VOL 39 NO 10 | MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

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

VOL 39 NO 10 MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020 FREE 38 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Where Democratic presidential candidates stand on AAPI issues

Tulsi Gabbard

Joe Biden Compiled by Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Joe Biden

Local AAPI supporters: Former WA Gov. Gary Locke, former Seattle Deputy Mayor Hyeok Kim The Obama-Biden Administration re-established the White House

Bernie Sanders

Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to improve the lives of AAPIs in the United s through federal programs, interagency coordination, and outreach to AAPI stakeholders.

And, Biden helped secure the votes to finally deliver long-awaited compensation payments for Filipino American World War II veterans.

Elizabeth Warren

ON THE ISSUES: Education: • Invest in all children from birth to 12th grade by tripling Title I funding, which goes to schools serving a high number of children from low-income families.

• Provide two years of community

Gov. Inslee urges vigilance against COVID-19

college or other high-quality training program without debt for any hardworking member of the AAPI community looking to learn and improve their skills to keep up with the changing nature of work. see PRESIDENTIAL on 8 and 9

Bellevue College president, VP out after Japanese American incarceration mural defacement

Photo from Leslie Lum

As of press time, there are 39 confirmed cases in Washington, including 10 deaths.

Snohomish County: 8 cases, including 1 death.

King County: 31 cases, including 9 deaths. *Information from the Washington Department of Health

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TONY AU

see COVID-19 on 12

■

Photo from Theo Bickel

SEATTLE — The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus climbed to 11 on March 4 with a victim succumbing in California—the nation’s first reported fatality outside Washington .

Officials in Placer County, Gov. Jay Inslee does an 'elbow pound' with Rachel Koh, ICHS Chief Operations Officer, a safe and timely greeting.

M

ayor Jenny Durkan with business and community leaders at a dim sum lunch on Feb. 26 at Honey Court Restaurant. see BLOG on 10

Several hundred people attended a Remembrance Ceremony at Bellevue College on March 3, including a large contingent of the Japanese American community.

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Bellevue College announced on March 2 that it fired its president, Dr. Jerry Weber, and VP of Advancement, Dr. Gayle Barge, following the recent outrage over an altered mural of the Japanese American incarceration.

Saying an apology is not enough, but that decisive action is needed, the Board of Directors announced the appointment of Dr. Kristen Jones as acting president of the college.

“The recent defacement of the ‘Never Again Is Now’ art installation along with the response to this deplorable act has deeply impacted students, staff, and faculty,” said Board Chair Richard Fukutaki. “It has

Richard Fukutaki

damaged the credibility of the college locally, regionally, and nationally. But beyond that, it was just fundamentally wrong, and we needed to act decisively.”

Barge directed someone to see MURAL on 15

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asianweekly

38 YEARS

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS

Geekwire co-founder Jonathan Sposato announced on March 2 his acquisition of Seattle magazine, which brings editorial control and ownership of the publication back to Seattle after nearly 30 years in Minneapolis.

“I do not want it to be said that in the years when my generation came of age, that Seattle lost its voice,” Sposato wrote on his Facebook page. “I was raised here and watched Seattle transform from a city known for Sasquatch, Bruce Lee, coffee and airplanes, into a worldclass metropolis on par with other iconic destinations across the globe.”

Sposato said, “I think it’s time we defined ourselves with more swagger as the world class city we’ve become.” 

Dr. Chiyo Ishikawa

(1994–2009), said, “An engaging person with a rare sense of humor, Chiyo raised the bar at SAM… She’s a cultural treasure who will be greatly missed.”

Ishikawa has been an adjunct professor in the Department of History of Art at the University of Washington in Seattle since 2016. She holds a Ph.D. in Art History from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.

The museum’s search for a replacement will begin immediately. 

World Affairs Council

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) announced on Feb. 26 that Dr. Chiyo Ishikawa, Susan Brotman Deputy Director for Art and Curator of European Painting and Sculpture, will retire in summer 2020, after 30 years at the museum.

“It has been my honor and pleasure to work for an institution that so fully embraces its civic responsibility to serve our community,” said Ishikawa.

Mimi Gardner Gates, SAM’s Director Emerita

Photo by John Liu

SAM curator Ishikawa to retire

The Northwest Asian Weekly gave 11 foreign journalists a tour of the Chinatown-International District on Feb. 18, as part of the World Affairs Council.

Hosted by publisher Assunta Ng, the journalists from Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka enjoyed a dim sum lunch at Jade Garden Restaurant. They also visited Tai Tung Restaurant and the seat where the late martial arts legend Bruce Lee used to dine. 

Stella Chin

Philanthropist and supporter of the Seattle Chinese Garden, Stella Chin stopped by the Northwest Asian Weekly office last month, to share news of her self-published book.

The book, printed in Chinese, is about nature. 

Photo by George Liu

Jonathan Sposato

Photo by Scott Areman

Photo by Stacy Nguyen

Sposato buys Seattle magazine

Stella Chin

Wing Luke documentary

High school students Jocelyn Chin and Steven Sun from Cleveland, Ohio visited the Chinatown-International District in February as part of a school project.

They are shooting a documentary on Wing Luke and his breaking of racial and political barriers in Seattle. They also Bettie Luke (center) with Jocelyn conducted a two-hour Chin and Steven Sun long interview with Luke’s sister, Bettie. 

Photo by Assunta Ng

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northwest

YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

asianweekly northwest

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Senate Democrats propose $5 M to assist businesses disrupted by coronavirus fears

By Cameron Sheppard WNPA NEWS SERVICE A last-minute amendment to the senate Democratic Caucus supplemental operating budget earmarks $5 million to help businesses negatively impacted by international responses to the coronavirus outbreak overseas.

Businesses like Cosmo Specialty Fibers, a textile producer that does 97 percent of its business with

companies in Asia, have been disrupted by port closures intended to stop the spread of the disease.

“This is a local business that has thrived despite disruptive tariff and trade wars, pays its employees strong wages, and has robust potential to expand, but it’s been thrown for a loop,” said Sen. Dean Takko in a written ment. Takko sponsored the amendment.

Companies will be able request assistance funds from the ’s strategic reserve account to promote economic development, which is funded by a third of all unclaimed

lottery money, according to a release from the Senate Democrats.

The operating budget had already provided $2 million for the account, much of which was already spoken for.

Budget writers added $2 million in new funds on top of that, and the $3 million in Takko’s amendment means a total of $5 million in new funds.

The budget was approved by the Senate after a 33-16 vote on Feb. 27. 

The 2020 Census is knocking.

Here are some reasons to answer.

By Kai Curry FOR NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY These days, many of us won’t open the door for a highly anticipated mail order of the latest ear buds, let alone a government official. As news of the impeding rollout of the 2020 U.S. Census swept the last year, fear of being counted for the wrong reasons was at the top of mind for every day citizens and community organizers.

Now it’s almost here, and it’s not quite what we were told. There are good reasons to go ahead and open the door when the Census taker knocks.

The most concerning issue for many citizens, when talk of the 2020 U.S. Census began last year, was that the powers-that-be in Washington D.C. had threatened to include a question requiring verification of citizenship. With the crackdown against immigrants fresh

in everyone’s mind, this sounded like a good way to track people the government doesn’t want here versus a benign way to count how many people are here. Turns out, there was no historical guidance, or requirement, for including a citizenship question on the U.S. Census–and such a question was not included. There is no citizenship question on the Census.

Those fears are now unwarranted.

Even though the citizenship question

has been retracted, there are still those who worry, particularly in minority communities, that the information gathered from the U.S. Census will be used for the wrong reasons. Those wrong reasons are nebulous, whereas the right reasons are very obvious. The count that is taken from the Census is used to allocate government funding. If we do see CENSUS on 13

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asianweekly northwest

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

38 YEARS

■ NATIONAL NEWS Undocumented students could soon be eligible for college loans

By Leona Vaughn WNPA NEWS SERVICE Students who are undocumented immigrants may soon find it easier to finance their higher education.

Senate Bill 6561, now under consideration in the House, establishes a student loan program for undocumented immigrants, including DACA recipients, who are not currently eligible to receive federal financial aid.

“We know that our undocumented students want to pursue the same opportunites,” said Sen. Marko Liias, the bill’s primary sponsor. “One big barrier that still exists is a lack of access to student loans,” he said.

Several students who testified in support of the bill expressed the stress they’ve experienced trying to pay for their education.

“I am undocumented and I do not have DACA. I arrived at this country when I was three months old, so this country’s all I know,” said Alondra Munoz, a student and representative of Undocumented Inititatives, at an earlier hearing. “I can’t get work study, so being able to get these loans will honestly help a lot,” Munoz said.

Though DACA recipients are still able to renew their status, the potential ending of the program is concerning to many Washington residents.

According to the American Immigration Council,

almost 20,000 Washington residents applied for DACA in 2016. DACA applicants must have been in the United s before turning 16 and continuously present in the country since June 15, 2007, according to the National Immigration Law Center.

“I don’t know where to turn to,” said Litzy Canales, a high school senior at Edmonds Woodway High School.

“This is where this program would step in and help me start my career.”

SB 6561 was passed by the Senate on Feb. 18 and is currently being heard in the House. If passed, it will be effective starting July 1, 2021. 

Coronavirus rumors spread on app cripple Los Angeles’ Koreatown

Arrest made in video assault of elderly San Francisco man

By BRIAN MELLEY ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Police arrested a man on Feb. 26 in the taunting and robbery of an elderly Asian man who was collecting recyclables near a Bayview area housing project, an attack that was caught on video and posted to social media.

Dwayne Grayson, 20, was arrested in front of his Bayview home on suspicion of robbery, elder abuse, committing a hate crime and probation violation for an earlier robbery, Police Chief Bill Scott said during a gathering held to condemn the attack.

It wasn’t immediately known whether Grayson had an attorney who could speak for him.

The video, posted on Feb. 23, showed a black man threatening and swinging what appeared to be a metal pole at an Asian man who was trying to get back a shopping cart presumably loaded with aluminum cans he had collected. Later, the man was shown weeping. Several people were standing around. But none of them interfered, and some jeered and mocked him.

A person recording the incident told him to “go get your cans’’ and someone said: Ï hate Asians.“ “What we saw on that video was horrific. Make no mistake about it,’’ Scott said. “We heard from people all over the country.’’

Police said they believe Grayson was the person who recorded the attack

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a Koreatown restaurant known for its beef bone broth soup, the lunchtime crowd on Feb. 28 was half its normal size. The reason was a virulent rumor about a customer with coronavirus.

Han Bat Shul Lung Tang was one of five restaurants that lost business after being named in posts on a Korean messaging app that warned a Korean Air flight attendant with the virus had dined there during a layover in Los Angeles late last month.

“It’s fake news,’’ owner John Kim said, and he had proof. His restaurant was closed at the time because of a water leak, a fact confirmed by the Department of Public Health.

The rumor about the flight attendant was dispelled on Feb. 28 by the Republic of Korea consulate in Los Angeles. In a ment posted in Korean on Facebook, the consulate general said the attendant who visited Los Angeles on Feb. 19-20 had gone to two businesses but neither was in Koreatown. Later in the day, public health officials said the flight attendant was not contagious while in the city.

The rumor and the impact on the restaurants was a prime example of how fears of the virus combined with the speed and reach of social media can quickly cripple the healthiest of businesses and focus suspicion on ethnic communities.

The virus, which began in China, has been spreading worldwide and

has taken a big toll lately in South Korea. Lawmakers and advocates for immigrant communities have warned about xenophobia and discrimination aimed at Asian Americans.

Assemblyman Kansen Chu, D-San Jose, said Chinese businesses, in particular, were experiencing large economic losses as a result of racism and fear.

A group representing Koreatown restaurants said business in general was down about 50% since the rumor spread on the Kakao Talk app on Feb. 24.

One message circulating on the app provided details of the flights the attendant worked on and listed the restaurants that said she purportedly visited with the message: “Please share with everyone to avoid these ktown spots,’’ using an abbreviation for Koreatown.

“In the Korean American community here, it went like wildfire,’’ Alex Won said as he ate a bowl of beef brisket soup at Han Bat Shul Lung Tang. “It’s sad.’’

Won said he got the message from friends and family members, but never really believed it because it wasn’t reported in the news. He stopped at the restaurant at the start of the week and found it closed because of a water leak.

He was happy to return for a late lunch and was surprised to find he was the only diner.

“I’ve never seen it this empty,’’ he said. “There’s always people here.’’

Owners of other restaurants named in the post said business died almost instantly.

At Honey Pig, a Korean barbecue restaurant with 25 tables, only six parties were seated during one bad day of business this week, owner Chin Kim said.

Customers had been calling to inquire if the rumors were true, and some asked more outlandish questions, Kim said. One woman who had dined at the restaurant recently called to ask if it was LA from 4

see LA on 13

and they are seeking a second man in connection with the assault.

A second video showed two private security guards who patrol public housing in the area apparently ordering the victim to leave after he was robbed.

Both were placed on administrative leave while their company, Critical Intervention Patrol, investigates the incident, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The victim is a Chinese immigrant in his 70s, Tommy Wong of the Community Youth Center of San Francisco told KPIX-TV. The victim was “an elderly man doing what he can to support his family, being bullied and hurt in his own neighborhood,’’ Joyce Lam of the Chinese Progressive Association said at a Feb. 27 gathering, which also was attended by Mayor London Breed, Sen. Scott Wie. 

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

YOUR VOICE

asianweekly northwest

■ WORLD NEWS Virus fears lead K-pop superstars BTS to cancel Seoul shows

By HYUNG-JIN KIM ASSOCIATED PRESS SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — K-pop superstars BTS canceled an upcoming concert series in South Korea’s capital as the country that exports entertainment worldwide tries to contain a soaring virus outbreak.

It follows a near-shutdown of entertainment in hard-hit parts of China, the world’s second-biggest economy and second-biggest boxoffice market.

BTS, which performed at the Grammys and at New York’s Grand Central Terminal for “The Tonight Show’’ in recent weeks, is seen as an emblem of South Korea’s cultural and economic power. Local media said the canceled concerts were the inaugural leg of the band’s new world tour.

“We regret to announce that the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR ... has been cancelled,“ the band’s

agency Big Hit Entertainment said in a ment.

The management agency said the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea, which has more than 2,000

cases so far, made it impossible to predict the scale of the outbreak

by April.

The seven-member boy band was scheduled to perform April

Inspire and Lead The Port of Seattle Commission seeks a Chief of Staff.

Help shape the future of service to our region.

Apply by March 20: bit.ly/portcareers

11-12 and April 18-19 at Seoul’s Olympic Stadium. The agency said it had to consider the health and safety of the artists, the production crews and the more than 200,000 concertgoers expected.

The South Korean government and others affected by the epidemic have pushed to restrict massive public events to try to avoid situations where the virus might spread.

Disney said on Feb. 28 its parks in Tokyo would close for two weeks, adding to closures of its parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Cinemas in China already were shuttered, which affected the Chinese release of “Sonic the Hedgehog’’ and the Beijing premiere and a promotional tour of the James Bond film “No Time to Die’’ among other impacts.

The Walt Disney Co.’s anticipated live-action “Mulan’’ remake is due to open in China on

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March 27.

The U.S.’s National Symphony Orchestra canceled performances in Japan, after earlier canceling concerts in Beijing and Shanghai.

That followed cancellations by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic.

South Korean agencies have been canceling K-pop events at home and abroad in response to requests from fans about artists’ safety.

Artists such as Taeyeon and boy bands WINNER and NCT Dream had previously canceled shows in Singapore and Macao, and GOT7 postponed concerts in Bangkok and Singapore.

U.S. band Green Day postponed upcoming Asia shows as well, citing health and travel concerns in its announcement on Twitter.

BTS has a large international following and was the first K-pop act to debut atop the Billboard Album chart in 2018 with “Love Yourself: Tear.’’ 

KING COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received for C01388C19, Asphalt Services Work Order; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 1:30 PM on March 26, 2020. Late bids will not be accepted.

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

Scope of Work: The work under this Contract consists of performing Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) with Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) paving, roadway surfacing, resurfacing, square-patching and overlay projects as issued by individual Work Orders by Project Representative in accordance with the technical specifications of this contract.

Estimated contract price: $1,000,000 Pre-Bid: March 17, 2020, 10:00 am at King Street Center 201 S Jackson St. Seattle, WA 98104, 7th floor Frog Conference Room.

Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://procurement. kingcounty.gov/procurement_ovr/default.aspx

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asianweekly northwest

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAR 5

KIDS STORY TIME WITH BOOK, “MULAN” Wing Luke Museum 11 a.m.

EXHIBIT RECEPTION, “HEAR US RISE: APA VOICES IN FEMINISM” Wing Luke Museum 6-8 p.m.

WOMXN’S MARCH POSTER PARTY Uw, Husky Union Building 4-6:30 p.m.

6 UNPACKING THE U.S.CHINA PHASE 1 TRADE AGREEMENT Washington China Relations Council, 1301 5th Ave. Ste. 1500, Seattle 12-1:30 p.m.

RSVP at https://bit.ly/3aSCMFx

7 THE DANNY WOO GARDEN’S COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY Danny Woo Community Garden, 620 S. Main St., Seattle 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

■ BRIEFLY

Kin On delays gala

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CELEBRATE ASIA Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle 4-7 p.m. seattlesymphony.org

FILM SCREENING: “FINDING SAMUEL LOWE” Wing Luke Museum 2 p.m.

15 PAKISTAN ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE Skyline Retirement Center, 725 Ninth Ave., Seattle 2-4 p.m. $15-$20 friendsofasianart3.org USHER IN SPRING - HOLI STYLE Lake Sammamish Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Rd., Issaquah 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

16 CENSUS 2020: WHY IT MATTERS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO Town Hall, Seattle 7:30-9 p.m. townhallseattle.org

21 SOUTHEAST ASIAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HEALTH EDUCATION SUMMIT 2020 ACRS, 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

38 YEARS

28 THE WING LUKE MUSEUM’S DINNER & AUCTION Wing Luke Museum 5 p.m.

JAPANESE-ALOHA SALE Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Church Gym, 1427 S. Main St., Seattle 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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CHINESE OPERA Seattle Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park 1-3 p.m.

Pre-registration is required Register at friendsofasianart3@gmail. com

SAKURA-CON 2020 Washington Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle 3-6 p.m.

Asian Weekly.

“Kin On is dedicated to doing our part to ensure the safety of our community as a whole by helping to reduce any unnecessary risk factors at this point.”

If you’ve already purchased a ticket and still plan to attend in September, you don’t need to do anything. If the new date does not work for you, Kin On asks that you consider converting your ticket into a 100% tax deductible donation, or you can get a full refund. 

Nguyen questions placement of quarantine facility in White Center

APRIL

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Kin On has decided to postpone its 35th Anniversary Celebration Gala event in light of the current status of the coronavirus outbreak.

The gala, originally scheduled to be held on March 14 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton, has been pushed back to Sept. 20, 2020.

“The decision to postpone... is not a response from panic or fear, but out of an overabundance of precaution to ensure the health of our community, staff, partners, and hotel workers,” Kin On said in a ment emailed to the Northwest

OLYMPIA — While lauding the ’s energetic response to the spread of coronavirus, Sen. Joe Nguyen said the siting of a quarantine facility in White Center continues a pattern of systemic disregard for that community.

“It is promising to hear of action from the regarding the containment of coronavirus,” said Nguyen, who represents White Center. “But the appearance of placing it in a neighborhood that has already been historically marginalized conveys a message about whose safety we most value in our society that is not lost on me.”

Nguyen’s comments came after King County officials announced on March 3 that a quarantine facility for those diagnosed with coronavirus will be opened in the Top Hat neighborhood of White Center following news of multiple

deaths from the virus earlier this week.

“While a quarantine facility does not necessarily mean the surrounding area is more prone to infection, I am wary to see that this facility has been placed in a community already deeply disenfranchised by decades of policies working against it.”

White Center is one of the most racially diverse areas in King County, with 60% of its population made up of people of color, according to 2010 Census records.

The quarantine facility is expected to be operating by mid-March and will include 32 rooms for people infected with coronavirus. More facilities are expected to be announced in response to an increasing number of cases of the illness being diagnosed in King County. 

View the solution on page 14

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

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

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

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YOUR VOICE

■ SPORTS

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

asianweekly northwest

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The Layup Drill

By Jason J. Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Welcome to another edition of The Layup Drill. This month, we write about the effects of the coronavirus and the potential issues it may have on sports, Team Philippines baseball gets a boost from the New York Mets, and the creator of the famous “Konami Code” has passed away.

Sports affected by coronavirus

The coronavirus, a pandemic that has caused concern, especially in Western Washington, is forcing sports to amend its schedules. There is uncertainty as to when and how the virus will be stopped from spreading, but sporting events worldwide are scrambling to prevent further infection. The long-term concern is that the disease, which has caused death in over 3,000 individuals across the globe, may cancel the Olympics this summer in Tokyo.

The concern with the Olympics is its proximity to China, where the virus originated. If the coronavirus is not contained, the Olympics would likely be cancelled rather than delayed. A decision would have to be made by late May. Already, the Olympic Torch relay, a tradition of the host country running with the torch throughout the country to eventually light the symbolic Olympic flame, has been scaled back, but has not been cancelled. The Olympics are set to begin on July 24 and run through Aug. 9.

The Tokyo Marathon took place in early March with empty streets and signs that requested the public to “refrain from watching.” The event was to have around 38,000. However, organizers decided to reduce the entries to just the elite runners and wheelchair athletes. Thus, only about 200 runners competed this year.

As a result, the number of volunteers required on the course was reduced. In addition, Japan’s soccer league is being postponed until the middle of March.

Also, baseball is curtailing the number of public exhibitions it is having prior to the start of its season.

UFC women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang is set to defend her title on March 7 in Las Vegas. However, she was told at the beginning of February that she should leave her home in China and go to Thailand to avoid the risk of contracting the virus. She went to Thailand and then spent another two weeks in Abu Dhabi to train before eventually heading to Las Vegas in late February. The upheaval from moving around prior to her first title defense has been a problem. She complained to her mother back home in China about how tiring it was to travel

and train with the uncertainty of where she would be spending her time. Her mother told her not to take her training too seriously because of the number of doctors and medical staff back home in China working all hours to help stop the spread of the virus. Recalling this fact, Zhang refocused her energy back into training.

Tebow to join Team Philippines Tim Tebow, who made his fame playing college football with the Florida Gators where he won the Heisman Trophy, then in the NFL, and then as an ESPN college football analyst, will play for the Philippines National Baseball Team.

Tebow, whose parents were missionaries in the Philippines, was born in Makati, Tim Tebow Philippines.

After his NFL career in August 2016, Tebow decided to give baseball a try and is currently playing in the minor leagues of the New York Mets farm system. He was approached about possibly playing for the Philippines national team and was receptive to the offer.

After receiving the blessing from the Mets, Tebow announced that he would play for Team Philippines in the 2021 World Baseball Classic (WBC) qualifiers. The WBC is the “World Cup” of baseball with countries from all over the world competing. The tournament occurs every four years.

“I’ve just really had a love for the people [of the Philippines] for a long time. To be able to represent them will be really cool—really, really cool,” he told reporters. Tebow will play on March 20 for Team Philippines against the Czech Republic, as part of a qualifying game to see which teams will play next spring.

The United s won the last WBC classic in Los Angeles. Next year, the finals will take place in Miami.

Creator of “cheat code” dies Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right B, A, Start.

Putting that sequence into your Nintendo controller was a “cheat code” for multiple games, including Contra.

Known as the “Konami Code” as the sequence was used on multiple Konami games, it was a part of a gamer’s “bag of tricks” to get an upper hand in video games.

The creator, Kazuhisha Hashimoto, passed away in February. Konami made the announcement, calling Hashimoto “a deeply talented producer who first introduced the world to the ‘Konami Code.’”

The code first appeared in 1986 for a Nintendo game, Gradius, which gave players access to a number of “powerups” to make the game easier to play.

Hashimoto first created the code because he thought the game was too difficult to play.

Graphic for the Konami Code creator

The code came to prominence in the 1988 game Contra where the code gives the player 30 additional lives.

Throughout the years, the code has been used on multiple games giving players an opportunity to master the game without actually having to master the game. The codes gave the players the chance to try out new facets of the game and hours of entertainment.

As esports becomes much more mainstream, it is nice to remember a much simpler time when cheating in a video game was encouraged, if not a requirement.  Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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asianweekly northwest

38 YEARS

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

PRESIDENTIAL from 1 • Double the maximum value of Pell grants, increasing the number of middle-class AAPIs who can participate in the program and increasing the grant value for individuals already eligible for Pell.

Halve the payments on undergraduate federal student loans by simplifying and increasing the generosity of today’s income-based repayment program.

• Rectify the funding disparities faced by minority-serving institutions, including Asian American and Native American Pacific Islanderserving institutions (AANAPISIs).

Immigration/Immigrant rights: • Rescind Trump’s “Muslim ban” on day one and reverse asylum policies.

• Work with Congress to pass legislative immigration reform that modernizes our system, with a priority on keeping families together by providing a roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants — including the 1.7 million from Asia.

• Increase the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration based on macroeconomic conditions and exempt from any cap recent graduates of Ph.D programs in STEM fields.

• Rein the DACA program and explore all legal options to protect their families from separation.

• End workplace raids and protect other sensitive locations from immigration enforcement actions.

Small Business Ownership: In 2010, the Obama-Biden administration created the Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to support small businesses. The program transfers funds to small business lending initiatives, driving $10 billion in new lending for each $1 billion in SSBCI funds. Biden will extend the program through 2025 and double its federal funding to $3 billion, driving close to $30 billion of private sector

investments to small businesses all told, especially those owned by women and people of color.

He will also establish a competitive grant program to provide $5 billion in funding to s for new business startups outside of the biggest cities.

Data disaggregation: The Obama-Biden administration released best practices for the disaggregation of federal data on AAPIs. Biden will build on this work and ensure that his administration recognizes and serves the myriad of challenges facing diverse AAPI communities.

Tulsi Gabbard

Numerous attempts for a response from the Tulsi Gabbard campaign went unanswered.

Bernie Sanders

Local AAPI supporter: Sen. Bob Hasegawa The Sanders campaign has AAPI leaders in key roles, including National Campaign Co-Chair Rep. Ro Khanna, Campaign Manager Faiz Shakir, Constituency Organizing Director Yong Jung Cho, National AAPI Constituency Organizer Supreet Kaur, California Political Director Jane Kim, Nevada Campaign Co-Chair Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, Nevada Communications Director Bianca Recto, and many more.

Bernie 2020 has made campaign materials accessible in Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Karen, Punjabi, Urdu, Arabic, Nepali, Thai, Bengali, and Burmese.

ON THE ISSUES: Healthcare: Guarantee health care to everyone in this country through Medicare for All, which will ensure the 7.8% of uninsured Asian Americans in the United s will receive coverage.

Education: Guarantee universal childcare to all parents and high-quality pre-k to all kids. Only 35% of Asian American children are currently enrolled in early childhood education programs. Sanders’ plan would ensure all children, regardless of family background or socioeconomic status, would have the opportunity to receive critical early childhood education.

Jobs and the economy: 9.6 million Asian American workers, which accounts for 14.9% of all Asian American workers, will receive a raise when Sanders raises the minimum wage to a living wage.

Small Business Ownership: AAPI constituents own more than 1.1 million small businesses. Sanders will expand that number by creating a $20 billion grant program within the Minority Business Development Agency to provide grants to entrepreneurs of color from all communities.

Immigration/Immigrant rights: Expand DACA and DAPA. Asian immigrants constitute about 11% of the undocumented immigrants that would benefit from DACA reinment and new pathways for citizenship.

Preserve and expand traditional family-based visas to address the lengthy family visa backlog.

Rein the Filipino Veteran families reunification program and work with Congress to exempt the families of Filipino WWII veterans from per-country visa caps and expedite their applications.

Elizabeth Warren

Local AAPI supporters: Toshiko Hasegawa, executive director of the Washington Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs Elizabeth Warren made history last year by hiring

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the first Asian American campaign manager for a major presidential campaign. Chinese American Roger Lau has worked with Warren since her senatorial campaign.

ON THE ISSUES: Immigration/Immigrant rights: Tulsi Gabbard Bernie Sanders Elizabeth Warren • Decriminalize migration, significantly reduce Joe Biden detention and end private detention facilities, provide rights and due process for all immigrants, and reaffirm asylum protections for those fleeing Determination Act with the full inclusion of Native join a union or other worker organization.

• Enact key protections for gig workers. Research violence.

Hawaiians. suggests that AAPIs, especially AAPI part-time • Remake Customs and Border Protection and • Strengthen fair housing law and enforcement.

ICE and hold immigration enforcement to the same • Secure tenants’ rights nationwide and fight workers, are disproportionately likely to work in the so-called “gig economy,” where they’re vulnerable due process standards as other law enforcement exploitation by corporate landlords. agencies — no more warrantless arrests or stops.

• Withdraw HUD’s “mixed status rule” and to being misclassified as independent contractors, • End the Muslim ban on day one, rein Temporary extend protections to end housing discrimination rather than employees — denying them rights like Protected Status designations and Deferred based on tenants’ immigration status and source of the minimum wage or protections against sexual harassment.

Enforced Departure, and raise the refugee cap to at income.

• Open up promotion pathways. AAPI workers least 175,000 by the end of her first term.

• Tackle the growing cost of rent.

• Rein the DACA program and protections • Invest in safe, healthy, and green public housing. are the least likely group to be promoted into for Dreamers and their families, and expand the leadership positions. Warren will require every program to cover more young people. federal agency to incorporate diversity as part of Jobs and workers rights: • Roll back the Trump administration’s Public • Strengthen organizing, collective bargaining, their core strategic plan and create support networks Charge rule change. through a government-wide mentorship program and the right to strike.

• Make it easier to become a citizen or apply • Raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour that centers employees of color. for legal status by removing unnecessary legal, for all workers. Warren’s plan would also provide • Require employers to give two weeks’ advance administrative, and financial barriers. more overtime pay and protect pensions and other notice of work schedules and empowering workers to ask for schedules that work for them, without fear • Establish an Office of New Americans retirement savings. dedicated to supporting new immigrants as they • Increase worker choice and control by requiring of retaliation.

• Guarantee workers 11 hours between shifts transition into our society and economy. large companies to let workers elect board members.

• Increase funding for the EEOC, OSHA, the and compensating them with higher pay for hours DOL Civil Rights Center, and the wage and hour voluntarily worked within that window.

Affordable housing: • Fight to make paid family and medical leave • Invest $500 billion over the next 10 years to division of the Labor Department, which are crucial build, preserve, and restore millions of units that to protect the safety, wellbeing, and rights of AAPI available to all workers. Nearly one in five AAPIs are caregivers for young children, elders, or loved workers. will be affordable to lower-income families.

• Strengthen protections for home care workers, ones who are sick or disabled, and many can’t afford • Expand funding for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program and reauthorize the including ensuring equal treatment under labor to take unpaid leave.  Native American Housing Assistance and Self- laws, guaranteeing that all home care workers can

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38 YEARS

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG Dealing with a crisis in Chinatown

Photo by George Liu

Mayor Durkan invited community leaders for dim sum

Mayor Jenny Durkan and Chinatown restaurant owners and community leaders

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Mayor Jenny Durkan has done what no other Seattle mayor has done. Durkan visited Chinatown thrice in three days, including hosting a dim sum lunch to support the community during tough times.

What kind of crisis exactly is the Chinatown-International District (ID) facing?

The fears and uncertainties over coronavirus have impacted the ID economically.

The ID is also made up of Japantown and Little Saigon, and more than 160 businesses, including restaurants and grocery

stores. The majority of the businesses are immigrant- and refugee-owned.

Some restaurants have lost as much as 20% to 50% in business over the past few weeks. Normally, Lunar New Year, which began on Jan. 25, is the busiest time of the year for ID restaurants, with lines outside for the first two weekends. Family, friends, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations would hold their reunion dinners between February and April. Hundreds of guests would gather every weekend for different Chinatown organizations’ dinner.

Instead, the restaurants received cancellation after cancellation for dinners big and

munity leaders, from both businesses and nonprofits, to attend.

Her message was clear, the ID is an asset to the City.

“The [ID] is one of the best places in Seattle,” she said. She knew her presence would help to dispel rumors and fears about the community. More importantly, she wanted to lend moral support to the ID, in hopes that hesitant patrons would return.

“We live in a really difficult time right now,” said Durkan. “Our national politics have been as divisive as I have ever seen in my lifetime... I just want everyone to know the City of Seattle, we will stand with immigrants. We will stand with refugees...We will welcome people to this country. As we see things like the coronavirus spread, and also people have misplaced fear based on the fear that has been sown, we see great businesses drop off, I say no. I say no.”

This was Durkan’s third trip to the ID in a week. Her first visit was on Feb. 24 with Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best to introduce an Asian neighborhood officer. Best later dined with her staff at the Hong Kong Bistro.

Her second visit was on the morning of Feb. 26, to present a $140,000 grant to Phnom Penh Restaurant, which was in the process of opening its new restaurant at 9th Avenue South and South

small.

Over 30 Chinese organizations have already announced the cancellation of their New Year banquets, including the latest —the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce dinner on Mar. 5. Ho Ho Restaurant’s owner Vivian Li said, “Over 100 tables booked earlier for February and March were cancelled. Six tables were gone. Eight tables disappeared… It’s so scary. At night, no customers come for our popular midnight snacks. It’s never happened to us before.”

The owner of Honey Court Seafood Restaurant said he has lost 40% of his business. Hong Kong Bistro owner Ben Liang said, “We lost over 50%. There’s little we can do except to endure.” Tai Tung Restaurant owner Harry Chan said, “Originally, we saw over a 20% drop in business, now with all the publicity about Chinese restaurants being hurt, we have many orders-togo, which helps a lot.”

Tai Tung Restaurant owner Harry Chan said he has seen a 20% drop in his business. The owner of Honey Court Seafood Restaurant said he has lost 40% of his business. Hong Kong Bistro owner Ben Laing said, “We lost over 50%. There’s little we can do except to endure.”

Aware of the economic disaster caused by the coronavirus fear, Durkan brought her leadership team for a dim sum lunch in the ID on Feb. 26. She also invited com-

see BLOG on 16

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YOUR VOICE

■ EDITORIAL

asianweekly northwest

11

The truth about fake news

A form of news consisting of deliberate disinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional news media or online social media—that’s the definition of fake news by Wikipedia.

The way most people use it nowadays, in my observation, defies this definition. In short, people use the phrase “fake news” when it contains information they don’t like or don’t agree with.

The most famous (or infamous) user of the phrase is none other than Donald Trump.

The president provided a widely cited example of this interpretation in a tweet on May 9, 2018: “The Fake News is working overtime. Just reported that, despite the tremendous success we are having with the economy & all things else, 91% of the Network News about me is negative (Fake).”

“Fake” to Trump is any news that does not show him in a favorable light, or which he simply dislikes.

Here at the Northwest Asian Weekly, we have been accused of shoddy journalism and being “fake news”

simply because—again, the readers didn’t agree with what we were reporting. It’s as if some readers think we make sh** up and print it. We don’t. Yes, we make mistakes. But we don’t deliberately print information that is false or inaccurate, and we are more than happy to make a correction when called out. News media in general are vilified. Many in the general public do not know the difference between a commentary (opinion) and actual news.

A 2018 study done by MIT on fake news found that a false story is much more likely to go viral than a real story. A false story reaches 1,500 people six times quicker, on average, than a true story does. And while false stories outperform the truth on every subject— including business, terrorism and war, science and technology, and entertainment—fake news about politics regularly does best.

Humans are biased to look for information that confirms what they already believe.

Gone are the days of getting news from only one

source like the beloved Walter Cronkite.

Today, most people get a fair amount of news from Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and Google. These are technology companies—not news outlets. Their goal is to maximize the time you spend on their sites and apps, to generate advertising revenue. Their algorithms use your browsing history to show you news you’ll agree with and like, keeping you engaged for as long as possible.

Instead, visit trusted news websites directly— The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, Reuters, to name a few. These organizations actually produce news, not just content that’s been curated for you.

Please stop to think and consider the source before retweeting or sharing news on social media.

Don’t be like Donald Trump. Don’t label everything “fake news” just because you don’t like it.

Happy news reading. 

■ COMMENTARY

Reader reacts to scrapped camera project The Chinatown-International District (ID) is back on track by summarily rejecting electronic camera surveillance. Not only were these cameras in place for eight years while the public was largely unaware, but the proponents wanted updated electronic surveillance capability all without ensuring the public—including visitors and non-residents—would know and agree.

There were rightfully no ‘takers’ willing to assume the financial and legal responsibilities for such a questionable project. No willing accomplices in a misguided, distinctly un-American, unconstitutional spying project that would have continued to have spied silently and secretly on the general public for the

questionable benefit of a few.

There are better ways to ensure public safety and security for businesses than public cameras—lazy policing. And shame on the project proponents for recruiting the Seattle Police Department’s complicity and duplicity, thereby letting SPD and the city off the hook for responsibility for a badly needed greater presence and action in the ID. The community is right to reject a tactic reminiscent of undemocratic authoritarian countries, a tactic that compromises our American constitutional right to privacy and innocence until proven guilty — secret electronic surveillance of the majority by a few. Truly

detestable and misguided.

Such a camera project should never have been placed in our unique community and hopefully it will never occur again.

We live in the United s of America and we cherish our freedoms. Let’s keep our community safe in more constitutionally acceptable ways.  Sincerely, —Patty Fong Seattle

■ LETTER

Public charge rule facts

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the nationwide implementation of the new public charge rule. As of Feb. 24, 2020, the federal government has started enforcing its new public charge rule, which may make it more difficult for some immigrants, especially those that are lower income and on some type of public benefits, to obtain a green card or to be admitted to the United s. The effect of the public charge rule is not as widespread as some would have you believe.

Unfortunately, fear and confusion are key parts of the anti-immigrant agenda.

It is important to reiterate that the public charge rule only applies to some types of immigrants applying for a green card or visa, primarily those applying through family-based petitions. The rule does not apply to U.S. citizens and exempts broad categories of immigrants. Those exempt from the rule include people who have a U-visa, T-visa, Special Immigrant

Juvenile Status, and VAWA, along with asylees, refugees, and certain other immigrants with humanitarian parole (ie.

NACARA, Lautenberg, HRIFA, etc.).

Existing legal permanent residents with green cards are also unaffected, except for those who leave the United s for six months or longer, and then return.

In addition to not being applicable to all immigrants, the consideration of public benefits use is limited to only certain programs. Even under the old rule, the rule considered the receipt of cash assistance, like TANF and SSI, along with long-term institutional care. Under the new rule, immigration authorities can now also consider the receipt of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, federal Section 8, federal public housing, and federal Medicaid (with exceptions for emergency services, children under 21, and pregnant women/ new mothers) received after Feb. 24, 2020.

Other public benefits programs, such as WIC, Medicare, -funded Medicaid,

CHIP, and school lunch programs, do not affect an immigrant’s public charge determination. Even then, many of the immigrants potentially subject to the new public charge rule are ineligible for the affected public benefits programs anyway.

It is also important to note that public benefits received by other household members, such as a spouse or a child, do not count against the immigrant. The public charge rule only looks at benefits received by the immigrant directly. For example, in a mixed-status family with documented children and undocumented parents, children receiving impacted public benefits like federal SNAP or Medicaid would not impact the public charge determination of their parents, if they are subject to the rule at all. Yet, there are non-impacted families forgoing public benefits to avoid potential issues with public charge, at tremendous risk to their own health and wellbeing.

Public charge does not affect all

immigrants and does not apply to all types of public benefits. Immigrants with questions about public charge should speak to an attorney familiar with both immigration law and public benefits about the potential impacts of the new public charge rule. Together, we can fight the fear and misinformation around public charge, empower immigrant communities, and counter the chilling effect impacting so many immigrant families throughout the country.  Staff Attorney, Asian Law Alliance

— Nghi Huynh

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asianweekly northwest

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

38 YEARS

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The deadline to apply is April 1. You can find all scholarship application details at dimensionlaw.com/women-inbusiness-scholarship.  As a female-led firm, we at Dimension Law Group believe that it is our responsibility to help passionate young women achieve their dreams. For that reason, we created the Dimension Law Group Women in Business Scholarship.

■ NATIONAL NEWS

2 Chinese nationals N Carolina duo brings charged in $100M South Asian designs to cryptocurrency scheme online retailer

By MICHAEL BALSAMO ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Chinese nationals were charged on March 2 with laundering over $100 million in cryptocurrency that had been stolen by North Korean hackers, U.S. prosecutors said.

COVID-19 from 1 northwest of Sacramento, said an elderly person who tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a San Francisco-Mexico cruise had died. The victim had underlying health conditions, authorities said.

Washington also announced another death, bringing its total to 10. Most of those who died were residents of a nursing home in Kirkland. At least 31 cases have been reported in the Seattle area, where researchers say the virus may have been circulating undetected for weeks.

Public officials in Washington faced pressure to take more aggressive steps, including closing schools and canceling large events. Some individual schools and businesses have closed, with schools considering whether to plan for online classes in the event of prolonged shutdowns.

Washington and Seattle have declared emergencies, which gives leaders broad powers to suspend activities. But so far no direct orders have been issued.

Jennifer Hayles, 41, of Kirkland, said she was appalled that Gov. Jay Inslee and health officials hadn’t canceled the upcoming Emerald City Comic Con—an event that draws close to 100,000 people each year. Hayles said she spent hundreds of dollars on tickets and other items related to the event but will have to pass on attending because she has a compromised immune system.

Amid the rising fears, a school district north of Seattle closed for

Tian Yinyin and Li Jiadong were charged in an indictment unsealed in Washington with money laundering conspiracy and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.

Prosecutors allege the North Korean hackers gained access to a virtual see SCHEME on 14

training on conducting remote lessons via computer in case schools have to be shut down for an extended period, while Eastside Prep in Kirkland said it would conduct online-only classes through the end of March.

A Department of Homeland Security facility just south of Seattle instructed all its employees to work from home after a worker became ill after visiting the nursing home at the center of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Inslee visited the

BY ZACHERY EANES THE NEWS & OBSERVER RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A company founded by two North Carolina-based sisters is helping bring South Asian fashion to a large national platform for the first time.

Beginning this month, Sani, founded by

International District clinic of International Community Health Services (ICHS) on March 3, to meet with ICHS leadership and hold a news conference addressing the ’s efforts to address the outbreak. Inslee and Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy reiterated the importance of being vigilant about washing hands and staying home if you become sick.

“We are all in this together,” Inslee said. “We are all potential subjects and we all got to pull together on this issue.”

Niki and Ritika Shamdasani, had three of its designs featured on the popular fashion website Rent the Runway, which lets customers rent designer clothing that often retails at a high price point.

The two sisters started the company in 2017 to help satisfy their own fashion

Inslee’s tour, scheduled before the spread of COVID-19, was originally planned to discuss barriers to health care coverage and the ’s efforts to expand coverage with Cascade Care, the nation’s first public option for health insurance.

Also on March 3, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a Proclamation of Civil Emergency, which grants her the ability to exercise emergency authority to address any immediate dangers to the public as a result of COVID-19.

see FASHION on 14

Durkan issued a Directive to her Cabinet to formalize a series of ongoing actions within the City’s scope to respond to COVID-19.

Among several actions, the Directive asks City departments to reiterate employee guidance on safety and best practices, prioritize City efforts on behalf of vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing homelessness, and ensure proper communications to immigrant communities, including non-English speaking populations. 

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YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

asianweekly northwest

13

Predictions and advice for the week of March 7–13, 2020

By Sun Lee Chang Rat — To fully appreciate what you have, stop comparing and start recognizing the many gifts at your disposal.

Dragon — Dissatisfied with just getting by?

Soon you’ll have the chance to make your mark, if that is what you desire.

Monkey — Sense drama percolating nearby?

While it seems interesting, avoid getting caught up in it yourself.

Ox — A moment of clarity has you seeing your surroundings with fresh eyes. Make the most of this newfound perspective.

Snake — Surprised by the reaction you received recently? It may be a sign that you should move on to something else.

Rooster — Looking to maximize your potential?

Rather than minimizing the value that you bring, highlight it instead.

Tiger — The most important message won’t necessarily be the loudest. Pay attention so that you don’t miss it.

Horse — Perfection can come at a very high cost. Ask yourself whether it is really worth paying such a price.

Dog — When spending time with loved ones, concentrate more on the moment and each other than on the destination or activity.

Rabbit — If you know the overall yield will be negligible, consider switching gears to a more profitable arena.

Goat — Do you find yourself stumbling over your words today? Reset and try again tomorrow, if you can.

Pig — The pieces that you have can fit together in many different ways. Focus on function first before addressing form.

WHAT’S YOUR ANIMAL SIGN? RAT 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 OX 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 TIGER 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 RABBIT 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 DRAGON 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 SNAKE 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 HORSE 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 GOAT 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 MONKEY 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 ROOSTER 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 DOG 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 PIG 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

*The year ends on the first new moon of the following year. For those born in January and February, please take care when determining your sign.

not answer the call of the Census, then those in charge of the money will not know how many of us are here, and as a result, will not grant funds to community programs. According to the Seattle Census 2020 inter-departmental team, “a significant percentage of historically undercounted communities are at risk of being undercounted again in 2020.” This means that if people don’t answer, minorities will be hit the hardest, and our community groups will not be able to afford to provide the outreach and care at which they excel.

Programs such as SNAP, Head Start, and Medicare, would be at risk of not receiving adequate monies.

In other words, if the Census takers are unable to find out how many people really live here, then the correct statistics won’t be used to make decisions moving forward. The U.S. Census takes place every 10 years, and determines the numbers according to which funding will be handed out for the next ten years – until the next Census. Historically, Washington has a good response rate. And, here in Seattle, we have one of the most diverse populations in the nation. Making sure the Census records our numbers correctly affects not only national, , and local funding, but it also makes a difference when we vote. Still burned by the last election? The primary for the next one is upon us now. Worried that our districts are not zoned fairly? Per the Seattle Census 2020 inter-departmental team, the results of the Census are also used to “redraw boundaries of congressional and local legislative districts” – otherwise known as “redistricting.” The Census is how our s end up Red or Blue because representation is based on population.

Everyone is required by law to fill out the Census. In

order to facilitate the goal of 100% participation, this year, the Census will be available to us in three different formats: by mail, online, and in person. In response to an increasingly digital world, and perhaps people’s natural disinclination to answer the door, this year will be the first year that the Census can be taken online. Like every other government department since the current administration came on board, the Census Bureau is low on funds and therefore, low on manpower, which is another reason that they have gone predominantly digital this time around.

April 1, 2020 is officially “Census Day.” Those who have not filled out the Census by mail or online by early April will hear the Census takers come knocking in person. With some fears still simmering in people’s attitudes towards the Census, it’s probably not a bad idea to keep in mind that those collecting the Census in person are ordinary citizens like the rest of us, most of them temporary workers in need of extra cash – just like the rest of us. Some of us may have already encountered these helpful citizens as they were sent out in January to double check on addresses that might have changed or been added since the last Census in 2010. You will be able to verify that the person who comes to your door is legitimate through several indicators: they will be wearing a badge with a photo ID and their name; they will be carrying a bag with a large Census Bureau logo; they will have a Census Bureau phone and laptop, both with Census watermarks. If you are still not convinced, you can check the person’s validity at the “About Us” – “Staff Search” portion of the U.S. Census website at www.census.gov.

So, what will be asked on U.S. Census 2020? When you receive your questionnaire in the mail, or when you

go online at the URL which is yet to be divulged, you will not find a citizenship question. What will you find are questions about how many people live in your own, whether your rent or own your home, and the age, sex, and race of those in your household. The Census will also ask the relationship connections of those in the home.

What the Census will not ask you, along with the nonexistent citizenship question, is any personal identifiable information, such as your social security number, your political affiliation, or any information about your bank accounts. Nor will the Census or the Census takers ask you for money. That is prohibited.

Ultimately, everyone has to act with their own conscience and sense of well-being when it comes to the Census. It is difficult to dispel fears caused by ongoing anti-immigration sentiment, yet the Census and its representatives are doing their best to reassure citizens of their privacy, and of the importance to those same concerned communities of completing an accurate count in 2020. The best weapon against uncertainty is information, so if doubts remain, equip yourself by browsing the websites of our local activist organizations, or those of the government. Then hopefully, when the Census comes knocking, you won’t mind answering, even if it’s not your new ear buds. 

safe to attend her daughter’s upcoming wedding, Kim said.

Owners were frustrated they couldn’t get more information from public health officials. Korean news media reported on Feb. 27 that South Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a female flight attendant who tested positive for the virus had traveled to Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it was aware of reports about the flight attendant but had no confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention until late on Feb. 28. That’s

when it said she did not develop symptoms of the illness known as COVID-19 until after leaving LA, so she posed no risk while in the city.

With a rumor they couldn’t confirm or deny, some restaurants took no chances. Video circulated on social media of a worker in a hazmat-type suit spraying down the floors at Hangari Kalguksu, a noodle soup house.

The sign outside Hanshin Pocha, a bar offering traditional Korean snack fare, boasts “never been closed since 1998.” Nevertheless, the establishment shuttered on Feb. 25 to sanitize the restaurant. Bottles of hand sanitizer were lined up on a counter next to bottled water.

“It’s a bad rumor, but people like bad rumors,’’ said

Jay Choi, manager of Hanshin Pocha.

Choi and others talked about the need to find and punish the person who started the rumor. He said he was looking into hiring a lawyer to take legal action.

On the streets of Koreatown, some pedestrians wore surgical masks. But they were not the norm.

Zhang Bin, a college student from China, and his roommate have worn the masks for protection since the virus broke out.

“I think even if the stewardess didn’t come to the restaurants, we still need to protect from the virus,’’ he said. “The speed and the spread of the disease is so fast.’’ 

CENSUS from 3

To learn more about the 2020 U.S. Census, go to www.census.gov. Locally, you can also go to www.

Seattlecensus.org or www.wecountKingcounty.org, among others.

Kai can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

EMPLOYMENT

needs. Often, when looking for formal clothing to wear at events like weddings, the sisters found it difficult to find styles that honored their Indian heritage but also had modern sensibilities.

So, the Shamdasani sisters, who grew up in Fayetteville, came to the conclusion that they would need to design their own clothing.

“It was really born out of a personal need,’’ said Niki Shamdasani, who left a venturecapital job in New York to start the company in North Carolina.

“We weren’t finding cultural clothing that we wanted or a shopping experience that worked well,’’ she said. “When we started

EMPLOYMENT

shopped in-person at pop-up events.

It also just feels significant to have ButSubscribe now the company has a steady South Asian fashion represented on a to the Northwest Asian Weekly stream of online customers$40 fromfor around mainstream platform, they said. one year. the country.

All of Sani’s clothing is “Rent the Runway is about creating Name_________________________________________ made of Indian fabric and manufactured visibility for a lot of clothing designers,’’ Address _______________________________________ in India.

Niki Shamdasani said. “It started off City ___________________________________________ “We are trying to make it the best with more established designers and State__________________________________________ experience’’ there is to buy South Asian now new ones as well. For us to be in Niki Shamdasani, a 2015 that group of people says (Sani) is a Zip fashion, Code said _______________________________________ NOTICE graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill. Ritika legitimate fashion business.’’

Phone _________________________________________ KCHA will accept Bids from is currently studying fashion at N.C. The partnership came about after Qualified General ContracUniversity.

Niki Shamdasani cold-emailed Rent the tors for the Cedarwood Site MailThe to:South NWAsian Asian Weekly 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, Improvements project located in demographic is one Runway CEO Jennifer Hyman, after Kirkland, WA. See website for 98104a or that is growingWA significantly, factcall that 206-223-0623 hearing Hyman describe on the “How I details at www.kcha.org/business/ bodes well potentially for the brand.

Built This’’ podcast how she had coldconstruction/open/ The Asian population is the fastest- emailed designer Diane Von Furstenberg growing racial or ethnic group to help launch Rent the Runway. Hyman nationwide and in North Carolina. From answered and helped connect the sister 2010 to 2017, the ’s Asian population with her team. asking other South Asian friends and their grew from 209,400 people to more than “Rent the Runway has always been moms, we realized people were settling for 303,000, an increase of 44.7%, according a destination to get dressed for special subpar designs and experiences just because to the group Carolina Demography. In events and celebrations, which made there wasn’t anything better out there.’’ comparison, the ’s total population grew expanding our inventory with Sani feel The sisters thought there could be a huge by just 7.7% over this period. like a natural extension for us,’’ Rent market for their own designs. A large number More specifically, in the ’s two largest the Runway’s Chief Merchant Officer of South Asian women, for example, still counties, Wake and Mecklenburg, the Sarah Tam told the online news site choose to get their formal clothing abroad largest share of Asian residents identify Insider. “We gravitated towards Niki because it can be more convenient or there as Asian Indian, according to Carolina and Ritika’s modern take on South are more options, said Niki Shamdasani. Demography.

Asia’s timeless styles and are excited to But that can mean high costs. The business With the new partnership with Rent offer this female-founded brand to our opportunity, they believed, was to bridge that the Runway, the Shamdasani sisters community.’’ gap between cost and availability. hope to both increase their company’s So far, Sani has two lehenga pieces, So Sani was launched out of their parents’ reputation as well as make it easier for which is an ankle-length skirt, and one home in Fayetteville, and then got a $10,000 people to access their clothing, which anarkali design, a full-length dress, micro grant from the NC IDEA Foundation. retails around $400 to $500 for most available on Rent the Runway.  At first, the company’s customers mainly pieces.

University Congregational UCC Church seeks Director of Children’s Ministry. Our ideal candidate is someone with a passion for developing programming that encourages children and families to explore and grow their faith and understanding of God, the Bible, and our Christian heritage. This job is 30 hours per week and pay is $21-$24 per hour, depending on experience, and includes benefits.

To apply, email office@universityucc.org by March 5, with the subject line “Director of Children’s Ministry.”

UCUCC is an open and affirming church, and encourages applicants of all race, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and religious affiliation to apply.

FASHION from 12

38 YEARS

SCHEME from 12 currency exchange in 2018 and stole nearly $250 million worth of virtual currency before laundering the cryptocurrency through several transactions. The hackers used doctored photographs and fake identification to avoid scrutiny and used the stolen money to pay for tools used in other North Korean hacking campaigns, the Justice Department said.

Authorities charge that between December 2017 and April 2019, Yinyin and Jiadong were responsible for laundering over $100 million in cryptocurrency. They also allege the two did business in the U.S. and failed to register with the Treasury Department, as required by law.

The U.S. also alleges that North Korean coconspirators are “tied to the theft of approximately $48.5 million worth of virtual currency from a South Korea-

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based virtual currency exchange in November 2019.’’

Prosecutors said those hackers laundered the stolen money through hundreds of automated transactions.

“The hacking of virtual currency exchanges and related money laundering for the benefit of North Korean actors poses a grave threat to the security and integrity of the global financial system,’’ said Timothy Shea, the U.S. attorney in the nation’s capital.

In addition to the indictment, prosecutors also filed a civil forfeiture complaint to recover the stolen funds, which names 113 virtual currency accounts and addresses that they say were used by Yinyin and Jiadong and their alleged co-conspirators. Authorities say a portion of the stolen money has already been recovered.

The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on Yinyin and Jiadong, along with numerous cryptocurrency addresses. 

SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 6.

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asianweekly northwest

‘white out’ part of an artist description that accompanied a mural depicting two Japanese American children in a World War II California incarceration camp.

Prior to the announcement of the firings, Bellevue College professor Leslie Lum told the Northwest Asian Weekly, “The fact that Asians at the college were not consulted or even told about the action rendered us all invisible.”

The 11-foot mural, created by Seattle artist Erin Shigaki, was installed last month as the school commemorated the Day of Remembrance, which recognizes the anniversary of the day President Franklin Roosevelt legalized the imprisonment of Japanese Americans.

The erased sentence referenced the connection between Japanese immigrants and Bellevue.

“After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”

Miller Freeman is the grandfather of Kemper Freeman, who built the original Bellevue Square, and grandfather of Kemper Freeman, Jr. the founder of Kemper Development Co., which owns and manages the Bellevue Collection.

Photo from Erin Shigaki’s Instagram account

MURAL from 1

Erin Shigaki (left) with fellow artist Alexis Silva, standing in front of her mural at Bellevue College.

Lum said, “Miller Freeman waged campaigns to drive Japanese Americans out of our country over decades. We wanted our students to learn this history and how it applied to the current situation of families in ICE detention centers.”

In a ment, Shigaki wrote, “Like my family, the Freemans have also lived in the Seattle area for generations. However, instead of suffering the trauma of incarceration, they appear to have benefitted from it. Bellevue Square, the Freeman’s central holding, is built on the very land Japanese Americans were stripped of in 1942.” She goes on

to say that the Freeman family are major donors to Bellevue College.

Ren Avancena, Bellevue College student and an aspiring artist, said, “The mural defacement left me demoralized as an Asian American artist. I felt hurt by the fact that someone, who I would consider an ally for colored communities, would do such a thing.”

In a ment, the Seattle Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) called the defacement “tantamount to agreement with the hate speech of decades past” and that it shows “a severe lack of respect for the efforts of Erin and AAPI faculty, staff, and students to raise awareness. It epitomizes yet

"Erased But Not Forgotten" by Ren Avancena, Bellevue College student

another way that AAPI people are made to ‘disappear.’”

“As an artist, I felt frightened,” said Avancena. “I have just begun finding my voice through art. Even before, I was able to plan my first piece dedicated to Asian America, this happened. I started to think, ‘Would the same thing happen to me if I continue along this path?’”

Barge was originally placed on paid administrative leave, and Bellevue College apologized.

Then the community pushed for more.

“We do not believe that this addresses the deeper problem, i.e. a lack of commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion on the Bellevue College campus,” said Seattle JACL President Stanley Shikuma.

Lum agreed, calling incidents like these the tip of the iceberg.

“They signal deeper problems in the institution. If it wasn’t

this administrator, it would have been another, so focusing on one person will not solve the problem. Asian faculty, staff, and students encounter instances where their identity, voices, and history are denied every day.

These incidents have continued over five presidents. The job of cleaning up the mess should not fall on people of color as it always does.”

Jones, who has been with Bellevue College for two years and was serving as Provost for Academic and Student Affairs, agreed to assume the role of acting president immediately.

“We know that these weeks have been difficult,” said Jones.

“We know that you have been hurt. We promise that we will do a better job of listening and more importantly – ACTING on what we’ve heard in order to honor the diversity of our community.”

Shigaki said, “I am grateful for Bellevue College’s Asian Pacific Islander (API) faculty, students and their allies for standing up and forcing the college administration to act… the College has pledged to provide more equity training and education about the incarceration and related histories. I am eager to see them follow through on those promises.”  Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

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asianweekly

38 YEARS

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2020

Photo by George Liu

Photo provided by Tony Au

16

northwest

Deputy Mike Fong and Chinatown restaurant and business owners

BLOG from 10 Jackson Street in March. A family tragedy forced Phnom Penh to close in 2018.

A rare occasion

“Mayor Durkan’s visit is a huge vote of confidence for the CID businesses, our neighborhood, and the larger population of Asian descent,” said Teresita Batayola, president and CEO of International Community Health Services. “We are living in an era of discrimination and stigmatization because of our origins, made worse by fear of COVID-19 or the coronavirus. The mayor’s presence signals that there is nothing to fear in our community.“ Sam Cho, Port of Seattle Commissioner, echoed similar sentiments.

“Mayor Durkan and her entire cabinet demonstrated true leadership and solidarity by coming to the ID and breaking bread with community leaders at a local AAPI restaurant. This sends a message that our communities are safe and open for business.”

“The Mayor’s lunch was a shot in the arm for the whole neighborhood,” said Beth Takekawa, CEO of the Wing Luke Asian Museum.

“This is a rare occasion for the mayor to come to eat with us,” said Tony Au, who helped to organize the lunch. “The disease

Mayor Durkan with cabinet members in the background at dim sum lunch on Feb. 26

originated from China. It has nothing to do with our community.”

So far, there are no confirmed coronavirus cases in the ID. Rare indeed because no other mayor has brought down key cabinet members, as many as 25, to dine with the community in ID. Durkan paid for the $1,500 lunch, and her team chipped in. It might be a gesture, but it makes me appreciate her more not only as a wise leader, but as a thoughtful human being.

Since the Northwest Asian Weekly’s incept 38 years ago, we have covered seven mayors, including Charlie Royer, Norm Rice, Paul Schell, Greg Nickels, Mike McGinn, Ed Murray, and now Durkan.

Our expectations towards past mayors

I have witnessed the ID being affected with all kinds of setbacks. The worst was the Wah Mee Massacre in 1983, when 13 people were killed in a gambling den during Lunar New Year. Business was down as much as 60% at many restaurants that year. The mayor at that time never took the initiative to visit us. He never addressed that the Wah Mee was an isolated incident, and that the crime was not gang-related. He didn’t say it was safe to come to the ID. And I doubt if he knew how much the community suffered. Not too long ago marked four

years since construction ended of the Seattle Streetcar line on South Jackson Street.

Delay after delay discouraged people from visiting the ID. Retired dentist Tom Mar said he had never experienced such bad business as he did during the streetcar construction from 2012 to 2016.

The most Durkan’s predecessors did was tour the ID with his people to learn about our needs. We were grateful whenever the mayor showed up and gave money to our nonprofit organizations. When they held their campaign events at the now-defunct Four Seas Restaurant and other venues, with Asian donors being in the majority, we seemed to be content. If they appointed Asian Americans to their cabinet, we tended to be satisfied. Those acts were good enough, we didn’t ask for more. Nor did we know we could ask for more. Durkan has shown us how.

She has outdone all her predecessors, and is now going to bat for our businesses. None of the former mayors realized the struggles of immigrant businesses. And they did little to lift them up.

ID businesses can’t survive on their own.

“My business has dropped over 30%,” said Adon Mar, owner of Pacific Herbs “We are a community. When people don’t come down to Chinatown to eat, we lose those frequent patrons who like to dine and shop simultaneously. I won’t be able to sur-

vive with just local residents, I need outside customers. 30% of my customers are from outside Chinatown, and some come from as far as Everett and out-of-.”

Receptive to ideas

Durkan credited her lunch idea to Senior Deputy Mayor Mike Fong. When she recognizes great ideas, she instantly takes action. Had she hesitated, the lunch would never have happened as she declared the City in Civil Emergency on March 3, to grant her the ability to use emergency authority to address immediate dangers to public health.

Although city mayors dining in Chinatown is not a novel idea (as Philadelphia and San Francisco mayors did recently to quench fears of coronavirus), none of them brought two dozen aides, in addition to treating community leaders.

Durkan has shown us that she can use her position to do more for the ID. She has inspired her team to do more for a marginalized community, including immigrant businesses. And the mayor has set the tone for diversity in her administration in multiple ways. To me, her one-hour presence at Honey Court Restaurant was more than a lunch. Madame Mayor, thank you for redefining what leadership is. 

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