VOL 35 NO 36 | SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

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

VOL 35 NO 36

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 FREE 34 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Bob Santos and wife Sharon Tomiko Santos dancing at his 80th birthday celebration.

(Photo by George Liu)

Remembering 1934-2016

Proclamation of Bob Santos Day in Seattle by King County (April 22, 2006).

Santos addressing the media at a city announcement on the crackdown on hookah lounges. (Photo by George Liu) Bob Santos and Northwest Asian Weekly’s Summer Youth Leadership Program participants at Danny Woo Garden.

(Photo by Clarence Leung)

The four amigos, from left: Bob Santos, Larry Gossett, the late Bernie Whitebear’s brother Lawney Reyes (standing in for Whitebear), and Roberto Maestas

■

Celebration of the opening of the ID Village Square. (Photo by George Liu)

Rally calling for the closure of hookah lounges, after the shooting death of Donnie Chin.

(Photo by George Liu)

412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 • f. 206.223.0626 • info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com

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34 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

■ names in the news UW professors retire

Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW

Community partners hold up “vote” signs in different languages.

From left: Tetsuden Kashima, Gail Nomura, and Stephen Sumida.

Tetsuden Kashima, Gail Nomura, and Stephen Sumida — three University of Washington (UW) professors of American Ethnic Studies — were honored in a “Sensei*tional 3 Celebration” on Aug. 27.

Besides their many years of teaching (40 years for Professor Kashima), the professors have supported events like the Long Journey Home ceremony that finally awarded diplomas to UW Nikkei students removed from campus during the war, the 100 years of UW Cherry Trees commemorative, and documentation of the Nikkei in the Yakima Valley project, to name but a few.

Kashima said he looks forward to traveling with his wife as well as continuing work on two book projects.

Nomura and husband, Sumida, will be spending more time with their grandchildren.

Nomura will continue her role as a consultant for museums, and Sumida is looking forward to his second passion: theatrical acting. 

General election voter engagement kickoff On Aug. 16, King County Elections, the Seattle Foundation, and 22 community-based organizations, including Asian Counseling and Referral Services, InterIm Community Development Association, International

Community Health Services, Korean American Coalition, and Rajana Society, kicked off voter outreach efforts for the November General Election.

Together, they plan to reach between 20,000 and 40,000 limited-English speaking voters through educational workshops, candidate and ballot forums, voter registration drives, and other community events.

“Rather than assuming we know the right way to engage King County’s many diverse communities, we are partnering with and resourcing the organizations who have been doing this work for decades,” said Director of Elections, Julie Wise. 

Heim leaves China Council Kristi Heim joined the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) of Shenzhen as its Senior Director of Business Development and Communications, supporting the company’s global growth.

The president of BGI, Dr. Jian Wang, is a University of Washington alumnus. Previously, Heim was president and execu- Kristi Heim tive director of the Washington State China Relations Council.

She visited BGI in Shenzhen last May, accompanying Seattle Mayor Ed Murray who signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the city of Shenzhen for a BGI and UW Medicine collaboration in precision medicine. 

Celebrate Little Saigon

Chef Morimoto’s first pitch Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees at Safeco Field on Aug. 22.

Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Morimoto trained in a sushi restaurant before moving to the United States in 1985 at the age of 30. His unique fusion cuisine takes advantage of Japanese color Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto combinations and aromas and uses Chinese spices and simple Italian ingredients, while maintaining a refined French style of presentation. Morimoto owns restaurants in Philadelphia and New York City. 

Photo by John Liu/NWAW

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Pho Challenge winner Michael Truong with sponsor Thach Nguyen (left), and emcee Juliet Dang.

Community members gathered for the 6th Annual Celebrate Little Saigon event on Aug. 28.

The community festival, brings together Vietnamese American food, culture, and entertainment.

Michael Truong was this year’s winner of the Pho Challenge, while Jake Le took top honors in the Che Challenge.

The food challenges were sponsored by the Thach Real Estate Group and Mountain West Financial Inc. 

YOUR VOICE

■ IN MEMORY OF ...

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

asianweekly northwest

3

Beloved “Uncle” Bob Santos dies

By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Planning is under way for a Sept. 23 celebration of life for long-time Seattle community leader, “Uncle” Bob Santos, who died on Aug. 27.

His daughter Robin said, “My dad was an amazing man. It’s really hard to describe the effect he had on people. Unconditional love and friendship with everyone he was in touch with. All I can do is try to teach my kids the same thing.”

Born in Seattle to a Filipino immigrant father and a Native American/Filipino mother, Santos grew up in Chinatown.

He served in the U.S. Marines after high school in the early 1950s, and returned to Seattle in 1955 to work for Boeing.

In the 1960s, Santos became involved

Bob Santos

with Seattle’s civil rights movement as part of the “Gang of Four” (Santos, King County Councilman Larry Gossett, Latino activist Robert Maestas, and Native American

■ community news

activist Bernie Whitebear). By the mid1970s, the Gang of Four morphed into the Minority Executive Directors Coalition (MEDC) of King County, an umbrella group representing ethnic-minority communities.

By the end of 2000, there were some 120 community-based organizations in MEDC. Santos served as the executive director of the International District Improvement Association (Inter*Im) from 1972 to 1989, and he oversaw the Seattle Chinatown/ International District Preservation Authority (SCIDpda) from 1989 to 1993. He was the Regional Director of the Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1994 to 2001.

In 2012, Santos received the Banaag Award from the president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, as part of the country’s “Presidential Awards for

Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas” program. The Banaag Award, Tagalog for “bright light,” is conferred on Filipino individuals for their contributions that have significantly advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

Santos was featured in a book he coauthored, which was released last year, “The Gang of Four: Four Leaders, Four Communities, One Friendship.”

Bob Santos was 82 years old. He is survived by his wife, State Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, 6 children, 19 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.  Donations in his memory can be made to Inter*Im and the IDEC.

Remembering Bob Santos

Words from the community leaders

Diane Narasaki, ACRS executive director

Bob’s legacy is immense. The Chinatown International District as we know it would not have survived as a living, working neighborhood with its residents, culture and history as intact as is currently the case.

At a time when many Chinatowns and Asian neighborhoods were disappearing due to development out of touch with, and unfriendly to, the character of these neighborhoods, Bob led the fight to preserve and strengthen the neighborhood. It was a fight not just to preserve the neighborhood, but also the rights of its most vulnerable members, and to advance social justice not only for our community, but for all others facing the same injustices. It is a fight that continues to this day, but on a foundation that Bob and other leaders built.

Many of the key organizations comprising our community’s infrastructure, including ACRS, came about because of Bob’s advocacy efforts and leadership. He will continue to inspire others to action through all that he has done, all whom he has mentored, all the organizations he helped to establish and supported, and through the books he wrote to document the important times and relationships of which he had been a part and which continue to shape Seattle.

with the special twist in his use of humor.

Getting people to laugh with you is like a strategic secret weapon. Uncle Bob had a natural ability for this, which leads to disarming people and getting them to stick around and listen to you longer. Bob never wavered in pushing issues forward for not just Asian Pacific Americans, but all communities of color.

He left big footprints and will be greatly missed.

Ana Mari Cauce, University of Washington president

I had the opportunity to first get to know Bob Santos — known as “Uncle Bob” to so many he advocated for — when I chaired the UW’s Department of American Ethnic Studies. It was a tough time for the department, and our first meeting was marked by mutual skepticism. But it ended with mutual respect. Integrity and valor are the two words that first come to mind when I think of him. Through Bob’s leadership, advocacy, and mentorship, the cause of civil rights and social justice has been advanced, and the lives of countless members of

our community, especially Asian Pacific Islanders, have been improved. We’ve truly lost a giant.

Michael Itti, Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs executive director

Uncle Bob Santos fought to protect the history, culture, and places that are cherished by so many immigrants and communities in our state. His efforts to save Seattle’s Chinatown International District, where he served in many leadership roles and was beloved for his singing at Bush Gardens, earned him the title of ‘unofficial mayor.’ His decades of activism with the Gang of Four demonstrated the power of solidarity and working together to fight for social justice and political causes, especially for the most vulnerable.

Maiko Winkler-Chin, Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority executive director

I met Bob in 1996 because he was the

speaker at my graduate school graduation.

His speech was hilarious. He talked about the CID, about his dad and the “aunties” who would visit, and how his dad would give Bob a dime or something to go see movies during those visits.

My fondest memories of Bob involve music, dancing, and a lot of people. Things that feel like a party. And he was the center of attention. Bob also practiced what he preached. He was inclusive and embracing of people. He built bridges between communities, sometimes even those that were pitted against each other. His work with the Four Amigos, being inclusive of all communities of color, is one of the biggest social justice stories in the country to this day, and seems very relevant in this time.

Bob built a community wherever he went.

He was great in embracing newcomers like me.

Pilipino American Unity for Progress

Seattle is grieving the loss of one of their see REMEMBERING on 16

Dolores Sibonga, former Seattle City Councilwoman

We both grew up as part of the Fil-Am community, but it wasn’t until the 1960s when we worked together on civil rights that we became closer friends. My fondest memories of Bob happened when a group of us met at Inter*Im frequently to plot strategy, and Bob would focus on business and say, “So, what’s the plan?” He kept us on track. Bob was the soul of the ID.

Bettie Luke, former Wing Luke Museum board member

I became aware of Bob Santos when one of his daughters and my daughter were in the same class in grade school. As I became more involved in Asian American and multicultural awareness work, I increasingly saw Bob’s leadership in the APA community. He was a strong advocate for equity and addressing disparities — but All proceeds from this memoriam will go to Santos' Sep. 23 celebration of life.

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SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

34 YEARS

■ community news

A new start for The Publix

By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Moments after the sake barrel breaking ceremony.

Photos by George Liu/NWAW

The landmark building some have referred to as an “eyesore” is no more. The Chinatown International District’s historic Publix Hotel reopened on Aug. 24 as a shiny new apartment tower. It had been shut down for 13 years.

“In 1928, [the Publix] provided housing for a wave of young workers and now it reopens to provide housing for a new wave of workers moving to Seattle,” said Tomio Moriguchi, board chairman of Uwajimaya, which has owned The Publix and adjacent properties since 1974. “It provides an opportunity to live in one of our city’s most connected and culturally rich neighborhoods.”

The project cost a total of $40 million — which included the rehab of the building, constructing a new six-story building over the existing parking garage, and creating a total of 125 new apartments and 12,000 square feet of ground floor, commercial space.

The Publix Hotel lobby and original storefronts have been fully restored with high ceilings, wood paneling, and original marble detailing. Former boarding rooms have been combined to create modern studio, one and two-bedroom apartments

Ribbon cutting

Guests gather at an inviting outdoor space.

with large, classic wood windows that soak the apartments in natural light. Amenity spaces include a penthouse community room with a kitchenette, rooftop deck with BBQ grills, outdoor lounge with views of the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay, dog area,

From left: Tomio Moriguchi, Miye Moriguchi, Mayor Ed Murray, and Deputy Mayor Hyeok Kim.

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Earn a healthy paycheck in a fast-growing field.

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gym, community kitchen and party room, media lounge, and bike storage.

“The Moriguchi family took a big step in bringing The Publix back to life,” said Hal Ferris, principal of Spectrum Development Solutions, the development management firm for the project. “Their commitment from the beginning was to ensure this building’s longevity and make it significant again, while preserving the historic integrity, both inside and out. The final design truly reflects their dedication to community.”

Twenty percent of the apartments are available to households making between 65 to 85 percent of the area’s median income,

approximately $46,605 and $60,945 per year for a family of two. The units are rent restricted through the City’s Multifamily Property Tax Exemption program. The apartment sizes range from just over 300 square feet in a studio in the historic building to 1,120 square feet in a three-bedroom unit in the new building. The apartment community is 60-percent leased before the grand opening. Most of the ground floor retail space is still available.  Staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

YOUR VOICE

■ WORLD NEWS

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

asianweekly northwest

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Doctors in India remove 40 knives from man’s stomach

By NIRMALA GEORGE Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — Doctors in northern India have surgically removed 40 knives from the stomach of a man who had swallowed them over the past two months, one of the physicians said.

The 42-year-old man is recovering in a hospital in Punjab state after undergoing surgery Aug. 18 in which doctors removed the knives — some folded and some with exposed blades up to 7 inches long.

Dr. Jatinder Malhotra, who assisted during the five-hour operation, said the man, who works as a police constable, was apparently suffering from a psychiatric disorder and is now being counseled.

Malhotra said he had never before heard of a case of a person swallowing knives.

“In my 20-year career, and in all the medical literature that we checked, there has never been a case like this one, where a person has swallowed not one, but 40 knives,” said Malhotra, a critical care doctor at the Corporate Hospital in the city of Amritsar.

The man told doctors that he could not explain his urge to swallow knives. “He told us he would swallow the knives along with a glass of water,” Malhotra said. “He had no explanation for why he did it. Just an urge.”

The man, who has not been identified, had come to the hospital two weeks ago complaining of severe pain in his abdomen.

“In an endoscopy, we saw a big mass in his abdominal

area,” Malhotra said by phone. “We initially thought it was a tumor or some cancerous growth. But it was like nothing we doctors had seen before.”

A team of two surgeons, two critical care physicians and an anesthetist conducted the surgery, during which they initially removed 28 knives. But further investigation revealed 12 more, the hospital said.

There was massive internal bleeding during the surgery because the knives, which were all made of iron, had lacerated the man’s stomach walls, Malhotra said.

Since the surgery, the man has told doctors that he can’t bear to look at another knife. “He even asked his wife to get out of the room when she was cutting some fruit for him,” Malhotra said. 

World’s first self-driving taxis debut in Singapore

Nun in iconic Italy quake photo texted friends’ ‘adieu’

By Annabelle Liang and Dee-Ann Durbin Associated Press

By TRISHA THOMAS Associated Press

SINGAPORE (AP) — The world’s first self-driving taxis are picking up passengers in Singapore.

Select members of the public began hailing free rides Aug. 25 through their smartphones in taxis operated by nuTonomy, an autonomous vehicle software startup. While

multiple companies, including Google and Volvo, have been testing self-driving cars on public roads for several years, nuTonomy says it is the first to offer rides to the public.

It beat ride-hailing service Uber.

The service is starting small — six cars now, growing to a dozen by the end of the year. The ultimate goal, say nuTonomy officials, is to have a fully self-driving taxi see TAXI on 12

ASCOLI PICENO, Italy (AP) — She became the face of Italy’s earthquake: Sister Marjana Lleshi, blood staining her veil as she texted her family and friends in her native Albania that she was alive.

In an interview Aug. 25 at the mother house of her religious order, the 35-year-old nun recounted how she thought she would

Sister Marjana Lleshi

die when her convent walls collapsed. She texted her friends asking that they pray for her soul, only to be rescued by a man she has called her “angel.”

Now safe, Lleshi says she wants see LLESHI on 14

asianweekly northwest

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SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

■ COMMUNITY calendar AUG. 31

Ms. Gu Shengying, a highly renowned performer, will be in Seattle Hing Hay Park 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

SEPT. 1–4

Jazz keyboardist and composer Keiko Matsui is touring Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle 7:30 p.m. jazzalley.com

2-5

8

11

CULTIVATE: A Celebration of Food Justice Danny Woo Garden, 6:30–8:30 p.m. $70/ticket RSVP to bit.ly/DWGparty jwasberg@interimicda.org

9th Annual Live Aloha Festival Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

10 FHC presents Vietnam Day Flying Heritage Collection, 3407 109th St. S.W., Everett 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Chinatown-ID Night Market Seattle’s Chinatown-International District 4 p.m.–12 a.m. cidbia.org Food Justice, Food Education, and Food Literacy: A Conversation The Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave., Seattle 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Pax West Washington State Convention Center 9/2–9/4 10 a.m.–12 a.m.

9/5 10 a.m.–7 p.m. west.paxsite.com

Thai Festival 2016 North Seattle College, 9600 College Way N., Seattle 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

3&4

End of Summer BBQ Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle 12 p.m.–3 p.m.

Japan Fair 2016 Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. 6th St., Bellevue 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

425-637-1020 Flavors of India Crossroads Park, 16000 N.E. 10th St., Bellevue 9/3 at 12 p.m.

9/4 at 7 p.m. flavorsofindia.us

34 YEARS

12 & 13 Guangdong National Orchestra of China visits Seattle Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle 7:30 p.m. seattlesymphony.org

15 2016 Asian American Pacific Islander Summit: Celebrating Unity & Civic Engagement Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

2016 EDI Inclusion Fusion The Foundry, 4130 1st Ave. S., Seattle 5–9 p.m. ediorg.org/our-events/inclusion-fusion

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China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Online tickets at tinyurl.com/jpntkvo 206-223-0623, rsvp@nwasianweekly. com

17 Bartell Drugs’ grand opening in the ID Corner of 4th & Jackson, Seattle 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

The first 200 people will receive a limited-edition Bartell Drugs tumbler with a gift card up to $500. bartelldrugs.com Opening night performance, “A Tale for the Time Being,” by Ruth Ozeki Center Theatre at the Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle 7:30 p.m.

RSVP by September 13, Subject: RSVP valb@book-it.org Aritsugu and Chef Shiro Kashiba, “Reflections on Japanese Cooking” 12:30 p.m.

Kinokuniya, 525 S. Weller St., Seattle 206-587-2477

Women of Color Empowered’s Legacy Celebration: The Final Chapter

Annual Korean American Coalition’s BBQ Cook-off Seward Park, Seattle 4–7 p.m.

Community Feedback Sessions: International District Nagomi Tea House, 519 6th Ave. S. Ste. 200, Seattle seattleartmuseum.org

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YOUR VOICE

■ technology

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

asianweekly northwest

■ arts & entertainment

7

Real estate developer Interview with Joan Chen of “Marco Polo” wants to bolster Renton’s image

By Tim Gruver NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY When Min Christ came to the United States in 1989 from her native China, she left behind a potential career in microbiology for one in real estate.

Twenty-seven years later, Christ is helping other immigrant entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, while managing one of the most expensive hotels in Renton.

Christ is the founder of the Global Incubation Center at Southport and an investment management professional at SECO Development. As the official partner for the Tencent Global Startup Competition, led by Tencent Holdings Limited, a Chinese investment firm, the Incubation Center mentored Chinese and American internet start-up companies looking to enter the Chinese market last July. Winning teams, which included alumni from the University of Washington, won interviews with Chinese investors who will help them introduce their startups to the Chinese market.

Founded in 1989 by Christ’s husband, Michael Christ, SECO Development has overseen previous land development projects in Kirkland, Bellevue, and Mercer Island. Its latest project is a 12-story, 350room Hyatt Regency hotel in Renton. The $180 million project has attracted over 200 investors, the majority of which are located

Joan Chen “Marco Polo”

By Vivian Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Min Christ

in Asia, including China and Vietnam.

The hotel is expected to open June 1, 2017.

The Southport campus boasts 17.5 acres of waterfront property south of Lake Washington, with views important to maintaining Southport’s capacities as a spiritual space.

“It’s a very beautiful space,” Christ said.

“For Chinese, it has very good feng shui, see CHRIST on 12

Streaming content is becoming more common among modern viewers with online heavyweights like Netflix and Hulu revolutionizing how people consume movies and television.

Netflix’s “Marco Polo,” a period drama inspired by explorer Marco Polo and his time in the court of Mongolian general and Emperor Kublai Khan, is one such show that’s leading the way in streaming content. “Marco Polo” debuted in late 2014 and recently dropped its second season on Netflix.

Although Netflix doesn’t release ratings figures, its makers cite independent analytics company Parrott Analytics, which notes “Marco Polo” as the second mostwatched original digital series and the 10th most-watched series across all platforms.

“Marco Polo” is also known for being one of the most expensive television shows ever produced, with a cast that is notably comprised of 98 percent minority actors.

In short, “Marco Polo” is an example of how Netflix takes big bets on shows that aren’t typically found on mainstream networks. see CHEN on 12

In the spirit and forever memory of Uncle Bob, InterIm CDA proudly carries on his legacy. We seek strength in his loss as we know he would want us to do. Long live the Chinatown International District. Long live social justice. Long live the legacy of Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob Santos is forever in our hearts.

Administrative Office 310 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104 206-624-1802

Housing Services 601 S. King St. Ste. 305 Seattle, WA 98104 206-623-5132

All proceeds from this memoriam will go to Santos' Sep. 23 celebration of life.

asianweekly northwest

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■ travel

34 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

Falling for

Zimbabwe

Editor’s note: This is part 2 of an article on a trip to Zimbabwe.

Smoke that thunders

The local name for Victoria Falls is Mosioa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders.

Looking towards the falls at ground level, you see what looks like a vast wall of smoke, as if a forest fire was stretching

across the horizon. But it’s only spray from the massive falls.

Visitors can view them from the Zambia or Zimbabwe sides (a bridge over the Zambezi River that connects the two countries), but the best view is from Zim, as the locals call it. Pay $30 at the entrance of the park (Zimbabwe uses American dollars, no need to convert!) and take your time checking out 16 dramatic viewpoints. Depending on the wind, you might stay dry or it may feel like you’re in a rainstorm. That can change from minute to minute, so you’ll want a

During the rainy season, 142 million gallons of water flow over Victoria Falls every minute.

slicker. Vendors rent them out at the park entrance, but usually your hotel can lend you what you’ll need. The next morning, we opted to pay $160 each for a 15-minute bird’s-eye view of the falls by helicopter. It was worth it!

Our base, about 40 minutes from Vic Falls town, is called Gorges Lodge. Perched on the edge of the Zambezi River gorge, 250 feet above the water, each of the eight bungalows has incredible views. Gorges has power all see ZIMBABWE on 15

Photo: G. Tang

By Gary Tang & Scott Wittet SPECIAL TO THE NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

asianweekly northwest

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Bob Santos’

legacy

Cindy Domingo, King County Councilman Larry Gossett’s Chief of Staff: I met Bob during the mid-1970s, like so many Asian American activists, as we fought to save the International District as a community. But it was really in 1981, in the aftermath of the murders of my brother, Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes, that I began to work very closely with Bob. He stood shoulder to shoulder with us as a leader in the Committee for Justice for Domingo and Viernes (CJDV), as we confronted the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship of the Philippines and the United States government for their complicity in the murders. For 10 years, Bob never wavered in being with us in very difficult times, as we moved judiciously in our eventual journey to victory. It is the same courage and leadership he exhibited through decades of work in fighting for people’s human rights — whether it be for housing, food, civil rights, or personal security, Bob was always there. He leaves a legacy of what fighting for human rights is really about.

Inter*Im: For us, the InterIm CDA family, this loss leaves a void that can never be filled. Our hearts will ache for Uncle Bob every day and every minute. We will miss him dropping by the office, sitting at his desk, giving us his warm, reassuring hug, and making us laugh with his corny jokes. Whether things were good or bad, Uncle Bob had our backs, no matter the situation. It’s hard to believe we will never see Uncle Bob again. He loved InterIm CDA. It was his life, and he loved us all dearly. We will now need

to proceed on our journey for civil rights and social justice without his physical presence, but we know he will always be walking side by side with us. We will feel his presence as family, every step of the way. Uncle Bob was our beacon of hope, our mentor, and our guide. Nearly 50 years ago, InterIm CDA was founded to preserve the Chinatown International District, especially on behalf of its low income, elderly, Asian and Pacific Islander pioneers who built the neighborhood. That the Chinatown International District remains intact as an ethnic neighborhood, and a home for low income elderly and families, immigrants and refugees, is a testament to Uncle Bob’s vision and effectiveness as an activist, organizer, and mentor. He was a fierce and tireless advocate for the Chinatown International District until the end, and he inspired countless others to join in the struggle.

Estela Ortega, El Centro de la Raza executive director: Bob was the first person to plant the seed that we should develop affordable housing for our community and today, we have Plaza Roberto Maestas. It is fair to say that we have housing today at El Centro because of Bob. I also recall with fondness how Bob was the leader in getting the Four Amigos involved in the Northwest Asian Theater, and performing in skits written by Gary Iwamoto especially for them. Their first performance was “I heard it through the Grapevine.” The audience roared and they were a hit. They built alliances together and also knew

how to have fun together. When it came to Bob Santos, there wasn’t a generation gap in our work for social justice.

He had the ability to motivate young people to be inspired to make life transforming decisions for the benefit of the community. Bob was also on the forefront of organizing for justice in a multiracial way. We all know that we will eventually pass on to the spirit world, but it was shocking and heartbreaking to hear of Bob’s passing. He was supposed to be with us for a much longer time. He was eternally young.

Teresita Batayola, International Community Health Services CEO: It was the early 1970s when Bob Santos spoke to a group of Filipino students at Seattle University. He was still the director of Caritas, a Catholic organization serving the youth. I was fascinated about his story of growing up in Chinatown and the struggles his father, a boxer, and his family faced as Filipinos in America.

Back then, he was not the fiery civil rights leader we came to know, but his passion about the rights of people of color already came through. Over the years, I lived in and out of Seattle, but I was always drawn to his community causes, with his fire laced with humor and irony. I will always think I will run into him in the ID, with his hat and say, “Hello kiddo!” or hear his Sinatra renditions at various community events. He left a major mark in Chinatown/ see LEGACY on 13

Uncle Bob Santos left our neighborhood, our community, our country and our world a better place. We will celebrate his great life through every kind and just act, through every life that has been and will be, saved and improved through his life’s work, in and beyond the neighborhood he fought to preserve for generations.

With deepest gratitude and respect, and in loving memory of Uncle Bob, — The Board & Staff of Asian Counseling and Referral Service 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. Seattle, WA 98108 Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sat & Sun: Closed

All proceeds from this memoriam will go to Santos' Sep. 23 celebration of life.

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SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG

34 YEARS

OPINION

Photos by George Liu/NWAW

Why I admire Uncle Bob

Santos addressing the media at a city announcement on the crackdown on hookah lounges.

Bob Santos singing at the Northwest Asian Weekly’s 30th Anniversary celebration at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel.

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

or “don’t quote me.” A number of Asian Americans are often hesitant to speak their mind, no matter how angry they are, or how strongly they believe in something.

The fear of retaliation could be one of the reasons. But it could be our culture. Asian Americans were taught not to rock the boat.

Keep quiet and be cautious. Not Uncle Bob.

Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW

It’s easy and challenging to write about Uncle Bob Santos, the legend — partly because he’s fascinating, with so many gutwrenching stories. He was full of ambition, not for himself, but for the community. He dreamed often and succeeded in achieving big goals — his fingerprints are all over the International District (ID), including nine buildings for affordable housing, which he was directly or indirectly responsible for.

Santos died last Saturday at the age of 82, after staying five weeks in the hospital.

Who would have led protests at the age of 81, holding a bullhorn, firing off words with followers echoing him with enthusiasm?

Santos instigated two protests last year after the death of community hero Donnie Chin, founder of the International District Emergency Center. Chin was killed in the crossfire of two rival gangs in the ID. The protests were targeting King’s Hookah Bar on 8th Ave. S. and S. Weller, half a block from where Chin was killed. The protests aimed at shutting down the bar.

But Santos didn’t just protest without warning. He shared his wish at an ID community meeting after Chin’s death. He and State Sen. Bob Hasegawa even met with the bar’s owner, and made him understand

Mourners placed flowers at an ID kiosk about Filipino history

where the community was coming from.

That’s Bob’s way of bridge building and problem-solving.

Who had the ears of the past five Seattle mayors? Uncle Bob was an adviser to the past five mayors. No one in the ID has that kind of clout.

Who would turn down powerful jobs?

To stay in the community, Santos declined an administrative post to run a Washington state agency in 2001, and an offer to direct the Seattle Office of Neighborhoods in 2002.

Who would have come out of retirement multiple times to go back to work at Inter*Im, the organization he founded, to help businesses and residents foster a better ID? This year, he worked two days a week at the Inter*Im.

Santos enjoyed controversies

The last thing Santos wanted was to exclude himself out of controversies. Santos was one of the few people I know who thrive in controversies. It simply illustrated his fighting spirit. He wouldn’t stay silent in the face of accusations or attacks, such as the issue of the name “Chinatown International District.”

Should the name Chinatown be a part of it, or before ID, or after ID, when naming the library or the Sound Transit station?

Some naysayers were from the Chinese community.

For past three-plus decades, the Asian Weekly has witnessed both good and bad in the community, and no one has done as much as Bob for the community — ID Village Square featuring affordable housing and programs for seniors, and a community center, public library, day care, clinic, and the Danny Woo Garden. Part of his magic had to do with his charm, sense of social justice, and ability to raise millions of dollars and connect the dots. He often challenged himself, “What else can I do?”

“Bob did a lot for the community,” said Harry Chan, owner of Tai Tung Restaurant.

“It’s hard to find someone like Bob. He fought for the community all the time. Look around all those buildings for affordable housing (in the ID). It’s his doing.”

As to criticism towards Santos, Chan said, “You can’t please everybody.”

A media darling

Media hates to hear “no comment”

I called him up for quotes in Asian Weekly stories and he never disappointed.

Nor would he say, “Let me think about it.”

Everything he said, was right on.

His statements were powerful, precise, honest, and above all, quotable. see BLOG on 13

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

YOUR VOICE

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OPINION

■ editorial

Take action on homeless “sweeps” proposal

We reported in our Aug. 20 issue that 10-plus homeless encampments, along with the filth, trash, and smell, had been cleaned up on South King Street under I-5.

Now, the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Real Change, Columbia Legal Services, and the Seattle Community Law Center are pushing for a 30day waiting period before doing a sweep. Currently, the city provides a 72-hour notice to people in the encampments before removing them and must also offer social services.

The newly proposed ordinance would also require the city, within the 30-day waiting period before a sweep, to connect campers with social services and housing at a lessdangerous site. And the groups want the city to make a more serious effort to keep people from getting separated from their belongings.

In an email, Jessa Timmer, executive director of the

Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area​ (CIDBIA), said, “Many council members are considering adopting this ordinance, which would halt encampment cleanups. The only voice that is being heard is from the homeless advocate groups. Many of us in the affected communities — businesses, residents, employees — are not being heard by the council.”

The council will return from its current recess on Sep. 6 and a member will have to formally introduce this bill for consideration. After that, the bill is likely to go through Council Member Sally Bagshaw’s human services committee, which meets on Sep. 14 at 2 p.m. Bagshaw has been outspoken about wanting to better protect homeless people from sweeps.

By taking an ordinance directly to the council, the advocacy organizations are attempting to bypass Mayor Ed Murray, with whom they’ve repeatedly butted heads. Both

the ACLU and Columbia Legal Services have declined Murray’s invitation to join the task force charged with making recommendations on how to improve the city’s response to camping, including its guidelines for sweeps — reportedly because they are tired of all talk and no action.

“We’re focused on passing this ordinance because we feel strongly that now is the time for action,” Elisabeth Smith, ACLU’s legislative director told the Seattle Times. With wetter and colder weather approaching, Smith said, “We don’t want to keep talking while people are living outside.”

If you are against this proposed overhaul, make your voice heard! Email Mayor Murray (ed.murray@seattle.gov), city council members (seattle.gov/council/meet-the-council), and Pramila Jayapal (Pramila.Jayapal@leg.wa.gov), our district representative, about how this proposed ordinance will affect you, your business, or your community. 

■ commentary Personal Reflections — Bob Santos The world has lost a hero. Bob was larger than life, and so full of life and energy that Elaine Ikoma Ko we cannot fathom that he is gone. As I write these personal reflections, I am still unable to grasp the depth of losing him.

You see Bob was never “Uncle Bob” to those of us who were closer to his age. But he was Uncle Bob to everyone else, even to those he would just meet on the street. “Call me Uncle Bob,” was his constant refrain.

As a result, he had thousands of ‘nieces and nephews.’

There will be much written about Uncle Bob’s legacy, his leadership to singlehandedly change the direction of an entire neighborhood, and, deservedly so. He, along with Donnie Chin and Ruth Woo, are the legends in my lifetime, all gone in this last year.

There are a few things I am sure of about Uncle Bob. First, he dearly loved his wife Sharon and was very proud of her. He loved his six children (Danny, Simone, Robin, Tom, John, and Nancy), and the army of grands and great-grands. He lovingly told stories of them over the four decades that I worked alongside with him.

He loved his community and never lost his fire as an activist and advocate. I can never think of a time when Bob wasn’t present at and leading rallies, marches, and even most recently as we protested the hookah lounge across the street where Donnie Chin was murdered. I have many stories and memories dating back to the early 1970s when I first met Bob and as I began working at Inter*Im in 1975. He forever kept me grounded — always thinking of the best interests of the community; a true

Photos provided by Elaine Ko

By Elaine Ikoma Ko For Northwest Asian Weekly

Bob Santos’ 81st birthday

Bob Santos (right), Roberto Maestas, (3rd from right), Larry Gossett (second row, middle) and friends in Washington, D.C. in 2005, to receive the Bridge Builders Award.

working class hero.

He loved his Gang of Four comrades, Bernie, Roberto, and Larry. His escapades with them, while making lasting impacts on the communities they led, also left you in stitches. My best memory was when Bob, Larry and Roberto traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the Bridge Builders Award.

A bunch of us from Seattle accompanied them and we had the time of our lives.

We never laughed so much — imagine combining Bob’s humor, perfect timing, and goofiness, and magnify that ten-fold with Roberto and Larry. Just crazy.

Bob loved his karaoke, Bush Garden, and his young friends who he sang with and mentored along the way. I know of no other person who has helped develop more successful careers than Bob. I know of no other person who has officiated more weddings or given more eulogies.

Uncle Bob was everyone’s best friend.

Bob had vision like none other. To this

day, I can’t figure out where he got his ideas. It seemed as we worked together, off and on at Inter*Im and Interim CDA since the 1970s, that never a week would go by that he didn’t have a half-crazy, new idea. So many seemed far-fetched, and yet so many of them became groundbreaking, lasting programs — like starting a health clinic in a small storefront to becoming one of the largest, fastest growing community health centers in the nation, or singlehandedly securing and developing the most amazing community garden spanning an acre overlooking the Seattle skyline.

Whenever he’d call me, I knew he was going to ask me to do something with him.

Whether it was to coordinate their wedding (which I was delighted to do), negotiate a plan to build a stadium for the Sonics, put on an exhibit about Bruce Lee and the countless dancing parties as fundraisers, or helping with his first book, ‘Hum Bows Not Hot Dogs,’ and his latest book on the Gang

of Four.

I know how much he appreciated my help in publishing his Gang of Four book, and writing his nomination for the Philippine Presidential award in Manila (where he was treated like a rock star, thanks to Eileen Aparis). But it was Bob who gave me the constant encouragement and wisdom when I needed it, laughs whenever we met, and a way of taking on life’s biggest challenges but never, ever too seriously.

He gave me way more than I ever gave him.

Bob was my most enduring friend, confidante, mentor, and supporter. I know there are many others who can affirm this truth in their lives.

My world is changed forever and like so many others, we will walk our paths a little less steady because he is no longer here.

Bob, I will cherish you forever. 

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SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

CHEN from 7 Actor Joan Chen, who plays Empress Chabi on “Marco Polo,” sat down with the Northwest Asian Weekly to chat about her role and how streaming television is redefining viewership and opportunities for Asian and Asian American actors. Chen is best-known for her movie roles in “Little Flower,” “The Last Emperor,” and “Saving Face,” as well as her character on the cult classic TV series “Twin Peaks.”

On how she got involved with the show: “For a long time, I hadn’t read anything that was meaningful to me,” said Chen.

“I’d just given up on Hollywood, raised my kids, and went to China to work. But when I read ‘Marco Polo,’ this show felt like my calling.”

Although Netflix provided the financial backing and greenlit the show, key players like the show’s creator John Fusco also played a pivotal role in bringing justice to the stories of the Asian characters on the show. Fusco, who is also a writer and producer, has a very open love and understanding of Asian culture, heritage, and history.

“John loves Asian culture — he practices martial arts, studies the theory of martial arts, and truly respects the heritage and history,” said Chen. “And to me, that is wonderful.”

Joan Chen

After hitting it off with Fusco and seeing his obvious respect for Asian culture, Chen felt confident in the show’s leadership and direction. Fusco and the show’s writers helped Chen get acquainted with Empress Chabi, and recommended “The Secret History of the Mongol Queens” to read for inspiration and insight. The book revealed how Mongol queens performed their duties, often serving as advisers for their kings.

This helped inform how Chen portrayed Empress Chabi.

“Mongols really valued queens as much as kings,” said Chen. “In a way, queens had equal power to them, and that gave me the initial idea on how to create the character.

Chabi isn’t on the battlefield, but she’s not shy about offering advice and expressing her opinion.”

Indeed, outspoken, confident, and bold

TAXI from 5 fleet in Singapore by 2018, which will help sharply cut the number of cars on Singapore’s congested roads.

Eventually, the model could be adopted in cities around the world, nuTonomy says.

For now, the taxis are only running in a 2.5-squaremile business and residential district called “one-north,” and pick-ups and drop-offs are limited to specified locations. And riders must have an invitation from nuTonomy to use the service. The company says dozens have signed up for the launch, and it plans to expand that list to thousands of people within a few months.

The cars — modified Renault Zoe and Mitsubishi i-MiEV electrics — have a driver in front who is prepared to take back the wheel and a researcher in back who watches the car’s computers. Each car is fitted with six sets of Lidar — a detection system that uses lasers to operate like radar — including one that constantly spins on the roof. There are also two cameras on the dashboard to scan for obstacles and detect changes in traffic lights.

The testing time-frame is open-ended, said nuTonomy CEO Karl Iagnemma. Eventually, riders may start paying for the service, and more pick-up and drop-off points will be added. NuTonomy also is working on testing similar taxi services in other Asian cities as well as in the U.S. and Europe, but he wouldn’t say when.

“I don’t expect there to be a time where we say, `We’ve learned enough,”’ Iagnemma said.

Doug Parker, nuTonomy’s chief operating officer, said autonomous taxis could ultimately reduce the number of cars on Singapore’s roads from 900,000 to 300,000.

“When you are able to take that many cars off the road, it creates a lot of possibilities. You can create smaller roads, you can create much smaller car parks,” Parker said. “I think it will change how people interact with the city going forward.”

NuTonomy, a 50-person company with offices in Massachusetts and Singapore, was formed in 2013 by Iagnemma and Emilio Frazzoli, Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers who were studying robotics and developing autonomous vehicles for the Defense Department. Earlier this year, the company was the first to win approval from Singapore’s government to test self-driving cars in one-north. NuTonomy announced a research partnership with Singapore’s Land Transport

34 YEARS

Asian female characters — and the actors that play them — are plentiful in “Marco Polo,” with Chen playing the show’s matriarch. This is especially interesting given the show’s time period, where many of the female characters, like prostitutes, are viewed as commodities in the eyes of male characters. As a result, Asian female actors face different challenges from their male counterparts.

“We have specific barriers as female actors,” said Chen. “There is always the danger of some kind of stereotype.

Sometimes you need to ask: Are we being stereotypical [in the roles we choose]? Are we the sexy, exotic creatures? The cunning, foxy dragon lady?”

This is where the episodic television format comes into play. What sets the Asian female characters apart on “Marco Polo,” explained Chen, is that these characters have the course of 10 episodes per season to develop into three-dimensional, complex characters with depth. Working on streaming television content, versus on a mainstream network show, also means receiving a season’s scripts all at once.

Chen said this allows the actor to plan an arc for the character — including a range of emotions over time — that can be seen as a long feature to the viewer.

“It’s been refreshing to work with so many Asian female actors, especially on

Authority earlier this month.

Singapore is ideal because it has good weather, great infrastructure and drivers who tend to obey traffic rules, Iagnemma says. As a land-locked island, Singapore is looking for non-traditional ways to grow its economy, so it’s been supportive of autonomous vehicle research.

Auto supplier Delphi Corp., which is also working on autonomous vehicle software, was recently selected to test autonomous vehicles on the island and plans to start next year.

“We face constraints in land and manpower. We want to take advantage of self-driving technology to overcome such constraints, and in particular to introduce new mobility concepts which could bring about transformational improvements to public transport in Singapore,” said Pang Kin Keong, Singapore’s Permanent Secretary for Transport and the chairman of its committee on autonomous driving.

Olivia Seow, 25, who does work in startup partnerships in one-north and is one of the riders nuTonomy selected, took a test ride of just less than a mile on Monday. She acknowledged she was nervous when she got into the car, and then surprised as she watched the steering wheel turn by itself.

“It felt like there was a ghost or something,” she said.

But she quickly grew more comfortable. The ride was smooth and controlled, she said, and she was relieved to see that the car recognized even small obstacles like birds and motorcycles parked in the distance.

“I couldn’t see them with my human eye, but the car could, so I knew that I could trust the car,” she said. She said she is excited because the technology could free up her time during commutes or help her father by driving him around as he grows older.

An Associated Press reporter taking a ride on Aug. 24 observed that the safety driver had to step on the brakes once, when a car was obstructing the test car’s lane and another vehicle, which appeared to be parked, suddenly began moving in the oncoming lane.

Iagnemma said the company is confident that its software can make good decisions. The company hopes its leadership in autonomous driving will eventually lead to partnerships with automakers, tech companies, logistics companies and others.

“What we’re finding is the number of interested parties is really overwhelming,” he said. 

such a high-budget show,” said Chen.

“Sometimes we [Asian Americans] say, ‘We don’t have enough visibility,’ or we protest this and that. But ultimately, [television and film] is a business, and we as actors have to do our best so our shows are entertaining and of great quality. We’ve enabled many newcomers of different nationalities and ethnicities to get visibility.”

Because of Netflix’s unique business model focused on catering to niche audiences, like Asians and Asian Americans, this has created opportunity and growth for Asian actors from across the globe. Chen said, “Netflix is being smart because the demographic is changing — minorities are big consumers now. If you don’t include diversity in your shows, your business isn’t going to thrive.”

No word yet on whether “Marco Polo” will be picked up for a third season.

Although Chen has no idea about the show’s fate, she admits that she’s ready to get behind the camera.

“With all these shows involved with minority issues and characters — they inspire me,” said Chen. “Now I want to start developing more projects … that spotlight more minority characters!”  Vivian Nguyen can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

CHRIST from 7 with Mount Rainier right behind you and the face of the water in front of you.”

Situated between Seattle and Bellevue, the Southport campus was designed to provide easy access to the nearby Sea-Tac International and Renton Municipal airports, as well as Boeing Field. Upon completion, Southport will include three, 9-story office buildings and 200 units of housing. It will also accommodate businesses, such as restaurants, coffee shops, and retailers, three things crucial for making places like Southport feel like a community, according to Christ.

“Real estate is about the land, not about development,” Christ said. “It’s important that it feels like a home, not like a box.”

The project is partially financed through the EB-5 program, which grants immigrant investors temporary U.S. residency through investments of $500,000 or $1 million. Immigrants investing $550,000 in the new hotel at Southport will receive permanent residency for themselves and their families.

Simply getting investors to Southport is the only real challenge.

“The better the project, the more you will want to invite people to see it,” Christ said. “If [the investors] are here, it’s easy for them to invest.”

For immigrant entrepreneurs looking to go into real estate themselves, Christ cautioned that they should be ready to have consultants and local partners of their own when approaching overseas investors.

“When you come in by yourself, the lending process can be pretty painful,” Christ said.

When SECO first bought the site that became the Southport campus in 1999, a power plant originally stood in its place overlooking Lake Washington, a symbol of Renton’s blue collar roots. Christ hopes that Southport’s hotel is one step towards bolstering Renton’s image as a high-tech center that will attract the right investors.

“We want to change Renton’s image, not just as a blue collar town,” Christ said. “We want to make this happen, to make it known as a high-tech town.”  Min Christ will be an honoree at the Northwest Asian Weekly’s Technology and Innovation Awards. The event is Oct. 7 at China Harbor Restaurant from 6–9 p.m. For more information, email editor@nwasianweekly.com.

Tim can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com

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YOUR VOICE LEGACY FROM 9 ID, calling out injustice and protecting our neighborhood. Because of him, we have many legacy organizations like International Community Health Services (ICHS) to serve the needs of our people.

OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates: “No one has done more to revitalize Seattle’s Chinatown/International District and fight for civil rights and social justice than Bob Santos,” said OCA Greater Seattle president, Jacqueline Wu. “He was an icon who has left an indelible legacy as an effective and respected community leader who persistently fought for decent housing, seniors, children’s program and the underprivileged. “Bob is one of the legendary “Gang of Four” and a fighter for communities of color and social justice,” added University of Washington Professor and OCA Seattle chapter vice president, Connie So. “But what I always remember most was his candor, sincerity, and approachability. He was always willing to speak to my students about advocacy and drew upon issues that he cared about as an undergraduate student to empower others.

Bob was always a tireless fighter for those he loved and issues that he cared about.”

Under Bob’s leadership [at the Inter*Im], the neighborhood received millions for street improvements, decent housing, and programs for the elderly in the area. His leadership also resulted in the creation of the Seattle Chinatown Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) and the establishment of the International District Special Review District, which provided overlay zoning regulations to help preserve the cultural heritage of the area.

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 With Bob’s help and guidance, a child care program (Denise Louie), counseling and social service agency (Asian Counseling and Referral Service), health clinic (International Community Health Center), housing services (International District Housing Alliance), and a community garden (Danny Woo Community Garden) began. Bob was a visionary and doer, who later became the director of the Chinatown/ International District PDA and the Regional Representative for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Northwest Region. Bob Santos has left an indelible mark on Seattle and should go down in history among Seattle’s prominent civil rights leaders, joining the likes of Chief Sealth, Horace Cayton, Gordon Hirabayashi, Wing Luke, and Tyree Scott.

Alan Sugiyama, community leader: I first met Bob in 1971 and yes, it was at a demonstration. I was the chair of the Oriental Student Union at Seattle Central Community College and we had just closed down the administration building because the college refused to hire Asian Americans for administrative positions. This gray haired guy came up to me and said, “Hi, I’m Bob and I want to support your demonstration.”

Little did I know then that I would see him at nearly every community demonstration for the next 45 years and he would go on to be the most effective, powerful and loved community organizer in our lifetime. There will never be another Bob Santos. He was the greatest community activist and finest human being I have ever met. His accomplishments were many but I believe he will always be known as that special person who did everything he could to make this world a better place. 

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.com.

BLOG from 10 Unlike some who give you juicy details, then say, “Don’t quote me.”

In late 2007, then-governor Christine Gregoire didn’t appoint the Asian community’s favorite contender, Mary Yu, to replace a retiring Washington Supreme Court Justice, and several community leaders were furious. Yet none of them would go on the record.

Some finally sent the Asian Weekly a letter to the editor, complaining about the appointment of a white candidate. No one dared to sign the letter except Uncle Bob. He was happy to be the lone signer — the only one to put his name out there.

Uncle Bob’s mind was fearless. He didn’t worry about who said what about him and what if — he just did what was right for the community.

More than karaoke at Bush Garden

“I was the matchmaker for Sharon (Santos’ wife) and Bob,” said Joan Seko, former owner of the restaurant. Both were karaoke regulars at Bush Garden. They liked each other initially, and Santos let Seko read their palms — Seko concluded that Sharon and Bob were compatible.

Since last Saturday, Santos’ singing pals have been dropping by Bush Garden every night for karaoke, dedicating songs to Santos. Elvis and Frank Sinatra were among his favorites.

Few people knew of Santos’ talent as a singer before karaoke became popular, said Karen Sakata, owner of Bush Garden. Bush was the first in the country to provide karaoke service in the late 1980s, and Santos became a regular customer since then.

As a state representative, Sharon is probably too busy to join us for karaoke, Seko said.

Several years ago, we honored Sharon

asianweekly northwest

13

at the Women of Color Empowered luncheon. I was not surprised that Uncle Bob came, but surprised that he came with flowers. The guy had his romantic side.

Uncle Bob was proud of Sharon’s work in the legislature and community, but he was frustrated because she doesn’t share her success with the community.

She is chair of the education committee in the legislature and other national organizations. “She doesn’t tell people (of her contributions). I asked her, ‘Why didn’t you let me promote you?’” Sharon wouldn’t let him.

It bothered Santos that the Seattle Times endorsed Sharon’s opponent last time. This year, the Times endorsed Sharon before Bob’s death. He would be so proud. He must have felt, “Here at last!”

For the past decade, Uncle Bob spoke to students of the Asian Weekly’s Summer Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) at the Danny Woo Garden, which he founded. “Uncle Bob was one of the most memorable and impactful speakers for SYLP,” said Marvin Eng, past SYLP coordinator. “He would inspire and challenge the students to be agents of change and to step up as the next generation of leaders. Through his rich storytelling, we got glimpses of his work as an activist and his heart for people.”

In 2012, the Asian Weekly celebrated its 30th anniversary. Uncle Bob sang and I am glad we taped the whole program.

I have to conclude that he’s a wonderful performer with a great sense of rhythm and a melodious voice. “I practiced for your event,” he said.

Uncle Bob, thank you for everything, especially for inspiring us to make a difference in the community.  Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

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SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

LLESHI from 5 nothing more than to go to the Sep. 4 Rome canonization of Mother Teresa, the ethnic Albanian nun “who gave hope to those who didn’t have any.”

Lleshi was sleeping in the Don Minozzi convent beside the Church of the Most Holy Crucifix in Amatrice when the quake struck at 3:36 a.m. on Aug. 24. She had been there, with six other sisters, caring for five elderly women. Her order, the Sisters of the Handmaidens of the Lord, runs nurseries and homes for the aged.

She woke up covered in dust and bleeding. Realizing what had happened, she immediately tried to summon help outside her room.

No one responded. And she couldn’t get out.

“When I started losing all hope of being saved, I resigned myself to it and started

sending messages to friends saying to pray for me and to pray for my soul and I said goodbye to them forever,” she said outside the order’s headquarters in Ascoli Piceno.

“I couldn’t send a message like this to my family because I was afraid that my father would have an emotional collapse and die hearing something like that.”

She said she eventually was rescued by a young man who cared for one of the elderly women at the home. “In that moment, I heard a voice who called me: ‘Sister Marjana, Sister Marjana.”’

He pulled her out. With the ground still shaking, she sat down on the side of the road and began texting her friends and sisters that she had survived.

That moment was immortalized in an image taken by a photographer for the ANSA news agency reprinted worldwide.

Lleshi spent much of Aug. 25 getting

34 YEARS

medical checks for dust inhalation and her head wound, which required stitches.

Once back home, she wept as she thought of her family.

She still hopes to travel to Rome for the canonization of Mother Teresa, the Macedonian-born ethnic Albanian nun who ministered to the poor of India. But the chaos and horror of the moment may be too much. Her order lost three sisters and four of the elderly women they cared for, alongside incalculable losses in the wider community.

“For me she’s the symbol of Albania, of a strong woman,” she said of Teresa.

“I would have liked to go, but after this I don’t think I can.”

She can relish the simple fact of still being alive.

“I had said ‘adieu,”’ she said, “and in the end it wasn’t an adieu.” 

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YOUR VOICE

■ astrology

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

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15

Predictions and advice for the week of September 3–9

By Sun Lee Chang Rat — A chance meeting could open the door to a new adventure. Bring along a friend to share in the experience.

Dragon — Are you trying to make up for lost time?

There is only so much ground to gain at this point, so focus your energy where it counts.

Ox — Someone has triggered a memory that you thought was long behind you. Avoid making the same mistake twice.

Snake — Does it seem like you are right back where you began? At the end of the day, home is not such a bad place to be.

Tiger — Although you feel as though a grand gesture would be well received, it probably won’t have as much of an impact as you think.

Horse — An exceptional opportunity to make your mark is at hand. Do your best so that you don’t look back with regret.

Rabbit — You can’t make a fresh start if you are still holding on to the past. While it may be a little unsettling, learn to embrace the uncertainty before you.

Goat — A glimpse of what could happen is all you need to turn around now. It should prove to be a very prudent move in the long run.

Monkey — The care you take now in handling a sensitive matter should help to minimize fallout later in case things don’t work out quite the way you expected.

Rooster — If you shine a bright light in a dark place, there are bound to be things there that were previously hidden from view.

Dog — As excited as you are about the plans that you have laid out, it is best to keep your wits about you as the pieces come together.

Pig — A difference of opinion doesn’t have to be divisive. Focus instead on those areas that you both have in common.

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.

day and night, and wifi! The bungalows are strung along the edge of the gorge, with the lodge in the middle. So for us, staying in #1 (best view!), it was a five-minute walk through manicured gardens to breakfast or dinner. We spent two nights there.

If you visit Gorges, you’ll want to meet “Chicken,” manager Debbie’s pet guinea fowl. But don’t get too close to Debbie if Chicken is with her — he’ll chase you away (Debbie belongs to him). Chicken wandered into the compound as a babe, and has hung around ever since.

Debbie informed us that when traveling any distance, Chicken prefers the car over walking.

During one of the evenings in Vic Falls, we booked a sunset cruise (raikane.com) on “Ra Ikane,” a ship named after David Livingstone’s guide. There are a lot of “booze cruises” out of Vic Falls (and from the Zambia side as well) that focus on partying. The Ra Ikane is more sedate, with an emphasis on nature. We were lucky to watch an elephant family crossing the river. The mom had to keep prodding her calf to move into deeper water, where only its trunk would break the surface, like a periscope. Again, too cute! We also saw crocs and a fascinating community of bee-eater birds, digging their tunnels deep into riverside sandbanks.

Photo: Dr. A. Chauvet

ZIMBABWE from 8

Baboons were common--they made lots of strange noises at night.

We booked one more Imvelo camp experience before heading home. This time, we headed upriver about 25 miles to Zambezi Sands River Camp, inside Zambezi National Park. The river is broad there, and except for a few whitewater sections, is calm. Kayaking with the hippos and crocs is one option, but we were looking for something more laid back. So one evening, our guide Clint, from the UK, set up four lawn chairs in his small motorboat and took us to visit a hippo family and enjoy the river at sunset (with all the required sundowner amenities, of course).

Zambezi Sands was our most elegant camp, even though we were once again living in canvas-sided tents. Our tent was palatial — two big rooms, an indoor bath with a claw foot bathtub, an outdoor bath with a shower, and a large deck with a plunge pool. As with Bomani, this booking was allinclusive, so our tent had a mini-bar stocked with red and white wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks at no extra charge.

An unexpected joy of camp life was hanging out with different sorts of people, not just the staff, but other guests.

We would eat and do activities together, so there was lots of time to get to know one another. Some families traveled with young children, and an older, wheelchair-bound British man told us that he goes on safaris several times a year. At Zambezi Sands, we spent a lot of time with a mom, Anne, from Florida (a veterinary neurosurgeon) and her two 12-year-old boys.

We didn’t see any big cats in Hwange, but we got lucky at Zambezi. Blessed, our brilliant and fortuitouslynamed guide, who we all thought looked a bit like Denzel Washington, noticed feline tracks, and was on the prowl.

Suddenly, we spotted them lounging on the road — five adult female lions, a young male, and two cubs. We moved as close as we could without spooking them, then sat and

Photo: S. Wittet

Blessed with lions

This young springbok visited our camp everyday.

watched. Blessed warned us not to stand up or make any sudden movements, as that might make them too curious.

Looking at the cats through my binoculars, they seemed to be right in my face. It elicited a primal response deep in my gut. I guess I’m prone to feeling anxious when a predator shows so much interest. Eventually the pack stood, stretched, and moseyed down the road. Very exciting!

After three nights at Zambezi Sands, it was nearly time to go home. We kicked ourselves for booking only 11 days; we definitely hadn’t had enough. Fortunately our last hotel,

the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (victoria-falls-safari-lodge. com), also sits in a park, and we could observe a waterhole from our room.

That night, the four of us celebrated our successful safari with what we thought would be a splurge at the Palm Restaurant (ilalalodge.com/the-palm-restaurant) in Vic Falls town. The gourmet meal — in a lovely garden setting, with splendid service and wonderful food, presented elegantly — cost about what an average restaurant meal would be in Seattle. While the food at the lodges had been awesome, considering we were in the middle of the jungle, this was the one truly impressive and memorable meal of the trip. After all, our crocodile croquettes came fresh from the croc farm next door!

At breakfast the last day, we got lucky, bagging a view table over the waterhole. All morning, we were glued to the binoculars, trying to get last glimpses of whatever showed up — buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, crocs. Packing was slow for the same reason — I’d slip a couple of items into the bag, then see something new saunter up for a drink and it was back to the window. Finally, reluctantly, we hauled our bags to reception.

Back home, friends asked, “You’ve checked safaris off your bucket list, so what’s next?” Well, now that we know we love going on a safari, our list has expanded. There are other parks in Zimbabwe to explore, and other countries. Looks like we’ll be getting back in touch with Butterfly before long.

Come to think of it, the last time she hinted at good values in Botswana…  Check out our short video on YouTube (youtube.com/ watch?v=zvdifZEfloo) for a look at Vic Falls from the ground and from the air, the places we stayed, and the game we saw.

Gary Tang and Scott Wittet can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

asianweekly northwest

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it took only a few seconds for him to confirm his willingness. I was simply awestruck.

Uncle Bob was is the one who encouraged me to run for office. He said that even if you lose, you would make your point and that’s the key — he was absolutely right. His legacy needs to be celebrated, not just by naming a street, building or a park, but by recognizing members of our own community for following the path shown by him.

REMEMBERING from 3 great community leaders, and a legendary activist. “Uncle” Bob Santos was born and raised in Seattle, and advocated for civil rights for almost all of his adult life. We hope to carry his legacy and leadership in our own work, and affect the community in the same way that he did.

Andrés J. Mantilla, Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs chair

Sharon Lee, Low Income Housing Institute executive director

Uncle Bob was the first HUD official in the nation to open up space in the federal building for a shelter for men and women. When housing activists from Operation Homestead and homeless people occupied a rundown vacant building in downtown Seattle, Uncle Bob worked with the Low Income Housing Institute and contacted the property owner to negotiate a long term lease. Uncle Bob was a key advocate to make sure that homeless people got basic hygiene services at the downtown Urban Rest Stop. He made sure that federal funding paid for hot showers, restrooms, and free laundry facilities — enabling thousands of homeless stay clean and healthy so they can stay employed or find a job, and apply for housing.

Uncle Bob was a shining example of true activism, integrity, and a model for all that wanted to make a positive change in their community. A member of the original Gang of Four, Bob showed us what true courage looked like in the face of adversity and institutional barriers for communities of color.

Debadutta Dash, Washington State India trade Relations Action Committee co-chair

It was [Bob] who reached out to me first at a 2004 event. He made an eye contact with an intriguing smile and looked at the bundle of PlanetGuru newspapers I was holding, and asked me which part of the world I was from. He had already figured that out. Before I could even answer, he mentioned Mahatma Gandhi and we began a very passionate and meaningful conversation. At the end of that conversation, he expressed his willingness to interact with the local Indian American community, especially youth.

Three years later, I was the President of the India Association of Western Washington and my good friend, Murthy Kalkura, was in charge of the annual Camp Bharat (the week long summer camp). I thought that would be a good opportunity to have Uncle Bob at the closing of the summer camp as the guest of honor. But the question was if he would be willing to travel from Seattle to Fort Worden to give a 15 minute speech. I called him and

Words from the community members Daryl Chin, Seattle resident

I had invited [Bob] to take part in a Chinese lion blessing ceremony event, which was supposed to be in the renovated Hing Hay Park on Aug. 27. I informed Uncle Bob via e-mail that it was cancelled and that I was going to reschedule it for another time. I won’t get a chance to ask him again because he is gone. My father, Doug, and Bob have known each other since the 1950s. They remained good friends throughout the years.

I am appreciative I met Uncle Bob when I was a baby. The Chin family sends their

condolences to Sharon Tomiko-Santos and the rest of the Santos family. I want to let them know we will miss his karaoke singing and most of all, his outstanding leadership.

Alan Alabastro, Alabastro Photography owner

As a newcomer to Seattle in the late 1990s, Uncle Bob welcomed me right into the community. During the late night karaoke sessions at the Bush Gardens, he introduced me to everyone he knew, sparking my involvement in the APA community. He was charming, he was kind, he could sing — everyone loved him. But under that debonair style, he was a fierce and passionate defender of civil rights and a champion for our community. Thank you, Uncle Bob.

Frances Alexander, activist and Santos’ friend

So sad to lose such a great and valuable man. His legacy should live on in all of us.

Thank you, Bob, for caring about all of us so much that you have given us so many lessons that we have learned from you to continue in your footsteps and to pass on to the next generation and generations to come.

Cerise Cook, Seattle resident

I remember him from the old Wa Sang grocery … he was always in there chatting with people. He bought us Botan candy once. My cousins and [I] always went there together when our folks were at Tai Tung or King Cafe. Sometimes he’d buy us a bag of sour balls, we’d sit outside and split them up.

Mr. Santos would stand where he could see our faces, and smile. I miss those days! He was a great man! Prayers go out to him and his family.

Deborah Horne, KIRO 7 reporter

We’ll miss ‘Uncle Bob.” I remember the last interview he and I did. On a weekend.

He was the only prominent person who would talk to me last year about the 30th anniversary of the Wah Mee massacre. He lived life fearlessly, unafraid, confident in who he was. I will miss his presence in our world.

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Rep. Adam Smith

From his time as a community organizer to his work as a civil rights leader and in his commitment to mentoring the leaders of tomorrow, Bob has had an incredible impact on countless individuals throughout the Seattle region. Bob’s leadership and vision was critical to the growth of the Chinatown International District, and his legacy with truly live on for generations to come.

Gov. Jay Inslee

We lost a leader with the passing of Bob Santos. Trudi and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family.

State Sen. Bob Hasegawa

When I first ran for public office, Uncle Bob was one of the first people I turned to for advice and support. I was a labor organizer, who tried to build bridges with other social justice communities, but always felt a disconnect. Uncle Bob understood the need to connect the movements and was super supportive. He’s always been someone I could turn to for moral and active support.

We were privileged to witness his Grammy Award-winning performance at my Karaoke Fundraising event just two months ago where he set the bar so high, everyone was in awe. Turns out, it was a performance of a lifetime. I’ll miss him dearly.

State Sen. Pramila Jayapal

He did so much for the city, for the API community, for civil rights. A true hero with an amazing legacy he leaves, including MEDC, Interim, and so much more. Thoughts and strength to his family, including Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos.

Dow Constantine, King Co. Executive

I have fond memories of meeting Bob at Bush Garden and listening to him sing Sinatra like no other. He was a gentleman who seemed to know everyone in the ID. What a loss.

Bob Santos was a passionate believer in the power of bringing people together to fight for fairness and opportunity. He was a man defined by both his work and his friendships. Along with Bernie Whitebear, Roberto Maestas, and Larry Gossett, Bob formed the “Gang of Four,” legendary for achieving civil rights victories and neighborhood preservation. Seattle would look much different today if not for Bob. Ever a serious force for social change, Bob was equally fun to be around. I regret that I will never be able to make good on my solemn promise to join Uncle Bob in a karaoke duet at the venerable Bush Garden on Maynard Avenue.

Deborah Gooden, retired community developer

Larry Gossett, Metropolitan King County Councilmember

Athima Chansanchai, former Seattle PI reporter

Florida Rambutan

34 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

A genuine hero and inspiration. Always positive, always an advocate for his community. Thank you for a life very well lived.

Alyssa Pham, Summer Youth Leadership Program participant

Uncle Bob was one of the most inspirational speakers and leaders I’ve ever met. He has fought and contributed so much during his lifetime for the Asian American community in Seattle. I was very lucky to have gotten the opportunity to listen to his stories this year as a participant in the Asian Weekly’s Summer Youth Leadership Program. I’ll keep you in my prayers, Uncle Bob.

Words from elected officials Sen. Patty Murray

Uncle Bob Santos’ work inspired entire communities. He will be missed, and my thoughts are with Sharon and Seattle’s AAPI community.

Sen. Maria Cantwell

Bob Santos will be remembered as an outstanding community and civil rights leader who made Seattle’s International District what it is today.

Personally, I’ve lost a dear friend and ally who worked on empowering communities of color throughout our region and nationally.

I was immensely proud of Bob being one of my ‘Amigos’ with Roberto Maestas and Bernie Whitebear, we spoke, marched and, at times, went to jail to ensure that our communities received the opportunities that had been denied them for too long.

My deep condolences to his wife Sharon, his six children and his grand and great– grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

Ed Murray, Seattle Mayor

Bob Santos touched countless lives across every race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, and age in Seattle. He was everyone’s “uncle” because of his universal and unwavering friendship, and he was a hero to many marginalized Seattleites who he tirelessly advocated for. I have been fortunate to have worked with him on many of these issues for over two decades. Seattle mourns the loss of one of the greatest civic leaders … and our city is much greater because of his life.

Lorena Gonzalez, Seattle City Council

“Uncle” Bob Santos will be missed, but his legacy as a mentor to so many young API leaders will certainly live on. 