VOL 37 NO 13 | MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

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

VOL 37 NO 13 MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

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36 YEARS YOUR VOICE

The affordable housing dilemma

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Thach Nguyen

Seattle’s median home price has skyrocketed to $777,000 — the highest ever, according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment has increased 35 percent over five years.

According to The Office of Housing, renters

DOG PHOTO CONTEST

THE WINNERS ARE ...

LAUREN YEE » see 7

VERA KOO » see 8

in Seattle make up over half of the residents in the city. Though the city has benefitted from an increase of nearly 75,000 jobs between 2012 and 2016 and has seen a population increase of 87,000 people in the past five years — thanks in part to Amazon and other tech giants — affordable housing can be hard to see NGUYEN on 15

BRUCE LEE » see 10

» see 9

■

way to becoming a must-have toy. But it was a bitter experience for him, since most of the success was enjoyed by cheap imitators from factories in China.

Still, Chen and his company, Inventist Inc., remain free-wheeling, for better or worse. With at least one more lawsuit against knockoffs on the horizon, Chen said he toggles between the frustration of pursuing a lengthy legal battle and the joy of tinkering away at his workbench.

“It’s definitely disappointing,’’ he said. “Luckily, I have too much fun inventing.’’

Inventist perches above Camas Meadows Golf Course. It is an invention house, as Chen calls it, where a staff of seven tinker and engineer all sorts of new ideas. Many do not make it to the prototype phase. Half-built efforts dot the carpets, and a basement testing see CHEN on 16

Sen. Bob Hasegawa

Mia Gregerson

Sharon Santos

Cindy Ryu

see PUBLIC RECORDS on 12

Photo from Inventist Facebook page.

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — On the first day of the biggest annual convention for their industry, Shane Chen’s wife began to cry.

Hoverboards, a rideable toy patented

by Chen before they shot to popularity in 2015, whirred around the showroom floor. They were not his, but knockoffs that the couple had spent years battling.

“It was a very emotional moment.

After two years, still so many knockoffs,’’ said Chen, who grew up in Beijing. His wife was so distraught, he told her, “Let’s go. We don’t have to be here.’’

Chen, 62, is an inventor in Camas who has been fighting patent infringement for years. Hoverboards became his most popular creation, sweeping through social media and pop culture on their

By State Sen. Bob Hasegawa, State Rep. Mia Gregerson, State Rep. Cindy Ryu, and State Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos

The Legislature received sharp criticism from mainstream reporters and this paper’s editorial section about a law we hastily passed regarding disclosure of public records. The expedited — and deeply flawed — process did not give lawmakers ample time to articulate the reasons for the policy

Camas inventor learns hard lesson on protecting patents

By TROY BRYNELSON THE COLUMBIAN

The balancing act: Disclosure of public records and protecting your privacy

Shane Chen (left) with daughter, Ywanne.

Man suspected of killing parents

By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Steven Standley

The family of a man and his wife, who was killed last week, said their hearts “are broken by the tragic loss of two amazing people.”

Authorities arrested the son of Steve and Theresa Standley on March 14. see STANDLEY on 5

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asianweekly northwest

2

36 YEARS

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Photo credit: Natali Wiseman

Construction begins on Seattle Asian Art Museum renovation

Seattle school named a top design award finalist

Harold Taniguchi

On March 13, Seattle Art Museum (SAM) executives, joined by City of Seattle leaders, project donors and supporters, and members of the community, gathered for an official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the renovation and expansion of the museum’s landmark building.

The $54 million project — funded by a mixture of public and private funds — enhances SAM’s ability to share its significant Asian art collection and better serve a growing and increasingly diverse audience. The renovation and expansion preserves the 1933 historic building and its Art Deco façade.

The anticipated reopening of the museum is fall 2019. 

Harold Taniguchi honored

The director of the King County Department of Transportation (KCDOT), Harold Taniguchi, was recently honored with the Honorable Ray LaHood (Man of the Year) Award from the Puget Sound Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar.

According to the award nomination, Taniguchi is a “servant leader,” one who consistently cultivates a workplace that supports and empowers all employees.

Momo to be featured on TV

Tina Tchen to head Recording Academy’s diversity task force Photo provided by Lei Ann Shiramizu

From left: Seattle Asian Art Museum campaign co-chairs Gursharan Sidhu (SAM Trustee) and Mimi Gardner Gates (SAM Director Emerita), Winnie Stratton (SAM Board of Trustees President), Kimerly Rorschach (SAM’s Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO), Michael Shiosaki (Director of Planning and Development at Seattle Parks and Recreation), and Stewart Landefeld (SAM Board of Trustees Chair).

Deputy Executive for Operations Rhonda Berry said Taniguchi has mentored at least 18 women at King County, and helped them develop action plans for career success.

At the end of this year, Taniguchi will conclude 16 years of service to the county as DOT director. 

Summit Sierra High School in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District finished as one of the finalists for the 2018 Learn By Design competition at SXSWedu.

Myron Kong, director of Real Estate and Facilities for Summit Public Schools, said, “This recJeffrey Vu ognition is strong affirmation that we are designing innovative spaces.”

Jeffrey Vu, an 11th grader and founding student at Summit Sierra, said the design of the school makes the environment extremely welcoming. He likes the bright colors and he said the open spaces feel comfortable.

The competition recognizes groundbreaking work in the design of physical learning environments and how it impacts pedagogy and learning outcomes.

Summit Sierra is a charter public high school. 

Lei Ann Shiramizu (left) and Gei Chan in front of Momo.

Momo was invited to share its locally-made, socially and environmentally conscious clothing for spring on television recently. The segment will air on March 28 during KOMO 4’s 4 p.m. newscast.

Momo opened in November 2007 in Seattle’s Japantown, and is owned and run by Lei Ann Shiramizu and her husband. 

On March 6, the organization behind the Grammy Awards named Tina Tchen as the chair of its new task force for inclusion and diversity. Her appointment follows a controversy over the place of women in the music business that erupted following this year’s Grammy ceremony.

The National Academy of Tina Tchen Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) promised to create a task force to try to address these issues. Tchen, a Chicago-based Chinese American lawyer who has been one of the leaders of the legal defense fund for Time’s Up, will head it.

Tchen also served as chief of staff for former First Lady Michelle Obama and was the executive director of the White House Council on Women and Girls, established by President Obama. 

Fresh Asian Specialty Chicken — locally produced in BC, Canada 新鮮的亞洲特色雞 ̶ 加拿大卑詩省本地養殖 Authentic Silkie & Free Run chicken meat from the Fraser Valley in BC is healthy, flavourful and raised to Canadian standards. 來自卑詩省菲莎河谷的正宗竹絲雞及台灣走地雞，依照加拿大品質標準養殖，健康又美味。

Supported by the Government of BC’s Buy Local Program; delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

Look for these Canadian brands at your local Chinese grocery store. 以下優良 加 拿 大 品牌產品於各 大華人 超 市 有售

asianweekly northwest

YOUR VOICE

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

3

Vietnamese grandmother shot in home invasion robbery Police need more leads

By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY SEATTLE — Police have recovered a car connected to the suspects in a home invasion robbery in South Seattle, where a 73-year-old Vietnamese grandmother was shot.

Detectives are processing the red Kia Spectra for evidence. It was recovered on March 8 in a parking lot in the 9400 block of Rainier Avenue South.

Two days prior, it was used as a getaway vehicle shortly after two suspects shot the victim in the shoulder in her home on Renton Avenue South.

Detective Mike Magan told the Northwest Asian Weekly that he thinks this was a random attack.

“The suspects happened to drive by and

see this woman unloading groceries from her car.” Magan said three generations of the same family live in the home. He described them as “legitimate church going people, very traditional with good values.”

The victim’s grandson was helping to bring groceries inside when he heard his grandmother scream and a gunshot. Magan said

the grandson ran into the kitchen and saw his grandmother on the floor, being pistol whipped by two males.

The victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. She has since been released.

Police are now looking for a late model, silver Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Surveillance cam-

era captured footage of the suspects climbing into that car in the same parking lot where the Kia was found.

The two suspects that entered the victim’s home are described as being light-skinned Black males, in their late teens to early 20s.

The first one is 6 feet tall, and wore a white jacket and white pants and armed.

The second is around 5’6”, skinny, and wore a blue jacket and dark pants. He has a mustache.

Seattle police believe a third suspect was driving the getaway car.  Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Magan in the Robbery Unit at (206) 684-5540.

City of Seattle seeks community members to serve on the police commission SEATTLE — The Mayor’s Office, the City Council, and the Community Police Commission (CPC) are recruiting applicants for the CPC. The Commission was established to make policy recommendations during reform, and to serve as a conduit between Seattle Police, the City, and the community.

“The CPC plays a critical role of building accountability and holding the gains of reform,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “These additional CPC members will broaden community input and oversight. This was a unique aspect of our police reform efforts and helps ensure the vital, ongoing input of community.”

The CPC’s mission is to listen to, amplify, and build common ground among communities affected by policing in Seattle.

It champions policing practices centered in

justice and equity.  Applications must be submitted by April 12 at OCPC@seattle.gov.

RD

KING COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ADVERTISEMENT Proposals will be received for E00520E18, Engineering Services for Baring Bridge 509A Replacement Project; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 12:00 PM on March 28, 2018.

Total Estimated Price for Phase 1: $500,000 Total Estimated Price for all Phases: $2,850,000 There is a 15% minimum requirement for King County Certified Small Contractor and Supplier (SCS) firms on this contract.

All solicitation documents are published at: https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/procurement_ ovr/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fprocurement_ ovr%2fdefault.aspx Contact: Ruth Williamson, 206-263-9333, ruth. williamson@kingcounty.gov.

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MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

36 YEARS

■ NATIONAL NEWS Interior secretary defends Japanese comment to congresswoman

Ryan Zinke

SASABE, Ariz. (AP) — Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is defending his use of a Japanese greeting when responding to a question from a congresswoman of Japanese descent.

The Arizona Republic that Zinke was asked about his use of the word “konnichiwa’’ while touring the U.S-Mexico border in Arizona on

March 17.

Zinke told reporters: “How could ever saying ‘good morning’ be bad?’’

On March 15, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, of Hawaii, asked Zinke whether he would continue a program that preserves sites where Japanese Americans were interned during World War II. Zinke replied with “konnichiwa’’

Body of wife of Nobelwinning professor found at landfill ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — Authorities in northern Illinois are investigating the death of the wife of a Nobel Prize winning chemistry professor whose body was found at a landfill hours after the couple were reported missing in Indiana.

The Ogle County Sheriff ’s Office said in a news release that see NEGISHI on 14

Sumire Negishi

— a Japanese greeting typically spoken in the afternoon.

The Democratic congresswoman corrected him and used the Japanese phrase for good morning.

In a statement on March 17, Hanabusa said “this is precisely why Japanese Americans were treated as they were more than 75 years ago. It is racial stereotyping.’’ 

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

Hawaii releases redacted recording of missile alert drill

By AUDREY McAVOY ASSOCIATED PRESS HONOLULU (AP) — The state of Hawaii released an audio recording last week, the drill it was running in January when an employee mistakenly sent cellphone and

broadcast alerts warning of a ballistic missile attack.

But the 24-second recording the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency released was heavily redacted. see MISSILE ALERT on 14

Missing Chinese teen found in Mexico ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania teenager who was missing along with the father of one of her friends was returned home after the two were found in Mexico, authorities said.

The man is in custody.

Federal agents and Mexican authorities found Amy Yu, 16, and Kevin Esterly, 45, in Puerto Morelos — a resort town about Amy Yu

Kevin Esterly

20 miles from Playa del Carmen — on March 17, almost two weeks after the girl was reported missing. They were flown to Miami.

Police said the girl, who was in good health, arrived on March 18 in Philadelphia and was taken home to Allentown where she lives with her mother and younger brother. They had been apart from Yu’s

father, who lives in China, since she was a small child.

Esterly, a married father of four, will face a felony charge of child custody interference.

An official with the state attorney’s office in Miami said Esterly appeared in a Dade see YU on 6

asianweekly northwest

YOUR VOICE

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

■ WORLD NEWS Bali’s Day of Silence shuts airport, clears beaches, streets BALI, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s normally bustling Bali shut down social media, closed the airport and shuttered all shops for a Day of Silence that marked New Year on the predominantly Hindu resort island.

“Nyepi’’ began at 6 a.m. on March 17, emptying streets and beaches for 24 hours except for special patrols to ensure silence is observed. This year, phone companies agreed for the first time to turn off the

mobile internet on the island, home to more than 4 million people.

Aside from no Facebook, Instagram or instant messaging apps, television and radio broadcasts ceased and Balinese stayed indoors, covering the windows and not even turning on lights, for the day of reflection that is the most sacred in Balinese Hinduism.

“Nyepi is the time for us to wash our hearts and minds of bad thoughts and

deeds, plead with God to purify ourselves, human beings and the universe,’’ said Kadek Chantini, a Bali tour guide.

Not everyone was happy with the decision to disrupt internet access, saying it was going too far and an inconvenience for tourists and non-Hindu residents of Bali, but others welcomed it.

“It will certainly provide a quieter atmosphere so we can focus and concentrate on perfecting our meditation and prayers,’’

5

said Komang Suda, a resident of Denpasar, the Bali provincial capital.

“The decision also really helps us in disciplining our teenagers, who sometimes sneak off to play with their gadgets during Nyepi,’’ he said.

The night before Nyepi was marked by noisy “ogoh-ogoh’’ processions of giant scary figures representing evil spirits. 

‘Mr. Fix-It’: China’s new VP has tackled thorniest of crises

By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING (AP) — Wang Qishan is known as China’s “Mr. Fix-It,’’ a trustworthy official deployed to tackle the thorniest of crises — from crumbling banks to deadly Wang Qishan illness to high-level corruption.

Those who’ve met him describe him as bold and probing, a problem solver who enjoys philosophical debates and has a wicked sense of humor.

As China’s vice president, the 69-yearold Wang is expected to be a key element in furthering President Xi Jinping’s agenda of shoring up Communist Party rule while ending corruption and poverty.

Wang is known for integrity and competence, but his appointment on March 17 by the ceremonial legislature, in

STANDLEY from 1 The Pierce County Sheriff ’s Office said the bodies of Theresa Standley, 56, and Steven Standley, 55, were found inside their Buckley home on the night of March 13, after another son requested a welfare check.

A former high school classmate of Steven Standley’s, Yvonne Kinoshita Ward, said he was a “very nice guy, an athlete, and smart.” Kinoshita Ward last saw him at a class reunion and said, “No one in our class can understand this at all.”

Another friend, Karen Fouts Thomas, said, “Steve was one of my best friends from high school. He was the kindest and most caring person I have ever known. I will always remember his smile and the twinkle in his eyes that would light up the room.”

Police located 21-year-old Jared Standley on the morning of March 14, near a Tumwater motel.

The Thurston County Sheriff ’s Office said he was inside a car and ignored officers’ commands to stop. Authorities say a sheriff ’s office sergeant fired three shots at the car, as Standley tried to ram him with his car.

a pro-forma vote of 2,969 to 1, was widely regarded as unconventional.

To keep Wang past retirement age, Xi had him step down from the Politburo Standing Committee while ensconcing him in what had been a relatively meaningless ceremonial post.

That stands to diminish the influence of the others on the seven-member committee, including Xi’s rival, Premier Li Keqiang — ostensibly China’s secondmost powerful official — particularly if Wang is handed important tasks giving him authority over their affairs.

“Definitely, this will further marginalize Li Keqiang,’’ said University of Miami Chinese politics expert June Teufel Dreyer.

“Having amassed so much power, it’s to be expected that Xi wants a lieutenant in whom he has complete trust.’’

While Wang’s specific duties have yet to be spelled out, under China’s constitution, he would take over as head of state should Xi be unable to fulfill his duties. Unconfirmed reports also say he will be permitted to attend high-level

On March 19, Pierce County prosecutors charged Standley with two counts of aggravated first-degree murder.

According to charging papers, Standley shot and killed his father and apparently beat his mother to death, about a week after he was kicked out of the family home.

Standley pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, and he was ordered to be held without bail.

In a statement issued on March 15, the Standley family said Steve and Theresa would have been married 25 years in May. It said they “were drawn to each other by Terri’s love for the Japanese culture and Steve’s Japanese heritage.

“They both lived life to the fullest. Steve had an infectious smile and would help anyone. He was an active sportsman and athlete who loved riding his bike, hunting, and fishing. Terri was a kindhearted, giving person that loved teaching and helping others become the best version of themselves. She had a talent for creativity, making crafts such as weaving baskets and designing ceramic buttons.”  Staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

meetings, including those of the Politburo Standing Committee, as a non-voting observer.

Tellingly, Wang has also been seen at events such as the March 17 ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, seated in eighth place in the order of hierarchy, just after the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee.

Wang shares aspects of Xi’s background, and the two appear very much in agreement on the need for firm party rule and strict discipline to guide China’s economic

development.

The two are believed to have first met while serving as “sent-down youths’’ in impoverished Shaanxi province during the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution. Wang, five years older than the 64-year-old Xi, left first for university and later conducted research on 19th and 20th century Chinese history at a state academy.

His marriage to the daughter of a rising political leader granted him the “princeling’’ see MR. FIX-IT on 13

asianweekly northwest

6

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

36 YEARS

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR MAR 22

GALA DINNER IN HONOR OF THE 2018 INDUCTEES INTO HALL OF FAME: DEBBIE BRINKER, DAVID CAMPBELL, HILKE FABER, JUDY HUNTINGTON, KAREN MATSUDA, AND BARBARA VAN DROOF Salty’s on Alki 1936 Harbor Ave. SW, Seattle 5:30 p.m. $40/guest wsna.org WSCRC’S 38TH ANNUAL GALA Bell Harbor International Conference Center 2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle 5:30 p.m. wscrc.org

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HING HAY PARK CELEBRATION Hing Hay Park 423 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 1 p.m.

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BOOK EVENT WITH TAKAMI NIEDA Kinokuniya Bookstore 525 S. Weller St., Seattle 2 p.m.

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23-24 YONI KI BAAT Seattle University Pigott Auditorium 7 p.m. brownpapertickets.com/ event/3214462

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THROUGH APRIL 22

“THE GREAT LEAP” BY LAUREN YEE Seattle Repertory Theatre seattlerep.org 206-443-2222

YU from 4 County courtroom o March 19 and agreed to be extradited sometime in the next two weeks.

The girl’s mother, Miu Luu, told The (Allentown) Morning Call that she cried from relief after being told that the pair had been located.

“For two weeks, I’ve had trouble sleeping and eating,” Luu told the paper. “I’m very happy.”

They had been missing since March 5, when local

25

APRIL 2

ENCHANTING CHINA Benaroya Hall, Seattle 8 p.m. seattlesymphony.org

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15TH ANNIVERSARY TOMODACHI GALA Hyatt Lake Washington Renton 5 p.m.

A CELEBRATION HONORING LEADERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION Wing Luke Museum 719 S. King St., Seattle 5 p.m.

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police said they bought one-way tickets from Philadelphia to Dallas and then headed to Cancun. Police said they believed the teen went willingly with Esterly, who had signed her out of school 10 times in the last few months.

The girl had altered her student records to list Esterly as her stepfather, said Gary Hammer, of the Colonial Regional Police Department.

Amy’s family previously said the two met at church years ago, and the 16-year-old girl is friends with one of Esterly’s daughters. Esterly’s wife, Stacy Esterly, said earlier

A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave., Seattle 6 p.m.

206-778-6357

7 ART EVENT EXPLORING THE CAMBODIAN AMERICAN IDENTITY, “THE ART OF SURVIVAL” Seattle City Hall 600 Fourth Ave., Seattle 1 p.m.

206-214-5986

14-15 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL Seattle Center 305 Harrison St., Seattle 11 a.m.

through her lawyer that she and her husband have been fighting constantly since the summer about his relationship with Amy, the Morning Call said.

Her attorney, John Waldron, told the newspaper that his client was “very happy and relieved” to learn that the girl and her husband had been found.

“She wants Amy home with her mom, that is what she has always wanted,” Waldron said. “She is glad that Amy is safe and that Kevin is with authorities.” 

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asianweekly northwest

YOUR VOICE

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Playwright brings “The Great Leap” to Seattle

By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

“I feel like everyone is a big fan of Jeremy Lin,” said the Bay Area native. “Basketball was something

Prior to writing her latest play, “The Great Leap,” Lauren Yee was not a huge basketball fan, although she knew of Linsanity.

I really didn’t understand even though my father played,” admits Yee. Her father, who stands at 6-feet-

1 and played recreationally as a youth, was part of a contingent for a club team that toured China.

Thus, the backdrop for which “The Great Leap” is set — inspired by her father’s past play on the court and his visit to China.

Yee’s father toured China in 1981. But Yee’s play starts in 1989, which was “an interesting and complicated point in Chinese history,” Yee points out, “and a good point at which to start.”

“The Great Leap” is about an American college basketball team traveling to Beijing for an exhibition game in 1989. The drama builds on and off the court, as an American coach deals with relevance within the sport. In addition, a Chinese coach must decide his role in the changing country, while a Chinese American player visiting the country seeks a lost connection. The political atmosphere in China was tense as rapid economic development and social changes clashed with old world ideas. The culmination of this occurred with student-led protests in Tiananmen Square and the subsequent massacre in which the government forcibly suppressed the uprising, and troops fired on demonstrators leading to civilian deaths.

Yee began her research on this

play with oral history from her father. From there, Yee envisioned what it was like with the student protests in Tiananmen Square but know so little about a complicated chapter in China’s history.

Yee completed “The Great Leap” in two years, which is remarkable for completing a play.

“Two years is quick.”

Yee knew writing was what she wanted to do. “When I was very young, I wanted to be a writer,” recalled Yee. “I knew it. I found theater, and playwrighting seemed like the best of writing and being with other people.”

Yee does not subscribe to the belief that Asian families discourage their children from the arts in favor of more lucrative jobs.

“I think it’s largely about immigrant families wanting the best for their kids.” Yee added, “I think my parents were extremely supportive.

They are not ‘theater people’ but come to see my shows.”

Although Yee’s latest play relates to China, she does not believe her body of work demands her to address Asian or Asian American characters.

“It’s 50/50 in terms of stories about culture and ethnicity as that is important and a significant part of my identity.” Still, she believes in

diversity when it comes to her plays. “I feel like even when it is not ethnically specific, it’s still important to think of who you are hiring and casting.”

“One of the things I get to do is write great roles for Asian American actors. It is important and integral.”

Yee was born and raised in San Francisco, but currently lives in New York City. She received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and went on to the University of California, San Diego, where she obtained a Master in Fine Arts in playwrighting and studied under Naomi Iizuka.

Her first professionally produced play was 2010’s “Ching Chong Chinaman,” a play about a Chinese American immigrant family.

She has received many distinguished fellowships including the Kesselring Prize in 2017. It is awarded to emerging playwrights since 1980 and comes with $25,000 and a two-week residence at the National Arts Club. Her play, “In a Word,” about a child’s disappearance which haunts a mother, received critical acclaim as an off-Broadway play this past see YEE on 12

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asianweekly northwest

8

■ PROFILE

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

36 YEARS

Photo by Yasunari Akita

A lesson in determination

By Jessica Kai Curry NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Looking at Vera Koo’s achievements, it’s amazing that they’re all attributed to one person. Surely, it would take four or five people to amass that many awards! In fact, it’s all her — Vera Koo, 71 years young, Chinese American, entrepreneur, mother and wife, multi-time world and national champion pistol shooter. Koo is a perfect example that anyone can achieve anything at any time.

Koo is currently training for two competitions: the 2018 World Action Pistol Shooter Championship and the 2018 National Action Pistol Shooter Championship (the Bianchi Cup). Koo has competed in every world championship since 1999, and every

national championship since 1997, missing only one year in both due to a broken leg.

Koo hasn’t just shown up. She has won. To Vera poses with her awards at that time in her home 2009. date, Vera has won eight national women’s he’ll find someone else to do it champion titles, while in the world event, she has consistently placed with him!’” When Vera Koo met her in the top three, and won two individual and husband, she said she didn’t have a single four gold team titles. All since the age of 40. athletic cell in her body. “I didn’t exercise, And all because Koo’s mother told her to make didn’t do anything outdoors. My sure she participates in her husband’s hobbies. husband is a complete outdoorsman Koo had a traditional Chinese upbringing. … so I had to do a 360-degree “I was told by my mom, ‘You are supposed turnaround and be that person to keep your husband company. Whatever he see KOO on 13 wants to do, you do it with him. Otherwise,

Photo by Shun Chu

Vera posing with her pistol in 2012 in Piru, California.

Vera Koo Photo by Jack Hutcheson

asianweekly northwest

YOUR VOICE

■ PHOTO CONTEST

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

Dog Photo Contest 1ST PRIZE WINNER

Thank you to all who sent in their photos. Many posted on here were disqualified because the photos did not include holding a sign that read “NWAW.” Photos of stuffed toy dogs were also disqualified.

The winning entry is from the University of Washington School of Social Work (UW SSW) API group called SWAPI — Social Work Asian and Pacific Islanders. Walker and Sterling (pictured in the front row) are from the Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League (WAMAL), an adoption/rescue group that helps find homes for Huskys and Malamutes. UW SSW wins a $100 gift certificate to Oasis Tea Zone.

The runners up each win $25 restaurant gift certificates.

Please call (206) 223-5559 and make an appointment to claim your prize. Your photo will be taken and published.  SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS JADE GARDEN RESTAURANT KING’S BBQ HOUSE

RUNNER-UP

RUNNER-UP

▲ Front row of dogs from left to right: Sterling, Walker, and Troy. Next row from bottom – left to right: Leo Egashira, Pharady Chea, Chanira Reang Sperry, Jane Lee, and Cindy Tang. Dogs in the back left to right: Leo Genie. 4th Row from left to right: Jennifer Maglalang. Behind and hold the banner: Saul Tran Cornwall, Assistant Dean Kalei Kanuha, Hao Tan, Dean Edwina Uehara, Jennifer Brower, Shirley Alcantara, and Ginny Song. Very back right holding the banner: Miya Yung. ▲ Fifi (left) and Heidi, 1 year old.

Very Top right: Stan de Mello.

▲ Kristyn Okada and Kuma ▲ Earl Barnes and dog Marlos Borgia

▲ Brian Miyamoto and dog Mochi

▲ Dena and dog Jac

▲ Frank Valenz and dog James Bond

▲ Tessa and Bear

▲ From left: Robert Ulep, Zoi Kung & Tek Kung with dogs, Jujubee, Juno, and Lucy.

▲ Lester

▲ Vivian Nguyen and Nori

▲ Vivian, Wing Zhao and Bobo

▲ Jay Serjon and dog Tintan

▲ Shinny Ip and dog, Latte

▲ Stacy Nguyen and dogs Charlie and Georgie

▲ Zoi (right) with Pom Pom and Pom

9

asianweekly northwest

10

36 YEARS

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Photo by Jason Cruz

Bruce Lee exhibit at Wing Luke continues with 4th installment

By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY “A Dragon Lives Here: Do you know Bruce?” continues its popular run with its fourth installment, featuring more of Bruce Lee’s personal effects at the Wing Luke Museum in the International District. Standup comedian and host of CNN’s “United Shades of America,” W. Kamau Bell provides a video introduction with Lee’s daughter, Shannon, to this latest installment. The latest exhibit opened on March 9 for patrons, and to the public the following day.

“Seattle was the place where my father first established community,” Shannon Lee explained to Bell in the video. “He loved the energy and multiculturalism of Seattle.”

The exhibit features a closer look at Bruce Lee’s history in Seattle. Reaching back through the assistance of the Bruce Lee Foundation, classwork from his days as a college student at the University of Washington (UW), personal poems, and television interviews are a part of the latest showing.

The original writings from Lee provide a unique glimpse into the philosophy and insight which cultivated his martial

arts career and eventually his breakthrough into movies and the consciousness of America. The Wing Luke has held three previous installments, each focusing on a distinct part of Lee’s life and influence. From his days on First Hill, to teaching martial arts on the lawns at the UW, to meditation at Greenlake, this installment has more on Lee’s days spent in the city. It also features an old menu at Ruby Chow’s Restaurant on Jefferson Street, where Lee worked as a waiter.

A unique part of this edition is a video at the entrance which takes a look at the gravesite of Bruce Lee at the Lake View Cemetery on Capitol Hill. The video interviews people speaking about the reason they come to visit his grave and the important influence he had on their lives. Shannon Lee also talks in the interview about the immense number of visitors that come throughout the year. Brandon Lee, Bruce’s son who passed away in 1993 due to an accident during the filming of “The Crow,” is buried next to his father.

In addition, a portion of the exhibit shows some of the greatest fight scenes involving Lee in television and the movies. There are also rare television interviews with Lee. As a holdover from previous exhibits are workout

A Dragon Lives Here: Do You Know Bruce? Part 4 is currently at the Wing Luke Museum. For more information, visit wingluke.org.

Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

WEEKLY SPECIALS

A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE 50 years ago our nation’s greatest peacemaker was brutally taken from us by a sniper’s bullet

equipments used by Lee to train. There is also the famous demonstration at the Long Beach International Karate Championships in 1967 in which Lee introduced the “one-inch punch” and “two-finger push-ups.” The video exemplifies the extraordinary physical condition of Lee and his unique abilities.

The Oakland-based comedian, Bell made a special trip to Seattle in early February to shoot the 6-minute video with Shannon Lee to introduce this installment. According to staff at the Wing Luke, Bell wanted to eat lunch at Tai Tung, where Lee and his friends frequented. In fact, he ate at Lee’s favorite table at the restaurant, which is just down the street from the museum. While many might not think Bell as the first choice to be the voice for a Bruce Lee exhibit, he acknowledges the influence the martial arts/television and movie star/global icon had on his life. Bell notes he took up martial arts when he was younger, but saw a deeper meaning in overcoming obstacles in Lee’s movies.

“All great men have beginnings and this is what Bruce Lee’s looked like,” said Bell in the video. 

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asianweekly northwest

YOUR VOICE

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

■ EDITORIAL

11

A federal grant program aimed at preserving the history of World War II-era Japanese American incarceration could be in danger under President Donald Trump’s proposed 2019 budget.

The budget proposal, unveiled last month, declines to request funding for the Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) grant program, which has provided more than $21 million of funding for the research and preservation of World War II-era incarceration camps, collection centers, and Department of Justice prisons over nearly a decade.

On March 16, Rep. Adam Smith joined over 50 colleagues in signing a bipartisan letter to the Appropriations Committee, calling for continued funding for the preservation of historic sites.

The letter reads, “The Japanese American internment constituted one of the darkest periods in our nation’s history. It would be an even greater failure on our part not to

guard against the future perpetration of similar racially motivated acts. The camps, relocation centers, processing areas, and other confinement sites located throughout the South and West are invaluable physical links that help to help current and future generations connect with the history and significance of the incarceration.”

Rep. Smith said preserving these sites “allows us to remain committed to protecting civil rights and to creating social progress, ensuring this suffering never occurs again.”

When we think of the words “Never Forget,” most Americans might think of 9-11.

We connect because we remember. Hopefully we learn and grow into better human beings.

As President George W. Bush said in September 2016, during the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “A great nation does not hide its history, it faces its flaws and corrects them.” 

Photo by Eugene Takawa

Preser ve W WII sites

2017 Minidoka Pilgrimage

■ COMMENTARY

Ear th to Bruno Mars Cultural appropriation or appreciation?

By Peggy Chapman Bruno Mars (Peter Gene Hernandez) won six Grammy awards this January, including Best Album for 24K Magic and Best Song of the year. His background is eclectic — his mother was Filipina, and his father is from Puerto Rico and also part Jewish. He was raised in Hawaii. His father nicknamed him “Bruno” after the Italian wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

After the Grammy Awards, there was backlash — primarily an online debate about how Mars was culturally appropriating music.

What exactly is cultural appropriation? The definition is broad, but in essence, it means stealing from a minority culture and benefiting for personal gain, without tribute or true appreciation for the culture. The argument can be reduced to stereotyping versus understanding. Blatant examples of cultural appropriation might be the “Mikado”

Bruno Mars

opera or trend-setting restaurants that claim the unique food culture they are introducing as their own discovery. (“You have to eat it like this…the way they do.”)

The argument that stirred the Mars debate was a writer from The Grapevine, a website that focuses on African American issues. Seren

Sensei Aishitemasu wrote: “What Bruno Mars does, is he takes pre-existing work and he just completely, word-for-word recreates it, extrapolates it…He does not create it, he does not improve upon it, he does not make it better. He’s a karaoke singer,

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he’s a wedding singer, he’s the person you hire to do Michael Jackson and Prince covers. Yet Bruno Mars has an Album of the Year Grammy.”

(She stated Prince never won a Grammy.)

The social media commentary was overwhelming, ranging from agreement to “so what is he allowed to do?”

And...so what is he allowed to do? What are the guidelines when it comes to cultural appropriation, especially when you are trying to understand what “cultural appropriation” is? There is the strong argument that earlier artists had to work harder, were never acknowledged, and now others are being acknowledged. But was it because of their influence, or was it stealing? Does this mean what is garnered now is theft or contribution?

Isn’t all art appropriated?

I will keep dancing to Bruno Mars and around cultural appropriation and the big orange-haired elephant in the room while figuring it out. 

asianweekly northwest

12

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

36 YEARS

■ LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Reader response to mobile park closing story Dear Editor, Reporter Jason Cruz might want to consider checking in with other elected officials and the homeowners themselves, before offering a one-sided story regarding the fate of owners of manufactured homes who reside at the Firs mobile home park in SeaTac. (Clock runs out in Olympia, March 16, 2018.)

Mr. Cruz ought to have highlighted two other bills that would have done much more for the homeowners.

For instance, HB 1514 (Rep. June Robinson) would have required landlords to provide 18-months notice of closing their manufactured housing communities — some real time for the homeowners to prepare for their future.

Additionally, HB 1798 (Rep. Joan McBride) would have provided nonprofit housing agencies and housing authorities an opportunity to purchase communities that

PUBLIC RECORDS from 1 to you, the public. While criticism of the process is well-deserved, we disagree that the policy itself is nefarious.

We thank the Northwest Asian Weekly for giving us the opportunity to share why.

To start, we do not defend the absence of process in passing SB 6617. Although the decision was not ours to make, in hindsight, we could have — and should have — been more vocal in expressing our skepticism and misgivings about the lack of public deliberation in order to slow the bill down and to provide time for public input.

We appreciate the groundswell of public opinion against our action, which led the governor to veto SB 6617 with the support of the Legislature. This allowed us to start over and — more important — to plan for better public participation in the process of

were being sold. This bill would have opened the door for King County Housing Authority, the Low Income Housing Institute, or some other eligible organization, to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement with the landlord. Each of these bills, if passed, would have been of great benefit to Firs home owners. Councilmember Peter Kwon and the SeaTac City Council did not support either bill.

Additionally, there is every possibility that the homeowners will be able to stay at the Firs. The city’s own relocation ordinance requires that all 70 homeowners and their families (200 people in all) be relocated to acceptable, affordable, and sustainable housing. Until they are successfully relocated, the Firs will stay open, under the city’s laws. The Homeowner’s Association is working hard to pull together the funding needed to purchase the Firs and thanks to the impressive work of Rep. Mia Gregerson, there is already $2.5 million set aside in the state’s capital

crafting this policy in the future.

Many in the press characterized the passage of SB 6617 as enacting greater secrecy on legislative records. In fact, we believed we were voting to establish greater transparency of such records.

The bill would have opened up lawmakers’ legislative calendars, correspondence with lobbyists, and final reports on misconduct investigations. The bill also would have made available internal accounting and financial records, including personnel leave, travel, and payroll records of legislators and staff.

Yet, one important goal of SB 6617 has been overlooked in the extensive coverage of this legislation: the Legislature’s desire to protect the privacy of our constituents, both prospectively and retrospectively. As elected officials, we are in frequent contact with individuals who seek our assistance

in obtaining services or our advocacy in achieving action. In these cases, we often collect information such as addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and other potentially sensitive and personal data.

In seeking to prevent the disclosure of the location of a domestic violence victim, or the address of an undocumented individual, or the employment records of an injured worker, the bill established common-sense parameters for the disclosure of legislative public records beginning on July 1, 2018.

This has prompted some in the media to imply that legislators are hiding information from the public.

The truth is we were simply trying to protect your privacy.

In the past, we recorded all manner of constituent information in an effort to serve our constituents. In the future, as the dialogue about public records disclosure

YEE from 7 summer. It earned the Francesca Primus Prize for an outstanding play by an emerging female playwright. Yee received $10,000 and was recognized by the American Theatre Critics Association.  “The Great Leap,” debuts at the Seattle Repertory Theatre

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budget to help with the acquisition of the Firs.

I have worked with these homeowners. If they are relocated, they will still lose their homes and all their equity, since there is nowhere else affordable to move their homes. In addition, their homes will be destroyed and neither the current land owner, nor any future developer, is required to pay one dime toward the cost of relocation.

At a time when this area, including SeaTac where the Firs is located, is facing a shortage of affordable housing, protections for both homeowners and landowners must be equitably enforced, and displaced homeowners must be made whole. 

on March 23 and runs through April 22. For more information, visit seattlerep.org.

For more on Lauren Yee, visit laurenyee.com.

Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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continues, legislators will wish to clarify what information our offices should collect and how to retain this data. This, too, is in an effort to serve our constituents and their best interests.

The intent of SB 6617 was to increase legislative transparency, balancing the desire for more accountability from elected officials while also protecting sensitive constituent information. But, the lack of a transparent public process in enacting the bill overshadowed this legislative intent and was completely unacceptable. We acknowledge this and are sincerely sorry for our rush to pass the measure.

Now that SB 6617 is out of the picture, we all have an opportunity to share our opinions on the right way to balance public disclosure with your right to privacy. We look forward to having that dialogue with you. 

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asianweekly northwest

YOUR VOICE

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

■ ASTROLOGY

13

Predictions and advice for the week of March 24–30, 2018

By Sun Lee Chang

Rat — Given the choice, would you rather stay close to home? Where you choose to be is not as important as the reason you are there.

Dragon — When one door closes, look at it as an opportunity to open another one. What matters is that you are still moving forward.

Monkey — If you are leaning towards what you view as the safe option, then you should be aware that the risk could mirror the reward.

Ox — You are able to keep order, even as chaos reigns around you. Maintain focus on what you need to get done and not what everyone else is doing.

Snake — Value can be defined in many ways. As long as it has meaning for you, then there is good cause to hold onto it.

Rooster — Compared to the amount of time and effort required, the thrill of the catch might not be worth it. Seek alternate means to get what you want.

Tiger — Asking for help isn’t exactly your forte.

However, with additional support, you should find that your strength grows as well.

Rabbit — There is much to be gained from pursuing your passions. When your hands are open, you will be ready to receive.

Horse — You are adept at building an image, but don’t forget to let the real part of yourself shine through what you have created.

Goat — Something you have envisioned for quite awhile is now within reach, though the reality might not match up to what you were expecting.

Dog — You cannot undo your past, but you do have the chance to shape how your future is going to look.

Pig — Don’t discount the person who tells you the truth. While it may not be what you want to hear, it is likely something you need to know.

What’s your animal sign?

Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Goat 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

*The year ends on the first new moon of the following year. For those born in January and February, please take care when determining your sign.

MR. FIX-IT from 5 status enjoyed by relatives of the Communist elite. Wang’s fortunes rose with those of his father-in-law, Yao Yilin, who as first vice premier strongly backed the bloody military crackdown on prodemocracy protesters in 1989.

Wang soon showed a particular talent for dealing with stricken state financial vehicles. In one notable triumph, he was praised for helping shield China from the aftershocks of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, after which he was named party secretary of the booming island province of Hainan.

His crisis-management skills were in demand again when a mystery respiratory illness was identified. During the deadly 2003 SARS outbreak, Wang was named mayor of Beijing, where he helped quell panic by ordering quarantines and daily public updates.

Wang was then handed responsibility for preparing the city for the 2008 Summer Olympics and, after being named a vice premier, Shanghai’s 2010 World Expo.

He is perhaps best known, however,

for being Xi’s enforcer following his 2012 elevation to the Politburo Standing Committee, charged with carrying out a sweeping crackdown on corruption as head of the party’s watchdog body that has seen some 1.5 million party members punished, including life sentences for a former Politburo Standing Committee member and a top general.

Partly as a result of that work, Wang has maintained a relatively low public profile over recent years.

Yet he raised eyebrows in September with a 90-minute meeting with President Donald Trump’s former adviser Steve Bannon, during which he reportedly quizzed the renowned anti-globalist about topics including economic nationalism and populist movements.

More conventionally, he has stressed steps taken to instill greater discipline among party members and shoring up party authority in meetings with guests as varied as Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Vietnam’s Communist Party chief Nguyen Pho Trong and Carlyle Group cofounder David Rubenstein.

“These reforms demonstrated the

KOO from 8 to him.” Little did anyone know, even Koo, that she wouldn’t just learn whatever sport her husband pursued — she would pick one for herself and become a world champion.

When Koo was introduced to shooting, she was already a mother and business owner. People in her circle began encouraging her to use a gun. “Go ahead, Vera, try it!” they would say. Koo innately understood the importance of gun safety, the lack of which she blames in part for the ills plaguing the nation.

“I saw the danger of being ignorant about firearms safety.

I went to school to learn about it. Nowadays, if people have better information, that can save lives.” Vera started her gun training at a community college. There were only three women in her class. By the time Koo finished her schooling, she could outshoot 98 percent of the other shooters on accuracy. Her instructor saw a bright future for her, while warning her to never “sandbag” — never to be complacent, but always to keep learning. Koo took that lesson to heart.

Koo often competes exclusively with men. People have tried to intimidate her. “Competition is very cutthroat,” they have told her, as if to imply, “I don’t think you want to try this.” Koo has been a part of the U.S. world action pistol championship shooting team since 1999. She has faced discrimination from the beginning. “Vera’s just here looking for men,” some shooters would say. “And then I beat them,” said Koo. “When you’re good, they respect you.” Koo noted that, among expert shooters, it is an equal

confidence of society with the (party) Central Committee,’’ Wang told Trong last year.

Despite such anodyne declarations, Wang’s intelligence, personality and drive leave a definite impression. One muchcirculated photo shows him with former President Barack Obama smiling and holding a basketball as if taking a lesson on how to shoot baskets.

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson pointed to the former academic’s knowledge of history and his “decisive and inquisitive nature,’’ along with his boldness in overcoming obstacles.

“He takes on challenges, does things that have never been done before and succeeds,’’ Paulson wrote for Time magazine’s Most Influential People of 2009. Wang also exhibits a “wicked sense of humor,’’ Paulson wrote.

In addition to grappling with corruption, Wang is also expected to capitalize on his experience leading regular exchanges with the U.S. to help guide policy with Washington in the uncertain age of Trump.

An early test may be his ability to head off a trade war with the U.S., said Beijing

playing field. “I’m just one of them. I’m a shooter, they are a shooter. I don’t see gender…I can do everything a man would do on the range.”

It wasn’t easy juggling the roles of wife, mother, entrepreneur, and aspiring shooter. Koo worked long hours at the office and at home, surviving off of very little sleep, so that she could do her best in every sphere of life. She knew she was bucking tradition and gender stereotypes.

“I aced everything at home and everything at the office… whatever job I 自1872年起服務西北岸社區 needed to do before I went to shoot. I did not compromise in any other area I was responsible for.” 非營利獨立協會 About her husband’s support of her shooting, Koo said, “I earned it.”

Koo is an icon in the shooting world. She has never forgotten her first lessons and never stops working to improve. “I never target to win as my personal goal. For all the matches for the last 20 years, I have never gone intentionally to win. I’m just trying to put out my personal best.” Koo attributes her success to the blessings bestowed

by God. “I am fortunate that I have the ability to think my way through problems. I am most proud of how I can survive all my obstacles.” 

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傳統式紀念碑

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Koo’s story can be found on her website, verakoo.com, and in her recently‧墓碑、紀念碑 released book, Vera‧土葬福地 Koo, the Most Unlikely Champion.

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Jessica Kai can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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commentator Zhang Lifan.

“We know he is good at finance and the economy and regarded as a troubleshooter, but it is questionable,’’ Zhang said.

The removal of term limits that allows Xi to rule as long as he wishes will also allow Wang to be his vice president indefinitely.

With no children and no political dynasty of his own to shape, Wang seems fully committed to being in the thick of Chinese politics.

Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, questions whether that is a gamble worth taking for either Wang or Xi. Assigning Wang such a senior portfolio against accepted norms is politically risky and says much about Xi’s willingness to defy his own party, “much as Wang is genuinely one of the most able among China’s top level leaders,’’ Tsang said.

“If Xi indeed ignores this, it shows how he is already putting himself in a Leninist strongman mode in how he exercises his leadership from this point onward,’’ he said. 

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14

EMPLOYMENT

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

EMPLOYMENT

36 YEARS

EMPLOYMENT

Subscribe to the Northwest Asian Weekly $40 for one year.

Name_____________________ Address ___________________ City _______________State____ Zip Code ___________________ Phone _____________________ Mail to: NW Asian Weekly 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104 or call 206-223-0623

Japanese restaurant in downtown Bellevue. looking for teppanyaki chef,sushi chef,server, and kitchen helper. Must speak English. Call 4255337773.

NOTICE

METROPOLITAN KING COUNTY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE ANALYST Closes: March 26, 2018 at 11:59 pm Salary Range: $79,898.42-$101,275.82 (DOQ) The Council is searching for a Legislative Policy Analyst to support the King County Council’s policy work. This position is a member of a team responsible for leading or conducting public policy and fiscal analysis for the King County Council and council committees that provide critical support and assist elected officials in making policy decisions for King County residents.

The Council is looking for candidates who have a passion for the legislative process, are creative and intellectually curious, have strong analytical, problem solving and communication skills, and a desire to work as part of a team To apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs A King County application is required to be considered for this opportunity. Interested applicants must complete the supplemental questions and submit a resume and letter of interest with your application.

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MISSILE ALERT from 4 It started with the words “exercise, exercise, exercise,’’ followed by a prolonged beep, then the phrase “this is not a drill’’ and another prolonged beep. It ended with “exercise, exercise, exercise.’’

Spokesman Lt. Col. Charles Anthony said the agency could only disclose a small portion of the recording because the U.S. Pacific Command would use the exact same or very similar language if it notified the agency of an actual missile threat.

“Somebody could use that verbiage to compose a message then call the state warning point and try to spoof state warning point into thinking there was a real missile alert,’’ Anthony said.

He said this could be a prankster, North Korea or “something in between.’’

The recording isn’t classified, but the material is so sensitive that the emergency management agency treats it like it is, Anthony said.

But Brian Black, the executive director of the Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest, said it’s troubling that the agency is only releasing portions that support their narrative of what happened.

The employee who sent the alert has said he didn’t hear the word “exercise’’ spoken during the drill and thought the threat was real. The agency has since fired him.

“The level of public disagreement about this issue raises the interest in this such that they really should have come forward with more and they really should have been more forthcoming about what it was that happened,’’ Black said.

Black said it sounds like the agency is saying it has no way of verifying

NEGISHI from 4 deputies found 80-year-old Sumire Negishi’s body and the couple’s car on March 13 at Orchard Hills Landfill outside Rockford shortly after they found 82-year-old Ei-ichi Negishi walking nearby.

the message is coming from Pacific Command other than the language that’s being used.

The agency’s action on Jan. 13 sent push alerts to the cellphones of thousands of Hawaii residents and visitors. Many panicked, fearing they were about to die in a nuclear attack. It took the agency 38 minutes to send another cellphone and broadcast message notifying the public the alert was sent in error.

Ralph Cossa, president of the Pacific Forum CSIS think tank in Honolulu, said he understands the state’s need to be cautious and is “quasi-sympathetic’’ to its position on the redactions.

“You don’t want your procedures so clearly spelled out that somebody who could hack in the future could duplicate it and send out send out a very realistic message that could then create panic once again,’’ he said. There are people

“both capable and inclined’’ to do such things today, he said.

“On the other hand, if that’s all they put out, it certainly will raise more suspicions than it will answer questions,’’ he said. Common ground should be found closer to being more transparent than the March 15 release, he said.

Cossa said he hopes there would be procedures in place to verify future messages from the Pacific Command and the messages would adopt some new wording. 

SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 6.

The sheriff ’s department says foul play is not suspected, but wouldn’t discuss autopsy results.

The couple were reported missing on March 12 from their home, about 200 miles away in West Lafayette, Indiana, where Ei-ichi is a Purdue University chemistry professor. The Japanese scientist won a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2010. 

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MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

NGUYEN from 1 come by.

Thach Nguyen is a private, for-profit real estate developer, investor, and philanthropist. In 1975, he and his family (dad, pregnant mom, sister, and four brothers) fled Saigon during the end of the Vietnam War. They packed everything into one suitcase and arrived in the United States with $100, and spent six months in a refugee shelter.

This would set the stage for a lifetime spent focused on the importance of having a place to call home.

A man named Charles Zettler sponsored Nguyen’s family to leave the shelter.

“If it wasn’t for people [like Zettler] who helped our family when we got here, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said Nguyen. “Zettler’s family shared their Sumner home with all eight of my family members for over a year, while we got on our feet. They contributed to us without any expectations or agenda — just to make the world a better place for others.”

Throughout his childhood, his family had very little money, yet Nguyen made his first million by age 27.

As owner of the Thach Real Estate Group (TREG) and co-founder of Springboard to Wealth, an education and coaching company, Nguyen’s passion today is to inspire others to increase their income and build wealth for tomorrow by harnessing the power of real estate.

It’s his way of paying it forward.

Some of the core values of TREG are a commitment to that same spirit of contribution and serving the diverse cultures and communities throughout Seattle. This inspired Nguyen to point his real estate expertise toward those struggling with being able to afford to have a roof over their head.

Private and nonprofit partnerships

Several low-income families live in new homes at Nhon’s Place in Seattle’s Rainier Valley — named in honor of Nguyen’s late father. Nguyen owns the land, and he had originally planned to build the homes to sell. Then First Place, a Seattle nonprofit agency for children and families in crisis, approached him, asking if he had any housing units for low-income families.

A light bulb went off.

Nguyen and First Place then approached the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) and asked if they could get a project-based voucher if the homes were built specifically for low-income families. SHA said yes, and with help of a construction loan from Foundation Bank, Nguyen started building.

In June 2012, the first family at risk of being homeless moved into one of the seven brand new homes at Nhon’s Place.

Each home is 1,500 square feet with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a one-car garage.

First Place finds families and places them in one of the Nhon’s Place homes. Their rent is subsidized through Section 8 vouchers.

Each unit generates cash flow, meaning after all expenses are paid, there is money

asianweekly northwest

YOUR VOICE

left over. It was a win-win-win situation.

However, given the escalating prices of current market, this kind of project is not feasible today. Nguyen said that short of finding land for free, a project like Nhon’s Place would be nearly impossible to duplicate today.

Another private-nonprofit project is in the works right now between InterIm Community Development Association and the Chan family, which owns the Four Seas property at 714 South King Street.

The partnership came about a couple of years ago when King County had a Request for Proposal seeking funding for transitoriented developments that provided affordable housing.

Evan Chan told the Northwest Asian Weekly his family chose to partner with InterIm because of its long history of providing successful affordable housing in the International District.

“Our family has been in the neighborhood since 1935 and thought this would be a great opportunity to provide affordable housing and to remain in the neighborhood for many years to come,” said Chan.

The $35 million project, named “Uncle Bob’s Place” in honor of the late Chinatown leader Bob Santos, will have approximately 104 low-income/affordable housing units, ranging from studios to three bedrooms.

The cost of development

“The cost of construction is so high [that] in order for [a developer] to break even on a mortgage, you have to have 50 percent equity,” said Nguyen.

Earlier in the decade, it cost roughly $140 per square foot to build.

Today, Nguyen said a similar townhome would cost $225-$250 per square foot because of rising labor costs, permits, and the increased time it takes to secure permits.

To build a 1,500-square-foot townhouse: $337,500 (at $225/square foot) +$162,500 (cost of lot) ------------$500,000

The mortgage on a $500,000 loan is approximately $2,500. Add in taxes and insurance, the monthly expense is now closer to $3,000. Market rent for a 1,500-squarefoot townhouse in a neighborhood similar to Nhon’s Place is $2,700. After setting money aside for vacancies, maintenance, and repairs, owners are barely breaking even. That is why rent is so high.

“That’s why typically the only people who can do affordable housing are nonprofits like Plymouth Housing and Low Income Housing Institute,” said Nguyen.

“They get to raise money from fundraisers and endowments, grants from the federal and state government, to buy land and build units.”

Nguyen said he hopes to see more partnerships between private developers and nonprofits, to lift some of the constraints on building.

Developers rely on loans and other sources to fund construction before people move in and start paying rent. But developers can only get those loans if they can show that their property will produce enough revenue to pay back the loans and pay returns to investors.

The gap between the amount a building is expected to produce from rents and the amount developers will need to pay lenders and investors can stop affordable housing development before it even begins, leaving few options for the millions of low-income families looking for safe, affordable homes.

Think small

“With the current market constraints, micro apartments may be the only way for [a for-profit developer] to help create affordable housing,” said Nguyen. “Shrink down the square footage, get more units, and help more people.”

According to Nguyen, people will sacrifice square footage any day for a lower price point, to live in Seattle.

15

Roger Valdez, the director of Seattle For Growth, a developer advocacy group, said in an interview with thelens.news last November that it’s common sense economics. “We’ve created an environment where it’s hard to build, difficult to produce the product, and so there’s high prices.”

Nguyen owns another development in Seatac which is a mix of market rate and affordable housing, one in West Seattle which are micro-units for affordable housing clients, and more projects in the pipeline in the Seattle area, as well as California. This is in addition to the single family homes he owns that he rents out to low-income residents.

Nguyen wants to connect with landowners who share his vision of providing more affordable housing.

“Someone who sees the value of projects like Nhon’s Place and likes it, and would see it as part of their legacy to partner with us with their land, on the condition that we build affordable housing. I will gladly do it.”

In many Washington communities, the cost of land has a significant impact on the ability to create homes affordable to people with low incomes. This is especially true in high cost areas like the Puget Sound region.

Earlier this month, the State Legislature passed House Bill 2382 which would make it easier to transfer underutilized public property so it can be used for affordable homes. It is awaiting Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature.

For Nguyen, it’s all about doing for others what Zettler did for Nguyen’s family decades ago.

“I feel good every day that I’m making a difference. I provide subsidized housing, affordable housing. I mentor and inspire others to make more money so they, too, can make a difference.”  Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

Bridge Replacement and HOV Program

SR 520 Montlake Phase WSDOT will host a for interested designers and construction contractors on Thursday, March 29, 2018 This Design-Build project is estimated to be between $375 million and $425 million

Meeting details: Date: Thursday, March 29, 2018 Time: 1 to 3 p.m.

Location: Wells Fargo Center, 15th floor 999 Third Avenue For additional information, visit us at: wsdot.wa.gov/biz/contaa/Contracts/Montlake.htm Title VI notice to public: It is the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin or sex, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OEO’s Title VI Coordinator at (360) 705-7090.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing the Office of Equal Opportunity at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll free, 855-362-4ADA(4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.

asianweekly northwest

36 YEARS

MARCH 24 – MARCH 30, 2018

CHEN from 1 ground doubles as a morgue for past ideas.

The early days were simpler, according to Ywanne Chen, Chen’s daughter and coinventor. Products the firm released included a tubular device that functions like a pogo stick on water, called the AquaSkipper. In many cases, Inventist filed patents itself.

“We did a few where a lawyer didn’t touch it the whole time,’’ said Ywanne Chen, 28. “Sometimes, that hasn’t mattered.

Nowadays, we have a bunch of stuff that’s in the tech and rideables field. That’s really competitive now.’’

Success in the last decade came in the form of electric, auto-balancing vehicles.

The breakthrough product was Solowheel, a quasi-unicycle where riders control movements by leaning forward or back like a Segway. That eventually inspired the Hovertrax, a two-wheeled board that became the basis of the hoverboard trend.

While Chen views Solowheel as a potential advent in human transportation — a device for people to replace short bike rides or long walks — he only ever saw the hoverboard as a toy. He was surprised that it became as popular as it did.

But it wasn’t Hovertrax that enjoyed that popularity. That brand retailed for about $1,000, and was soon undercut by copycats that sold similar products for a fraction of that cost. A March 2017 report from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission found that the United States imported 4.5 million Chinese hoverboards in 2015 alone.

“My daughter said, ‘Dad, if we got this right from the beginning, you would be a billionaire by now,’” said Shane Chen. “I feel terrible.’’

PATENT PROBLEMS

Getting rich has not really been a priority for Shane Chen, however. A lifelong

Shane Chen

tinkerer who first immigrated to the United States three decades ago, he readily admits he is more driven by inspiration and creativity. And that may be partly why they are in this position.

“Invention is sometimes simple. You’ve got an idea, make it. But in order to turn that into money, you have to do all the business things. Business people, they love it. That’s gold for them,’’ he said.

As the inventions have become more successful, so too have the legal demands.

Inventist was quickly overwhelmed by a deluge of knockoff hoverboard products.

Their only recourse, Shane Chen said, was licensing the product to a larger toy company with a bigger legal department.

Scott E. Davis, an intellectual property lawyer at the Portland-based firm Klarquist, said this isn’t an abnormal experience for independent inventors in consumer tech.

Filing for patents can be expensive, even before hiring an expert in patent law to make sure it is watertight.

“And of course, when you apply for a patent, there’s no guarantee it will be patented,’’ he said. “It’s somewhat costly, but also very essential to protect from

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knockoffs and copying down the line.’’

Foreign competition is also a different story. A patent in the United States isn’t going to shut down factories in other countries, but it can hold retailers and importers accountable. Inventist and its licensee, toymaker Razor USA, sought to do so in 2016 when they filed a case with the United States International Trade Commission.

But the year-long case ultimately sided with the imitators, largely due to a typo in Inventist’s initial patent.

“They said the way it was written with the mistake in it, it didn’t cover the knockoffs,’’ said Ywanne Chen. “This was a textbook, ideal ITC case, but it was all brought down by this typo.’’

Shawn Kolitch, another patent lawyer and partner at Kolisch Hartwell, P.C. in Portland, was not sympathetic. Inventors he represents have faced knockoffs just the same, and his firm made headlines two years ago when it arrived at the International Consumer Electronics Show with a pair of U.S. Marshals and seized an imitator’s booth. That was the same convention Shane Chen and his wife fled from.

“If you do things right and get highquality help from the beginning, there are many other outcomes than what Inventist experienced,’’ he said. “For God’s sake, look at your own patent and make sure that it doesn’t have a glaring typographical error that’s going to cost millions of dollars.’’

That is a lesson Inventist has learned, said Shane Chen. The company hopes to go back to the International Trade Commission for another enforcement action with a stronger patent.

Plus, the firm has a new invention close to market and already drawing attention.

Called the IOTATrax, it is said to combine the best of the Solowheel and the Hovertrax.

Portland website Digital Trends named it the best rideable gadget at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January.

Shane Chen is not sure how the IOTATrax will fare, but he said it will be better protected. He will also keep tinkering.

“You have to have interest, otherwise you would give up,’’ he said. “You have to have fun.’’ 

Photos from inventist.com

16

Chen’s designs