in the event.

“This isn’t just a fight for now, it’s a continuous fight that we want to continue fighting,” Nuam said.

She added that while the protest contained messages of anti-military and human rights condemnations, to her, its central meaning was even deeper.

“This is about fighting against any entity that decides to [say], ‘You know what, let’s treat people as if they’re not human. Let’s take their rights away,’” she said. “That’s what I want people to understand.”  Morgan can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Sealed bids will be received for KC000145, LARGE AIRCRAFT PARKING PHASE 1 - DEMOLITION; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, via the E-Procurement system, until 1:30 pm on 3/31/21. 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 Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Requirement on this contract.

Synopsis: The project will demolish an existing 2-story building (the Arrivals Building, directly adjacent to the Terminal Building) that totals approximately 21,176 sf plan area and a total internal working

space of approximately 59,400 square feet utilities (electrical, natural gas, water, sewers, etc.) located in or traveling through the Arrivals Building must be relocated to the Main Terminal as needed. Other utilities may also require relocation before demolition, depending on their ties to the Arrivals Building.

Estimated contract price: $1,668,918 Pre-Bid(s): 3/10/21, 8:00 am 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