Asian Avenue magazine - March 2015

magazine

asian avenue Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

March 2015 Volume 10 Issue 3

Campus Safety

First things first:

Universities aim to reduce crime and increase safety for students

Puzzah!

Puzzle rooms challenge

Travel Visit Borobudur,

players of all ages

Indonesia’s

spectacular temple

Restaurant Peeks Sawara Sushi Khazana Indian Cuisine

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Dear Asian Avenue readers, I am heading to Taipei, Taiwan and Seoul, South Korea this month to celebrate a wedding and enjoy the last days of Chinese new year in Taiwan. The new year is celebrated for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. The year of the sheep, 2015, began on February 19, so I will be visiting just in time for the final days of celebration. Follow me on Twitter @guoannie for updates on my travels! Good-bye snow.

Thank you to the wonderful guests that attended our annual lunar new year banquet on February 6 at Kings Land Seafood Restaurant. We hope you enjoyed the evening with entertainment by Atomic Gracie on the electric guitar, Chinese yo-yo by Great Wall Chinese Academy students and the cultural attire fashion show by Miss Asian American Colorado participants. Thank you to State Representative Paul Rosenthal for attending and sharing a commendation for the event. We hope to see you next year!

Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Puzzah! to take on a challenge of solving a mystery in an interactive puzzle room. The venue opened in downtown Denver a few months ago and we recommend everyone to test their wits and creativity to give it a try! Teams of up to four can participate in a session; two themes are currently available. Thank you Ryan and Sarah for having us!

In this issue, we highlight University of Denver’s efforts to ensure a safe campus and lower crime rates, such as offering a service for students to be escorted on campus when it is dark out. Tips are also provided in the article that can help students feel safer.

We have heard our readers loud and clear; more information and articles on food. We are further developing our food section with not only restaurant peeks but also food culture topics and recipes.

In this issue, you will learn the yin and yang of balancing foods, as well as how to make Asian salads.

Congratulations to our friend, SomXai Vue, for becoming a councilmember for the City of Thornton. Read more of his interview with us as he shares why he is passionate about serving his city.

SomXai was recognized as an Asian American Hero of Colorado in 2010. We thank you for all you do for our community.

asian avenue magazine

staff & support

Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Editorial and Marketing Manager: Sarah Shirazi Marketing Coordinator: Chun Guo Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Designer: Jonathan Nguyen Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Staff Writer: Brenda Velasquez Photographer: Trang Luong Photographer: Monica Lin Intern: Akemi Tsutsui

advisors group

General Counsel: Michael C. Song Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida

contributing writers

Diana Aqra, Harry Budisidharta, Yunita Ho, Bruce Yee

contributing photographers Gil Asakawa, Denver Broncos

on the cover

University of Denver takes action to promote campus safety for its students and faculty members.

subscriptions

Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine

To subscribe, e-mail marketing@asianavenuemag azine.com. A one-year subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues.

Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine. For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping and handling included.

advertising

Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at marketing@asianavenuemagazine.com for our media kit and ad rates.

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editorial

To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or event calendar listings, e-mail editor@asianavenuemagazine.com.

Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission.

The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine.

Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.

Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488 www.asianavenuemagazine.com Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

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March 2015 | President’s Note

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Find Inside >> Table of Contents

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Event Calendar

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Spotlight

SomXai Vue represents Asian Americans

proudly as a Thornton City Councilmember Inside Stories

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Columbia College-Denver offers affordable tuition Colorado Alliance of Health Equity and Practice (CAHEP) hires new nurse practitioner, Evelyn Hu Clark Puzzah! opens its doors in downtown Denver to challenge players to solve the problems in their interactive rooms

March 2015 | Table of Contents

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Cover Story University of Denver shares information on its campus safety efforts

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Beyond Colorado Events across the nation and world

On Scene

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Food

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Restaurant Peek Sawara Sushi Express makes the Japanese cuisine of sushi accessible to all

Asian Avenue magazine celebrates Lunar New Year with lion dances and dinner

Annual Day of Remembrance is hosted by Mile High JACL and History Colorado

Restaurant Peek Khazana provides an option for Indian in the Park Meadows area

Denver Mayor Hancock visits Pacific Ocean Marketplace to highlight the importance of Denver’s locally-owned small businesses

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Food Culture The Balancing Act or Yin and Yang of Food

Chef’s Recipes Vietnamese Chicken Salad Tomato Chili Salad

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Better Living Meditation: Create a space to rejuvenate Travel Take a trip to Borobudur, Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction

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upcoming events

Diversity Networking Event

Tuesday, March 3, 3pm to 5:30pm Tivoli Student Union, Room 320 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 Cost: Free and open to the public RSVP at http://bit.ly/DiversityCareerEvent.

In partnership the Asian Chamber of Commerce, University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado Heights University, and NAAAP Colorado co-sponsor the second annual Diversity Networking Event at Auraria Campus. This year, Eric Hiraga, EVP, Chief of Staff at Denver International Airport will provide opening remarks with Bill Imada, Commissioner on the President’s Advisory Council on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, providing the keynote address. Attend for refreshments and networking with college students to inspire them with your personal story on how you navigated your college and professional careers.

CU Boulder’s Culture Shock

Saturday, March 14, Begins at 6:30pm

Glenn Miller Ballroom, University Memorial Center 1669 Euclid Ave. Boulder, CO 80302 Cost: Free and open to the public For more info, visit www.facebook.com/phichapter.sigmas.

Pi Delta Psi Fraternity Inc, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority Inc, and The Cultural Events Board present the

seventh annual Culture Shock Multicultural Showcase!

Watch as top performers in multicultural arts compete! Headliners include Andrew Garcia, Brian Puspos and JR Aquino with opening act: Extreme Measures. Culture Shock’s purpose is to promote the awareness of different cultural backgrounds and heritages with hopes to educate by creating an environment in which the audience is encompassed by culture. This year, the theme is “Story of Our Lives” meaning every person has his/her own unique story and sharing it with others is what unites us!

Business After Hours Filipino American Community

Wednesday, March 18, 6pm to 7:30pm 1900 Harlan St. Edgewater, CO 80214 Cost: $10 members, $15 non-members For more info and to register, visit: www.coloradofilipinos.org.

The Filipino American Community of Colorado recently celebrated their 60th anniversary! They are the oldest Asian organization in the Denver metro area. Located just west of Sloan’s Lake, come experience their hospitality and sample delicious appetizers! Featured speaker from CDOT will provide an update on the I-70 corridor redevelopment effort.

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March 2015 | Event Calendar

From the Shadows of Wartime: Three Japanese American Artists Friday, March 20 5:30pm Reception, 6:30pm Lecture

Sharp Auditorium, Hamilton Building, Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 Cost: Free admission but tickets are required.

Reserve tickets at https://tickets.denverartmuseum.org.

The Asian Art Association and Japan Foundation host a talk on modernist painters Kenjiro Nomura, Kamekichi Tokita, and Takuichi Fujii. All three were incarcerated at Minidoka, but all left an eloquent record of their experience. In an illustrated talk, Dr. Johns will discuss her work in reclaiming the artists’ stories and demonstrating their place in American art history. Coffee reception preceeds talk at 5:30 p.m. in the Sharp Lobby, lower level of Hamilton Building, Denver Art Museum.

Sie FilmCenter Women+Film Festival: VOICES 2015

March 17 - March 22

2510 E. Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80206 Cost: $90 Denver Film Society members, $100 General Admission For more info, visit: www.denverfilm.org.

The Denver Film Society presents the Women+Film VOICES Film Festival. Through documentaries, feature films, salons, and many in-person guests, VOICES will showcase thought-provoking, inspirational stories of women from around the world. Each film will have a VOICES host, either a woman personally involved with the film or a Denver community leader who will the film and lead a Q&A discussion afterwards. The series will feature inspirational and accomplished women from the Denver area leading discussions on relevant issues featured in the festival.

Denver Health Southwest Family Health Center Launch Thursday, April 2, 12pm to 1pm

251339 S. Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80219 Cost: Free Join Denver Health for its southwest clinic launch for a special speaking engagement and launch event to celebrate the groundbreaking of Denver Health’s newest family health center. Parking available across Federal Blvd. in the shopping center, spaces just south of the Family Dollar store.

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Small Classes in an enhanced learning environment Global faculty with real-world experience Degree partnerships around the globe

Helping you reach new heights!

admissions@chu.edu • www.CHU.edu • 303.937.4225

For more information call 720-873-6243 or visit our website today at: www.ColoEggDonor.com William Schoolcraft, MD • Eric Surrey, MD • Debra Minjarez, MD Robert Gustofson, MD • Jennifer Brown, MD

SomXai Vue A

becomes City of Thornton Councilmember

devoted community leader, Thornton City Councilman SomXai Vue is one of the few Asian Americans in Colorado who has run for public office. And with less than one percent of Asian Americans serving on city councils nationwide, he’s an example of an Asian American leader that has taken the leap and run for public office. Originally from Laos, Vue has deep ties in the Hmong and Asian communities in Colorado.

Vue graduated from the University of Denver with a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Technology, the MetThornton City Councilman ropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and Management. He also attended Northglenn Senior High School in Northglenn, Colorado and has lived in the city of Thornton for the past fifteen years. Vue and his wife Nancy live in Ward 3 of Thornton with their five children. Asian Avenue Magazine has coffee with him to discuss his career and opinions about public service.

SomXai Vue

How did you decide to run for city council?

After graduating from college in 1998, I started becoming more involved in the communities locally and nationally with selflessness. I felt the need to help my city, friends, families and my own neighbors. As a member of City Council, I can reach out widely and in diverse ways to those who are still underrepresented in the area.

How do you feel about Asian Americans and their involvement in civic engagement?

I feel that Asian Americans’ involvement in the civic engagement is not as robust as it could be, and that most of their involvement is found in community organizations or military service. As far as contributions go, Asian Americans have an incredible record in the US Military, especially the Japanese Ameri-

cans during the WWII, and currently. Another example is the Hmong people that helped rescue U.S. pilots during the Vietnam War, the “Secret War” or “CIA war,” in late 1950s to early 1970s. The Hmong soldiers engaged in direct combat with the North Vietnamese troops, protected the U.S. personnel, guarded the U.S. Air Force radar installations, gathered intelligence information about the North Vietnamese operations; and disrupted the flow of the troops and war supplies along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. I am sure there may be many more stories that are untold, but many people do not know about these significant contributions.

What is your favorite thing about Colorado?

Colorado is a beautiful state. The commute is great.

Downtown Denver is probably one of my favorite places in Colorado; it’s the heart of Colorado, and the center of all the surrounding cities.

What is your vision for the future?

My short term goals include looking forward to working with the City Senior Leadership Team, the members of the Council and the residents on important issues, and to continue building bridges within the city and the community, as well as with our neighborhood partners. I also want to focus on bringing more small businesses, jobs, and economic development to Thornton. Additionally, I’d like to make improvements to our education system. In the long term its hard to tell what the future may unfold, but my vision for the future is to serve beyond the role of City Council.

What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to run for public office?

My advice is commit to what you do and set your goals. Be yourself, don’t try to be someone else. Prepare yourself, and be the best that you can be. Be true to yourself and be loyal to others that you serve and that work with you.

Vue (right) was recognized as an Asian American Hero of Colorado in 2010.

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March 2015 | Spotlight

Columbia College-Denver provides affordable higher education

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n a world where access to higher education leaves most students with massive student loan debt, Columbia College offers students a quality and affordable education. Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 160 years.

Located in the Denver Tech Center, Columbia College works to educate busy working adults and military learners.

Lisa Kochevar, Director of Columbia College-Denver explains that “everything the campus does is geared towards serving time and financially squeezed working adults, whether they are interested in earning an associate degree or working toward a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.”

Offering the same accreditation as the University of Colorado, Columbia College also has a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personal one-on-one attention. All instructors are practitioners in their field and have at least a master’s degree.

Classes are held in intensive eightweek evening sessions to help students earn their degrees faster. The campus offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in such practical fields as business administration, management information systems

and criminal justice administration; an MBA; plus 23 degrees and more than 800 classes through the Online Campus.

The average age of students enrolled at the college is thirty-two. Classes are offered two days a week to cater to students working full time. Police officers can even apply 24 credit hours towards completing their degree.

Robert, a student at Columbia College worked full time while completing both his associates and bachelors degrees and just started working on his masters degree. He received a Pell grant but paid the difference in tuition and graduated without any student loan debt. Tamra Ellermier, Senior Academic Advisor gloats that Robert is one of her favorite success stories. “We want all of our students to be just as successful,” says Ellermier.

Columbia College prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary next month and is working on expanding its online classes in the near future so that it can continue to serve working adults.

Columbia College has been recognized for its military-friendly policies by Military Advanced Education and GI Jobs.

Get www.educated.com also features Columbia College on its “Best Buys” list.

Columbia College-Denver 6892 South Yosemite Court #3-100 Centennial, CO 80112 Telephone: (303) 771-0176 | Website: www.ccis.edu Inside Story | asian avenue magazine

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Breaking Down Barriers to Health Care Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice (CAHEP) welcomes nurse practitioner, Evelyn Hu Clark

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anguage and cultural barriers are a significant detriment in addressing health disparities and remain a big challenge for first generation immigrants in the United States.

According to the U.S. Census, Colorado has experienced an increase in Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents by 41%. The Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice (CAHEP) is an example of a nonprofit health clinic that has worked hard to reduce health disparities in the multiethnic populations in Colorado.

Nestled in an office complex off of Leetsdale Drive in Denver, CAHEP provides medical, dental, and interpretation services to the uninsured or under insured immigrant populations in Colorado.

By providing LEP patients access to personal interpreters in over 40 different languages, CAHEP is breaking down barriers and filling an important gap in Colorado’s health care landscape.

With the need for health clinics like CAHEP comes the need for staff that can provide high quality, culturally competent care. CAHEP was excited to welcome Evelyn Hu Clark in the Fall of 2014. Originally from the Philippines, Clark completed her medical degree but later moved to the United States where she became a nurse practitioner. She speaks five languages including Mandarin, Tagalog, Spanish, Indonesian and English. Clark treats patients from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and works with an interpreter when she cannot directly communicate with her patients.

Clark has dedicated her medical career to providing culturally competent care to those with limited financial resources. Clark believes that treatment should be holistic, and for that reason its important for her to build relationships with her patients.

“There is nothing I enjoy more than helping people who really need it,” says Clark. The passion for her work is evident in the way she smiles and connects with each patient. When she’s not working at CAHEP’s nonprofit clinic she can be found at the Family Walk-In Clinic in Greeley where the majority of her patients are Spanish speakers.

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March 2015 | Inside Story

5250 Leetsdale Drive #110, Denver, CO 80246

Tel: 303.954.0058

“Promoting Community Health”

Hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. www.cahep-denver.org E-mail: admin@cahep.org

Nurse practitioner Evelyn Hu Clark (right) with a patient.

CAHEP is a nonprofit health clinic located in east Denver.

Puzzle rooms challenge players to use their wits and creativity to solve a perplexing mission.

Annie Guo Asian Avenue magazine 1440 Blake St. #150, Denver, CO 80202 Tel: 303-534-5477 | www.puzzah.com

Welcome to Puzzah! where your mission is to work in teams to use clues to solve a mission. Located downtown on the corner of Blake and Market, Puzzah! opened its doors to problem solvers last October. Through interactive rooms and timed technology, Puzzah! empowers players through collaboration, abstract problem solving and self-confidence.

Teams of two to four engage in a 60-minute mission of clue-finding and puzzle-solving in order to stop something terrible from happening. Two themes are currently available: “Tick Tock” where the mission is to disarm a time bomb and “The Steal” where players must solve a heist. In each puzzle room, players put their heads together and use their wits and creativity to win the game, a great activity for students and co-workers.

Before moving to Denver, owners Derek Anderson and Sarah Cai, were introduced to problem-solving rooms, mostly escape room challenges, while living in London. The idea was for teams to use clues to break out of a

room together. The married couple observed as the popularity of the concept grew across Asia and Europe. While living in Washington, D.C., they teamed up with Ryan Pachmayer, the third owner, in search of the perfect space to open up shop. The three began designing and assembling the first room, Tick Tock, with prototypes and beta-testing run-throughs by friends and family. Now, Puzzah! has two rooms complete with plans to create five to six more themes that can be swapped out every few months to give customers a new experience.

Puzzah! has it’s roots in interactive museum exhibits, as well as escape rooms, which hail from mainland China and Japan. Cai, who is Chinese and grew up in Singapore is one of the three founders. Her role in the company is in branding, design, corporate program and theme. She has a degree in graphic and is responsible for the visual aspects of Puzzah! including the logo, color of the lobby and the intricate design of the rooms. She also designed the corporate program, which is focused on de-

Owners Derek Anderson, Sarah Cai and Ryan Pachmayer founded Puzzah! to challenge players to develop problem solving skills and use their creativity.

veloping problem solving skills even further.

Pachmayer says, “Our rooms help teach problem solving, but in a fun way. Communication and teamwork skills are also prominent.” Puzzah! challenges everyone to see the possibilities inherent in the tools all around us, especially our minds. Artistic integrity is fundamental to everything we do; we know that our customers’ experiences will only be as good as our concepts, materials and game designs. The ultimate hope is that people leave Puzzah! with a greater understanding of themselves and use that positive energy to impact the world.

Players are invited to come to the puzzle rooms as a small team to attempt to complete a mission in under an hour. Whether it is retrieving a stolen item from a gallery or disarming a doomsday device set to destroy the performing arts center, participants have been having a great time at Puzzah! Prices start at $60 per team, or $15 per person for a team of 4. Book sessoions online at www.puzzah.com or by calling 303-534-5477.

Asian Avenue magazine’s Annie Guo and Danny Nguyen take on the Tick Tock mission.

Inside Story | asian avenue magazine

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Waking Up to Campus Cri

by Diana Aqra

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lasses are starting up yet again on Colorado campuses and students are getting back into school mode: preparing for courses, buying books, setting up their new dorms, apartments, figuring out where they need to be and when.

For most students, campus safety is one of the furthest things on their minds.

At least a few college students filling out forms in the admissions line at the Downtown Auraria Campus did not seem too concerned about potential threats.

Nick, a student in his 20s, reflected the general feeling.

“Is crime an issue to you while you are on campus?”

He responded hesitantly, but surely, “no, not really.”

“What is the last case of crime you heard about on your campus?”

“Just a few cases of some pervert fondling girls on campus,” he said. “We get about two alerts like that a year.”

“What type of alert would alarm you?”

“A wave of assaults or sex crimes in a short amount of time,” Nick said.

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March 2015 | Cover Story

Nick didn’t know that within the last eight months, eight crimes had been reported including a forcible sex offense in a campus complex that happened just last November. The other seven cases included four forcible fondling reports and three strong-armed robberies.

Wasn’t that just what he said would alarm him? Why wasn’t he alarmed? Better yet, why wasn’t he informed?

Even though the University sent out the required alerts, none of the students interviewed on the Auraria campus knew about the November 15th rape, nor did they know about any cases.

The String of DU Armed Robberies Skip just six miles south of bustling the Auraria campus, made up of more than 42,000 students and you are at the University of Denver (DU); a quiet and beautiful campus made up of roughly a fourth of Auraria’s with a population of around 11,000 students.

Located in a middle-to-high income area, the University is known for its pres-

tige, privacy and upkeep.

DU was struck with a string of armed robberies on or within one quarter mile of the campus this last November, however.

No demographic data or names were released on the victims, but a member of the Asian Student Alliance said that two of the victims held at gunpoint were international students from China.

The string of robberies that started on Nov. 4 included five different students being held at gunpoint for his or her belongings.

Two of these robberies occurred outside of DU’s Education Building. One student who was on campus when a robbery occurred commented that they were ordered to stay inside the building for twenty minutes after the report. In weeks following the robbery, televisions with messages to request escort services popped up in the Education building, where many evening classes are offered. We were not able to confirm if other buildings on campus had adopted the same message alert system.

Another robbery where two offenders

Crime broke into an apartment complex close to the University was also reported on Nov. 3, according to the DPD crime map, but was not part of DU’s alerts.

The armed robberies were extremely rare, said Will Jones, spokesperson from DU, but they seem to be related. The University has had only 11 armed robberies in the past 10 years, Jones said.

“It was kind of crazy to have five armed robberies in one week,” said the education student. However, not much has happened in terms of resolving the investigations, yet.

The Denver Police Department (DPD) labeled the reports as “inactive” and could not provide any new updates on the cases, according to Public Information Officer at DPD, Ron Hackett.

The University could not provide any updates either, because the University of Denver relies on the DPD to handle all of their investigations, Jones said.

In an email from Sergeant James Johnston, Community Partnerships and Training Coordinator, who originally said it was

the University’s policy to not speak to the media, responded in general about how investigations were dealt with on campus.

“Our investigators have a very good “close rate,” Johnston wrote. “They target seven days for closing a case and they hit that mark far more often than not.”

“All victims are contacted within one business day by our Victim Services coordinator and advised of the process the investigation will undergo, who is assigned to their case, as well as all of the resources available on campus— counselors, advocates, etc.”

He continued that the Office of Equal Opportunity handled all cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, and dating violence.

But there were still no details on the victims or what the campus was doing directly in response to the armed robberies.

The 30-plus campus safety member team is, however, required to have a public crime log documenting the nature, date, time, and general location of each crime and its disposition, if known, according to Clery Center.org.

In regard to the robberies, Marin Klostermeier, a DU undergraduate student and co-president of the Queer Student Alliance, wrote in a Facebook message, “I don’t think campus safety updates will do anything to solve the problem, but it might have the effect of leading people to not put themselves in situations where they might be a victim.”

Student responses from major student groups were minimal. Requests for comment directed toward the heads of the Asian Student Alliance, the Black Student

Alliance, the heads of Greek life, student government and the editor in chief of the University newspaper, the Clarion, returned, more or less, without any information or comment about the robberies.

Two of them, with very influential titles, directed me to speak to a representative from campus safety.

Natalie Casey, the Undergraduate Student Government Vice President, wrote in an email: “I am not sure what campus safety issue this is regarding, but there is a campus safety representative that works closely with students.” She was referring to Sgt. Johnston.

Similarly, Lanna Giauque, Editor in Chief of The Clarion, the only printed school paper, wrote in an email that they she didn’t know much about the cases and the paper didn’t cover it because it was “outside of their news cycle when they occurred.”

The last day of classes was, however, Nov. 14, just three days after the fifth of the five robberies.

She, too, referred all questions to campus safety.

Blocking it Out? The Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education reports that generally less than 1 percent of students are affected by crime each year, still crime awareness and prevention is a critical issue for campuses.

It wasn’t too long ago in May 2014 when 22-year-old Elliot Rodger from Isla Vista, California went on a stabbing and shooting rampage just outside the main Request an escort when it is dark.

Campus Safety | asian avenue magazine

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On-Campus Crime Reports from 2009 to 2013 Source: Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education

University Crime Reported from 2009 to 2013 Institution

Campus Size (avg. of five years)

Total Crimes Reported

Per Capita Crime Rate

University of Colorado Boulder

21,268

333

1.57%

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

30,274

237

0.78%

University of Colorado Denver

22,984

231

1.01%

Community College of Aurora

11,942

218

1.83%

Metropolitan State University of Denver

23,341

218

0.93%

University of Denver

11,743

136

1.16%

Colorado State University-Pueblo

6,978

87

1.25%

Colorado Mesa University

8,667

86

0.99%

12,912

75

0.58%

University of Northern Colorado

Campuses with the Fewest Crime Reports in 2013 Institution

Campus Size (avg. of five years)

Total Crimes Reported

Per Capita Crime Rate

Arapahoe Community College

11,107

10

0.09%

Community College of Aurora

11,755

10

0.09%

Pueblo Community College

7,348

4

0.05%

Colorado Mountain College

5,878

3

0.05%

Red Rocks Community College

9,229

3

0.03%

Total Forcible Sex Offenses from 2009 to 2013 Institution

14

Campus Size in 2013

Forcible Sex Offenses

Per Capita Rate of Sex Offenses

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

30,467

34

0.11%

University of Colorado Boulder

32,017

26

0.08%

University of Denver

11,797

19

0.16%

University of Northern Colorado

13,030

17

0.13%

Colorado State University-Pueblo

7,089

12

0.17%

March 2015 | Cover Story

campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. And, of course, there was Virginia Tech, the Aurora theatre shooting and Newtown, Connecticut.

“There’s a tendency for students to block out where they are,” said Detective Leonard Peete, 18-year veteran of the Auraria Campus Police Department and 41 year-old veteran of police service.

“Campus is like a community so it mitigates their concern,” he said.

But there is going to be people on campus “that victimize students – to sell drugs, to escape from the streets, or to steal,” he said, speaking of the busy 16th Street Mall and Colfax just a step away from Auraria.

“It’s a two-way street,” when it comes to crime, Peete said. Students should be prepared in order to stay safe.

This means walking around with a critical eye for suspicious behavior and reporting it when it doesn’t feel right, he added.

Auraria Campus Safety has also recently ramped prevention and awareness efforts to stay closer to what’s happening.

In 2013, Peete launched the Neighborhood Community Officers (NCOs) program, a community policing effort that are the “eyes and ears” of the campus, he said.

The uniformed security officers are not designed to replace campus police, but rather supplement and support police presence by staying local to specific neighborhoods on campus.

“Each NCO is working to establish relationships with students, faculty and staff in their assigned neighborhood community to be recognized as the “go-to” campus safety resource, UCD wrote in a December 2013 press release.

“It allows us to ‘raise the bar’ for better communication with our students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus,” Peete explained in the press release.

Similarly, the University of Denver has picked up its efforts to protect students from crime and even defend them against it.

In addition to increased patrols on and around the campus by campus safety and the Denver Police Department, the University has also contracted a security company called G4S Security to provide additional patrols on and near campus, according to Jones.

The University also provides foot escorts for those requesting it on campus.

In Nov., the month of the armed robber-

Campus Safety Tips for Students and Faculty • Ask questions based on the reports you receive from campus safety. See if you can find more information that you can act on, like staying away from a certain area or identifying suspects.

• Watch out for suspicious behavior. Generally, someone wandering with nothing in hand: no backpack, books— be aware of them and possibly report it if you have that “feeling” of something being wrong.

• Don’t walk in dark alleys alone or at night. Stay with a group.

• Register your bike with the university and use a U-Lock on a bike rack. It’s harder to steal bikes off racks. Plus, bike racks are usually placed in well-lit areas.

• Carry yourself well. Don’t look like you don’t care or are not aware of what’s going on around you. Offenders can sense that.

• Watch your alcohol intake. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations by disabling your instincts.

• Park in well-lit areas. Don’t get into your car if there is someone in the parking lot waiting (one of the girls on DU-campus was robbed this way).

• Plan ahead. Know your routes on campus and do not carry a lot of valuable with you unless you have to.

• Don’t leave valuables showing in your car. Many thefts are related to motor vehicles.

Student puts up a CAPE poster.

ies, the number of requests shot up to 258, from a ten-year average of roughly 14 requests per month, Jones said.

That number dropped to just 96 one month after the robberies and is likely to be down even further two months after the violent crimes occurred.

Students on University of Denver’s campus do appear to be concerned with sexual assault and safety, however.

A group of students recently began their own chapter of the “Its on Us” campaign – a student awareness project advocating to students to not be “passive bystanders” of sexual assault and violent crimes on campus.

In a new public service announcement video, DU students encourage other students to be a DU “B.O.S.S.,” which stands for: Be aware. Observe your situation.

Size up your options. Speak up and act.

Klostermeier, who is also part of the “Its on Us” campaign, said that “the DU BOSS program and the Center for Advocacy, Prevention, and Empowerment (CAPE) have done amazing things to start conversations about the threats DU students face around sexual assault and violent crimes on campus.”

The Biggest Changes in Campus Safety For now, the Jeanne Clery Act has been the most effective form of an institutionalized process for reporting college campus crime for students and the public.

The Act was created after 1990 in re-

sponse to the rape and murder of 19-year old undergraduate student, Jeanne Clery of Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

After her murder, her parents sued the university for $25 million on the basis of campus safety negligence. The case was settled outside of court, but it resulted in a wave of changes in campus safety reporting including a requirement that Universities report crimes on an annual basis.

In terms of what happens to those reports, how they get investigated and who follows up, it’s often up to the community to decide on how to act next.

University of Denver

Basic Self Defense Class March 13, 2015 2:00-3:30 p.m.

March 27, 2015 2:00-3:30 p.m.

April 10, 2015 2:00-3:30 p.m.

May 8, 2015 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the University of Campus Safety, 2130 S. High St. Denver, CO 80210 In response to requests from the community, the Department of Campus Safety now offers free, ninety minute basic self defense classes for students, staff and faculty of all genders. These courses go over basic self-defense and risk-avoidance techniques.

This class is perfect for community members who cannot dedicate fifteen hours to a more intense Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class but still want to feel prepared to defend themselves if necessary.

Campus Safety | asian avenue magazine

15

312 Metzler Dr. Suite D Castle Rock, CO 80108 Tel: 303.660.5328

By Sarah Shirazi | Asian Avenue magazine

D

ining out for sushi can be a pricey experience. With most sushi restaurants charging over $15 for one sushi roll, we have come to accept that fresh, high-quality sushi usually comes at a price. This is not the case at Sawara Sushi Express, who has been serving up tasty and affordable eats for over a year out of their Castle Rock location. The overwhelming support and popularity from diners encouraged brothers/owners Danny and Kai to open a second location at the end of February in the Denver Tech Center.

We can’t guarantee that you won’t chuckle just a bit when you browse through Sawara’s vast selection of sushi rolls. With creative names such as Kangnam Style, Angry Mama and Sugar Daddy, they certainly set the stage for the colorful and bright restaurant. The orange walls and light wood panel accents, and a colorful mural on the far wall of the restaurant, creates a fun, rejuvenating and casual dining atmosphere.

You won’t find tempura or any fried items on the menu. Sawara prides itself on offering fresh and healthy food at half the price that most sushi restaurants charge and refuses

to serve anything drenched in oil. In addition to the selection of thirty specialty sushi rolls, Sawara also offers chicken, tuna and salmon teriyaki bowls, a short list of appetizers including shumai, yellow tail jalapeño, and edamame and even a list of healthy happy meals for your young little sushi lover, complete with a side of orange or apple juice and a toy!

The freshness and quality of ingredients shine in such rolls as the Omega 369 which features salmon, shrimp, lemon, cucumber, and avocado on top with a side of ginger dressing.

For an added flavor party in your mouth, try the Three Mini Ahi Tower, a trio of spicy tuna, spicy crab with crunch on top, and diced salmon with seaweed salad on top, served individually on a bed of rice.

Sushi burritos? Yes. They have those too.

Somewhat similar to a hand roll, the burritos are a fun new trend that started in Louisiana.

The layers of rice, seaweed, crispy veggies, spicy tuna, and tangy sauce fills you up without making you feel too full. The final say: prices are more than affordable, the food fresh and delicious and the service is fast—what else can you ask for?

5302 DTC Blvd. #100 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Tel: 303.955.7592 www.thesawara.com HOURS Castle Rock Monday - Sunday 11am - 9pm Denver Tech Center Monday - Saturday 11am - 9pm

menu highlights Sugar Daddy $7.99 Crab, cream cheese, avocado, crunch, jalapeño, mango on top & served with sweet sauce

Dragon Gone Wild $7.99 Spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, eel on top & served with spicy mayo & sweet sauce

Longtime No Sea $7.99 Yellow tail, cucumber, jalapeño on top & served with wasabi yuzu

Omega 369 $7.99 Salmon, lemon, cucumber, avocado on top & served with ginger dressing

Dr. Snapper $7.99 Jalapeño, snapper, cucumber, seaweed salad on top & served with hanabi and sweet sauce

Pikachu Happy Meal $5.99 Mango, crab with edamame and apple or orange juice; toy included!

16

March 2015 | Restaurant Peek

KHAZANA INDIAN CUISINE

T

menu highlights Medu Vada, $3.95 Flavorful lentil donuts Ceylon Mutton Dosa, $10.99 Dosa stuffed with chicken and served with a chicken curry... one word: heavenly!

Khazana Aloo Gobi, $11.99 Cauliflower and potatoes in a rich gravy Chicken Katti Rolls, $8.99 Chicken stir fry rolled in a pan fried flat bread Godavari Gongura Mutton, $13.99 Goat cooked in a spicy, tangy and thick curry with Gongura from Andhra Kozhi Varutha Curry, $12.00 From Tamil Nadu-homesyle chicken curry

By Sarah Shirazi | Asian Avenue magazine Photos by Monica Lin

hose familiar with Park Meadows Mall and its surrounding shopping centers know that the Asian restaurants are limited. Sure, there’s a few sushi spots and Asian bistros like John Holly’s and P.F. Chang's, but the area certainly lacks authentic Indian food. With the opening of Jai Ho’s Khazana nearly two years ago, there’s now a place for Indian food lovers to try out. The weekday lunch buffet runs for a bargain at $9.99 and their special Sunday brunch is only $13.99.

The lunch buffet selection was both impressive and surprising. Some of the fare sticks to standard expectations: chicken tandoori, chicken tikka masala, chutneys, raita, naan, and kheer (rice pudding). But some standard dishes were missing and it was a pleasant surprise.

In fact, we figured out that each dish in the allyou-can-eat line sits across from a more authentic variation. For example, the chicken tikka masala sits across from the madras chicken curry, a spicier and more complex curry with garam masala, coriander, black peppercorns, onions, garlic, coconut, and dried red chilies which give this curry a darker red hue. Other selections like the aloo gob, a dark and rich curry with cauliflower and potatoes also stands out for authenticity.

Inside, the sandy rose walls and open dining area lined with windows creates a clean and modern atmosphere, and the spacious seating makes buffet dining unobtrusive and comfortable. Focusing mostly on Southern Indian dishes, Khazana’s menu

is well balanced, offering an equal selection of tiffin (appetizers), rice and noodle dishes, bread, vegetarian and meat entrees and fun finger foods.

For a great tiffin dish, try one of the five dosa options.

Dosa is a fermented crepe made from rice batter and black lentils—it has a wonderfully earthy flavor and is the perfect wrap for a yummy filling or it’s simply delicious on its own. A staple of South India, dosa is a dish that Southern Indians appreciate because its preparation is both time consuming and tedious.

Despite its primarily authentic Southern Indian offerings, Khazana also has the standard Northern Indian dishes like saag paneer as well as a few Indo-Chinese dishes like the Indo-Chinese fried rice. Dishes such as biriyani cannot be claimed by either the North or the South. The dish is done well no matter your preference, if you like the delicious blend of rice, vegetables, spices, and mutton (goat) with a mild or a spicy twist.

If you save room for dessert or rather if you’re wise enough to save room, try the kheer rice pudding or the gajar halwa. The gajar halwa is Indian’s version of carrot cake—it’s sweet but not too sweet, with a blend of carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, cardamon, saffron, and cashews.

It’s the variety that has customers heading to Khazana, whether its for the buffet or dinner service.

Keep an eye out for this gem and give them a try next time you're in the Park Meadows neighborhood—it’s worth the visit.

9234 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80214 | Tel: 303.993.8335 1915 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301 | Tel: 303.444.5151

www.jaiho.us.com

Restaurant Peek | asian avenue magazine

17

A Balancing Act

by Bruce Yee

I

t’s an inevitable question most Asian Americans get from friends who aren’t experts on culture. You ask someone like Anton Ego from Disney’s Ratatouille and you might get a scornful remark. But most of us, whether it relates to Chinese food or not, have to think about it: What makes good Chinese food?

There’s a lot of talk these days about authenticity and the true tastes of a culture. It’s almost embarrassing how far Americanized Chinese food has departed from what you might find in Asia, but I can understand the inclination. Plenty of Americans think Chinese cuisine is all about stir-fry; throw in a hodge-podge of ingredients and you get something decent. This isn’t always the case.

It’s hard for me to believe that over-sweetened and oversauced dishes still get rave reviews, but maybe it’s like fresh powder blanketing the back bowls in Vail. You just don’t know what it’s like until you’ve had it.

Culinary judgments nearly always revolve around the issue of balance. In the Eastern tradition, this isn’t such a new idea. Five-spice, for example, juggles the five elements of cook—sourness, bitterness, sweetness, depth (savory) and saltiness—to impart flavors that work in harmony with each other. No wonder many considered it a wonder drug. Add a pinch of it to any dish and voila, a stir-fry goes from bland to ordinary to extraordinary.

What we’re talking about is simply yin and yang, the philosophy of complementary elements, which the Chinese have not only incorporated into daily perspective but into food. Yin, which symbolizes the receptive, feminine aspects of an object, complements yang, which represents the energetic, masculine characteristics. In relation to food, these two elements must be balanced; otherwise, too much yin might lead to lethargy, and too much yang might lead to hyperactivity. This philosophy doesn’t only apply to flavor. Colors, too, should have balance.

The way food is prepared, too, affects the chi of a dish: microwaving tends to encompass more yin energy, pressure cooking characterizes yang, and even the attitude of the chef may add yin or yang to what you’re eating. We’ve all felt it before, only we may not have paid very much attention to it. You eat, and you feel different afterwards.

Full, yes. Better, maybe. In the end, it’s about thinking what you’re putting into your body, and lately it’s a trend that has gained momentum. When we change the way we think about food, it’s easy to answer that inevitable question of “good” Chinese food. If you feel better after you eat it, you know you’re dealing with the real stuff.

18

March 2015 | Food Culture

Yin Foods Bamboo

Duck

Carrots

Tofu

Eggs

Watercress

Mushrooms

Ginger

Crab

Sesame Oil

Wine

Yang Foods Bean Sprouts

Beef

Cabbage

Chicken with Bean Sprouts

A yin-and-yang balanced recipe

Ingredients

Method

• 1 chicken breast cut into ½ strips • 250g bean sprouts (about two handfuls) • 2 Tbsp light soy sauce • 1 tsp sesame oil • 1 tsp sugar • 1 Tbsp oyster sauce • 1 tsp vegetable oil • 2 tsp garlic, minced • 1 tsp corn flour • pepper to taste • parsley for garnish

1. Combine oyster sauce, sesame oil, pepper and half of the soy sauce in a bowl. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour.

2. Stir-fry garlic until golden brown.

3. Add chicken strips. Sautée until done.

4. Add bean sprouts, remaining soy sauce and sugar.

5. Mix corn flour with 100ml of water. Once the bean sprouts begin to get transparent, add corn flour mixture.

6. Garnish with parsley. Plate and serve!

Yin and Yang | asian avenue magazine

19

RecipeS

Vietnamese Chicken Salad Packing bold flavors—acidic lime juice, hot pepper, salty soy sauce, and cooling herbs—Vietnamese chicken salad is surprisingly light, delightfully refreshing, and can be served for any occasion.

More elaborate versions of this salad exist, and some may no doubt in-crease the level of spiciness and variety of vegetables.

Ingredients (serves 4)

Method

• 2 cups, chopped chicken breast • 1 cup, chopped romane lettuce • 4 carrots, grated • 6 to 8 sprigs of finely chopped mint and basil • 4 to 6 strips of pimento

1. Prepare the dressing in a small bowl. Combine all ingredients, gently stir until sugar dissolves, set aside.

Dressing

2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, chopped lettuce, grated carrots, and sauce. Mix together until the dressing coats the ingredients.

• 2 Tsp. salt • 4 Tsp. sugar • 1 Tsp. red chili flakes • ¼ cup soy sauce or Asian fish sauce • ¼ cup fresh lime juice • ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional)

3. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped mint, basil, pimen-to strips, and peanuts (optional).

Chili Tomato Salad Salads are an integral part of the culinary tastes of India and are often made from cucum-bers, tomatoes, onions, carrots, spinach or potatoes.

Each region of India has its own spe-cial salad and blend of spices to go with it. Originating from the Southern part of India, a region notorious for its emphasis on high flavors and light ingredients, chili tomato salad is the perfect side to spice up any dish.

Ingredients (serves 4) • 10 small tomatoes • 1 small onion, sliced • 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped • 1 green chili, chopped • 3 Tbsp. olive oil • 4 Tbsp. lemon juice • ½ Tbsp. cayenne pepper salt and pepper to taste

20

March 2015 | Chef’s Recipes

Method 1. Quarter the tomatoes and set aside.

2. In a large serving bowl, mix parsley, hot green chili, onion, tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set in refrigerator to chill before serving.

Hong Kong celebrates Chinese New Year with the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders

Fresh Off the Boat, ABC’s new sitcom, Watch Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. on Channel 7!

Reviews of the new Asian-American sitcom, you must see for yourself!

“Fresh Off the Boat, is the first network television show to feature an Asian American cast in 20 years.” - Ariel Neidermeier “Growing up in a mostly Caucasian neighborhood I can definitely relate to the #FreshOffTheBoat show and all their stereotypes lol.” - Twitter@AronSunday “It’s great seeing an all-Asian cast on a television show for once. I’m not Asian but my grandparents immigrated from Greece so I can relate to the immigrant experience that the show references.” - Bridget Rochios “The principal office scene in #FreshOffTheBoat reminds me when my

Pa told off my 8th grade teacher in English AND CHINESE.” - Twitter@RayHsia “That ‘chink’ line hits hard, no matter how long you’ve been preparing for it.”

- Twitter@ audreymagazine “I never want you rocking the boat, but I will never get mad at you for standing up for yourself.” - Twitter @Juliet_Shen “I liked how racial dynamics are dealt with head-on. Sometimes it feels like white people are afraid to acknowledge stereotypes and I think having more shows like this in the mainstream media will help open that dialogue and make people feel more comfortable to talk about racial issues.”

- Alex Mallonee

Four named to Asian Hall of Fame Dancing With the Stars host Carrie Ann Inaba, world class billiard player Jeanette Lee, NBC news anchor Betty Nguyen and Mixed Martial Arts champion Benson Henderson have been named as the 2015 inductees into the Asian Hall of Fame.

Carrie Ann Inaba was born and raised in Honolulu. She joined ABC’s hit dance competition in 2005 and has choreographed for such shows as American Idol, American Juniors, and Dance Fever.

Jeanette Lee is a Korean American who grew up in Brooklyn.

She is known in the billiard world as the Black Widow. She has been ranked number 1 in her sport and continues to dominate today.

Benson Henderson was born in Colorado.

His titles include the WEC Lightweight Championship in 2010. His mother is Korean American.

She encouraged him to take Tak-Kwon Do to connect to his heritage.

Betty Nguyen came to the United States from Saigon in 1975 when she wasn’t yet even one-year old.

Before joining NBC, she also worked as a news anchor for CNN and CBS.

Performance groups from around the globe gathered in Hong Kong to participate in the 20th annual Cathay Pacific Lunar New Year celebrations. To represent the U.S., the Hong Kong Tourism Board selected the National Football League’s (NFL) Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, who delivered a brand-new performance exclusive to the world-renowned Chinese New Year Parade.

“Each year we’ve taken our annual Lunar New Year celebrations to new heights Sarah Shirazi by deliveringBy authentic, thrilling and unforAsian Avenue gettable events unique to magazine Hong Kong,” said Bill Flora, U.S. Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Each year, the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade kicks off Hong Kong’s festivities on the first day of Chinese New Year. Following the Parade is a firework display on the iconic Victoria Harbour.

To learn more about Hong Kong, visit www.DiscoverHongKong.com/USA.

Photo provided by Denver Broncos

Karen Chen takes third in Women’s U.S. Figure Skating Championship

The 15-year-old beat her career best by 20 points and stunned the skating world.

NBC skating commentators Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir said during the televised competition that Chen has the potential to challenge the Russian greats such as 2014 Olympic gold medalist Adelina Sotnikova.

Beyond Colorado | asian avenue magazine

21

Asian Avenue magazine’s annual Lunar New Year dinner

240 people attended the dinner featuring a ten-course meal, cultural performances and more…

Sarah Shirazi Asian Avenue magazine

Christina Guo, Publisher of Asian Avenue magazine, receives commendation presented

by State Rep. Paul Rosenthal.

Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center performs lion dance.

Asian Avenue magazine hosted over 240 people at their annual Lunar New Year dinner at Kings Land Chinese Seafood restaurant on Feb. 6. The event featured a variety of cultural performances, a delicious 10-course feast, a silent auction and a fashion show!

The event began with a loud roar that came from kettle drums, played

by Students of Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center, led by Phong Vo. Performers danced throughout the room in large, decorated lion and dragon costumes, ending on stage with a colorful burst of confetti welcoming the lunar new year!

After the lively dance performance, Asian Avenue magazine President Annie Guo shared the publication’s mission to connect cultures and link lives and accepted a special legislative commendation presented by State Rep. Paul Rosenthal.

During dinner there were electric violin selections by Atomic Gracie, Chinese yo-yo demonstrations by Eric Zhao, William Kong, Nathan Zhao and Jack Liu from the Great Wall Chinese Academy, and a show of cultural attire modeled by Miss Asian American Colorado participants Agnes Pham, Thuy Trang, Jennifer Khat, Allison Riley, Mai Choua Lee, Abhi Ramaswami and Lisa Yang.

Special guests for the evening were students visiting from Kunming, China with the American Cultural Study Tour.

Students stayed with Denver host families who were also in attendance.

The Lunar New Year Dinner is an annual fundraising event for Asian Avenue Magazine, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network and Rocky Mountain Chinese News. Thank you to all those who attended!

Amazing China

The Confucius Institute at the Community College of Denver brings Chinese artists to Denver for a one-time performance in honor of the Chinese New Year.

On Feb. 7, The Confucius Institute at the Community College of Denver presented “Amazing China” at the King Center on Auraria campus. The Institute provided teas, coffee, and cakes before attendees sat down down for nine performances highlighting Chinese culture.

Over 250 people filled the King Center’s performing arts theatre.The program opened with an impressive “Face Changing” act, a Sichuan Opera excerpt performed performed by Lui Chunnauan. The audience stared in amazement as Chunnuan alternated between several different colors and styles of masks.

Turns out that no one knows how this is

22

March 2015 | On Scene

done as the art is kept secret from everyone who is not a practitioner of the secret art. The face changing act was followed by Tu Linghui who performed “picking up the jade bracelet,” an excerpt from the Beijing Opera.

The performance also featured two acrobatic segments, with Zhang Rui performing a plate spinning act and a barrel contortion act. The event closed with a memorable performance of “stealing the magical herb” by Lui Chunnuan, Ren Yingxin and Tu Linghui, another excerpt from the Beijing Opera consisting of a young women who visits the white snake in search of a magical medicine to cure her ill husband.

Day of Remembrance

Photo by Gil Asakawa

Mile High JACL and History Colorado partner to commemorate the signing of Executive Order 9066.

Harry Budisidharta Mile High JACL On Feb. 15, Mile High JACL, in partnership with History Colorado, hosted its annual Day of Remembrance ceremony.

The ceremony is to commemorate the signing of Executive Order 9066, which allowed the US Army to remove civilians from military zones established in Washington, Oregon, and California during World War II. This led to the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans.

David Fulton, the director of the Denver and Rocky Mountain States office of Facing History and Ourselves, opened the ceremony by asking the audience, “If your family had to leave your home in one week and you didn’t know where

you’re going, or for how long, and could take only what you could carry, what would you take with you?” Many survivors of the internment shared their stories about how they had to leave behind their toys, pets, and prized possession. They also shared stories about how their family lost their farms and houses as a result of internment.

Organizers held a panel discussion with three survivors of the internment: Frank Sakamoto, Toshiko Sakamoto, and Linda Takahashi Rodriguez. Frank regaled the audience with a story of how he snuck away from the camp to enlist in the US military, but ended up in jail because the military officer would not let any Japanese Americans serve in the military. Toshiko talked about how she was 16 years old when her family was forced to go to

internment camp. She remembered how small the barrack was and how they had to put up sheets to create privacy.

Linda was a baby when the internment happened, but she remembers how her mother used to warn her to not go anywhere near the fence. It was a really important lesson because their barrack was less than ten feet away from the fence and there was an instance where a soldier shot one of the internees to death for straying too close to the fence. As a result of the trauma experienced in the interment camp, Linda’s family disavowed any connection with their Japanese heritage.

Frank Sakamoto ended the program by reminding the audience that we must stand up against racism and be on guard against war time hysteria. Otherwise, the tragedy of internment may happen again.

Small Business Matters

Denver Mayor Hancock and the U.S. Small Business Association visit Pacific Ocean Marketplace to highlight the importance of locally- owned small businesses in Denver On Friday, Feb. 20, Asian Avenue magazine joined Denver Mayor, Michael B. Hancock Hancock, the U.S. Small Business Association’s Region VIII Administrator Matt Varilek, small business lenders, Asian Pacific Development Center and members of the community at Pacific Ocean Marketplace for an event that highlighted the importance of locally-owned small businesses in Denver.

The event is part of the mayor’s initiative to recognize and promote small businesses. The mayor acknowledged Trong Lam, owner of the Pacific Ocean Market-

place for his outstanding contributions to the community. Mayor Hancock pointed out that 44 percent of businesses in Denver are small businesses.

After a short reception Lam led the group on a tour of the grocery store. Lam’s Asian supermarket empire employs more than 160 people in three Front Range cities making Pacific Ocean Marketplace one of the largest Asian supermarket chains in Colorado. The Small Business Association’s 504 loan program played a critical role in helping Lam finance his three Asian marketplaces.

Denver Mayor Hancock (left) recognizes the importance of small businesses with Trong Lam, owner of Pacific Ocean Marketplace (right).

Mile-High Happenings | asian avenue magazine

23

Meditation Zone

Create a place in your garden to rejuvenate

T

he best thing about meditation is that it can be practiced anywhere: at home, the office, on flights or even more ideally in the peace and tranquility of your own backyard garden. A meditation garden is designed to enhance and support the meditation process. It is a place where the elements of nature blend with the elements of the soul. Whether it is a small space in the city or a large area in the countryside, a meditation garden is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

Meditation gardens cross all religions and cultures, which primarily include Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Chi-

Meditation Gardens Worth the Trip 24

March 2015 | Better Living

nese, and Japanese backgrounds. In America, the increasing growth in spirituality, curiosity with feng shui, and need for a peaceful mind have spurred the creation of meditation gardens.

They are often located outside churches and chapels, rehabilitation centers, public parks, and larger gardens with a subset dedicated to meditating. These days, more and more people are building their own meditation gardens in their backyards.

Most meditation gardens have greenery and beautiful flowers, like daffodils, as the focus of contemplation, while Japanese meditation gardens contain gravel raked into beautiful patterns.

The gardens are adorned with significant rocks, such as those with interesting shape and appearance of great age. Water features, such as rivers and ponds, along with melodious wind chimes add energy and sound to the sanctuary. The gentle wind-created sound, barely audible above the sound of wind itself, induces meditation on the importance of air as the means of breath and life.

Meditation gardens serve visitors of all ages, who can find a spot for rest, reading, and contemplation. A meditation garden is, ultimately, a place to stop and take a break to learn more about yourself—whoever you are!

Betty Ford Alpine Garden 183 Gore Creek Dr. Vail, CO 81657 Tel: 970.476.0103

How to Build Your Own Meditation Garden

1 2

Study your yard before you decide its placement.

Let all of your senses inform your choice.

3

Start by double digging the areas where you want your trees and shrubs to be planted. This means to dig to a depth that is twice the length of your spade. This allows you to place plants close together making room for more.

4

Plant for tranquility. Choose easy-to-maintain plants with muted colors such as greens, soft pastels and creams. An abundance of greenery motivates and inspires us to connect with our inner selves. Reds, yellows and oranges stimulate the senses, so going with soft colors creates an oasis of calm.

5

Give the garden a focal point to be used for meditation. Any object, such as a statue, gazing ball, or wind chime, that has personal resonance can be the garden’s spiritual center.

6

Lastly, add features like a gazebo, small ponds, pathways, park benches, or trellises with flowery vines to the landscape. Your garden is a place of personal solace, so adding highlights is a matter of personal choices. A meditation garden should be a reflection of your own idea of peace and happiness as it is meant to be your very own personal space.

First, you need to find the right spot. This can be anywhere on your property. If you are short on space then consider a spot where you can do intensive planting.

Butterfly Pavilion 6252 W. 104th Ave. Westminster, CO 80020 Tel: 303.469.5441

Shambhala Mountain Center 4921 County Rd. 68-C Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545 Tel: 970.881.2184 Meditation | asian avenue magazine

25

Breathtaking Bo

I

Though its future is uncertain, this ancient monument harbors a tale of mystery and serenity

was eight years old at the time, pretending to be patient as we drove along the rice plantations northwest of the city Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The light breeze brushed my face, as I admired Indonesia’s beautiful plantations. I remember watching oxen pulled plows, while farmers walked barefoot, wearing bamboo hats to keep the harsh sun rays off their faces. Their dark complexion reflected years of hard work. I quietly marveled at the plantations, while I anxiously waited to reach our destination, Borobudur.

Gargoyles carved out of stone greeted us at the east main entrance of Borobudur. The monument was constructed with approximately 55,000 cubic meters of stones, taken from neighboring rivers. Since it was built on top of a hill, the stones were cut to size, enabling transportation to the hill. The stones were laid without mortar, and knobs; while indentations and dovetails were used secure the stones.

Stairways were built in the center of each side of the monument.

Looking up the stairs of Borobudur brings a drift of excitement as if the mystery of the monument is about to unravel itself. This monument is the largest Buddhist temple on earth, and although is not counted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it should be.

There is no central altar or sanctuary in this temple. Instead, the galleries that ring the structure are covered with nearly 3,000 bas-relief panels carved into the stone. The reliefs along the walls can be used as a guide along your spiritual journey discovering Borodubur, as each level is designed to bring you to a higher degree of consciousness.

The vertical structure of Borobudur can be divided to three sections: base, body and top, and is composed of five terraces, each with diminishing heights. The first terrace stands back seven meters from the edge of the base, the other terraces step back at each stage. The top consists of three circular platforms, each with a stage supporting a row of bell-shape stupas with diamond shaped holes, arranged in concentric circles. Statues of Buddha sit in each of the stupas. Legend has it that if you can reach and touch the statue of Buddha that sits in the stupas, then luck will befall on you. Adults and children of all ages attempt to reach inside. One would think that the person with the longest arm can reach the statue of Buddha, but you’d be surprised to find otherwise. In the center of Borobudur is one giant stupa. Its dome reaches 35 meters above ground. There are a total of 72 small stupas surrounding the large stupa and a total of nine levels make up the monument.

The name Borobudur is said to derive from the classical Indian

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March 2015 | Travel

By Yunita Ho language, Sanskrit, “Vihara Buddha Ur,” which means “the Buddhist temple on the mountain.” Another theory suggests that the name originally was “Bhara Beduhur,” an old Javanese expression for “the temple on the hill.” While Borobudur remains the most popular tourist attraction in Indonesia, some of its history still remains a mystery.

For centuries, Borobudur lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth. It is a mystery why this magnificent monument was abandoned. A theory presented in the 20th century suggests that famine caused by an eruption of Mount Merapi forced the inhabitants of Central Java to leave their lands and monuments behind in search of a new place to live. In 1814, during English occupation of the Java Island during the Anglo-Dutch Java War, Lieutenant-Governor Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles discovered Borobudur. Though Dutch colonials traveled the area of Central Java many times, there was no mention of Borobudur until Raffles sighting. Raffles and Dutchman H.C. Cornelius, along with 200 men, spent a month and a half clearing the monument.

From 1817 to 1822, others continued their work; from 1835 onwards, the upper portions were cleared and the monument was for the most part visible. From 1849 to 1853, an artist named F.C. Wilsen was commissioned to make drawings of all of the reliefs. His work was reproduced in the first Borobudur monograph of 1873. Later in 1873, Isidore Van Kinsbergen photographed the site for the first time.

The structural conditions of the complex remained so unstable that some suggested disassembling Borobudur entirely and placing the reliefs in museums. The monument never was disassembled due to increased appreciation; however thieves and souvenir hunters routinely removed the reliefs, Buddha statues and ornaments. The first great restoration of Borobudur was carried out from 1907 through 1911 by engineer Theodore Van Erp. The restoration was a great success despite the limited budget.

Borobudur is built on a hill, and tropical rains cause the site to function as a sponge, causing the stupas to continuously collapse and sink.

The reliefs are also continuously attacked by mosses and vegetation.

Complete disassembly, strengthening of the hill and reconstruction was the only solution to maintain the structure of this monument. The monument went through a massive restoration project from 1973 to 1984, and was carried out under the guidance and financing of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

There are many theories on why the monument was built and what

Indonesia: Fast Facts

Borobudur Borobudur is Indonesia’s single most visited tourist attraction.

Location: Southeast Asia Capital City: Jakarta Geography: World’s largest archipelagic state with 17,508 islands, about 6,000 of which are inhabited Population: 235 million, world’s fourth most populous country.

Religion: The government recognizes only six religions: Islam; Protestantism; Roman Catholicism; Hinduism; Buddhism; and Confucianism Ethnicity/Language: Official language is Bahasa Indonesia. 300 distinct native ethnicities and 742 different languages/dialects.

Cuisine: Soto Ayam (traditional chicken noodle soup), Sate (satay meat), Nasi Uduk (coconut rice), and Rendang (beef dish).

The myth goes, when you reach the highest level of Borobudur, circle the highest stupa three times and make a wish.

When you reach into the stupa, where Buddha sits, if you can touch his hand, fortune would befall you. the structure, designs and reliefs of Borobudur represent. In 1940, the Dutch artist Nieuwenkamp suggested that Borobudur represented the Buddha on a lotus leaf. He also stated that it was likely that Borobudur had been built on a lake. In 1949, geologists found clay sediments near the site, which is said to be remnant from the lake. However, it is not clear whether the lake dried up before the stupa was built or still existed at the time of construction.

More recent research indicates that a lake existed in the area as recently as the 12th or 14th centuries, validating the earlier theory that Borobudur was built as a floating lotus symbol. Scholars suggested the design and the reliefs served as a textbook for illiterate Buddhists. The reliefs illustrate the life of Buddha Shakyamuni and the principles of his teaching. The three levels of the monument are said to represent Kamadhatu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms), and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness).

There are 160 relief panels on the first level that depict the world of passion, desire, and inevitable results of passion, according to the laws of karma. The Rupadhatu level illustrates stories found in the Lalitavistara, Jataka-Avadana and Gadavyuha, where 120 panels tell history of Buddha. Stories are told of Shakyamuni’s previous lives, where he was a god, king, common man, or even an animal. He is said to have lived as a lion, deer, monkey, swan, turtle, etc. Still in every incarnation Shakyamiuni was noble and compassionate. Some panels tell the story of Sudhana, who wandered seeking wisdom. The last level, Arupadhatu, represented by the three circular terraces at the top of the monument display life-size statues of the Buddha, either inside the stupas or in embedded in the stone walls.

Walking on the terraces of Borobudur is like walking in a story, every step telling a valuable tale. While the monument has been restored to sustain its structure, natural disasters in the island are unpredictable and the increasing number of stolen reliefs and stones create doubt about how long Borobudur will grace the tops of the hill it rests upon.

I wonder if the same statue of Buddha, which I once touched, still sits in its stupa. All I can hope is that it is still there, waiting for me, when I re-visit this enchanting man-made wonder.

Stupa (Sanskrit meaning mound): A Buddhist monument designed in a mound-like structure.

Borobudur, Indonesia | asian avenue magazine

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