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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
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35 YEARS YOUR VOICE
USPS unveils newest addition to Celebrating Lunar New Year series By James Tabafunda NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY SEATTLE — When the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) holds a “first-day-of-issue” dedication ceremony, it makes sure the event is both a celebration of the diversity of the American people and the introduction of a new commemorative stamp. The national unveiling of the Year of the Rooster Forever stamp took place Jan. 5 at Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience. Beginning Jan. 28, the Year of the Rooster will be celebrated through Feb. 15 in China, Vietnam, and Korea, among other countries. Some of the ceremony’s highlights included a personal appearance by stamp artist and Fashion Institute of Technology professor Kam Mak, a lion dance performed by the Mak Hin Fai School of Kung Fu, and the presentation of colors by the Seattle Police Department Honor Guard. Wearing a small pin with the stamp’s design, Chinese Radio Seattle (CRS)’s Office Director Yibo Lu served as master of ceremonies. see STAMP on 13
See pictorial on 7.
Sellling it, is now a crime in Rhode Island. » see 5
PUBLISHER’S BLOG The world’s first Chinese female Rotarian. Guess who? » see 10
MARTIAL ARTS “NOT ART”? Meryl Streep takes the gloves off during the Golden Globes. » see 11
COMMUNITY » 2 CALENDAR » 6 SUDOKU » 6 ASTROLOGY » 13
A life taken and other lives forever changed By Stacy Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY “That morning, we didn’t think that anything was going to be different,” Lam Lieu said in Vietnamese, in an interview with Northwest Asian Weekly. “Our family was so happy. But that night, people called me.” On Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, Lieu’s wife, My-Linh Nguyen, 45, was shot just steps from the front door of their family home in South Seattle. Also known as Lily to her friends and neighbors, Nguyen was on her way home from work via light rail and a bus. At around 8:30 p.m., a man approached her and attempted to steal her purse at 39th Avenue South and South Warsaw Street. Nguyen reportedly fought see NGUYEN on 15
Photo from GoFundMe page.
SHARK FIN BAN
My-Linh Nguyen (left) and her son.
Twin sisters meet face to face for the first time By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Photos from the Doering and Rainsberry families.
VOL 36 NO 3
Audrey Doering (left) in her Green Bay Packers gear, and Gracie Rainsberry (right) in a Seahawks jersey.
Gracie Rainsberry of Richland, Wash. and Audrey Doering of Wasau, Wisconsin cried and hugged each other on Jan. 11, live on ABC’s “Good Morning America” (GMA). Wearing matching pink tops and black-rimmed glasses, the twin sisters, 10, were meeting in person for the very first time — they were separated at birth in China, and then adopted by two different American families. Jennifer and Tom Doering, Audrey’s adopted parents, spent hours scouring Ancestry.com for Audrey’s family history — they thought it would make a meaningful Christmas present. At Research-China.org, a website that specializes in finding information related to children put up for adoption, Jennifer Doering found herself staring at a photo of a Chinese woman with “two copies” of Audrey on her lap. That’s when she realized Audrey had a twin sister. She tracked down Nicole and Scott Rainsberry of Richland and contacted the couple through Scott’s sister’s Facebook page. Two days later, the sisters met on FaceTime in a cloud of tears. see TWIN on 15
Bluefin tuna goes for $632,000 in 1st Tsukiji auction of ’17 (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
By Elaine Kurtenbach AP BUSINESS WRITER
Kiyoshi Kimura, center, president of Kiyomura Co., poses with the bluefin tuna that he won in Tokyo on Jan. 5, 2017.
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TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese sushi chain boss bid a winning 74.2 million yen ($632,000) on Jan. 5 for a 212 kilogram (466 pound) bluefin tuna in what may be Tsukiji market’s last auction at its current site in downtown Tokyo.
The winning bid for the prized but imperiled species was the second highest ever after a record 155.4 million yen bid in 2013 at the annual New Year auction. This year’s price was $2,981 per kilogram, compared with about $7,930 per kilogram for the 2013 record-setting auction price. Kiyomura Corp. owner Kiyoshi Kimura posed, beaming, after
the predawn New Year auction with the gleaming, man-sized fish, which was caught off the coast of northern Japan’s Aomori prefecture. His company, which runs the Sushi Zanmai chain, often wins the annual auction. Last year’s New Year auction was supposed to be the last at see TUNA on 11
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35 YEARS
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
■ NAMES IN THE NEWS
Chase celebrates grand re-opening of Uwajimaya branch
Roast chicken for all
advocate for underrepresented communities and women’s health. Her friends say she is the only Asian nurse to reach the level of Deputy Regional Health Administrator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region X (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington). Matsuda, a third-generation Japanese, was born in Fresno, Calif. She was inducted into the Seattle Pacific University School of Nursing Hall of Fame and received the University of Washington Distinguished Alumnus Award. Matsuda was also among the healthcare professionals honored at the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation’s Annual Asian Americans Pioneer in Healthcare in 2010.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson visits Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit Photo from Washington State Attorney General’s Office
Theresa Mah, the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly, was sworn in on Jan. 11. Mah, 48, represents a heavily immigrant district that includes Chicago’s Chinatown. Mah inspired Asians to show up on Election Day in a way Chicago had not seen. “Nobody Theresa Mah believed I could win,” she said. “Nobody believed Chinese voters would turn out.” Mah earned a doctorate from the University of Chicago in U.S. social and cultural history. She spent six years as a college professor in Ohio, then returned to Chicago in 2006 and became active in issues affecting the Chinese community.
$5.3 million to Washington charities in 2015, including Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Association (SCIDpda), Interim Community Development Association, and Little Saigon.
Photo from ACRS
Asian American politician Mah makes mark in Illinois
Jerry Lee carries a box of perishables to donate to the ACRS Food Bank.
Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW
ACRS Food Bank clients enjoyed a treat in late December. Jerry and Charlene Lee, Cordell Lui, MG2 Foundation, Toys for Kids, Tai Tung, and all of their friends delivered 450 roast chickens, hot congee, and bags of rice, to those in need during the holiday season. This is the 10th year for this special event.
Karen Matsuda retires
Attorney General Bob Ferguson chats with Bob Fisher, Marge Young, Maxine Loo, and Beth Takekawa of the Wing Luke Museum.
Chase International District Uwajimaya Branch (600 5th Ave S.)
Chase is celebrating the grand re-opening of its International District Uwajimaya Branch on Jan. 18. The newly remodeled, 2,000 -square-foot branch will provide a full range of services and offer customers a new exterior entrance, exterior walk-up ATM, and the addition of three private offices. JPMorgan Chase contributed more than
Karen Matsuda (right), with her husband, their son and his wife.
Friends held a retirement party for Karen Matsuda, an
Members of the Attorney General’s Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit visited the Wing Luke Museum on Jan. 5 and met with staffers. The Unit was created by Attorney General Bob Ferguson to honor the late Wing Luke’s legacy and to recognize his contributions to Washington’s API community, including being the first Asian American to hold elected office in the state. The Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit works to protect the civil rights of everyone in Washington, and investigates discrimination in employment, housing, education, credit and insurance transactions, and other areas.
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY / SEATTLE CHINESE POST PRESENTS 8TH ANNUAL
LUNAR NEW YEAR COSTUME CONTEST
SUNDAY, JAN 29, 2017
CHINATOWN-INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
no age limit!
Please submit completed application through one of the following methods: Mail: Northwest Asian Weekly Lunar New Year Costume Contest 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104 Name:
________________________________________________________
School Name: ___________________________________________Age: ________ Profession: ________________________________________________________ Phone:
________________________________________________________
E-mail:
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Contestants must adhere to all rules and regulations. Contest officials will remove any contestant failing to cooperate with officials or failing to comply with the rules and regulations. If you have any questions, please contact Northwest Asian Weekly at 206.223.5559 or via email at rsvp@nwasianweekly.com.
Costume Parade Schedule: • 11 AM — Registration • 1 PM — Line up • 1:30 PM — Parade begins • 2:15 PM — Parade winners announced • Start from Northwest Asian Weekly’s front door, march to main stage • Contestants must be present at the announcement of finalists (2:15 PM). • Finalists will be lined up in numerical order. • The first 20 registered will get a gift. Registration/Sign-Up: • You may pre-register for the contest by filling out this application and sending it in or sign-up on the day of the contest (Sunday, January 29) beginning at 11 a.m. at the registration table. Registration table will be located in front of Seattle Chinese Post/Northwest Asian Weekly – 412 Maynard Ave S. • Contestants must sign-in at the registration table 30 minutes prior to parade. Rules/Guidelines: • Adults & children are welcome to participate • Parents are welcome to accompany their children during the Parade • All contestants will be given a contestant number for order of Parade lineup • Contestants’ attire should be culturally relevant to the Lunar New Year Celebration Judging: • All contestants will be judged by the provided judging criteria. • Prizes will be awarded to First ($150), Second ($100), and Third ($50) Place Winners, Publisher Award ($100) (an organization which has the most participants), and 15 Honorable mentions will receive a gift bag. • All decisions made by competition judges are final.
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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
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asianweekly northwest
■ COMMUNITY NEWS Bellevue developer charged in investment fraud case SEATTLE (AP) — A Bellevue developer suspected of bilking more than 250 Chinese investors out of millions of dollars on two real estate projects has pleaded guilty to federal charges. Lobsang Dargey entered the pleas to two fraud-related counts in U.S. District Court on Jan. 4, one day after being charged.
The 43-year-old exploited a federal visa program to defraud investors by claiming their involvement in his projects, a farmer’s market in Everett and the “Potala Tower’’ in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, would help secure their residency in the U.S. Dargey was accused of using the scam to raise more than $125 million. As part of his plea
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agreement, he agreed to pay restitution totaling more than $24 million. He faces up to 10 years in prison when he’s sentenced in April. In 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil suit and won a court order freezing his assets.
Lobsang Dargey
Memorial set for the late Rep. Jayapal’s office Alan Sugiyama offering tickets to the Presidential Inauguration Washington, D.C. — The office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has 2017 Presidential Inauguration tickets available to the constituents of the Seventh District, which includes Seattle, Vashon Island, and portions of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Burien, and Normandy Park. Constituents interested in acquiring
tickets must submit a request to danielle. fulfs@mail.house.gov with their full name, permanent address (not a PO Box), and a phone number before Jan. 17. The limited number of tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket-holders will be responsible for their own transportation and lodging.
MUCKLESHOOT CASINO WINS WITH VRSTUDIOS’ WIRELESS VIRTUAL REALITY Muckleshoot Casino Becomes First Gaming Facility in the Nation to Offer Streaming Wireless Virtual Reality; Continues Tradition of Innovation in Entertainment Multi-player virtual reality gaming system now available at Muckleshoot Casino Muckleshoot Casino has installed its wireless, full-motion, multi-player virtual reality (VR) system and experiences — making it the first gaming facility in the nation to offer streaming wireless VR and is already proving to be a hit with customers. Muckleshoot chose VRstudios of Bellevue to continue its long track record for industry-changing, worldclass entertainment. The revolutionary VR system is being offered in the casino’s popular nightlife venue, Club Galaxy. One- and two-player experiences transport guests back in time to a town overrun by zombies or into the midst of a Western-style shoot-out. “People of all ages are loving this riveting new experience. Some customers are so enthralled they’ve played VRstudios’ games more than 15 times in a single night and then returned the next evening for another round of fun,” said Junior Maldonado, Entertainment Manager of Muckleshoot Casino.
2402 AUBURN WAY S. • AUBURN, WA 98002 800.804.4944 • MUCKLESHOOTCASINO.COM
SEATTLE — The memorial service for Alan Sugiyama, a longtime Seattle community activist and the first AsianAmerican elected to the Seattle school board, will be held at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center on Sunday, Jan. 29 2:00 p.m. Sugiyama died on Jan. 2 at Swedish Medical Center in Alan Sugiyama Seattle after a battle with cancer. He was 67. Executive Development Institute (EDI) co-founder and board member Vanna Novak said, “Al was a tenacious, fearless fighter. Right up to the end, he fought the big fight. In
my mind, he will always represent what it means to be that passionate, tenacious voice for equality, progress, and opportunity — not just for some, but for all of us.” Sugiyama was director for the EDI until a few years ago. He helped organize the Oriental Student Union at Seattle Central Community College and led the Asian Student Coalition at the University of Washington. He started the Center for Career Alternatives, a multi-ethnic job training program, and served two terms on the Seattle school board.
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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
35 YEARS
■ WORLD NEWS
Crocodile bites French tourist posing for photo at Thai park BANGKOK (AP) — A French tourist who tried to have her picture taken with a crocodile in Thailand was injured when the reptile snapped at her when she got too close. The woman, who is in her 40s, suffered a severe bite wound to her leg at the Khao Yai National Park, said Thanya Netithammakul, head of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.
She had been squatting next to the animal, posing for a picture, but she tipped over and the crocodile snapped, the official told the Bangkok Post. The attack happened Jan. 1 off the nature study trail in the Haew Suwat waterfall area. According to the Post, signs warned visitors about the crocodiles and tourists were told to keep to the nature trail.
Always mangle Korean How many women can names? It might not be have a baby in your city? SKorea shuts down site your fault By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim TongHyung ASSOCIATED PRESS SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Impeached President Park Geun-hye’s surname is “Park,’’ right? Nope. In Korean it’s closer to “Bahk.’’ Park’s allegedly corrupt confidante, Choi Soon-sil, pronounces her name more like “Chwey’’ than the way it’s rendered in English. And Samsung’s ailing chairman, Lee Kun-hee? That English “Lee’’ is more like “Yi’’ or “Ii’’ in Korean. There is a gulf, often a wide one, between the way Koreans write their names in English and the way they actually sound. Even the ubiquitous “Kim’’ — the moniker of beloved South Korean Olympic figure skating champion Yuna Kim and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un — belies: It’s pronounced “Ghim’’ in Korean. While the flubs of foreigners who take the Romanized spellings literally cause smirks for the bilingual, the mispronunciations can also create
confusion and embarrassment among visiting politicians, tourists and business people. The disputed reasons behind the discrepancies are linked to a complex mix of history, American influence, herd mentality and individual quirks. Here’s a brief look:
THE HISTORY
South Korea’s guidelines for converting the Korean language into the Roman alphabet were last revised in 2000 to try to get road signs, places, internet domain names, guidebooks and surnames closer to their actual Korean pronunciations. When those rules are applied to surnames, “Lee’’ should be “I’’ (pronounced “Ii’’), “Kim’’ should be “Gim,’’ “Park’’ should be “Bak’’ and “Choi’’ should be “Choe.’’ But because people can decide how to spell their own see KOREAN NAMES on 12
China warns after Cruz, Abbott meet Taiwan’s president BEIJING (AP) — China reiterated its opposition to any contacts between U.S. officials and Taiwan’s government following a meeting between Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. Greg Abbott and the self-governing island’s president, Tsai Ingwen. Cruz and Abbot met with Tsai on Jan. 8 while she was passing through Houston on her way to visit Taiwan’s Central American allies. At a news briefing in Beijing the following day, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China was firmly opposed to any contact between Taiwan’s leader and “anyone from the U.S. government.’’ He said such contacts threaten to disturb and undermine relations between Washington and Beijing.
Sen. Ted Cruz
Gov. Greg Abbott
China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been ratcheting up diplomatic pressure on the independence-leaning Tsai since her election last year. Cruz said in a statement that he and Tsai “discussed our mutual opportunity to see BEIJING on 12
By Youkyung Lee AP BUSINESS WRITER SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s government closed its website that drew fury for showing the number of women in childbearing age by each city district and region.
The Ministry of the Interior’s website featuring the pink birth map remained closed on Dec. 30, a day after its launch, showing instead a notice that the site is undergoing corrections to reflect public opinion. The website had gone offline after just a see CHILDBEARING on 14
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
YOUR VOICE
■ NATIONAL NEWS
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Bankrupt Hanjin selling Port of Seattle terminal operations SEATTLE (AP) — Bankrupt shipper Hanjin is selling its Port of Seattle terminal operations to one of the world’s largest cargo firms. The Seattle Times reports Hanjin Shipping Co. will sell its majority stake in the terminal operating companies at the Seattle and Long Beach ports for $78 million. Hanjin, of South Korea, owns 54 percent of Total Terminals International, the company that operates the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 46.
Bankruptcy court filings say the new owner is Luxembourg-based Terminal Investment Limited, an affiliate of Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping. The firm helps operate about 30 terminals around the world and already owned the 46 percent of Total Terminals International not owned by Hanjin. As part of the deal, the new owner is forgiving a $54.6 million outstanding balance due from Hanjin and taking on $202.9 million in debt.
Selling shark fins now banned in Rhode Island
Oregon bans use of Chinese lanterns in 2017
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Selling shark fins is now banned in Rhode Island. A law took effect Jan. 1 and makes it a crime to own or sell a shark fin unless it’s used for scientific research or in preparing a shark for ordinary consumption. Rhode Island became the 11th state to ban shark fin sales when Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation into law in June. Hawaii was the first in 2010. Shark fin soup is popular in Chinese
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon residents are no longer be allowed to release sky lanterns into the air under a new law. KGW-TV reported that as of Jan. 1, people caught releasing the lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, will face fines of up to $2,000. A sky lantern is a paper sack suspended
cuisine but animal rights activists say the practice of slicing off a shark’s fin and leaving the fish to die is cruel. The Humane Society of the United States says the laws will help global shark populations recover. The ban was one of several state laws that took effect on the first day of the year.
over a flame, usually from a small candle. The hot air from the flame causes the balloon to rise into the sky and be carried off by the wind. Oregon Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple says the lanterns are uncontrolled and “pose an extreme fire hazard to people, property and the environment.”
Eugene School District wants to add Mandarin Chinese program EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — The Eugene School District is looking to implement a Mandarin Chinese language immersion program in the next school year. The Register-Guard reports that the program would first be offered to students in kindergarten and first grade at Crest Elementary School. District officials say the program
would expand to the next highest grade level each year until a full K-12 program is established. If approved, the Mandarin Chinese course offerings would be the district’s fourth language immersion program. The district already offers programs in Spanish, French and Japanese.
TAITUNG
District officials estimate it’ll cost about $221,000 to get the Chinese program up and running in the 2017-18 school year, mostly for salaries. The school board is set to vote on whether to begin implementation of the program at a future school board meeting.
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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR JAN 12
RED LINEAGE: ART, CITIZENSHIP, AND ACTION UW Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity, 4109 N.E. Stevens Way, Room 129, Seattle 5–7 p.m. CITY OF SEATTLE PRESENTS MLK UNITY DAY Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave., Seattle 7–8:30 p.m. townhallseattle.org DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PROGRAM, “SEEING THE WATER: WHITENESS IN DAILY LIFE” Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue 12–1 p.m. 425-452-7886
13 THE 10TH ANNUAL KOREANAMERICAN DAY CELEBRATION Auburn Performing Arts Center, 702 4th St. N.E., Auburn 5:30–9 p.m. RSVP to Shari Song at sharisong@ hotmail.com, 206-790-9044 wakoreanamericanday@gmail.com TAP-SEA PRESENTS: HAPPY HOUR MIXER Amber Lounge, 2214 1st Ave., Seattle 6–9 p.m. THE 10TH ANNUAL WASHINGTON STATE KOREAN-AMERICAN DAY CELEBRATION Auburn Performing Arts Center, 702 4th St. N.E., Auburn 5:30–9 p.m. Free dinner and performances 206-790-9044, sharisong@hotmail. com
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TAP-SEA PRESENTS: LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle 7–10 p.m. tap-seattle.org
16 2ND ANNUAL MLK CAREER DAY Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave., Seattle 1–4:30 p.m. mlkseattle.org CROSSROADS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION Crossroads Bellevue, 15600 N.E. 8th St., Bellevue 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 425-452-7886
20 SEATTLE UNITED FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE FAMILIES McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle 12–7 p.m. Free parking at 300 Mercer St., Seattle citizenship@seattle.gov
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AAJA SEATTLE LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET 2017 China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle 6–9 p.m. aajalny2017.bpt.me COMMISSION ON ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN AFFAIRS PUBLIC BOARD MEETING General Administration Building, 210 11th Ave. S.W., Olympia 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
35 YEARS
WOMEN’S MARCH ON SEATTLE Downtown Seattle 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
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SEATTLE CENTER FESTÁL: TET FESTIVAL — VIETNAMESE LUNAR NEW YEAR Seattle Center, Seattle seattlecenter.com
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LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION & FAIR Wing Luke Museum 10 a.m.–5 p.m. wingluke.org
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CID-BIA LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Hing Hay Park 1–4 p.m. NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY/ SEATTLE CHINESE POST PRESENTS 8TH ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR COSTUME CONTEST Northwest Asian Weekly’s front door, 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 11 a.m.–2:15 p.m. 206-223-5559 nwasianweekly.com/2016/12/costumecontest ROTARY’S BROKEN CEILING: CELEBRATING THOSE WHO BROKE IT Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle 4:30 p.m.
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2017 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, “YEAR OF THE RED ROOSTER” Yakima Ave. and South 38th St., Tacoma 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 253-591-5174 cityoftacoma.org
AL SUGIYAMA’S MEMORIAL SERVICE Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison St., Seattle 2 p.m.
FEB 2
LECTURE, “AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE,” BY DESIGNER/ARTIST MAYA LIN University of Washington, Kane Hall 130 7:30 p.m. $5 uwalum.com/lectures
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2017 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION The Bellevue Collection 11 a.m.–6 p.m. bellevue.com
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CELEBRATE 2017 YEAR OF THE ROOSTER China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle 5:30 p.m. $65–$1,000 seattlechinesechamber.org 206-552-0818
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CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH SEATTLE PARKS AND RECREATION Garfield Community Center, 2323 E. Cherry St., Seattle 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. seattle.gov
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. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
asianweekly northwest
Year of the Rooster stamp debuts in Seattle The United States Postal Service (USPS) released the stamp on Jan. 5 in a ceremony open to the public at the Wing Luke Museum. PHOTOS BY GEORGE LIU/NWAW
Artist Kam Mak
WING LUKE MUSEUM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BETH TAKEKAWA (LEFT) AND PUBLISHER ASSUNTA NG SIGN SOUVENIR SHEETS. LION DANCE BY MAK HIN FAI SCHOOL OF KUNG FU
SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT HONOR GUARD
ARTIST KAM MAK AND RELATIVES FROM SAN DIEGO
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE POST OFFICE
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE POST OFFICE
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35 YEARS
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
From kevinahfat.com
Brandon Patoc Photography
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT A long road, cultural and otherwise, for pianist Kevin Ahfat
Kevin Ahfat performs the final movement of Barber’s Piano Concerto with Ludovic Morlot and the Seattle Symphony.
Ahfat has won top prizes in numerous national and international competitions.
By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
at the piano, and she inspires me to strive to be equally as dynamic at the keyboard.” When asked about the status of Asians moving forward in classical music, both in Canada and America, Ahfat remarked that he’s pleased to see and hear so many Asians as soloists, orchestral musicians, and leaders. “I don’t think the scene between Canada and the United States differs too much,” he said. “It is more the East and the West that have different scenes, influenced mostly by unique schools of pianism and the teachers that pass on those different, but equally valid, approaches to music.” After capturing first prize at the Seattle Symphony’s inaugural International Piano Competition, Ahfat made arrangements to return to the Symphony as part of this year’s Shostakovich Festival. He’ll perform the Piano Concerto Number One
Classical pianist Kevin Ahfat, appearing Jan. 19, 20, and 26 at the Seattle Symphony’s Shostakovich Festival, hails from Canada. But he claims an intriguing variety of cultural backgrounds. Ahfat’s ancestry is Chinese, but his cultural roots trace to the tiny island nation of Mauritius, off the coast of the much larger island nation of Madagascar, east of the African mainland. He can speak French and French Creole, but not Mandarin. “I’ve always thought it was an interesting dichotomy for me,” he mused. “While I very much grew up with a Chinese cultural background and feel very connected to that culture, I also was exposed to the Mauritian (and therefore French) culture through my family and feel very comfortable navigating that world as well.” He began to play piano as a very young child, acquiring a steady teacher at age 7. His family eventually moved to America
and he recalls his first significant teacher as Lei Weng, from the University of Northern Colorado. After studying with Weng from age 14, Ahfat went on to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City. His favorite teachers there were Choong-Mo Kang, “who revolutionized the way I approach the piano, and Joseph Kalichstein, “who revolutionized the way I approach music.” He studied concertos from the composers he describes as the “war-horse” piano concerto writers, including Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev. He named Argentine pianist Martha Argerich as a major musical influence. “I was so captivated,” he recalled, “by how she manages to take hold of a piece and produce something so profoundly unique, boundary-pushing, and daring — but also completely natural. She creates true magic
in C Minor, which he describes as full of “sardonic wit,” and Piano Concerto Number Two in F Major, a work, he says, of “brilliant buoyancy.” “One of my favorite things about playing Shostakovich, is experimenting with just how far I can take both his exuberance and his sarcasm, and there are endless opportunities in both concerto to do just that. I’m hoping to keep the audience on their toes!” Ahfat will continue his studies at Juilliard for another year and a half. He hasn’t yet recorded, but plans to soon. He vows to continue to perform, grow, and build meaningful musical relationships with artists and listeners alike. “Music is an infinitely vast field,” he concluded, “and I feel grateful to be able to be a small part of it in hopes of making something meaningful through art.” Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
KING COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received for C01026C17, Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station -
investigation and site preparation for a future
All buildings will be visited except for McDonald’s
construction project.
and Sign-Out will take place upon exiting the site
Demolition, Remediation, and Site Preparation;
Estimated
by the King County Procurement and Payables
$4,900,000.
contract
price:
$4,000,000
to
at 300 S. Michigan St. between the warehouse and gas station (old Ducky’s parking lot). There is a 15% minimum Apprentice Utilization
Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA
MANDATORY Pre-Bid / Site Tour: Jan. 24, 2017
98104, until 1:30 PM on February 2, 2017. Late
(1:00 pm), and Jan. 26, 2017 (10:00 am), Former
Requirement on this contract.
bids will not be accepted.
Ducky’s Warehouse, 300 South Michigan Street,
MWBE Fair Share Goals:
Scope of Work: This work under this contract
Seattle, Washington 98108. Site tours will be
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE): 10% of the
consists of the demolition of two former restaurants,
conducted immediately following the conferences.
a gas station, commercial and warehouse
Hardhats and safety boots are required for site
buildings; removal of foundations, curbs, gutters,
tours. FAILURE TO ATTEND ONE OF THE
Contract Price.
sidewalks, bollards, fences, canopies, pavement,
MANDATORY MEETINGS AND SITE TOURS
Complete
underground
utilities;
WILL RESULT IN A NON-RESPONSIVE BID
including all project details, specifications, and
hazardous materials abatement; removal of oil/
DETERMINATION. A Sign-In/Sign-Out sheet
contact information are available on our web
water separators and associated storm drains;
will provide evidence of attendance. It is your
page
removal and remediation of contaminated soils;
responsibility to ensure you sign in and out. The
procurement_ovr/default.aspx
construction of geotechnical cultural resources
site tour is anticipated to last at least 60 minutes.
storage
tanks,
and
Contract Price Women Business Enterprise (WBE): 6% of the
at:
Invitation
to
Bid
Documents,
https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
YOUR VOICE
■ SPORTS
asianweekly northwest
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Lydia Ko
Tiger Woods
A new year and the tale of two golfers THE LAYUP DRILL
By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Welcome to another edition of The Layup Drill. It’s a brand new year and in this column, we take a look at two golfers. One, a former number one player in the world looking to make a comeback and another looking to comeback while still being the number one player.
Tiger Woods plays Santa, round of golf with president-elect
Tiger Woods is slowly coming back into the public spotlight. He returned to golf as he played in an unofficial PGA Tour event in early December. On Dec. 30, he celebrated his 41st birthday, still hoping to break the record of 18 major golf tournament victories held by Jack Nicklaus. Woods has work to do. Only one player has won
three majors after the age of 41. Woods has 14 tour victories and would need four more to break the record. Not only is Woods fighting against history, he will be coming back against a much younger, talented field of golfers. Also, there is the back injury that has kept him out for over 460 days. Can Woods return to his past glory? He see SPORTS on 12
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35 YEARS
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG
OPINION
The world’s first Chinese female Rotarian
These are few of the men who fought to include women in the Rotary:
THE FIRST 15 WOMEN ADMITTED TO THE ROTARY
Bruce Caplan
Jesse Tam
Dennis Su
Lloyd Hara
By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Most people know me as a journalist. But my most unusual title is: First Chinese female Rotarian in the world, thanks to a group of smart men who decided in 1986 that women should be a part of Rotary, despite opposition from their peers. Today, I am still a Rotarian, a member of the Rotary Club of Seattle. With the two clubs (Seattle International District ID Rotary Club, 1986-91), I have been a proud member for 30 years, and I have no intention of retiring. When the ID Rotary invited me to join, I was surprised. I didn’t hesitate for a second. All I knew was, it was a prestigious group and an honor. Then, I found out Rotary International’s policy was to exclude women. What, really? I recall my disbelief. Why? I was even more shocked that the club had no women in its entire 99-year existence. And I was not thrilled that its headquarters had to be forced by a lawsuit to change its discriminatory policy. Now that I look back at what these men did, they were forward, innovative, and strategic thinkers, and blazing trails for equality. They had lined up pro bono attorneys to fight the case in court and savvy spokespersons to deal with the media. Their sophisticated campaign had created a movement for those who fought for equality in male social clubs. Bravo! I’d like to thank all these men for opening doors to millions of women, and creating a lasting legacy not only for themselves, but for the entire global Rotary community, which has over 34,000 clubs and 1.2 million members. If not for these men, it could be 100 or more years for women to get in. So thank you, thank you, thank you for your courage to challenge the status quo.
The first 15
Why me? I was one of the first 15 women to join Washington state Rotary through the ID Rotary Club. The women were some of the most amazing and diverse group of people, including former Seattle City Councilmember Dolores Sibonga. At the time, I was only a few years into my publishing career. I guess I was in the right place at the right time. What a gift and privilege that these men had given me. The more I learn about the Rotary, the more
Glenn Chinn
Paul Mar
I embrace its service aspect and 4-way test, the Rotary’s guiding principles and moral code for business and personal relationships. 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? What does it mean to be a Rotarian? Rotary International President John Germ said it means, “I am trustworthy, dependable and reliable. I give more than I take.”
What does Rotary do?
Its slogan is “Rotary serving humanity, service above self, connecting for good.” With the 4-way test in mind, each Rotary Club selects its own service projects to improve lives all over the world. Our club took on a big project and joined a team that works with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate polio. It also provided huge capital and organized fundraising campaigns to build the Rotary Boys and Girls Club in the Central District, and the Wellspring Family Services on Rainier Avenue South. I was happy to raise $10,000 for Wellspring in 2008. If you think working with Bill Gates is too intimidating, consider what author Arthur C. Brooks wrote in a New York Times column. “You can make the world better, by thinking small.” Each Rotary club also has small projects. “In the fundraising business, there’s an old axiom that “one is greater than one million,” Brooks wrote. “It is a reminder that when it comes to people in need, one million is a statistic, while one is a human story.” So it is okay to “start with one, not one million,” in philanthropy, Brooks stated. That’s exactly what I did with my Rotary service, focusing on one-on-one relationships, and not chairing big projects or meeting big shots. There is no greater joy and satisfaction when the students I worked with, become the first in their family to go to college after overcoming tremendous adversity. I don’t get a standing ovation or a thank you. But deep in my heart, I witness the fruits of my involvement — changing lives and its long-lasting effect. Like Mother Teresa said, doing small things with great love is beautiful too. Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.
Kay Blackard Ginny McCormack Cindy Chirot Sonja Kim Harriett Cody Assunta Ng Reiden Crowley Dolores Sibonga
Kathy Fletcher Barbara Vanderkolk Patricia Frank Charlotte vanDyke Jane Hardeson Karilyn vanSoest Carol James
THE MEN WHO VOTED TO ADMIT WOMEN Craig Abramson *Lloyd Barnes *Bob Beardemphl Joe Bell Ron Bishop *Carl Blandford Rufo Bruan Bruce Caplan Ken Chai Richard Chan Yee-Lam Chao Doug Chin Glenn Chinn Max Clough Narco Damo Don Erickson
Hwa-Tsun Feng *Phil Gai Phil Ginsberg Lloyd Hara Bob Hasimoto Al Igarta Ahmed Jaddi Dick Jenner Jim Johnson Kent Kawaguchi John Kemple John Kinney Nick Licata Mike Maksimowicz Paul Mar Danny Mitchell
Peter Moy Harry Obedin Walle Ralkowski Steve Rall Mark Robison Jesus Sanchez Dave Sims Jim St. Germain Dennis Su Dick Taggert Jesse Tam Banks Warden B Douglas Williams
* deceased
Sunday, January 29 Rotary's Broken Ceiling: Celebrating Those Who Broke It Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle 4:30 p.m. RSVP by January 19 To purchase tickets, visit http://goo.gl/xCaAY5
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
YOUR VOICE
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OPINION
■ EDITORIAL Meryl Streep, don’t knock martial arts In her heartfelt speech at the Golden Globes on Jan. 8, Meryl Streep took the opportunity to attack Presidentelect Donald Trump and defended the diversity that has made Hollywood, and America, great. And she took a jab (unknowingly or not) at mixed martial arts, also known as MMA. “Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if we kick them all out, you’ll have nothing to watch but football and mixed martial arts — which are not the arts,” Streep said. Streep received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. While we applaud her admonishment of Trump and his attitude towards immigrants, Streep also implied that mixed martial arts organizations are not inclusive of people born outside the United States. It’s easy to see why she would think that — Trump has attached himself closely to MMA, and the UFC president, Dana White, spoke in support of the president-elect at last year’s Republican convention (and lashed out at Streep the day after the Golden Globes). But Streep’s words ignore the historical legacy of Asian actors in Hollywood, and her “not the arts” remark flies in
TUNA from 1 Tsukiji’s current location. The shift to a new facility on Tokyo Bay was delayed due to soil contamination at the former gas plant site. Japanese are the biggest consumers of the torpedo-shaped bluefin tuna, and surging consumption of sushi has boosted demand, as experts warn the species could go extinct. A report by the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-like Species in the North Pacific Ocean last year put the population
Meryl Streep at the Golden Globes
the face of her message of inclusiveness. MMA is rooted in Asian culture and around the world. Martial arts IS art. Bruce Lee has been credited as the grandfather of MMA — he defined an image of a masculine Asian hero — unheard of before Lee — and became a symbol of empowerment for generations of Asian and diverse audiences. While Lee died before reaping the rewards of his breakthrough, he kicked the door open for others, like
of bluefin tuna at 2.6 percent of its “unfished’’ size, down from an earlier assessment of 4.2 percent. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission tightened international limits in 2015 as the species remained under threat, halving the catch of bluefin tuna under 30 kilograms from the average caught between 2002 and 2004. But overfishing has continued and in some areas bluefin are harvested at triple the levels considered sustainable.
Jet Li, Jackie Chan, and Donnie Yen. Not all actors can hone their craft with Shakespeare like Streep, and for many Asian actors, martial arts was their voice of self-expression and the only way to break into Hollywood. Streep may not have aimed at Lee specifically, and the historic change to cinema he represented, but her vague phrasing — that all mixed martial arts are “not the arts” — diminishes Lee’s influence and significance. And don’t forget behind-the-scenes talents like director Ang Lee. His film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, is one of the most famous wuxia (genre of fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancient China) films outside of the Chinese speaking world. It won four Oscars, including one for Best Foreign Film. Perhaps we should extend an invitation to Ms. Streep to attend the Bruce Lee exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum here in Seattle, so she can fully understand the impact of the martial arts influence in Hollywood and how it opened doors to more diversity.
Want to include your personal or business Lunar New Year message to our readers? Contact John at:
JOHN@NWASIANWEEKLY.COM 206-223-5559
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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
KOREAN NAMES from 4 names, many simply go with the way everyone else does it, which means they follow what their families have favored for generations. So Kim, Park and Lee still dominate. Experts differ about the origins of these English spellings of Korean surnames. Some think that when South Korea was briefly under U.S. military rule following the end of Japan’s 1910-45 colonial occupation, Americans chose existing English names or words — such as Kim, Lee and Park — for Korean pronunciations that sounded similar. Others say it was South Koreans who started borrowing those recognizable English words. When there wasn’t any easy match in English, South Koreans simply settled for spellings that “felt O.K.,’’ according to Brother Anthony of Taize, a British-born scholar and prolific translator of Korean literature. The spellings of some names are linked to a 1939 Romanization system invented by two Americans that was widely used before the 2000 revision. Isolated, proud Pyongyang uses a variant of the old system. “Kim’’ is the same in both Koreas, but the southern “Lee’’ and “Park’’ are “Ri and “Pak’’ in the North.
THE MISTAKES
English mispronunciation, of course, happens in many languages that don’t use the Roman alphabet, but the list of foul-ups by foreigners relying on the confusing Korean system is long. During a joint news conference with South Korean President
35 YEARS
Park Geun-hye in Washington in October 2015, President Barack Obama called her “Park,’’ just as it sounds in English, not “Bahk.’’ When he held another joint press conference with Park’s predecessor, Lee Myung-bak, in 2012, he pronounced his name as “Lee,’’ not “Ii.’’ If Obama, who has a staff of Korean experts, couldn’t get it right, your average visitor to South Korea is doomed. In some ways, the new Romanization rules are as bad as the old ones. For instance, an affluent southern area in Seoul, and the inspiration for the world-dominating 2012 song by South Korean rapper PSY, is spelled “Gangnam.’’ The first part of this word will look to many English speakers without any Korean like the first syllable of the word “gangster.’’ But a better spelling is “Gahngnam.’’ A southern town famous for traditional red pepper paste is spelled “Sunchang.’’ Many English speakers pronounce the first part of the word as “sun’’ from “sunshine;’’ it’s actually “soonchahng.’’ The rules are simply too far off from the reality, according to Yaang Byungsun, a linguist at South Korea’s Jeonju University. “It’s a system that no one, except for South Koreans, can pronounce,’’ he said. South Korean officials defend their Romanization rules by saying they are for all foreigners, not just English-speakers.
THE BIG THREE, AND BEYOND
The National Institute of Korean Language says it’s working to come up with a recommended standard for spelling surnames. But it’s probably too late.
BEIJING from 4
SPORTS from 9
upgrade the stature of our bilateral relations’’ in their meeting, which addressed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic ties. An official with Republican President electDonald Trump’s transition team said neither Trump nor transition officials would meet with Tsai. Her stop in the U.S. was scrutinized by Beijing for any signs that Trump’s team would risk its ire by further engaging with Taiwan, which China considers to be its territory. Trump breached diplomatic protocol last month by speaking by phone with the Taiwanese leader. Trump raised further concerns in Beijing when he questioned a U.S. policy that since 1979 has recognized Beijing as China’s government and maintains only unofficial relations with Taiwan. U.S. lawmakers often meet with Taiwanese presidents when they transit through the U.S., most recently in June, when Tsai met in Miami with Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. The tabloid Global Times, published by China’s Communist Party, said in an editorial on Jan. 8 that Beijing would take a hard line toward any contacts between Taiwan’s government and the incoming Trump administration. China “should also impose military pressure on Taiwan and push it to the edge of being reunified by force,’’ it said. China has “seized the initiative. The U.S. and Taiwan now should restrain, or be forced to restrain, themselves,’’ the newspaper said. “Tsai needs to face the consequences for every provocative step she takes,’’ it said.
has the work habits, but will his body allow him to do what he did as a younger golfer? Once thought as a shoe-in to break the record, many golf analysts believe that his career is over. I would not count out Woods. He plans on returning to golf in the spring of 2017. Could he be back at this year’s Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga.? For the holidays, Woods posted a picture on social media of himself dressed in a Santa hat, with an Oakland Raiders black hat, sunglasses, and no shirt. He called himself “Mac Daddy Santa,” and that it was an “Xmas tradition that my kids love.” It is a curious picture to post for followers, but if the kids find it amusing... In addition, Woods was seen playing a round of golf with President-elect Donald Trump in Florida the Friday before Christmas. The two played with Donald Trump, Jr. at a Trump golf course in West Palm Beach. No word on whether Woods allowed the next president to win or if they even kept score. To show that he has no political allegiances, it should be noted that Woods has played with President Barack Obama.
No. 1 women’s golfer makes changes after slump
From a former champion, to a current champ — Ladies Professional Golf Association’s number one player in the world, Lydia Ko, is experiencing a slump. Ko, a New Zealand-born South Korean, is just 19 years old and the youngest golfer to ever achieve a number one professional golf ranking at the age of 17. She won the silver medal at the Rio Summer Olympics and won four LPGA Tour events in 2016. Despite her success, Ko decided to change her caddie of two years in October and coaches this past December. Ko’s caddie,
The English spellings of the three surnames that account for nearly half of South Korea’s 50 million people — Kim, Park and Lee — are firmly in place. A study by the institute that ended in 2015 showed that about 99.5 percent of South Koreans with the country’s most popular surname spelled it “Kim,’’ while the rest used “Gim,’’ “Ghim’’ or “Khim.’’ For the second most common surname, about 98.5 percent favored “Lee,’’ overwhelming “Yi,’’ “Rhee,’’ “Li’’ and “Yee.’’ In the case of the third most popular surname, “Park’’ was used by about 96 percent. For other surnames, some English spellings are meant to avoid embarrassment. Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang stayed away from the awkward “Gang,’’ which is what South Korea’s Romanization suggests. Former President Roh Moo-hyun used to spell his surname as “Noh’’ in English, which is how it’s pronounced. But during his 2002 presidential run, he reportedly switched to “Roh’’ to stay away from the negative sounding “Noh.’’ There are calls to overhaul the current, awkward Romanization system to avoid problems for foreigners who do businesses and travel here. But it would be expensive. A 2011 study showed that revising public signs and government-issued publications and performing other changes needed under a new system would cost $250 million. Some also question whether a perfect Romanization of Korean is even possible. “It’s confusing and stupid, but that’s the way it is,’’ Brother Anthony said.
Jason Hamilton, stated that Ko “wanted a different set of eyes out there.” The caddie walks the course with the golfer and assists with use of golf clubs and helps with reading greens when putting, among other duties. Ko declined to directly talk about the change. The coaches inferred that Ko’s parents influenced her decision. Ko said that while she consulted her parents, she made the final decision. Her father has helped her on the course and perhaps serving as a coach. Since winning the silver medal in August, Ko has experienced some trouble on the golf course. She hasn’t posted a top 10 finish in the last five tournaments and finished out of the top 40 three times. In the last two major events, she placed 40th and 43rd. The finishes are unbecoming of the world’s number one player. Golf Digest believes she put everything into winning gold at the Summer Olympics and she has not been the same after. Inbee Park of South Korea earned the gold medal in Rio — beating Ko by five strokes. For Ko, being young and successful at such an early age has its advantages and its drawbacks. Ko has expressed being close to her parents, which is a very good thing. There is the concern that family influences are overbearing on a young athlete and they don’t listen to their coaches. But coaches, and in this case caddy, want the athlete to succeed because it means that they will be successful as well. And therein lies the great problem with a young, successful, and rich athlete. There is the pressure to succeed from both family and coaches. Ko experienced a slump after the Olympics and believed that the problem was her coaches and caddy. Then again, it could have just been a slump that she needed to work through. We shall see how she progresses in 2017. Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
KING COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received for C01062C16, RapidRide A and C Line Bus Stop Improvements; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 1:30 PM on January 24, 2017. Late bids will not be accepted. Work under this Contract shall consist of supplying all labor, materials, equipment and services necessary for the site preparation and the construction of new, or the improvement of existing, RapidRide bus zones (Zones) along two different corridors, RapidRide A Line and RapidRide C Line within the jurisdictions of the cities of Kent and Seattle, Washington. Each Zone shall be
constructed in preparation for the future installation of bus passenger shelters and/or associated furniture by others, and shall include elements and components such as concrete foundations, sidewalk and driveway restoration, electric power wiring, electrical connection to power sources, and archeology coordination. Not-Exceed Contract Price: $700,000.00 There is a SBE Requirement: 10% minimum Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Requirement. 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
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
YOUR VOICE
■ ASTROLOGY
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Predictions and advice for the week of January 14–January 20, 2017 By Sun Lee Chang Rat — While the typical measures of strength are quite obvious, those that are a little more obscured are often the strongest.
Dragon — A graceful exit will pave the way for a better transition to the next level. Resist any moves to the contrary.
Monkey — As quitting isn’t an option, don’t be in a hurry to volunteer until you learn what the proposed role entails.
Ox — Your prospects could change a great deal once you realize just how effective you can be in initiating and promoting a desired outcome.
Snake — Whether you spot them in the beginning or catch on later, your ability to read the cues at the right time could have lasting ramifications.
Rooster — Although it feels good to have others support you now and then, at the end of the day, you are your own best cheerleader.
Tiger — Even though you are adept with bold strokes, the current situation requires a delicate hand and a higher level of precision.
Horse — You may be pleasantly surprised at how even the most mundane of errands can be less so if done with someone whose company you enjoy.
Dog — A mix-up could take a while to sort out. While you wait, don’t let the intervening time go to waste.
Rabbit — Do you feel as though you are being tested in some way? It is up to you whether you want to play along or get out of the game.
Goat — A bunch of small differences could add up to a whole lot of nothing or something, depending on how you look at them.
Pig — Whether you look for the good or bad, you will likely find it. So it behooves you to search for the former.
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 Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
*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.
STAMP from 1
The 10th of 12 stamps in the current Celebrating Lunar New Year series (2008-2019), the stamp has a multicolored rooster — a symbol of strength — on a “hongbao,” the traditional red envelope used for holding money or gifts. The color red is associated with good luck in Chinese culture. Commissioned by the USPS to work on the current series honoring the Lunar New Year, Mak — born in Hong Kong — worked with art director Ethel Kessler. Kessler’s stamp design includes two elements from the first series (1992-2007): the Chinese character for “rooster,” drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun, and Clarence Lee’s cut-paper design of a rooster. “I wanted it to really tell the rich story of what Lunar New Year is about,” Mak said. “What I felt was significant for me growing up (in New York City’s Chinatown) and what Lunar New Year meant to me.” Lu introduced the first of four speakers, Beth Takekawa, executive director of the Wing Luke Museum. “We are really excited to host this ceremony for the first time in the museum’s 50-year history,” Takekawa said. “This ceremony holds personal significance for me.” She shared one story about her father, Yutaka “Dutch” Takekawa. After the war, he worked at the USPS, “where he stayed his whole working life.” While growing up, Takekawa said all six members in her family traveled by car each summer to various national parks throughout the West. “There was one thing that he would always stop the car for, and every post office that we passed, he would stop and take a picture,” she said. 2年起服務西北岸社區 “I think my dad felt the post office was 非營利獨立協會 something that made everyone have some-
景墓園 View Cemetery
雅 圖 首 創 墓園☆
thing in common.” Takekawa said, “It’s not common that the cultural heritage of an American immigrant community is elevated to museum worthy as it is here, so this ceremony is about a stamp, but it means a lot more than that.” A 34-year postal professional, Greg G. Graves is the vice president of western area operations. He said, “It’s very interesting. The Postal Service loves to celebrate culture, diversity. And this is one of the ways that we choose to do that.” “Today’s event is very important, not only because it’s our first dedication for the year, but also because it gives the Postal Service a chance to reinforce our commitment to celebrate America’s great diversity and rich, multicultural heritage.” Graves continued, “I hope that the Year of the Rooster brings each of you good health, great joy, and above all, boundless prosperity.” He then asked the other featured speakers and participants to join him on stage for the unveiling of the giant-sized stamp. “It is the nicest looking stamp I have ever seen,” said Lu, before introducing Seattle Chinese Post and Northwest Asian Weekly founder and publisher Assunta Ng, who reminded the audience that the first dedication ceremony honoring a Lunar New Year
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stamp took place in 1998 at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Ng then urged the Postal Service to return to Seattle for another dedication ceremony, sooner than two decades. She proposed a return five years. All of the featured speakers and participants signed souvenir sheets of the Year of the Rooster Forever stamps at an autograph table. “This is more than just a job for me,” Mak said. “It allowed me to highlight my
culture.” “This is an opportunity for me to take the skill that I have — painting — and tell the story and highlight my beautiful culture.” For more information about the Year of the Rooster Forever stamp, go to store.usps.com/store. James Tabafunda can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
CHILDBEARING from 4 few hours following criticism the government is trying to shame women for not having babies. Some said the government treated the birth rate issue as concerning only women, pointing out that no picture of men was used on the website. Using pink as the main color, the site contained information on birth rates, benefits from local governments on child rearing, average marriage age and other data. On top of the website, it showed a picture of a woman kissing a little girl. In the birth map, the regions with a higher number of female residents aged 15-49 were colored in dark pink while the regions with a lower number of such women were shown in light pink. The site also featured a ranking of regions by the number of women aged 15-49. Users could look up how many women who can have a baby resided in their neighborhood for the past 10 years. Many users reacted with wonder and anger, saying they do not understand what the number of women who can get pregnant has to do with encouraging people to have more
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babies. “I felt so angered that it blatantly showed how the government saw women’s body as the country’s reproductive tools, not that belonging to the woman,” said Lee Min-kyung, a 24-year-old feminism writer. “I felt like nothing has changed and the hatred of women that I have experienced appeared again.” The government had touted it as a tool to increase the public’s understanding of the country’s low birth rate and compare the benefits from local governments for having a baby or raising a child. “It was established to encourage local governments to learn and compare other governments’ benefits and to promote free competition,” the ministry said in the press release distributed at the time of its launch. Calls seeking comments were not answered on Dec. 30. South Korea is struggling to boost its rock bottom birth rate, one of the lowest among rich countries. This year, the country also saw growth of vocal feminist movements protesting misogynist views reflected in government policies and pop culture.
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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
YOUR VOICE NGUYEN from 1
A happy family
Nguyen and Lieu come from An Giang, Vietnam, which is in the southwest corner of the country in the Mekong Delta. Lieu immigrated to the United States about 15 years ago. He wasn’t able to bring his wife and young son over until about five years or so later. “We came to this country because we want [our son]* to have a future,” said Lieu. “Because there are more possibilities here [in the United States].” Lieu said that his wife worked long hours at a nail salon downtown on weekdays, during the day. Lieu works nights in janitorial services, also downtown. He delivers newspapers when he isn’t at his full-time job, to scrimp and save for their son. Because of their opposing work schedules, Lieu said that early mornings when he got off of work were the only times their family was able to congregate and spend time together. “That’s when we’d meet,” Lieu said. “As she was about to go to work, she’d fuss over [our son]. I’d just get home. Then we sit as a family and have a meal together. We worked very hard, but we were also very happy. We weren’t fearful or tired people. We were just a happy family.”
Crime prevention
Property theft and robbery in Seattle increased at the end of last year across the board — however, a pattern that emerged is the high number of victims who are Asian men and women in their 50s and older. Mark Solomon, crime prevention coordinator based out of Seattle Police Department (SPD)’s south precinct, told Northwest Asian Weekly last September that in the International District, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, and other areas with high concentrations of immigrants, older Asians have been targeted due to the high likelihood that they wear gold jewelry, TWIN from 1 And they haven’t stopped talking since. Audrey said when she heard the news, “I thought my parents were, like, playing a joke on me.” Gracie was “really overwhelmed” when she first found out. “I was, like ... started to cry a lot.” Gracie said she and her sister have a lot in common. “We both love chicken
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Nguyen’s funeral in Seattle was held Thursday, Dec. 22. Seven days later, early on Dec. 29, Nguyen’s husband and their son boarded a plan to take Nguyen’s body back to Vietnam. For Vietnamese, funerals are significantly more elaborate when compared to American customs. Death rites can last for years. Among Vietnamese, a proper funeral is one of the most filial acts family members bestow on one another. Additionally, the concept of home is important to Vietnamese, who believe that it is bad fortune to lay a body to rest far away from home. That is why many Vietnamese Americans take a long journey to complete death rights in Vietnam. Sodos told Q13 Fox that she started the GoFundMe account to help Nguyen’s family with funeral costs and hospital bills. Sodos said that the family did not even want to accept the funds raised. Lieu told Northwest Asian Weekly that he’d like for the money to go toward his son’s education and future. “We are her neighbors and wanted to help her family in this terrible time. The Hillman City and Columbia City communities would like to reach out and ask for help for this family. Please make a donation,” wrote Sodos on the gofundme.com page. “I want to really thank everyone who has reached out to us to help,” said Lieu. “The outpouring of support helped us immensely and it is humbling. It has helped to uplift us.” “My mother was a great mom because of how generous she was with her time and money to help others,” said Nguyen and Lieu’s son. “She worked very hard along with my dad to give me a good life.”
My-Linh Nguyen (right) and her husband, Lam Lieu.
carry purses, or carry large amounts of cash. Sgt. Sean Whitcomb, SPD’s public affairs director, told Northwest Asian Weekly that the investigation into Nguyen’s homicide is ongoing and thus, SPD cannot share updates publicly at this time. He did speak to what efforts SPD has made toward preventing another occurrence. “Both uniform and plainclothes patrols have been added,” said Whitcomb. “We are coordinating with our local and federal partners to address crime and safety concerns. Additionally, Linh Thach (SPD’s Asian community liaison), Mark Solomon, and South Precinct Community Police Team staff have been hard at work conducting outreach in the community to heighten awareness and increase safety by distributing multi-language crime prevention bulletins.”
Grappling with grief
To donate to Lieu and his son through GoFundMe, visit gofundme.com/My-LinhNguyenATragicLossSeattleWA. To donate via check, Northwest Asian Weekly is collecting donations at its office (Address to Lam Lieu, c/o Northwest Asian Weekly, 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104) and we will pass donations along to the family.
In what felt like an instant, Lieu’s life completely changed. “I’m so sad,” he said. In the weeks following the murder of his wife, Lieu has not only had to contend with his personal loss, but also with the violent nature of the loss and its public nature. He’s staying strong for his son. He said he worries about a lot of things. Their house, once a homebase, now sits largely empty. “This event happened in front of [our son]. He saw the man, and the man saw him. I’m worried he’ll come back. So right now, I’m focused on the safety of [our son]. So I don’t let him stay at home by himself. He’s at his paternal grandpa’s house. I take him to school in the morning and then I leave him at grandpa’s. And I also stay there with him when I can. During the day [while my son is at school], I go home.” “I worry that he’s traumatized and that seeing what he saw will affect him later on in life. I’m very worried.”
Anyone with information about Nguyen’s homicide is asked to call the Seattle Police Department’s tip line, 206-2335000, or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). *Lieu’s son is a minor and asked that we not name him in this story. Stacy Nguyen can be reached at stacy@nwasianweekly.com.
Alfredo.” And they both love mac ‘n’ cheese. In addition to their mutual love of the same foods, the twins also found out that they have heart conditions. Gracie underwent two heart surgeries after arriving in the United States and Audrey underwent one, their families told GMA. Both girls are the fourth child in their American families, joining families with three biological children.
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Vietnamese death rites
Photo from GoFundMe page.
back against her attacker. “Her 15-year-old son heard her calling out his name for help and ran out to find a man kicking his mom,” neighbor Yukiko Sodos wrote on the GoFundMe page started on behalf of Nguyen’s family. “The man then shot My-Linh multiple times in front of her son. Fearing for her safety, her son dragged her from the street to the sidewalk and ran into the house to call 911 and her husband, who was at work.” According to Assistant Police Chief Robert Merner at a briefing on Dec. 16, the suspect fled. Nguyen was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, where she later died.
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JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20, 2017
35 YEARS