VOL 40 NO 45 | NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021 by Northwest Asian Weekly

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VOL 40 NO 45 NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

Sensing victory, Bruce Harrell calls for unity

Photo by George Liu

Can you get a COVID-19 booster shot?

FREE 39 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Harrell interviewed by the media after his speech

ICHS

By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

ICHS medical assistant Thu Nguyen administers a COVID-19 shot at the New Holly Gathering Hall high volume vaccine clinic in Seattle.

By Ashley Archibald ICHS The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidelines about who is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccine boosters. A booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time.

The new guidelines mean that there are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. In addition, people eligible for boosters who received any of the three vaccines may “mix and match” by getting a booster shot different from what they were previously vaccinated with.

Splashed with light and decked with orange and green balloons, the podium remained empty for several moments. Then Monisha Harrell, the niece of the candidate

and his campaign manager, took the stage, and in tears, announced her uncle was coming. “I’m very emotional,” said Bruce Harrell, who minutes earlier had been declared the see HARRELL on 18

Boston, Cincinnati elect first AAPI mayors Michelle Wu & Aftab Pureval make history

see ICHS on 14

WAYNE’S WORLDS But why would an ostrich cough up a fur ball?  5

HEALTH Local radiation oncologist shares insights on prostate cancer  10

PUBLISHER’S BLOG Heartwarming news 11 

■

AP Photo/Josh Reynolds

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Carly Ann Calbero: “Science of Pride” with a Marysville twang  4

Aftab Puerval’s Twitter post

THE INSIDE STORY

Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu greets supporters at her election night on Nov. 2.

Boston voters for the first time elected a woman and an Asian American as mayor on Nov. 2, tapping City Councilor Michelle Wu to serve in the city’s top political office. And in Cincinnati, former lawyer Aftab Pureval easily defeated David Mann—also becoming the first Asian American elected to lead that city. “Tonight, we made history in Cincinnati,” Pureval told a large gathering of supporters. “Cincinnati is a place where no matter what you look like, where you’re from, or how much money you have, if you come here and

Cincinnati Mayor-elect Aftab Pureval

work hard, you can achieve your dreams.” A son of immigrants, the half-Indian, half-Tibetan Pureval is viewed as a rising political star in the state. He was elected clerk of courts in 2016 after running ads with a stuffed duck quacking his name— “Aftab!”—in a campaign reminiscent of the old Aflac insurance commercials. Wu beat fellow city councilor Annissa Essaibi George, an Arab Polish American. Wu, who is Taiwanese American, was the see MAYORS on 14

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39 YEARS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Zoo’s red panda passes away

Amazon Delivery Service uniforms, and Best Public Safety Product Innovation Award for her collection of reusable face masks. Yang was also recognized for Image of the Year Award® 2020 for Alaska Airlines uniform design. “Fashion isn’t just about beauty and aesthetics. It’s also about feeling good, staying safe, and being comfortable,” said Yang, who is a Seattle-based Taiwanese American fashion designer. 

Anna May Wong to grace quarter

Woodland Park Zoo’s geriatric red panda, Yukiko, was humanely euthanized on Oct. 27 due to advanced cardiomyopathy related to old age. At 16 years old, Yukiko lived well beyond the life expectancy of his species. The median life expectancy for red pandas in zoos is 10 years and 8 years in their natural habitat. Yukiko was born at Saitama Children’s Zoo in Saitama, Japan and lived at Red River Zoo in North Dakota. He moved to Woodland Park Zoo in 2014 under the Red Panda Species Survival Plan conservation breeding program. Yukiko had 11 cubs—four at Woodland Park Zoo and seven at his former home. 

Luly Yang Design Group wins national awards

Luly Yang Design Group took home two distinguished awards on Oct. 26 in San Diego,

Photos provided by Luly Yang Design Group.

Luly Yang accepting an award on Oct. 26

Amazon Delivery Service uniforms

California from the Image Apparel Institute and the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors. The awards recognize the very best in workplace apparel. Yan claimed the Image of the Year Award® for the

The U.S. Mint announced in October that legendary 1920s starlet Anna May Wong will appear on the back of the quarter next year. It is one of five designs that spotlight the contributions of notable American women. Often described as Hollywood’s first Asian American movie star, Wong rose to fame with her roles in films like “Shanghai Express” and “Daughter of the Dragon.” She’s also known for her vocal criticisms of the studio system, as she frequently spoke out about the racism she endured as an actress. 

Zen Out at Pacific Bonsai Museum

More than 30 viewing stones are now on display in Stone Images XI, a free, public exhibition at Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way through Jan. 9, 2022. Stones in the exhibition were collected in Washington, California, North and South Dakota, Oregon, and New Mexico. The exhibit is the 11th in a series of shows organized by the Puget Sound Bonsai Association’s Northwest Viewing Stone Club at Pacific Bonsai Museum. 

SEATTLE RELIEF FUND You can apply to the Seattle Relief Fund if you are low-income AND one of these situations applies to you or a member of your household: • Live within the boundaries of the city of Seattle OR • Is a Seattle Promise student OR • Is a Seattle Public Schools student OR • Is an artist/cultural worker with an art studio/rehearsal space in Seattle

The City of Seattle is offering one-time financial assistance to Seattle residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information and to apply, visit seattlerelief.com. Call (206) 775-7490 if you have any questions or if you need help in your preferred language.

Accepting online applications starting on October 25, 2021. Application closes on November 15, 2021, 11:59 pm.

YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

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Two injured in CID shooting on Halloween Police are investigating after two people were shot in the Chinatown-International District on Halloween. At 4:55 p.m., someone called 911 about a man who had been shot in the 1200 block of South Jackson Street. Officers found two men who had both been shot in the leg. Officers applied tourniquets and then transferred care to Seattle Fire Department medics when they arrived. Medics transported the approximately

Seattle Police

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35-year-old man and an approximately 40-year-old man to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. Both were in stable condition. Witnesses provided differing suspect descriptions and police searched the area but did not find anyone matching those descriptions. Anyone with information regarding this incident can call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. 

Shooting scene at 1200 South Jackson St. on Oct. 31

UW Medicine COVID-19 vaccine study a factor in mix-and-match decision Results from a UW Medicine COVID-19 vaccine mix-and-match study were reviewed by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) panel ahead of the group’s decision to authorize mixing and matching of booster shots late last month. “[The] data that we have today shows that it is safe, and also effective at creating a strong immune response,” said Dr. Christine Johnston, associate professor of medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseas-

es at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “We’re still studying this, but at this point, we’re seeing that this is a safe option.” On Oct. 20, the Food and Drug Administration authorized expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine in September. see UW MEDICINE on 15

U District

Capitol Hill

Ramen bowls and rainbow crosswalks, now closer than ever. From the tasty shops on The Ave

to the neighborhood where it’s always Pride, three new Link light rail stations are connecting neighborhoods like never before. northgatelink.com

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Pub/s: Northwest Asian Weekly

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Run Date: 11/4/21

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39 YEARS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Carly Ann Calbero: “Science of Pride” with a Marysville twang Carly Ann Calbero knows artists have to make sacrifices to get where they’re going. But she also knows it’s okay to ask a parent or guardian for help. “So my dad gives me this guitar for my birthday, he teaches me a couple chords, my little sister snaps the strings,” remembered the singer, who’s holding a record release party at the Royal Room in Columbia City on Nov. 12. “[Dad] told me to figure it out. I think he did eventually change out the strings for me, but like most things, I learned how to play by watching and listening. I’d watch bands play live on YouTube and squint at their hands. A couple of books, and a lot of pressing play, pause, and rewind on my CD player. It wasn’t until college that I took my first proper guitar class.” Calbero was born in Hawaii, but arrived in Marysville, north of Seattle, circa 1996, with her Filipino father and Japanese mother. The guitar she got for her birthday was a three-fourths normal size Ibanez, which she still owns and plays. School took her to Liberty Elementary School, Marysville Pilchuck High School, and the Running Start program at Edmonds Community College. She sang in choir, formed a high school band, and was touring nationally by 2016. “I don’t know if my Asian identity influences my songwriting,” Calbero reflected, “but being considered ‘other’ does. ‘Into the Fray’ is a song I wrote about feeling lost and alone, but jumping into the fray anyway. “Watching the news about the attacks on our elders and hearing about the treatment of Asian people during the pandemic made me and a lot of other people feel helpless in an already fraught situation. I like to think that when we get to those moments, we have two choices—retreat or reach out and try to overcome this together.” She recorded her debut album, “Science of Pride,” at a home studio shared with her fiancé. She learned how to build sound panels, and meticulously upgraded most of her gear along the way. Busking in public also helped her hone her technique. “The most interesting comment I get is that I don’t sound like I look. A slightly intoxicated man once came up to me and said that I sounded like a Chinese hillbilly.

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By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Carly Ann Calbero at Olympic Sculpture Park

Carly Ann Calbero

As cringy as that comment was, he really meant it as a compliment. He didn’t have the vocabulary or exposure to someone who looked like me and sounded like him. “I have a big voice and I can belt with a little twang, courtesy of growing up in Marysville. It always makes me laugh a little when people turn a corner and are surprised to see a 5’2” Asian woman, when they were expecting someone else.” Asked her favorite songs on the album, she singled out the title track and one other. “‘Science of Pride’ and ‘Hazel Eyes’ are the two songs I’m most proud of because they really summarize the album. There’s so much grit and frustration in ‘Science of Pride’ and I think it came out in my voice, how painful

and dangerous pride can be. “‘Hazel Eyes’ is a love song through-and-through. It’s the other side of the coin, where pride is an asset. It’s confidence, and it fuels our determination. It gives us the ability to be ourselves and do crazy things like declaring our love for someone else.” Her plans for the future combine romance and pragmatics. “I’m getting married a month after the show, so that’s really exciting. After a couple years of being homebound, I’m looking forward to touring again and playing with other musicians as much as I can.” 

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Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

YOUR VOICE

■ WAYNE’S WORLDS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

asianweekly northwest

BUT WHY WOULD AN OSTRICH

cough up a fur ball?

By Wayne Chang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY I must confess…I love it when people ask me whether I’m bilingual. In conversation with friends and acquaintances, when I get asked, “Are you fluent in Chinese as well?” I confidently proclaim, “Yes. I. Am.” So as not to overdo it, I try to refrain from going overboard and make sure I don’t place both my hands on my hips or puff out my chest when I’m saying it. In reality though, the answer isn’t quite as impressive. If I’m being completely honest, my answer to the question, “Are you fluent in Chinese as well?” would still be “Yes,” but to be completely accurate, I’d probably need some qualifiers. Answers like, “Well, yes, sort of…” or “Kinda, pretty much,” or “Yes, on any given day, under the right circumstances, sure,” are probably more on the money. The truth is, I am proud of the fact that I can speak Chinese. Being born in the U.S., I really appreciate the fact that my parents made sure I understood the basics of the language. Now, when I’m among a group of people who can speak only Chinese, I can honestly say that I can follow along with the conversation and understand what they’re all talking about. I’m not the

most talkative of the group, but I’m not the most talkative of the group when the conversation is in English either. Maybe that’s why I’m a writer. The problem comes when the conversation veers into a topic that I’m not well versed at, and someone uses a word I’m not familiar with but is at the crux of the conversation. If you don’t understand that word, the whole conversation starts to snowball. Let me give you an example. My brother-in-law and family from Taiwan are staying with us right now. Their daughter, my niece, named Melody, is much like another daughter to me. The fact that she and her family are staying with us to get their COVID shot is just about the only bright spot of this whole pandemic experience. Anyways, Melody was telling me about life back home in Taiwan, and then started telling me stories about her new pet. The conversation, all in Chinese, was about how cute “Bubbles” was, and what a terrific companion she was to her. Now, I assumed Melody’s new pet was a cat or a dog. The problem was, the Chinese word for “dog” or “cat” are words I know, and she didn’t use those words. So see WAYNE’S WORLDS on 15

asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR NOV 4

HARVEY HAWKS AT SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT ROTARY 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free on Zoom For Zoom meeting link email club at rotaryofseattleid@ gmail.com CID COMMUNITY CLEAN UP RAIN OR SHINE Hing Hay Park 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

4-14 VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL Vancouver, BC, Canada vaff.org

APCC’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 5:30 p.m. Greater Tacoma Convention Center Tickets at bit.ly/apcc25th anniversaryticket

STAND-UP COMEDY: HASAN MINHAJ: THE KING’S JESTER The Paramount Theater, 911 Pine St., Seattle 7 p.m. Tickets at stgpresents.org

THE HOLIDAY BAZAAR Seatac Community Center, 13735 24th Ave. S., SeaTac 9 a.m.-3p.m.

AISAYA CORBRAY AT SEATLE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT ROTARY 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free on Zoom For Zoom meeting link email club at rotaryofseattleid@ gmail.com

SEATTLE HMONG NEW YEAR 2021 Seattle Center 6:30 p.m. Virtual festival streams on facebook. com/SeattleCenter and youtube.com/ seattlecenter

NOW THROUGH 14

LIHI’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY VIRTUAL GALA & AUCTION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR TINY HOUSES & URBAN REST STOPS Preview and register at lihi2021.ggo.bid/ bidding/packagebrowse lihi.org

THROUGH NOV 20

20 CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE SHOW, “DHRUPAD JHANKAAR 2021” Issaquah Village Theatre, 303 Front Street North, Issaquah 5-8 p.m.

BETWEEN AND WITHIN: NEW WORK BY JIYOUNG CHUNG ArtXchange Gallery, 512 First Ave. S., Seattle 5-8 p.m. artxchange.org

26 SEATTLE ASIAN ART MUSEUM 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Seattle Asian Art Museum Advanced registration required volunteerparktrust. org/event/saam-freefridays/all

DEC 2

ESTELA ORTEGA AT SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT ROTARY 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free on Zoom For Zoom meeting link email club at rotaryofseattleid@ gmail.com

■ BRIEFLY Help for Seattle AAPI restaurant owners A grant opportunity called the “Seattle Raising-the-Bar Recovery Fund” is now available for restaurants located in the City of Seattle and owned by people of Asian and/or Pacific Islander descent. Seattle’s Chinatown International District District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) is jointly administering the grant with the

Washington Hospitality Association on behalf of a corporate donor. Approximately 300 grants of $7,500 are available to selected qualifying businesses. The application window is open through Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. More information on the grant can be found at scidpda.org/recoveryfund. 

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The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.” The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article. Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 editor@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com

YOUR VOICE

■ NATIONAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

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California desert remains identified as Lauren Cho SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — Human remains found in the Southern California desert in October have been identified as those of a New Jersey woman who went missing early last summer, authorities said on Oct. 28. The coroner’s office positively identified the remains to be Lauren Cho, 30, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said

in a statement. “The cause and manner of death is pending toxicology results,” it said. “No further information will be released on this case until such time toxicology results are available and new information is discovered as a result.” The remains were found Oct. 9 in rugged, open desert in Yucca Valley, about 100 miles

east of Los Angeles. Cho had been missing since the afternoon of June 28, when she reportedly walked away from a residence in the area where she was staying. Multiple searches were conducted in Yucca Valley, which is outside the northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park. 

Lauren Cho

Hsu charged in alleged flight attendant assault By COLLEEN SLEVIN DENVER (AP) — A 20-year-old California man accused of assaulting a flight attendant on a cross-country American Airlines flight allegedly punched the woman in the face after being told he could not use the bathroom, leaving her bleeding around her nose and giving her a concussion, according to a court document. Prosecutors announced that Brian Hsu, 20, of Irvine was charged with assault and interfering with a flight crew on a flight on Oct. 27 from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California. He appeared in federal court in California on Nov. 1 and was released

on a $10,000 bond. He was ordered to appear in federal court in Denver, where the flight was diverted after the alleged assault, on Nov. 15. It was not known if Hsu had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. According to an affidavit from an FBI agent who investigated the incident, four witnesses and the flight attendant, who was not named, said Hsu punched the attendant on the Oct. 27 flight. Meanwhile, Hsu, who said he was returning home after undergoing brain surgery in Rhode Island, told investigators that the attendant charged at him, hitting her nose on his palm. Hsu said that, while stretching, he accidentally hit the flight attendant with his arm or hand and she began swinging at him with her hands. Fearing she was

going to hit him in the head, he raised his hands defensively, he said. According to Hsu, the attendant then charged at him, hitting his palm. Hsu said he suffered a skull injury in New York City last fall and sometimes experiences a mental “fog” when thinking is difficult, the document said. The attendant told investigators that she was talking to a coworker when she felt something hit her head and turned around to see Hsu, who said he wanted to use the bathroom, the document said. She said she told him he could not because the “fasten seatbelts” sign was on. He then raised his arms as if to stretch and hit her head with his elbow, causing her to put her arms out and her hands up to defend herself, she said, according to the document. After he appeared to back

down, she said he charged at her and punched her with his right hand. Hsu, who was later restrained in his seat with duct tape and then “plastic bonds,” told investigators that he could not form a fist with his right hand because of an injury, the document said. The head of the union representing the airline’s flight attendants, the Association of Flight Attendants, praised the decision to file charges against Hsu as a way to help deter verbal and physical abuse on flights. However, Sara Nelson also asked the federal government, airlines and airports to do more to hold disruptive passengers accountable, including creating a list of people barred from flying on any airline. “This is not a new normal we are willing to accept,” Nelson said. 

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received for KC000383, Lake to Sound Trail – Segment C SeaTac REBID by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, via the E-Procurement system until 1:30:59 PM on 12/02/2021. Late bids will not be accepted. The public bid opening will only be conducted on-line following the Bid Close Date and Time; see Invitation to Bid for details. There is a 15% minimum Apprentice Utilization Requirement on this contract. There is a Voluntary Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Goal: 12% of the Contract Price. There is a Voluntary Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Goal: 4% of the Contract Price. This project provides for the improvement of a shared use path, which runs from S 200th Street in the City of SeaTac to 8th Avenue S/Des Moines Memorial Drive Intersection in the City of Burien. Work includes, but not limited to, construction of approximately 1.8 miles of 10- to 12 foot-wide paved trail with gravel shoulders, 800feet of elevated boardwalk structure, curb and gutter, stormwater BMPs, stormwater conveyance system, culvert, soldier pile wall

and structural earth wall, concrete driveway crossings, erosion control, site preparation, grading, traffic control, utility adjustments/ relocation, roadway channelization striping, signal equipment relocation, and wetland mitigation planting. Estimated contract price: $7,2980,507.50 MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conferences On-line: 11/08/2021, 10:00AM PST – first conference, bidders may attend by via a MS Teams meeting, or call in (audio only): +1 425-6536586, Conf ID: 422 577 771# 11/10/2021, 10:00AM PST – second conference, bidders may attend by via a MS Teams meeting, or call in (audio only) +1 425653-6586, Conf ID: 357 952 577# 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

asianweekly

■ SPORTS

39 YEARS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

The Layup Drill

By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Welcome to another edition of The Layup Drill. This time, we take a look at a monumental moment in the NBA for Filipino fans, the next great Asian basketball star makes an interesting move, and Nathan Chen is back on track.

THE NEXT YAO MING? Fanbo Zeng, a 6’11” Chinese basketball NBA hopeful, signed with the G League Ignite. Previously, Zeng was scheduled to play NCAA basketball with Gonzaga. However, he spurned the Zags in order to play for the Ignite, with the hopes of making it to the Fanbo Zeng NBA. The G League Ignite was created for elite-only prospects that might not be ready for the league, but do not want to go back to school. One of the perks of the G League Ignite is that Zeng is a professional and is being paid to play in the league, as well as take advantage of increased marketing opportunities. This includes a potential monster shoe deal due in part to his ever-increasing following of Chinese fans that see him as the next Yao Ming. Zeng attended Windermere Prep outside Orlando, Florida, where he was a top, sought-after recruit before he flew back to China when schools shut down in March 2020 because of the pandemic. Zeng grew up in a city in northeast China as the son of two former professional basketball players. He moved to Beijing to train with a youth club when he was just 11 years old. Three years later, he was selected to attend the United States Basketball Academy. The organization, based out of a small town 47 miles east of Eugene, Oregon, taught English and basketball to Asianborn players. After a year, he was directed to attend

Windermere Prep, which houses 100 Chinese boarding students. After a year of acclimating himself to the school and adjusting to life in America, Zeng became one of the top high school basketball players in the state of Florida. But, due to the pandemic, Zeng completed high school online from home in China. Despite the lack of basketball and being in the U.S., he was offered a scholarship by Gonzaga. But when the assistant coach that recruited Zeng to Gonzaga left for another job, he reconsidered his commitment to play college basketball.

FILIPINO NIGHT AT THE ROCKETS GAME BRINGS MILESTONE The Houston Rockets held a Filipino Heritage Night at a recent game versus the Jazz. The significance of the matchup was that it was the first time in the history of the NBA that two Filipino players matched up on the court. Rockets rookie Jalen Jalen Green Green and Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson are both of Filipino descent. Green’s mother and grandfather are Filipino, while Clarkson’s mother is from the Philippines. The Rockets passed out T-shirts with Green’s No. 0 for fans. Green, just 19 years old, was the second overall pick in this past summer’s NBA draft. Clarkson, who has a strong following in the Philippines, has intimated that he would like to play for Team Philippines in the Jordan Clarkson Olympics. “The Filipino fans have been supporting me since my sophomore year [in high school],” Green said. Coincidentally it was his

sophomore year in high school that he first visited the Philippines. “I have a lot of fans over there. They always show me a lot of love and it means a lot.” Clarkson added, “It’s very cool that it’s the first time that this has happened. It’s a stepping stone and an inspiration for young Filipino Americans.”

CHEN BOUNCES BACK A week after finishing third in the Skate America figure skating competition, three-time World Champion and Olympian Nathan Chen came back with a first-place performance at Skate Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia. Chen’s third-place finish was the first time he did not finish in first place in 14 straight events. Chen was able to return to his winning ways even without his coach, who was forced to watch from the crowd after an inadvertent violation of COVID-19 Nathan Chen protocols at the event. Chen’s finish at Skate America was taken in stride as he fell behind fellow American Vincent Zhou of San Jose, California and Japan’s Shoma Uno. As the Beijing Winter Olympics near this February, look for Chen to be among the contenders in the men’s figure skating events. Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

■ WORLD NEWS

Lawsuit over eggs tests China’s policies on unmarried women By HUIZHONG WU and EMILY WANG FUJIYAMA ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING (AP) — An unmarried woman suing for the right to freeze her eggs in Beijing is getting her case heard in court in a rare legal challenge against China’s restrictions on unmarried women in reproductive health. Teresa Xu has been waiting since December 2019 for her second hearing at the Chaoyang People’s Court in Beijing. She is suing Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital at Capital Medical University, a public hospital that forbid her from freezing her eggs, citing national law. Xu’s victory could mark an important step for unmarried women in China who want to access public benefits. Unlike in the U.S., though, court judgements in China do not rely on precedence. “From 2018 until now, it’s been three years, and my eggs are getting older with me, and the deadline is more and more pressing,” Xu, 33, said. Her case is getting heard after the latest census data showed that population growth was slowing, while the

proportion of elderly people was growing. The number of newborns had fallen every year since 2016. National level statistics showed that 12 million babies were born in 2020, down 18% from 14.6 million in 2019. Beijing has responded by allowing families to have a third child, and said it will revamp policy to help families who want to have children. For decades, China had instituted a “one-child”

policy. It eased the restrictions slightly in 2015 to allow families to have two kids, although that did not change the overall slowing of population growth. Yet, some aspects of the system, such as tying reproductive health services and things like maternity benefits to a woman’s marriage status, has made it difficult for some. China only allows married couples to access reproductive services and related benefits and they must be able to prove their marriage status with the license. “I hope that the signal it sends about needing population growth will allow single women the opportunity to be able to make their own choice,” Xu told reporters in front of the court. Xu visited the hospital in November 2018. When she went to the doctor, she was urged to have a child instead of freezing her eggs. The doctor also requested to see her marriage license. Xu said her court hearing had been continually pushed back, owing in part to the pandemic. She had briefly considered going abroad, but the costs— between $15,500 to $31,000—were not feasible. 

Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP

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NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

YOUR VOICE

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Humana is proud of its Humana Gold Plus® HMO network that includes Seattle Medical Group. Atif Mian, M.D. 3640 S Cedar St #H Tacoma, WA 98409 Casey Kim, M.D. 18623 Highway 99 #230 Lynnwood, WA 98037 Dang Do, D.O. 3828 S Graham St #A Seattle, WA 98118 David Nguyen, M.D. 2120 Rainier Ave S #C Seattle, WA 98144 Dennis Kim, M.D. 11306 Bridgeport Way SW #B Lakewood, WA 98499 Doug Shin Kim, M.D. 31830 Pacific Hwy S #D Federal Way, WA 98003 George Lee, M.D. 14858 Lake Hills Blvd Bellevue, WA 98007 Glenn Pacio, M.D. 5320 Orchard St W University Place, WA 98467 491 S 338th St Federal Way, WA 98003 Hong Nguyen, M.D. 34004 16th Ave S #100 Federal Way, WA 98003

Soon Hi Kimm, M.D. 1207 N 200th St #215 Shoreline, WA 98133

Jeong Kim, M.D. 11812 N Creek Pkwy #202 Bothell, WA 98011 607 SE Everett Mall Way #2 Everett, WA 98208

Steven Koh, M.D. 21600 Highway 99 #280 Edmonds, WA 98026

Jiakun Wang, M.D. 11504 NE 21st St Bellevue, WA 98004

Thuy Do, M.D. 3828 S Graham St #A Seattle, WA 98118

Jiegang Zhou, M.D. 1400 S Jackson St #24 Seattle, WA 98144

Tuyet-Hanh Hoang, D.O. 2120 Rainier Ave S #B Seattle, WA 98144

Jonathan Jin, M.D. 8511 S Tacoma Wy #200 Lakewood, WA 98499 33507 9th Ave S #A Federal Way, WA 98003

Vuthy Leng, M.D. 34618 11th Pl S #100 Federal Way, WA 98003 8725 S Tacoma Way Lakewood, WA 98499

Misook Joo, N.P. 22618 Highway 99 #106 Edmonds, WA 98026

Yoon Jin Park, M.D. 21600 Highway 99 #280 Edmonds, WA 98026

Romeo Puzon, M.D. 3716 Pacific Ave #E Tacoma, WA 98418 Samuel Chu, M.D. 4713 168th St SW #105 Lynnwood, WA 98037

Young Ho Lee, M.D. 33507 9th Ave S #A Federal Way, WA 98003 8511 South Tacoma Way #200 Lakewood, WA 98499

Sing Lam, M.D. 410 Maynard Ave S Seattle, WA 98104

James Boswell, D.O. 130 Marvin Rd SE #111 Lacey, WA 98503

Son Nguyen, M.D. 7101 Martin Luther King Jr Way #217 Seattle, WA 98118

Let’s talk about how our plans connect you with a healthcare provider for your needs.

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Humana.com/network Provider may also accept/contract with other plans. Other providers are available in our network. Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, marital status or religion in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. The following department has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Humana’s nondiscrimination policies: Discrimination Grievances, P.O. Box 14618, Lexington, KY 40512-4618, 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our customer service number at 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Eastern time. Español (Spanish): Llame al número indicado para recibir servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica. 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Horas de operación: 8 a.m. a 8 p.m. hora del este. 本資訊也有其他語言版本可供免費索取。請致電客戶服務部：1-877-320-1235（聽障專線: 711）。辦公時間：東部時間上午 8 時至晚上 8 時。 Y0040_GHHJPYFEN22_M

asianweekly northwest

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

39 YEARS

■ HEALTH Local radiation oncologist shares insights on prostate cancer Photo provided by Deoborah Warren of Quinn Thomas

By Nina Huang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Dr. Jonathan Chen

As we begin Movember, an annual event to raise awareness for men’s health issues, Dr. Jonathan Chen shared some insights on how men can watch out for prostate cancer. Born to Chinese parents from Taiwan, Chen grew up outside of Detroit, but was embedded in both Chinese and Taiwanese cultures. His parents strongly encouraged him to go into medicine. Chen did his undergraduate studies at Stanford University and then went to Cornell University for medical school and residency. He moved to Seattle to start his current job at the University of Washington about two years ago. “Growing up, I resented it because of that,

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I didn’t like being told what to do. I had an interest in biology and the sciences, but it seemed too cliche to be a doctor.” Chen studied to be a biomechanical engineer, but a volunteering experience at the San Mateo County Hospital inspired him to pursue medicine. Chen worked at an STD free clinic that was centered around patients seeking STD treatment and counseling. His job as a volunteer was to greet patients and direct them to the right rooms. That experience made him realize there was a lot in the clinic setting that he didn’t get in the research setting. Because he also got a job at a biotech firm while continuing to volunteer at the clinic, he decided to pursue a combined Phd and MD program. The average program takes seven to eight years, but it took Chen nine years. “A lot of students went into medical school knowing what to do, but I was an open book. There were no doctors in my family and I didn’t have a specific leaning.” During his last two years of medical school, he tried different things. He liked a lot of fields, including obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, gastrointestinal, and had interests all over the place. However, radiation oncology stood out to him after doing research with a radiation oncologist. Chen didn’t know the field existed as a specialty until he was eight years into medical school. To him, radiation oncology seemed like the perfect marriage of biology, medicine, technology, and robots. This appealed to the engineer inside of him and he ended up really enjoying his rotation. At first, he was scared of dealing with cancer patients and worried that it would be depressing. “When you’re a cancer doctor, a lot of people have serious illnesses, and the gravity of their illness puts the doctor and healthcare professionals that care for him in a privileged position to change and impact their lives in a meaningful way. It’s a privilege to be able to help patients,” he said. Whether Chen is able to palliate a patient’s symptoms or cure the cancer completely, patients are always grateful, and it’s very satisfying. Chen said that in the modern era, and especially in Western cultures, patients are usually asymptomatic when it comes to prostate cancer. The official screening in the U.S. as well as Japan (the only Asian country to have an official screening program) is usually through a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. He noted that prostate cancer impacts the way one urinates, including trouble with stream, urgency, and/or the inability to empty the bladder. These are common symptoms for those who don’t get the PSA screening. Eighty percent of men by age 80 will have prostate cancer, but a lot of them wouldn’t know they had it without PSA screening. “We strongly recommend people see PROSTATE CANCER on 16

YOUR VOICE

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY A nurse delivered me a surprise recently. It was about my heart, the last thing I expected. Heart and emotions are connected. My heart emotions are great—always full of full of empathy, generosity, gratitude, and openness. But my physical heart is a concern. It has a murmur, and I was born with it. Years ago, my dentist used to tell me to take two aspirin before any dental appointment just in case the procedure didn’t go well. “It could make your heart bleed, you don’t want that to happen,” he said. In the past few years, I changed dentists, and I forgot about the murmur. Then, my health insurance company sent a nurse to do a house call for an overall health checkup. I guess it’s part of having Medicare. It was a typical procedure with questions like, “Have you fallen recently? Do you have to go to the bathroom a lot at night? Do you have trouble hearing? Do you have hearing aids? Do you have ringing in your ears? Do you have memory problems? Do you exercise?” In half an hour, I received a great health report card. He gave me four “Good Jobs” at the end of his visit. The rating was for measurement of blood pressure, body mass index, circulation screening of the left and right foot to detect any vascular diseases, and heart rate. I wasn’t surprised at the result as I just had my annual

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

asianweekly northwest

pain, finger to back pain, headaches to chest pain. I had foot and back pain three years ago. After a couple of sessions with a physical therapist and a diligent exercise program, the pain vanished before the pandemic. When we were almost done, he asked casually, “How’s your heart?” “I have a murmur in my heart,” I told him. “I was born with it.” My two sons have inherited my heart condition. He got up from his chair, walked towards me, and placed his stethoscope on my shoulder. In seconds, he responded, ”I didn’t hear anything. The murmur is gone.“ “What!” I had carried that “murmur” in my heart for as long as I can remember. Even without volunteering the information, doctors had been telling me in my 40s and 50s that I had a murmur in my heart. My family doctor never told me that the murmur had disappeared. “The ‘murmur’ is the sound of blood flowing,” according to webmd.com. “It may be passing through an abnormal heart valve, for instance. Or it may be that a condition makes your heart beat faster and forces your heart to handle more blood quicker than normal.” Heart murmurs can have negative consequences if someone is overweight or has other health issues. Or physical check-up with my family doctor last March. The if the person is being stressed constantly, it will impact his or her heart. result was just as fabulous. Now, my heart health is in great shape. Wow, that “Do you have any pain (anywhere in your body)?” he calls for a celebration. I am curious. “How and why did asked. I knocked on the wooden table top as my response to show it happen?“ that I had none. I am fortunate. Many seniors experience see BLOG on 14 all kinds of pain, from arthritis to muscle pain, foot to joint

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39 YEARS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

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YOUR VOICE

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

asianweekly northwest

■ WORLD NEWS Chinese users have mixed feelings about LinkedIn departure By ZEN SOO ASSOCIATED PRESS HONG KONG (AP) — For nearly seven years, LinkedIn has been the only major Western social networking platform still operating in China. People like 32-year-old Jason Liu view it as an important career enhancing tool. Come the end of the year, Liu will no longer have access to the localized version of LinkedIn, after Microsoft, which acquired the platform in 2016, said in October that it would pull out, citing a “significantly more challenging operating environment.” “It’s a shame,” said Liu, who works in the technology industry in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen and uses the site to network with other

professionals online. “LinkedIn gave me a platform to post about my results at work, such as my achievements and promotions, which aren’t always appropriate to post on other platforms like WeChat.” LinkedIn will be replaced in China by a jobs posting site called InJobs, without a social media feed and capability for sharing content, Microsoft said. LinkedIn has over 54 million users in China, its second largest market after the U.S. Its departure will leave them without access to a platform for networking with professionals in other countries. There are none in China with a similar global reach. LinkedIn is “irreplaceable,“ said Liu. “Many career-related platforms like Liepin or BOSS Zhipin see LINKEDIN on 16

Cambodia announces phased reopening to vaccinated tourists PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia's government announced plans on Oct. 26 to reopen the country in several stages to fully vaccinated foreign tourists. The program beginning Nov. 30 will allow visitors who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus to skip being quarantined if they stay at least five days

in designated areas, the Tourism Ministry announced. The first such areas are two seaside provinces, Sihanoukville and Koh Kong, on the Gulf of Thailand. On arrival, visitors must show proof they have been vaccinated and take a rapid results test for COVID-19. They can proceed without quarantine if the results

are negative. Siem Reap province, home to the famous Angkor temples, is to be added to the quarantine-free province list in January. Other destinations will then be added if the program is judged successful, with the entire country opening up when the coronavirus is considered under control.

Cambodia in 2019, before the pandemic, received 6.6 million foreigners who accounted for nearly $5 billion in revenue, and most of them visited Angkor and seaside destinations, according to the Tourism Ministry. In 2020, the number of visitors dropped sharply to 1.3 million, and earnings from them plunged to about $1 billion. 

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Proposals will be received for KC000335, Engineering Services for The Intersection Improvement at Issaquah-Hobart RD SE and SE May Valley Rd; by King County Procurement and Payables Section until 12:00 PM on November 22, 2021. DBE PARTICIPATION: Future phase(s) may be funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at which time a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal may be assigned. Total Estimated Price for Phase 1: $140,000 Total Estimated Price for all Phases: $630,000 SUMMARY OF WORK: This work may be funded, in part, by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and applicable federal requirements apply. Description of Work: Review and analysis of traffic, environmental aspects, geotechnical data, hydrologic data, stormwater requirements, topographic conditions, utility impacts, right-of-way (ROW) and easement considerations, and equity and social justice considerations, along with other identified critical aspects to developing each of the build alternatives. Estimated start date of project is March 2022. Estimated completion date of project is August 2022. King County reserves the right to amend the Agreement to add additional phases. The County also reserves the right to let the Agreement expire at the completion of Phase 1 and to select another consultant to perform the additional phases. AMERICANS WITH DISABILTIES ACT (ADA): King County, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and activities.

TITLE VI COMPLIANCE: King County, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all Proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. Consultants are advised that federally funded projects will be held to Federal EEO requirements. Consultants will be held to King County’s ADA and Civil Rights provisions. The contractor, subrecipient, or subcontractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin in the performance of this contract. The contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 in the award and administration of USDOT-assisted contracts. Failure by the contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this contract which may result in the termination of this contract or such other remedy as the recipient deems appropriate, which may include, but is not limited to: (1) Withholding monthly progress payments; (2) Assessing sanctions; (3) Liquidated damages, or (4) Disqualifying the contractor from bidding as non-responsible. Dates of publication in the Seattle Times: November 1, 2021 and November 8, 2021. Prospective proposers can view more details at: https://kingcounty.gov/procurement/solicitations Contact: Samol Hefley, shefley@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-6195

asianweekly northwest

MAYORS from 1 favorite especially after getting a coveted endorsement from acting mayor Kim Janey, who was elevated to the post when the former mayor resigned. In a victory speech at her Election Night party, Wu said, “From every corner of our city, Boston has spoken. We are ready to meet this moment. We are ready to become a Boston for everyone.” Wu was first elected to the City Council in 2013 at age 28, becoming the first Asian American woman to serve on the council. In 2016, she became the first woman of color to serve as council president. High-profile mayors who are Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) have typically been elected in places with historically large Asian populations like California and Hawaii. These candidacies signal just how large the AAPI electorate has multiplied with more feeling empowered to be a voice in the political fray. The AAPI Victory Fund, a Super PAC that mobilizes

ICHS from 1 PFIZER AND MODERNA BOOSTERS For individuals who received a PfizerBioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends that the following groups receive a booster dose six months after their initial series of shots: Anyone aged 65 years and over who are fully vaccinated, Anyone aged 18-64 with underlying health conditions and believe it would be beneficial, Residents in institutional or long-term care settings, People aged 18-64 who have a highrisk job, such as health care workers, firefighters, grocery store employees, teachers, and more. The CDC recommendation in October allows for Americans to “mix and match” by choosing a different booster shot from their original vaccination. For example, someone who was vaccinated with

BLOG from 11 HOW IT HAPPENED All I can say is, 19 months after the pandemic, I have been taking good care of myself. With fewer commitments, my stress level is definitely down. What I learned all these months is not to over-commit. I have been sleeping much better compared to pre-COVID. My diet is healthy. Exercise is part of my daily routine. The lesson is, if you take care of your health, you may be able to change some of your negative hereditary physical attributes. Never did I expect that murmur in my heart to be eliminated completely. The news was like walking in a rose garden, unexpectedly discovering a beautiful blooming species, which I have been planting during the last 19 months. What also contributes to my overall health is, I didn’t just take wonderful care of myself, I have been studying all kinds of topics about health, including nutrition and diseases. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNOWING AND DOING Most people are aware of what it takes to maintain their health. But

39 YEARS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021 eligible Asian American and Pacific Islander voters and candidates, endorsed Pureval and Wu. Shekar Narasimhan, AAPI Victory Fund founder and chairman, called Wu’s and Pureval’s wins a triumph not just for the candidates, but for the AAPI community nationwide. “It is more important than ever to elect diverse leadership across local, state, and federal governments, and Aftab will bring his unique experience to lead Cincinnati toward a more equitable, inclusive, and just city.” AAPI Victory Fund had named Wu as one of its “Rising Stars” earlier this year. Narasimhan said, “With Michelle Wu at the helm, Boston will become more inclusive, more equitable, and its representatives more diverse. We at AAPI Victory Fund are hopeful that her history-shaping win will empower the next generation of AAPI leaders to aim high, dream big, and believe that the power to enact change is well within reach, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.” The Reflective Democracy Campaign, which looks

Moderna may choose to get a Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson booster. And someone who was vaccinated with Pfizer may choose to get a Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson booster. THIRD VACCINE DOSES FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED TO REACH FULL PROTECTION In addition, the FDA and CDC have authorized third doses for anyone who has been vaccinated with either PfizerBioNTech or Moderna shots and has a compromised immune system due to chronic illnesses, transplant surgery, or cancer treatment, among others. This is because some immunocompromised people did not mount a good response to the vaccine. A third shot of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), which is identical to the first two doses, ensures that they are protected. The CDC recommends that a third shot is received at least 28 days after completing a previous two-dose series.

how many really stick to a healthy lifestyle? Temptation hits us all the time. I constantly hear people say, “How can I refuse a free trip (even when I am exhausted and should rest)? Free drinks (even when you are almost drunk)? Free ice cream (even when you are overweight)?” And the challenge is you have to stick to healthy routines not just once in a while, but every single day. The longer you adhere to your healthy routine, the less you are likely to go astray from your healthy practice. What happens is, you feel so wonderful mentally and physically that you just don’t want to go back to your bad and old habits. It’s no fun to get sick especially if you get COVID these days. The side effects of COVID are extremely damaging not only to your overall health, but can cause you specific life-long health problems from your brain to your feet. EARLY DETECTION My friend, who is over 95 years old, has a point. “If you feel something’s wrong, even if it’s a small thing, you should check it out with your doctor immediately.” I don’t necessarily go to see a

at diversity in political leadership, recently released a study that found AAPIs make up over 6% of the U.S. population, but less than 1% of elected offices. James Lai, an ethnic studies professor at Santa Clara University whose specialties include Asian American and urban politics, said these mayoral races are a “beautiful” microcosm of how Asian Americans are a growing political force. AAPI Victory Fund President Varun Nikore believes the pandemic-sparked racism that pushed AAPI voter turnout in the 2020 election will continue. Candidate wins will also dispel stereotypes that Asians don’t “belong,” he added. Pureval confronts the foreigner stereotypes head-on, often introducing himself as “a brown dude with a funny name.” Perceived political liabilities like ethnicity can be strengths, too, he said. “I’m hopeful that one day when we elect more and more AAPIs to office, future AAPI candidates won’t have to think through that.” 

A person’s primary care provider is best positioned to determine whether a third dose is appropriate, as well as when it should be given. JOHNSON & JOHNSON BOOSTERS The CDC and FDA booster recommendations for those who received Johnson & Johnson vaccines are broader than recommendations for those who received Pfizer and Moderna. Everyone 18 and older who got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is now eligible for a booster two months after receiving their shot. Those who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine may also “mix and match” with a different brand for their booster. For example, someone who was vaccinated with a Johnson & Johnson shot may choose to get either a Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, or Pfizer booster. KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE Experts are recommending booster

doctor every time I feel “yucky.” However, I would instantly take a few vitamin Cs and rest. Usually, it works. If it doesn’t, I Google my symptoms or call my doctor. A PURPOSE DURING A PANDEMIC A friend said he changed his mind about retirement after the pandemic. “If I retire, I won’t be able to find something to do.” Another friend who retired last year said, “I made the mistake of retiring too early.” Some have retired much earlier than 65 years old with travel in mind. With COVID, travel is not so feasible. Now, they are bored. Some have postponed retirement due to COVID. My 70-year-old staff member said she decided against retirement. She appreciates that she can have a purpose working for the Seattle Chinese Post. My husband and I are happy that we can still work during the pandemic and keep our employees employed. The Seattle Chinese Post team met in the office to discuss content changes for the first time since our office was closed in March 2020. Our reunion was held in September. Remote work has not affected the quality of Northwest Asian Weekly and Chinese Post

shots and third doses for these populations that are more vulnerable or more likely to be exposed to the virus because there has been evidence that the effectiveness of the vaccine wanes over time. Also, the delta variant—which is the predominant strain in Washington state—is more infectious than other variants have been so far. Seattle and King County have taken steps to accommodate demand for booster shots. They announced on Sept. 27 that they have reopened or increased capacity at 17 vaccination sites and have enough vaccine doses and supplies for everyone eligible.  Boosters are also available at International Community Health Services (ICHS). Walk-ins are welcome at ICHS pharmacies in Seattle (International District and Holly Park) and Shoreline. Call (425) 373-3000 to make an appointment at the ICHS Bellevue clinic. For more information, visit ichs.com.

at all. Everyone looked relaxed. Their well-being, contentment to work at home, and hard work inspired me not to reopen our office. We made the right decision to close our office then. And we will continue to keep our office closed for now. This affirmation lifted me up. Our production process and successful teamwork have bound us closer as a team even though we don’t see each other face to face. No wonder my heart health has excelled. In the midst of surviving during these challenging times, discipline has not only grown in my heart, but ingrained in my brain. When our heart and brain are in sync with each other, they can support us to live better, happier, and peacefully. Even in the worst circumstances, each of us has received blessings, whether you acknowledge it or not. What’s the best gift you’ve received since the pandemic?  Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

asianweekly northwest

Predictions and advice for the week of November 6–November 12, 2021 By Sun Lee Chang Rat—Are you relying too much on one thing? Make an effort to establish other options, just in case.

Dragon—Instead of mimicking your predecessor, trust in the unique strengths and style that you bring to the table.

Monkey—Have the conditions been a little cloudy recently? Clearer skies are ahead in more ways than one.

Ox—Feeling self-conscious after a misstep? The best way to move past it is to acknowledge and address it directly.

Snake—Don’t be shy about hitting pause or slowing things down if the action is moving a bit too fast.

Rooster—While your abilities are certainly a factor in the path you choose, don’t discount the impact of hard work.

Tiger—Eager to start a new project? During the planning stage, set clear goals and realistic steps to attain them.

Horse—A tight timeline will require you to keep on task and resist last minute add-ons that could delay you.

Dog—Despite your curiosity, some information may be off limits. Avoid pressing further if it is inappropriate to do so.

Rabbit—If you are interested in a genuine connection, avoid old clichés and focus on establishing common ground.

Goat—An early start could provide you with a significant boost, but only if you take full advantage of it.

Pig—An emerging situation has appeared on your radar. There is no reason for alarm, especially since you’re a step ahead.

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.

UW MEDICINE from 3 Tens of millions of Americans are now eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots— making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination. In the UW study, Johnston said each possible initial vaccine series has been combined with an alternative booster (either Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines) and monitored through the study. No adverse effects have been observed, beyond occasional soreness or fatigue associated with the original doses. UW Medicine is one of 10 sites performing the study, which is sponsored by the

WAYNE’S WORLDS from 5 based on my Chinese vocabulary, she was either referring to a cat by its breed, like “Siamese,” or my niece has adopted a pet ostrich. Based purely on my highly refined Chinese linguistic capabilities, I’m going with an ostrich. Yes, it may seem a little odd that my niece decided to get a chick that will end up the size of a typical NBA player, but who am I to judge? Maybe she’s suddenly developed a passion for ornithology. As best as I could understand it, Bubbles the ostrich is very shy. In fact, when Melody wants to take Bubbles out of her apartment to

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National Institutes of Health. “The mix and match strategy in particular does give people a lot of options,” Johnston said. “There was a preliminary study, preliminary results presented that showed that doing a booster of any type really does increase the immune response, no matter what primary vaccine series you received. That means that really, you can receive any booster, and be confident that you’re going to get a strong response.” While boosters are now authorized for all three types of vaccines available in the United States, there are differences between their doses. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson boosters are full doses equal to their original series, while the CDC found that the Moderna booster shot provided am-

visit a friend or go to the vet, Bubbles will immediately hide under a bed or on top of a dresser in their closet. Now, I haven’t been to their apartment in Taipei for a number of years, but I just don’t remember any of their beds having enough clearance under them to hide a pet ostrich.

ple protection as a half-dose compared to its initial series. FDA officials said they wanted to make the booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand of vaccine they received. “Being able to interchange these vaccines is a good thing—it’s like what we do with flu vaccines,” FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks said. “Most people don’t know what brand of flu vaccine they received.”  This health series is made possible by funding from the Washington State Department of Health, which has no editorial input or oversight of this content.

Not only that, Taipei’s apartments rarely have walk-in closets, and I think you’d at least have to have a fairly large armoire to fit a bird that big on top of it. What can I say? Kids these days. Sorry, I need to go. Melody is telling me about her latest purchase. She either bought a new

scooter to get around Taipei or…she may have invented a new jet pack to get from place to place. I’ll report back later.  Wayne can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

asianweekly northwest

39 YEARS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

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PROSTATE CANCER from 10 over the age of 50 to talk to the doctor about the screening,” Chen said. He acknowledged that prostate cancer screening is controversial. There are types of prostate cancers that don’t need treatment, but the official recommendation and U.S. government recommends that everyone 50 and older talk to their doctor about whether or not prostate cancer screening makes sense for them. He added that there may be people who benefit from the screening, but the drawbacks include an IV blood draw with results that might lead to an overdiagnosis for patients who never needed treatment. “They might die of something else before the prostate cancer grows. There are some drawbacks to screening so that’s why it’s not a blanket screening. It’s really about having a discussion with your doctor.” He added, “There’s nothing you can do to prevent cancer 100 %...but there are things that are strongly suggestive to prevent it. Living a healthy life is the best thing you can do.”

LINKEDIN from 13 are purely job sites,” he said. To access LinkedIn’s international site in the future, Liu said he would have to use a VPN (virtual private network) service to circumvent any blocks, even if it makes the process more of a hassle. Stefan Ouyang, who works in Shanghai for a foreign internet company, said that he found two jobs via LinkedIn and often uses it to keep in contact with colleagues abroad. “I worry if I’d still be able to reach my contacts who are using the international version of LinkedIn, and whether it’d be difficult to contact HR managers (on the new version,)” he said. It is not clear if InJobs will retain these features, and LinkedIn did not immediately comment. Foreign social networking platforms in China have long

faced challenges in balancing users’ ability to post what they want with government rules requiring censorship of content deemed to be unacceptable for political or other reasons. Some foreign companies, such as Google, withdrew from China as they were unwilling to abide by those rules. “The biggest challenge that Western tech firms face in China is the same that Chinese tech firms face—an ever changing and arbitrary regulatory environment with new crackdowns, rules, and pressure to enforce the CCP’s politicized censorship and surveillance,” said Sarah Cook, research director for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan at the nongovernmental organization Freedom House. The sands have shifted, with Chinese President Xi Jinping growing “more intolerant of dissent and

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For example, Chen recommends eating a healthy diet balanced with fruits and vegetables, because there are studies correlating high red meat intake and processed foods with higher incidents of cancer, and exercise is also shown to reduce risk of more than 10 different kinds of cancers. Chen mentioned that there have been lots of research studies into why Black people do worse than whites when it comes to prostate cancer, but there aren’t as many studies that have looked into how it affects Asians. He said data suggests that there are fewer Asians with prostate cancer than Blacks and whites, and that there could be contributions from genetics and the environment. Some research in Asia suggests that more red meat and processed food consumed by Americans could play a role in increased prostate cancer cases. Chen also said that Asians, compared to whites, tend to get diagnosed at a more advanced stage. However, he said there are studies that showed that Asians seem to respond very well to treatments, so you want to get screened, diagnose it, and then get the treatment if needed.

open conversation now than just five years ago,” she said. It’s Chinese people who lose out as their access to the global community grows increasingly constrained, Cook said. There are Chinese platforms that offer social networking and content features, such as Maimai, but they are not global and are typically favored by whitecollar workers in China’s technology industry. “Maimai is already twice as large as LinkedIn in China, which suggests LinkedIn isn’t without local substitutes,” said Michael Norris, research strategy manager at Shanghai-based consultancy AgencyChina. “However, the question remains whether any platform wishes to take up the moderation burden that comes with the exchange and discussion of industry news and views,” he said. LinkedIn suspended new

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The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is pretty unique as it’s one of 35 proton therapy centers in the country and the only one in the Pacific Northwest. They provide a newer form of radiation therapy that’s more targeted and exposes the healthy tissue near the tumor to less collateral radiation exposure. For some cancers, this means reducing side effects and also results in a higher chance of curing the cancer. What cancers are the most commonly seen for radiation treatment? For women, it’s breast cancer and for men, it’s prostate cancer, where men would have a choice of radiation or surgery for treatment. Chen said that radiation therapy is like a part-time job, unlike surgery. Once a patient begins radiation therapy, they would go Monday through Friday for up to nine weeks in the case of prostate cancer. “It’s not one and done because it works slower than surgery and takes a few months.” He added, “Usually we can tell how it’s working within the first six to 12 months after radiation treatment.”  Nina can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

user registrations in March as it reviewed its compliance with local laws after coming under fire both from the authorities and from users unhappy with its regulation of content. In September, the company drew unfavorable attention when a U.S. journalist, Bethany AllenEbrahimian, complained it had censored her user profile in China over its contents. That followed several other profile censorships of several other academics and journalists on its Chinese platform. Not everyone is sad to see LinkedIn go. Zhang Fang, who works at a government-backed institution in Beijing, said LinkedIn doesn’t list job opportunities for civil servants or government organizations in China. “I registered a LinkedIn account in university, but after I graduated and started

working I have never used it once,” he said. “It doesn’t help my career development, unless one day I decide to join the private sector or a foreign company.” Emchel Wu, who works in advertising in Shanghai, said she rarely uses LinkedIn to network anyway. “It’s kind of embarrassing to have all of your contacts displayed,” she said. “From when I joined LinkedIn, I have added all of four people. It hasn’t been that useful for me.” 

SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 6.

YOUR VOICE

■ WORLD NEWS

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

asianweekly northwest

Japan’s Princess Mako marries commoner, loses royal status TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Princess Mako quietly married a commoner without traditional wedding celebrations on Oct. 26 and said their marriage— delayed three years and opposed by some—“was a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts.” The marriage to Kei Komuro cost Mako her royal status. She received her husband’s surname—the first time she has had a family name. Most Japanese women must abandon their own family names upon marriage due to a law requiring only one surname per married couple. The couple’s marriage document was submitted by a palace official on Oct. 26 and made official, the Imperial Household Agency said. There was no wedding banquet or other marriage rituals for the couple. The agency has acknowledged that many people have not welcomed their marriage. “For me, Kei-san is a priceless person. For us, our marriage was a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts,” Mako said in a televised news conference, using an honorific in speaking of her husband. Komuro responded: “I love Mako. I live only once and I want to spend it with someone I love.” He said he hopes to be with Mako to share feelings and encourage each other in happy times and difficult times. “I hope to have a warm family with Mako-san, and I will continue to do everything to support her,” he said. Mako earlier declined a 140 million yen ($1.23 million) payment to which she was entitled for leaving the imperial family, palace officials said. She is the first imperial family member since World War II to not receive the payment and chose to do so because of criticism of the marriage. Mako, who turned 30 three days before the marriage, is a niece of Emperor Naruhito. She and Komuro, who were classmates at Tokyo’s International Christian University, announced in September 2017 that they intended to marry the following year, but a financial dispute involving his mother surfaced two months later and the wedding was suspended. Mako left the palace on Oct. 26 wearing a pale blue dress and holding a bouquet. She bowed outside the residence to her parents, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, and her sister Kako, and then the sisters hugged each other. The couple did not answer questions at the news conference as Mako had expressed unease about responding in person. Instead, they provided written answers to questions submitted by the media beforehand, including those about his mother’s financial issues. Mako is recovering from what palace doctors described as a form of traumatic stress disorder that she developed after seeing negative media coverage about their marriage, especially attacks on Komuro.

AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, Pool

By MARI YAMAGUCHI ASSOCIATED PRESS

Japan’s Princess Mako, right, the elder daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and her fiance Kei Komuro, look at each other during a press conference at Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on Sept. 3.

“We have been horrified, scared and saddened ... as false information has been taken as fact and that unfounded stories have spread,” Mako said in a written answer to one of the questions. The dispute involves whether money his mother received from her former fiance was a loan or a gift. Mako’s father asked Komuro to clarify, and he wrote a statement defending himself, but it is still unclear if the dispute has been fully resolved. Komuro, 30, left for New York in 2018 to study law and only returned to Japan last month. His hair was tied in a ponytail at the time and the look drew attention as a bold statement for someone marrying a princess in the tradition-bound imperial family and only added to the criticism. The couple will move together to New York to start a new life. Many in Tokyo wished them good luck. “Congratulations,” said office worker Yasuhiro Suzuki. “I hope people in America will welcome them.” Retiree Kenko Suzuki said he expects life in New York will be challenging because they will have to live without people taking care of them. “So I’m rooting for them,” he said. “There will be different kinds of difficulties as we start our new life, but we’ll walk together as we have done so in the past,” Mako said, thanking everyone who supported them. Mako, apparently referring to mental health issues, noted “many people have difficulty and hurt feelings while trying to protect their hearts.” She said, “I sincerely hope that our society will be a place where more people can live and protect their hearts with the help of warm help and support from others.” Mako is not the only female royal whose mental health was strained by attacks from inside and outside the palace. Her grandmother, Empress Emerita Michiko, wife of former Emperor Akihito and the first commoner married to a monarch in modern history, collapsed and temporarily lost her voice in 1993 following persistent negative coverage. Empress Masako, a Harvard-educated

former diplomat, has had a stress-induced mental condition for nearly 20 years, in part because of criticism over not producing a male heir. Some critics say Mako’s marriage highlights the difficulties faced by women in the Japanese imperial household. Mako’s loss of royal status comes from

“For me, Kei-san is a priceless person. For us, our marriage was a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts.” — Princess Mako the Imperial House Law, which allows only male succession. Only male royals have household names, while female imperial family members have only titles and must leave if they marry commoners. The male-only succession practice leaves only Akishino and his son, Prince Hisahito, in line to succeed Emperor Naruhito. A panel of governmentappointed experts is discussing a more stable succession system, but conservatives still reject female succession and allowing women to head the imperial family. 

asianweekly northwest

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

39 YEARS

front-runner in early results in the Seattle mayoral race. “I have my family and my close friends here with me.” After thanking about 200 of his supporters who turned out on a wet, cold rainy night on the evening of Nov. 2, he shouted, “So we’re going to bring Seattle back together!" Cheers went up around the large hall. Supporters hugged each other. And Harrell was bombarded with well-wishers after he left the stage. If only governing were so easy. The challenges Harrell faces are immense. And even on a night of celebration— it could be weeks before all mail-in ballots are counted— many of them were on display, even in the surroundings and atmosphere of his victory party. Homelessness was a major theme, not only in Harrell’s remarks. Its urgency was evident even in the environs of the party. Homeless people filled the sidewalk near Block 41, where the party was held. They crossed in the middle of the street, followed a reporter for half a block, and asked for money. Outside the door, a burly security guard with a top knot, who said he just arrived from Hawaii, checked all guests carefully. As in other parts of his speech, Harrell again and again thanked his family, his team, and his supporters, building upon a theme of inclusiveness to tackle the city's major issues. “We can actually solve homelessness, but we can fix the problem only when we work together,” he said. It was the same with the police. Harrell said the process of making any changes in the police department must include dialogue. “I understand racism and unfairness by our police department, but I want my kids safe,” he said. The Seattle Police Department has been under a federal consent decree, rare for a West Coast city, since 2012 for violent and possibly racist policing. Adding to the woes of the department, during the Black Lives Matter protests last year, officers were regularly caught on video, violently beating protesters and tear gassing and beating crowds. Since then, with calls to defund the police filling the Seattle City Council, hundreds of police officers have

Photo by George Liu

HARRELL from 1

Bruce Harrell’s supporters

resigned or left for adjacent municipalities. Some reports say response time to 911 calls is over an hour. Harrell, who had vowed not to defund the police, had been leading heavily in polls for weeks. But both before and after the announcement of results, there were signs of tensions that could signal challenges for Harrell’s goal of governing through unity. By 7:30 p.m., as the party moved into full swing, a half hour before Harrell arrived, the atmosphere already seemed fully disconnected from the problems outside on the street. When the results were announced at 8:10 p.m., pandemonium broke out. A screen at the front of the hall showed that Harrell was ahead with 84,975 votes compared to 46,046 for González—a lead of 64.63% versus 35.02%. Some supporters placed their beverages on a roving tray. Meanwhile, raucous cries erupted, soon replaced by a deep throaty chant of “Bruce! Bruce! Bruce!” At 8:15 p.m., when Harrell took the stage, he returned

repeatedly to the theme of unity. He compared future challenges to his election campaign. “I did not do this by myself, I had a team.” He said people supported him for what he stood for, and that’s why so many people turned out with a common belief. “They believed in me, they believed in our message.” But even a subsequent joke he made perhaps belied fears of that very unity he was seeking. Scanning the crowd, he added, “Except for a few people I saw, and I wondered how did they get in?” In closing, Harrell grew serious and impassioned. It was as if he sensed he was speaking now to a crowd he had to convince. Some of the faces were already beginning to show signs of weariness. Some people shifted unsteadily. “The city has enormous potential. When we talk about social justice,” he said, pausing. “I’m just going to ask for a show of hands—how many here are half Japanese, half Black?” Harrell, who is both Black and Japanese American,

YOUR VOICE

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

City of Newcastle, Council Position No. 9  Frank Irigon

52%

City of Sammamish, Council Position No. 1  Amy Lam

51%

AAPI candidates are also leading in the following races:

Bellevue School District No. 405, Director District No. 3  Joyce Shui 68% Faye Yang 32%

56% 44%

Photo by Mahlon Meyer

East Bellevue Community Municipal Corporation, Council Position No. 5  Chiho Lai 56%

laughed to himself. But then he grew serious again. “The point is that when I grew up, and we’re talking about race issues and character, it was very difficult, I always had to struggle to find out what I am.” He promised “a new conversation" on homelessness and the other issues facing Seattle. Norm Rice, the first Black mayor of Seattle, stood beside him. The two men embraced each other. Rice closed with the following, “I have tears in my eyes and joy in my heart because we couldn’t have found a better person.”

Somebody yelled, “We’ve got a new mayor!” Harrell’s opponent, González, said in a statement that she wasn’t conceding yet. She noted late-arriving votes and “the fact that the votes of so many of our voters, who tend to vote at the very end, have not been counted means we may not know until late in the week or next week who the next mayor will be.”  Mahlon can be contacted at info@nwasianweekly.com.

northwest

In other races where AAPI candidates were running, it appears that King County Executive Dow Constantine will keep his seat, defeating Joe Nguyen. And in the race for Port of Seattle Commissioner, Toshiko Hasegawa and Peter Steinbreuck are neck and neck, each getting 50% of the vote.

City of Bellevue, Council Position No. 2  Conrad Lee Dexter Borbe

With his family behind him, Bruce Harrell puts his arm around former Seattle mayor Norm Rice as he thanked supporters.

asianweekly

City of Clyde Hill, Council Position No. 3  Kim Muromoto City of Issaquah, Council Position No. 5  Russell Joe City of Kent, Council Position No. 2  Satwinder Kaur

SCHOOL

Bellevue School District No. 405, Director District No. 5  Jane Aras 63% Highline School District No. 401, Director District No. 3  Joe Van 83%

93%

Lake Washington School District No. 414, Director District No. 3  Leah Choi 54%

63%

Seattle School District No. 4, Director District No. 4  Vivian Song Maritz 68%

97%

City of Lake Forest Park, Council Position No. 5  Tracy Furutani 56% City of Newcastle, Council Position No. 5  Pratima Lakhotia

53%

*These are numbers from the initial round election returns released shortly after 8 p.m. on Nov. 2. Additional results are typically released daily. The secretary of state will certify results by Dec. 2. If there are any AAPI candidates we missed, please let us know at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

asianweekly northwest

NOVEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 12, 2021

39 YEARS

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