VOL 38 NO 33 | AUGUST 10 - AUGUST 16, 2019

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VOL 38 NO 33 AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

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37 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Who will face off Democratic debates round two: Andrew Yang and Jay in the general Inslee highlights election?

Sam Cho

Compiled by staff from the King County elections website The first vote count in the Aug. 6 King County primary is in. And there was a big surprise in the race for Port of Seattle Commissioner, Position 2, with Sam Cho coming up on top.

King County’s Proposition 1 (parks levy) is passing, as well as the City of Seattle’s Proposition 1 (library levy).

In the Seattle City Council races, Tammy Morales and Mark Solomon will advance to the general election for the district 2 seat. Incumbent Bruce Harrell is not running for re-election.

Another surprise in the King County Council race for the district 2 seat. Newcomer Girmay Zahilay garnered 52.1 percent of see ELECTION RESULTS on 11

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

“My message that creating a Port of Seattle that works for all people of Seattle, not just big corporations, really resonated.

If I win, I will be the only person of color on the Commission and it’s time that the Commission is more diverse.”

— Sam Cho Port of Seattle Commissioner Position 2 candidate

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., listens as Andrew Yang speaks during the second of two Democratic presidential primary debates hosted by CNN on July 31 in the Fox Theatre in Detroit.

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Presidential candidate Andrew Yang said that “immigrants are being scapegoated” for reasons that have “nothing to do with our economy” during the second night of the Democratic debates on July 31.

The son of immigrants himself, Yang, 44, said, “My father immigrated here as a graduate student

and generated over 65 U.S. patents for G.E. and IBM. I think that’s a pretty good deal for the United States. That’s the immigration story we need to be telling.”

According to a new analysis by the New American Economy, a pro-immigration research and advocacy group, Yang is right. It found that 223 companies see DEM DEBATES on 16

Jeremy Lin in tears, on Taiwan TV Jeremy Lin has hit a low point after winning a championship. This is our top story in this edition of The Layup Drill.

In June, Lin was at the top of his basketball career with the Toronto Raptors. As many NBA players dream, Lin won an NBA Championship—the culmination of a career and to earn a ‘ring’ is something special that even some Hall of Fame players have not

obtained.

Notwithstanding the career high, Lin now faces uncertainty in finding another team to play for as his time with the Raptors seems to be at an end. Lin barely got off of the bench in the NBA Finals and was nonexistent throughout the playoffs.

He had signed with the Raptors from the Atlanta Hawks as insurance in case starter Kyle Lowry got injured or needed time to rest during games.

But the emergence of second-year

Screencaps from YouTube video

By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

The Layup Drill

Jeremy Lin crying

see SPORTS on 16

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BUTTERFLY LOVERS ALIGHTING IN SEATTLE

“SALTY”: WARM, LOVING, AND SEMI-SALTY GAY PENGUINS

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9

SHALINI SHANKAR’S BEELINE  10

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37 YEARS

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS

Photo by George Liu

Have you noticed something new at Hing Hay Park? There’s a piano there now as part of the annual Piano in the Parks event—a public art and music event series that invites community engagement.

Carlos Zoleta will perform on Aug. 10 from noon to 1 p.m. at Hing Hay Park.

The pianos are placed in parks across the city of Seattle—each is painted and decorated by a local artist from each of the neighborhoods involved.

The general public is invited to tinker around on the pianos. 

Campaigning in Chinatown

More than 1,000 bicyclists passed through the International District on 5th Avenue on Aug. 3, as part of the Dead Baby Bikes Downhill event that began in Capitol Hill and ended in Georgetown.

The event was organized by the Dead Baby Bikes club, with some 50 members, most of whom are or have been bike messengers.

The club originated in 1994 in a bike repair shop in Belltown, in which the previous tenant had nailed a doll to the roll-up door.

Hence, Dead Baby. 

Photo by George Liu

Cyclists pass through ID

Photo by Assunta Ng

Piano at Hing Hay Park

Mayor Jenny Durkan campaigned for Seattle City Council district 2 candidate Mark Solomon in Chinatown on Aug. 4.

She visited Chinatown organizations, including Hop Sing Tong, Gee How Oak Tin Family Association, and the Soo Yuen Benevolent Association.

Incumbent Bruce Harrell announced he would not run for reelection earlier this year.

District 2 includes the Chinatown-International District, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Columbia City, and Georgetown.

Durkan was campaigning, not as mayor, but as a private citizen. 

Photo by Assunta Ng

RDML at Seattle Rotary

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Yvette Davids (left) and Mona Locke (right)

In celebration of Seafair’s 70th Anniversary and Seattle Fleet Week, the Seattle Rotary Club showcased U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Yvette Davids on July 31. She shared her journey from participating in Seafair Fleet Week in 1997 as an ensign, to now commanding a Pacific Northwest-based Carrier Strike Group.

Former Seafair royalty and former first lady Mona Locke was also on hand. Rotarians were invited to a VIP tour of the U.S. Navy vessels. 

Honorary Commodore

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Nella Kwan was named an honorary Seattle Commodore at the Seafair 70th Anniversary Dinner and Silent Auction on July 18. Kwan, who was Miss Seafair in 2015, was presented with the white dinner jacket that Commodores wear at the event.

Commodores represent civic pride, community spirit, and hospitality. 

A Welcoming Gathering Place Our Stan Head Cultural Center offers daily events and classes or the opportunity to host your event to remember. www.stanheadculturalcenter.com

YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

asianweekly northwest

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Remembering Dorothy Toy

By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Dorothy Toy

Asian American tap dance star Dorothy Toy died last month at her home in Oakland, Calif.

She was 102 years old.

Toy worked mostly with Paul Wing in the 1930s and ’40s—billing themselves as “the Chinese Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers” even though only Wing was Chinese. Toy was of Japanese heritage.

“The Japanese were not well liked,” she explained in a 2009 interview with NPR, adding, “We always used Chinese names.

They’re shorter and easier to put on the paper.”

Toy was born Shigeko Takahashi on May 28, 1917, in San Francisco and grew up in Los Angeles, where her parents operated a restaurant across the street from a vaudeville theater. The venue’s manager spotted Toy dancing outside the restaurant, he encouraged her mother to sign the child up for lessons.

Toy and Wing headlined vaudeville venues, danced on Broadway and, according to a 2017 documentary, were the first Asian Americans to perform at the London Palladium Theater.

Toy and Wing got married in 1940—so it would be easier for them to travel together. In

1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and like many other Japanese Americans, Toy’s parents were forcibly imprisoned. Gossip columnists spread the word about Toy’s heritage.

In 2013, she told KPIX-TV in San Francisco that those revelations about her ancestry cost her a movie contract.

Her marriage to Wing ended after he returned from the war, but they continued to perform together and founded a dance troupe of Asian performers, which toured the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Toy continued to teach dance into her 90s. 

Meng pushes for AAPI museum Rep. Grace Meng (D-New York) introduced legislation on July 31 to examine the possibility of creating the first museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Entitled the “Commission to Rep. Grace Meng Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,” the bill would create an eight-member panel to look into the viability of establishing such a facility in Washington, D.C. The bill would also direct the commission’s

“We need to weave the narrative of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities into the greater American story. I firmly believe the story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is sorely misunderstood and creating a national museum would ensure that our experiences—both good and bad— are recognized by all Americans.”

— Rep. Grace Meng recommendations to address whether the museum should be part of the Smithsonian Institution. The commission would have 18 months to complete the full study.

“We need to weave the narrative of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities into the greater American story.

I firmly believe the story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is sorely misunderstood and creating a national museum would ensure that our experiences—both good and bad—are recognized by all Americans,” said Meng. 

asianweekly northwest

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AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

■ NATIONAL NEWS

37 YEARS

Chinese billionaire indicted in US aluminum import scheme

By BRIAN MELLEY ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES (AP) —- A Chinese billionaire has been charged in Los Angeles in a complex scheme to avoid $1.8 billion in aluminum tariffs, federal prosecutors announced on July 31.

Zhongtian Liu, the founder of China Zhongwang Holdings Limited, and the aluminum company he previously headed, were charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and international money laundering.

The charges come as the U.S. and China try to reach a trade agreement aimed at ending a tariff war.

Liu, 55, schemed to import aluminum in the shape of pallets, which would avoid 2011 customs duties up to 400

percent that were not imposed on finished merchandise, prosecutors said.

The pallets, however, were three to four times heavier than typical aluminum pallets, and were sold to U.S.-based companies controlled by Liu and stockpiled at Southern California warehouses.

The scheme created the false impression that demand was high for the company’s product and artificially inflated sales volume in annual reports, prosecutors said.

“This indictment outlines the unscrupulous and anticompetitive practices of a corrupt businessman who defrauded the United States out of $1.8 billion in tariffs due on Chinese imports,’’ U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna said. “Moreover, the bogus sales of hundreds of millions of dollars of aluminum artificially inflated the value of a

publicly traded company, putting at risk investors around the world.’’

The scheme largely took place from 2011 to 2014, though it is ongoing, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors have sought to seize the warehouses where the aluminum was stored and more than 275,000 aluminum objects in the shape of pallets.

Liu and two co-defendants charged in the scheme are not in custody and are believed to be out of the U.S., prosecutors said.

Neither Liu nor the company has an attorney that prosecutors are aware of, spokesman Thom Mrozek said.

Messages seeking comment from China Zhongwang, a publicly traded company based in Liaoyang, were not immediately returned. 

PBS to air five-part docu-series on ‘Asian Americans’

By The Associated Press BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — PBS will air a five-part documentary series called “Asian Americans.”

The series will chronicle the Asian American story in

the U.S. and aims to launch in 2020 during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is in May. In 2010, the U.S. Census identified the Asian population as the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the United States.

GAME-CHANGING. FREE. PUBLIC. High-quality K-12 options in your area.

LEARN MORE AT wacharters.org or call 206.424.2780

PBS says the series will use personal stories to explore the impact of the group on the U.S. The network announced the series on July 29. 

YOUR VOICE

■ WORLD NEWS

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

asianweekly northwest

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S. Koreans shun Japanese beer, travel, cars as disputes grow

By HYUNG-JIN KIM ASSOCIATED PRESS BUNDANG, South Korea (AP) — When Lee Kyung Eon and her friend recently scrapped their plans to go to Japan for their summer vacation and paid $135 penalty for canceling plane tickets, they joined a growing public campaign in South Korea to boycott Japanese goods and services.

“We intended to do something that is unhelpful to Japan even a little bit,’’ said Lee, a 26-year-old office worker in Bundang city, just south of Seoul. “Many people told us we did something really good ... but some with strong patriotic spirits said we shouldn’t boast of things that we have to do.’’

A widespread anti-Japan boycott has gained ground in South Korea since Tokyo on July 1 tightened its control of exports of three chemicals used to manufacture semiconductors and display screens—key export items for South Korea. The boycott could worsen as Japan is expected to expand its export

curbs to other materials as early as Aug. 2 by removing South Korea from a list of countries granted preferential trade status.

South Korea accuses Japan of retaliating over local court rulings last year that ordered two Japanese companies to pay compensation to former Korean employees for forced labor during Tokyo’s 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula.

Japan has denied that, saying its action was taken out of national security concerns.

Some question whether the boycott, mostly targeting consumer goods, can really hurt the Japanese economy as a majority of Japanese imports are parts and materials used in TVs, smartphones, semiconductors and other electronic products that South Korea exports. They worry the boycott could only aggravate the animosities as it may trigger a backlash from Japan.

But others say the campaign exposes the bitter resentments many South Koreans still harbor against their former colonial master. A recent survey suggested 80 percent of South Koreans

■ NATIONAL NEWS Family told dead Chinese scholar’s body may be in landfill CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — The family of a visiting Chinese scholar whose body was never recovered after a former University of Illinois doctoral student kidnapped and killed her has been told the woman’s remains may be in a landfill in eastern Illinois, an attorney for the slain scholar’s family said.

In a statement, attorney Steve Beckett said

the family of Yingying Zhang was notified by prosecutors that Brendt Christensen’s attorneys provided information that led investigators to think the “potential site’’ of the remains is the landfill in Vermilion County along the Illinois-Indiana border. see ZHANG on 11

Doctors who immigrated legally fear they’ll be sent home

By MEREDITH NEWMAN DELAWARE NEWS JOURNAL DOVER, Del. (AP) — Growing up in a small, rural town in southern India, Anuradha Amara’s grandfather was the area’s only doctor—one who was practically self-taught.

He never turned people away, no matter how sick or poor. He refused cash payments,

instead accepting only fruits, vegetables and grains.

Over meals prepared by these ingredients, he instilled in Amara and her cousins the important role physicians have in their community. He had dreams of them going to America, where opportunities were better. Especially for women. see AMARA on 13

are reluctant to buy Japanese products.

Angry South Koreans have taken to Instagram and other social media, posting videos on their canceled Japanbound plane tickets, sharing information on which Japanese companies operate in South Korea and expressing their support for the boycott.

There have been some consequences.

HanaTour, the largest travel company in South Korea, said a daily number of reservations for Japan trips has dropped to about 400-500 from 1,000-1,200 in late July. Other tour agencies have reported similar or lower booking figures for Japan tours.

Last year, about 7.5 million South Koreans visited Japan, making it the most popular destination. The state-run Korea Tourism Organization said it has no data on how many South Koreans traveled to Japan this month.

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asianweekly northwest

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AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

37 YEARS

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUG 9

LATE SUMMER BLOOD DRIVE Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle 12-6 p.m.

10 DA 4TH ANNUAL SPANAWAY ISLAND FEST Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 C St. S., Tacoma 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

HELLO KITTY CAFE TRUCK WEST Westfield Southcenter, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

FREE CINEMATIC ENTERTAINMENT, “BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY” Seattle Center, Mural Amphitheatre 9 p.m.

CAMBODIAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION Saltwater State Park, 25205 8th Place S., Des Moines 11 a.m.-5 p.m. discoverpass.wa.gov

10-25

15

19 & 20

KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE Kent Station 2 p.m.

Free admission Reserve seats at theatrebattery.org

HAPPY HOUR FOOD WALK Seattle’s Chinatown-ID 4-7 p.m.

UWAJIMAYA’S POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL FEATURING THE GODFATHER OF HAWAIIAN REGGAE BRUDDAH WALTAH Uwajimaya Renton and Beaverton uwajimaya.com

11 SCAC CITY SERVE DAY Dearborn Park International School, 2820 S. Orcas St., Seattle 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

OTHELLO PARK INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 4351 S. Othello St., Seattle 12-6 p.m.

ETHNIC HERITAGE COUNCIL’S 5TH ANNUAL ETHNIC POTLUCK PICNIC 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle 2-5 p.m. rsvp@ethnicheritagecouncil. org 206-443-1410

14 TAP-SEA: TAPPY HOUR AT RE:PUBLIC 429 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle 6-9 p.m.

10, 17, 24 14, 21, 28 SAAFF’S C-ID SUMMER CINEMA SERIES Hing Hay Park 7:30 p.m.

Full schedule at seattleaaff.org/2019

IT HAPPENED HERE! STORIES IN HING HAY PARK Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 12 p.m.

17 2019 ALL THINGS JAPANESE SALE JCCCW, 1414 S. Weller St., Seattle 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

22ND ANNUAL POLYNESIAN LUAU APCC, 4851 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma 3-7 p.m. events.eventzilla.net SEATTLE NIGHT MARKET: ALOHA South Lake Union 4 p.m.

$35/non-members friendsofasianart.org SUMMER VOYAGES Sponge Issaquah Center, 22525 SE 64th Place #140, Issaquah 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. spongeschool.com TAP-SEA: SUMMER BBQ Luther Burbank Park, 2040 84th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island 11 a.m.-2 p.m. impactflow.com

23 FILIPINO HERITAGE NIGHT TICKET SPECIAL T-Mobile Park, 1250 1st Ave. S., Seattle 7:10-10:10 p.m. mlb.com

29 JO KOY: JUST KIDDING WORLD TOUR Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie 7:30 p.m.

24

SEP

MAHOU SHOUJO DAY 2019 Red Lion Hotel, 11211 Main St., Bellevue 12-6 p.m. tickettailor.com

FREE CINEMATIC ENTERTAINMENT, “DIRTY DANCING” Seattle Center, Mural Amphitheatre 9 p.m.

6

FREE CINEMATIC ENTERTAINMENT, “BLACK PANTHER” Seattle Center, Mural Amphitheatre 9 p.m.

HAI! JAPANTOWN 2019 Japantown Seattle 3-7 p.m.

PING PONG TOURNAMENT Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 2-5:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

24 & 25

ASIAN AMERICAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING Seattle Chinese Alliance Church, 2803 S. Orcas St., Seattle 9 a.m.-4 p.m. yolanda.eng@gmail.com SAAFF C-ID SUMMER CINEMA WITH “MIRAI” Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 7:15-10:15 p.m.

TIBET FEST Seattle Center 9 a.m.

A NEAR PROBLEM - US/ CHINA TRADE & WA STATE Davis Wright Tremaine, 920 Fifth Ave. Ste. 3300, Seattle 8 a.m. seattlechinesechamber.org

25

8

SAKÉ 101 - A TASTE OF JAPAN Saké Nomi, 76 S. Washington St., Seattle 3-4:30 p.m. $25/members

12TH ANNUAL SEATTLE LIVE ALOHA HAWAIIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL Seattle Center 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

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.”

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AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

YOUR VOICE

asianweekly northwest

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

7

Chinese

Romeo & Juliet A DANCE CONCERT OF BUTTERFLY LOVERS

Photo credit: Tian Gao and Haidong Liu

The famous Chinese love story, The Butterfly Lovers (Liang Shanbo yu Zhu YingTai), is coming to Seattle’s McCaw Hall in September, with the Beijing Dance Academy, thanks to Li Hengda of Hengda Dance Academy.

As director and choreographer, Li has been in China and the United States preparing for the show, which will tour through Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, in what is a unique U.S. appearance of a classic Chinese tale, told through dance.

Li has an affectionate history with the famous story. He has choreographed the show before, in the form of a pas-de-deux (for only two dancers). He has danced the story himself in China, as the male lead. Li believes the story is relatable for nearly all ages and nationalities. A tireless promoter of cross-cultural pollination since he formed the American Asian Performing Arts Theatre in 1993, Li asserts that the story exemplifies traditional Chinese values, such as filial duty and honor, while also

Courtesy of Li HengDa

By Kai Curry NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

A Chinese sculpture of The Butterfly Lovers, gifted by the city of Ningbo, is near the Tomb of Juliet in Verona, Italy.

demonstrating atypical qualities in that the heroine is unusually bold for her time.

“She is strong,” says Li. “First, she makes up like a boy to study. Second, she doesn’t want to marry.” It’s true that Zhu does not want to marry.

However, she is a dutiful daughter and agrees to do what her parents demand.

“She’s nice, but she’s very strong, too,” adds Li. It won’t be giving any spoilers

to describe the story, which great numbers of people already know. A tragic tale, Butterfly Lovers follows two students who become good friends in school, the catch being that the boy, Liang ShanBo, does not know that his friend, Zhu YingTai, is a girl, because she disguises herself as a boy in order to get an education— something that wasn’t allowed for see BUTTERFLY LOVERS on 15

Thank you to the champions of the free press – the subscribers, the donors and the advertisers in Seattle Your support makes it possible for journalists to hold power accountable, pursue the truth and expose injustice.

Thank you to the biggest champion of all: Seattle Times Publisher and CEO Frank Blethen. You taught me what it means to advocate fearlessly for diversity and journalism.

Sharon Pian Chan 陈翩

Photo credit: Kate Riley

asianweekly northwest

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37 YEARS

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

■ AT THE MOVIES

“Hobbs and Shaw” accelerates fast, but the ride gets boring halfway through

By John Liu NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY For Fast and Furious fans who are waiting for FF9, Hobbs and Shaw will keep you satisfied until its release next year. If you are not up to date with the FF series, Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw fought against each other, but put aside their differences to save the world with the rest of the FF crew. I will keep this review spoiler free, however, I will warn you this movie literally spoils the ending to Game of Thrones as a casual joke.

Hattie Shaw (Vanessa Kirby), Deckard’s sister, is working with MI6 to steal a biological weapon named Snowflake. After successfully acquiring Snowflake, she is confronted by Brixton Lore (Idris Elba). Hattie boldly injects herself with Snowflake knowing it would lay dormant for 72 hours and manages to escape. As a result, Brixton kills the rest of her MI6 team and frames Hattie for it.

We discover that Brixton is an enhanced cyborg controlled by Eteon, a mysterious terrorist organization. Deckard (Jason Statham) and Luke (Dwayne Johson) are assigned to find her and save the world.

After Brixton fails to capture Hattie yet again, he receives upgrades and orders from a mysterious Eteon Director.

Queenie Shaw (Helen Mirren), the Shaw family matriarch, is back to shed some light on Shaw’s family issues. Madam M (Eiza Gonzalez) is in the movie for 10 minutes. Luke and Deckard eventually find their way to Samoa just like the trailer shows. That is as much as I can tell without any spoilers, but it will all make sense when you watch the movie.

Why are Luke and Deckard in Samoa?

Because they need the help of Luke’s brothers, Jonah (Cliff Curtis), Mateo

(Joe Anoa’i aka Roman Reigns, WWE wrestler and Dwayne’s cousin), and three others. Sefina (Lori Pelenise Tuisano) plays the matriarch and is able to whip all her Hobb boys onto the same page.

The silver lining is all the API actors get some decent screen time and qualify for a movie review in the Northwest Asian Weekly.

My main gripe is too many action cliches. There are a few times where all the good or bad guys get involved in the battle, just so a few guys can swoop in and steal the most important asset. The third act is just pure over-the-top action, and it could have been shortened. Other than the “Black Superman” quote, nothing Brixton said was very memorable. Luke and Deckard are not able to effectively hurt Brixton for the whole movie until the end. Of course, there is a final hand-to-hand combat battle with Luke and Deckard against Brixton, and it is underwhelming. It would have been nice if Hattie, who is kicking butt the whole movie, would be involved here. Nope, she just so happens to be stuck dealing with her own issues.

The banter between Deckard and Luke is solid and had me laughing out loud many times and found their relationship heart-warming. It reminded me of Rush Hour between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. There are three great surprise cameos that are a lot of fun. I was not expecting any crazy plot twists or insane stories, and that is basically what I got.

Be sure to stay all the way until the end of the credits to catch all the funny scenes. If you’re a Fast and Furious fan, then you are going to enjoy this movie.  John can be reached at john@nwasianweekly.com.

A taste

of aloha!

celebrating

Hawaiian Week Polynesian August 14-20, 2019

Great specials on your favorite Hawaiian products.

Festival

at Renton & Beaverton Enjoy live music, hula dancing, Hawaiian foods and more.

See website for more information

seattle • bellevue • renton • beaverton • uwa jimaya.com

YOUR VOICE

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

asianweekly northwest

9

“SALTY” at ReAct Warm, loving, and semi-salty gay penguins

By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Lia Lee stars as Fox in ReAct’s production of SALTY.

The challenge: Take a script about gay penguins, working with not-necessarily-gay penguins and human zookeepers, to save home, hearth, and hearts in a world on the brink of collapse—and make it funny, warm, accessible, and even kid-friendly.

A tall order. But David Hsieh, mastermind of Seattle’s ReAct Theatre, accepted this challenge. AJ Clauss’ “Salty,” playing now through ReAct, and directed by Hsieh, forms one more link in a chain of the man’s work stretching back more than 30 years now. He was only an infant when his parents moved here from Utah, and was determined to make theatre his life’s work after seeing a production in middle school.

Acting in high school productions of such shows as “The Mousetrap,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “The Curious Savage” set him up to learn directing as well. He learned three important lessons early: How to do a lot on a shoestring budget, failure is temporary and instructional, and every person involved in a production is important.

“I started doing drama in high school and continued studying it in college at the University of Washington,” said Hsieh. “I struggled working two jobs to put myself through school. My most influential teachers were Mary Krueger who taught me how to direct, Eve Roberts who taught me how to act, Anne Stewart who taught

The zookeepers in the play SALTY have reason to celebrate.

me how to stage manage, and Bob Hobbs who never accepted me into his class, but who taught me the grace of rejection.”

Always self-enterprising, he set up ReAct in 1993, after a distinguished career of several years doing acting, and sometimes directing, for other people.

ReAct didn’t begin with a huge launch. Hsieh noticed a gap in the programming of the Northwest Asian American Theatre, where he acted and volunteered. He offered to help fill that gap, and that spark quickly flared into his own company.

Hsieh discovered “Salty” in a

Off-Off-Broadway production, during a visit to New York City.

He instantly fell in love with the production and asked the playwright for permission to mount the West Coast premiere.

“It was entertaining, utterly unpredictable,” Hsieh recalled.

“And very sweet, in my opinion, in spite of the gloomy topics like global warming, death, and disease. It also showed every aspect of relationships from beginning to end. I love relationship plays.”

He always pushes for a multiethnic cast. His current cast see SALTY on 14

Annelih Hamilton plays Snickers, a penguin in ReAct’s SALTY

asianweekly northwest

10

37 YEARS

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

■ COMMENTARY

Why all Asian Americans should support and uphold I-1000

By Matt Chan SPECIAL TO THE NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Matt Chan

The main reason people immigrate to America is for a better life. Even with the current state of our political discourse, it is still the best place in the world for people who want a shot at a

better life for themselves and their family.

But a “better life” just doesn’t happen. America’s history has been and still is a hard and sometimes violent struggle for people of color to earn a better life. It was no exception for the Chinese. Washington state has a dark history when it comes to the treatment of Chinese. Chinese were marched out of Tacoma (Nov. 3, 1886) and Seattle (Feb. 7, 1886), because it was perceived that they were taking jobs away from local “white” citizens. Sound familiar?

This anti-Chinese sentiment ultimately led to the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was repealed in 1943. And yet the Chinese survived and thrived, all in the quest for a better life.

When my grandparents arrived in America, they struggled, and sacrificed, but it wasn’t a unitary struggle.

Most immigrants, regardless of ethnicity, all faced the same hardships. Add to the mix that our country was built on the backs of slaves, you have

a condition where people of color were never on an equal footing with the dominant culture.

Today, the quest for a better life is much the same, yet different.

People still come to America to escape hardship and violence, but others come for financial and political reasons, and to seek greater economic opportunities.

But there is one truth that escapes some of these new immigrants: the advantages they enjoy now were earned through the suffering, sacrifice, and perseverance by many who came before them, people who were not wealthy or educated but understood hard work and earning your place in America.

This is why I believe that any person with immigrant roots is wrong to oppose I-1000 and support the referendum R-88 that overturns I-1000. Racism and discrimination have always existed in our country. It’s the reason communities of color were always formed in the least desirable areas. Our very own Chinatown-

International District came about because of discrimination and systematic redlining. Still, our community survived because it was built on the proposition that our gains must be shared.

The tribalness of the Asians that oppose I-1000 are the worst of the “I got mine so screw everyone else” mentality, as they enjoy and prosper with the advantages given to them that so many have died and sacrificed for. It is the ultimate selfish act. The very privileges they enjoy puts them into an insulated bubble that shields them from the realities of what many people of color face. I understand that where they immigrated from had a different set of rules that forced them into their world view.

But this is America, even in this time of political decisiveness, good people always help those who are in need. It is what makes our country special.

The bottom line is, the Asians who seek to overturn I-1000 should search deep into their souls and try to understand our country and

think about all who have struggled, were oppressed, fought the system, and gave their lives for the very opportunities you enjoy. You have the right to prosper and earn your place in America, but that doesn’t include denying others the same opportunities. Asian Americans as a group are one of the most diverse and fastest growing groups in the country. We aren’t all natural scholars, gifted students, smart entrepreneurs. We are people like you who deserve the opportunity for a better life.

Your prosperity should not come at the cost of someone else’s opportunity. Your prosperity should be about everyone having the same chance at a better life, and that is what I-1000 aims to do.  Matt Chan is an award winning network television producer, and creator of the long running A&E series, “Hoarders.” His passion is to use his creative skills to help communities of color tell their stories.

■ ON THE SHELF

Shankar’s Beeline would have made a great article

By Kai Curry NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY The Scripps National Spelling Bee has attracted attention the past several years for the number of South Asian American winners. At the conclusion of the contest this past June, eight co-champions were announced, the majority of whom were South Asian American. Shalini Shankar’s new nonfiction release, Beeline: What Spelling Bees Reveal About Generation Z’s New Path to Success, explores the characteristics of Generation Z kids in general, and South Asian American kids in specific, and how these characteristics lend them a competitive edge, which might be greater than any generation we have heretofore seen.

According to Shankar, Generation Z kids (those born after 1997) are uniquely situated to get ahead. Their lives are such that they navigate the digital world with ease, and they take on adult activities much earlier than any previous generation, all with an aim to compete in the job market. The National Spelling Bee, which is now being called Shalini Shankar the “orthographic Super Bowl,” attracts and encourages children, from a very young age, who become adept at what used to be considered adult activities. Not only are they highly competitive, and skilled at time management and studying skills, but they are also already creating online personas and even opening companies.

“Now kids are doing in elementary and middle school what older millennials were expected to do in high school and

college,” explains Shankar. “They have resumes, become Instagram and YouTube stars, establish corporations, and

offer coaching services at pricey hourly rates.”

But why are Asian American children, and especially South Asian American children, at the forefront of this trend?

For one thing, as Shankar explains, “Children of immigrants comprise the largest minority group in Generation Z,” making it simply a matter of numbers. However, there is something more, a particular mindset of the parents of these children, that fosters success.

In a nutshell, it has to do with immigrant parents who, according to Shankar, come to the United States after experiencing fierce competition in their home countries, and ready and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their children’s success. Shankar speaks about Indian American parents in particular, yet these traits can be attributed to a wide swath of Generation Z immigrant mothers and fathers.

“The professional qualifications…and the high value they put on education make them very focused on their children and grooming them for successful futures…Bee parents bring an intensity to parenting that rivals, if not exceeds, their U.S.-born peers…They devoted financial resources and extensive support, which very often included a stay-at-home parent…Few bemoan it as a sacrifice.”

Shankar compares this method of parenting to the “stealth parenting” that characterized many millennial households, which was less structured. She goes even further back, to baby boomers, who valued play over study, in large part because, at that time, financial stability, and the ability of parents to pass it on to their children, was more assured.

Times have changed.

In researching her book, Shankar spent time at the National Spelling Bee, and interviewed the families and see BEELINE on 15

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

YOUR VOICE

■ EDITORIAL

asianweekly northwest

11

Stop the hate

A USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll taken on Aug. 5 and 6, in the wake of deadly violence in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, shows that Americans overwhelmingly blame the mental health system, racism and white nationalism, and loose gun laws for the series of mass shootings.

Nearly three of four Democrats polled, 74 percent, say some of the responsibility is on President Trump, who has been criticized for tweets condemned as racist and provocative rhetoric aimed at Mexicans, Muslims, Blacks, and others. That compares with 23 percent of Republicans—although the fact that nearly one in four of his fellow Republicans place some blame on Trump is notable.

More than two-thirds of Americans, 69 percent, say racism and white nationalism hold some responsibility for

the mass shootings. That includes 84 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans. Seventy-three percent of those surveyed blame the mental health system, the factor that tops the list.

In a televised address to the nation on Aug. 5, Trump condemned “racism, bigotry, and white supremacy” after a devastating and bloody weekend left at least 30 people dead in two mass shootings in less than 24 hours.

Perhaps Trump should address his own rhetoric.

This is the person who began his run for the White House by calling Mexicans drug dealers and “rapists.” It’s no secret that white nationalists have been emboldened under Trump. We keep seeing the consequences of bigotry coming from the White House, as Trump supporters act out their hatred.

The suspect in El Paso, Patrick Crusius, is believed to be the author of a document posted before the shooting, which said the attack was “a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”

In just the past year, Trump has used the word “invasion” or “invade” in tweets 10 times to refer to immigrants.

In 2019 alone, the United States has recorded 248 mass shooting incidents, generally seen as four or more people being shot in a single incident at a single location. The death toll stands at 248, with nearly another 1,000 wounded.

These mass killings are usually not indicative of a mental illness, but they are a sign of hate, a mindset in which “others” are regarded as inferior and the killer is correcting what he perceives as a wrong.

We need to stop the hate. 

CITY

ELECTION RESULTS from 1

City of Bellevue, Council Position 1 John Stokes 9,252 60.95 % Holly Zhang 3,074 20.25 %

Yes! Seattle Libraries campaign supporters including Mayor Jenny Durkan (2nd from left) celebrate a successful renewal campaign on Aug. 6.

From left: Arlene Oki, Larry Gossett, Leslie Lum, Nora Lance, Judith Paquette, at a recent fundraiser at China Harbor Restaurant.

the vote against Larry Gossett, who has run unopposed for years.

The King County Elections office said it counted 279,144 ballots on the night of Aug. 6, about 21 percent of all registered voters.

Voter turnout was at about 23 percent countywide, below the 36 percent turnout forecasted. But the 2019 primary was the first where voters were able to register and vote on the same day so it’s possible that turnout may reach 36 percent by the time the election is certified.

ZHANG from 5 A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s office, Sharon Paul, declined to comment on Beckett’s statement.

Christensen was convicted in federal court last month and sentenced to life in prison.

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty.

Authorities have told family members of Zhang, who vanished in 2017, that she was likely dead. From the time they arrived from China, family members have made it clear that their goal was to recover the remains and bring them back to their country for burial.

And after jurors sentenced Christensen, they stood before the news cameras outside the Peoria courthouse where the trial was held to beg him to reveal the location of the 26-yearold woman’s remains.

“If you have any humanity left in your soul, please end our torment,’’ said Zhang’s father, Ronggao Zhang. “Please let us bring Yingying home.’’

Prosecutors say Christensen beat Zhang to death with a baseball bat before decapitating her. He never testified during the trial and has never told authorities what he did with her remains. Prosecutors have acknowledged that they considered a plea deal with Christensen after his 2017 arrest in which they would abandon plans to seek the death penalty if he divulged what he did with the remains and where they could be found.

Christensen’s attorneys suggested that a deal should be contingent only on

Below are the AAPI candidates (in italics) who will likely make it to the top two to head off in the Nov. 5 general election.

PORT Port of Seattle, Commissioner Position 2 Sam Cho 69,673 28.27 % Grant Degginger 64,017 25.97 %

Christensen’s providing information about her remains and not the actual recovery of the remains because Christensen had no control

Janice Zahn

“Thank you Bellevue voters. I am humbled and grateful for your strong support in my re-election. [The Aug. 6] results show how much you care about proven leadership. I will continue to work hard for effective government, bringing diverse perspectives to the table, and practical solutions.”

— Janice Zahn

City of Bellevue, Council Position 5 Janice Zahn 10,168 66.54 % Mark Wilson 2,579 16.88 % City of Burien Council, Position 6 Sofia Aragon 2,640 53.13 % Debi Wagner 2,007 40.39 %

over whether the remains could be found.

Prosecutors ultimately abandoned the idea of a plea deal after concluding that Christensen

City of Kent Council, Position 3 Les Thomas 3,968 39.16 % Hira Singh Bhullar 3,598 35.51 % City of Lake Forest Park Council, Position 6 Tom French 1,166 51.78 % Tracy Furutani 583 25.89 % City of Seattle Council, District 3 Kshama Sawant 6,270 32.75 % Egan Orion 4,545 23.74 % City of Shoreline Council, Position 4 David Chen 3,682 49.68 % Doris McConnell 2,325 31.37 % SCHOOL Mercer Island School Board, Position 5 Tam Dinh 2,470 55.04 % John Rivera-Dirks 1,329 29.61 % Staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

likely destroyed the remains, making it impossible to verify any details he might provide. 

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asianweekly northwest

12

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

37 YEARS

■ NATIONAL NEWS

’80s tape, toy dino: Chinatown archaeological dig cut short

By PHILIP MARCELO ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOSTON (AP) — An archaeological dig in Boston’s historic Chinatown has been cut short after it turned up a 1980s music cassette, a toy dinosaur and other bric-a-brac.

The city’s Archaeology Program tweeted on July 30 that it was wrapping up its three-week excavation because researchers reached the water table, and it was unsafe to dig further.

The excavation of a vacant lot near the neighborhood’s distinctive gateway had been expected to last until early autumn.

In recent days, researchers have been humorously tweeting some of their “finds,’’ including a cassette by Boston R&B group New Edition, a dinosaur toy , linoleum flooring and other items from the 1970s and 1980s.

They’ve also showcased small porcelain pieces, some of

BOYCOTT from 5 At hypermarkets and 24-hour convenience stores, the sales of Japanese beer have nosedived. Beer is the most popular among Japanese products. For example, at E-mart, the largest retailer in South Korea, the sales of Japanese beer from July 1-24 declined by about 38 percent from a month ago. Tens of thousands of small supermarkets and convenience stores across South Korea have stopped selling Japanese beer and other products altogether.

Customs officials said the imports of Japanese cars from July 1-20 was estimated at about $46 million—a 32 percent decrease from the same period last year. Fast Retailing Co., which operates Uniqlo, was forced to apologize last week after inviting criticism in South Korea over the remarks by one of its executives that the boycott won’t last long.

“Even without Japanese products, there are still lots of things to sell and customers aren’t actually looking for Japanese products,’’ said Dan Kil-su, owner of Seoul’s Heemang supermarket who removed all Japanese products from shelves on July 5.

One of the store’s regulars, Chon Jong Lee, supported Dan’s action. “I think I originally have stronger anti-Japanese sentiments than other people. I have really a bad feeling toward them,’’ Chon said.

Past anti-Japanese boycotts didn’t last long, but some say Japan’s expected new exports limits could amplify the crisis.

“The boycott isn’t helpful in resolving the conflicts, though some may feel cool by venting their anger at (Japanese

which likely came from nearby Chinese restaurants as they dug methodically through layers of brick, concrete and other material.

Researchers had hoped to turn up artifacts shedding new light on Boston’s immigrants—not only those from China but also Syria, Ireland, and England who sought new lives in Chinatown from 1840 to 1980.

City archaeologist Joe Bagley said the dig was the first in Chinatown, and his team will “now have a better understanding of how complex and deeply buried backyards may be’’ there.

“We were tantalizing close to the older deposits,’’ Bagley said. “It was frustrating to see the water on the site after weeks of work trying to get down to deeper/older deposits.’’

The neighborhood, at the edge of the city’s Theater District, drew thousands of newcomers attracted by cheap housing and plentiful warehouse jobs in the adjacent Leather District starting in the late 1800s.

“Boston is a city of immigrants, and this is an important piece of Boston’s history,’’ Mayor Marty Walsh said when the dig, the city’s first in Chinatown, commenced.

The city Archaeology Program has excavated dozens of sites over the years.

Two years ago, researchers unearthed an outhouse next door to the home of famed colonial leader Paul Revere in the city’s North End. They recovered fragments of pottery, bottles and a tobacco pipe.

In 2016, they dug at the boyhood home of Malcolm X in the city’s Roxbury neighborhood.

Researchers turned up artifacts from the 1940s to 1960s likely belonging to the slain civil rights activist’s family, but also Native American stone tool pieces dating to the time before Europeans came to Boston.

And in 2015, they surveyed the courtyard at the old Boston City Hall building downtown and found remnants of the original Boston Latin, the nation’s first public school. 

companies),’’ said analyst Lee Sangho at the Seoul-based private Korea Economic Research Institute. “If public sentiments (in both countries) get worse, we may see a situation that spirals out of control.’’

There have been anti-Japanese rallies in South Korea over the Japanese trade curbs, but none has yet turned violent. Two men in their 70s have set themselves on fire in an apparent protest against Japan. One died and the other, who set himself ablaze, remained in critical condition.

Lee Myon-woo at the private Sejong Institute near Seoul said the boycott will likely have a limited effect on the Japanese economy. He also said that the lower number of South Korean tourists to Japan will likely be compensated by Chinese and other foreign visitors.

Some worry the boycott will eventually undermine the South Korean economy because a withdrawal of Japanese companies would lead to their South Korean employees losing their jobs, while a fewer number of tourists would incur losses for South Korean tour agencies.

Ahn Kyung-su, a researcher in Seoul who plans to visit Tokyo this weekend for his summer vacation, called the boycott “anachronistic’’ and illogical. “Our TV stations mostly use Japanese-made cameras. So do we have to stop watching their programs?’’ Ahn asked.

Japan hasn’t yet reported a similar eruption of anti-South Korean sentiments. K-pop super stars BTS’ four concerts in Japan this month reportedly drew a total of 210,000 spectators.

At Shin-Okubo, a major Korea Town in downtown Tokyo, business was as usual this week, with many Japanese looking for

K-pop music, Korean food, cosmetics and other merchandise.

Misaki Toguchi, a 14-year-old junior high school student from Saitama, north of Tokyo, said her devotion to BTS and K-pop is unshakable despite the news of the disputes. “There is absolutely no change, I still really like Korea,’’ Toguchi said.

“These (disputes) are something that only top officials in the government are doing. I don’t think there is any impact on ordinary people like us,’’ said Keiko Katsumata, a part-time worker who was in Korea Town with her friend.

The two countries are closely linked to each other culturally.

Many South Koreans like dining at Japanese restaurants, watching Japanese animation films and travelling to small towns in Japan.

Speaking before a large placard hung at his Heemang store that partly reads “We are not selling Japanese products,’’ Dan said his family canceled their plans to go to Mount Fuji for holidays this summer. “In fact, Japan has been a country that I’ve wished to go,’’ he said.

Lee Kyung Eon, who decided to go to Taiwan with her friend in August instead of Miyhazaki, Japan, said she also used to enjoying Asahi beer, sushi, soba and other Japanese foods. She said she had already visited Japan twice.

She admitted there have been ups and downs in her feelings toward Japan, saying she had a good impression following her trips to Osaka and Fukuoka before anti-Japan sentiments resurfaced in her mind when the two countries fought over history.

“The level of my hatred against Japan is now at one of the worst points in my life,’’ Lee said. 

湖景墓園

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Lake View Cemetery

Proposals will be received for P00259P19, SURVEY AND AERIAL MAPPING

☆西雅圖首創墓園☆

SERVICES ON A WORK ORDER BASIS; by the King County Procurement and Payables 自1872年起服務西北岸社區 非營利獨立協會

Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 12:00 PM on August 22,

Lake View Cemetery Seattle’s Pioneer Cemetery Est. 1872 An Independent, NonProfit Association

2019.

Total Estimated Price: $ 1,000,000 (each) King County intends to award two contracts from this RFP. Voluntary Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Goal: 10% of the Total Price Voluntary Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Goal: 4% of the Total Price

傳統式紀念碑

All solicitation documents are published at: https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/

‧陵墓地下室 ‧骨灰靈位 procurement_ovr/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fprocurement_ovr%2fdefault.aspx ‧墓碑、紀念碑 ‧土葬福地

Contact: Lourdes Bonifacio, lbonifacio@kingcounty.gov, 206-263-3259

206-322-1582

1554 15th Ave East (North Capitol Hill)

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YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

asianweekly northwest

13

Predictions and advice for the week of August 10–16, 2019

By Sun Lee Chang Rat — A long-sought prize is within reach.

Although it is tempting to claim it early, you will be better served waiting a little while longer.

Dragon — For some, failure motivates them to do better. As such, think twice about intervening every time.

Monkey — A lucky break has landed you just where you need to be. Make the most of this fortuitous opportunity.

Ox — Streamlining your routine hasn’t been easy, but the time you have gained as a result should prove to be well worth the effort.

Snake — While a gentle nudge might be helpful, anything too pushy could have the opposite effect.

Rooster — With so much to say in a limited amount of time, your best bet is to focus on the message that is most important.

Tiger — Have you decided that enough is enough?

The time for procrastination is over and the era of taking charge has begun.

Horse — You have learned to appreciate the beauty in things that others don’t necessarily see or recognize. This is an enviable ability.

Dog — The first few steps are often the hardest, but it should get easier as you go. Pretty soon, there will be no stopping you.

Rabbit — There is no benefit to belaboring every point. Focus your energies where it counts by choosing your battles wisely.

Goat — There are plenty of critics lining up, but you are unfazed. There is only one critic that matters, and that is you.

Pig — You see the world quite differently from those around you. Where others might give up, you see a chance to make your mark.

WHAT’S YOUR ANIMAL SIGN? RAT 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 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.

AMARA from 5 Now a physician herself, Amara thinks about her grandfather’s lessons almost every day when caring for her Christiana Care Health System patients.

But these days, it’s followed by another thought.

“What if I have to go back?’’

Amara is one of many physicians in Delaware and throughout the country who have made America their home—but fear they will never obtain permanent residence.

Because of current immigration quotas and a growing backlog, Indian immigrants who submit their paperwork today will likely have to wait more than 50 years to receive their green card, according to one estimate.

Under the Trump administration, physicians and immigration lawyers said the process to renew 3-year temporary visas has become more difficult. Doctors are concerned that these visas could be rejected, requiring them to return to their home country.

It is why doctors throughout the country are advocating for legislation that would extend the number of visas given to foreign-born doctors, in order to entice them to continue to practice in underserved areas. The bill would also fast track their path to becoming a permanent resident.

Health officials say foreign-born doctors are essential to Delaware, where about 238,000 people live in a primary care health professional shortage area. These doctors, they say, will practice in areas others will not.

“It is crucial,’’ said Tom Brown, president of the Nanticoke Physician Network.

“Crucial.’’

THE 54-YEAR WAIT FOR SOME INDIAN DOCTORS When foreign-born doctors come to practice or train in the United States, they usually do so with two types of visas—J-1 or H-1B visas.

J-1 visas are for doctors coming to train in U.S. residency programs or receive a graduate medical education. Doctors with this visa are required to work in their home country for two years before they can apply for permanent residence.

Physicians can waive this requirement if they practice for three years in a health care professional shortage area or a medically underserved population. States can accept up to 30 J-1 visas every year.

H-1B visas are temporary work visas for people with advanced degrees, often those working in tech and health care. It requires foreigners to be sponsored by a company and needs to be renewed every three years.

Nationally, about one in six medical professionals in the United States are foreign-born, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

THE STATE OF PRIMARY CARE Up until 2017, it was “extraordinarily routine’’ for someone on an H-1B visa to get renewed, said William Stock, a

Philadelphia immigration lawyer who works with Delaware hospitals.

But the Trump Administration has now said it will not defer its decision to a previous visa approval, Stock said. Meaning, people will have to show their “eligibility from scratch.’’

According to the National Foundation for American Policy, denial rates for H-1B visas for continuing employment have increased from 3 percent in fiscal year 2015 to 18 percent in the first quarter of 2019.

“Physicians are definitely feeling nervous,’’ Stock said. “In my experience, physicians have the least to worry about, but that doesn’t mean they have nothing to worry about.’’

Some, especially those from India, feel the likelihood of obtaining permanent residence is becoming more and more bleak.

Each year, the United States grants 140,000 employmentpreference green cards and 226,000 family-preference green cards. The law limits the total number of green cards a single nationality can receive to 25,620 every year, or 7 percent of all green cards.

This means large countries like India and China receive the same number of green cards as small countries like Monaco and Barbados. And these quotas haven’t changed since they went into effect in 1991.

The thinking at the time was to create a “discrimination-free landscape,’’ said Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, an immigration lawyer and law professor at Penn State University.

It is now hindering the opportunity for those from larger countries to obtain a green card in a reasonable amount of time, she said. Immigration services are currently processing green card applications from 2009, according to its visa bulletin.

The Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, published a report in June that found that Indian immigrants applying for a green card right now will likely have to wait 54 years for their application to be processed.

“Altogether, about 675,000 would-be legal immigrants—14 percent of those waiting in 2018—will die without seeing a green card,’’ the report said.

Because of this backlog, Wadhia believes the United States is at risk of losing “so much talent.’’

“People are going to give up,’’ she said. “These are doctors who may think about going to New Zealand or Canada where things are easier. When they first came . they were not imagining they would have to wait 10, 15, 20 years before they would ever have a green card.’’

‘I COULD NOT TAKE THE CHANCE’ Dr. Ashish Gupta says it matter-of-factly, almost pragmatically.

“I’m going to die before I get a green card,’’ explains the neonatologist, who practices at Saint Francis, Nanticoke and Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children.

He left India in 2007 on a J-1 visa, but could not submit paperwork for permanent residency until he finished his training in 2015.

Gupta said he sees the necessity of foreign doctors every

day when walks the halls of a Delaware hospital. Gupta joked that, at times, he feels like he’s working in Delhi.

“We got a chance to work here and we are thankful,’’ he said. “We are highly dedicated, motivated. We serve the community. The problem is, we are staying in rural areas and spending our lives there waiting for permanent residency.’’

Physicians often move to rural communities where there aren’t many people of color. Many are reluctant to change jobs, potentially limiting mobility, because it means applying for a new visa.

And they also can not legally open their own practice, instead they rely on hospitals or practices to sponsor them.

Some physicians are forced to switch specialties in order to find hospitals to sponsor them. Gupta has seen trained cardiologists work as primary care doctors.

Those years of training have gone to waste, he said.

Dr. Srikrishna Malayala, chair of internal medicine at Bayhealth Hospital, said he went into primary care because he knew it would lead to more opportunities.

“I could not take the chance experimenting,’’ he said.

All these physicians also know of Delaware colleagues who are either considering moving to Canada or back to India—or have already done so. These doctors don’t want to leave the country or their patients but feel frustrated with the lack of options. 

asianweekly northwest

14

EMPLOYMENT Wok Chef High-End Asian restaurant looking wok chef to work immediately, Little English ok, Hard working person, team work. Will pay high.

Good benefits, healthcare, vacation and bonus. Call 206-2278000.

Want to be a part of the NWAW team?

Northwest Asian Weekly is accepting applications for freelance writers. Flexible hours. Journalism degree preferred but not required.

Send resume and writing samples to: Ruth Bayang editor@nwasianweekly.com.

Advertize in our Service Directory below Just $10 a week! Minimum: 12 weeks for $120. If it fits in a 1in by 1.5in box, we’ll print it. No extra charge for pictures. Call John at 206-223-0623 for more info.

AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

37 YEARS

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received by the King County Procurement Services Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 2:00 PM of bid opening date for the following listed bids.

To download a document, go to our web page at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/procurement. King County encourages minority business enterprise participation. King County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, and employment opportunities.

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Name__________________________ “I love working in the theatre and hope includes Varinique Davis, Angela Di- designed is effective and enhances the Address ________________________ overall look and style of the piece.” to continue to do so, both with ReAct and Marco, Annelih Hamilton, David HoHsieh would like audiences of all as a freelance actor and director at other gan, Lia Lee, Tony Magana, Jr., and KeCity ____________________State___ ages to check out the play, but he admits theatres, large and small,” he concluded. non Veno.

Zip Code __________Phone _______ Don’t expect a look that’s heavy on it’s rated PG for what he terms “Adult Mail to: NW Asian Weekly 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104 or“I think what ReAct does is important, Penguin.” In other words, “Salty” has and I’ll continue to push forward as penguin makeup, though. some salty language, and parents should long as I’m able in spite of setbacks and “One of the main points of the call play 206-223-0623 SALTY from 9

is to show how all species are similar, especially in light of dealing with the effects of Mother Nature brought on by global warming,” Hsieh explained.

“The actors are not imitating penguins per se. They’re playing characters that just happen to be penguins, or foxes, or humans.

“Logistically we wanted to go further than the NYC premiere in terms of costuming, so the actors do a lot of switching back and forth between their

be aware of that.

“For some parents, presentation of LGBTQ relationships might be offensive,” Hsieh conceded. “We hope not. Love is love. But from past production experiences, the PG-13 warning is still necessary, otherwise we get letters.”

When asked about the future, Hsieh admits that putting on a new season is always a struggle for ReAct. But he’d like the theatre to have a distinct space

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AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

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Photos credit: Tian Gao and Haidong Liu

YOUR VOICE

BUTTERFLY LOVERS from 7 women in ancient China. When Zhu hears that her parents have arranged for her to marry another, she reveals (with some hiccups) her love to Liang, and the two enjoy a brief romantic awakening before a sad parting and, eventually, heartbroken death.

In addition to familiarity with the story, Li is also confident that most people, including those from the United States, will recognize the music, which has been played in many American symphonies, and was part of what first attracted Li to the story.

“I love this music and this story very much. In China, they have four famous love stories. This is one of them…I used to hear the story, but I didn’t know the details when I was a little boy. I heard the music—the violin—it’s very beautiful music.”

The Weekly polled local Asian and Asian American residents to discover how knowledgeable they are about the story—turns out, very.

“Isn’t that like a Chinese Romeo and Juliet?” wondered Kevin, whose family comes from Guangdong. In fact, The Butterfly Lovers has many parallels to Shakespeare’s equally well-loved tragedy, which supports Li’s assertion that this performance will have a wide appeal. Interestingly, Shakespeare wrote on the cusp of 16th and 17th centuries, whereas The Butterfly Lovers is over 1,400 years old.

Perhaps we should be saying that Romeo and Juliet is the “Western Butterfly Lovers,” instead of the other way around!

Phil, who hails originally from Hong Kong, also pointed

BEELINE from 10 children involved, as well as Scripps and ESPN staff (yes, the Bee is on ESPN— it’s a “brain sport”). She discusses the celebrity status of the winners (called “spellebrities”) and the debate as to whether these types of intense competitions are beneficial to the children involved.

The topic is interesting, and Shankar is not unique in covering it. We find similar material in recent K-12 teaching guides, such as 2017’s The Drive to Learn: What the East Asian Experience Tells Us About Raising Students Who Excel by Cornelius N. Grove. We find the subject in conversations about the model minority. Or in Amy Chua’s famous (or infamous?) memoir, Tiger Mother. The Bee itself has been covered, too, and with racial overtones, such as in the award-winning 2006 movie, Akeelah and the Bee. The problem with Shankar’s approach in Beeline is that it is extremely repetitive and, while it goes into several aspects of Generation Z and how South Asian Americans play into Generation Z’s approach to education and parenting, it still only scratches the surface. Everything that Shankar is going to say is said in the first chapter, which would have made a wonderful article, but unfortunately since it goes on from there, makes only for a mediocre book.

Perhaps it’s a research method, yet the re-hashing of each main idea over and over

out that the stories are similar “even though they originated in two different cultures. Both couples face tremendous social pressure in pursuing their relationships.” Nancy, a Seattle University student from Hangzhou, remembers that the story is about “a great true love, and how strong families affect two young people’s relationships.” She recalled, “The two lovers were willing to sacrifice their lives to hold onto true love…I am impressed by their courage and strong will to pursue a love that they believed in but that their families opposed.” The story is “quintessentially romantic, in the sense that the couples would rather die than live without each other,” added Phil.

Li could not agree more, while emphasizing what is considered a happy outcome—that the couple lives together forever in heaven. “Whenever you see two butterflies, you should think of the story,” Li smiled, favoring the positive side of this romance that has charmed generations.

It’s clear that fans of The Butterfly Lovers are as impassioned as those of Romeo and Juliet. The connection is so strong, in fact, that a monument to The Butterfly Lovers exists in Verona, Italy, placed directly in front of what is symbolically called “Juliet’s Tomb.” In 2005, 15 couples from Ningbo, China were married there (Ningbo and Verona are sister cities).

If you are concerned the story will be difficult to follow since it’s interpreted into dance, don’t be. Li assures that through his unique fusion of Eastern and Western styles, the viewer will have no trouble understanding the story. In this show, Li has utilized Chinese classical style dancing while focusing more on “showing” than “telling,” and especially “intensity of feeling,” which he attributes to

again did not appeal. And unfortunately, even the case studies, which we might rely upon for variety—do not have any variety. Each Bee speller, though he or she is adorable and intimidating all at the same time, more or less experiences the same things. As do each speller’s parents, with few exceptions. That’s part of what the book is about! Not only that, but the writing style does not hold attention.

Each chapter begins with a page and a half of exposition, and then the reader is told, “This is what this chapter is going to be about,” which precipitates another paragraph of…what the chapter and/ or book…is about. Again. This might be how things are done in Shankar’s field of study (she teaches anthropology and Asian Studies at Northwestern University), yet in this book, which already has a conversational tone which makes everything very easy to understand, the blow-by-blow approach is mind-numbingly redundant.

The best part of the book happens at the end, just one chapter before the “conclusion” chapter. In chapter nine, Shankar broaches in slightly more detail the racist backlash (already mentioned in previous chapters, but done better here) that has come upon the heels of the South Asian American winning streak.

Here’s a sample: “While decades of white winners drew no racial comment, the overwhelming success of Indian Americans at the National Spelling Bee has been met with visible, vocal

Western dance influence. The set and costume, too, are bound to impress, as 46 dancers from China’s renowned Beijing Dance Academy take the stage.

Li has won accolades in particular for combining Eastern and Western dance, and for his efforts in transforming the Western world’s perception of Chinese dance. Recognized as a State First-Class Artist in China, Li immigrated to the United States in 1990 because of his desire to expand his knowledge of dance of all kinds. He earned a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Washington, and was a principal dancer for the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Throughout his career, Li has found opportunities not only to dance, but also to direct, executive direct, and choreograph. Well-received works in which Li played a major role include “Panda” (XiongMao), a whirlwind of dance, acrobatics, and martial arts that thrilled audiences in Las Vegas, and The Dream of the Golden Crown, which was performed in China and the United States.

Li opened the Hengda Dance Academy in Bellevue in 1993, which offers classes for all ages in Chinese classical and folk dance, as well as ballet and Western folk dance.

Bringing The Butterfly Lovers to Seattle during a neverbefore-undertaken U.S. tour is the next of Li’s endeavors as an advocate for multicultural sharing and as an ambassador for Chinese culture.  The Butterfly Lovers will be performed at McCall Hall September 5-7. For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com, asianperformingarts.org, or call 425-830-8054.

Kai can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

backlash. Racist outbursts suggest that their display of human capital is a threat to white dominance.” In this same chapter, she also discusses, with more passion than earlier in the book, the economic disparity present in the Bee. Meaning, the winners come from

families that can afford to give them all the best in time and resources—so they can win.

Now that is some hot button trigger stuff.  Kai can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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AUGUST 10 – AUGUST 16, 2019

SPORTS from 1 player Fred VanVleet cut into Lin’s possible backup playing time and he was relegated to third string and rarely used off the bench.

On tour in Taiwan this summer, Lin broke down about his NBA career, admitting that free agency has been hard.

Lin started to cry in front of the crowd in attendance, saying that the “NBA has given up on me.” He questioned whether he earned the championship and stated that he wished that if he had a son, he’d never play in the NBA because you have to deal with being famous, the constant public scrutiny, and having everyone watch you fail. He told the shocked crowd that it’s been ‘tough’ finding another team.

Lin’s career has seen him jump from team-to-team-toteam without a real place to call home. While he’s had a huge fanbase, he hasn’t stuck with a team longer than two years. He’s also suffered injuries along the way, including a knee injury which sidelined him for all but one game in the 2017-2018 season.

Photo by Ryan Lim

Pacquiao back to old form

At the age of 41, Manny Pacquiao does not look to be retiring from the boxing ring any time soon.

Showing signs of the flash, speed, and relentlessness that made him one of the most popular fighters ever, Pacquiao won a split decision over previously undefeated Keith Thurman. Pacquiao knocked Thurman down in the very first round and dominated Thurman with overwhelming combinations with his customary in and out style. He did have to withstand several high spots from Thurman through the fight and showed signs of fading toward the end but staved off the younger challenger.

After the fight, it was clear that Pacquiao is willing to continue his career. Even though he is a senator in the Philippines and is getting used to being a statesman, there was no sign that he is retiring anytime soon. Pacquiao’s chin remained solid as he shook off several devastating punches from Thurman without even pulling back.

DEM DEBATES from 1 —nearly half of this year’s Fortune 500— were founded by immigrants or their children. Those companies collectively generated $6.1 trillion in revenue in 2019 and employed 13.5 million people.

Yang, who spoke for less than three minutes in the first round of the Democratic presidential debates, got more than double that time (8 minutes, 53 seconds) in round two, but still the least amount of time on July 31. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris got the most speaking time, according to the New York Times, 21 and 17 minutes, respectively. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee got 10 minutes, 48 seconds of speaking time.

Yang, who accused NBC of cutting off his microphone in round one, didn’t appear to have that same issue in round two, which aired on CNN. He was, however, criticized for being the only male candidate to go tie-less (he didn’t wear a tie in the first round of debates either).

The presidential hopeful lambasted what he called “talking heads” for focusing on his attire, rather than the substance of his performance and policies.

In his closing remarks, Yang said, “We’re up here with makeup on our faces and our rehearsed attack lines playing roles in this reality TV show. It’s one reason why we elected a reality TV star as our president.”

Todd Graham, a debate coach and director of debate at Southern Illinois University, said Yang’s opening remarks were equally engaging.

“The opposite of Donald Trump is an Asian man who likes math,” was the catchy line. Graham gave Yang a B grade for his performance, while giving Inslee a C. The Root, an Afrocentric progressive online magazine, called Yang “the clear winner” of the July 31 debate, citing his plans to “fix the working economy and discussing, in very practical terms, why

Pacquiao’s popularity has wavered in the past but fans were in full force for him last month in Las Vegas where the event took place. This win was the most impressive in several years. Thurman was the most formidable opponent for Pacquiao since his knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez almost 10 years ago. He was favored by bettors to win the bout but mostly because Filipino fans bet on him.

The high volume of tickets sold may be due in part to the amount of tickets Pacquiao purchased himself. According to the Nevada Athletic Commission in response to a public records request, Pacquiao paid $1.2 million in tickets for the event. Pacquiao has a huge following and there is some latitude in providing tickets for fighters—especially for someone like Pacquiao. Clearly, Pacquiao had more tickets to give out than he was allotted and paid for a huge number of fans to come. The commission reported that Pacquiao received $10 million for the fight, although it is widely rumored that he received many more millions.

The amount of money Pacquiao paid for tickets is astounding but his devotion to charity has been his hallmark. It’s been documented that locals line up at his residence in the Philippines requesting money, and he gives it. As a senator, Pacquiao has sought to help out the people in his province. In the past, he has paid out of his own pocket to build 1,000 homes in his hometown. There has been speculation that Pacquiao’s boxing career will continue in order to sustain the amount of charity he is providing With the win, it seems that Pacquiao’s profile is back in vogue, that is if you can put aside his past rhetoric about homosexuality, his support of bringing back the death penalty, and his alignment with the current Philippines president, Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte’s administration has been investigated for human rights during his “war on drugs.” It would seem that many fans have come to grips with liking the fighter in the ring even though they might disagree with his beliefs outside of it.

Another fight with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has been rumored despite their lackluster fight from several years back. But money seems to be the biggest driver in prizefighting and if the parties are willing to put up the money, the fight will happen.

employers are challenged with offering healthcare benefits and how the current system plays a role in hampering their efforts in doing so.”

The debate was held in Detroit and The Root said Yang’s message resonated with the Motor City as he threw a punch at Amazon.

The key to saving traditional retail, Yang believes, is to save the mall.

“Raise your hand in the crowd if you’ve seen stores closing where you live,” he asked from the debate stage. “It is not just you. Amazon is closing 30 percent of America’s stores and malls and paying zero in taxes while doing it.”

Inslee was the first candidate on the debate stage to call President Donald Trump a racist.

“We can no longer allow a white nationalist to be in the White House,” Inslee said as candidates debated immigration policy. Democrats and some Republicans have criticized Trump in recent weeks for using Twitter to say four Democratic women in Congress should “go back” to their countries of origin.

Yang gained more Twitter followers following the July 31 debate than any other candidate—and he was the only candidate to gain more than 10,000 followers. As for qualifying for the third debate, Yang has met the fundraising threshold, and is close to meeting the polling requirements.

Inslee is short on both measures.

An editorial in The Baltimore Sun said it hopes the two make the cut.

“They each have a unique and vitally important focus for their campaigns...

They cut across the old fight between the party’s moderates and progressives to tackle new and fundamental threats to our society and even survival of the planet.

With all due concern for health care, criminal justice, immigration, education, and all the other issues...we can’t let climate change (Inslee) or automation (Yang) fall off the radar. 

37 YEARS Naomi Osaka fizzles at Wimbledon

After winning two straight Grand Slam titles, Naomi Osaka failed to reach the second week at the last two majors.

Once ranked No. 1 in the world, Osaka lost to Yulia Putinseva in the first round at Wimbledon on July 1.

Osaka had 38 unforced errors on Centre Court, while Putinseva had only seven. Osaka later cut short her news conference, leaving before any questions were asked in Japanese.

“Can I leave?” she asked the moderator after several short answers. “I feel like I’m Naomi Osaka holds the trophy after defeating Serena Williams in the U.S. about to cry.”

Open on Sept. 8.

This follows Osaka’s third-round loss at the French Open in May. Before that, she had won her first major title at last year’s U.S. Open, then continued the unbeaten run by adding the trophy at the Australian Open in January.

Shortly after that, Osaka split from coach Sascha Bajin.

When asked if there could be a correlation between Bajin’s departure and her recent results, Osaka replied, “I don’t think it’s related at all.”

Seven of Osaka’s eight losses in 2019 have come against players ranked outside the top 20.  Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

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