VOL 35 NO 45 | NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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VOL 35 NO 45

NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016 FREE 34 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Thieves steal from Community leaders urge Santos’ campaign WSU officials to reinstate Incident caught on tape

Photo by Ruth Bayang/NWAW

From Seattle Police YouTube channel

player Robert Barber

Screenshot of surveillance video showing someone taking a bag with Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos campaign funds.

By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Seattle police released surveillance video (youtube.com/ watch?v=Uo0VIjqqLeY) on Oct. 28 of the double theft that occurred in the International District involving a woman’s purse and a satchel containing the campaign funds of Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos.

At around 9:45 p.m. on Oct. 26, a group of witnesses standing near 6th Avenue and South Weller Street heard a woman shouting that someone had stolen her purse. As the suspect rushed past them, campaign treasurer Alex Johnson set down his own bag and chased after him.

The thief got away, and when Johnson returned to retrieve his own see SANTOS on 16

Former Japanese ambassador exhibits “citizen diplomacy”

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

From left: Arne Hedeen, Seattle attorney, Daniel Pritchard, Samoan community leader, Diane Narasaki, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC) of Washington State, State Sen. Michael Baumgartner, and Jack Thompson, former NFL player at a news conference in Seattle on Oct. 31.

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Jack Thompson, a prominent Samoan community member, called Robert Barber the victim of an inadequate process.

Barber is a Washington State University (WSU) football player currently suspended for allegedly being involved in a fight in which a couple of people were injured see BARBER on 15

Robert Barber

A Chinese immigrant’s SMILE

see FUJISAKI on 10

Photo provided by TC Zhang

Ichiro Fujisaki, a former Japanese ambassador, quickly won fans for his wit and self-deprecation when he spoke in Seattle on Oct. 25.

“I can say anything I want (from now on),” Fujisaki recalled when he told his wife, Yoriko, he was retiring from his diplomat post in 2012.

“No one cares,” as Yoriko’s Cathy Gibson, President of the Seattle Rotary Club, exchanging gifts with Ichiro Fujisaki.

30 Amazon summer interns visit Discovery Park on July 9, 2016 for the SMILE intern field trip.

NEW HOMES FOR DOGS The 28 dogs were rescued from a South Korean dog meat farm. » see 4

By TC Zhang SPECIAL TO THE NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

UNLEASH POLITICAL POWER

I immigrated to Seattle from China eight years ago, and while people here were friendly, I often longed to be surrounded by the familiarities of home. One of the things I was seeking was a network of my peers. High schools in China place a fixed group of students in one class in which teachers come by to give lectures. As a result, you can get to know others really well.

When I first got here, I was 17 and couldn’t wait to get to know other people in “my same class,” and realized only later that there wasn’t a fixed group of peers I could interact with — I was on my own to make

Public service announcement urges Asian Amerians to make their collective voices heard on election day. » see 8

Ed

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di

W

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SHOWING THE HOMELESS SOME WARMTH

Sleepless in Seattle plans to deliver more sleeping bags and care packages to the homeless community. » see 9

■

friends. English was another big barrier at the time.

Not being able to communicate who I was and how I felt made me a foreigner to most of my American peers. People had no idea what I was passionate about and what I was good at. I struggled mightily.

By the time I had lived here for three months, my mother told me I had already surpassed most other Chinese who tried to live in the United States. Most of them returned to China within the first three months, as they couldn’t endure the loneliness. I sincerely wished I could do that, but I couldn’t because I was an immigrant. I had nowhere to fall back to.

You can probably imagine my life afterwards: see SMILE on 16

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34 YEARS

NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS

Photo provided by LIHI

Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW

LIHI annual gala and auction

encampment known for higher incidents of violence. Police say Taylor and another man were engaged in a fight involving a knife. Taylor’s father told the Seattle Times, “[Michael] had a good heart.” Larry Taylor said his son — an only child — was 5 years old when he adopted him from South Korea nearly 40 years ago. 

Small Business Awards 2016

Sharon Lee and James Tjoa.

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) hosted its annual Gala & Auction in downtown Seattle on Oct. 21.

The event raised over $490,000 for LIHI’s supportive services, Urban Rest Stops, and Tiny Houses.

LIHI also honored the work of the James Tjoa. James started his real estate career in 1991 after graduating from the University of Washington and realizing that helping people invest in real estate was a meaningful way to make an impact in his community. His company, James Tjoa & Associates, has grown into a full service, award-winning brokerage specializing in the urban infill market of the greater Seattle area. 

1953 in the International District (ID), was the first to offer Karaoke entertainment in the 1970s. Owners Karen Akada and Masaharu Sakata said the bar remains open.

Patrons dined at the restaurant side on Oct. 29, its last day. “It’s a sad day and I will miss Masa’s (owner/chef) cooking,” said diner Big Brigman.

Solterra, a real estate development company, purchased the building in January. While the business is in transition, Akada said she may begin scouting out a new location so that Bush Garden can remain in the ID. 

Remembrance for man fatally shot

by Seattle police

Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW

Bush Garden’s last day

Michael Taylor Big Brigman (left) and friends.

The second oldest Japanese restaurant in Seattle and Washington state has closed. Bush Garden, established in

WHEEL/Women in Black performed a cleansing ritual and ministry on Oct. 28 at the site of Michael Taylor’s death. A Seattle police officer shot Taylor on Oct. 11 during a planned sweep of the Jungle, an infamous homeless

Screenshot from King County TV.

Bush Garden’s interior

From left: Jesse Jones, emcee and KIRO 7 reporter, Marlena Sessions, Workforce Development Council, Eddie Uyeta, Uyeta Landscape, and Dow Constantine, King County Executive.

Uyeta Landscape and Maintenance, Inc. of Renton was named the Workforce Small Business of the Year at the King County Executive’s Small Business Awards 2016 on Oct. 26.

Over 200 small business owners, entrepreneurs, and supporters of small business from across the county attended and showed their support for this year’s finalists and winners.

Uyeta Landscape was founded in 1967 by Kazumi Uyeta, who immigrated from Kochi, Japan. His son, Eddie, now runs the business. The company was honored for its education initiative developed in collaboration with the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Highline School District’s Puget Sound Skills Center, to fill the need of a skilled labor force. 

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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

34 YEARS

■ NATIONAL NEWS

Rescued dogs — once raised for meat — find homes in Oregon

By Kyle Spurr THE BULLETIN BEND, Ore. (AP) — Megan Watkins never wanted a dog until she met Florence, a Tosa mastiff rescued from a South Korean dog meat farm.

Watkins, who manages a Starbucks in Bend, hosted a grand opening block party in August. She remembers stepping outside the coffee shop and happening to see Florence being walked by Humane Society of Central Oregon Outreach Manager Lynne Ouchida.

Watkins, an owner of two cats, knew she found her dog.

“I felt instantly connected to her,” she said. “She just had this really tough, sweet, calm energy.”

Watkins offered the dog a puppuccino, a small cup filled with whipped cream that Starbucks employees give to customers’ dogs.

“We say it was a match made over a puppuccino,” Ouchida said.

Rescued dogs

Florence is one of 28 dogs brought to central Oregon in March from a dog meat farm in Wonju, South Korea. All but three of the dogs have since been adopted, and two had to be euthanized, reported The Bulletin.

Humane Society International, a global animal protection organization, goes to dog meat farms and trades services and goods for the dogs. The group teaches farmers how to grow crops or offers rice and berries in exchange for the dogs.

A total of 250 dogs were rescued from the South Korean farm and sent to Humane Societies around the United States.

Florence, one of the rescued dogs

The Humane Society of Central Oregon in Bend took 17 dogs, and BrightSide Animal Shelter in Redmond took 11 dogs. The breeds vary with mixes including Labradors, mastiffs, Jindos, and elkhounds.

Each dog had major medical and behavioral issues. The dogs had infections, orthopedic issues and broken teeth from being confined in small cages. Many were fearful at the Humane Society shelters and would hide in their kennels.

“These dogs were not raised with human contact. They were not raised in a social environment,” Ouchida said.

“They were raised in wire cages. Their interactions with humans were extremely limited.”

Florence had two deformed legs from growing up in a small cage. She had surgery in September, paid for by Humane Society International. She is now recovering with

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her foster owner, Watkins, who will be able to formally adopt her from the Humane Society after she recovers.

“We came into her life through the worst of it,” Watkins said.

Two dogs from the farm remain at the Bend shelter; Owen, a 1-year-old Jindo, and Addi, a 2-year-old Tosa-Lab mix. Staffers continue to socialize and train the two dogs before they will be put up for adoption.

Jesse, a 1-year-old Jindo mix, is in foster care with the Redmond shelter.

Overall, 23 of the dogs have been adopted.

“This has been extremely successful for the dogs,” said Karen Burns, Humane Society of Central Oregon manager.

“Yes, we have had some heartbreak along the way, but I would like to focus on all the positive we have done.

These are success stories. These are dogs that are part of someone’s life and family now because of what we did.”

Changing the culture

Bend resident Debby Bever grew up in Taiwan, where it is common to see dog meat at the markets. She never got used to the sight.

“There were dogs at the market all the time,” Bever said.

“There would be chicken, fish and then you would see a dog carcass.”

Consuming dog meat is a cultural tradition, Bever said, where some Asian people believe it will keep them cool in the summertime. The tradition is still popular among older generations, she said, but younger people are slowly changing the culture.

With the experience of seeing dog meat firsthand, Bever see RESCUED DOGS on 13

YOUR VOICE

NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

asianweekly northwest

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■ COMMUNITY NEWS Seattle King County Clinic provided free care for thousands

By Angela Shen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY The Seattle King County Clinic at KeyArena held a free clinic for the public from Oct. 27 through Oct. 30, for the third year in a row, including free dental, vision, and medical care. Spokesman Raymond Kusumi said the clinic helped 4,492 people in need this year, 482 more than last year.

Felix Lara-blanto, a college sophomore, said he joined the line with his parents at 4 a.m. “This is a great deal for those who don’t have the resources to get dental and vision screenings on a frequent basis.”

Lara-blanto said he not only got his eyes checked, he got a pair of prescription glasses for free. “I brought a blanket with me, like other patients who came early.

I even saw some people bring in their camping gear.”

David Dawson, a young contractor, and his girlfriend, Mirian Delven, a warehouse worker, waited in line together. Dawson said, “Regular medical care costs too much, I can’t afford it. That’s why my girlfriend and I were so excited when we heard about this event.” Dawson wanted to get his teeth checked and he brought a folding chair with him, because he knew the lines would be long. “This is my first time here, I think the 6-hour wait is worth it, and I will definitely come next year.”

Delven wanted to get a vision check and she brought her old glasses, hoping this would save the doctor some time. Delven said, “I think the clinic is a great thing for our community, we really appreciate their hard work and kindness.”

Kenny Hempel, a 45-year-old retired veteran, said that he came to the clinic two years ago for a free dental check and it was a blessing. “The dentist helped me get rid of my bad teeth and deep cleaned the rest of the good ones, which relieved me of a toothache.” Hempel said, “I came back this year and was hoping to get a pair of glasses. I’m really excited because I can finally see clearly.” Hempel said he took an hour-long bus ride to get to the clinic and

Volunteers checking in patients at the Seattle King County Clinic.

the line wasn’t as long as he imagined.

Although the lobby of KeyArena was

full, things were orderly. When asked how the clinic managed this many patients,

Kusumi said, “People usually line up from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. the night before, and we will house them at Fisher Pavilion, where there are rows and rows of chairs for them to sit.” Kusumi said that after midnight, volunteers distributed color-coded tickets depending on the type of care patients were seeking, and it was on a first-come, firstserved basis. “After the basic check-in, patients went to the triage area to answer questions about their medical issue. Then they would be assigned to the appropriate clinic,” said Kusumi.

Translators in red shirts were on hand to help those with limited English skills. Katty Tseng, a Taiwan native and recent graduate of the University of Washington, helped see CLINIC on 12

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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

34 YEARS

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR NOV. 3

ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER’S 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma 6 p.m. apcc96.org $100/individual, $1,000/table EXHIBITION OPENING, “WE ARE THE OCEAN” Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St., Seattle 6–8 p.m. wingluke.org

4 ACLF’S ANNUAL GRADUATION DINNER Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St., Seattle 6–8 p.m. aclfnorthwest.org WELCOME MAMI HARA, SEATTLE PUBLIC UTILITIES DIRECTOR Nagomi Tea House, 519 6th Ave. S., Seattle 5:30–7:30 p.m. dms2015@msn.com, okamoto.strategies@gmail.com

5 WORKSHOP, “WE ARE HISTORY KEEPERS” St. Demetrios Hall, 2100 Boyer Ave., Seattle 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Register by Nov. 1 at rsvp@ethnicheritagecouncil.org HELPING LINK’S 23RD ANNIVERSARY, “STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY” GALA

Blaine Memorial UMC 6–8 p.m. $90/person, $125/VIP ticket helpinglinkgala2016. brownpapertickets.com

SCREENING Kane Hall, 1410 N.E. Campus Parkway, Seattle 4–6 p.m. info@tap-seattle.org

TOUR OF KING COUNTY ELECTIONS King County Elections, 919 S.W. Grady Way, Renton 11 a.m.–12 p.m. jacl.com

8

SEATTLE VIDEO GAME ORCHESTRA &CHOIR Kinokuniya Bookstore, 525 S. Weller St., Seattle 6:30–8 p.m. seattlevgoc.com

5& 6 CELEBRATING DIWALI Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Seattle 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Free RSVP to bit.ly/2dHnSoa

WE ARE A CROWD OF OTHERS PRESENTS, “THE POETICS OF HAUNTING” WITH JANE WONG, DON MEE CHOI, DIANA KHOI NGUYEN, AND PIMONE TRIPLETT MadArt Studio, 325 Westlake Ave. N. #101, Seattle 7–10 p.m. brownpapertickets.com/event/2704824 poeticsofhaunting.com

11 TABAIMO: UTSUTSUSHI UTSUSHI OPENING DAY

Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Seattle 10 a.m.–5 p.m. tickets.seattleartmuseum.org

12 ASIAN THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE KICKOFF Tai Tung Restaurant, 655 S. King St., Seattle 6–8:30 p.m. hhcoworks.org

13 TAP-SEA & ACN & MBSS PRESENTS: THANKSGIVING POTLUCK! Via6, 2121 6th Ave., Seattle 5:30–8:30 p.m. tap-seattle.org

6 BUNKA NO HI, JAPANESE CULTURE DAY JCCC, 1414 S. Weller St., Seattle 11 a.m.–5 p.m. jcccw.org/bunka-no-hi CELEBRATE INDIAN ARTS AND CULTURE AT DIWALI: LIGHTS OF INDIA Seattle Center Armory 12–6 p.m. seattlecenter.com THRU 11/6

VOLUNTEER & EMPOWER THE AAPI VOTE! ACRS, 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle 6:30–7 p.m. volunteersignup.org 52HZ, I LOVE YOU SEATTLE

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President Barack Obama U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell U.S. Senator Patty Murray Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, 1st CD Congressman Denny Heck, 10th CD Congressman Adam Smith, 9th CD Former Congressman Norm Dicks, 6th CD and many more ...

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YOUR VOICE

■ ON THE SHELF

NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

asianweekly northwest

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Unlikely heroes and heroines

By Samantha Pak NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown

By Vaseem Khan Redhook, 2016

The Koh-i-Noor diamond has been a centuries-long point of contention between the United Kingdom and its former colony of India. So when the diamond — now part of the British Crown Jewels — goes on display at a museum in Mumbai, it is understandable that authorities amp up security.

Despite these extra measures, the crown and diamond are stolen, right under the nose of (retired) Inspector Ashwin Chopra.

The heist is both the British and Indian governments’ nightmare come true and as law enforcement struggles to find the culprits, it soon becomes clear that Chopra — and his pachydermic ward, Ganesha — will be the only ones who can crack the case.

In this second installment of the Baby Ganesh Agency series, we see Chopra fully enjoying his retirement from the Mumbai police force, as he takes on cases through his private detective agency. And just as it was in Khan’s debut, Chopra’s partnership with Ganesha takes a front seat. In this installment, we see that the duo has found their groove and rhythm in working together.

It is clear that Chopra (and by extension, Ganesha) takes his job as a private detective

seriously and he will go to great lengths to solve his case. And some of those lengths have hilarious results. The circus scenes are particularly enjoyable, especially as readers catch a glimpse of the world from Ganesha’s point of view — who, despite his apparent wisdom, is still a child of about a year.

Khan does a great job of balancing the seriousness of the crime with humor, especially when it comes to some of the

older characters’ disgruntlement with the direction India is going and the younger generation’s sense of entitlement and focus on technology.

In addition to the human and pachyderm characters, Khan’s vivid description lend to create a character in the city of Mumbai, from its fancy private schools to its worst slums, Khan does a good job of showing readers the odd juxtapositions that occur

throughout the city.

Jake Fonko M.I.A.

By B. Hesse Pflingger Watchfire Press, 2013

Jake Fonko is no stranger to danger. As a U.S. Army Ranger, he served in the Vietnam see SHELF on 12

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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Voting while Asian, and casting announcements

34 YEARS

A-pop!

By Vivian Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY With Seattle’s rainy season underway, there’s no denying that fall is upon us and that much time has passed since our last meeting together. So let’s catch up and see what’s new with Asians and Asian Americans in pop culture!

Fox News takes on Chinatown and the presidential election

In a recent episode of “The O’Reilly Factor,” a news and talk show on Fox News, an incredibly racist segment about Asian Americans was featured. Fox News correspondent Jesse Watters ventured to New York City’s Chinatown to ask Asian American voters about the upcoming presidential election. Although the segment was touted as “informative,” it was anything but. From jokes about massage parlors to excessive use of wonton font, the entire bit was replete with offensive stereotypes.

Although Watters interviewed subjects who could discuss the election, he also went out of his way to interview residents with limited English speaking skills. Notably, Watters posed a question to an elderly Asian lady who was unable to respond because she could not understand English. The video is edited in a way that suggested that the woman’s limited English speaking skills displayed political ignorance.

The segment ends with O’Reilly and Watters chatting about how, even though the segment would garner angry letters, it was all done in “gentle fun.”

How is making fun of hackneyed stereotypes and language limitations considered “gentle fun?” More importantly, is it still considered “gentle fun” when it’s at the expense of an entire race and culture?

Naturally, the incident did not go without response on social

Jesse Watters interviewing a woman in Chinatown in New York on Oct. 6.

media, with many viewers lambasting Watters, O’Reilly, and Fox News for one of the most insensitive segments to air in recent memory. With all the recent news coverage on Asian Americans and their representation in the media, how is it that this feature got the green light to air?

Despite Watters’ segment, do not think Asian Americans are taking this upcoming election lightly. As one of the largest Asian American voter registration drives in the nation, the #IAmAsianAmerican organization aims to get Asian American millennials out to vote through community events.

At a recent #IAmAsianAmerican gathering in Los Angeles, multicultural entertainment network Myx TV interviewed several notable Asian American actors for a PSA urging

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fellow Asian Americans to get registered and vote. The PSA included actors Hudson Yang and Forrest Wheeler from the sitcom “Fresh Off the Boat,” Albert Tsai from the sitcom “Dr. Ken,” and more. The point is loud and clear. Celebrities are coming out to engage and encourage people to vote!

Newly announced casts for television and film

Major castings for the film “Ocean’s 8,” the upcoming installment in the popular “Ocean’s 11” movie franchise, include Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina. Kaling is an actor, see A-POP on 14

YOUR VOICE

NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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Screencaps from sleeplessinseattle.org

■ COMMUNITY NEWS Volunteer group helps the homeless get a better night’s sleep

By Tim Gruver NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY A good night’s sleep may be something many people take for granted, but for the homeless, it can be a constant struggle. A single blanket can mean surviving another day, and a group of volunteers are doing their part to ensure Seattle’s homeless keep warm this winter.

Founded in 2014 by a group of Seattlebased volunteers, “Sleepless in Seattle” (SIS) is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide every person living on the streets of Seattle with a sleeping bag this winter. The original group had 225 volunteers around 50 zones around King County.

“We’re looking to meet, serve, and befriend every homeless person in King County with a sleeping bag and a smile,” said SIS organizer Eddie Wang. “The hope is that because we’re doing the multiple locations, the volunteers will have the time to encourage them, to bless them, and really just to share some love.”

Wang studied economics and social work at the University of Washington with an interest in charitable work. After graduating in 2013, Wang joined SIS out of a desire to

help the less fortunate in accordance with his faith.

“I realized that everything I did in my life was kind of for myself,” Wang said. “At the time, I was pretty convinced by Jesus and some of his words from the Sermon on the Mount, about the way you live your life, loving your enemies, and giving away what you have.”

In 2014, the group gathered financial and volunteer support from a host of residents, corporations, and nonprofits to reach and help the homeless. The team ultimately raised support to buy and distribute 3,500 sleeping bags throughout King County with the help of 220 volunteers and 17 nonprofits.

The following year, the group expanded its efforts to buy and distribute 4,000 sleeping bags and mats to Seattle’s homeless, with the help of 250 volunteers and over 20 nonprofits.

This winter, SIS hopes to meet its $60,000 fundraising goal to supply 4,000 individuals in need during its “Big Give” online fundraising event on Nov. 19, as 360 of its volunteers will gather throughout King County to distribute sleeping bags and other winter weather materials.

The group primarily supplies mummy style sleeping bags, which allow only the

mouth and nose of the sleeper to be exposed when fully closed. A mummy bag’s formfitting nature offers greater insulation than a normal sleeping bag by reducing the amount of air around the body and allowing the sleeper to maintain a more constant body temperature.

SIS further supplies winter care packages, which include everything from warm socks, food, and water.

It will further be conducting its outreach efforts in six regions across King County for the first time in its history. Each region

is led by its own coordinator and a core group of volunteers.

“The idea behind this was that if we decentralized [the organization], we could reach more people,” Wang said. “If you’re based in one location, you can get much better coverage.”

These regions include Congregations for the Homeless in Bellevue, Greenwood Square in Greenwood, University Christian Church in the U-District, 415 Westlake in see SLEEPLESS on 14

asianweekly northwest

34 YEARS

NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG

OPINION

Photo by Han Bui/NWAW

Hillary Clinton said Happy Birthday to you

“What? Hillary Clinton said Happy Birthday to you, mom!” said my son when he found a card with the face of Clinton on my desk.

Anyone who receives that card is in awe.

Certainly, I was when I opened it. The

birthday card was from my friends.

Inside it said, “Feel free to put this up where everyone can see it.” So here you go for my Northwest Asian Weekly readers, Hillary Clinton is saying Happy Birthday to you! 

Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW

What I learned at Keiro’s health fair

Chef Ron Youmans, Director of Catering at Keiro Northwest and Peggy Tanemura.

I was surprised to find hemp seeds at Keiro Northwest’s health fair.

“Isn’t this like marijuana?” I got confused between marijuana and the seeds. I don’t know a thing about marijuana.

So I did a little research. According to the internet, hemp contains virtually no psychoactive chemicals, thus, it can’t be considered a drug. Instead, hemp seeds, like flax seeds, has omega fats. It can improve digestion, balance hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve metabolism.

I took home some samples and added it to my salad. I couldn’t tell the difference when eating the salad. It doesn’t really enhance the taste.

The health fair opened my mind about different health products and encouraged my greediness, too. I took lots of food samples home. Keiro was thoughtful and efficient. Every guest received a free eco bag to stuff goodies.

That’s the direction that health fairs should take. Give out free food, and people would love to come.

I picked the right time to go, during lunch time. I tried all kinds of healthy food.

Keiro also promoted its catering service by setting a booth for free sushi and seafood. I won’t disclose how many pieces of shrimp that I ate, except to say that I will be back next year. 

Former Japanese ambassador exhibits “citizen diplomacy” FUJISAKI from 1 response, according to Fujisaki.

As part of his West Coast tour on U.S.-Japan relations, Fujisaki was in Seattle with a delegation of young men and women, including staff from the Prime Minister of Japan’s office.

Fujisaki is not stranger to Washington state. He went to Blaine Junior High School in Seattle as an exchange student.

“Japan’s relationship with his neighbors, such as China and South Korea, thanks to North Korea, has improved,” he said to an audience of over 200 at the Seattle Rotary Club, at the Renaissance Hotel.

Later, meeting with about 10 Rotarians, Fujisaki said, “China has every right to be angry (with Japan),” he said. “South Korea has every right to be angry (with Japan).”

“Japan invaded China,” he said. “Japan occupied South Korea (for 35 years).”

However, Fujisaki said, “We shouldn’t talk about it (all the time).” For instance, Japan doesn’t talk about (the bombing of) Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and America doesn’t dwell on Pearl Harbor all the time, he explained.

“We remember it like once a year during Remembrance Day,” he said. What is important is, all parties should focus on the future, he added. Also, it is not a good idea for parents to constantly talk about past hostilities and conflicts between China, Japan, and South Korea to their kids, he said.

“The kids will just repeat what their parents say” without any understanding, he said.

On U.S-Japan relations, Fujisaki said it has been a good partnership. He thanked Americans for their support of Japan, including churches and community organizations, to private citizens, to soldiers and the govern-

Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW

10

Ichiro Fujisaki

ment during Japan’s tsunami in 2011.

Although he didn’t say which presidential candidate he favors, it is not hard to guess which side Fujisaki is on.

“It’s like a Christmas gift. You don’t say anything until you open it, then say, ‘It’s just what I wanted.’” This is the same answer he gave to the media when asked about his choice of presidential candidate in the 2012 election.

He said he read a book by Hillary Clinton about her experience as First Lady, and how she identified with the Japanese Empress Michiko. He once saw a photo of Clinton hugging the Empress.

The former ambassador spoke English without any hint of an accent. He studied political science at Brown University and Stanford University.

Fujisaki is now a professor at Keio University and president of America-Japan Society in Japan.

The Japanese government funds the “Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan” program.  Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

YOUR VOICE

asianweekly northwest

11

OPINION

■ EDITORIAL

Voting is your responsibility Asian Americans are the fastest growing demographic in the United States, but are less politically active than Black, white, and Latino voters.

Nearly 9.3 million Asian Americans were eligible to vote this election day, according to the Pew Research Center (PRC). But the PRC also found that we have the lowest voter turnout of any major ethnic group in the United States.

My fellow Asian Americans, we cannot afford to sit this one out!

Do you take your right to vote for granted?

This is a right generations of Americans struggled to win ― and people in other countries are still fighting for.

It wasn’t that long ago when women were denied that right. Since the era of women’s suffrage, Asians and other ethnic minority groups have all faced obstacles to voting.

Don’t take this privilege, that many have died for, for granted.

Beyond the presidency

Having to choose between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump can seem, to some, distasteful.

How much the next president can do depends on whether his or her party controls either the Senate or the House. The size of those parties’ majorities also makes a difference. And you have a say in that difference.

Local elections are also an opportunity where you can decide on the issues that can most directly affect you, including the minimum wage, transportation, and climate change.

No excuses

Are you thinking of not voting because you don’t understand the issues? Do you struggle with limited English skills?

King County makes voting materials available in Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), two organizations committed to the cause of voter protection and education, are hosting an in-language hotline for Asian American voters.

From now until Nov. 8, volunteers will be available in eight languages — English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog — to help those with questions about voting, how to find a polling place, or to learn about any ID requirements.

Voters can seek answers to their questions through this hotline: 1-888-API-VOTE (888274-8683).

As Asian Americans, we already dominate in other areas. A 2015 Nielsen report found that Asian American buying power is nearly four times larger than that of the highly-coveted U.S. millennial segment at $200 billion, and it is larger than the entire economies of all but 18 countries worldwide. Asian Americans also produce many scientists, engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

We need to step up and show the nation, and the world, the giants we are in the political arena.

If nothing else, voting is a license to justifiably complain about your elected officials.

Your grievances will carry more weight if you speak out as a voter trying to hold your candidates accountable for promises they made. 

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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

SHELF from 7 War as part of a long-range reconnaissance patrol, or LRRP. But any danger he saw was alongside his LRRP team.

So the ex-surfer from California is more than a little out of his depth when the army loans him to the CIA in the spring of 1975, as the war in Vietnam is wrapping up. He is quickly given the mission of locating a former CIA asset who is missing in Cambodia.

Despite his military training, it is soon clear that James Bond he is not.

As soon as he arrives in Phnom Penh, Jake senses something is off about his assignment — especially as he is seemingly unsupported and, more or less, on his own. But like a good soldier, he focuses on the mission. Things initially go well, but then the Khmer Rouge take over the country and Jake is captured and thrown into Tuol Sleng, the regime’s infamous torture chamber.

As Jake works to escape, he slowly discovers that what he saw in Vietnam was nothing compared to what is happening in Cambodia.

“M.I.A.” is a story about the Khmer Rouge told from a Western point of view. Having grown up in a family who survived the genocide, it was interesting to read a different take on the events. While Jake is mainly concerned about himself and saving his own skin (understandable, given the circumstances), he does show concern for the Khmer people. We also see how helpless he is to do anything about anything, given the orders he receives from the U.S.

34 YEARS

government.

Through Jake’s experiences, Pflingger highlights the differences in the Americans’ involvement (or lack thereof) between Vietnam and Cambodia, and the effect that had on the respective countries.

The Silent Dead

By Tetsuya Honda Minotaur Books, 2016 At 29, Reiko Himekawa is a bit on the younger side to have made a lieutenant in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s (TMPD) homicide division — especially as she does not have any sort of political or family connections.

But none of this stops Reiko from doing her job, especially on her squad’s latest case. After a brutally slaughtered body wrapped in a blue plastic tarp with twine is discovered in a quiet suburb of Tokyo, Reiko and her colleagues must work to figure out not just the “who” and “why” of the crime, but also the “what,” as nothing

initially makes sense. More bodies are discovered — all similarly wrapped — but there is no clear connection among the victims.

As Reiko works to solve the crime, she finds herself coming up against more than just a difficult case. Due to her age and gender, she is often doubted, by colleagues, as well as witnesses. Reiko is a strong character who has no problem standing up for herself, whether it’s sexist co-workers, the murderer, or traditional family members who try to set her up with potential husbands (she is almost 30, after all). She shows readers the importance of going after what you want and sticking to your beliefs.

“Silent Dead” is told from various points of view, including officers working under Reiko’s command, as well as her nemesis on the force — all working to solve the murders. Through these different perspectives, Honda paints a complex mystery that will have readers constantly guessing who is behind the crimes and why.  Samantha can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

CLINIC from 5 to translate from Mandarin to English. “This is a great experience and a wonderful opportunity for all, no discrimination, all races are welcomed,” Tseng said. “I met a lot of amazing people.

Everyone was kind and helpful.” Tseng said all people she helped were patient. No one seemed to be upset by the long waiting times or the language barrier. “They were all very satisfied with the service and really grateful,” Tseng added.  Angela can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

Anthony is endorsed by all nine WA Supreme Court Justices and Asian-American community leaders, including: Justice MARY YU Representative SHARON TOMIKO SANTOS Senator BOB HASEGAWA Senator CYRUS HABIB King County Superior Court Judge JOHN CHUN King County Superior Court Judge SAMUEL CHUNG King County Superior Court Judge PATRICK OISHI King County Superior Court Judge MARIANE SPEARMAN King County District Court Judge KETU SHAH King County District Court Judge GREGG HIRAKAWA

Anthony has strong ties with our Asian-American community.

Rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by the Joint Asian Judicial Evaluations Committee, Anthony has conducted numerous trials with Asian-American clients and practices with a Japanese law partner.

VOTE FOR ANTHONY GIPE BY NOVEMBER 8TH!

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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

asianweekly northwest

13

Predictions and advice for the week of November 5–November 11

By Sun Lee Chang Rat — Moving around the mess doesn’t really get rid of it. Weed out the things that are just taking up space.

Dragon — Are you looking for someone that does not want to be found? It may not be the right time to reach out.

Monkey — Following a formula might not prove to be too exciting, but that should not dissuade you if you are more concerned about the results.

Ox — Why set up a reminder when it is something that can be handled quickly? Putting something off until later is the less desirable option.

Snake — A soft sound has now become a dull roar. The issue is ripe to be dealt with and the sooner the better.

Rooster — There is no secret to landing on your feet. You know that it is simply superb planning and preparation on your part.

Tiger — There is no reason to start from scratch if you don’t have to. Make the most of what is available to you.

Horse — You could be called upon to do more than you intended. Thankfully, it should fit in with what you already had planned.

Dog — Feeling a little sluggish today? Jump start your day with a brisk walk or other activity to get yourself into gear.

Rabbit — Don’t get discouraged if your first suggestion is not well received. Take the criticism and improve on your initial idea.

Goat — Your concern needs to be tempered with thoughtful action. Acting rashly usually doesn’t help anyone.

Pig — It won’t take much effort to check in on an ongoing project, you will soon be glad that you took the time to do so.

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.

RESCUED DOGS from 4 felt compelled to help the dogs that came to town in March.

She offered to be a foster owner for a Tosa mastiff puppy named Lana. After less than a month, Bever adopted the young dog.

Bever, who owns two mastiffs, said it has been fascinating to see how Lana interacts with her two large dogs. Lana almost immediately bonded with them, while remaining distant to

any human contact. Over time, she has warmed up to Bever.

“They just attach to other dogs and don’t want to be by themselves,” Bever said. “All they knew were dogs and mean people.”

‘Part of the family’

At her home in Redmond, Watkins had a ramp, doggy door and outdoor enclosure built for Florence.

“She is part of the family now, and we set up

the whole house for her,” Watkins said.

After meeting Florence at the block party, Watkins visited her at the Bend shelter for two weeks before bringing her home. During those two weeks, Watkins convinced her husband, Jason Watkins, they needed the dog.

He agreed, and Florence has fit into their family ever since.

“I just feel very lucky to have her in our lives,” Watkins said. 

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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016

A-POP from 8 writer, and producer best known for starring in popular sitcoms like “The Office” and “The Mindy Project.” Awkwafina, whose real name is Nora Lum, is a popular rapper and actor who most

34 YEARS

recently starred in the comedy movie “Neighbors 2.” The addition of these two Asian Americans rounds out a star-studded female cast with heavyweights, including actors Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, and Anne Hathaway. No word yet on who Kaling and Awkwafina will play, but given that heists are common in the “Ocean’s 11” franchise, there’s a strong chance that we’ll get to see these two exercise specialized skills of sorts to pull off a con.

Disney Channel recently picked up a new pilot for a family sitcom titled “Andi Mack.” Created by Terri Minksy, the creator of the beloved and wildly successful Disney sitcom “Lizzie McGuire,” the series will star pre-teen newcomer Peyton Elizabeth Lee. The show will follow Andi as she’s about to celebrate her 13th birthday. However, when Andi’s older sister returns home, her arrival throws Andi’s life upside down and leaves her questioning everything she’s ever

SLEEPLESS from 9 Belltown, the Seattle Chinese Alliance Church in Renton, and Calvary Chapel in Kent.

Wang hopes that his group’s fundraiser will not only bring aid to Seattle’s homeless, but foster better relations between neighbors of all kinds.

“The hope is that people come away from an event like

known. Lilan Bowden and Lauren Tom, both of Asian descent, will play Andi’s sister and mom, respectively.

When I was a preteen, you’d never see a sitcom on Disney Channel starring an Asian American teen, let alone a whole cast of Asian Americans. I’m so glad that a show like this now exists for the new generation.

“Andi Mack” will debut on Disney Channel in 2017.  Vivian Nguyen can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 6.

this empowered to continue doing things like this on a daily basis and even building relationships,” Wang said.

“You can’t build relationships with 50 people out there, but are there one or two people you see on a fairly regular basis that you can build a genuine friendship with.”  Tim can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.

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YOUR VOICE

BARBER from 1 and one man’s jaw was broken.

At a news conference in Seattle on Oct. 31, Asian American advocates suggested that Barber, who is from American Samoa, was racially profiled, and that he has not been criminally charged. They want to see Barber get a fair hearing.

Diana Narasaki of the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC), the advocacy group that hosted the news conference, questioned why Barber was suspended for his conduct at the party last summer, when a white student received only probation.

“If there was a general melee with scores of people fighting, why were Pacific Islanders the only students arrested and expelled?” said Narasaki.

Thompson, a WSU alum known as the “Throwin’ Samoan,” and former NFL player, chided the university conduct policy for not allowing Barber, for whom English is a second language, to have representation at his hearings before the university conduct board and appeals board.

“The system is, I’m ashamed of it, as a Coug, and it has to get changed,” said Thompson.

Rev. Suipi Vaielua, of the Fort Lewis Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, said Samoan children have limited opportunities to “get off the rock” — serve in the U.S. military or get recruited to play football.

Vaielua said this issue would bring shame to the Barber family back in Samoa. Vaielua’s son, Vince, said Barber left his family and all he knew to play football for WSU. And this is how he is treated. They say they’re not asking for special treatment. They simply want Barber, and everyone else, to get proper due process protections.

asianweekly northwest

Also present at the news conference was state Sen. Michael Baumgartner, another WSU alum. He drew applause when he called on WSU Regents and Gov. Jay Inslee to reinstate Barber immediately.

Barber’s suspension means his college football career is likely over. Also, Barber is close to graduating. He has 119 credits and if his suspension is upheld, Barber would have to wait until the final summer session in 2017 to earn the credit.

Baumgartner said, “Even if Barber should be found to have assaulted someone, he’s innocent until proven guilty and it’s in the public interest for him to get a degree.”

Baumgartner called the difference to society for Barber to have a degree versus not, “profound.” He offered Barber a job in his Senate office as a liaison with university officials if the suspension holds. Baumgartner said he would also put Barber in charge of overseeing financial requests from state universities. “So when WSU comes to my office and asks me for money, the first person they’re going to talk to is Robert Barber,” Baumgartner said.

The state Senator stressed that this issue was not about football. “This is not about getting Robert Barber back on the football field,” Baumgartner said. “This is about getting Robert Barber back in the classroom and getting him his degree.”

A filing was expected in Whitman County on Nov. 2, calling for a stay in Barber’s suspension that would allow him to attend class, and possibly play football while his review petition is considered.  Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

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34 YEARS

NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2016 SMILE from 1

Eddie Rye, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, Former Rep. Lynn Kessler, and Deputy Seattle Mayor Hyeok Kim.

spending countless hours improving my English, adjusting myself to American society, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Washington, and joining Amazon for the stability my family and I cherish, given our experience. Eight years of hard work transformed me into an American, but there was always a piece of me that reflected on my early, lonely days in this country. I had to remind myself, just like a mother to her kid: it’s okay, you don’t have to be scared anymore.

When I first started my career at Amazon, I noticed that I was constantly surrounded by colleagues with diverse backgrounds, including other Chinese, and I found myself wondering if there was a way to connect with them. So when I uncovered an email list with more than 1,000 other Chinese Amazonians, I, of course, signed up.

Most emails going back and forth were seeking information about living in the United States, like how to get a driver’s license.

Those emails were important, but I realized this was an opportunity to help those who were new to the United States, just like I once was.

This time, I was in a position where I could make a difference by building a community among Chinese Amazonians so that everyone feels like they’re a part of something.

Photo by John Liu/NWAW

SANTOS from 1

bag — which contained more than $3,000 in cash and checks for a state legislator’s reelection campaign — he discovered someone had stolen it right off the sidewalk.

Santos’ campaign manager, Derek Ishihara, sent out an alert the following day saying the contributions collected “fell into the wrong hands.” Ishihara urged donors to make stop payment on checks and monitor unauthorized credit card transactions.

The campaign fundraiser was well attended by supporters and a political who’s who including Seattle’s Deputy Mayor Hyeok Kim and longtime House Speaker Frank Chopp.

At the fundraiser earlier that night, Rep. Santos, gave a short speech about how her heart is with the International District community, and reiterated the need

for more public safety measures.

She announced a public safety meeting on Nov. 28 at the Nagomi Tea House, where Seattle police are expected to give an update on the Donnie Chin case.

Officers arrived at the scene of the Oct. 28 theft, but were unable to locate any suspects. However, the entire incident was captured on surveillance camera, and detectives are now trying to identify the purse snatcher, as well as the suspect who stole the helpful bystander’s bag.  If you recognize either suspect, or have any other information about this case, call SPD West Precinct detectives at (206) 684-5728, and reference incident number 2016388272.

Staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

TC Zhang

So, I suggested a meet-up through the email list. With one simple email that served as the marketing for the event, more than 100 Chinese Amazonians showed up, further convincing me of the strong need for a formalized community. Through the first event, I also learned I wasn’t the only one interested in something more than an email list. Many other Chinese Amazonians shared their struggle with adjusting to a new country and new culture, especially without a solid network.

That was the start of Seattle Amazon Chinese League (SMILE), which has grown significantly since that first event in December 2015. SMILE focuses on professional development, social life, and networking. In less than a year, we’ve built a 24-person leadership team who call themselves “SMILE

leaders,” and we’ve launched more than 15 events, attracting more than 1,000 Amazon attendees.

These events include a board game night, volunteering, a family social, a summer intern field trip, and a campus tour. By having these various programs, and catering to the different needs of Chinese Amazonians, we’re able to achieve our goal of creating a terrific experience for Chinese Amazon employees and building a strong sense of community.

When I was struggling to adjust to this society in my early immigrant days, I wished there had been an organization that, just by signing up, provided a network of friends, guidance on professional development, and a better immigrant experience. I am glad we have that organization within Amazon, and the support to continue to expand it.

Sometimes I worry I spend too much of my time doing these events. So, why bother? Because I am passionate about the cause. Because whenever I hear that people made friends because of SMILE, kids found playmates because of SMILE, or Chinese Amazonians learned how to grow their careers at Amazon because of SMILE, I am fully recharged because I know we are making a positive impact on people’s lives. 

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