PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
FREE 35 YEARS YOUR VOICE
Murray resigns, Harrell to fill in
Chinese leaders to Cary Moon: Treat us fairly By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Tony Au was fired up. The business owner visited the Northwest Asian Weekly office on Sept. 11 to voice his concern about Tony Au Cary Moon’s proposal to impose a tax on some buyers of homes in Seattle. Au and several prominent Chinese business owners penned a bilingual letter that stated that the tax “would be xenophobic and discriminatory, and would deepen troubling and longstanding false stereotypes of Asian and Chinese people here in Seattle, while doing little or nothing to address [see TAX on 15]
Family of Tommy Le, shot in back by deputies, to sue County
Photo by Hana Kim/Q13 Fox.
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
Photo from seattle.gov
VOL 36 NO 38
Bruce Harrell (left) with Mayor Ed Murray, when Murray introduced recommendations from the Education Summit Advisory Group in November 2016.
By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY “I am announcing my resignation as mayor, effective at 5 p.m. (Sept. 13). Ed Murray made the
announcement on Sept. 12.” “While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our City government to conduct the public’s business,” Murray said in a statement.
The announcement came after The Seattle Times reported earlier that same day that a fifth man, a younger cousin of Murray, had come forward and accused [see MURRAY on 11]
Losing history?: Seko Garden’s future uncertain
News conference on Sept. 7 with Tommy Le’s family as their lawyers discuss the autopsy results.
ASSOCIATED PRESS SEATTLE — An autopsy report released Sept. 7 shows that a 20-yearold Burien man killed by a sheriff ’s deputy was shot twice in the back and once in the left wrist. The family of Tommy Le released the autopsy results, as they announced plans to file a federal civil-rights claim against the King County Sheriff ’s Office seeking $20 million, the Seattle PI reported. [see LE on 12]
Study: Asian American characters ‘tokens’ on TV Photo by John Liu/NWAW
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
and her late husband Roy used to own the Bush Garden restaurant
LOS ANGELES — A new study finds that Asian American characters are slighted on TV programs despite progress over the last decade. Professors and scholars at six California universities studied 242 broadcast, cable, and digital platform shows that aired during the 2015-16 season.
[see SEKO on 15]
[see TOKENS on 12]
Seko Garden
By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Koichi Kobayashi is looking
for a savior. The landscape architect said the community stands to lose a “piece of art and a piece of his history” unless
someone steps forward. He is referring to the home of Joan Seko — which she is planning to sell next spring. She
INSIDE
NAMES Who’s doing what in the Asian community? 2
■
NUPTIALS Japanese princess to marry her beau 5
THEATER Plays that dive into identity, culture, and ethnicity 8
YOUTUBER Social media star Thomas Orlina on making it 9
35 YEARS NWAW’s publisher takes trip down memory lane 10
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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2
35 YEARS
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Korean School of Federal Way
sound financial principles. Today, replicas of the Grameen Bank model operate in more than 100 countries worldwide. In addition to the Nobel Prize, Yunus is the recipient of numerous international awards for his ideas and endeavors. He is also a member of the board of the United Nations Foundation. ■
goods, fresh cut flowers, and Asian-inspired items, along with live bands made for a good old time for all. ■
Seattle-based Landesa awarded LUI Che Woo Prize
Attendees checked out a huge variety of food vendors at the Night Market.
Photos from Michael Park
Thousands of people attended Seattle’s ChinatownInternational District’s annual Night Market on Sept. 9, under the Chinatown Gate. Festival goers enjoyed a variety of international delights — from food vendors dishing out a variety of street food, to local restaurants serving up the district’s popular staples. An outdoor international market featuring handmade local
Photo provided by Landesa.
Photo by John Liu/NWAW
Chinatown-ID Night Market
A family in West Bengal, India, display their title to a micro-plot of land. Landesa’s programs and advocacy work have helped strengthen land rights for 120 million families in more than 50 countries.
Founded in Seattle, Landesa was recently awarded the LUI Che Woo Prize under the category “Betterment of the Welfare of Mankind.” Landesa was lauded for its promotion of the idea of “land to the tiller” and its success in securing land rights for over 120 million of the world’s poorest families in more than 50 countries over the past 50 years. The LUI Che Woo Prize recognizes and honor individuals and organizations all over the world for outstanding achievements and contributions. ■
Students of all ages at KSFW
School will be back in session on Sept. 6 at the Korean School of Federal Way (KSFW). The school, open to pre-K to 12th graders, as well as adults, focuses on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, in addition to cultural enrichment classes, such as taekwondo, choir, and samulnori. KSFW opened in 2011 and is now in its seventh year with nearly 200 students. It meets at the Saghalie Middle School campus on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ■
Trump nominates India born Manisha Singh President Trump announced on Sept. 7 that he’s nominating Manisha Singh to be Assistant Secretary of State, Economic, and Business Affairs. Born in India, Singh is currently Chief Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan. She speaks fluent Hindi and her private Manisha Singh sector experience includes practicing law at multinational law firms and working in-house at an investment bank. She earned an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from the American University Washington College of Law, a J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law, and a B.A. from the University of Miami. ■
Nobel Peace Prize laureate coming to Seattle
Find where you belong. We’ll get you there by listening, learning and finding the loan that helps you achieve your home ownership dreams.
Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is giving a free public talk at Seattle University on Oct. 12, as part of his book tour. Yunus established the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh in 1983, fueled by the belief that credit is a fundamental human Muhammad Yunus right. His objective was to help poor people escape from poverty by providing loans on terms suitable to them and by teaching them
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3/27/17 10:19 AM
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
■ COMMUNITY NEWS
GOP congressman apologizes for irate retort to Rep. Jayapal By Matthew Daly ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Veteran Alaska Rep. Don Young has apologized after addressing a 51-year-old female colleague as “young lady” and saying she “doesn’t know a damn thing what she’s talking about.” Young, 84, is a Republican in his 23rd term as Alaska’s sole House member. In a House
floor debate the night of Sept. 7, Young was offering an amendment about wildlife management on national preserves in his state when Democratic freshman Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington spoke in opposition. Jayapal, who was born in India, is the first Indian American woman in the House. Clearly angry, Young said that Jayapal “doesn’t know a damn thing what she’s talking about.”
a tendency to “get He accused her of very defensive about parroting “nonmy state.” sense” from a speJayapal said she cial interest group accepted the apoland said, “You may ogy and told Young, not know me, young “We have obviously lady, but I’m deeply some work to get to disturbed.” know each other, but Jayapal objected Pramila Jayapal immediately and I can tell you that I asked that Young’s words be care about my state as deeply as stricken from the record. Young later apologized, saying he has [see JAYAPAL on 14]
Free dental, vision, and medical services offered at giant clinic By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Organizers expect to help 4,000 people at a giant health clinic from Oct. 26 through Oct. 29, in KeyArena at Seattle Center.
asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
Now in its fourth year, Seattle/ King County Clinic brings together over 100 healthcare organizations, civic agencies, nonprofits, private businesses, and thousands of volunteers to help underserved and vulnerable populations. People who struggle to access and/or afford
dental, medical, and eye care services may receive them free of charge. Over the past three years, the clinic has cared for 11,900 patients and provided over $10 million in services. Statistics show patients come to the clinic from 262 unique zip codes and
speak 37 primary languages. Forty-seven percent of those who seek services do not have health insurance, 49 percent are unemployed or classified as the working poor, and more than 60 percent of patients are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. ■
SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) — A Washington state man accused of killing a cab driver in Idaho was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation, putting criminal proceedings on hold. The Bonner County Daily Bee reported on Sept. 1 that Chief Public Defender Janet Whitney moved for 19-year-old Jacob Coleman to undergo an evaluation because of statements he made to investigators. Whitney did not say what the statements were. The first-degree murder charge against Coleman stemmed from the stabbing death of 22-year-old Gagandeep Singh, who drove Coleman from the Spokane International Airport to Idaho on Aug. 28. Officials accuse Coleman of buying the knife used to kill Singh while they were on their way to Idaho. The court order requires an evaluation for a diagnosis and an opinion about Coleman’s capacity to understand the charge against him. Originally from Jalandhar in Punjab, Singh had been living in Washington state since 2003. He was the [see SINGH on 14]
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SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
35 YEARS
■ NATIONAL NEWS U.S. won’t punish United over passengerdragging incident By David Koenig AP AIRLINES WRITER Federal officials decided not to punish United Airlines over an infamous incident in which a passenger was dragged off an overcrowded plane. The Transportation Department said it found no evidence that United violated David Dao’s civil rights in the April 9 incident in Chicago. There was also not enough evidence that the airline violated rules regarding bumping passengers to take the case further, the department said. A Transportation Department lawyer told United about the decision in a May 12 [see UNITED on 12]
California resolution shelved after Chinese opposition By Jonathan J. Cooper ASSOCIATED PRESS SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A California senator says Democratic legislative leaders are squashing his attempt to stand up for practitioners of a banned Chinese spiritual movement under pressure from the government of China. The Senate shelved a symbolic resolution condemning persecution of Falun Gong practitioners after lawmakers received a letter from the Chinese consulate warning the measure would be detrimental to relations between California and China. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism and the ideas of its founder with meditation and exercises to improve physical and mental health. China regards it as a dangerous cult and a threat to social stability and outlawed the practice in 1999. Sen. Joel Anderson, a Republican from Alpine outside San Diego, tried repeatedly last week to attach his resolution to unrelated symbolic measures offered by Democrats, including one to show solidarity with the persecuted LGBT community in Chechnya. Anderson was a featured speaker at a protest on Sept. 8 at the Chinese consulate in [see FALUN GONG on 13]
Houston-area Vietnamese, no strangers to displacement, recover from Hurricane Harvey By Janie Har and Gregory Bull ASSOCIATED PRESS HOUSTON (AP) — As Hurricane Harvey’s floodwater rose quickly above cabinets, counters and toward the ceiling, Viet Dao scrambled to figure out how he would save his young children, wife and in-laws if the water wouldn’t stop. What if he couldn’t rescue them all? “It hits you right there: We have nowhere to escape,’’ Dao, 48, said by phone. “If it was just me, it’s OK, I can survive. But I just don’t know how can I help my children and family get out. It’s really frustrating.’’ Decades ago, it was Dao’s parents who were trying to get him out of harm’s way by sending him away from Vietnam on a crowded fishing boat when he was 18 so that he could make a better life for himself in America. The two situations are incomparable, but Dao says he now better understands the desperation of wanting to protect family. Some of the more than 110,000 Vietnam-
Hurricane Harvey near the coast of Texas at peak intensity late on Aug. 25
ese in the Houston area are among the tens of thousands of people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Harvey. They
share a common heritage in the United States that stems from leaving a homeland and starting anew. Houston, an official resettlement site for refugees after the Vietnam War, is home to the largest concentration of Vietnamese Americans outside of California. The population includes recent newcomers whose limited English is dotted with “ma’am,’’ and those who came decades ago after a city then called Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975. Like the rest of the region, they have been shoveling debris from ruined homes, mopping up wet floors and pitching in however they can to help with recovery efforts from the devastating storm that killed more than 70 after landing on the Gulf Coast of Texas on Aug. 25 as a Category 4 hurricane. The Lien Hoa Buddhist temple in Houston earlier this week bustled with dozens of upbeat adults and teenagers who unloaded crates of bottled water and filled a table [see HARVEY on 13]
Appeals court: Grandparents not part of Trump’s travel ban By Gene Johnson ASSOCIATED PRESS SEATTLE (AP) — Grandparents, cousins and similarly close relations of people in the United States should not be prevented from coming to the country under President Donald Trump’s travel ban, a federal appeals court has ruled in another legal
defeat for the administration on the contentious issue. The decision on Sept. 7 from three judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling by a federal judge in Hawaii, who found the administration’s view of who should be allowed into the country under the ban is too strict. The unanimous ruling also said refu-
gees accepted by a resettlement agency should not be banned. “Stated simply, the government does not offer a persuasive explanation for why a mother-in-law is clearly a bona fide relationship, in the Supreme Court’s prior reasoning, but a grandparent, grandchild, [see TRAVEL on 13]
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YOUR VOICE
■ WORLD NEWS
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
5
Japanese princess engaged to college love; wedding next year TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Emperor Akihito’s oldest grandchild, Princess Mako, said she is getting married to a university classmate who won her heart with bright smiles and sincerity. Mako and fiance Kei Komuro, both 25, said at a news conference on Sept. 3 that their relationship started when the princess sat behind him at a campus meeting five years ago at Tokyo’s International Christian University, where they graduated. “First I was attracted by his bright smiles like the sun,” Mako said, smiling shyly. They talked for the first time at the event for students ahead of a studyabroad program, and then started dating. Over time, she said she learned he is “a sincere, strong-minded, hard worker, and he has a big heart,” Mako said. The couple had a long-distance relationship while studying overseas — Mako in Britain and Komuro in the U.S. — for one year. Then Komuro proposed to
Details of their wedding have not been decided, and palace officials say the ceremony is expected sometime around autumn next year after a series of rituals, including one that authorizes the engagement.
AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, Pool
By Mari Yamaguchi ASSOCIATED PRESS
her after dinner in December 2013. Mako has since introduced him to her parents, Prince Akishino, second in line to the Chrysanthemum throne, and Princess Kiko, as someone she [see MAKO on 12]
Japan’s Princess Mako, right, the elder daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and her fiance Kei Komuro, look at each other during a press conference at Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on Sept. 3.
Vatican declares Mother Teresa a patron saint of Calcutta
Mother Teresa
KOLKATA, India (AP) — The Vatican declared Mother Teresa a patron saint of the Archdiocese of Calcutta last week, at a Mass in the city where she dedicated her life to the poorest of the poor. The honor came 16 months after Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa a saint. About 500 people attended the Mass at a cathedral where Vicar General Dominique Gomes read the decree instituting her as the second patron saint of the archdiocese. Mother Teresa’s name will be mentioned whenever people under the archdiocese pray or a Mass is held.
The Vatican’s ambassador to India, Giambattista Diquattro, led the Mass and inaugurated a bronze statue in the church of Mother Teresa carrying a child. The Roman Catholic Church declared St. Francis Xavier the first patron saint of Calcutta in 1986. The archdiocese still retains its old name, Calcutta, even though the city’s official name was changed by the state government to Kolkata in 2001. The archbishop of Calcutta, Thomas D’Souza, said every diocese in the world has a patron saint and since Mother Teresa belonged to the city, “we
China looks at ending sales of gasoline cars By Joe McDonald AP BUSINESS WRITER BEIJING (AP) — China is joining France and Britain in announcing plans to end sales of gasoline and diesel cars. China’s industry ministry is developing a timetable to end production and sale of traditional fuel cars and will promote development of electric technology, state media on Sept. 10 cited a Cabinet official as saying. The reports gave no possible target date, but Beijing is stepping up pressure on auto-
makers to accelerate development of electrics. China is the biggest auto market by number of vehicles sold, giving any policy changes outsize importance for the global industry. A deputy industry minister, Xin Guobin, said at an auto industry forum on Sept. 9 that his ministry has begun “research on formulating a timetable to stop production and sales of traditional energy vehicles,” according to the Xinhua News Agency and [see CARS on 14]
decided to declare mother our patron.” “We are very happy that Archdiocese of Calcutta has declared her as its patron, acknowledging her great work for the people,” said Sister Prema, the head of Missionaries of Charity, the order of nuns started by Mother Teresa in 1950. Catholics in Kolkata said they were delighted with the Vatican’s decision. “We are very happy that our Mother Teresa, who has done so much service for the poor and destitute in the city, irrespective of religion, caste or creed, has been made the patron of the Archdiocese of Calcutta,” said housewife Karabi Kanjilal. ■
NOTICE OF ELECTION
INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL REVIEW DISTRICT BOARD In accordance with SMC 23.66, as amended Nomination Deadline: Tuesday, October 24, 2017 Mailing address: Department of Neighborhoods / ATTN: ISRD Coordinator / PO Box 94649 / Seattle, WA 98124-4649 Street address: Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, 4th Floor Nomination forms may be submitted via U.S. Postal Service or hand-delivered no later than the close of business day (5:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, October 24th. Nominees and nominators shall sign the nomination form to provide proof of consent. An original signature from the nominee is required; therefore, nomination forms will not be accepted via email or fax, unless the original hard copy is received by the deadline. Open Positions (check one):
� #1 Business Owner, Property Owner or Employee � #2 Resident, Tenant or Community Participant � #4 Resident, Tenant or Community Participant
Eligible persons shall be nominated to one position only. Nominees shall be eligible for the selected position in accordance with criteria of the International Special Review District enabling ordinance, SMC 23.66, as amended. Election Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2017 Polling Place: Bush Hotel, Plaza level meeting room (409 Maynard Ave. South, entrance off of Maynard Ave. S. or off Hing Hay Park) Time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Voter eligibility is limited to those 18 years or older. There shall be one vote per voter. Voters must meet at least one of these four categories of eligibility: Property Owner, Employee, Business Person, or Resident (as defined by election procedures for the International Special Review District Board authorized by the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods.) There shall be no voting by proxy or absentee ballot. For more information, contact the International Special Review District Board Coordinator at (206) 684-0226 or visit http://seattle.gov/ neighborhoods/preservation/id.htm. NOTE: VOTER REGISTRATION PROCEDURE Voter registration is required. A registration list of eligible voters is kept on file in the Department of Neighborhoods and at the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation Development Authority (SCIDPDA), Hing Hay Co-Works, located at 409 Maynard Ave. S. It is not necessary for an eligible voter to register every year unless his or her voting category or address changes. Eligible voters may register by filling out a registration form and submitting it to the Department of Neighborhoods at any time of the year except for thirty (30) days prior to the election. Registration forms are available in the Department or in the SCIDPDA. On election day, voters will be asked to show one form of the following valid photographic identification: driver’s license, photographic identification card, passport, or permanent resident card, and sign a register. The International Special Review District Board Election Procedures (Amended September 12, 2016) are available upon request.
asianweekly northwest
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SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
35 YEARS
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEPT 14 2017 8TH ANNUAL ETHNIC MEDIA MEET & GREET Nagomi Tea House 519 6th Ave. S., Seattle Free
15 ‘FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER’ KHMER FILM SCREENING Asian Counseling and Referral Service, Safeco Activity Center3639 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle Free OFF THE WALLS: REMEMBERING AND CREATING ART & DANCE OF INDIA Seattle Art Museum 7–10 p.m. Free with RSVP seattleartmuseum.org
16 A CELEBRATION OF TRADITIONAL CULTURE, BY SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN Seattle Chinese Garden 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle 12–3:30 p.m. $8–$16 OFF THE WALLS: AFTER DARK Seattle Art Museum 7–10 p.m. Free with RSVP seattleartmuseum.org WEDGWOOD COMMUNITY PICNIC Hunter Tree Farm 7744 35th Ave. N.E., Seattle 3 p.m.
SEA MAR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS’ FIESTAS PATRIAS, “LET’S WALK TOGETHER” South Park & Seattle Center 11 a.m.
LUZVISMINDA: A FILIPINO NIGHT MARKET Palace Ballroom, Seattle 9 p.m.–12 a.m.
17
RENTON MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Carco Theatre 1717 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton 7–10 p.m. Free admission rentonwa.gov/rentonfestival
KAC-WA ANNUAL KOREAN BBQ COOKOFF Seward Park, Seattle, Shelter #3 5895 Lake Washington Blvd 3–5 p.m. Free–$15 info@kacwashington.org
18 API HERITAGE CELEBRATION MEETING 305 17th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144 6-7pm
19 WSCRC U.S. ASIA ECONOMIC POLICY: VIEW FROM U.S. CONGRESS SEMINAR K&L Gates 925 4th Ave #2900, Seattle 4–5:30 p.m. $10–$30 info@wscrc.org “CHIBI SAMURAI” BOOK SIGNING AND CRAFT EVENT WITH SANAE ISHIDA Kinokuniya Bookstore 525 S. Weller St., Seattle 2 p.m. 206-587-2477 ebseattle@kinokunya.com
22 CHILDREN’S MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL Donnie Chin International Children’s Park, 700 S Lane St., Seattle 4–6 p.m.
23 RENTON MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Renton Pavilion Event Center and Piazza Park 233 Burnett Ave. S., Renton 3–7 p.m. Free admission rentonwa.gov/rentonfestival KOREAN CHUSEOK FESTIVAL 4851 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission apcc96.org
24 CASTING SO WHITE: RACIAL BIAS IN FILM, TV, AND THEATER DISCUSSION Northwest Film Forum 1515 12th Ave, Seattle 1–3:30 p.m.
30 JACL IS HOLDING A SEMINAR, “GAINING INFLUENCE – DEVELOPING LEADERS FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE IN PRIVATE, PUBLIC, AND NONPROFIT SECTORS” Keiro Northwest Free admission Registration is required at jaclleadershipsept30.eventbrite.com
OCT
6 – 15 TASVEER SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL Films will be shown in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, and Bothell sumathi@tasveer.org tasveer.org
7 JAPAN WEEK AT BELLEVUE COLLEGE Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission japanweek@bellevuecollege.edu
12 API CANDIDATES FORUM Nagomi Tea House International District, Seattle 5:30–7:30 p.m.
14 TASTE OF ASIA WITH TEA, COOKING CLASS — TAIWAN Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Tacoma 11 a.m.–12 p.m. $20 RSVP 253-383-3900 asiapacificculturalcenter.org/tasteofasia
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The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.” The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article. Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
■ AT THE MOVIES
7
? L R I G S S A D A B L R I G D BA OR
A REVIEW OF ‘THE VILLAINESS ’ (‘AKNYEO’)
By John Liu NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
The first thing we see is a first person perspective of someone running around, shooting everyone with pinpoint precision, and stabbing multiple assailants. Blood sprays and limbs go flying in the air. Each goon is dispatched in spectacular style and barely scratches our hidden assassin. Next, we get a shot of her foes with lost limbs and moaning on the ground in pain. This entire scene goes on for 6 minutes. But this is not Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill. Finally, we realize she’s female after seeing her head bashed in a mirror. Our villainess is Sook-hee (Kim Ok-bin). We learn Sook-hee’s father was murdered when she was a young girl. A mysterious stranger, Joongsang (Shin Ha-kyun), saves her and transforms her into a killing machine. Eventually, Sook-hee falls in love with Joong-sang, and they get married. On their honeymoon, Joonsang is murdered and she sets out to [see VILLAINESS on 11]
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35 YEARS
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
’ T A H W E H T & O H W ‘THE FAMILY, , H IT A F S E R O PLAY EXPL D CULTURE GENDER, AN
By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Photo by Michael Brunk
Monika Jolly, who stars as Zarina in ArtsWest’s production of Ayad Ahktar’s play, “The Who & The What,” came by the role in a manner you don’t hear about every day. She created it. “Funny enough,” Jolly said, “I actually originated the role of Zarina when ‘The Who & The What’ had its world premiere at [California’s] La Jolla Playhouse in 2014! I had also been asked to be a part of a few developmental readings of the play, as it was being worked on by Ayad in the year leading up to the eventual production. “Once it had been announced as part of La Jolla Playhouse’s season, everyone in town knew that the play was being produced, and we all wanted to be a part of it. And obviously it was of particular interest to the female, South Asian actresses. It’s rare to have such well-written roles like this for a South Asian woman.” This four-character play from Akhtar, who won a Pulitzer Prize
for his earlier play “Disgraced,” features Jolly alongside Haley Alaji, as Zarina and Mahwish, a pair of Pakistani American sisters based in Atlanta, Ga., where their conservative Muslim father, Afzal (played by Abhijeet Rane), runs a taxi company. Zarina, the brainier and more provocative of the two sisters, seems happy with the single life, intellectual pursuits, and tinkering with a novel — although she keeps her creative work private and refuses to discuss it with anyone, including her family. She discovers, much to her ire, that her father has set up a fake dating profile for her, and conducting over-the-computer interviews with eligible Muslim bachelors, on her “behalf.” She reluctantly agrees to meet one of her father’s “choice picks.” However, she finds to her surprise that the young man makes her laugh, and even think. This is Eli (played by Andre Nelson), a Caucasian Muslim convert. She’ll pursue Eli, but with drastic unforeseen consequences. The play’s director, Samip Raval, hails originally from Charlotte, N.C., and moved to Seattle after graduating from [see WHO on 12]
From left: Alaji (Mahwish) and Monika Jolly (Zarina)
THREE GENERATIONS, PLAYED BY ONE ARTIST IN ‘DRAGON LADY’
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Sara Porkalob’s autobiographical solo show “Dragon Lady” begins in a basement, in darkness. A hissing sound, like a dragon or maybe just a heavy smoker struggling for air, shoots out through the playhouse air. Lights come up. Over the next 90 minutes, the set, courtesy of designer Jennifer Zeyl, never changes. It’s a furnished basement, a higher level
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asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
9
A N I L R O S A THOM G THE HOLLYWOOD DREAM
By Nina Huang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY With his new feel-good YouTube series that airs every other Friday, Your Time with Thomas! (YTWT), Thomas Orlina hopes to promote diversity and inspire others to follow their dreams. Orlina is a 29-year-old Filipino American who juggles three different jobs in Hollywood in hopes of becoming the Ryan Seacrest of the Filipino American community. Orlina knew he wanted to be in the entertainment industry since he was a kid. He’d love to follow in the footsteps of Seacrest because of the way he’s been able to navigate through different careers.
“There feels like a void in the Filipino community. I want to change the way people look at us and be that person to highlight the community,” he said. Orlina currently works in corporate communications at Warner Brothers, but on the side, he creates content for his YouTube show. He is also a red carpet correspondent and on-air host for AfterBuzz TV. Prior to his current roles, Orlina worked at TMZ and Telepictures Productions. After putting a hold on his on-camera hosting duties, he realized that it was his true calling after getting hired at AfterBuzz. It was one of those a-ha moments where he knew that was what he’s always wanted to do.
Orlina described his show as a channel where relatable topics, such as friendships, relationships, and dating, can be catered towards different audiences. In the first few episodes, audiences get to know Orlina and follow him on his adventures in Los Angeles. Orlina also touches on topics, such as trying new things, not being afraid to be your true self, and giving back to the community. Ellen DeGeneres and Lady Gaga are also figures that Orlina admires, for their strong support for the LGBTQ community. He also admires the business-savvy Kim Kardashian for her and her family’s ability to promote themselves and their products. His immigrant parents have instilled the
Photo provided by Thomas Orlina
CHASIN
Above: Thomas Orlina Left: Screencap from Orlina’s YouTube Channel
value of how hard work can pay off, as well as giving back to the community. “The hardest thing is to get people to invest in the series. The world is digital now, so I definitely think people are open to it, it’s just a matter of finding the [see ORLINA on 12]
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asianweekly northwest
10
35 YEARS
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG
OPINION
A trip down memory lane
My sources of inspiration still exist
By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Photos provided by Assunta Ng/NWAW
Is there anything special you remember about the year 1982? Were you even born then? In 1982, Gary Locke was running for a seat in the state legislature. KIRO 7 anchor Steve Raible began his broadcasting career at the station. The first USA Today was published. Time Magazine named the Computer as the Man of the Year. The first CD player was sold in Japan. It was also the Year of the Dog, according to the Chinese Zodiac. If you were born in 1982, you would be celebrating your 35th birthday this year. So is the Northwest Asian Weekly/Seattle Chinese Post. Last Saturday, my colleague Jenny Cho pointed out that her son, David, who is the AAT Television president, is 35 years old. We have been interacting with more than two generations of colleagues, readers, customers, employees, and people from all walks of life over the decades.
Above: The Chinatown community bulletin board today. Right top: The bulletin board in the 1990s.
They have shaped the dreams and life of the Northwest Asian Weekly — creating many of our significant milestones. The most frequent question people ask is, “What inspired you to start the Chinese Post and Asian Weekly?” Believe it or not, many of my sources of inspiration still exist today. Imagine yourself now standing in the International District as I did in 1982, embarking on a remarkable journey in journalism, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. THE CHINATOWN COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Why did I want to start the first Chinese newspaper in the Pacific Northwest since 1927? Look no further than the Chinatown community bulletin board hanging on 7th Avenue South and South King Street since the late 1800s. Nobody knew exactly when the board was placed there. Don’t underestimate this old piece of wood. It contains
News coverage of the Seattle Chinese Post’s beginning.
layers and layers of community history. For decades, this board was the only source of information for Chinese immigrants to find out what was going on in the community. Job openings, protest posters, and events were posted on this piece of broken wood, nailed together for convenience without thought to paint colors or design. When I first arrived in Seattle in the 1970s, I noticed the piece of junk immediately. It showed the community didn’t have any means of obtaining accurate information and news. The board now appears to be more attractive with new tiles, thanks to funding from the Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce. TAI TUNG, UWAJIMAYA In December 1981, I began to sell advertisements in the International District for the inaugural issue of the Seattle Chinese Post. Bear in mind, I didn’t have much selling experience, except for a brief stint when I sold women’s clothing. Soliciting newspaper advertisements is as tough as finding gold in Washington state mines, because it’s intangible and you can’t see the real benefits instantly. In those days, plotting strategies were beyond my capability. My assumptions were irrational and unworkable. Basically, a successful business could afford to advertise more than a mom-and-pop one, I thought. When I found out that Tai Tung was the oldest Chinese restaurant, I assumed it would be an easy sell. But not to owner Tommy Quan. You couldn’t sell him anything. He had heard it all. Tai Tung had not advertised for 30 years at the time I approached Quan, and it was still doing great. What would be the incentive for him to do anything differently? Honestly, it was hard to believe that he changed his mind in the end. My selling skills were terrible. He gave me a half -page advertisement and instantly paid for it. Why did he say yes? It could be that he saw an opportunity to support the community. Or he felt sorry for a naive woman dressed in tennis shoes and slacks going around the International District, begging
o
for money. Or maybe he said yes to get rid of me. What most people don’t realize is, Quan talks tough, but he has a big heart. I am inclined to believe all of the above. A community newspaper is a vital part of the community. But what Quan gave me was more than a plain congratulatory advertisement — it spiked my confidence and credibility to go to the next potential buyer. “Tommy Quan bought an ad, you should do it, too.” Uwajimaya was next. I didn’t even make an appointment. CEO Tomio Moriguchi was in the store. Yes, the oldest grocery store in the International District should be a good prospect! Although it was the first time I met Moriguchi, he was kind. He didn’t challenge me like Quan, and gave me an ad in less than five minutes. The rest was history. Uwajimaya has been advertising with us for 35 years, every single week. That support and commitment towards the community is hard to come by, especially in this age, where print media has been enduring declining ad revenue and subscriptions. Quan no longer runs Tai Tung. His brother Harry Chan is in charge now, and he is also supportive of the community. Moriguchi has retired from Uwajimaya’s board and is still active in the community. Thank you Tai Tung and Uwajimaya for your gracious support all these years. CISC In 1972, two of my classmates, Liana Fong and John Lo, founded the Chinese Information & Service Center (CISC) inside the old Wing Luke Museum, to help immigrants. We were recruited to help translate. It was there that I learned first-hand how immigrants struggled and needed help badly, not just in translation services, but social services, such as familial relations, parenting, job issues, and adjustment challenges. Both new and long-time immigrants didn’t know much about what was going on in the outside world except trying to survive and make a living. A year later, Fong approached me to start a youth outreach program for high school [see BLOG on 11]
of
asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
■ EDITORIAL
11
OPINION
Long overdue: Murray finally steps down amid latest sex abuse allegation It took five, not a couple, or three or four, but FIVE allegations of sexual assault before Ed Murray was forced to resign as Seattle mayor. There’s just too much smoke for there to be no fire. And what about the possibility that there may be more victims who are too scared to come forward? One accuser, Lloyd Anderson, said, “I feel victory, but saddened that it required another victim to come forward for him to resign. I wonder how many other victims are out there.” Anderson claims Murray abused him in Portland in the early 1980s. I can’t even imagine how trauma[BLOG from 10] students. I visited southend high schools and invited them to join CISC. Today, CISC, headquartered in Chinatown, has grown to be a vibrant social service agency, serving not only Chinese immigrants, but other immigrants of all ethnic backgrounds. CHINESE RADIO PROGRAM Simultaneously, another group of classmates who had a desire to make a difference in the community launched a Chinese radio program through KRAB to provide news and information to Chinese immigrants. I volunteered to provide entertainment programs by writing plays and being one of the characters in the play, during its first phase. The biggest lack of information for immigrants was during the Watergate scandal. How the hell could they comprehend that the United States could impeach a president? I remember how immigrants lined up outside a Chinatown store to buy Chinese newspapers from San Francisco to read news about Watergate. The volunteering experience at CISC and the radio program left a lasting impression on me — Chinese immigrants needed a lot of help. [VILLAINESS from 7] find her husband’s killer and takes out anyone who stands in her way. Sook-hee’s trail of terror ends as she is captured by the police. In the holding room, Sookhee is given a choice to become a sleeper agent for South Korea’s intelligence agency for 10 years. Afterwards, she can return to living a normal life. Sook-hee agrees after a startling revelation. The title “Villainess” implies a female antagonist and that never really felt like the case for me. It’s not like Sook-hee is going around just killing random people. She has her reasons. Maybe The Assassiness? I’m not very familiar with the Korean movie scene outside of My Sassy Girl, Old Boy, Train to Busan, and The Wailing, but director Jung Byung-Gil has raised the bar for the Korean action genre.
tizing it must have been as a survivor of sexual abuse to watch the entire city debate for months if a predator should be allowed to be mayor. Add to that — being attacked publicly and vilified, for being called a liar after coming forward … the story of how all of these men denied the truth to try and cope is heartbreaking. This resignation is a win for the victims who have had to witness Ed Murray
Murray’s rise to fame, while they are still dealing with the repercussions of the abuse they suffered. There must be something I could do! What would that be? MY EDUCATION What do you want to be when you grow up? Our 4th grade teacher asked us to write an essay on the topic. Most people were not aware that I was the first Chinese female reporter for the University of Washington (UW) Daily newspaper when I was in my junior and senior years. I took many journalism classes, although it was not my major. My experience with UW Daily made me proud. I remember I was the only one getting paid as a Daily reporter, while many of my UW friends found work in restaurants. What inspired me to take journalism classes was I thought about being a reporter and writer when I was a kid. I didn’t know much about the field then. I knew that if I wrote about being a teacher, nurse, and secretary, like the most of my classmates, I would get an average grade. However, if I wrote about some unconventional career, she would give me a higher grade. I was shocked when I and a few others were chosen to read our essay aloud in class. It’s funny how everything I had done in my life actually prepared The Villainess is exploding with action. There are gun fights, sword fights, hand-to-hand combat, and even a crazy motorcycle chase. This sequence alone switches over five different cameras from stationary, handheld, drone, mounted, and neck cam in a span of just a few minutes. The amount of creativity exhibited here is revolutionary. It’s so intense that you will forget why these idiots stupidly try to take her out with a sword, instead of just using a handgun and shooting her. The Villainess has a number of plot twists and the end product is an amazingly enjoyable film. Korean movies don’t have the same plot restrictions as U.S. films. For example, some U.S. directors start with a unique, sometimes sad ending. However, during early movie screenings, the general audience usually does not enjoy it, so the
Most children are not in position to protect themselves and it is wrong, especially as a grown adult, to take advantage of that. I don’t know what really happened, but the fact that Murray’s own cousin has raised this publicly and Murray is not fighting hard against it, leaves me to believe there has to be some truths. And it leads me to wonder… if you’re that good at keeping this many abuses secret, what else are you hiding? Some say that sexual abusers were likely abused themselves. If that’s true in Murray’s case, I’m sad that that happened. But it doesn’t make it me to start a newspaper. But the answer didn’t come easily. I gave a lot of thought to what I should do to make a difference in the community. After four years of teaching Asian immigrants in social studies at the Seattle Public School, I finally realized that a Chinese newspaper would be the solution. EARLY CONTRIBUTORS The International Examiner was the first to break the news — about the birth of the Seattle Chinese Post, the first Chinese newspaper in the Pacific Northwest since 1927. The Seattle Times and P-I quickly followed. On our grand opening day, Jan. 20, 1982, three television stations were present at the basement of the Bush Hotel, where our first office was. The support of my fellow journalists amazed me. The Associated Press picked up the story and the news was spread to many lands, including Japan and Hong Kong. You have inspired us to keep fighting. Thank you for your stories, marking the occasion of our grand opening, and keeping my memories alive. ■ Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com. director changes the ending to a happy one since that usually brings better box office numbers. Korean movies have very shocking and emotional endings. The Villainess was released in South Korea in June and has made $8.7 million worldwide, including $17,000 in the United States. It currently is sitting at 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes after 37 reviews. It’s a shame that last week, Villainess was playing only at SIFF Uptown in Seattle and in San Francisco. With such limited distribution, there will be no way to catch this film in Seattle after reading this review. Keep an eye out on Well Go Entertainment’s website for future theater times: wellgousa. com/theatrical/the-villainess-0. ■ John can be reached at john@nwasianweekly.com.
okay to perpetuate the cycle of abuse. And just because you did something long ago, doesn’t mean that it is forgotten. Denial never works. Only by accepting responsibility can you heal and move forward. Seattle, we are not a “progressive city” if we don’t believe survivors enough to take power away from predators, especially after it was revealed in July that an investigator in Oregon found in 1984 that Murray did indeed abuse his foster son, Jeff Simpson. The victims deserve our thoughts, sympathy, prayers, and justice. Council President Bruce Harrell
will temporarily serve as mayor and will decide within five days whether to take on the role of acting mayor. That’s the one bright side of this sordid tale. Harrell will be the first Asian American in that role as Seattle mayor, even though it may only be temporary. And he will be the city’s second Black mayor. If Harrell decides he does not want to continue serving, the nine-member council will choose another one of its members to be acting mayor. If Harrell decides to stay, he won’t be able to return to his council seat.■
[DRAGON from 8]
I’ve referred to “Dragon Lady” as a solo show. On the night I went, however, this was not quite true. An elderly lady emerged, towards the end, carrying a guitar. This proved to be Porkalob’s actual grandmother, the fierce Dragon Lady herself, now white-haired and creased, but smiling. Porkalob, after all her own singing, asked her grandmother for a song. And the grandmother said that would be fine. The old lady sat down quietly and fingering her guitar, gave a short, sweet song with a funny ending. I am not sure, from my program and promotional materials, whether the grandmother will remain a fixture in this show. Bringing her out, though, did render a final subtle twist, a touch of something which the rest of the show, for all of its sweaty, hearty comedy and tragedy, didn’t quite catch. The Dragon Lady wore Porkalob’s face, as the granddaughter took the older woman through all the perils of life. Then, for a few offhanded minutes, she got to wear her own. Everything we’d learned, and felt, settled on that face. ■
necessary for that survival. But never without humor. Porkalob, working from her own family history, knows she’s hilarious, just as she knows that any family history looks hilarious, awful, or both, depending on the storyteller’s vantage point. She rarely tells from the stage, though. She becomes her own grandmother, her own mother, her own uncles and aunts — to render them as children, victimized by those more powerful, but determined, generation by generation, to find a way. Her people despair. But they don’t quit. And they often find colorful solutions to strife, even if that means bending a few laws. Playing her own grandmother, grown, Porkalob affirms the Filipino affinity with karaoke singing and home karaoke machines. She breaks into song over and over again, displaying power, punch, a wide, emotive vibrato, and seemingly inexhaustible passion. The songs take the grandmother, and the other family Porkalob plays, through what they must endure. The three-piece band, mostly hidden from view, backs her up adroitly, although trombonist classic Jimmy Austin sometimes overwhelms guitarist Pete Irving and bassist Mickey Stylin. The original songs Irving wrote don’t quite stand up against the classic songs interspersed, but then again, those songs set a high standard. [MURRAY from 1] Murray of sexual abuse decades ago. Murray had already announced in May that he would not seek a second term, and he has denied all of the allegations. “It has also become clear to me that in light of the latest news reports, it is best for the city if I step aside. To the people of this special city and to my dedicated staff, I am sorry for this painful situation,” Murray said. “Mayor Ed Murray’s resignation … is a sad ending to an otherwise stellar political career,” said former
“Dragon Lady” plays through Oct. 1 at the Jones Playhouse, 4045 University Way N.E. in Seattle. For prices, showtimes, and other information, visit intiman.org/ dragon-lady. Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com Seattle City Councilmember David Della. “I consider Ed a friend and respect his decision to step down.” Council President Bruce Harrell will become mayor upon Murray’s resignation, and will announce whether he will fill out the remainder of that term this Friday at 5 p.m. As mayor, Murray pushed to raise the city’s minimum hourly wage to $15. Before becoming mayor, Murray was a long-time Democrat state lawmaker who led the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state. ■
asianweekly northwest
12
[UNITED from 4] letter but didn’t make the matter public. An advocacy group, Flyers Rights, released the letter on Sept. 6 after obtaining it through an open-records request. Paul Hudson, the president of Flyers Rights, criticized the lack of penalties against United and questioned how the Transportation Department could conduct an investigation so quickly. He called the manhandling of 69-year-old Dao “egregious in every sense of the word.” Airline agents called O’Hare
[ORLINA from 9] right fit for what I want to do,” he said. Orlina emphasized his show as a way to promote diversity, because he loves the idea of people of different backgrounds coming together. “Every day I wake up and feel that people need to know this story, I definitely think it’s important to keep going and keep fighting,” he said of his persistence. Each episode takes about eight [WHO from 8] the University of North Carolina School of the Arts “This is my directing debut with ArtsWest,” explained Raval. “Mathew Wright (ArtsWest artistic director) had reached out to me about working on this play. He knew that I had previously acted in two productions of ‘Disgraced’… Working on another one of his plays felt very refreshing, and especially one that centers on a female character. “I loved that this play is about a family that loves each other so much, and yet still has an entire world [of] learning, understanding each other. I was terrified — but that was probably the leading indicator that I needed to work on it.” The action moves from a kitchen to a park bench to a restaurant, to a bedroom, and sometimes revisits a setting we’ve seen before. The audience sits on all four sides of the action, so the actors have the distinct challenge of com[MAKO from 5] wished to “share her future with.” Komuro said he was so thankful and happy to have been accepted by her parents, and her grandparents, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Komuro, a legal assistant who loves playing jazz piano, pledged to have “a relaxed and peaceful” home together. “Having a family still goes beyond my imagination, but I hope to make one that is warm, comfortable and filled with smiles,” Mako said. Details of their wedding have not been decided, and palace of[TOKENS from 1] The study, titled “Tokens on the Small Screen,” was released on Sept. 12. It tallies numbers, screen time and portrayals of main characters of Asian or Pa-
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
35 YEARS
Airport security officers for help in making room on a United Express plane for four employees who were traveling to staff a flight the following morning in Louisville, Kentucky. Video of Dao being yanked from his seat and dragged down the aisle was viewed millions of times. In the two-page letter to United, Transportation Department Assistant General Counsel Blane Workie said the agency takes action when an airline repeatedly or egregiously violates consumerprotection laws. She said United
fixed one mistake in calculating compensation for another passenger, and failed to give Dao and his wife a required written notice of their rights only because they had left the airport to seek medical help. “Therefore, we conclude that enforcement action is not warranted in this matter,” Workie concluded. She said the agency found no evidence that United discriminated against Dao, who is Asian American, on the basis of race. United avoided a lawsuit by reaching a settlement with Dao
a few weeks after the incident. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. The CEO of United Continental Holdings Inc., Oscar Munoz, apologized for initially defending the airline’s handling of the incident and blaming Dao, who lost teeth and suffered a broken nose and a concussion. The airline apologized for the incident again last week and said it has made changes to reduce overbooking. “This incident should never have happened and we are implementing all of the improvements
we announced in April,” spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said in a statement. “While we still have work to do, we have made meaningful strides” and have reduced the bumping of passengers nearly 90 percent since May 1, compared with the same period last year. Airlines are allowed to oversell flights. When they do, they typically offer travel vouchers to encourage some people to give up their seats. They can also bump passengers — force them off the flight — but there are rules and necessary compensation. ■
hours to film. With the show, Orlina feels that he’s subjecting himself and putting his life out there for people to see. In episode 2, he shares his coming out story and that was something he was passionate about so he could positively affect people. “I’m very open to criticism because I think at the end of it all, it will only benefit your product and improve you as an artist,” he explained. Orlina’s biggest supporters have been his family. When Orlina was
interviewed by an NBC-affiliated news station to talk about YTWT, his parents were there in person to watch. His two older sisters often help storyboard ideas with him for new episodes. Years down the road, Orlina envisions expanding the YTWT brand, not just filming multiple seasons in other cities and countries, but to also evolve into products such as a clothing line. With fans from all over the world, including Sweden, Eng-
land, the Philippines, and the United States, Orlina feels the support. Orlina hopes to inspire others, especially the younger generation like his niece. Through his show, he hopes to send the message that younger audiences should know that there’s no limit to what they can do. “I never pay attention to the haters. There’s a reason why they are labeled that and I focus my time on myself, what I can control, and
I don’t let the negativity of others phase me ever,” he said. As a labor of love, Orlina hopes for his show to be picked up by a big pop culture network, so he can continue to share his story and reach different audiences. ■
municating with their backs to a certain portion of the audience, at all times. “The first job as a cast is to read the play,” commented Raval about working with his cast. “It sounds simple, but [we] read the play over and over and over again. What are the characters saying and why do they use each word they have? What are they not saying? Then, what are they doing in the play? What are the actions they commit throughout the course of the story? These questions allow us to step back from our immediate judgments and simply look at the facts that the playwright has given us. “And once we felt like we knew the story, we committed and played hard… [each cast member] to deepen their understanding of the relationships, and connecting with their acting partners on a deeper level each day.” “I feel very close to who Zarina is,” concluded Jolly, “and ficials say the ceremony is expected sometime around autumn next year after a series of rituals, including one that authorizes the engagement. The happy news is not necessarily good news for the future of a royal family facing concerns about a declining population to keep their 2,000-year-old bloodline going. Women aren’t allowed to succeed Japan’s throne. Mako will lose her royal status after marrying Komuro, who is a commoner. Mako’s 83-year-old grandfather, Emperor Akihito, has expressed a desire to abdicate and cific Islander descent among a total of about 2,000 series regulars. Following up on broadcast TV studies done in 2005 and 2005, the new report found increasing opportunities for Asian American actors in shows including
the inherent struggles she is going through. I don’t want to say it was ‘easy’ to create the character, because it always takes work. But this time, it felt effortless, and with Samip’s guidance to always be specific and ‘go after what you want’ with clarity and intention, I found myself able to inhabit Zarina with grace. “She is already a very wellwritten woman, and I just needed to trust in the writing, direction, and work of my fellow actors to allow her to become more fleshed out during each and every rehearsal.” ■ “The Who & The What” plays through Oct. 1 at ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle. For prices, showtimes, and other information, visit artswest.org/ theatre-plays/the-who-the-what. Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
is expected to do so in late 2018. He’ll be succeeded by his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito. Next in line is Akishino, Naruhito’s younger brother. After that, the only person left in the line of succession is Mako’s little brother. Akihito’s three other grandchildren are all women. Those who are concerned about the future of the royal family want to allow women to succeed the throne and others to keep their royal status so they can keep performing public duties, but a government panel on the emperor’s abdication avoided the divisive issue. ■ “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Master of None.” But researchers concluded Asian American characters remain underrepresented on TV and are often, quote, “marginalized and tokenized on screen.” ■
[LE from 1] “I cannot find any plausible way my son would deserve to be shot in the back,” said Hoai Le, Tommy Le’s father, through a Vietnamese interpreter at a news conference. The autopsy also revealed that Le had no drugs or alcohol in his system when he was shot, despite reports that his behavior at the time was bizarre, said Jeffrey Campiche, an attorney for Le’s family. Deputy Cesar Molina fired at Le in Burien on June 13 after responding to reports that Le had been threatening people with a knife. Deputies confronted Le, who refused commands to drop what they thought was a knife, according to the sheriff’s office, who says efforts to use a Taser on Le were ineffective. Over a week later, the sheriff ’s office reported Le had a pen at the time, not a knife. Campiche and Le’s family said that Le, an aspiring firefighter, had no history of mental health problems. Campiche also said the deputy who killed Le overreacted after
To learn more about Orlina and to watch Your Time with Thomas!, visit thomasorlina.com. Nina can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com. the Taser application to Le’s chest failed. King County Sheriff ’s Office spokeswoman Sgt. Cindi West said that before commenting, the sheriff ’s office wants the investigation to be completed and an inquest held. “We expect an inquest to be scheduled soon by the KC (King County) Prosecutor’s Office, where all the facts will be produced,” she said in an email. Speaking at a July forum about the shooting, Sheriff John Urquhart said witnesses in Le’s house and across the street said they saw Le return to his house down the street and then leave again with a pen before the shooting, Urquhart said. Investigators found a knife similar to one witnesses described in the house, he said. The shooting is being investigated by the sheriff ’s Major Crimes Unit. The planned claim by Le’s family, which precedes a lawsuit, would seek $10 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages, Campiche said. ■
asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
■ ASTROLOGY
13
Predictions and advice for the week of September 16–22, 2017 By Sun Lee Chang Rat — Invitations should be issued selectively, as once they are given, it would be difficult to retract or take back.
Dragon — An area of concern should soon develop into something that is quite valuable. Until then, handle with care.
Monkey — As you transition from one role to another, be cognizant of what you are bringing from the former.
Ox — Your patience is wearing thin this week. While it is important to fix what is not working, it is equally crucial to acknowledge what is going right.
Snake — A step in the wrong direction is not insurmountable, as long as you make the necessary corrections and go another way.
Rooster — Those around you show only what they want to share, which could change depending on the level of trust you are able to attain.
Tiger — Even though starting the conversation doesn’t exactly come naturally to you, the effort made will be rewarded.
Horse — While some might be intimidated by an ambitious undertaking, you are attracted to the challenge that it presents.
Dog — After some rather exciting plot twists, a period of calm is a welcome respite from the recent ups and downs.
Rabbit — Although you usually stay within the limits, there are times when certain boundaries need to be pushed.
Goat — Day to day tasks can easily add up, but don’t allow that to become an excuse to avoid going after a long held goal.
Pig — As the plot thickens, there is no other place you would rather be than in the middle of where the action is taking place.
What’s your animal sign? Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Goat 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 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.
[HARVEY from 4] with plastic supply bags to send to needy families. The teens cracked jokes. The elders finished lunch. Everyone worked. People came by to pick up donated cleaning supplies and to seek help from English-speaking volunteers, said manager Lang Bui. Chau Ho, for example, was helping 48-year-old Lisa Nguyen file for unemployment after her nail shop in the town of Refugio flooded and lost electricity. “She doesn’t know. She doesn’t know what she’ll do,’’ said Ho, 35, of Houston. A popular local chain of restaurants, Kim Son, reopened its downtown location last week after minor damage, offering free buffet meals to first responders. It delivered egg rolls, crab puffs and broc-
[TRAVEL from 4] aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or cousin is not,” the 9th Circuit said. The appeals panel wrote that under typical court rules, its ruling would not take effect for at least 52 days. But in this instance, the judges said, many refugees would be “gravely imperiled” by such a delay, so the decision will take effect in five days. “Refugees’ lives remain in vulnerable limbo during the pendency of the Supreme Court’s stay,” they wrote. “Refugees have only a narrow window of time to complete their travel, as certain security and medical checks expire and must then be reinitiated.” The Justice Department said it would appeal. “The Supreme Court has
[FALUN GONG from 4] San Francisco. “I don’t care if Democrats vote no,” Anderson said. “But they don’t have a right to stop the minority to be heard, and they certainly don’t have a right to pick and choose the genocides that they oppose.” Jonathan Underland, a spokes-
coli chicken to hundreds of evacuees and police off-site. The restaurant, which serves Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, was founded by a couple who landed in Houston with seven children in 1980. Among them was Tina La, now 43, who says she is proud to give back to the city that took in her family. “I’ve been here all my life and if it weren’t for any of these people we wouldn’t be where we are,’’ she said. Experts say the numbers of Vietnamese ramped up in the Houston area after early refugees gained U.S. citizenship and sponsored family members to live in America. They opened restaurants and other businesses catering to the community. By 2000, they numbered about 60,000 in the area. Today, growing numbers of
South Asians and Chinese are moving to Houston for jobs in mathematics and science, but Vietnamese remains the third most spoken language in Texas, said state demographer Lloyd Potter. It is a far distant third after English and Spanish. Jannette Diep is executive director of Houston’s chapter of Boat People SOS, an organization founded in the 1980s to rescue refugees escaping Vietnam. A refugee herself, she fled the country by boat when she was 6, with her parents and two baby brothers. Diep has been keeping track of Vietnamese American fishermen outside Houston and helping elderly and non-English speaking victims fill out forms for aid in the aftermath of Harvey. She says it took years for families along the coast to rebuild after 2008’s Hurri-
cane Ike wiped out shrimping and fishing boats along the Gulf Coast. “There is this history of having to leave your home from disaster, from place to place,’’ she said. On Sept. 6, she was still in spotty communication with about 200 Vietnamese American families in nearby Port Arthur, an area 90 miles east of Houston hit hard by flash floods. She said families in nearby Anahuac did not sustain much damage to homes, but lost netting and fishing traps to water. Dao, the homeowner in the Houston suburb of Spring, said his family owned a jewelry store in Saigon before 1975. He fled his country in a fishing boat with more than a dozen others, ending up in a refugee camp in Thailand, where he stayed for nearly a year. From there, he eventually moved to Wisconsin, then San Diego be-
fore settling in Houston. He married his childhood friend’s sister, Christine Truong, with whom he has two children, a 6-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl. He opened a deli and they bought their dream home. The family survived Harvey, camping out upstairs with a mini refrigerator for several nights. But the house that Truong calls the best she’s ever lived in is soggy and soiled. Like many people, they do not have flood insurance. Dao dreads bringing the children home but says they have no choice. “We break down from time to time, of course, but we try not to let them see it,’’ he said, “because if we give up, how are we going to rebuild what we have?’’ ■
stepped in to correct these lower courts before, and we will now return to the Supreme Court to vindicate the executive branch’s duty to protect the nation,” the agency said in a statement. The U.S. Supreme Court said in June that President Donald Trump’s 90-day ban on visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen can be enforced pending arguments scheduled for October, partially overturning lower-court rulings. But the justices said it should not apply to visitors who have a “bona fide relationship” with people or organizations in the U.S., such as close family ties or a job offer. That set the stage for much disagreement over what constitutes a bona fide relationship. The government interpreted
such family relations to include immediate family members and in-laws, but not grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. The judge in Hawaii overruled that interpretation, expanding the definition of who can enter the country to the other categories of relatives. He also overruled the government’s assertion that refugees from those countries should be banned even if a resettlement agency in the U.S. had agreed to take them in. The administration argued that resettlement agencies have a relationship with the government, not with individual refugees. The appeals court rejected that, saying the Supreme Court was concerned with any harm the travel ban might impose on people or organizations in the U.S.
Resettlement agencies have spent time and money securing rental housing, buying furniture and performing other tasks that would be in vain if the refugees were blocked, the 9th Circuit said. They also would lose out on government funding for the resettlement services. Lawyers for the government and the state of Hawaii, which challenged the travel ban, argued the case in Seattle last week. Deputy assistant attorney general Hashim Mooppan ran into tough questions as soon as he began arguing the government’s case, with Judge Ronald Gould asking him from “what universe” the administration took its position that grandparents don’t constitute a close family relationship. Mooppan conceded that people
can have a profound connection to their grandparents and other extended relatives, but from a legal perspective, the administration had to draw the line somewhere to have a workable ban based largely on definitions used in other aspects of immigration law, he said. Hawaii is also one of 15 states that sued the Trump administration last week over its plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that protects young immigrants from deportation. “[The] decision by the 9th Circuit keeps families together. It gives vetted refugees a second chance,” state Attorney General Douglas Chin said in a statement. “The Trump administration keeps taking actions with no legal basis. We will keep fighting back.” ■
man for Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, declined to comment. Falun Gong supporters allege that practitioners in China have been executed and their organs involuntarily harvested for transplants — a charge the Chinese government vehemently denies. In their letter to lawmakers,
Chinese officials condemned the movement and urged lawmakers not to adopt Anderson’s resolution. “This may deeply damage the cooperative relations between the State of California and China and seriously hurt the feeling of Chinese people and the vast Chinese community in California,” said the letter, dated Sept. 1 and signed
without a name by the consulate general in San Francisco. China and California have deep ties through trade and tourism, and their governments are cooperating on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Gov. Jerry Brown met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a trip to China earlier this year.
Anderson said he’s so passionately taken on the fight over a purely symbolic resolution because of his longstanding interest in promoting human rights. He said he wrote a letter to the Chinese ambassador in 2008 on behalf a constituent whose mother was detained in China for practicing Falun Gong. ■
northwest
14
NOTICE
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
NOTICE
EMPLOYMENT
INVITATION TO BID Compass Broadview
147 N. 132nd St., Seattle, WA 98117 Bids Requested for all Scopes except: Framing, Shoring, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Elevators BID DATE: 4:00 p.m., September 28, 2017 Walsh Construction Co./WA (WCC) is seeking Bid proposals for the Compass Broadview Project. DESCRIPTION: The project is a 3-story Affordable Multi-Family Apartment Building Containing 59 Dwelling Units. Parking for 24 Vehicles to be provided below grade. Part of a Church to be demolished. SCHEDULE: The project is scheduled to commence in late November, 2017. We anticipate a 14-month construction duration. WAGE RATES: The HIGHER of Davis Bacon Residential or State Residential Prevailing rates apply to this project. Each subcontractor will be responsible for submitting all documentation to the Seattle Office of Housing. OUTREACH GOALS: MWBE Contractors and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to provide bids for this project. Project Goals include 15% apprenticeship participation and 10% Section 3 businesses. DRAWINGS & SPECS: The bid set and specifications are posted on the Builders Exchange website under Projects Bidding (Username: walsh and Password: safety). Refer to Drawings and Specifications dated 09/01/2017. BID FORM: Please submit pricing to Walsh Construction Co., attention: Ryan Whitacre, rwhitacre@walshconstruction.com. Pricing submissions should be on the prescribed bid form. CONTRACTING: Letters of intent will be issued at the time of contractor selection with Subcontract issuance planned prior to the start of construction. BID QUESTIONS: Please call or email Ryan Whitacre at rwhitacre@walshconstruction.com or Maria Llobet at mllobet@walshconstruction.com WALSHCC990D1
[CARS from 5] the Communist Party newspaper People’s Daily. France and Britain announced in July they will stop sales of gasoline and diesel automobiles by 2040
as part of efforts to reduce pollution and carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Communist leaders also want to curb China’s growing appetite for imported oil and see electric cars as a promis-
[SINGH from 3] nephew of Jalandhar-based congress leader Manmohan Singh Raju, who blamed the Trump administration
[JAYAPAL from 3] you do.” She later tweeted that her response to Young was “a message to women of color out there: stand strong. Refuse to be patronized or minimized. Let the small guys out there be intimidated by you.” Young, known for his brusque
Community Living Connections Specialist I – Vietnamese-speaking Responsible for providing culturally competent and linguistically accessible information and assistance services to limited English-speaking Asian American and Pacific Islander elderly and adults living with disabilities. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in social work or social/behavioral science; or Associate’s degree or equivalent in social work or social/behavioral science + 3 years of social services experience. Must be fluent in Vietnamese language and English. For more information, visit https:// acrs.org/careers/current-openings/. Send resume & cover letter to: hr@acrs.org. Subscribe to the Northwest Asian Weekly Call 206-223-0623
35 YEARS
EMPLOYMENT
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received by the King County Procurement Services Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 2:00 PM of bid opening date for the following listed bids. To download a document, go to our web page at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/procurement. King County encourages minority business enterprise participation. King County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, and employment opportunities. 1286-17-JAS OPENS: October 10, 2017 Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Pre-proposal Conference: September 19, 2017, 9:00 a.m. 401 Fifth Ave – Room 301 Seattle, WA 98104 Conference Call: 1-206-263-8114 Conference ID: 5839038 1288-17-PLR OPENS: October 3, 2017 Sand, Rock and Gravel (Pool Bid) 1292-17-PLR OPENS: October 3, 2017 Sand, Rock and Gravel – Vashon Island (Pool Bid) 1221-17-LSM OPENS: September 28, 2017 Prenatal to Five Developmental Screening Landscape Analysis and Strategic Plan Pre-proposal Conference: September 12, 2017, 9:00 a.m. 401 Fifth Ave – Room 123 Seattle, WA 98104 Pre-proposal Skype Conference: September 14, 2017, 1:00 p.m. Conference Call: 1-206-263-8114 Conference ID: 866249
Chinese Information and Service Center is looking for a Part-Time (20-24 hours per week) Program Assistant for the Chinese Senior Community Senior Center Program, providing assistance to the Center Coordinator in the daily operation of the center activities. Bachelor degree in social services or related human services preferred. Fluent in English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), valid WA driver license, own car and insurance and ability to use computer effectively in daily work required. Starting $15 per hour. Cover letter and resume to CISC, 611 South Lane St., Seattle, WA 98104 attention Kevin Chan or email <kevinc@ cisc-seattle.org>. No phone calls please. Interview will be granted to qualified applicants only. Position closed until filled. For details, please visit www.cisc-seattle.org.
No time to pick up a newspaper? Find us online on www.nwasianweekly.com, Facebook and Twitter.
ing industry in which their country can take an early lead. China passed the United States last year as the biggest electric car market. Sales of electrics and gasoline-electric hybrids rose 50 percent over 2015 to 336,000 vehicles, or 40 percent of global demand. U.S. sales totaled 159,620. The reports of Xin’s comments in the eastern city of Tianjin gave no other details about electric car policy but cited him as saying Beijing plans to “elevate new energy vehicles to a new strategic level.” Beijing has supported electric development with billions of dollars in research subsidies and incentives to
buyers, but is switching to a quota system that will shift the financial burden to automakers. Under the proposed quotas, electric and hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles would have to make up 8 percent of each automaker’s output next year, 10 percent in 2019 and 12 percent in 2020. Automakers that fail to meet their target could buy credits from competitors that have a surplus. Beijing has ordered state-owned Chinese power companies to speed up installation of charging stations to increase the appeal of electrics. Chinese automaker BYD Auto, a unit of battery maker BYD Ltd., is the world’s biggest electric vehicle
for “showing exit doors to Asians.” According to the Hindustan Times, he said, “My nephew became a victim of racial hatred. As the Trump government is now show-
ing exit doors to the Asians due to few job opportunities, Indians and Asians as a whole are becoming the victims of racial hatred.” ■
manner, has apologized before for words spoken on the House floor or other public venues. In 2013, he apologized for using the term “wetbacks” when discussing migrant workers. He acknowledged it was an “insensitive term” and said it should have been left behind with the last century. In 2014, Young apologized after
telling Alaska high school students where a child had died from suicide that a lack of support from friends and family is sometimes to blame. Young later said that a family member of his had died from suicide. “It’s very personal to me. It may have caused me to mangle some of my statements and comments that caused this uproar,” he said. ■
maker by number of units sold. It sells gasoline-electric hybrid sedans and SUVs in China and markets allelectric taxis and buses in the United States, Europe and Latin America as well as in China. Volvo Cars, owned by China’s Geely Holding Group, announced plans this year to make electric cars in China for global sale starting in 2019. General Motors Co., Volkswagen AG and Nissan Motor Co. and others have announced they are launching or looking at joint ventures with Chinese partners to develop and manufacture electric vehicles in China. ■
SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 6.
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asianweekly northwest
YOUR VOICE
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
15
“Congratulations to the NW Asian Weekly on 35 years of serving the community by building community through news and information! My hats off to Assunta Ng and all of the staff who have worked tirelessly to inform, educate, mobilize, and empower the AAPI community! Even though I have lived in the ‘other’ Washington, I have followed and read the NW Asian Weekly for my work. It has been essential to know what is occurring in our AAPI communities throughout the nation.” — Daphne Kwok, Vice President, Multicultural Leadership Asian American & Pacific Islander Audience Strategy, AARP “Thank you Assunta Ng for having the foresight, wisdom, perseverance, and faith to start an Asian community paper 35 years ago, and evolving from the community billboard, telling stories and events happening in the Asian community, and also providing a much needed access to print stories from Asian community leaders. By meeting the media needs of a growing Asian community, it became an important source for the broader media outlets regionally and nationally. I look forward to the next 35 years.” — Lloyd Hara, community leader
The only weekly English-edition newspaper serving the Asian community in the state of Washington for 35 years.
[SEKO from 1]
and features a Japanese garden, which Kobayashi fears will be demolished when Seko sells. Kobayashi was friends with Roy Seko, and had an office in the ID
near Bush Garden. But he learned of the Seko Garden only months ago while researching gardens built at Japanese internment camps.
Kobayashi thinks it will cost between $5 million and $10 million to purchase the property and restore and improve the garden. Kobayashi said it would be a
shame to lose the garden and hopes someone or some organization will come through. For more information, go to facebook.com/sekogarden. ■
Photo by John Liu/NWAW
in the International District (ID). Seko’s property sits on 2 acres along Phantom Lake in Bellevue
Send in your thoughts to editor@nwasianweekly.com. Join us for our 35th Anniversary Celebration dinner on Oct. 21 at China Harbor restaurant. For tickets, please go to http://35nwawf.bpt.me, email rsvp@nwasianweekly.com, or call 206-223-0623. To sponsor the event, contact Assunta Ng at assunta@nwasianweekly.com. For more info, visit nwasianweekly.com/35years.
The Seko Garden and house
[TAX from 1] the actual underlying causes of rising housing costs in Seattle.” “The Chinese did not cause this,” Au told the Northwest Asian Weekly. If elected, as part of Moon’s plan for the first 100 days as Seattle mayor, she plans to “leverage the data.” The data she is referring to is the number of housing units bought by corporations, shell companies, and private equity firms, and the number of homes not purchased as a primary residence. She said, “It is a fact that speculators and non-resident profiteers are driving up prices and exacerbating Seattle’s housing crisis, but we don’t know the real depth or dynamic of this problem because no one wants to look.” Moon co-wrote a August 2016 piece for The Stranger that read, “This flow of Chinese money is looking for the next housing market, and it appears that Seattle and California are emerging targets.” She added that Chinese buyers in Seattle are engaging in “the reckless exploitation of a local housing market.” Au asked, “Why target the Chinese? Are you telling me that if the Chinese pull out [of their Seattle investments], that the whole economy would collapse? [The Chinese] are not that stupid. We buy
Joan Seko standing in her garden
property, to invest in it, not to leave it empty. Those taxes we pay on it create jobs, go back to the state.” Au said housing prices are rising because people want to work here and live here. He pointed to companies like Amazon that have created a booming economy, and that people want to be a part of that. In the letter he co-wrote with other community leaders, Au said the tax “would play into negative perceptions of Asians that unfortunately constitute a dark part of Seattle’s past.” It goes on to say that in the current environment, where “President Trump has repeatedly expressed negative attitudes towards foreigners generally, and towards China and the Chinese specifically, we think attempts to blame Seattle’s problems on outsiders, and the idea of a “foreign buyers tax,” sends the wrong signal that Seattle may not be the welcoming, diverse, and progressive city that we all believe it to be.” Moon said it makes sense that people in the Chinese community are expressing concern, considering Seattle’s long history of discrimination and redlining in housing. “However, it is wrong to say that I’m suggesting a tax targeted by nationality or ethnicity. The opposite is true: We must stop the displacement of our Chinese, Asian American, and other communities
of color caused by rising housing prices, rents, and property taxes.” She said a key part of her affordability solution is to discourage speculation by global moneyed interests. “Whether that money is coming from shell corporations, Wall Street private equity funds, China, or Switzerland, we must not let Seattle be sold off to the highest bidder.” Moon’s campaign also directed the Northwest Asian Weekly to speak with Andy Yan, a Chinese Canadian who is a urban planner in Vancouver, B.C. and an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia. “Racism is a means of suppressing discussion about dealing with the real estate market,” Yan said. “These accusations play up the model minority myth. It assumes that when it comes to housing, the Asian community is okay, and they’re not. They suffer in this particular type of housing market just as much as any other population, if not perhaps more, depending on the research you read.” Yan said the foreign buyers tax introduced in Vancouver in August 2016 was focused more on the image of doing something, as opposed to the substance of actually starting change. “The tax has made very little difference,” he said. “The expectation that this tax, by itself, would make housing more affordable is
Phantom Lake
the wrong perception.” Yan said we live in a time where global capital — the flow of money that move back and forth around the world — is unprecedented. “It’s important to really understand why housing prices are so high. Traditional factors, such as lack of supply, come into play, and certainly global forces. It’s not THE factor, but it’s A factor. “Ultimately, you need to connect the local with the global,” said Yan. “An informed dialogue about the factors that are shaping housing in Seattle is crucial.” Last month, the Seattle Times printed a story that said City Councilmember Lisa Herbold asked City Attorney Pete Holmes if taxes on foreign investors and vacant properties would be possible under local laws. When told “no,” the Times said Herbold then turned to King County Assessor John Wilson, asking in a June letter for help unmasking wealthy buyers who make purchases in the name of limitedliability companies (LLCs). In an email on Sept. 12, Herbold told the Northwest Asian Weekly, “I favor an approach requiring disclosure in a manner that will not ‘foment racial bias or resentment’ done ‘in a way that is facially neutral about the national origin of the buyers. The King County Assessor’s response said I requested
Cary Moon
his assistance in ‘identifying the national origin of investors.’ This was not at all my request.” Referring to the concerns of Seattle’s Chinese community, Yan said, “This sense of being targeted reflects a larger problem of not being involved in these conversations.” He urged all Asians to move from being invisible. “It’s incredibly important that Asians stay within these public discourses, in the building of their cities. Start being visible. Know to stand up for your rights. It’s about participating, being vocal, and being visible.” Au expressed a similar stance. “The worst thing about the Chinese community is they never speak up. Do you ever see Chinese people protesting? Never. We don’t like to cause trouble, but we have been keeping [our concerns] to ourselves for too long.” ■ Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.
asianweekly northwest
16
35 YEARS
SEPTEMBER 16 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
Shared Joy is Double Joy Introducing Aegis Living’s newest senior housing community for Asian seniors in Newcastle, Washington. Opening Fall 2017. Every day is a celebration of Chinese culture in harmony with our peaceful surroundings, only 20 minutes from downtown Seattle. Our commitment is to create a unique community with amenities and authentic cuisine that will bring joy and support to our residents during their golden years.
• Fluent Chinese care staff • Full-time nursing • Authentic Mandarin and Cantonese cuisine • Peking duck oven & noodle bar • Cultural center for local community events • Traditional tea rooms • Mahjong parlor • Saltwater therapy pool • Private family dining room • Massage & acupuncture spa • Meditation rooms • Hair salon & barbershop • Luxury private apartments
Family owned since 1997. Learn more about Aegis Gardens today.
425-786-0143 www.aegisgardenswa.com
An Assisted Living Community.