VOL 40 NO 36 | SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

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

VOL 40 NO 36 SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 FREE 39 YEARS YOUR VOICE

ISRD board mulls: will new project mend or mar ID?

By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY As part of a process that could change the fabric of the Chinatown-International District (ID) yet provide welcome revenue to local businesses, the International Special Review District (ISRD) board reviewed a proposal to demolish Bush Garden, formerly called the Elgin Hotel.

The main point of contention at the Aug. 24 hearing was whether the building, at 614 Maynard Avenue South, needed to be demolished. And while the applicant to build a 17-story tower for residents on the site argued that there was no other choice but to demolish it, community voices and the chair of the board questioned if a thirdparty, independent reviewer might come up with an alternate conclusion.

Community support for building the tower, called the Jasmine, appeared strong at the meeting. Joan Seko, the see ISRD on 11

Snapshot from ISRD’s Aug. 24 virtual meeting with Vibrant Cities’ Gary Reddick presenting plans for 614 Maynard Ave S.

Moderna co-founder Kenneth Hate crime Chien finds silver lining hotline clears hurdle

By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

If you ask Kenneth Chien about the origins of the mRNA vaccines that are blunting the pandemic, he talks about his ancestors.

One of the co-founders of Moderna Therapeutics, Chien is using stem cell and mRNA technology for heart muscle regeneration. But he was reluctant to talk about his own work. Instead, he asked Northwest Asian Weekly to interview his father, who has written a 300-page book about the Chien family out of stories he told

A proposed Stop Hate Crime Hotline is one step closer to becoming reality. It unanimously passed the King County Council’s Law and Justice Committee on Aug. 31.

The King County Prosecutor’s Office has reported a significant rise in hate crimes—from 30 cases in 2018 to 59 cases in 2020. At the same time, multiple studies show that hate crimes are still vastly underreported.

County Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who proposed the hotline, said, “A dedicated hotline would increase access to justice for all communities by providing a direct avenue for reporting incidents of hate crimes.” see HOTLINE on 12

Photo by Jon Chase

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

see MODERNA on 12

Kenneth Chien

COMMUNITY NEWS Wing Luke School ribbon cutting  3

AT THE MOVIES Finally! The role Sandra Oh was destined to inhabit! For us!  5

COMMENTARY Asian food is not a panacea for Asian racism  8

Why get the COVID vaccine now?

“So we can go out and hang with friends again.”

Everyone ages 12 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine is safe, easy, and free - no insurance or appointment needed.

KingCounty.gov/vaccine

audrey, fl ynn, & no va ce n tr al di st ri ct

■

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

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Compassion over Hate Gala

Helping Link-Một Dấu Nối will be celebrating 28 years of service to the Vietnamese American community at its Compassion over Hate Virtual Gala.

The event, on Sept. 16, from 7–8 p.m., will recognize accomplishments, support Vietnamese neighbors and friends, and look to the future.

Highlights include keynote speaker Trang Tu Dang and a short auction.

“When people come to Helping Link, they know someone who understands their culture will be there to help them,” said Minh-Duc Nguyen, Helping Link’s executive director. “After such a difficult year, we are excited to bring the community together for a time of reflection and celebration.”

The goal this year is to raise $100,000 to support Helping Link-Một Dấu Nối’s programs.

For more information about the event and ways to support Helping Link, visit helpinglink.org. 

Hidden Histories of Nikkei Sports

Northwest Nikkei Museum at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington will host its 7th Speaker Series on Sept. 17.

“Hidden Histories of Nikkei Sports” will highlight local Seattle sports organizations Rokka Ski Club, Tengu Club, and a special guest appearance from Kerry Yo Nakagawa, founder of the Nisei Baseball Research Project. Each club will go over their history and come together to discuss the importance of community involvement through sports. Each sport has a rich history within the Japanese American community, starting before the incarceration and coming back together after the war.

To register, go to jcccw.org/speaker-series. 

APCC to host Chuseok festivals

Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) is doubling up the celebration of Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Moon Festival—with two festivals on consecutive weekends: Sept. 18 in Gig Harbor and Sept. 25 in Tacoma.

The celebrations will feature various Korean dance teams and Korean music and food, plus special presentations revolving around Korean culture.

The inaugural Chuseok Festival in Gig Harbor will host Reps. Marilyn Strickland and Derek Kilmer, Korea Vice Consul, and Gig Harbor Mayor Kit Kuhn.

Tacoma’s event will include Mayor Victoria Woodard, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, and Cultural

Consul from the Korean Consulate, Junsik Kim. All events can be accessed virtually at facebook.com/ AsiaPacificCulturalCenter. 

Chow Yun-fat gets honorary doctorate

Superstar Chow Yunfat has been given an honorary doctorate from Hong Kong’s Baptist University for his outstanding achievements and contributions to society. At the ceremony last month, the 66-yearold action star expressed gratitude for the doctorate in humanities and thanked Hongkongers for the encouragement and love they had shown him.

Chow Yun-fat Chow dropped out of school at 17 to help support his family, and within the year was accepted into an actor training course. 

PRESENTED BY NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY & NWAWFOUNDATION

Unity In Voices: Where do we go from here?

Bridging the gap between Black and Asian communities LIVE & VIRTUAL PANEL (FREE EVENT) Limit to 50 people with proof of vaccination

DARRELL POWELL Vice President NAACP region & Treasurer for King County

JESSE WINEBERRY Attorney WINA Co-chair

MODERATORS

JONATHAN SPOSATO Co-Publisher GeekWire

KIRO 7 anchor

Executive Director Asian Pacific Cultural Center

MICHELLE MERRIWEATHER

CEO Seattle Urban League

EVENT INFO THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 5—7 P.M. FREE EVENT REGISTER FOR: ____VIRTUAL EVENT___ZOOM

MONIQUE MING LAVEN

LUA PRITCHARD

NATE MILES

Community Leader

JOYALE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 900 S. JACKSON ST. SEATTLE, WA 98104 206-623-1318 Free parking

Friends of NWAW JERRY & CHARLENE LEE

TOSHIKO HASEGAWA

Executive Director WA CAPAA

YOUR VOICE

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

asianweekly northwest

■ COMMUNITY NEWS Wing Luke School dedication Photo provided by Bettie Luke

Happy sounds of drums and gongs rang out across the sun-lit plaza, in front of the new Wing Luke Elementary School on Aug. 24. The Mak Fai Chinese Lion Dance Team was poised to perform a lion dance that would chase away evil spirits and also bless and bring good luck to the building.

Over 50 years ago, the school had been named for Wing Luke, a highly regarded political and community leader. The original school had been torn down a couple years ago, and a new building was constructed to welcome students in the 2021 school year.

Principal Carol Mendoza conducted the program for the ribbon-cutting

3

ceremony to formally dedicate the new building, flanked by four members of the Seattle Chinese Girls Drill Team.

Program speakers included Melissa Pailthorp, president of Schools First Seattle; Brandon K. Hersey, Seattle School Board District 7 director; Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools; and Bettie Luke, sister of Wing Luke. Because of the pandemic situation, tours of the building were not allowed. However, you can see a tour on the Wing Luke school website, conducted

by Mendoza and Assistant Principal Jeffery Case. 

From left: Cindy Luo, Campbell Mckisson, Ruby Luke, Jacob Parker, Linda Kan Parker, Bettie Luke, Michael Kan, Kelly Chen, and Colleen Mckisson

Police investigate CID shootings A 28-year-old man was shot and seriously injured following a fight in the 1200 block of South King Street on Aug. 28.

Witnesses called 911 at 1:45 a.m. to report that a man had shot a person in a parking lot at 12th Avenue South and South Main street.

Officers quickly arrived and found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest—he was

transported to Harborview Medical Center with lifethreatening injuries.

Police spoke with witnesses who said the victim was shot following a fight disturbance that began at a nearby club. The witnesses were unable to provide a suspect description. Officers collected evidence and are working with nearby businesses to determine if there is any surveillance video that may have captured the incident.

On Aug. 25, another man was shot near 7th Avenue and Dearborn Street.

The 21-year-old suffered a wound to his shoulder and was taken to Harborview.

If you have any information on either case, call the tip line at 206-233-5000. 

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asianweekly northwest

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

39 YEARS

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEPT 8 APDC SEPTEMBER MEETING, FEATURING SHOUAN PAN, GARY LOCK, AND MIA TUAN Via Zoom 8:30-10 a.m. https://bit.ly/3g9Kz6r

16 COMPASSION OVER HATE VIRTUAL GALA 7-8 p.m.

Helping Link-Một Dấu Nối celebrates 28 years of service to the Vietnamese American community helpinglink.org

17

7 p.m.

Register at jcccw.org/speaker-series

18 ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER CHUSEOK CELEBRATION 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Skansie Brothers Park 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor Or online at facebook.com/ AsiaPacificCulturalCenter

24 SEATTLE ASIAN ART MUSEUM FREE FIRST FRIDAY 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Seattle Asian Art Museum Free admission Advanced registration required volunteerparktrust.org/event/ saam-free-fridays/all

25

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ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER CHUSEOK CELEBRATION 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

APCC 4851 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma Or online at facebook.com/ AsiaPacificCulturalCenter

DOUG BALDWIN AT RENTON ROTARY CLUB 12-1:30 p.m.

Fairwood Golf and Country Club, Renton $20 rentonrotarysecretary@ gmail.com

OCT 1-24 TASVEER SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL Northwest Film Forum tasveer.org

JCCCW SPEAKER SERIES: HIDDEN HISTORIES OF NIKKEI SPORTS

Seattle (Also a virtual event) Free admission with proof of vaccination nwasianweekly.com

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14 CRAZY WOKE ASIANS, ONE NIGHT ONLY 7:30-10 p.m.

Unexpected Productions Improv $25 unexpectedproductions.org

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SEATTLE ASIAN ART MUSEUM FREE FIRST FRIDAY 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Seattle Asian Art Museum Free admission Advanced registration required volunteerparktrust.org/event/ saam-free-fridays/all/

NOV 4-14

NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY’S UNITY IN VOICES EVENT, BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BLACK AND ASIAN COMMUNITIES 5-7 p.m.

Joyale Seafood Restaurant,

VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL Vancouver, BC, Canada vaff.org

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Proposals will be received for KC000301, Construction Management Services for Interbay Forcemain and Odor Control Project; by King County Procurement and Payables Section until 12:00 PM on September 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 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: $1,100,000 Total Estimated Price for all Phases: $3,300,000 Contact: Samol Hefley, shefley@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-6195

View the solution on page 10

Assunta Ng

Account Executives

John Liu

rebecca@nwasianweekly.com

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kelly@nwasianweekly.com

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

Han Bui Layout & Web Editor han@nwasianweekly.com

Rebecca Ip Kelly Liao John Liu

john@nwasianweekly.com

George Hira

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

YOUR VOICE

■ AT THE MOVIES

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

asianweekly northwest

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Finally! The role Sandra Oh was destined to inhabit!

For us!

By Stacy Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Over her career, Sandra Oh tended to play roles that didn’t fully let her sink into a racialized identity. I’m not at all saying that’s her fault. I’m saying that she probably auditioned for and nailed roles that weren’t written with an Asian American in mind.

In her career, there have been so many times when her character didn’t even have a last name, like the time she played a woman named Stephanie in “Sideways,” one of her breakout roles. In her most famous role at the moment, “Killing Eve,” Oh plays a character named Eve Polastri, and while I am an avid fan of the show, off the top of my head, I can’t remember a moment when

Eve’s identity was racialized other than this one time she was being hunted down and a serial killer had to describe her features to a rando. Something about Eve’s magnificent hair and the fact that she is an Asian woman.

I know, some of you are probably like: Why does this even matter? More and more Asians are on TV. It’s fine!

Because representation on-screen isn’t enough. We don’t have enough API writers on staff. We don’t have enough API showrunners. There aren’t enough famous and influential API American filmmakers.

Sandra Oh rocks in “The Chair,” a Netflix comedy-drama with a tight six-episode run (in this first season, at least), about a woman (played by Oh) who is the first woman and woman of color to be English

department chair at a stodgy university. All of her colleagues are old and white, save for one young talented Black professor (Nana Mensah) who is constantly under threat of GTFOing because she’s getting choked by all of the white BS going on at the school.

Oh’s character, Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim, speaks American English with an American accent but has a super Korean name, which made me go, “Finally!” probably in the first five minutes of the show because I am so sick of Oh playing characters named like, ‘Jane Halvorsen.’

Ji-Yoon has some legit Asian-y problems in her life, too. She’s going through growing pains with her young daughter, who is adopted and Latinx, who is rebellious and challenging to her often-absent and busy

mom. Ju Ju (the daughter, played by Everly Carganilla) punishes her mom for not being around enough by throwing the belief that Ji-Yoon doesn’t care enough about Ju Ju’s ethnic heritage. And Ji-Yoon is like, legit hurt and pissed about that and retorts back about it.

One of Ju Ju’s primary caregivers is her grandfather, Ji-Yoon’s dad, who is played

by Ji Lee. This dude speaks Korean pretty much the entire series, even though it’s stated he knows how to speak at least some English. But he insists on speaking Korean, probably because it’s comforting and easier for him. He laments about his inability to communicate with his granddaughter, and see THE CHAIR on 9

Hope. Care. Cure.™

Some said Isaac had a 50/50 chance of survival.

But tell that to this thriving little guy.

For over 100 years, Seattle Children’s has been dedicated to compassionate care and groundbreaking research, so every kid can have the healthiest childhood possible.

Because it’s not about beating the odds.

It’s about changing them. For all kid-kind.

SeattleChildrens.org

Isaac living cancer-free

CHILD 15902 MissionBoost_Isaac_NWAW_9.75x7.25_eng_v1.indd 1

Pub/s: Northwest Asian Weekly

8/12/21 8:22 PM

Traffic: 8/30/21

Run Date: Sept

Color: CMYK

Author: TH

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asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG

Photos provided by Homestead

Photo provided by Michael Itti

The silver lining for COVID’s rising

CISC Zoom sessions in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese with other partnerships.

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY A University of Washington (UW) study showed how nonprofits suffered during the pandemic. Holding fundraising events became impossible, and individual donations have declined. However, some organizations have bucked the trend. They have not only survived, they have innovated and embarked on a more ambitious journey.

It has been amazing how flexible these organizations have been—turning their organizations around to meet challenges and increasing their funding and services to meet their needs.

Raising big money

Located in Chinatown-International District (CID), Homestead Community Land Trust builds homes, townhouses, and condominiums at affordable cost for lowincome families.

In contrast to previous fundraising dinners with a goal of no more than $100,000 and under 200 guests, Homestand started its biggest fundraising campaign with a goal of $1.2 million in May 2019. Recently, it has raised over $1 million

Willowcrest kitchen

Willowcrest building A

despite the pandemic.

How did Homestead do it? Instead of calling it a capital campaign, Homestead calls it a Capacity Campaign.

The money raised will include staff expansion, too. Its fundraising focused on individual donations, sponsorships, and corporations. Now, it reaches potential donors mostly through phone calls and virtual conversations and meetings.

Donors support Homestead for many reasons. One, it has a track record of building 222 homes, and is now in the process of building 100 more homes in King County.

Homestead’s biggest selling point is its product. The donors like what they see.

Executive Director Kathleen Hosfeld said, “The homes are environmentally-friendly. They are way beyond what’s expected today in terms of environment and sustainability.”

keeping our community safe.

“With the increased funding, International Community Health Services (ICHS) has been able to actively test and vaccinate our communities, which have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” said CEO Teresita Batayola. “We have also been able to actively address vaccine hesitancy through social media and an upcoming Youth Summit. Without the funding, ICHS could not have done the COVID-19 work.”

Take the UW for instance—it has received millions of dollars in research grants in battling the virus.

The new funding sources have also changed how organizations raise money. Some have decided not to do live fundraising events as they are time-consuming and ineffective, while some have raised a lot more money through the new virtual format.

According to philanthropist Jerry Lee, a virtual golf tournament raised over $100,000 for breast cancer research

Increased funding and virtual event

Many nonprofit organizations have gained enormous funding from federal, state, county, and city sources in the last 18 months, for their work in fighting COVID and

■ COMMUNITY NEWS PacMed building planning survey Input wanted by Sept. 10

The Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Authority (PHPDA) is conducting a plan to identify opportunities for future uses of the historic south campus, including the buildings that are south of the Pacific Tower. The PHPDA wants input from the ChinatownInternational District and Beacon Hill— to better understand what about the site is most important to you.

The PHPDA uses lease revenue from the property to fund programs consistent with its mission of decreasing disparities in healthcare access and improving healthcare outcomes among King County’s underserved populations.

Your input will be anonymous unless you want to provide your contact information.  Go to the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/ NQ9P8ZQ. To fill out the survey in Mandarin, go to es.surveymonkey.com/r/FMPYSKY. For Tagalog, go to surveymonkey.com/r/ FXPJX9Q. And for Vietnamese, go to surveymonkey. com/r/FN2HSK8.

see BLOG on 10

YOUR VOICE

■ AT THE MOVIES

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

asianweekly northwest

7

Photos courtesy of Magnet Releasing

“MASUMI rising: Music, film, swords, and São Paulo”

By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Welcome Back Weeks

September 4 - 19 | #welcomebackseattle The City of Seattle and Downtown Seattle Association welcome you back to downtown Seattle for the second schedule of Welcome Back Week events.

Borealis, Festival of Light A unique breathtaking experience of light and music with four identical 35-minute shows every hour.

When: Friday, Sept 10

Where: Paramount Theatre

Celebrate Black Lives Matter Festival Outdoor festival of local Black art, music, and talent.

When: Saturday, Sept 18

Where: City Hall Plaza

Welcome Back Week Outdoor Concert Dance in the grass as you enjoy live outdoor music from local artists at our Welcome Back Week Finale event!

When: Sunday, Sept 19 Where: Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre Scan this QR code or visit seattle.gov/COVIDrecovery for more information on all the events.

Before her first film role, Japanese American singer MASUMI (she spells her name in all-caps) had already been performing song and dance for her own family, as far back as age 5.

She had played in a Japanese drum group, transitioned into singing and recording her own songs, and survived the Great Tōhoku Earthquake. But her starring role in the action thriller “Yakuza Princess,” opening in theaters and on-demand on Sept. 3, pushed her in directions she’d never considered before.

Asked which film skills were hardest to master, she responded candidly, “My mind was the toughest to master. Being a newbie to everything, I had to fight off the feeling of being not ‘good enough’ or skilled enough for it all. But again, the entire team and [my] castmates were incredibly supportive. Everybody put 120% of their effort during all the night shoots. I didn’t have to be confident and perfect, I just owed it to them to give it my absolute best…

“Kendo, swords, stunt fighting, acting. Everything was new for me.

I had a month to practice for the fighting choreography and the sword movements prior to shooting. The fight choreographer, Rizzo, was a kind and patient man who I spent a lot of ‘off days’ practicing with! My husband, Kenny Leu, is a martial artist, so he trained me as well. We learned Kendo at the dojos in São Paulo, then trained more back at our apartment gym.”

“Yakuza Princess,” directed by Vicente Amorim, tells the story of MASUMI’s character, Akemi, as she journeys through the Japanese community in São Paulo, the largest expatriate Japanese enclave on Earth at some 1.5 million strong. She believes herself heir to a large portion of the Japanese yakuza crime syndicate, and she’s looking for proof, or at least the real story.

But lies and treachery confront her at every turn, as do armed assailants wielding both guns and swords. An amnesiac Westerner called Shiro (Jonathan Rhys Myers) steps in at her

side, although he just might turn out to be more foe than friend.

As MASMUI explained, after releasing a few songs, she turned down an offer from Japan, to mold her into a Japanese pop idol. She turned that down because she wanted to decide the kind of artist she should grow into. But in her confusion and depression around that phase, she decided to study acting and put music on the back burner. Her agent shared an audition tape with her husband’s manager, and she ended up being cast in “Yakuza Princess.”

Filming in São Paulo took three months.

“The first month was for rehearsal, and prepping for the martial arts. Most Brazilian Japanese mainly spoke the local language. Most people don’t speak Japanese anymore.

“But my kendo teacher spoke perfect Japanese, and he told me his passion was to spread the Japanese tradition through Kendo for those Brazilian Japanese that are becoming less familiar with Japanese tradition in Brazil. I was touched by his passion in preserving the culture.”

She’s grateful to Amorim for his patience with the ideas she had for her character. Myers felt like a big brother to her, and she had a hard time keeping up with all of his helpful acting tips. Her Japanese co-stars, Tsuyoshi Ihara and Eijiro Ozaki, taught her sword fighting techniques.

“It was tough to have 90% of the shoot being at night. We shot most of our fight scenes starting past midnight until 6 a.m., and keeping the body flexible at that hour was a challenge. We had a very tight schedule, and it didn’t allow us to make many changes, so I slept as much as I could. Most days, until five minutes before the car picked us up.”

Asked about future projects, she said she doesn’t have a new acting role lined up yet, but she’s releasing new songs to coincide with the release of “Yakuza Princess.”

“Hope you guys catch my music as well,” MASUMI said, as she signed off.  Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

■ COMMENTARY

Photos by Juliet Fang

Asian food is not a panacea for Asian racism

Chinese mooncakes stuffed with red bean paste and egg yolks

Weekly Specials

Xiao long bao, a Chinese soup dumpling originating from the Jiangsu province.

Prices Valid September 1-7, 2021

By Juliet Fang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Like so many first-generation immigrant kids, my elementary and middle school years were plagued by an overwhelming desire to abandon my Chinese roots and embody the platonic ideal of an “American” kid. I shunned the clothes my mom brought from China, let my Mandarin fall out of practice, and, most of all, rejected my food. Hiding my dried squid underneath greasy cafeteria tables, I was utterly embarrassed of the pinched noses my “smelly” food attracted.

But now, the “ethnic” snacks and foods I grew up eating—Hapi wasabi peas, dandan noodles, rice crackers— have propagated as far as the shelves of any well-stocked grocery. Snacking on dried seaweed is the norm, and so-called “challenging” foods (i.e. fish sauce, kimchi, and sushi) are now ultra-trendy, garnering curiosity from many chefs and food bloggers alike.

Indeed, Asian food is the fastest growing cuisine in the United States, according to market researching firm Euromonitor. With all this hype, it seems we’ve come a long way since John Bender’s comments about Claire’s sushi in The Breakfast Club (“you won’t accept a guy’s tongue in your mouth, but you’re gonna eat that?”). Yet, as a young Chinese American that is still seeking to understand the complexities of her own racial identity, I have reservations about this newfound embrace.

What confuses me most is how people can gorge on dumplings while turning a blind eye to the people who made it possible for them to do so. Asian foods have grown in demand alongside Asian hate crimes. The first quarter of 2021 saw a 164% increase in reported hate crimes against Asians since the first quarter of 2020, following a historical surge in Asian hate crimes that largely sprung out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

And while Asian grandmas and grandpas were spit on, kicked, and bloodied until they wailed on the streets of Oakland and New York City, the nation wondered if there would be a boba shortage.

According to Andrew Coe, author of Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States, the cherry-picking of Asian culture begins with the first Chinese immigrants in San Francisco, who established successful restaurants known as “chow chow houses.” The delicious food wasn’t enough to mitigate the tense relationship between Chinese immigrants and white Americans. Soon, accusations that the Chinese were responsible for reduced wages and job opportunities prompted unprecedented anti-Chinese sentiment.

Blood, violence, and hate culminated in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned “Chinese and other Asiatics” from immigration to the United States—the only law in U.S. history to have prevented all members see ASIAN FOOD on 10

White Prawns

Ube Purple Yams

16/20 Count. Wild from Mexico.

Large Size Ideal for Skewers

New Crop!

11.99 lb

Kalbi Marinade

Our Very Own Marinade.

In our Deli

3.99 ea

2.88 lb

Chicken Thighs

Sun Luck

Tofu

Boneless. Marinate with Asian BBQ Sauce!

Kinugoshi Soft, Chinese Firm or Traditional. 14 oz

Shirakiku

My Cafe Latte

3.29 lb

1.59

Maeil

Shirakiku

Yuki No Kakera Snowflake Rice

Premium Short Grain. 15 lb

23.99

Daifuku Mochi

Assorted Flavors. 100 g

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Assorted Flavors. 7.4 oz *Seattle Store: Sweetened Beverage Tax Applies.

2/$3*

To see all of our weekly specials, visit uwajimaya.com s es aetat ltet l •e b•e l l b e veul el e •v ur ee n t•o n r e• n bt eoanv e •r t obn e a v e r t o n

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jim m u wu aw j iam a ya ay a . c. coom

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

YOUR VOICE

■ LETTER

asianweekly northwest

9

Letter to Mayor Durkan

Re: Africatown Community Land Trust, Keiro Nursing Home site Dear Mayor Durkan, It has come to my attention that Africatown Community Land Trust has either already secured funding and a contract, or is in the process of doing so, with the City to operate a 24/7 enhanced shelter at the site of the former historic Keiro Nursing Home.

I am sending you a letter about the contract for the 24/7 enhanced shelter between the City of Seattle and Africatown as well.

For all projects that the City funds, the City is supposed to require providers to notify neighbors as soon as the site is identified. To my knowledge, this was not done. I understand the shelter is supposed to go online in October 2021.

I am requesting the following information.

City of Seattle and Africatown shelter

1. Who is the point person from the City regarding this City-funded 24/7 enhanced shelter?

2. What plan does the City have to notify neighbors?

3. What is the funding source(s)? How

much funding is provided by government entities and other funding sources? What is the length and duration of the funding for Africatown?

4. What other potential locations for this 24/7 enhanced shelter were also considered?

5. How long does the City and Africatown plan to operate the shelter?

What is the duration of the funding?

Shelter residents

1. How many (original site was for 150 beds), who, and how will the residents of Africatown's 24/7 enhanced shelter be screened?

2. Will residents with criminal backgrounds (substance addiction/abuse issues, sex offenses, etc.) be allowed?

3.

Will all residents and staff be vaccinated and tested regularly for Covid-19? What kind of Covid precautions will be maintained at the facility? What about visitors?

4. What happens if a resident commits a crime?

Africatown as City of Seattle-contracted service provider

1. Why was Africatown considered/

contracted given their apparent lack of experience in running a homeless/high risk population shelter? Will they be subcontracting to a provider and would that provider be under City rules and requirements?

2. What is Africatown's and the City's legal liability regarding this shelter?

Site operation

1. Who will actually run the shelter?

Will they be accountable to the City?

2. How will the property be maintained?

In fact, inasmuch as the facility is in disrepair outwardly at least, how will it be prepared for incoming residents?

3. How many supervisors and staff will work at the facility? Will there be a 24-hour staff presence? Who will hire and supervise them?

Resident services

1. Are “wraparound services” to be provided to residents? Will these be onsite? Who will provide these services, to whom and for how long?

2. How long will residents stay at the shelter? Is the plan to transition them to permanent stable housing? Is that housing available? What if permanent housing is unavailable?

Africatown and community relationship

Is the service provider, in this case Africatown, willing to support a neighborhood citizens' advisory group?

Expected outcomes

Can Africatown provide specific information on expected verifiable outcomes and will the City of Seattle, as the funding body to Africatown, have specific expected and verifiable outcomes as part of the funding and contractual arrangement.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you.

Sincerely, — Patty Fong Seattle, WA cc: NW Asian Weekly Ms. Kshama Sawant Ms. Lorena Gonzalez Mr. Bruce Harrell Wisteria Community Association Africatown Community Land Trust - Wyking Garrett

THE CHAIR from 5 he feels put-upon often by his daughter. So he criticizes her a lot. He is fascinating himself, more than just a supportive dad and grandpa.

“The Chair” is super racialized—and it’s nuanced in how it portrays all of these identities under the large and looming veil of whiteness and white supremacy culture and white institution—and also patriarchy—in academia.

“The Chair” is also funny!

Oh has always been a really awesome comedic actor, but I think that’s been tamped down a little bit in recent years because Oh was busy challenging herself and showing us her dramatic chops. It’s really nice, though, to see her in a more mundane role as a college professor (versus an MI6 agent chasing a serial killer). Being a college professor allows Oh to mine the humor of everyday life.

A word of caution: The episodes are just half an hour long and there are only six episodes.

Take your time watching this.

Don’t plow through it over three hours like I did! I finished it all too quickly and then got sad about it. Learn from my mistake and savor it!  The first season of “The Chair” is now available for streaming on Netflix.

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

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, and more are provided on the County’s website: 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.

KC000275 OPENS: 09/14/2021 ITB - Operation Sneeze Guards KC000309 OPENS: 09/17/2021 Reimagining Public Safety in Urban Unincorporated King County

10

asianweekly northwest

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

39 YEARS

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pop-up testing, and pop-up vaccination clinics.

for two consecutive years.

The elimination of food and venue costs means more revenue. It also minimizes manpower and the unnecessary headaches and logistics associated with an in-person event.

The increased funding has been reflected in the number of new job openings at these organizations.

Form new partnerships

Photo provided by Jordan Goldwarg

BLOG from 6

Zoom innovations

With Zoom, several organizations have conducted online classes and workshops.

The Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC) has conducted more than 200 virtual classes to promote the health and social well-being of seniors, said Executive Director Michael Itti. It “has purchased and distributed nearly 100 iPads to low-income seniors to connect them to activities such as fitness, art, healthy living, technology, and English classes.”

Another agency, OneWorld Now, launched online language classes (offering Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and Russian) and leadership workshops for high school students. These classes have allowed them to reach not only students locally but all across the country, including in rural areas where teenagers do not have access to these kinds of programs, said Executive Director Jordan

ASIAN FOOD from 8 of a specific ethnic or national group from immigrating to the U.S. Even with the reversal of the ban in 1965 with the Immigration and Nationality Act, it wouldn’t be until president Richard Nixon’s infamous visit to Beijing and the later 2000s wave of foodies that propelled the curiosity of Asian food, especially beyond Chinese cuisine.

The acceptance of Asian food in America is a story of assimilation, racism, cultural resilience, and hundreds of years of history in a country that refuses to recognize Asians as American. For my food to be a trend implies that one day it will be passé, left behind in a graveyard

Online Chinese class

Goldwarg.

Implement new ideas

In January 2020, ICHS had zero telehealth capabilities.

But in two months, it was fully functional through the support of local foundations and other donors to get tablets in the hands of seniors so they could communicate with providers to combat isolation and manage their chronic health conditions, said Batayola.

ICHS also used its mobile dental clinic to conduct pop-up flu clinics (before the COVID vaccine became available),

of baked Alaskas and bananas Foster. And because slurping dumplings is a whole lot easier than addressing one’s prejudices and judgements, I fear that patrons leave dim sum restaurants patting themselves on the back for their half-attempts at pronouncing “xiao long bao” and nibbling at chicken feet while ostensibly filling a void for their racial guilt.

Simply eating another culture’s food doesn’t mean one has become a culturally-adventurous racial pioneer or begun to understand the nuances of what it means to be Asian American. That’s just a band-aid solution for addressing the various ways, consciously or not, one has contributed to the forces of systemic racism that have made so many feel unwelcome. It’s the kind of racial reductionism that’s made the experience of Asians in

ICHS has activated a tight network with CID nonprofits and volunteers to tackle suspected cases of COVID (starting with International House very early on), coordinating the delivery of food and essential supplies to seniors and families, and organizing community-based testing and vaccination sites, including pop-ups in partnership with nonprofits, businesses, temples and churches, and more.

That’s why CID COVID cases were low compared to other communities.

CISC created an Anti-Hate and Anti-Bias team to respond to the rise in anti-Asian hate. It also joined the Coalition Against Hate & Bias, which includes six other community-based members, and is supported by the King County Office of Equity and Social Justice. As a member of the Coalition, community members can report incidents of hate and bias to CISC and receive information, referral, and support. The data collected is used to raise awareness with public officials and develop strategies to address areas of concern.  Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

America so silenced in the first place.

There’s a lot America needs to learn about the Asian American experience, and it certainly doesn’t end with food. But for all the shortcomings of the cuisine’s trendiness, it still makes me smile to see my friend’s younger siblings unafraid to show-and-tell their pho and chicken adobo over Zoom, their excited hands almost spilling food on the keyboard. I hope they grow up fiercely proud of where they came from, defiantly eating their favorite foods in the face of anyone that tells them otherwise.  Juliet can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

asianweekly northwest

11

Predictions and advice for the week of September 4–10, 2021

By Sun Lee Chang Rat—You run a tight ship, but leave room to relax a little as not everything needs to be just so.

Dragon—You can spot the issue right away in most situations, but it is not always up to you to fix it.

Monkey—Staying connected can be a challenge at times. Reach out with a friendly text or call to keep the channel open.

Ox—Even though you pride yourself on your independence, there is no shame in accepting help that is offered.

Snake—Acquiring both things and experiences are a priority for you. Try to strike a balance between the two.

Rooster—Tired of too much clutter? Instead of throwing things together, think about organizing it in some way.

Tiger—Pride can both benefit and harm you.

Remember that too much of anything isn’t good for you.

Horse—Whether it is for work or leisure, you are most at home when you plug into your creative energy.

Dog—Tackling too many things at once can be daunting. It would be best to focus on one thing at a time.

Rabbit—What you lack in other areas, you make up for in persistence. As such, you will likely reach your goal.

Goat—Remember that you are not defined by your job. It is merely one aspect of the many things that you do.

Pig—A new wrinkle has been introduced into your plans, but you should be able to iron it out with minimal disruption.

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.

ISRD from 1 former owner of Bush Garden, and Tomio Moriguchi, the former CEO of Uwajimaya, among others, expressed support for the revenue that would be brought in by the approximately 200 residents that would live in the new building. This would provide much needed relief to struggling businesses in the wake of the pandemic.

Moriguchi said he was “personally familiar” with the activism and legacy of the building. Bush Garden was a place where community leaders, such as Ruth Woo and Bob Santos, regularly met with others. For his part, Santos insisted that community development must accommodate people of all incomes.

But, Moriguchi added, “We need this type of development that will bring more residents and business opportunities to the community, including income to support the businesses that are already here.”

He said he believed Vibrant Cities, the developer, “has the vision and experience.”

Some ISRD board members also showed support for the proposal, including Faye Hong, Matt Chan, and Andy Yip. Others opposed the demolition. Eugenia Woo, director of preservation services at Historic Seattle, said the building would “stick out like a sore thumb.”

“The ISRD has not approved the demolition and destruction of a historic and culturally significant building in the district since it was formed in the early 1970s,” she said. “Let’s not allow this to be the first one.”

Woo also called the developer’s attempts to add cultural or historical elements to the building “disingenuous” because, she said, the developer had repeatedly said it does not consider the building as historically significant.

In written comments, she said the development team had “looked to Beijing” for cultural motifs, ignoring the diversity of Asian culture.

Finally, she asked for an independent, third-party review of the structural integrity of the building to determine if demolition is indeed necessary.

Some board members echoed those concerns. Board member Tanya Woo also appeared to initially oppose demolition. Chair Matt Fujimoto asked several times if there was a third-party that was interested in giving another assessment of the project and, if so, to act “expeditiously.” Board member Matt Chan asked for clarification about construction processes.

It was not clear if the entire community was represented. Rebecca Frestedt, who is on the staff of the city of Seattle and coordinates ISRD meetings, reported that due to a technical problem, it was impossible to take calls from community members. In addition, the one community member who spoke in Cantonese was unable to be heard in translation in the Zoom recording.

Such challenges apparently represent an ongoing effort by ISRD staff to be inclusive in their operations.

For instance, the next ISRD board member election will be held by mail-in voting, according to Frestedt. But it was not clear how that would affect access to ballots by those that have traditionally voted.

Tanya Woo also expressed concern that the multiple signatories, representing local restaurants and other businesses that supported the project, had not been given a clear picture of what they were supporting.

She said the 17-story tower was a new development that had not been shared with the board before, and even the demolition, described by the development team as unavoidable, was new information.

Gary Reddick, an architect, who was presenting the proposal before the board, did not have a rendering or image of the future tower beyond simple hand-drawn sketches. Earlier renderings were “archival.”

Reddick said he was waiting for input from the community before coming up with a specific design.

But Frestedt said it was a requirement to provide a plan of the structure that would replace the demolished building before the board could move forward.

“I’m trying to help the applicant get to a point where a denial isn’t something that even needs to be considered,” said Frestedt, in response to a question by Woo about stopping demolition.

Near the end of the hearing, which was meant purely as a venue for board members to decide if they had enough information to move forward to a future session, James Wong, CEO of Vibrant Cities, and the owner of the building, attempted to extract a statement from each board member about how they would vote on demolition.

Wong grew up in the ID, working at Chinese restaurants.

The frustration, at least partially, also appeared to represent the approximately three years the development team has worked on the proposal. It was not clear if this is a normal amount of time or was exacerbated by the pandemic.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been in front of the board and a number of you lack continuity with the meeting two years ago and the meeting before that,” Wong said.

“If the decision is made not to approve demolition of the building, then I don’t know any other way, then it’s going to sit there and continue to degrade and eventually fall down,” said Reddick.

And when, at the end of his presentation, Reddick asked the board directly if they supported the development, Fujimoto seemed to balk.

“Please be aware,” he said to the other board members, “it’s a little bit out of place to be receiving a question as directly as that at this point of time.”

A concession made by the development team in an

earlier meeting, to provide a community space, was met with skepticism by some members of the board, but endorsed by others.

Reddick repeatedly defined the character of the space as one of “welcoming and gathering.” But some board members said such an emphasis was not in keeping with the activism that had characterized the use of the building in its past.

Wong said he was trying to promote Asian culture and referred to some of his other buildings that had retail space with Asian or Asian-influenced food.

But Woo said the issue was not about preserving Asian culture but about preserving the specific legacy of the building.

Nor was it clear precisely who would have access to the community space, which could be on the first and second floors of the building.

Woo, whose family owns the Louisa Hotel building, said that in other such buildings in the ID, such spaces seem to inevitably end up as property of only the tenants of the buildings. She said that safety issues make it impossible to open the space up to outsiders.

Wong responded that such a space could be used for pre-arranged events such as weddings, banquets, and academic meetings, and offered to provide a legal guarantee in advance.

Frestedt said it was unclear if the board had the authority to enter into such an agreement.

One thing that was largely agreed upon was that the building would alter the fabric of the community.

For some, that was a positive, bringing in residents with more money to spend at local businesses.

Andy Yip, who has led several business associations, said it would “revitalize” the area.

“There’s always got to be a first person who starts something that sets the precedent and there is courage in it,” he said.

But Fujimoto referred to research that indicates that such development can exclude families.

Matt Chan and others added concerns about building exclusively single-unit apartments or condos that would also discourage development that emphasized families.

Woo asked if the units were for tech workers and if bringing in 200 people would help with chronic issues such as homelessness and safety. She also worried about the increase in cars.

All board members said they had enough information to move forward with a decision about demolition, although some board members still expressed concern that the developer had given no other options.

The next meeting is on Sept. 14.  Mahlon can be contacted at info@nwaweekly.com.

12

asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

his sons during their childhood.

“Their stories are much more interesting than mine,” said Chien, a research director at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. “Particularly for your readership.”

The book and interviews with Chien, his father, and his brother provide a look at a long family history of scholarship, of using western technology to solve the problems of the day. But the family’s prominence, which the two sons grew up hearing about, also set a very high bar for Chien, which propelled him into a field he might not otherwise have chosen.

As a young physician-scientist, he initially was drawn to neurology.

“The brain was the frontier,” he said.

But, instead, he discovered that cardiology was an area in which little molecular science was being done.

Most of the work on the heart involved physiological interventions, such as catheterization, simply moving valves around, or adding tubes.

“I thought maybe I could be that guy,” he said.

In the end, he developed a way to identify and grow different types of heart cells. While the technology of mRNA had been around for decades, it had never been used to make a drug for use in a human being. The core technology, called “messenger” RNA, involves injecting new instructions into a cell, telling it to manufacture new proteins which can be used to build new cells or weapons against invaders. But Chien used it to repair damaged heart tissue.

Among other uses, such as reversing blood flow problems in diabetics, he used mouse stem cells to grow master heart cells, which could produce cardiac cells that actually beat. From there, he produced a single layer of cells, which he described as resembling a “heart patch.”

From there, he developed human heart parts and more recently synthetic human heart tissue.

When the pandemic hit, Moderna was ready to adapt mRNA technology to face the coronavirus.

Derek Rossi, another professor at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, where Chien used to work, had initially approached him about forming Moderna a decade earlier. Rossi had been the first to use mRNA to reprogram an adult cell as a stem cell, which can morph into other cells.

Now, under the leadership of CEO Stephane Bancel, they underwent a massive shift, from developing drugs using mRNA, to focusing on putting out a vaccine.

“It was all in, a huge gamble, like trying to shift an aircraft carrier,” said Chien.

A family trait

Lying in a hospital bed, facing the prospect of surgery at 98 years old, Chien’s father speaks in a voice that is still resonant, deep, and strong, almost as if he’s shouting into the wind.

Born in China, he escaped the Japanese occupation to come to Harvard on a

Courtesy: Luther and David Chien

MODERNA from 1

From left: Kenneth, Helen, Luther, and David Chien

scholarship, then went to MIT where his studies were interrupted by a term in the U.S. Navy before he completed his degree and eventually became one of the senior scientists at DuPont.

As a father, he developed a system of demerits for his two sons, and he would deliver his rebukes in loud explosive yelling at times they never expected.

“They never knew what was coming,” he said.

Luther Chien, Kenneth’s father, said he also led a life of unswerving morality that served as a model for his sons.

“I never lied, or stole or went after other women,” he said.

His younger son’s accomplishments are also a testimony to his father’s parenting style, said Kenneth. David Chien received a doctorate in Energy Management and Policy from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to lead development of the federal government’s policy on hybrid automobiles as well as the first greenhouse gases estimate for the U.S. Now he is deputy executive director of policy at the Federal Aviation Administration.

In his book, “When East Weds West or Yin Merges With Yang,” Luther also recounts bonding with his kids over activities, such as antique hunting.

During one such outing, he purchased a large file cabinet, strapped it to the roof of his van, and drove off down the freeway.

When it flew off and landed in the middle of the road, infuriating other drivers, his sons told him to pull over to assess the situation.

“They thought it was hilarious,” he wrote.

In the interview, Kenneth spoke fondly of his father’s inventiveness.

“My father actually built a house that was formerly on the city dump, believe it or not. It was perched on this area right next to a lake, and so he filled it in and renovated the whole thing. And so we had a lot of space to run around in,” he said.

It was in those woods behind the house that Chien found himself.

HOTLINE from 1 The motion asks King County to create a workgroup to build and launch a non-police hotline and reporting system that would allow residents the ability to report these incidents.

This workgroup would include participants from the Department of Community and Human Services, Public Health – Seattle and King County, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, and representatives from community-

“And so, this other fellow and I, just neighborhood kids riding our bikes, got interested in chemistry, and we made gunpowder, in the backyard,” he said.

“Fortunately, we didn’t blow anything up.”

His father, who was a church leader, also sent him to a Quaker school where a teacher, noticing his aptitude for science, one summer sent him home with a bag full of science fiction books. At first surprised to receive such literature from a teacher, he soon devoured them over the break.

But it was the stories from his past that created both a legacy and a model for him to follow, although growing up they appeared as avatars he could never surpass.

A story of culmination

It started with Kenneth’s great grandfather, who was 3 years old in 1841 when a civil war forced his family to flee.

He spent 11 years as a refugee in extreme hardship, according to research done by Luther.

When Chien Tseng-chi (Qian Zengqi), the great grandfather, returned home at 14, he was too old to prepare for the civil service exams, which were the only route out of poverty. But he managed to do so anyway. He eventually went to Beijing where he lived as a household servant for years, eating scraps of food, hauling wood and water all day, and sleeping on top of his books at night so they would not be stolen.

He passed the imperial exams and became a chief advisor to the Self Strengthening project that China was undertaking to adapt western technology to defend itself against foreign invaders.

“He was a very smart man,” said Kenneth.

His son, Kenneth’s grandfather, was among the first of his generation to go to Harvard, on a scholarship. At Harvard, he met and married a Welsh immigrant, and he furthered his studies by going to Harvard Business School.

based organizations that represent populations that have been affected by hate crimes.

The proposed Stop Hate Crime Hotline received $150,000 in funding in the first omnibus supplemental budget passed by the County Council in late June. Now that it has passed the committee, it will be sent to the full King County Council for a final vote in September.

Also proposed is a dedicated Hate Crime Unit within the Sheriff’s Office. If approved, the unit would comprise four King County Sheriff’s deputies and one support staff

Upon returning to China with his foreign wife, he eventually became the deputy finance minister under Chiang Kai-shek in the new Republican government. When the Republic fell apart in 1911, he then served as chief opium suppressor, or the “drug czar,” to the dictator Yuan Shih-kai.

Kenneth remembers his grandfather as an old man living in his father’s basement, exiled from China after the next government took over.

“He would go out and do his Chinese calligraphy and even doing ordinary things, he would be dressed in his blue silk padded overcoat just like you envision and wearing cloth shoes, and he was very traditional. But every November, he would get dressed up in a western coat and tie and get on the train from Philly to Boston. I was a little kid, and I was always wondering where he was going, and of course it turned out he always went to every Harvard-Yale football game,” he said.

Luther, who took care of both his parents after they left China, was born in Beijing while his father worked for the government. He became the second generation to garner a scholarship to Harvard and also had a harrowing escape.

During the Japanese occupation, his father and mother remained behind and arranged passage for him on one of the last ships out before the Pacific War. On his voyage across the ocean, he endured threats from Japanese submarines and a months-long stopover in Manila, where he survived with little or no money. He arrived in Cambridge so late that his scholarship had been given to another student. He had to partially work his way through school.

Kenneth, who was born in New Jersey, was the third generation in his family to go to Harvard. At first, he was going to be a medical doctor. But one summer, by accident, he got involved in research that led to a doctorate. He then went back and completed his MD. His decades of research have left him with a smidgen of optimism during a very bleak time. Even beyond the pandemic, Chien thinks biotechnology will transform the world.

“Before Covid, if you asked the average person which technology impacts their life the most, they would probably say IT—you know iPhones, the Internet, streaming everything. There’s a whole ecosystem around IT. But they probably wouldn’t have mentioned biotechnology,” he said. “And I think after Covid, if there is any silver lining, and I’m not sure there is, I think the average person’s appreciation for biotechnology is much higher than it was pre-Covid. And hopefully that is appreciation for the value of science.”  Mahlon can be contacted at info@nwaweekly.com.

This health series is made possible by funding from the Washington Department of Health, which has no editorial input or oversight of this content.

member. It would be tasked with developing a standard system for collecting, analyzing, and reporting incidents of hate crime, and establishing policies that are mindful of the security concerns, fear, and distress of victims and their families. The Sheriff’s Office would also create a community engagement plan to encourage victims of hate crimes to report them.  Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.