Asian Avenue magazine - September 2014

magazine

asian avenue Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

September 2014 Volume 9 Issue 9

Get your

RAMEN BOWLS Creators of

FAT RABBIT FARM

present the iconic

Babee Bunny

while they’re hot!

GRAND OPENING

OF TOKIO

DANakaDAN shows “My Adoption” documentary at Auraria Campus

DECADES OF JAPANESE HERITAGE FOUND IN DOWNTOWN DENVER’S

SAKURA SQUARE

America’s Only Downtown Theme & Water Park TODAY. WE PLAY.

Discount Tickets Available at ElitchGardens.com

Open May 3 - Nov 2

Grand Opening

Tofu House

Grand Opening!

Established in 1962 ● World Famous Korean Restaurant Tokyo ● Philippines ● Hong Kong ● Shanghai ● New York

Lunch Special and Combo Set

6 TH ANNUAL NATHAN YIP FOUNDATION UNDER THE HARVEST MOON

DIM SUM LUNCH

Celebrate a night of unity with traditional and hip-hop performances, free food in order to raise donations benefiting Bridging Hope.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 11 AM – 2 PM REGISTER ONLINE:

WWW.NATHANYIPFOUNDATION.ORG ADULTS $35 CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER $25

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 303-817-8400 INFO@NATHANYIPFOUNDATION.ORG KING’S LAND CHINESE RESTAURANT 2200 W. ALAMEDA AVE. DENVER, CO 80223 THE NATHAN YIP FOUNDATION IS A 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

For more information, contact pham057@regis.edu.

Dear Asian Avenue readers, We hope you enjoy this month’s cover story on Sakura Square, the plaza located in downtown Denver near 19th Street and Larimer Street. Our staff writer Mary Schultz shares the history of the center, as well as the plans for the future. Visit the square to see the sculpture garden that contains busts of Ralph L. Carr, Governor of Colorado from 1939 to 1943, Minoru Yasui, a Japanese-American lawyer, and Reverend Yoshitaka Tamai, a Buddhist priest. If you are interested in living downtown, the 20-story Tamai Tower apartment building offers spacious units with amazing views for rent. Kudos to the Board of Sakura Square and Tamai Tower for maintaining and cultivating the Japanese and Asian culture in Denver after so many decades. Please contact gary.yamashita@comcast.net if you are interested in getting involved.

To add to the Japanese influence, Tokio, a new Japanese cuisine and ramen house opened last month in the northwest downtown area. The restaurant is the latest venture of famous Denver chef Miki Hashimoto, former owner of Japon in Washington Park. Miki’s vision is to bring the best of ramen and innovative foods to its patrons. Aside from ramen, Tokio offers an array of meats cooked on the Japanese charcoal grill as well as raw options of fresh sashimi. Come by after work for happy hour, stop by before a Rockies game or visit on a cold night to enjoy their delicious ramen bowls. They are open until midnight, just for you.

We welcome Dan Matthews, DANakaDAN, to Denver this month to showcase his hip hop talent as well as share his documentary, “My Adoption Story.” On Thursday, September 18, he will be at Auraria Campus’ Tivoli Center, an event open to the general public. Dan was recently at the Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families China Camp in Colorado sharing his story with other adoptees.

We are excited for next month’s cover story on Colorado breweries owned by Asian Americans, a timely feature with the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) taking place October 2-4 at the Colorado Convention Center. (GABF) brings visitors from around the world to sample more than 2,000 different American beers. Over 100 beer judges from the United States and abroad evaluate beer in the associated competition, judging 3,300 beers entered by almost 500 domestic breweries. We look forward to highlighting the talents of our local brewers.

See you next month, Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine

asian avenue magazine

staff & support

Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie 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 Intern: Monica Lin Intern: Akemi Tsutsui Intern: Mai Choua Lee

advisors group

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

contributing writers

Harry Budisidharta, Maria Cheng, Aurelia Jareno Grinstead, Brenda Pearson, Giselle Rushford

contributing photographers

911 Memorial Museum, Cornerstone Apartment Services, Fat Rabbit Farm

on the cover

Downtown Denver’s Sakura Square, located between the streets of Lawrence and Larimer and 19th and 20th is home to decades of Japanese history and heritage.

Photo provided by Cornerstone Apartment Services.

subscriptions

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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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September 2014 | President’s Note

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Find Inside >> Table of Contents

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Event Calendar Spotlight DANakaDAN visits Denver to showcase hip hop talent and adoption documentary

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Inside Story Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver hosts Global Day on Sept. 27

Theatre Espirit Asia announces new play M. Butterfly

Inspired by their own bunnies, creators of Fat Rabbit Farm take their creativity and design to the next level

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Cover Story: Sakura Square Japanese history is embedded in downtown Denver’s Sakura Square

September 2014 | Table of Contents

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Restaurant Peek Trendy Japanese cuisine and ramen restaurant, Tokio, opens in Denver Legal Column: Ballot Measures Harry Budisidharta shares four of the ballot measures for the upcoming November election Feature 911 Memorial Museum welcome visitors from all over the world to honor those lost in 2001 tragedy

ON SCENE

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Boulder Asian Festival celebrates 20 years

Mending Faces held its fifth annual Rib Rub Off BBQ

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Leah Eveleigh, winner of Cutthroat Kitchen, expands her culinary skills

National Federation of Filipino American Associations plans for future

Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado welcomes new officers

AAPI Forum welcomes discussion with Andrew Romanoff

Asian Health Alliance hosts meeting on health issues in AAPI community

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National News Chinese Idiom “Dying Ashes Burn Again”

The Asian Roundtable of Colorado presents:

Asian Community Public Policy Forum Date: Saturday, September 27, 2014 Location: Denver Athletic Club 4th Floor (Grand Ballroom) 1325 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80204 Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm

An opportunity for Colorado candidates to meet and greet voters from the Asian community and for the Asian-American communities to communicate our issues and concerns to them.

Confirmed guest include: Governor John Hickenlooper, Congressman Mike Coffman, Congressman Cory Gardner, former Congressman Bob Beauprez, Former Speaker-Colorado House of Representatives Andrew Romanoff This event will be free for the Asian community.

Refreshments will be served Sponsoring organizations:

Asian Roundtable of Colorado, Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, NAAAP Colorado, Asian American Journalists AssociationDenver chapter, Colorado Asian Club, Denver Chinese Source, Korean American Coalition, NaFFAA-Colorado, CAHEP, Asian Avenue Magazine, CACEN, Denver Athletic Club For more information on the Asian Roundtable of Colorado, please visit www.asianroundtable.org or www.facebook.com/asianroundtable

CAHEP Health Fairs

Time to get your health checked!

Free and low-cost health screenings and free u shots in partnership with Walgreens, University of Colorado School of Pharmacy and...

Caring For Colorado, Colorado Heart Healthy Solutions and Connect for Health Colorado Sat. 9/6/2014 9:00am - 12:30pm

CAHEP Office 5250 Leetsdale Dr. #110, Denver CO 80246

Sun. 10/5/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Korean Joyful Baptist Church 9565 Otero Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Sat. 9/13/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Korean Focus Center - Basement 11000 E. Yale Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014

Sat. 10/11/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Indian Community at Satya-SaiBaba Temple 10250 E. Easter Ave. Centennial, CO 80112

Sat. 9/20/2014 8:00am -1:00pm

Filipino Nurses at Knights of Columbus 13645 E Bayaud, Aurora, CO 80012

Sun. 10/12/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Korean Community at Bethel Korean Presbyterian Church 6415 W. 44th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Sun. 9/21/2014 9:00am - 1:00pm

Islamic Community at Masjit Al-salaam Mosque 16742 E. Iliff Ave. Aurora, CO 80013

Sat. 10/18/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Refugee Housing for Nepali/Burmese/Congolese Community 8888 E. 13th Avenue, Denver, CO 80220

Fri. 9/26/2014 TBD

Burmese community in Greeley at Greeley Refugee Complex Address - TBD

Sun. 10/19/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Ethiopian Community at Aurora Church Address - TBD

Sat. 9/27/2014 8:30am -1:00pm

Chinese Community at Denver Buddhist Center 324 S. Bryant Street, Denver, CO 80219

Sat. 10/25/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Colorado Muslim Society - Masjit Abu Bakr Aurora 2071 S Parker Rd, Denver, CO 80231

Sun. 9/28/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Vietnamese Community Edgewater/Harlan

Sun. 10/26/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Korean Community at Denver Korean Seventh Day Adventist 1092 S. Nome Street Aurora, CO 80012

Sun. 9/28/2014 9:00am - 1:00pm

Cambodian Community at Erie Temple 595 Weld County Road #7, Erie, CO 80516

Sat. 11/1/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Thai Community at Wat Buddhawararam Temple 4801 Julian Street, Denver, CO 80221

Sat. 10/4/2014 8:30am -12:00pm

Guatemalan Consulate 1001 Monaco Dr. #300, Denver, CO 80220

Sun. 11/2/2014 8:30am - 1:00pm

Hmong Community Address - TBD

Sat. 10/4/2014 9:00am - 1:00pm

Nepali/Burmese Community 8888 E. 13th Avenue, Denver, CO 80220

Interpreters available for each of the community’s health fairs.

Visit www.cahep.org for updates on locations and times.

Visit www.cahep.org or call 303-954-0058.

Fall 2014

upcoming events Denver Sister Cities Gala

Sunday, September 7 5:30pm Reception, 6:30pm Gala Dinner McNichols Building 144 W. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202 Cost: Gala Dinner $100 DSCI Members, $125 Non-Members For more info, contact Beth Hendrix, beth@denversistercities.org, 303-832-1336, or visit www.denversistercities.org.

Please join us at our Worldwide Gala to celebrate Denver’s Ten Sister Cities and Two Friendship Cities. The gala dinner features an international cuisine and a cash bar, with French Jazz by Gypsy Swing Revue. Denver Sister Cities International creates relationships based on cultural, educational, economic, and humanitarian exchanges, creating lifelong friendships that provide prosperity and peace through citizen diplomacy.

Nan Desu Kan Anime Convention Weekend of September 12 to 14 Marriott DTC 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80237 For more info, visit www.ndkdenver.org.

Pilipinas: Beauty Beyond the Postcards

Saturday, September 27, Begins at 6pm

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, University Center, 2nd Floor Cost: Free Admission, Free Saturday Parking For more info, visit www.japanamerica.org.

Aurora South Middle School 12310 E. Parkview Drive, Aurora, CO 80011 Cost: $25 General, $15 ages 12 & under For more info, visit www.coloradopasco.org.

The Phillippine American Society of Colorado presents a 30th anniversary special production in partnership with Filipino-American Community of Colorado and Sambayaw.

Memories of Heart Mountain: the Imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II Tivoli Multicultural Lounge 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver CO 80204 Cost: Free and open to public RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/l7hhe4q or contact: soyon.bueno@ucdenver.edu.

Mudra Dance Studio’s GYAAN: Truth Through Knowledge Shows September 20 to 28

Lakewood Cultural Center 470 S. Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226 Cost: Tickets begin at $20 For more info, visit www.mudradancestudio.us/gyaan.

Our community faces more challenges and tragedies than ever before. GYAAN, an East Indian dance show, is an offering to our community on how to heal from such losses and come out stronger. Join us in this journey to find your truth through the knowledge of our experience. This uplifting and colorful production will fill your soul with hope and have you mesmerized until the end. Implied mature content. Sunday shows most suitable for kids. Mudra Dance Studio’s Performing Group is a blend of diverse dancers and drummers presenting collages of dance styles with a contemporary twist.

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September 2014 | Event Calendar

Japanese Festival & Bazaar

Saturday, October 4, 10am to 4pm

Friday, September 26, 12pm to 1:30pm

The premier anime convention of the Rockies.

With a total weekend attendance of more than 21,000 (over 7,000 people per day), it is now the largest convention in Colorado and 14 surrounding states (excluding Texas), as well as one of the top 15 largest anime conventions in the country.

broaden understanding about Korea. There will also be music, dances, and refreshments.

Sponsored by CU Denver Asian American Student Services & Anschutz Medical Campus Office of Inclusion and Outreach, attend this event to hear from guest speaker Mr. Sam Mihara. Parking available in Tivoli Garage.

Education of “Experience of Korean Culture” Saturday, September 27, 10am to 12:30pm

University of Colorado Denver, North Classroom Building Room 1202 1200 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80204 For more info, visit www.kacfc.org.

Please join the bazaar for original Japanese housewares, décor items, craft items, yukatas, Japanese art, and other cultural gift items. Featuring Japanese senbei , bonsai jewelry, pottery, calligraphy, fabric crafts, hand kimonos and much more! There will be entertainment including taiko (Japanese drums), performances and workshops, koto (Japanese zither), shakuhachi (bamboo flute), martial arts, archery. Enjoy sushi, bento (box lunches), and snacks.

Aurora Symphony Orchestra Fundraiser Banquet

Saturday, October 4, Begins at 6:15pm Seoul BBQ Restaurant 2080 S. Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014 Cost: $60 per ticket For more info, visit www.aurorasymphony.org/special-events.html

The Aurora Symphony is pleased to invite you to the Third Annual ASO Fundraiser Banquet for a night of great Korean cuisine and enjoy this unique culinary experience of world-class food!

Doors open at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6:45pm. Come and appreciate the fine dining, silent auction, and great entertainment and to support your local all-volunteer symphony orchestra.

Great American Beer Festival October 2 to October 4

Colorado Convention Center 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202 For more info, visit www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com.

The Annual Education event led by Korean American Community Foundation of Colorado, will introduce “Korea goes global: The unexpected rise of an economic and cultural powerhouse” and “The origin of Korean language Hangul” to

The Great American Beer Festival is the premier U.S. beer festival and competition. Each year, GABF represents the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served, in a public tasting event plus a private competition. GABF brings together the brewers and diverse beers that make the U.S. the world’s greatest brewing nation.

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DANakaDAN is an alternative hip hop artist

based in Los Angeles, CA. He recently produced a documentary series detailing his very personal journey with meeting his biological family for the first time, including an identical twin brother he never knew about (who also raps). The documentary was produced alongside Mayrok Media+Arriang TV and has been released via ISAtv, Hulu, and Drama Fever. Dan also released a companion full length album, “Stuntman,” which chronicles his experience with adoption, addiction, self, and identity. It features appearances by Kero One, Clara C, David Choi, AJ Rafael, Priska, Paul Dateh, Paul Kim, and Travis Graham. He currently works as the Director of Productions at International Secret Agents, an Asian American media network founded by Far East Movement and Wong Fu Productions.

DANakaDAN

Thursday

September 18, 2014 DanakaDan will be on the Auraria Campus for two events: Event: DanakaDan Hip Hop performance Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Place: Tivoli Commons - 900 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204 Event: DanakaDan’s “My Adoption” documentary viewing followed with discussion. Pam Sweetser of Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families will also be present.

Time: 5:00-7:00 pm Place: Tivoli Multicultural Lounge - 900 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204 Parking available in the Tivoli Garage Sponsors: CU Denver Asian American Student Services, CU Denver Student Life, Metro State University Student Life and Community College of Denver Student Life.

www.dan-aka-dan.com Spotlight | asian avenue magazine

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D

uring the ten years since its establishment, the Confucius Institute has successfully brought Chinese cultural awareness worldwide, in doing so, has built a stronger understanding of China for many countries. Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver is proud to be part of this movement.

As the only Confucius Institute on a community college campus in the United States, we are pleased to be celebrating seven successful years of evolution and growth. In addition, during the last ten years, over four hundred fifty Confucius Institutes in over one hundred countries have been established worldwide.

To celebrate, we welcome you to join us at the Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver for an all-day celebration between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., September 27th on the Auraria Campus.

There will be an opening ceremony in the St. Francis Center between 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., followed by outdoor performances and cultural activities for visitors to experience the tastes, art, music, and culture of China.

Join us for this wonderful celebration! Check back soon for a full program schedule and parking instructions. And learn more about our Confucius Institute and begin to partake in our workshops, business cultural classes, language instructions, and more!

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September 2014 | Inside Story

M. Butterfly

Aurora Fox Studio Theatre 9900 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010 Sept 4-28, 2014; Thurs Opening 7:30pm, Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm Tickets: $30, $26, $22 Reservations: 303-739-1970

Tria Xiong, executive producer

By Maria Cheng | Theatre Espirit Asia Puccini’s opera? No, it’s David Henry Hwang’s award winning play M. Butterfly, presented by Theatre Esprit Asia. “It’s TEA’s most ambitious and largest production.” says executive producer and co-founder/artistic director Tria Xiong. From an award winning first season and freshly sweeping the awards at the Colorado Theatre Festival, TEA opens its second season with a classic of the Asian-American dramatic canon.

Xiong continues, “Hwang stands on end the hackneyed story of oriental female falls for western male-who abandons her-so she commits suicide.” Instead, Hwang has created a powerful tale of desire and deception - awkward French diplomat falls for beautiful Chinese opera star who personifies his fantasy of submissive, exotic sexuality. Their affair ends in international scandal and imprisonment for both. This compelling drama examines

Rick Shiomi, director

Charlie Chiv, actor

themes of sexual identity, racial stereotyping, knowing the beloved and East-West politics.

Director Rick Shiomi, long-time friend of Hwang’s and also an award winning playwright, states, “This play embodies David’s classic style of blending comic twists with critical insights. It is a wild mix of humor and love.” Shiomi recently retired as head of Mu Performing Arts of Minneapolis St. Paul, one of the nation’s leading Asian American theatres which he founded twenty years ago and built to national prominence. He remains close to Mu, continuing to direct for them but also freelancing on his own. “This is my first out of town directorial gig in over fifteen years! I’ve wanted to do M. Butterfly for over twenty five years, so I guess good things come to those who are willing to wait!”

Kevin Hart plays the love-struck Gallimard, who transforms from diffident diplomat to confident aggressor. “What moves me most

Kevin Hart, actor

about this story is how it depicts the nature of self-delusion, the lengths my character takes to pursue a fantastical vision of love. A love that is - in the end - an illusion. This role aligns greatly with my desires as an actor – to take on roles that challenge me and provide new perspectives. I like playing different types of people who have multiple dimensions – and this role fits this criterion. Profoundly.”

For Charlie Chiv, playing opera star Song may be the role of a lifetime. “Many years ago, I suggested to my graduate acting program to do this play, but they said no. Looking back, I’m glad it didn’t happen. I wasn’t mature enough then to take on such a role. Now, playing Song is really taking me outside my comfort zone. I’m doing things that I’ve never done before - being nude on stage, kissing a man. But an actor relishes challenges, which makes you grow and that’s certainly what’s happening to me in this process!”

Inside Story | asian avenue magazine

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Make Way for a Fat Rabbit!

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Wait. No, it’s a fat rabbit!?

The iconic character Babee, of Fat Rabbit Farm is making her presence known worldwide, spreading laughs and smiles to all. Who or what is Babee?

What is Fat Rabbit Farm? Who created Fat Rabbit Farm? Please read on and find out!

The world of Fat Rabbit Farm is a magical, floating kingdom inhabited by spontaneous and adventurous friends, including their main character named Babee Bunny. With such a spunky, lovable, yet mischievous personality, who cannot resist falling in love such a character? Did I mention she has a huge obsession with sweet treats, too!?

The farm is full of surprises, where a few places are known, and most are still yet to be discovered. Fat Rabbit Farm has won the hearts of many kids and adults of all ages as they continue to share the stories and adventures through our apparel, art, accessories, and story books.

The intellectual property brand was created in 2006 by creators and designers Jason Ponggasam and Patty Variboa (Los Angeles), inspired by

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September 2014 | Inside Story

their real fluffy bunnies named Babee and Blanket. The two bunnies won over Jason and Patty’s hearts with their own unique individual personalities that brought smiles and laughs to their everyday lives.

Using the love and passion for design and bunnies, the design couple were compelled to create animated characters of the two buns and eventually a whole magical world filled with other friends appeared.

Patty and Jason not only pour their heart and soul into Fat Rabbit Farm but to each other as well. Now together for 15 years, they first met in high school in an online chat room. Jason, residing in San Francisco, while Patty in Los Angeles, braved a long distance relationship for a couple of years.

Following his heart, Jason moved to LA right after high school and continued school with Patty in graphic design and illustration. It was meant to be.

They both expressed a passion for art and desired a path with it. While going to school full time and working to pay the bills, they took a leap of faith. A

The real life bunny inspirations - Babee and Blanket

Creators of Fat Rabbit Farm Jason Ponggasam and Patty Variboa

leap of faith that would change their lives.

Eight years later, here they are today, operating and creating for Fat Rabbit Farm full time, side by side each other as they were destined to be.

Together, they help each other to continuously discover solutions to improving their business and making it grow; from their limited edition handmade plush line to the Babee Bunny character on the Facebook Messenger

Stickers. The ultimate goal for Fat Rabbit Farm is to have animated series on television.

Find more info and see products online at www.FATRABBITFARM.com or catch them every year in June as they come out to support the Tri-State Buddhist Temple at the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival. Follow them at www.facebook.com/theFATRABBITFARM.

Inside Story | asian avenue magazine

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Sakura Square moves to the next century by becoming the “Gateway to Downtown”

By

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz | Asian Avenue magazine 12

September 2014 | Cover Story

With the expiration of a 40-year Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agreement, the nonprofit arm of Sakura Square is exploring a possibility of options for this hub of all things Japanese in Denver.

Tour guides about Denver and history books share Sakura Square, which sits between 19th to 20th Streets and Larimer to Lawrence Avenues, is an ideal spot to peek into the past century of Japanese American culture and history.

“It is a reflection of our beginnings,” said Joe Ozaki, president of Tri State Buddhist Church Apartments, the nonprofit organization of Sakura Square.

History

Skid Row During the 1960s, brothels, pool halls, gambling dens, flophouses and disreputable salons sat in skid row territory in downtown Denver, to what is now considered LoDo. A bordello called Mattie’s Red Light Lounge was the former site of the TriState Denver Buddhist Temple. Walking tour guides will pass by this location at 1942 Market Street to share their ghost stories of this particular site. But the ghost stories did not bother temple leaders or members.

Resurgence Japanese immigrants settled in these areas of downtown Denver for cheap rents.

The community thrived during the years of 1946 to 1970. Most of the Japanese immigrants, who entered the U.S. in the early 1900s, worked on sugar beet farms.

Despite the bordellos, pools halls and gambling dens, Japanese retailers and services were integrating through the seven to nine blocks of blighted developments with restaurants, grocery stores, cleaners and hair salon services.

In fact, Ozaki, who is 72, reminisced sitting outside at a drugstore/pharmacy called Montz, reading comic books to pass the time. While growing up, his family apartment was situated just across the street of the current temple site.

Buddhism Many Japanese immigrants practiced their faith as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, bringing their religious heritage. As more

families settled in the area, most practiced their Buddhist faiths. In 1916, the formation of the Tri-State Buddhist Temple was established in Denver to serve the tri-state areas of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming.

During the years of World War II, the U.S. government displaced Japanese American citizens into internment camps.

Families from California, Washington and Oregon were assigned to camps throughout Colorado. As a result of displaced individuals, the temple expanded its membership resulting into enlarging the church structure.

In 1947, the Tri-State Denver Buddhist temple was built, serving as the spiritual center for the Buddhist community for Japanese-American as well as the larger Asian population. Reverend Tessho Ono served as the first assigned minister. The territories expanded to Montana, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and western Texas.

Revitalization In 1969, the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) shared with the downtown communities of its intention of demolishing 30 blocks of decaying buildings. Temple leaders expressed concerns of the growing elderly population.

With the assistance of a government loan, church leaders of the Tri-State Denver Buddhist purchased a block for $188,000.

This block served as a mix retail and residential entity, an innovative concept during the 1970s. “It was a unique concept,” said Ozaki, adding the rare occurrence of such an idea back then. Community leaders scheduled a ground-breaking

ceremony on March 1971. Dedication ceremonies were conducted on two weekends in May 1973.

“It was one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by Denver’s Japanese American community,” Gary Yamashita, general manager of Sakura Square.

Present Fast forward to 2014, the aging structure is dated and “tired,” Yamashita described.

Also known as “Tiny Tokyo,” it sits as part of LoDo near the ballpark district with million-dollar views of downtown Denver and the Colorado Mountains from the top floor of Tamai Tower, a 199-residential apartment unit.

“It’s a critical cultural hub for Japanese Americans,” said Gil Asakawa, historian, blogger of Nikkei View: The Asian American Blog and manager of student media for the University of Colorado’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications in Boulder.

Asakawa, who moved to Denver about the same year of Sakura Square’s dedication, shared Japanese communities are not the only ethnicity losing its Little Tokyo or Japantown. “Asian enclaves are an endangered species,” he said.

Not only does it served as the hub for Denver’s Japanese and Japanese American communities, it is a place of Asian culture in downtown Denver. Younger generations, attempting to understand their ancestries, explore Tiny Tokyo.

Harry Budisidharta, president of the local chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, echoes the same sentiment. “I know it’s a great gathering place

Sakura Square | asian avenue magazine

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for community members, not just for Japanese both other Asian groups have used the facilities,” he said, adding he is both Chinese and Indonesian.

Current Tenants Serving as the main anchor of this tiny plaza, the Denver Buddhist Temple is open to the public. Budisidharta encourages visitors to walk into the temple to see its altar and worship areas.

In addition, regular customers and out-oftown visitors frequent the first tenant of Sakura Square, Pacific Mercantile Company, which sells Asian products.

Other tenants include Sakura House, a noodle restaurant on the first floor and JJ’s Bistro, a Chinese restaurant on the second floor. Both restaurants are family owned and managed, providing a large menu of choices. Website Ralph Carr, Governor of Colorado from 1939 to 1943

reviews have shared favorable comments from local and out-of-town visitors. In addition to the restaurants, a travel agency specializing in Japan destinations, an ophthalmologist, dentist and barber shops sit within the two-story plaza.

“It’s a multi-cultural representation,” Ozaki said.

The average age of the residents are 67.4, with 62 percent over 65 years old while 28 percent do not speak English.

Tamai Tower Balconies and patios show rice mats, hanging plants and patio furniture visible from the first floor. Residents of Tamai Tower represent a diverse group of ethnicity. According to Ozaki, who provided demographics from 2012, the Chinese are the largest population.

• Japanese: 19 percent • Chinese: 29 percent • Caucasian: 29 percent • Hispanic: 7 percent • African American 5 percent • Other: 11 percent (Other includes Korean, Thai and Indians)

Sculpture Garden A miniature garden displays three prominent sculptures. Ralph Carr, governor of Colorado the years after World War II, welcomed Japanese Americans into Colorado while other states closed its doors. His progressive attitude did not win him the next election but his favorable attitude towards Japanese Americans allowed him to be memorialized through this sculpture.

Another statue is Minoru Yasui. The granite pedestal posted Yasui’s achievements as director of Denver’s Commission on Community Relations, “dedicating his life to advancing the rights

Minoru Yasui, Japanese-American lawyer

Reverend Yoshitaka Tamai Dedicated on October 5, 1996

Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple - St. Shinran

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Obon Dance takes place on Lawrence Street near Sakura Square

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September 2014 | Cover Story

of his fellow man, regardless of color or creed.”

The third statue is a life-size figure of Reverend Yoshitaka Tamai. The 20-story apartment is dedicated to the beloved priest. The plaque will share how Tamai served 53 years as a spiritual and cultural leader.

Museum One of the best-kept secret of Sakura Square is its miniature, 700-square-foot museum managed by the Japanese American Resource Center of Colorado, located on the second floor.

The make-shift museum showcases an old map indicating location of previous tenants. In addition, vintage photos are posted on the walls.

With a volunteer workforce, the museum operates on limited hours.

Cherry Blossom Festival Every year, since 1973, the Japanese American community shows the Denver community its culture through music, food and demonstrations in dances and martial art showcases. The weekend event, organized by volunteers, takes all year to plan for this annual festival.

As a regular volunteer, Budisidharta shares how labor intensive the annual festival could be in setting up, cooking food, planning the program and cleaning up.

Meeting Spaces Even if Sakura Square is not a destination for local residents, it offers spaces for regular meetings. In fact, NAAAP Lead Toastmasters meets twice a month while members of the Japanese American Citizens League hold their planning sessions at this location, too.

Future The nonprofit entity of Sakura Square is exploring multiple options, including relocating Sakura Square. However, a survey indicated Sakura Square cannot disappear. Relocation plans are frowned upon through survey respondents, too.

The working board has assigned a strategic planning committee, who will consult with key individuals in “recreating Sakura Square,” Yamashita said.

As a learning process, the committee is attempting to understand the demographics of downtown Denver. The mission statement has evolved and board members are attempting to refocus their energies to making Sakura Square a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Denver.

The 40-year mortgage from HUD expired at the end of July 2014, allowing housing to continue into fair housing market. Current residents of Tamai Tower can stay in the apartment, allowing to be grandfathered into the

Pacific Mercantile Company, one of the original tenants of Sakura Square, opened in 1944 and provides Asian food, groceris, cookware, gifts and more.

Sakura Square | asian avenue magazine

15

same rental rates, based on a case-by-case scenario.

One of the first steps of the governing board of Sakura Square’s nonprofit foundation was hiring an apartment manager, Cornerstone Apartments. The Denver-based management company, which started in April 2014, has posted available apartments, scheduled for viewing in Septmeber 2014.

Three types of apartment styles are available: • Studio, 400 to 480 square foot, leasing rates between $945 to $965 • 1-bedroom, 650 square foot, leasing rate of $1,100 • 2-bedroom, 850 square foot, leasing rate of $1,525 Renovation is underway, including updated, energy-efficient laundry facilities and complying with ADA regulations. Other ideas include addition of a gym, business center, refreshing the hallways with paint, newer carpet and art work.

Currently, every unit provides ceiling to floor views of downtown Denver. Within each unit, current renovations include mirrored closets, light fixtures, monoxide/smoke detector, new blinds, and wood floors.

An average renovation is estimated at $5,000, according to portfolio manager Jake Smith for Cornerstone Apartments.

The top floor, also known as the Pent House, serves as a community center, equipped with a kitchen, lending library and two meeting rooms.

The community center is part of the residents’ benefits. Wrap-around patio allows residents to take into the breathtaking views.

On the west side, mountains are prominent while the east side of the building showcases the financial district of downtown Denver. During the early mornings, residents meet to practice their tai chi or even yoga.

The governing board is interested in marketing to young professionals interested in living in downtown Denver. Comparable rents from nearby apartment units range from $1,200 to $1,500 for a one-bedroom unit.

The apartment rentals will generate revenue for economic growth of Sakura Square, allowing expansion and additional programs for the first time in 40 years.

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September 2014 | Cover Story

“This is the first month under this new model,” Yamashita said. “It’s so exciting what we can add into the community.”

Other plans include expanding the retail part of Sakura Square like adding a coffee shop, a sushi restaurant and other Asian-type retailers.

Asakawa suggested retailers focusing on Animee or Manga products to lure younger generations into Sakura Square. “I wished more people would hang out (Sakura Square),” he said. “These types of retailers could foster ‘hanging out’ longer.”

New programs could include scholarships to college students or grant awards to organizations promoting the Asian cultures. With the success of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, organizers are encouraged to sponsor mini festivals that could highlight cultural aspects from Asia.

For example, last year, leaders of Sakura Square organized Ukulele Jams. The event was so popular; it packed the square with visitors to its upper limit of capacity. This year, the event is held privately in the near future so board members could assess how they could offer this musical production next year.

In the early years, Sakura Square sat on the edge of downtown Denver.

Now, the cultural center could evolve into the “Gateway of Downtown,” Ozaki said. “We need to be on the forefront and do something to reflect this.”

However, Yamashita is eyeing on positioning Sakura Square as a tourist destination. “It’s the dawn of a new beginning,” Yamashita said.

For more information about Sakura Square, visit these websites: • Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple: www.tsdbt.org • Cornerstone Apartments: www.cornerstoneapartments.com • Pacific Mercantile Company: www.pacificeastwest.com Mary Jeneverre Schultz loves the history of Asian Americans in Denver. She walks by Sakura Square daily during the work week. Follow her on Twitter @Jeneverre.

Timeline of Sakura Square 1900

Japanese immigrated to Colorado

1939 to 1945

U.S. government forced Japanese Americans to live in internment camps

1947 “The Saga of Sakura Square� - May 6, 1973 issue of Sunday Empire The Magazine of The Denver Post

Denver Buddhist Temple was built

1960s

LoDo was Skid Row

1969

Denver Urban Renewal Authority considered demolishing 30 blocking of decaying downtown Denver Buddhist Temple bought a block for $188,000 Groundbreaking ceremony of Sakura Square

1971

Groundbreaking of Sakura Square

1973

Dedication ceremonies of Sakura Square Cherry Blossom Festival begins and is now an annual event

1983 Ribbon cutting ceremony of Granada Supemarket

Beloved priest Tamai dies after 53 years of service to the Denver community

2011

City officials of Denver approved the Arapahoe Square Urban Development

2014 Tree topping ceremony of Tamai Tower

40-year HUD mortgage ends for Tamai Tower First and oldest resident of Tamai Tower passed away.

Cornerstone is hired by the nonprofit board to managed Tamai Tower Sakura Square | asian avenue magazine

17

Tokio 2907 Huron St. Unit #103 Denver, CO 80202 | Tel: 720-639-2911 BUSINESS HOURS: Mon - Sat : 5pm - 1am | Sun : 6pm - 12am HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY! 10pm - CLOSE www.mytokio.com

Before visiting Tokyo, come to Tokio.

After visiting Tokyo, you’ll still want to come back.

Chef Miki Hashimoto is back! When Japon Sushi closed its doors last year, sushi fans waited patiently for Chef Miki’s next venture. Just last month, Tokio celebrated its grand opening with its mission of “bringing the culture of ramen to Denver.” The restaurant delivers the food and atmosphere of a neighborhood Japanese restaurant to the Denver metro area.

Miki wants customers to feel like they are inside a ramen shop in Tokyo when they taste the food: “In Japan, ramen is a national dish, like hamburgers in America. I want you to taste true ramen.” One of the most popular dishes, the miso ramen, is cooked with a pork and chicken broth, soy bean, bean sprouts, pickled bamboo and soft boiled egg. Other ramen options include the tonkotsue (with pork broth), curry bowl, ramen air (with assorted vegetables).

Items listed on the Bincyo-Tan Japanese Charcoal Grill side of the menu are served on skewers and accompany the ramen nicely. The kobe beef, aspara bacon and yakitori are favorites—all of which are cooked on the grill from Japan. The small plates feature Japanese dishes such as gyoza, sautéed edamame and shitake mushrooms. The kara age is Japanesestyle fried chicken that melts in your mouth. Unbelievably flavorful.

The interior of Tokio, designed by Kanji Ueki, who worked on the U.S. Apple stores captures the feeling of a traditional Japanese Sakaba bar. Sakaba bars are a place for people to come together to eat and drink as a community, and Kanji has created a communal space that is stylish, comfortable, and perfect for any gathering of friends, loved ones, or colleagues.

Tokio is an innovative restaurant for an innovative city, and the restaurant looks forward to evolving and growing as Denver evolves as a city.

According to the restaurant’s website, “Tokio” is a spelling of Tokyo used primarily in nonEnglish speaking countries. Tokio, the restaurant, similarly aims to translate the full Tokyo experience authentically and effectively. Tokio offers sushi dishes, but it also modern, unique cuisines and authentic ramen from Tokyo to Denver.

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September 2014 | Restaurant Peek

By Annie Guo | Asian Avenue magazine

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Ballots

Ballot measures every Coloradan should know about for the upcoming election

By Harry Budisidharta | Balaban Claeson & Budisidharta LLP This month, I will take the opportunity to talk about the four ballot measures that have been certified for the upcoming November election.

1

The first ballot measure is the Colorado Definition of Person and Child Initiative, also known as Amendment 67. If approved by voters, the measure would expand the definition of “person” and “child” in the Colorado criminal code to include fetuses. Supporters of this measure wrote it because of a traffic accident in which a pregnant woman was hit and tragically miscarried. The driver responsible for the accident pleaded guilty to vehicular assault and driving under the influence, but was not prosecuted for the miscarriage because a fetus is not considered to be a “person” or “child” under the current Colorado criminal code. Opponents of this measure argue that this measure will criminalize abortion and that voters in 2008 and 2010 soundly rejected similar measures brought forward by the same group.

2

The second ballot measure is the Colorado Horse Racetrack Limited Gaming Proceeds for K-12 Education Amendment, also known as Amendment 68. If approved by voters, the measure would establish an educational fund for kindergarten through twelfth grade education.

The fund would be raised by allowing limited gaming (slot machines, card games, roulette, and craps) at horse racetracks in Arapahoe county, Mesa county, and Pueblo county. Supporters of this measure argue that it would raise money for education without raising taxes. Opponents of this measure, which comprised of casino companies in Black Hawk,

Central City, and Cripple Creek, argue that it would cause irreparable harm to the Colorado casino industry because it would allow a single casino company to create a monopoly in the Front Range area. They are worried that the measure would create a serious competition to their industry.

3

The third ballot measure is the Colorado Mandatory Labeling of GMOs, also known as Proposition 105. If approved by voters, the measure would require any “prepackaged, processed food or raw agricultural commodity that has been produced using genetic modification” to include the label: “Produced with genetic engineering.” Supporters of this measure argue that consumers have a right to know if their food has been genetically modified. Opponents of this measure argue that this proposition will considerably raise food prices and provide bad information to consumers.

4

The final ballot measure, which is still pending, is the Colorado School Board Open Meetings Initiative, or Initiative 124. It would require school districts to allow the public to attend their meetings on collective bargaining negotiation and employment contract negotiation.

Supporters of this measure submitted their signatures to the Secretary of State on August 1, 2014. The Secretary of State has 30 days to review the signatures and determine if they have submitted enough signatures.

You can find out more information about any of these ballot measures at the Secretary of State’s website (www.sos.state.co.us).

About HARRY BUDISIDHARTA

Harry received his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School.

He has his own law firm and is the current president of the Mile High chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. Contact him at harry@denverfirm.com.

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September 2014 | Legal Column

911 Memorial Museum brings millions of worldwide visitors

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz | Asian Avenue magazine Photo credit: 911 Memorial Museum

F

ourteen years ago, tragedy hit in New York, known as 911.

On September 11, no matter where you were, it was an event that everyone remembers the exact spot when they learned about the tragic events of 911. To memorialize ​those who lost their lives, the 911 Memorial Museum opened its doors this year to international and national visitors.

More than 14 million visitors from the U.S. and around the world have visited the memorial since opening September 2011.​ In its permanent collection, the 911 Memorial Museum has archived: • 12,500 collection of artifacts, • 1,990 oral histories, • more than 23,000 images set in photos, • 2,100 pieces of archival documents • 580 hours of moving images in video and • other materials that document the history of the events of 9/11 and commemorate the victims.

Mission The National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center will bear solemn witness to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. The Museum will honor the nearly 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others. It will further recognize the thousands who survived and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath.

Demonstrating the consequences of terrorism on individual lives and its impact on communities at the local, national, and international levels, the Museum will attest to the triumph of human dignity over human depravity and affirm an unwavering commitment to the fundamental value of human life.

Controversy Of course, the museum, designed to memorialize the victims and rescue workers, has faced criticism. For example, several months ago, the gift shop sold items as morbid reminders

National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center

of the tragedies. Either those merchandise were removed from the shelves or cautionary signs are placed around the retail items.

Operations As a private, not-for-profit corporation, it costs $700 million to build the museum. Officials estimated an annual operating budget of $60 million. The Memorial and Museum does not receive state, city or federal funding for its operating costs.

Plan your visit Museum officials recommend view the 9/11 Memorial Commemorative Guide and downloading mobile apps on your phone before arrival.

Walking through both the memorial and museum will be similar to walking through a cemetery. It is a place of remembrance and quiet reflection. Security guards will be standing in strategic spots to ensure all visitors respect this place made sacred through tragic loss.

Visit the website for more information at​ www.911memorial.org.

Bike rack

200 Liberty Street, 16th Floor | New York, NY 10281 Fax: (212) 227-7931 | Tel: (212) 312-8800

For information about visiting, email reservations@911memorial.org, or call (212) 266-5211; TTY: (212) 266-5212.

Damaged phone booth

For feedback and general information, email info@911memorial.org. For education inquiries, email education@911memorial.org.

Feature | asian avenue magazine

21

20 years and still going strong!

By Brenda Pearson | Boulder Asian Festival

I

n the midst of a beautiful summer weekend, Boulder Asian Festival attendees enjoyed two days of vibrant, action-packed festivities on downtown Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall.

The festival highlighted the thriving Asian culture in the Denver/ Boulder area and showcased crafts, food, activities and musical performances from local Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

Vendors sold wares from Nepal, Tibet, Hawaii, Vietnam, China and Indonesia, while performers included Wendy Woo, Denver Taiko, Gamelan Tunas Mekar and the world’s top kendama masters from Kendama-Co. This year’s festival also included opportunities for audience participation. On Saturday morning, Chuna Grace Rai-Nelson of Sanjibanu Yoga Sansar taught a free Himalayan-style yoga session on the Courthouse Lawn, while on Sunday, the Gu Feng Tai Chi Club invited attendees to partake in a few of their basic moves.

At the Community Tent, families

browsed Chinese artifacts, learned Chinese brush painting and furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping fabric.

For the past 20 years, the Boulder Asian Pacific Alliance has presented the Boulder Asian Festival.

This is quite an accomplishment considering that BAPA is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. Several of the BAPA board members have helped with the festival for the entire 20 years and are still excited to help with future events. The festival has also become a family affair as several of the “BAPA babies” who grew up with the festival are now taking on volunteer roles.

BAPA a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed in 1994 and is a coalition of representatives from diverse Asian-Pacific populations, the second largest minority group in Boulder. BAPA strives to promote awareness, appreciation, and understanding of their rich, diverse cultures and heritage.

For more information, visit www. bapaweb.org.

Mending Faces held its fifth annual Rib Rub Off BBQ

M

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ending Faces held its Fifth Annual Rib Rub Off BBQ fund raiser on August 2nd.

The event supports the organization’s cleft lip and cleft palate surgical mission to the Philippines. More than 250 people attended and raised more than $18,000 for the cause. Mending Faces wishes to thank all those who made the event a success, particularly the 6 great chefs who competed in the BBQ competition.

Carrie and Sami Lababidi continue to host the party at their lovely home in North Boulder County. Carrie said “it is worth all the hard work by those of us with so much, to give those with so very little, a chance at a normal life.”

The February 2015 mission is scheduled for Kalibo, Aklan. The mission team has just recently been assembled and includes 5 surgeons, 5 anesthesiologists, 3 Pediatricians, 20 nurses and 20 support personnel. As almost all missioner travel is self-funded, the $18,000 represents a significant part of our mission budget.

Mending Faces has also scheduled its Restoring Hope event for November 7 in Denver.

Mending Faces is a 501c3 and donations can be made through our web site: mendingfaces.org.

For more information on the organization, Restoring Hope event or to learn more about participating in the mission: info@mendingfaces. org or call Maya at 303-531-5038, September 2014 | On Scene

By Jay LaVigne | Mending Faces

Leah Eveleigh, winner of Cutthroat Kitchen, expands her culinary skills

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz | Asian Avenue magazine

I

n recent cooking demonstration, Leah Eveleigh taught the art of Filipino cooking to residents of Highlands Ranch in a community center setting.

Last July, Eveleigh shared her passion for Filipino cuisine with recipes of eggrolls (lumpia), salmon with coconut mango sauce, fried rice with vegetables, and banana lumpia and sticky rice cake - Biko with coconut caramel glaze.

Eveleigh is interested in expanding her cooking venture in offering cooking demonstrations to Colorado residents. She placed a call to the community center, which led to scheduling summer classes, she said.

The demonstration started at 6 p.m. and ended at 9:30 p.m. Plenty of food was available to take home.

Residents marveled at the ease of

cooking the Filipino cuisine.

Even with the cooking demonstration Eveleigh is busy with culinary classes at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder. Once she completed her courses, she hopes to ramp up her demonstration skills.

Eveleigh is continuing the momentum of her television win from the reality show of Cutthroat Kitchen. Last January 19, a viewing party of her friends, family and colleagues gathered together at Lodo’s Bar & Grill in Highlands Ranch (February 2014).

Interested in Eveleigh’s classes, you can reach her through Facebook at www.facebook.com/Leaheveleigh/ about or send her a Tweet on Twitter @ChefLeahE. Mary Jeneverre Schultz craves for Filipino food weekly. Follow her on Twitter @Jeneverre.

Breaking the Dawn: Master Planning the Future

By Giselle Rushford | NaFFAA

S

NaFFAA Region 5 Delegates, front, left to right: Francis Macalalag, Kevin Grinstead, Dennis Apuan, Boy Obana, John Rushford, Javier San Andres; back: Tran Macalalag, Aurelia Grinstead, Flor Obana, Donna LaVigne, Dr. Erlinda Santos, Jay LaVigne, Giselle Rushford, Gloria Williams, Jack Rushford

Left to right: Rob Bonta (California State Assembly), Juanito Amor (Statistician for FilAm Vote), Javier San Andres (Region 5 Delegate), Rozita Lee (past White House Asian Pacific American Initiative Commissioner), Ben DeGuzman (LGBT Activist).

eventeen years after its founding, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) held the 11th biennial empowerment conference in San Diego on August 7 through 10.

NaFFAA is the only organization recognized by the White House, Congress and powerful advocacy organizations on social justice and equal opportunity as the voice of the Filipino Americans. As one of the 13 Regions under the NaFFAA umbrella, Region 5 represents five states including Colorado.

There were 14 delegates from Colorado, four of them are young professionals while more than 500 delegates and guests attended the NaFFAA national conference. Leading the array of speakers were White House Senior Adviser Jason Tengco, Commissioner Billy Dec of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Major General Antonio Taguba (Ret), Tony Olaes, CEO of Gawad Ka-

linga USA, and Rob Bonta, first Filipino American elected to the California State Assembly.

Jose Antonio Vargas, the Pulitzer Prize- winning journalist who revealed his status as an undocumented immigrant, drew a standing ovation when he shared his struggles and his efforts to educate the American public about the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Before he decided to “come out,” he sought out NaFFAA’s support and was assured of the organization’s support.

The film documentary by Marissa Aroy and PBS “Delano Manongs” was screened. The film is about the struggles of the Filipinos American farm workers of Delano, California to unionize for better living conditions. This Filipino led movement was a precursor to Cesar Chavez’ union activities.

Judge Pro Tempore John Armington, one of the sons of the Manongs, gave his first hand perspectives about life of the farm workers in the 60s.

On Scene | asian avenue magazine

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PNACO Welcomes 2014-2016 Officers Aurelia J. Grinstead NaFFAA Membership Director

T

he Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado successfully held its 9th Anniversary and Inauguration of new officers at Denver Marriott Hotel on August 23.

The organization is a non-profit organization of nursing professionals of Filipino descent dedicated to the medical community of the Rocky Mountain region under the umbrella of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA). The event’s highlights includes welcoming of the new set of officers, recognizing some notable work of different members of the organization and showcasing different Filipino talents.

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Awardees • “Nurse of the Year Award” was given to Dr. Leli Pedro for her efforts in editing the close-up feature of PNACO which was officially accepted to journal of nursing practice and research, also for conducting free workshops for nurses.

• “Leadership Award” was given to Marjolyn Mati-ong for her dedication and commitment to the mission of the organization and for her excellent leadership that transpired to the members of the organization.

• “Ambassador of the Year Award” was given to Editha Pasion for her relentless efforts in recruiting members and displaying PNACO’s mission.

September 2014 | On Scene

• “Nursing Excellence Award,” was given to Jiji Tizon. She has excelled in her chosen field and promoted safety innovations. Her abstract poster presentation was presented and was officially accepted at the national conference in Las Vegas.

• “Fortitude Award,” was given to Evelyn Hu, Froila Bagting and Emily Marcelo for showing resilience despite pain and adversity. They bravely stepped out and shed light against human trafficking that led to the conviction of Kizzi Kalu and Philipp Langerman through PNAA’s support and legal guidance.

• “Humanitarian Award”, was given to the Dr. Jaime Yrastorza for founding the medical mission group Uplift International. The group provides free medical surgery for poor kids in the Philippines who are born with cleft lip palate.

• “Special Awards,” where given to Blessie Tagle and Gilbert Mallari for their continued efforts in supporting the organization through fund raising events and technical needs.

The event was attended by different community leaders from the Filipino communities like NaFFAA, Bayanihan, PASCO and Couples for Christ with the special apperance of Dr. Leticia Hermosa, president of PNNA (Philippine Nurses Association of

America) and Vice President for western region Mindy Ofiniana.

Moving Forward “As the new president of the organization I plan to move forward by diversifying member. That means to include ancillary nurses to further provide services to the community. Diversification includes recruiting different types of nurses.”

“We would like to include not only those who are working in the hospitals but also those who are in the home health care program, nurse entrepreneurs, nurse educators, and lawyers,” said Belinda Higa.

She also said that she would like to recognize the potential of nurses by providing different scholarships and advancement through different umbrella organizations and create awareness and visibility in the community.

The organization aims to lead, transform and empower. To LEAD means to be a leader in their own work arena; to TRANSFORM the future of nurses not just in the local community but in the whole world; to EMPOWER by means of acquiring higher education.

For more information, visit www.pnaa. org or www.pnaco.org or call Belinda Higa at 303-906-1458.

Andrew Romanoff speaks at AAPI open forum On August 25, Asian Pacific Development Center hosted an AAPI open forum to address pressing issues facing Colorado and the nation. Representative Mike Coffman and challenger Andrew Romanoff were the main stars, providing their separate platforms as they ran to represent Colorado’s 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives this November.

Chris Jose from KDVR Denver presided over the event, keeping the issues on point and providing a familiar face for the audience. immigration.

Unfortunately, Representative Coffman’s was unable to attend.

So the crowd turned their questions upon the challenger. Questions ranged from foreign policy challenges like ISIS to competition with China to domestic issues such as improved enrollment for the Affordable Care Act this November.

Asian Health Alliance convenes at APDC The newly formed Asian Health Alliance convened for a second time at Asian Pacific Development Center on August 26, setting the agenda for future meetings and providing some direction as to where the organization intends to move in the future.

AHA They introduced Geoff Downie of the National Leadership Academy Public Health (NLAPH) to the different members, all of whom hail from different arenas within Colorado’s nonprofit sector. All were there to alleviate the health disparities within Colorado populations, especially within the immigrant and refugee demographic. The three key demographics that the Alliance will be serving are: 1) Asian immigrants and refugees 2) Asian American youth and younger generations 3) Asians in general.

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Asian American Leaders Stand in Solidarity with Ferguson

T

he National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), a 31-member coalition of Asian Pacific American organizations across the country, issued a statement of solidarity with the community of Ferguson, Missouri, and called upon federal officials to review the “ongoing pattern and practice of racial violence and systemic discriminatory treatment by law enforcement” in communities of color. ”As people of color and immigrants,” the statement reads, “our own communities’ histories in the United States include violence

and targeting, often by law enforcement.”

Recent examples include the harassment and surveillance of South Asian, Sikh and Muslim communities after the attacks of September 11th, the targeted attack on a Sikh place of worship in Wisconsin, and the 2006 killing of teenager Fong Lee by a Minneapolis police officer who was later found not guilty.

“We call for justice for Michael Brown, and for all those routinely subjected to profiling, harassment and physical attacks on the streets, in schools and neighborhoods of our nation,” said the NCAPA statement.

Cary Fukunaga Becomes Instant Emmys Crush

G

orgeous director Cary Joji Fukunaga got more than he bargained for when he hit the stage to collect his Outstanding Directing Emmy for his work on True Detective — not only did he get an award, he also got a swooning internet following!

In an Interview with the American Prospect in January, Fukunaga said: “One of the things that I hope gets communicated [in True Detective] is the concept that our idea of free will isn’t as free as we’d like to believe.”

His father is Japanese and mother is Swedish. He was born in Oakland, CA.

T

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10 Asian American Fashion Bloggers to Follow

K

ollaboration, a global platform to discover, AAPI artists in media, recommends 10 Asian-American fashion bloggers representing the AAPI community in style.

Aimee Song of Song of Style

1

Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast

2 Wendy Nguyen of Wendy’s Lookbook

3

Olivia Lopez of Lusttforlife

4

First Indian Signs Contract with NBA Team

he Sacramento Kings have signed 7’5″ center Sim Bhullar, reports NBA.com.

The New Mexico State stand out is a two-time Western Athletic Tournament Conference MVP and WAC Freshman of the Year in just two seasons.

“I’ve long believed that India is the next great frontier for the NBA, and adding a talented player like Sim only underscores the exponential growth basketball has experienced in that nation,” said Kings Owner Vivek Ranadivé.

Bhullar’s parents migrated to Canada from the state of Punjab in India. His father, Avtar, is 6 feet 5 inches and his mother, Varinder, is 5 feet 10 inches. Neither parent had exposure to basketball until enrolling their sons into local youth basketball programs.

September 2014 | National News

Peter Adrian of The Hobbyists

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6. Chriselle Lim of The Chriselle Factor 7. Bryan Yambao of Bryanboy 8. Jenn Im of Clothes Encounters 9. Eugénie Grey of Feral Creature 10. Tommy Lei of MYBELONGING

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HUMBLE TABLE, WISE FARE

By Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Cultivating one day, you gain one day's worth: Not cultivating one day, you gain one day's waste.

Real cultivation is in daily life; the Buddhist way is in living life.

死灰復燃

Dying Ashes Burn Again

Said of a person who falls from power but later gains the upper hand again

During the reign of Emperor Wudi of the Western Han Dynasty, there was an official called Han Anguo. When he was imprisoned for some criminal offence, the jailor, Tian Jia, often insulted him. “Who can say for certain,” Han said indignantly, “that dying ashes would never be able to burn again?” Tian shot back, “Well, they might burn again, but I can piss and put them out. That’s all.”

Not long after that, Han Anguo was released and became an official again. Tian Jia, who learned of what had happened, fled to some other place for fear that Han might retaliate against him. “If Tian Jia does not come back,” Han said after the former jailor’s flight, “I would have his whole family exterminated.”

Tian Jia could not but return to his home village and went to Han Anguo to apologize. “Now you can piss,” Han joked, laughing. At this, Tian’s face turned ghastly pale with fright. He kowtowed again and again, begging for mercy. “Rise to your feet,” Han said. “I’m above retaliating on a person like you.”

- History of the Han Dynasty

Calligraphy by Harrison X. Tu Confucius Classroom in Denver

www.chineseamericanpost.net/bmxt

Harry Budisidharta

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