PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 34 NO 13
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
FREE
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
Wing Luke’s 90th birthday Celebration reveals fascinating history
EDUCATION Teaching in Panjin » P. 7
Changing palates affect Alaska seafood sales in Japan
Shinya Tasaki
Photo by George Liu
By Jeanette Lee Falsey Alaska Dispatch News
Wing Luke’s desk
By Assunta Ng Northwest Asian Weekly Did you know that the late Wing Luke, the first Asian American Seattle city councilman, started the preservation of the Pike Place Market campaign even though no history book credited him for it?
How did he win his enemies over? Why did he remain unmarried? What did he do to fight against discriminatory housing laws? What did he do to help minorities to get jobs? Wing died in a plane crash in 1965 on a fishing {see WING LUKE cont’d on page 15}
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Satomi Inaba grew up eating her mother’s boiled fish and mackerel sushi, but like many younger Japanese consumers today favors turf over surf in her own kitchen. Seafood she considers more troublesome to prepare and, frankly, rather smelly. “Although I like (the) taste of seafood, among all kinds of flesh, I actually prepare chicken, pork, or beef more often than seafood,” Inaba, 39, wrote in an
email interview from her home in Osaka. The changing palates of Japan’s younger generations are one reason Alaska’s most valuable export sector has lost ground there. Seafood exports to Japan fell in 2013 to the lowest level since 1999 before bouncing back slightly last year, according to International Trade Administration data. Long the dominant foreign market for Alaska seafood, {see FOOD cont’d on page 12}
Cricket in March Madness Building a history for immigrants
A sport that is not as niche as you might think
By Zachariah Bryan NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
India captain MS Dhoni led India to victory against Zimbabwe on March 14
By Jason Cruz Northwest Asian Weekly While the NCAA college basketball tournament has many hoop fans filling out their brackets to
see who will make it to the Final Four and win the NCAA Championship, another tournament is taking place on the other side of the world with just as much {see CRICKET cont’d on page 11}
For Patsy O’Connell, founder of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma, this project is a long time coming. After nearly 20 years, she is hoping for a slam-dunk development that will leave an imprint not only in Tacoma, but in the whole Puget Sound Region. A new 390,000 square-foot campus complete with 200 units of housing, a cultural center, retail and a grocery store/food court something along the lines of Uwajamaya in the International District.
“I want to make sure that the Asia Pacific Cultural Center is as equal as the Tacoma Art Museum, history Patsy O’Connell museum, or international glass museum,” O’Connel said. “It’s important that we share, show, using the five senses. … How great would it be for other countries to know that America really {see APCC cont’d on page 15}
The Inside Story NAMES People in the news » P. 2
■
EDUCATION Supporting diversity » P. 8
A&E Emma Lee Toyoda » P. 9
BLOG Herb Bridge & Wing Luke » P. 10
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asianweekly northwest
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MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
■ names in the news
■ briefly
McNally appointed CID-BIA Policy and Program Manager
Wayne Lau appointed to MarketShare Board of Directors
Wren McNally will be working with the Chinatown-ID community and advancing the mission of the neighborhood. She brings over 6 years of community development and project management experience to her role as Policy and Program Manager. As a recent Master in Urban Planning from the UW College of Built Environments, she is Wren McNally interested in the intersection between environmental sustainability, health, and equitable economic development. Prior to pursuing a career in urban planning, Wren managed community engagement and triple bottom line global business programs for the UW Foster School of Business. She holds an MA in International Affairs from the George Washington Elliott School and a BA in Asian Studies from Whitman College.
Lau has been recently appointed to the Board of Directors of MarketShare, a non-profit program which empowers immigrants and refugees to become small business owners of their own mobile food operation. Wayne has been a resident in Seattle since 1956 and is a Wayne Lau graduate of Rainier Beach High School. He has a 35 year plus career in commercial real estate lending and small business lending. He was founding executive of a local community commercial bank which had a strong niche and market focus on immigrant entrepreneurs and real estate investors. Wayne has served as Treasurer and board member of the International District Chinatown Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDPDA). Currently, he is Executive Director of Rainier Valley Community Development Fund and a director on the board of Seattle Goodwill Industries.
Louisa Building demolition
Chen publishes book on yoga
JACL 93rd Annual Banquet at Seattle University
The Seattle chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) will host the 93rd Annual Banquet and Fundraiser at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21 at Seattle University’s Campion Hall. Live performances in music, dance and poetry at the event will include a live musical performance by Seattle Opera. The company will preview an aria from An American Dream—a brand-new opera with a world premiere set for August 2015 at McCaw Hall. JACL’s 93rd Annual Banquet raises money for the community programs of the JACL. With more than 300 anticipated attendees, the group hopes to net $30,000 this year to provide scholarships for college students. In addition to the fundraiser, JACL will recognize three community leaders for their positive impacts on society. Honorees include The Seattle King County NAACP (Special Achievement in Civil Rights Award); The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience (Community Service Award); and Stanley Shikuma, a taiko performer and educator with Seattle Kokon Taiko, as well as APA community activist (Sam Shoji Unsung Hero Award).
Christine Chen
Christine Chen, recently published a new book, “HappyGo-Yoga.” Chen is a two-time Emmy Award winning American journalist, a certified Yoga instructor, and founder of Christine Chen Yoga. She has been an anchor and reporter for several U.S. television news networks. She is the managing partner of Chen Communications, a marketing communications consulting group founded in Seattle and based in New York City.
Louisa Building
The demolition of the Wah Mee Club and Liem’s Pet Shop of the historic Louisa Building located at 669 South King Street in Chinatown has been determined to be in late March. A Christmas Eve 2013 fire burned the western half of the building. The fire compromised the structure, leaving the roof and floor caved in many places.
Seattle University’s Campion Ballroom is located on James Way between Broadway and 12th Avenue. Parking is available in the Murphy Garage as well as on 12th Avenue. Early-bird registration is $90 until March 9. After that, the cost to attend is $120. To purchase tickets online, visit www.jaclseattle.org.
Friday, March 27, 2015 • 6-9 p.m. • New Hong Kong Restaurant • 900 S. Jackson St., Seattle • 206-223-7999 diversity.nwasianweeklyfoundation.org • rsvp@nwasianweekly.com • $25 for students & family • $45 regular ticket price Lucy Tran
Audrey Owuor
Albert Sohn
Rachel Liu
Sitara Nath
Long Tran
Warisha Soomro
Marco Bejarano-Oseguera
Leah Shin
Rachel Foley
Andrea Chen
Paula Watanabe
Michal Piszczek
Anna Lee Scott
Naomi Sanyika Moore
Jun Hui Won
Kairy Meza
Chase Lambert-Crittenden
Alex Doran
Gloria Hunkin
Jonathan Flores
Melissa Oueldescheikh
Anne-Liisa Vlasenko
Kathleen Chen
Isabel Gregario
Patrick Kissinger
Salem Abraha
Halimah Hussein
Molly Turner
Jerome Siangco
Ibrahim Perry
Lauren Anglin
Tim Lann
Emily Okawara
Aden Bahta
Millka Solomon
Lizbeth Gonzales
Madison Hall
Ace Wilson
Brianna Hoang Nguyen
Ji Hae Hong
Miana Coleman
Vera Okolo
Lisa Nguyen
Jessica Vu
Tyler Caseria
Nominated by Dr. Sabrina Sanchez Hazen High School Nominated by Susan Johnson Renton High School Nominated by Chris Holland Roosevelt High School Nominated by Pam Richards Shorewood High School Nominated by Alicea Rieger Kentrioge High School Nominated by Elizabeth Cable Kennedy Catholic High School Nominated by Bean Yogi Nova High School Nominated by Anita Macpherson Foster High School Nominated by Bean Yogi Nova High School Nominated by Michael Boxley Mountlake Terrace High School
PRIME SPONSORS
Ying Kam Chan Eng
SUPPORTING SPONSOR Washington Women’s Foundation
Nominated by Michael Boxley Mountlake Terrace High School Nominated by Kelly Wescott Tesla STEM High School Nominated by Angie Allemand Ingraham High School Nominated by Bonnie Vijarro Edmonds-Woodway High School Nominated by Shana Lipscomb Edmonds-Woodway High School Nominated by Bruce Mindt Edmonds-Woodway High School Nominated by Megan Diefenbach Holy Names Academy Nominated by Alice Tanaka Holy Names Academy Nominated by Alice Tanaka Holy Names Academy
Nominated by Meg Richman Franklin High School
Nominated by Shana Lipscomb Edmonds-Woodway High School Nominated by Shana Lipscomb Edmonds-Woodway High School Nominated by Laci Fults Kentwood High School
COMMUNITY SPONSORS Master Hong Yijiao Ruthann Kurose
Eric Liu
Linda Tsang
Nominated by Rose Smith Henry M. Jackson High School Nominated by Fonda Mongrain Todd Beamer High School
Nominated by Marjorie Hayton Eastside Catholic High School Nominated by Angela Smith Mariner High School Nominated by Alice Tanaka Nova High School Nominated by Steve Wiley Squalicum High School
Nominated by Aramis Johnson Squalicum High School Nominated by Molly Forry Shorecrest High School Nominated by Michelle Nilsen Squalicum High School
CORPORATE SPONSORS
June Chen Memorial Scholarship Fund
Nominated by Roxy Lewis Ingraham High School
Nominated by Lasinnda Mathewson Interlake High School Nominated by Lindzee Alvarez Interlake High School Nominated by Maire Dicarlo Bellarmine Preparatory School
Nominated by Matt Grant Olympia High School Nominated by Kathy Dorgan Olympia High School Nominated by Carrie Bowman Mercer Island High School Nominated by Karen Brown Auburn Riverside High School Nominated by Annie Zhou Juanita High School Nominated by Bob Serung Eastside Catholic High School
Nominated by Jefferson Vanderport Kentridge High School Nominated by Syaney Williams Highline High School Nominated by Kelly Boyer West Seattle High School Nominated by Ashleigh Bobovski Sehome High School
PANEL BRUCE HARRELL
TINA SOIKE
WILL MCNAMARA
Seattle City Council Member
Director of Engineering Port of Seattle
Chef Faculty South Seattle College
EMCEE THACH NGUYEN Thach Real Estate Group
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ education
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
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A+plus
“Diversity makes a difference” scholarship nominees Compiled by Andrew Kim Northwest Asian Weekly Each year, the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation offers scholarships for extraordinary students who contribute and play a part in promoting diversity in our community. Here is a sampling of a few of our many exceptional nominations: Emily Okawara, Kentridge High School “Emily is an outstanding academic student who also helped start the Japanese Heritage Club at Kentridge. She challenges herself with Honors and AP courses but still maintains a 4.0 GPA. In doing so, Emily has earned the respect of her teachers and she is considered to be a leader who takes initiative. At an early age, Emily had to struggle with the complexity of her multi-cultural background but now understands/appreciates her unique background. Her struggles have helped her grow into a responsible, respectful, and self-confident student who has a genuine appreciation for diversity.” Molly Turner, Bellarmine Prepatory School “Molly is a unique student who has achieved success in leadership, academics, and music. She is a creative genius who composes musical scores and participates in the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association. Molly’s passionate work ethic is demonstrated by her high ranking chair in the Youth
Emily Okawara
Molly Turner
Symphony and her willingness to go the extra mile to volunteer with other orchestras and teach others. She has also demonstrated her ability to be comfortable in advanced classes where she constantly seeks improvement and welcomes critical feedback.” Leah Shin, Henry M. Jackson High School “With great energy and thought, Leah spearheaded the creation of the Literacy for Love club at Henry M. Jackson High School. Literacy for Love provides reading related services to students of all ages and distributes books to underserved populations. Leah’s activities in creating the club have led to seventy active student members, collection of over $50,000 for a book drive, and a partnership with the Big Brother/Big Sister program. She has also leveraged her own experiences as a former English Language Learner (ELL) to create programs to help current ELL students. These include finding different ways to engage ELL students with teachers and students and promoting literacy by matching reading levels and small
Leah Shin
Kathleen Chen
incentives. She participates in the monthly University of Washington Young Executive of Color business sessions, and captaining the Varsity Girls’ Golf team. She also serves as the Senior Class President and on the City of Mill Creek’s Youth Advisory Board as Activities Director.”
Kathleen Chen, Interlake High School “Kathleen is an exceptional student who is conscientious and hardworking. She currently works with the American Immigration Forums to share the voice of immigrants, provide education on immigration policy, and advocate for an immigration policy which aligns with the people in America. Kathleen also works with Families with Children from China, an organization that helps adopted Chinese children experience Chinese culture. Kathleen is a leader who is committed to cross-cultural diversity and awareness in our community.” Andrew Kim can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.
asianweekly northwest
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MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
■ world news
Vanuatu president: Stormwrecked country must ‘start anew’ By Elaine Kurtenbach Associated Press
SENDAI, Japan (AP) — The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has lost years of development progress and must “start anew” following a powerful cyclone that destroyed or damaged 90 percent of the buildings in the capital of Port Vila, the country’s president said Monday. Baldwin Lonsdale, visibly weary and red eyed from lack of sleep, said in an interview with The Associated Press that he and other top government officials were preparing to return home later Monday from Sendai, in northeastern Japan, where they were attending a disaster conference. Australia, which along with New Zealand and France is providing rescue and relief help, offered transport from Sydney to Port Vila, his staff said. Lonsdale said that the limited information he was able to
get from home showed six people confirmed dead, and 30 injured and hospitalized on Port Vila after the category 5 typhoon smashed across the Vanuatu archipelago. He said information from other islands was not available because most communication links were still not working. But the airport in Port Vila has reopened, allowing aid and relief flights to reach the country. Port Vila is on the country’s main island of Efate. “This is a very devastating cyclone in Vanuatu. I term it as a monster, a monster. It’s a setback for the government and for the people of Vanuatu. After all the development that has taken place, all this development has been wiped out.” “So it means we will have to start anew again,” Lonsdale said. He appealed for humanitarian aid for the homeland he called “paradise on Earth.”
Ex-top China military official, facing bribery probe, dies AP Wire Service
BEIJING (AP) — The Chinese military’s former second-highest ranking officer, Xu Caihou, who had been under investigation for alleged bribe-taking and brokering of promotions, has died in a hospital of cancer, the state Xinhua News Agency reported early Monday. He was 71. A former deputy chairman of the ruling Communist Party’s Central Military Commission, Xu was the most senior military figure detained in a sweeping crackdown on corruption within the party launched by President Xi Jinping. Xu died of advanced bladder cancer that had spread throughout his body and of multiple organ failure, Xinhua said.
Xu had been expelled from the party in June and his rank as general revoked, but an indictment had not yet been announced. The Xinhua report said the criminal investigation against him would now be dropped because of his death. Officials last year had been quoted as saying that Xu was ill with bladder cancer and would get appropriate treatment, but also that the case against him would go forward, in a sign of Xi’s determination to root out wrongdoing at all levels. In addition to being president and head of the party, Xi also chairs the powerful party and government commissions that oversee the 2.3 million-member People’s {see XU cont’d on page 13}
“Tarpaulins, water containers, medical needs, gathering tools, construction tools, all these are very important right now,” Lonsdale said. Aerial surveillance Sunday showed some communities flattened, the head of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society, Hannington Alatoa, said. Lonsdale said 1,000 people in Port Vila alone have been evacuated, while aid personnel from Australia, France, and New Zealand have arrived to assess the damage. Lonsdale said early warning systems and preparations in advance of the storm likely kept casualties to a minimum. The leaders from Vanuatu found a receptive audience in Sendai, where the United Nations is working to craft a new framework for disaster risk reduction. Talks on an agreement have proven more difficult than expected, those {see VANUATU cont’d on page 11}
Official: 4 Filipino nurses kidnapped from Sirte, Libya By Esam Mohamed Associated Press
TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Militants from the Islamic State affiliate in Libya kidnapped four nurses from the Philippines in broad daylight from a hospital in the city of Sirte, while several others were evacuated on Monday, a militia official said. The official who belongs to the 166 Battalion, a militia which is battling the Islamic State affiliate, told The Associated Press that the kidnapping took place in the afternoon from Sirte’s main hospital, called Ibn Sina. He added that his battalion helped evacuate the remaining foreign medical crew in the hospital to the city of Misrata, where the battalion is based. The incident adds to growing a list of foreign nationals including Filipinos who were seized during the same group’s raids on oil fields south of Sirte in recent weeks. The battalion had also come under attack by a car bomber a day earlier, according to
witnesses who said that the bomber struck the militia’s base Misrata, killing one person and injuring a second. The official and the witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press and for fear of reprisal. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. It comes amid ongoing clashes between militants of an Islamic State affiliate in Libya and the militia near the central city of Sirte. Libya, engulfed in militia violence and torn between dueling governments, has been gripped by turmoil since its 2011 civil war and the killing of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The IS-affiliated militants carried out a deadly attack on a luxury hotel in Tripoli in January, and in February released a video showing them beheading 21 Egyptian Christians. The Egyptian military launched airstrikes on the IS stronghold of Darna in retaliation.
Convicted rapist faces life in federal prison for child porn AP Wire Service
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A convicted child rapist faces up to life in prison after being convicted Tuesday in Los Angeles of producing child pornography in the Philippines. Stanley Dan Reczko III, 50, of Los Angeles, was convicted by a federal judge of producing child porn while registered as a sex offender. That follows his conviction by a jury last month of sexually exploiting a Filipino girl by taking explicit photos of her, prosecutors said. Reczko (retch-KOH’), who was convicted in 1997 of raping a 14-year-old girl in New York state, began grooming the victim in the case by phone beginning in 2003 when she was 13, according to court papers. He traveled to the Philippines in December 2005 and had sex with the girl and married her a month later when she
was 15 in a ceremony that was a sham because he was married and she was too young to wed, according to court papers. Reczko began taking photos of the girl in 2006. After he beat her in 2007, she told her parents and went to the police, but nothing was done. Reczko was arrested after the girl took a CD of the photos to the International Justice Mission, a non-governmental organization, and investigators were contacted at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Defense lawyer David J.P. Kaloyanides said Reczko has significant appellate issues. There were inconsistencies with evidence of where and when the photos were taken and where the CDs were burned, and other evidence was insufficient, Kaloyanides said. Reczko faces at least 35 years in prison and up to life in prison when sentenced May 18, said Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ community
news
Fraud
Wife indicted and husband at large The ex-wife of a former Chinese official was arrested today in Newcastle, Washington, on charges that she and her former husband fraudulently obtained visas to enter the United States through the immigrant investor program and laundered money to purchase property in Washington state. Shilan Zhao 51, of Newcastle, Washington, and her ex-husband Jianjun Qiao 51, are charged in a federal grand jury indictment unsealed today with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud and international transport of stolen funds, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering. Zhao is additionally charged with one count of immigration fraud. The divorced couple’s scheme involved falsely portraying themselves as still married and lying about the source of Zhao’s foreign investment, which was required under the EB-5 immigrant investor program to obtain U.S. immigrant visas, according to the indictment. Zhao allegedly stated under oath on documents submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that she had an ownership interest in the companies providing the $500,000 minimum investment, which investigators later learned she did not. The indictment also states the divorced couple purchased a residence in the Seattle suburb of Newcastle with laundered money related to fraudulent transactions from a grain storehouse in Zhoukou City, Henan Province, China where Qiao served as director from 1998 to 2011.
As part of the indictment, the federal government is seeking the forfeiture of property obtained through the proceeds of the scheme, including the house in Newcastle, Washington. The indictment also alleges that Qiao engaged in fraudulent grain transactions while serving as the grain storehouse director, and Qiao and Zhao had money transferred out of China, with approximately $500,000 being used to purchase the Newcastle property. Zhao appeared Tuesday afternoon in federal court in Seattle, Washington, where the indictment was unsealed. At the government’s request, Zhao was ordered detained (held without bond) and is scheduled to be back in court in Seattle on Friday. Qiao remains at large and is being sought by U.S. authorities. If convicted, Zhao faces statutory maximum sentences of five years in federal prison for the charges of conspiracy to commit international transport of stolen funds and immigration fraud, 10 years for the immigration fraud charge, and 20 years for the money laundering conspiracy charge. This case is the product of a joint investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, which received assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Investigators also acknowledge the assistance provided by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate and Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China.
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
■ world news Britain applies to join Chinese-led Asian bank By Joe McDonald AP Business Writer
BEIJING (AP) — Britain has become the first major Western government to apply for membership in a proposed Chinese-led Asian regional bank that Washington worries will undercut institutions such as the World Bank. The British Treasury said Thursday it will join talks this month on the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s structure and governance arrangements. China proposed the bank in 2013 to finance construction of roads and other infrastructure. It has pledged to put up most of its initial $50 billion in capital. Twenty-one other governments including India, New Zealand and Thailand have said they want to join. For now, the United States and its close allies Japan, South Korea and Australia are not part of the new club. The bank is one of a series of initiatives by Beijing to increase its influence in global finance and expand trade links with Asian neighbors and developing countries in Africa and Latin America. Washington has expressed concern the new Asian bank will allow looser lending standards for the environment, labor rights and financial transparency, undercutting the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki described close ally Britain’s application to join the bank as a “sovereign decision” but reiterated U.S. concerns over the bank’s standards. “We hope and expect that the United Kingdom will use its voice to push for the adoption of high standards,” Psaki told reporters in Washington on Friday. China is the top trading partner for most of its neighbors. They want to promote commercial ties but are uneasy about Beijing’s strategic ambitions, especially at a time when
it is embroiled in territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea and with Vietnam and other Southeast Asian neighbors in the South China Sea. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, said Beijing welcomed Britain’s application to join the bank. “The bank will be founded on the principle of openness. We welcome all prospective countries to join,” said Hong. “It will enable all prospective members to share Asia’s growth opportunities.” Speaking in Tokyo, the World Bank president said Friday his Washington-based institution welcomes the new source of financing for infrastructure developing economies urgently need. “We welcome the entry of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank,” said Jim Yong Kim, an American, at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan. “We welcome it because of the extraordinary need for infrastructure.” Beijing has tried to soothe security concerns, insisting its initiatives are not aimed at any potential foreign rival. “The initiatives are not China’s solo, but a symphony performed by all relevant countries,” said Foreign Minister Wang Yi this week, according to state television. The British Treasury’s announcement said it would try to ensure the Asian bank “embodies the best standards in accountability, transparency and governance.” Joining will help Britain promote commercial ties with Asia, said the British finance minister, George Osborne, in the statement. “Joining the AIIB at the founding stage will create an unrivalled opportunity for the U.K. and Asia to invest and grow together,” said Osborne. Other member governments include Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Mongolia, {see ASIAN BANK cont’d on page 12}
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asianweekly northwest
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MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR
■ briefly
THU 3/19
Thailand’s 87-yearold king makes rare trip outside hospital
WHAT: The big picture of the mobile landscape & insight into the internet of things WHERE: Imperial Garden Restaurant, 18230 E. Valley Highway, Kent WHEN: 5:45-8 p.m. COST: $30 INFO: 425-251-1600
FRI 3/20 WHAT: Citizen University 2015 National Conference WHERE: Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion, 298 2nd Ave. N., Seattle WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
SAT 3/21 WHAT: API Blood Drive WHERE: Chinese Baptist Church, 5801 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle WHEN: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. INFO: www.bloodworksnw.org/ drives WHAT: Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs public board meeting WHERE: City of Lacey Maintenance Services Center, 1200 College St. S.E., Lacey COST: Free WHAT: Art Exhibit & Reception for Artist Sunyoung Kwon WHERE: APCC, 4851 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma
WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
SAT 3/21 & SUN 3/22 WHAT: Vegfest 2015 WHERE: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle WHEN: 10 a.m. COST: $8/adults, free for kids 12 and under INFO: www.vegofwa.org
WED 3/25 WHAT: NAAAP Seattle Diversity Career Mixer WHERE: Suite Lounge, 10500 N.E. 8th St., Bellevue WHEN: 6-9 p.m. INFO: hang.chen@naaapseattle. org
FRI 3/27 WHAT: 7th Annual Tomodachi Luncheon with guess speaker George Takei WHERE: Seattle University, Campion Ballroom, 914 E. Jefferson St., Seattle WHEN: 12-2 p.m.
FRI 3/27 THRU SUN 4/12 WHAT: 5th Annual Plate of Nations WHERE: MLK Jr. Way S., Seattle WHEN: All day, every day from 3/27 thru 4/12
COST: $15-$25 INFO: plateofnations.com
SAT 3/28 WHAT: Annual White Center 5K Walk & Run WHERE: White Center, Heights Park WHEN: 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race time ENTRY FEE: 0-5 free, 6-12: $5, 13-18: $25, 19-54: $30, 55+: $25 REGISTER: whitecenter5k. brownpapertickets.com INFO: 206-692-1082 WHAT: Wahine Fitness Kickoff WHERE: APCC, 4851 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma WHEN: 8 a.m. INFO: nhpimoveit@weebly.com WHAT: The Filipino American Community of Yakima Valley’s 63rd anniversary WHERE: 211 West 2nd St., Wapato WHEN: 12-4 p.m. COST: $12-$15 INFO: 509-840-2266 WHAT: Korean American Coalition of Washington Kick-off Event WHERE: Holiday Inn, 211 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle WHEN: 6-9 p.m. INFO: rsvp@kacwashington.org
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s 87-year-old king on Monday made a rare visit outside the hospital to observe development projects at his palace in Bangkok. King Bhumibol Adulyadej took a one-hour trip from the riverside hospital where he has spent most of his time in recent years to see a rice mill and a solar energy exhibit at his royal residence in central Bangkok. He was wearing a yellow short-sleeved shirt as his wheelchair passed cheering crowds at the hospital. The ailing monarch was admitted to Siriraj Hospital in October for a fever that the doctors said was caused by an infection. His hospitalization came a few months after he returned to his seaside palace south of Bangkok, following an almost four-year hospital stay that began in 2009 for a lung inflammation. Worries about the king’s health and succession have contributed to Thailand’s political instability of the last eight years. His wife, Queen Sirikit, apparently suffered a stroke in
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
2012. The 82-year-old queen has made almost no public appearances since she was admitted to the same hospital that year after experiencing symptoms indicative of a stroke.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ education
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
7
Teaching in Panjin A view of the world through Chinese students’ eyes
MUN students
Panjin High School
Lynne Curry with students
By Lynne Curry Northwest Asian Weekly
above sea level.” Representing the Maldives, the student asked the US delegate, “Can your country help my country buy another island, some place to live?” The US delegate, a Chinese teenage boy with a warm smile and a small swagger, responded, “No, we don’t have the money.” “Your country is a big polluter and you should help,” chastised an unexpected voice from a younger Chinese boy representing Germany. Smiles broke out as excitement rippled through the classroom. “It’s not only about money,” interjected another Chinese girl. “What country wants to give up its land to another country?” In an American classroom, this exchange about the impact of climate change would not be unusual, but we were not in the US. These are elite students attending one of Panjin’s best high schools, a huge, imposing building with sweeping
grounds, multiple basketball courts, and it is the academic home to 6,000 students. To be eligible to go there students must pass an entrance exam and their parents must buy, not rent, a home within the vicinity. But challenging opinions—the mainstay of a Model UN class, which functions much like how the real UN operates—is not a common practice for Chinese students who are much more accustomed to writing down what teachers say without questioning it. In the classes, the students collected many facts about their specific countries, but had limited or no research experience in compiling and organizing only facts relevant to their countries’ positions. And the college entrance exam does not test Englishspeaking abilities, resulting in teachers not emphasizing its importance and students too shy to talk. Despite their academic hurdles, the students’ work ethic and curiosity were formidable. They didn’t quibble
I was part of a select team of sixteen teachers chosen to give a taste of an American-style classroom to Chinese students in a two-week winter camp just prior to Chinese New Year. Some of us were in Panjin, China, a coastal city about 350 miles north of Beijing. My role was to teach a Model United Nations (MUN) class to Chinese students familiar only with rote memorization and intense study required to pass China’s dreaded, all-or-nothing college entrance exam called the “gao kao.” After gentle encouragement and much explanation about how the UN operates, high school students summoned their courage to attempt for the first time the cut-and-thrust of a debate about climate change, the subject of the MUN class. “My country will be flooded and my people will not have a home,” said a petite Chinese teenage girl as all eyes in the classroom were trained on her. “My country is one meter
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{see PANJIN cont’d on page 12}
asianweekly northwest
8
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
■ education
Supporting student and workplace diversity
Photo by Minal Singh/NWAW
Seattle Colleges gets acclaim
Jill Wakefield
By Peggy Chapman Northwest Asian Weekly The Seattle Colleges recently received the American Association of Community
Colleges award for national equity. The Seattle Colleges system has impressive numbers when it comes to representing diversity. The minority student population is 52 percent. This is in contrast to the
combined total minority demographics for King County, Seattle, and Washington state, which is approximately 34 percent. Seattle Colleges also has a diverse workforce of 36 percent. Jill Wakefield, Chancellor of Seattle Colleges, commented that there needs to be faculty that represents the students, “that want to work here.” Currently, the demographics are 38 percent African American, 35 percent Asian American, 12 percent Hispanic. Approximately 60 percent of the students are first-generation college students. Seattle Colleges is also the number one provider of transferring community college students to the University of Washington. Seattle Central is considered the most diverse of the Seattle Colleges system, but she said “We are not there yet. We can always do better.” According to Wakefield, recruitment in
diverse communities includes recruiters and advisory groups that go to community centers, high schools, and also placing ads in community newspapers. Seattle Colleges highlights include initiating a BA degree, supporting the “Occupy Seattle” movement, the Vocational Institute, offering certificates in healthcare, and the changing of the name (from Seattle Community College). Wakefield also addressed that there is an initiative to address the idea of teacher as lecturer when it comes to higher education, reinforcing the concept of professor as comrade. “These are brilliant students, some not confident in their abilities. We want to help them achieve their goals.” Peggy Chapman can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ arts & entertainment
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
9
Just beginning! Emma Lee Toyoda is already making noise
By Andrew Hamlin Northwest Asian Weekly
or motivated my pursuit of music, but it’s definitely made me hypersensitive to noticing when a musician is Asian, especially if it’s a female Asian musician! Especially if it’s a female Asian musician rocking out.
Local singer-songwriter Emma Lee Toyoda took a complex but rewarding path to musical autonomy, as she details below. Toyoda recently took third place in the Experience Music Project’s “Sound Off!” competition for musicians under 21. She answered some questions over email. NWAW: Did you grow up in Seattle? If so, which neighborhoods and schools did you attend? Toyoda: Born and raised! I live in the north end by Lake City/Sandpoint. I went to John Rogers Elementary, AE2 Elementary (now Thorton Creek Elementary), Salmon Bay Middle School, and Nathan Hale High School. NWAW: What were your most important formative experiences, growing up? Toyoda: My family owns a Japanese Restaurant in Lake City called Toyoda Sushi, so I’ve grown up in the restaurant business and have been running credit cards and delivering checks to tables for as long as I can remember! However, restaurant hours are difficult to juggle with raising a family. Luckily, my two older brothers and I were blessed with incredible grandparents who served as a second set of parents. My grandpa, who escaped from war-torn Korea to Japan then immigrated to America, really instilled in us the importance of education and how lucky we were to be American citizens. Some of
Emma Lee Toyoda
my fondest memories are of studying with him after school; memorizing all the U.S. presidents, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, times tables—you name it! There were times when I wished I could just play with my friends, but looking back on it now I’m so appreciative of the time I spent with him. NWAW: How did you discover music? Which acts were your first musical loves, and why? Toyoda: There’s so many ways to answer this! From about 1st to 4th grade I took piano lessons, so I had the classical training under my belt. owever, I didn’t start playing the music I play today till 9th grade. Growing up with two older brothers, I idolized and copied basically everything they did, and so I listened to what they
listened to. Yuki (21) always was into rap and hip-hop, and Ty (23) was always into rock, so naturally my taste in music was a medley of both. My first musical love I can remember was Aaron Carter... But the first serious band I remember getting into was The Doors. Jim Morrison’s dark sultry voice left a long-lasting impression on me. NWAW: How does your Japanese American identity influence your psychology and your music? How has this grown and changed over the years? Toyoda: Being half Japanese and half Korean, it’s definitely hard to find female Asian musicians to relate or look up to. While there are some, it’s much rarer to see, especially in the kind of music that I regularly listen to. Not sure if it’s hindered
NWAW: Which instrument did you first learn to play? Which others have you added? Toyoda: My first instrument was the piano, then in 4th-5th grade I took violin lessons, then my brother got an electric guitar so naturally I picked that up as well! In 9th grade my friends Daniel Lorigan and Khyre Matthews got me a ukulele, in 10th grade I got a mandolin (probably my least skilled instrument), then last year I picked up the banjo! And now I’m discovering how to play non-classical music on the piano— which is a whole new world in itself. NWAW: How did you begin to write songs? Who influenced you, and how, when it came to songwriting? Toyoda: My good friend Khyre Matthews was probably the most paramount person in getting me to start seriously singing and playing music— before we started playing covers of Neutral Milk Hotel and the Gorillaz, I never really thought of actively creating music. As far as songwriting influences, bands like Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens, and Bryan John Appleby definitely played a huge role. Their narrative-style songs that evoke such strong imagery and emotions are definitely {see TOYODA cont’d on page 14}
asianweekly northwest
10
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
■ PUBLISHER'S BLOG
OPINION
Herb: A bridge for all
Two Seattle giants honored: Mr. Downtown Admiral Herb Bridge and Wing Luke
Presenting birthday cake to Herb
From left: Herb’s partner Edie Hilliard, Bridge daughter-in-law Simcha Shtull, son Dan Bridge, Herb Bridge, son Jon Bridge and daughter-in-law Bobbe Bridge
Jon Bridge spoke to the audience
Photos by George Liu/NWAW
Left to right: Herb, grandson Zach, Tawny (Zach’s wife), great grandson Eli
{see BLOG cont’d on page 13}
Want to get the inside scoop on the latest happenings of Seattle’s Asian American community? Follow Publisher Assunta Ng’s blog at nwasianweekly.com under the Opinion section.
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400 family and friends to Herb when he entered the museum. Then a chorus of “Happy Birthday” greeted Herb. Emotions overwhelmed Herb, who was obviously shocked. He was so touched that he cried several times throughout the evening. In his speech, he wished the audience would have the same experience as …“You have given me tonight.” How did the family pull this surprise party off? Dad, we won’t celebrate with you on your birthday, we will do something the day after, his son Jon said. “He (dad) was disappointed.” Though Herb thought Jon was a little heartless, he said at his age, his philosophy was not to take things personally. Meantime, Leonard Garfield, MOHAI director, wrote Herb a letter to invite him to the museum for a special donors’ reception. Herb never suspected a thing, he never thought his friends including Mayor Ed Murray, would scheme in the “conspiracy.” The mayor gave Herb, Mr. Downtown, a proclamation and declared Mar. 14, Herb Bridge Day. At least three API groups have recognized Herb’s community service, including the Japanese American Citizens League and Executive Development Institute. He was honored several times early in life, and even more the last five years. At 90, Herb is in great shape, sharp-witted, funny, charming, compassionate, and wise. And he doesn’t even need glasses. Also, he looks tough for a 90-year-old, with a straight back with acuity even better than some folks younger than him. I wouldn’t be surprised if
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What do the late Seattle City Councilmember Wing Luke (Asian) and Admiral Herb Bridge (not Asian), have in common? They both fostered communities, found strengths in others and created goodwill and harmony out of chaos and hate. “Wing Luke and Herb Bridge were both members of the Greatest Generation,” said former Supreme Court Justice Faith Ireland. Both were born in 1925; Wing in February and Jewish American Herb on Mar. 14. Coincidentally, both birthday celebrations were held on Mar. 14, the same day, and in a museum: Wing’s 90th birthday celebration at the Wing Luke Asian Museum in the afternoon, and Herb’s 90th surprise party in the evening at the Museum of History and Industry MOHAI. Faith and I were the only ones who attended both events. “They were exceptional patriots,” said Faith. “Herb Bridge rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. Wing Luke served in Guam, Korea, New Guinea, New Britain, and the Philippines where he received the Bronze star. They were both minorities, Herb a Jew, Wing, Chinese. Herb was born into a successful, assimilated family... They both valued their heritage. Herb, ‘Mr. Downtown,’ embodied leadership among businessmen and civic activists, promoting education, equality, diversity and philanthropy. “…More than anything to me they shared the quality of being gentlemen warriors of the highest order, fierce but calm, visionary, generous, forgiving and loving,” said Faith. “Surprise!” shouted
A history of Herb’s family published two years ago
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
{VANUATU cont’d from page 4}
OPINION
■ commentary
Rice and peanut butter and jelly By Emily Okawara Northwest Asian Weekly
While I was sitting in the cafeteria with the rest of my second grade class, the recess teacher who helped me to open my lunch told me it smelled disgusting. And from that day on, I began to hate it. The way that my friend’s parents tried to be courteous by making me rice to go with my hot dog when I stayed for dinner. The accent my father spoke with when he volunteered in my classroom. The un-American, un-traditional Christmas dinner I was served, and the way that my peers would look at me and expect me to be a math genius. And it’s not that I wasn’t exceptional at algebra or that I didn’t enjoy the rice – I was different. I was half Japanese. I went out of my way to bring a paper sack lunch with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day, and tried not to hang around the “Asian crowd.” Anything and everything that would have associated me with being Asian, I would hide – my grades, my family traditions, my interests. I was desperate to get out of that stereotype. So desperate that I did not realize I
was forsaking a big part of who I was. I did not realize! I did not realize that I could always win the game of two truths and a lie because nobody would believe that I had two passports. I did not realize that I was the only one of my friends to have the opportunity to travel to Tokyo Disneyland, or experience the rich culture of schools, temples, and gardens all over Japan. Now, I realize how lucky I am to be a part of two incredible cultures. I realize that because of my story, I am able to understand and appreciate the differences of all world cultures from a special lens. Through the years, I have found the courage to fully embrace my culture – helping to found a Japanese Heritage Club at my school, participating in community events, and using my background to constantly enhance the culture of my environment in many ways. Through my own background, I have fully realized the importance of diversity within a community. I know that wherever my future takes me, I will carry this knowledge with me to create a richly cultural and diverse environment around me.
{CRICKET cont’d from page 1} fandom and probably as many viewers. The International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup is taking place in Australia and New Zealand. Play began on February 15th and runs through March 29th. The tournament features 14 countries vying for the championship and the possibility of a $4.2 million (U.S. dollars) grand prize for the winner. Last year’s winner, India, looks to repeat as the champion. In addition, South Asian countries Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are competing in this year’s tournament. The tournament, similar to the structure of soccer’s World Cup, has a round robin format to start. The 14 countries in the tournament are split into two, seven team “pools.” After pool play, the tournament then moves into a “knockout” stage where the winner of the match moves on and the loser is eliminated. The tournament is widely popular all over the world as reflected through the amount of viewership for the matches. This year, on the official tournament web site of the ICC World Cup, web traffic has grown over 1,500 percent since the last major ICC event and there have been over 26 million unique visitors to the web site since the
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
involved say, because of issues largely related to financing and responsibility-sharing between developing and wealthy nations. Japan convened the conference in Sendai to highlight progress in recovery and reconstruction following a massive earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that struck its northeastern coast in March 2011, killing more than 18,500 people. But Lonsdale said the timing of the storm, which has put Vanuatu’s plight in the spotlight, was a “wonder.”
“It is a miracle that we are here during this conference,” he said. “This conference is about disaster risk reduction. What is happening in Vanuatu is the reality. The reality of what is happening right now.” Although communications have been partially restored in Vanuatu, Lonsdale and other officials said they had not yet been able to contact their own families. “We do not know if our families are safe or not,” he said. “As the leader of the nation, my whole heart is for the people, the nation.” Associated Press writers Miki Toda and Koji Ueda contributed to this report.
Have a story idea that you think would fit perfectly in Northwest Asian Weekly? We want to know about it. Send it to us at info@nwasianweekly.c om.
tournament began February 15th. While cricket is a niche sport in the United States, it is extremely popular in India. The sport originated from the British aristocracy and grew with the expansion of the British Empire. Thus, many countries with ties to English rule have adopted the game. Although cricket is a “bat and ball” game it is vastly different from American baseball. There are 11 players to a side playing in the center of a field which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats while the other team “bowls” and fields. There are two innings with each team taking a turn at batting and bowling. An inning is comprised of 50 “overs”. An over is six legal balls thrown to the batsman. An out can be recorded if a ball is batted and caught by a fielder. The team that bowls (think pitching like in baseball) is trying to knock down sets of wickets (three tall stakes with two sticks lying on top) that are set up behind the batter. The bowler throws the ball overhand to the batter with the intent of dislodging the wickets behind the batter. The batter attempts to defend the wickets by batting the ball and scoring runs in the process. A run is scored when a batsman hits the ball and runs to the other end of the pitch without the ball being caught. The team with the most runs, while dismissing members from the
other team wins. The batter uses an oblong bat and batting gloves. Bats are expensive, with a cost of around $400. Cricket balls, which are hard, solid balls, cost about $15 per ball. In addition to the basic equipment of bat and ball, there is extensive protective gear used by cricket players including gloves, shin protection and a helmet with a face mask. The sport of cricket is played locally in several leagues. Notably, there are groups that play at Marymoor Park in Redmond and Magnuson Park in Seattle. In addition to India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the World Cup features teams from Afghanistan, Australia, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the West Indies and Zimbabwe. At this point in the tournament, India looks poised to repeat as it is 6 and 0 in the round robin matches. The tournament will now enter into the knockout rounds. For more information on the Cricket World Cup including results, the tournament’s official site is: www.icc-cricket. com. Jason Cruz can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.
KING COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ADVERTISEMENT King County is requesting Proposals from qualified firms interested in providing structural plan review on a work order basis for King County’s Department of Permitting and Environmental Review. The Request for Proposals, all addenda and current document holder’s list are available on the internet at http://www.kingcounty.gov/ procurement. The County will not mail, ship or fax RFPs and addenda. Interested firms must register with the County at time of download and ensure that a valid contact email address is given. Notification of addenda will be sent to the registered email address. Failure to register will result in the Proposer not being notified of any addenda, which may result in rejection of the proposal. The County may award up to one (1) contract with a maximum price of $500,000. The contract will have an initial period of performance of one (1) year. The County reserves the right to amend the contract duration in one (1) year increments up
11
to a maximum of three (3) years, if funds remain. Contract Title: Work Order Structural Plan Review Services for the Department of Permitting and Environmental Review Number: E00359E15 Proposals due: April 3, 2015 Time: 5:00 p.m. Pre-proposal Meeting: March 24, 2015 Time: 2:30 p.m. Location: Room 328 (Dahlia), Chinook Building, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle WA 98104 SUMMARY OF WORK: The selected consultant will provide structural plan review for code compliance of construction documents submitted with development permit applications to DPER. SUBCONSULTANT OPPORTUNITIES: Provided for informational purposes only, following are subconsulting opportunities that may be available on this Contract: Construction Document Review SCS UTILIZATION REQUIREMENTS: The
Consultant shall ensure that at least 10% of the Total Price for all executed Work Orders, as amended, shall be performed by King County Certified SCS Firms over the life of the Contract. Evaluation points for meeting and/or exceeding the SCS utilization requirements will be provided to each Proposer responding to this requirement. King County will not evaluate the proposal and will not execute a contract with a Proposer who does not commit to meet at least the SCS utilization requirement as stated above. QUESTIONS: Questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Gib Myers, Contract Specialist at 206-263-9323, TTY Relay: 711. The Proposer may be requested to submit the question in writing. No verbal answers by County personnel will be binding on the County. This information is available in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities upon advance request by calling 206-263-9400, TTY Relay: 711.
asianweekly northwest
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MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
{FOOD cont’d from page 1} Japan slipped into second in 2009, behind China. An influx of less-expensive farmed Chilean salmon to Japan, demand for Alaska seafood in other markets and the relatively high cost of processing fish in Japan are among the many reasons for the decline, the Alaska Dispatch News (http:// bit.ly/1aYgKBs), an Anchorage newspaper, reported. And a growing number of younger consumers refuse to eat the dishes savored by their parents and grandparents. Herring roe, a delicacy served or gifted at the New Year, is a case in point. “I eat herring roe on rare occasions,” Inaba said. “I think it tastes OK, but my husband says he is not eager to eat it. It seems a food more associated with older generations.” Seafood’s popularity among younger Japanese consumers is shaky enough that representatives from seafood trade associations and the government now visit schools to educate students on the merits of eating fish. Per-capita consumption of beef, chicken and pork surpassed that of seafood each year starting in 2009, according to a report by Japan’s fisheries ministry. Consumers are increasingly opting for Western dishes based on meat and poultry in part because they believe seafood prep is messy and somewhat confusing, while disposal is smelly. “I think seafood is a less convenient meal to prepare at home comparing to other foods,” wrote Yumiko Fukushima of Kusatsu City in an email interview. Aside from not having many seafood recipes on hand, Fukushima, 48, finds that “it is a bit cumbersome to take care of seafood garbage as it smells.” She cooks seafood once a week or less. When she does cook it, she sticks to no-fuss meals such as boiled fish and crab legs. Alexa Tonkovich, international program director at the {PANJIN cont’d from page 7} about having to translate extensive English climate change vocabulary and they were eager to learn about international controversy, whether it was the Ukrainian crisis or the Fukushima nuclear disaster. They were also fascinated to learn about the diplomatic role that the British actress Emma Watson who played Hermione, the smart, bossy best friend of Harry Potter from the film series of the same name, has assumed. She is now the UN Goodwill Women Ambassador representing women’s empowerment. About half of the students had vivid memories of her as Hermione. By week’s end, student efforts to understand how to discuss their countries’ positions on climate change in English paid off and the kids began to have fun. One grinning, bespectacled Chinese teenager representing the US yelled “No way!” when a Chinese girl asked for financial aid to help Mexico buy new technology to clean its air and water. After realizing she could bargain,
publicly funded Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, said its Tokyo-based staff is trying to counter the perception seafood is difficult to handle by staging demonstrations for home cooks and introducing time-saving tips through its “Cook It Frozen” campaign. Among consumers, the institute is focused on winning over more Japanese women aged about 35-60 years old who have college degrees and live in affluent urban households — women such as Inaba and Fukushima. The marketing institute also works with “seafood ambassador” Shinya Tasaki, a master sommelier and celebrity restaurateur. Tasaki, who owns three upscale Tokyo restaurants, presides over Alaska seafood and wine tastings. He helps create recipes for a variety of species, including lesser-known ones such as Atka mackerel and pollock roe. Whether it was Tasaki’s suave visage or other factors that improved Alaska seafood’s showing in Japan last year, seafood marketers and trade specialists don’t know. Between the high-water mark of 2005 and 2013, the market there for Alaska seafood dropped by 49 percent. In 2014, king crab, herring roe, sockeye salmon, and other species captured more export value for a 7 percent gain, but it’s too early to know why. Trends in Japan have not doomed the seafood industry, which, overall, has had exports grow since 1999. The industry as a whole last year captured nearly half of the state’s export dollars. More of Alaska’s aquatic edibles actually reach Japan than the numbers imply. A large share no longer goes directly from Alaska to Japan, but joins the global flow of seafood passing through countries such as China, Thailand, or Vietnam, where processing plant workers receive lower wages. The deboned, filleted and packaged products are then shipped to Japan, Europe, or even back to the U.S.
she retorted that Mexico would discount its oil exports to the US if the Americans agreed to pay for purchasing clean technology. The students’ relentless drive to succeed comes at a very high price. In the school’s plain, stark corridors the only pictures posted were of those fortunate individuals accepted into Beijing and Tsinghua universities, China’s two most prestigious schools. Students’ days are long and stressful, beginning at 7:45 am and ending after study hall at 9:00 pm with little time for extracurricular activities. But the “gao kao” juggernaut runs on, even as passion and creativity still bubble under the surface. After lunch, a quiet, thoughtful MUN student raced off to squeeze in a few moments of playing the piano in a nearby recreation room. Asked if he takes lessons, he shrugged, “I used to. I’m too busy now. I’m studying for the ‘gao kao’ and don’t have time.”
For example, black cod from the Bering Sea that has been filleted outside Japan before being grilled and served in a Tokyo izakaya would count as an export to the country that first received the fish, rather than to Japan. These so-called “re-exports” are difficult, even for trade statisticians, to track and quantify. “The U.S. sends a large volume of pollock to China, where they make the finished product and send it back,” said Tom Asakawa, a fisheries commercial specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, speaking from his office at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. “Japan is now doing that with its seafood too.” Looking at the overall export picture, Japan was Alaska’s No. 1 destination for all exports until China took the top spot in 2011. That same year, total Alaska exports hit a record high. In the late 1990s, about half the state’s exports, in terms of value, went to Japan. By 2014, Japan’s share had fallen to 20 percent. The decline coincided with soaring trade to China and modest gains in South Korea, Canada, Germany and other smaller markets. Total exports to Japan hit a low of $699 million in 2013, but bounced back above $1 billion last year owing mostly to the resumption of liquefied natural gas exports from Cook Inlet. Exports of minerals and forest products rose as well. Tokyo took the trade relationship into serious consideration when debating whether to close its Anchorage-based consulate general in 2006. Instead, the government decided to downsize, said senior political assistant Warren Roselius. The staff of eight, representing a modest diplomatic presence, is based in an office building near the Loussac Library. “The Japanese consulate is still here because of trade,” Roselius said.
{ASIAN BANK cont’d from page 5} Laos, Cambodia, Oman, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia and Myanmar. In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping
called for the creation of a new Asian structure for security cooperation based on a 24-nation group that excludes the United States. Associated Press Writer Ken Moritsugu in Tokyo and Matthew Pennington in Washington contributed.
Lynne Curry can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ astrology
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
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For the week of March 21–March 27, 2015 By Sun Lee Chang
Rat — Are you having a hard time trying to figure out whether a new acquaintance is a friend or foe? Be cautious as you enter this budding relationship.
Dragon — Only seek another’s opinion if it really matters to you. Otherwise, you are free to move ahead at your own discretion.
Monkey — Sharing what you have could open your eyes to the abundance that is all around you. Sometimes a change of perspective is all it takes.
Ox — Did you disclose more a recent meeting than you intended to? Now that you have spoken your mind, there is no reason to backtrack.
Snake — This is shaping up to be quite an interesting week. Just when you think the dust is settling, another issue will crop up.
Rooster — Some questions must be asked, even if you already know the answer. This is a crucial step in certain instances that should not be skipped.
Tiger — Don’t be afraid to explore another way of doing things, especially if your current process isn’t working as well as you would like.
Horse — Having a hard time keeping pace with all the changes lately? A period of transition can be difficult, but should soon be behind you.
Dog — No matter how much of a hurry you are in, there is no excuse for not taking care of yourself. A little extra time here and there is all you need.
Rabbit — Believing that good things will happen can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, just as the reverse is also true.
Goat — The more freedom you have to move around, the happier you will be. Try not to limit yourself to a set area.
Pig — A shifting of priorities is sure to cause some tension. The controversy should subside as a new order is established.
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 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.
{BLOG cont’d from page 10}
{XU cont’d from page 4}
he lives beyond 100. Once, he said he liked a political candidate, but then he paused, “except one thing, he’s a Republican.” A committed Democrat, he is active in politics and has been working on both sides of the aisle no matter how impossible it has been. A couple years ago, Herb spoke to an audience of 400, at the Seattle Rotary Club on Veteran’s Day. His words were powerful and genuine. It was amazing that he didn’t hold a piece of paper. He handled “Why them and not us?” so beautifully. How do we justify being alive, while our loved ones are being killed early and unexpectedly in wars, sickness, and accidents? That guilt was burdensome and wrenching. Many in the audience who were still grieving for their loved ones, couldn’t help but shed tears. Herb said, “It’s because we have to carry on their (our loved ones) legacy.” The work is not done, he said, and we’ve got work to do, he added. So Herb has carried the legacy of many, including Wing’s unfinished business. Wing would probably say, “Well done Admiral, in every sense of the word.” Mar. 14 was a day to remember. Faith said it so wonderfully. “What an extraordinary privilege …to know both of these Seattle giants.” Though I never met Wing, his words, examples and impact has continued to inspire me. Herb, you are my hero.
Liberation Army. Xu had been under investigation since early last year by the party’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Central Committee for Discipline Inspection. Few details were ever released about the investigation into Xu, but Xinhua said he was accused of taking advantage of his position to promote people and had accepted “huge amounts of bribes personally and through his family.” Like most of China’s leading generals, Xu never saw combat, serving almost his entire career as a political commissar before being appointed to the Central Military Commission in 1999. Under former president Hu Jintao, Xu was named one its three CMC vice chairmen, along with Xi, then serving as China’s vice president. He stepped down from the commission when he retired from the military in 2012.
TAITUNG
Phoenix Weekly, a Hong Kongbased magazine with strong military connections reported that large amounts of cash, jade, gems, paintings and rare antiques had been found in Xu’s Beijing mansion, items frequently used as bribes to avoid leaving a paper trail for investigators. Much of the corruption in the military is believed to involve the selling of positions, seen as having a corrosive effect on military preparedness and morale. Xu’s downfall followed an investigation into another leading general, former logistics department chief Gu Junshan, who allegedly amassed a huge fortune through embezzlement, kickbacks and the selling of favors. Xu and Gu were the most prominent of 16 highranking officers placed under investigation or convicted of corruption and abuse of power under Xi.
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{TOYODA cont’d from page 9} something that I aspire to capture in my songs. NWAW: How long have you been performing live? Which were your most memorable gigs, good, bad, or crazy? Toyoda: I first sang in front of people in 9th grade at my school’s annual “Hale Fest,” which is basically a student music showcase. “Sound Off!” semifinals and finals were definitely the craziest and most memorable gigs to date, but also in 11th grade while I was in a band called Slendermen we played a Christmas show at a Buddhist Shambhala Center. That was pretty odd, but very rad. NWAW: How did you end up entering the “Sound Off!” Competition? What was your band line-up? Toyoda: I’ve thought about entering for the past four years but never got up the courage to actually look into the process till last November, and I thought I might as well! My friend and bass player Anna White was the one that really pushed me to do it since she was on the EMP Youth Authority Board (whose main focus is organizing “Sound Off!”). She also helped me record the four demos to submit in the application. I really wasn’t expecting to get in, but once I got the call I knew
I needed to assemble a full band to back me up. Anna was a no-brainer, and I was also starting to write accompaniments for my friend Adelyn Westerholm on violin. From there, I thought of my old friend Zeke Bender (drums) and new friend Veronica Johanson-Faison (back-up vocals, melodica), both of whom I did Vocal Jazz with in high school. NWAW: What were your most memorable “Sound Off!” experiences? Toyoda: I will never forget the way Troy Nelson said my name when he announced who was going to the finals. My uncle captured our reactions on video and it’s absolutely bonkers. I still can’t really believe all of that happened—it was the craziest two weeks of my life. NWAW: How many records have you released? Which are your proudest of? Toyoda: I wouldn’t really call any of the things I have on bandcamp “records,” but they’re nice markers on what I was doing musically at the time. I think my ‘To Binge’ cover is actually one of my proudest works--I haven’t really attempted anything like that since then, but it’s definitely one of the most intricate projects I’ve ever done. Also I did it in 10th grade so that’s kind of cool. “The Meadow Demos” are the most representative of what I’m going for now, despite being
stripped down. “For Aedan” is probably one of my favorite songs to play, and is one of my newest songs that I wrote on the piano. “Winters Chill” was also a big experiment with a different style of banjo plucking than what I’ve usually done in the past, but the harmonies on it are very classic-Emma. NWAW: What are your plans for the future? Toyoda: We have a lot of shows coming up thanks to all the exposure from “Sound Off!”, so I’m hoping to keep this momentum going! April 3rd we get to play the Sky Church (again!), April 25th we’re playing Western Washington University Earth Day Festival, May 23rd we’re playing Folklife, then July 16-18 we’re playing Timber Outdoor Music Festival--so we’re pretty excited!!! I’m hoping to record my first legitimate album throughout these next few months with the whole band, so once we have that we’ll try and schedule some out-of-state gigs (maybe even a small west-coast tour if we’re lucky). I’ve been taking time off school since January to focus on music and “Sound Off!”, but ultimately my goal is to go back and get a degree in something once everything starts slowing down (if that ever happens). This is truly just the beginning, so I’m excited to see where life takes us! Andrew Hamlin can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015
15
Photos by George Liu/NWAW
Wing’s sisters Ruby, Marge, Vivian (Wing Luke staff) and Bettie
{WING LUKE cont’d from page 1} trip when he was only 40 years old. A celebration of Wing’s 90th birthday was held last Saturday at the Wing Luke Asian Museum, which was named after him. “Wing was soft-spoken, but everybody listened to him,” said Pat Baillargeon, a closed friend. A copy of his radio interview could attest to that. “Everybody was fascinated by him,” said another friend, Jean Durning. She recalled how engaged people were during his talk about what he wanted to accomplish for the city at a coffee party for his City Council campaign. (Many who attended forgot to take turns to babysit in an upstairs room, and let the kids jump wild.) When Wing was on the City Council, he was chairing a public meeting to discuss the Open Housing Act. (In the 1960s, Chinese and other people of color were mainly concentrated in Beacon Hill.) The
Wing Luke party guests, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Nancy and Ken Prichard, Jean Durning, Bettie Luke and Rod Dembowski (toward back) and Alan Munro
real estate agents mostly white, would not rent, buy or sell housing to people of color in other parts of the city, said his sister, Bettie. Wing did not use the meeting to nail his opponents. He ran the meeting fairly by giving equal time to the opposing side to express their views. After the meeting, the opposition told Wing that they appreciated that Wing didn’t cut their speaking time. Wing’s ability and skills to debate, negotiate, and compromise with his detractors served him well. Bettie told the audience that she couldn’t get a cashier job at the World’s Fair in 1961 despite the fact she had experience, and a “blonde” girl got the job. Instead of using the race card, Wing worked behind the scene so his sister Bettie and her six friends got jobs afterwards. Wing started a group called “Friends of the Pike Place Market” and raised funds for the preservation of the market, according to Baillargeon. He served as the event
auctioneer and even served Mandarin salmon at the party. Wing was ahead of his time. His mentee Faith Ireland shared a story about how she and Wing went out for a drive. She said the sky was fabulous. “That’s pollution,” Wing responded. You don’t have to know Wing to be inspired by him. One such person in the room was Attorney General Bob Ferguson. He said he wanted to start Wing Luke’s Civil Rights Unit in his office to honor him this year. He is researching Wing’s impact in civil rights in the state when he was an attorney for the Attorney General’s office. Selina Chow asked if Wing ever got married. No, he didn’t. He wouldn’t want to do that to his traditional immigrant Chinese parents who believed at the time that Wing should marry a Chinese woman, said another sister, Marge. The community’s rumor was that, Wing’s girlfriend was white. She was, Marge confirmed.
Also, the Chinese population was small, about 1000, said Bettie. So his choices to find the right Chinese woman were limited. Some media articles mentioned the late King councilmember Ruby Chow thought of inserting fortunes, “Vote for Wing Luke” for his campaign, and distributing to Chinese restaurants. Was that true? Wing’s campaign manager Ken Prichard, 91, said it was Ruby’s idea, but it was never used because it took too much time to print and insert. So the cookies were not ready on time for the campaign. What would Wing say about the gathering in celebration of his 90th birthday? “He would love it,” said Prichard, his campaign manager. “He would love the fact that the museum is Pan-Asian,” said Bettie. “So many of his close friends came to share his stories.” Assunta Ng can be reached at assunta@ nwasianweekly.com.
{APCC cont’d from page 1} embraces the immigrants and Asia Pacific people? The project would be situated alongside Point Ruston, an underconstruction waterfront neighborhood that will feature condominiums, apartments, a waterfront promenade, a nine-screen theater, dining, shopping and more. Ideally, the APCC would add a meaningful cultural flair to the $1 billion development. APCC leaders noted all the regional benefits of the proposed project: It will attract tourists (400,000 a year, O’Connell says), create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, create sales tax revenue through its grocery store, add to local entertainment through cultural performances, and help close the achievement gap for people of color through various youth programs. And don’t forget the center’s most popular event, the Lunar New Year celebration, which already attracts thousands of people each year (9,000 this year) and which promises to attract even more in a bigger, more prominent space. But, on the simplest level, the expansion would provide much needed space for the cultural center, which is currently feeling squeezed in its current location in South Tacoma. Currently, the space is too small or awkward for the number of educational, cultural, and language programs — as well as rental and resource services — that APCC offers. “It is a good space for us, in this few years, but then what? It is far too small for the mission we
Schematic for the proposed project
developed and the vision that we own,” said Belinda Louie, vice president of the APCC board. And certainly, the APCC is full to the brim with activities. Through partnerships with schools, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and other organizations, APCC offers a variety of educational, cultural and language programs throughout the year. It also provides rental space, acts as a resource center and throws on a popular Lunar New Year celebration with a different “host country” every year. This year, the Lunar New Year celebration was hosted by Pakistan and attracted 9,000 people.
Simply put, says Louie, “The timing is right, the place is right, the people right,” for a new home. The problem? Well, money. The proposed APCC campus comes with a fairly steep price tag: $87 million. APCC Executive Director Lua Pritchard says APCC will tap into the EB5 foreign investment program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Legislative Capital Budget, the Pierce County Development Block Grant, corporate sponsors, private foundations, and community fundraising. But first comes the price of the
land. There’s no ink to the deal yet, but the leaders at APCC and the developers at Point Ruston have had friendly conversations. To make O’Connell’s dream become a reality, APCC needs to come up with $5 million to purchase four acres of land owned by the Point Ruston developers, Mike and Loren Cohen, which the organization hopes to achieve during this legislative session in Olympia. Pritchard says the project has the support of the 27th District legislators in Tacoma. “We are praying and working hard to make sure our project makes it into that (final budget) cut,” she said.
After they get the money to buy the land, O’Connell says, the floodgates for donors will open. “If we do our due diligence and are able to have the land, we are able to go forward,” she said, “but right now we don’t have the land and there are people waiting to commit themselves.” This is not the first time that the APCC has tried to find a permanent home. The organization looked into constructing a threestory, 381,000 square-foot building in downtown Tacoma in 2011 and, several years before that, it looked into the old bank building on Pacific Avenue which used to house the Tacoma Art Museum. Originally, O’Connell wanted to turn the key for the new APCC building on the organization’s 20th anniversary, but she noted that was just one year away. “Time is running out,” she said, stating that she is getting older and many other immigrants are also getting older. She wants the center to be completed so that the history of immigrants — whether they be from China, Korea, Japan, Hawaii, Pakistan, India or any of the 47 countries that the APCC represents — can be preserved. Despite the urgency that she feels, she appears comfortable taking things one step at a time. “I always think optimistically,” she said, “that if I talk to one person who didn’t know about this project, and I can convince him that it’s important for our next generation, then I did my share.” Zachariah Bryan can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
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Wise Words on DIVERSITY How diversity makes a difference
“Promoting diversity is a core value of the Attorney General’s Office and should be vital to the mission of every government agency. A culture of inclusion within government is key to effectively representing the interests of diverse communities, and ensuring public employees have a meaningful connection with everyone we serve.”
“Southeast Seattle is the most diverse zip code in America. We boldly declare this with pride and honor; we embrace the qualities of our differences. Our road to understanding our diversity leads us to better understand what we have in common, including our need for opportunities in education, jobs, and housing.”
— Bob Ferguson
Seattle City Councilmember
Washington State Attorney General
“Diversity is power. When it is fostered and embraced, and then is allowed to become ingrained within the culture of a city, a business or a family, each institution is strengthened and made better. Where differences are truly valued, possibility becomes fulfillment.”
— Bruce A. Harrell
“I’ve just returned from Selma where tens of thousands of us witnessed President Obama’s stirring speech and together marched across the Edmond Pettus Bridge. I was reminded of Dr. King’s Beloved Community, a place of unity, mutual understanding and love. That the Beloved Community could be embodied by such vast and diverse crowds those days reminds me to build it into my daily life.”
“We Washingtonians can be a diverse lot, coming from different places, with different family stories, but we are also bonded by a pioneering independence. Our diversity and contrasts make us stronger.”
— Bill Bryant
Seattle Port Commissioner
— Ellen Ferguson
Co-President, Wing Luke Asian Museum
“Celebrate your uniqueness and always be true to your values”.
— Tina Soike
Director of Engineering, Port of Seattle
“Over the last five years, South Seattle College has seen the state’s largest growth in our full-time faculty of color. With a student population that is equally diverse, we not only embrace our campuses’ diversity, we celebrate it! At South, you can truly start here and go anywhere!”
— Gary Oertli
— Daryl J. Campbell
President, South Seattle College
President and CEO, Goodwill®
“I know that our strengths lay in our differences not our similarities. As our city and country becomes more diverse we need to support, embrace and learn from these differences, to build a stronger society, where we all can share in equity and prosperity.”
— Pamela L. Banks
President, CEO
“Rotary International members come from all age, gender, professions, ethnicities, political and religious beliefs, physical abilities, and ideologies. Through Kids Without Borders, our volunteers come from many countries supporting children of all races in our community and worldwide. Don’t just speak diversity, live it. Treat others with respect and acceptance.”
— Son Michael Pham
Assistant Governor, Rotary International Founder, Kids Without Borders
“Valuing diversity is about celebrating the unique spark that resides within each person that makes them who they were born to be. Each of us is a single thread in the tapestry of humanity. We all miss out on something special if we ask that thread to be a different color or texture. When we value diversity, we honor what you have that the world needs. Then you get to live YOUR dream, and have your gifts to share with the world.”
— Thach Nguyen
Real Estate Specialist, Thach Real Estate Group
The Wise Words series is sponsored by members of our local community
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MARCH 21 – MARCH 27, 2015