VOL 39 NO 32 | AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

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

VOL 39 NO 32 AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020 FREE 38 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Remembering

Election results: Aug. 4 primary Jin-Ah Kim Marilyn Strickland

The voting phase of Washington state’s 2020 Top Two Primary election has ended and the first results show that Gov. Jay Inslee advanced—he’s ahead of Republican Loren Culp with 52% of the vote to Culp’s 17%. Inslee is expected to be a heavy favorite in November.

Culp is the police chief of the tiny town of Republic in the northeastern part of the state. He got national attention after saying he wouldn't enforce gun regulations approved by voters in a 2018

Mackenzie Scott, billionaire ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, donates part of fortune to Asian charity

MacKenzie Scott

The ex-wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott, announced on July 28 a donation of $1.7 billion to 116 charities, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ).

All the organizations that received donations are established nonprofits, selected for working in areas of interest to Scott, from racial justice and LGBTQ equality to climate change and global health. Neither AAAJ or Scott revealed how much she donated to AAAJ, but in all, she gave $586.7 million to racial justice groups.

AAAJ is a national coalition of five affiliate groups under the Advancing

■

see SCOTT on 4

Sharon Tomiko Santos

Bob Hasegawa

My-Linh Thai

Cindy Ryu

Vandana Slatter

initiative.

In the race for lieutenant governor, Rep. Denny Heck, who had previously announced he was retiring from Congress, also advanced to the general election, with nearly 28% in early returns. Heck is endorsed by former governors Gary Locke and Christine Gregoire.

Democratic state Sen. Marko Liias got 17% of the vote. He’s backed by the current Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib, who

announced earlier this year that he was leaving his position to become a Jesuit priest.

It could take days to determine the outcome of that race and others, as the ballots arrive in elections offices throughout the week.

Here’s a look at all the AAPI candidates who are on track to advance to November. see ELECTION on 4

See-through masks, children’s masks reinforce educational alliance in Bellevue

Jin-Ah Kim

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY A talented photographer, fierce advocate, and incredible soul.

Those are among the words used to describe Jin-Ah Kim, 30, as condolences and heartfelt messages pour in. Kim, who used they/them pronouns, was killed shortly after celebrating their 30th birthday on July 24, in what their family describes as “a tragic car accident.”

On Facebook, their brother Stefan Kim wrote, “Jin-Ah was given their name by their father, which means ‘True Self.’ Jin-Ah would go on to make their namesake a living mantra, wearing their heart on their sleeve and touching countless lives on a daily see KIM on 11

It takes a trained volunteer four hours to make one see-through mask

Lily Yin wears a see-through mask

By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Education, Health Services, for the BSD. But see-through masks also allow learning to proceed for students who need to copy their teachers’ mouths as they learn to form sounds correctly.

“When a student receives speech and communication services from a speech language pathologist to support articulation and communication goals, they need to be able to see the shape of the lips and movement of the mouth to communicate more clearly,” said Lang.

In other cases, the see-through masks are necessary for students to make nonverbal connections with their teachers.

“For some students who receive special education services, being able to see the face of the educator helps the student to understand emotion and

After a harrowing process of testing, trial, and innovation, the Bellevue School District (BSD) Special Education Department has accepted a large order of see-through masks and other specialized equipment from local Chinese volunteers and other community groups.

See-through masks have multiple purposes. The BSD needed them for educators teaching students with a variety of special needs. Fitted with a removable plastic shield, the masks are primarily designed so that hearingimpaired students can still read lips.

“Students and employees who are hard of hearing often need to read lips to understand what is being said to them,” said Carrie Lang, Director of Special

see MASKS on 9

Store damaged in fire Photo by George Liu

Mia Su-Ling Gregerson

Davina Duerr

Photos provided by Lily Yin

Pramila Jayapal

A Seattle fire truck outside Jian He Hang on Aug. 5

The Jian He Hang store on 653 South Jackson Street suffered from heavy smoke damage after a small fire broke out between 2 and 3 a.m. on Aug. 5.

Residents who live in the apartments upstairs reported smelling smoke and someone called 911.

The owner of the store said he doesn’t have insurance and stated that the losses are “huge.” Nobody was hurt. Fire investigators have not yet determined the cause. 

412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 • f. 206.223.0626 • editor@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com

2

asianweekly northwest

38 YEARS

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS

■ COMMUNITY

Relief fund for CID small businesses raises $750K

Tina Shattuck is Mukai Farm & Garden’s first executive director

The first executive director for Mukai Farm & Garden on Vashon Island, Tina Shattuck, brings years of experience and skills in project and staff management, fundraising, event planning, and new business development.

Shattuck begins her new role on Aug. 7. She will lead membership and visitor engagement during this era of COVID-19 challenges to the nonprofit organization.

Tina Shattuck “As a first generation Japanese American on my mothers’ side, I am honored,” said Shattuck. “Mukai Farm & Garden has so much to offer to our community, and so much potential.

It’s even more important in our world today to talk about the immigrant experience and how it shapes the future of both our local landscape and our national conversations.”

Shattuck is also the founder of Women Hold the Key and Working Mothers (R)Evolution, supporting and mentoring women locally and abroad in skill building and support.

Supporters can meet Shattuck at the Zoom membership meeting on Aug. 17 at 4:30 p.m., shared on mukaifarmandgarden.org. 

Maneki turns to GoFundMe to stay afloat

Seattle’s oldest sushi restaurant, Maneki, launched a GoFundMe on July 23 to help raise some money, as it struggles to generate enough business to stay afloat and keep staff onboard. As of press time, it has raised $37,000.

Owner Jean Nakayama told Eater Seattle the money “would allow us to make some safety layout improvements for when we open our tatami dining room.”

Maneki has had to enhance its menu and reduce hours.

For the first time ever, the restaurant created an online ordering system and offered takeout.

Maneki said it did receive a Paycheck Protection Program loan and a small grant a few months ago, but with revenue down 70-80% and the pandemic showing no signs of fading anytime soon, it can use all the help it can get. 

BCD Tofu House founder Hee Sook Lee dies

Hee Sook Lee, who founded the beloved, Los Angeles-based restaurant chain, known for its bubbling pots of soondubu and its willingness to stay open late, passed away in mid-July.

Lee was a first generation Korean American who loved to cook and share her recipes with friends and family. After settling in Los Angeles, she founded the legendary BCD Tofu House, which grew into over 13 locations across the country.

Hee Sook Lee Michelle Steel, an Orange County supervisor and friend, called Lee “an amazing entrepreneur and community leader. Her brand and legacy will continue to live on and she will always be an inspiration to myself and many others.” 

CID Community Art Mural Contest

SEATTLE — The Chinatown International District (CID) Restaurants and other Small Businesses Relief Fund announced on July 28 that it has raised over $750,000, and provided direct financial aid to 165 small businesses that suffered revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What this tells us is that people care deeply about the resilience and recovery of the CID and that people know that their collective efforts can go a long way,” said Valerie Tran, Friends of Little Saigon (FLS) Operations Director.

The relief fund is co-managed by the CID Business Relief Team, a conglomerate of community-based organizations that includes the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority, CID Business Improvement Area, and FLS. Many individual donors donated with employer matches, including a group of Google employees known as “Asians at Google” that raised $15,000.

An additional $165,000 was raised from foundations and corporate donors, including Historic South Downtown, Lucky 7 Foundation, Union Bank, JP Morgan Chase, and the Rave Foundation. Several businesses founded in the Chinatown International District, including Uwajimaya, Pho Bac, and TDW+Co., also donated.

The fund is still open and accepting donations.  To donate or find information about the fund, go to bit.ly/cidbizrelief.

The art murals are located in different parts of Chinatown International District’s storefronts. Finalists will be announced in August on social media, our website www. nwasianweekly.com and the current print issue. Winners will be announced on Aug. 20 print and online.

PRESENTED BY

Awards categories: People‘s Choice Award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and honorable mentions. The public will be invited to vote online at nwasianweekly.com/events.

Voting period will be now—Aug. 13. Judges‘ vote: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

ELLEN FERGUSON

LING CHINN JIM DOANE

A special issue will be published, including many of the art murals on Aug. 27. A virtual celebration will be held to present awards and plaques to the artists with sponsors and partners, livestreamed on Facebook, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m.

YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY NEWS

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

asianweekly northwest

3

Young organizers bridge digital divide with “Telehealth Access for Seniors” Donated devices keep elders connected and healthy during COVID-19

By Theo Bickel, ICHS FOR NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

“They see a familiar face and they light up” Photo provided by ICHS

Grace Chen picks up an electronic tablet that’s been left at a donor’s doorstep and returns to her car. Later, it will be cleaned and wiped for a fresh start.

For the past three months, Chen and Katie Li, university students and organizers of “Telehealth Access for Seniors,” have been delivering donated electronic devices to Seattle-area medical clinics. The tablets and smartphones they collect are used to connect seniors to telehealth services.

“When the pandemic hit, we recognized that telehealth was going to be needed and appointments would transition online,” said Chen. “People often have outdated smart devices laying around that they no longer need. We wanted to get these devices to people who do need them.”

Older adults often feel uncomfortable with technology or with getting help to use it. Many devices are costly for low-income seniors. The resulting digital divide is life-threatening as people stay home to avoid exposure to COVID-19. Patients without the means to access telehealth services may stop seeing their doctor, increasing the chance of illness and serious health complications.

International Community Health Services (ICHS) was Li and Chen’s first recipient, accepting a donation of 33 tablets and smartphones on June 28. Li formerly volunteered at the nonprofit health center during high school. A third-generation Chinese American, some of her family members received care there. She liked how

telehealth capacity and help patients overcome hurdles.

Many ICHS patients are low-income immigrants or refugees, and more than half need English-language assistance. Because older people are at greater risk during the pandemic, Li and Chen’s donation has been especially welcomed.

“Patient care is all about breaking down barriers,” said Kannie Chim, ICHS PACE medical director. The ICHS PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program is a model of care that helps seniors live independently in their community.

“PACE program participants who live alone at this time are especially vulnerable,” Chim added. “These telehealth devices will be put to good use.”

From left: Katie Li, ICHS Foundation Development Coordinator, Tagoipah Mathno, and Grace Chen in front of the ICHS International District clinic on June 28.

they felt welcomed and understood.

To best serve patients, ICHS has worked to increase its

Raymond He, resident service specialist at ICHS Legacy House, has adapted to many changes since the assisted living facility closed to visitors on March 9. The abrupt end of family visits, communal meals, and social activities was hard on residents. During the first week of lockdown, He set up a laptop in a conference room so they could hold video chats with family members.

Many calls later, He and his colleagues have expanded the video calls to include telehealth appointments. From managing chronic conditions to checking in on mental health and feelings of isolation, these appointments have been a key part of the facility’s caregiving.

For many residents, this has been the first time they see ICHS on 10

4

asianweekly northwest

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

38 YEARS

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUG 11 INSTAGRAM ARTIST CHAT WITH CARINA A. DEL ROSARIO 5-5:30 p.m. instagram.com/winglukemuseum

15

18

VIRTUAL EVENT: BIG DAY OF PLAY 12-3 p.m.

RSVP with promo code: BD0P9 bigdayofplay.com

I-5 UNDERPASS PARK COMMUNITY MEETING 4-6 p.m. https://bit.ly/33QBCOM Meeting ID: 839 6362 8153

16 THROUGH AUGUST 16

TADAIMA! A COMMUNITY VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE 2 p.m.

Register at jampilgrimages.com/ virtualpilgrimageregistration

Register for Zoom program: https://bit.ly/3gz9Qov

20

WASHINGTON STATE

FEDERAL

Legislative District 1, State Representative Pos. 1 Davina Duerr (uncontested)

Congressional District 10, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland leads (21.4%)

SCOTT from 1 Justice umbrella, but according to Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC in Washington, D.C., it will receive the entire donation.

In a statement, AAAJ said, “We have no special connection with Ms. MacKenzie Scott, and the contribution that we received was unexpected, unsolicited and it was coordinated by a third-party consultant.”

Scott’s estimated fortune is $38 billion and she has joined a group of billionaires in pledging to give a majority of her wealth “back to society.” Scott helped Bezos found Amazon in 1997. After their divorce in 2019, Scott received 25% of Bezos’ stake in the company, minus voting control. The Bezos had four children together including an adopted girl from China. 

TRIVIA NIGHT RETURNS 5 p.m.

Tickets at https://bit.ly/33v14UR Trivia Night will be hosted on Zoom and Crowdpurr

ARTIST TALK WITH MICHELLE KUMATA Wing Luke Museum 6 p.m.

ELECTION from 1

Congressional District 7, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal leads (80%)

25

Legislative District 33, State Representative Pos. 2 Mia Su-Ling Gregerson leads (77%)

Legislative District 11, State Senator Bob Hasegawa leads (93%)

Legislative District 37, State Representative Pos. 1 Sharon Tomiko Santos leads (77%) Legislative District 41, State Representative Pos. 2 My-Linh Thai leads (60%)

Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 1 Cindy Ryu leads (66%)

Legislative District 48, State Representative Pos. 1 Vandana Slatter leads (73%)

ADVERTISE STATEWIDE with a $325 classified listing or $1,575 for a display ad. Call this newspaper or 360-344-2938 for details.

ATTENTION HANFORD, ARGONNE & IDAHO NATIONAL LAB (INL) WORKERS: Did you, your spouse, or your parent become ill after work related to nuclear weapons? You may be entitled to Lifetime Healthcare and up to $400,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information, call Attorney Hugh Stephens at 509-955-9595. We assist with initial claims, appeals, impairment ratings, wage loss & home/health care. No Recovery-No Fee. 2495 Main St., Suite 442, Buffalo, NY 14214.

DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted.

Free pickup. Call for details, 855-635-4229.

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-888-360-1582.

View the solution on page 10

Assunta Ng

Account Executives

John Liu

rebecca@nwasianweekly.com

Ruth Bayang

kelly@nwasianweekly.com

Publisher assunta@nwasianweekly.com Associate Publisher john@nwasianweekly.com Editor editor@nwasianweekly.com

Han Bui Layout & Web Editor han@nwasianweekly.com

Rebecca Ip Kelly Liao John Liu

john@nwasianweekly.com

George Hira

ghira@nwasianweekly.com

The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.”

The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article.

Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission.

412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 editor@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

YOUR VOICE

■ BUSINESS

asianweekly northwest

Microsoft confirms talks seeking to buy U.S. arm of TikTok

By CATHY BUSSEWITZ AP BUSINESS WRITER

NEW YORK (AP) — Microsoft confirmed on Aug. 2 it

is in talks with Chinese company ByteDance to acquire the U.S. arm of its popular video app TikTok and has discussed with President Donald Trump his concerns

about security and censorship surrounding such an acquisition.

In a statement, Microsoft said Microsoft and ByteDance have provided notice of their intent to explore a deal resulting in Microsoft owning and operating the TikTok service in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The company said it expects those talks to conclude by Sept. 15.

Trump said on July 31 that he would soon ban TikTok in the United States. Trump and CEO Satya Nadella have spoken, the company said, and Microsoft was prepared to continue exploring the purchase of TikTok’s U.S. operations after their conversation.

“Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the President’s concerns. It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury,’’ the Microsoft statement said.

The White House did not immediately comment on the Microsoft statement.

Previously, there were reports that Microsoft was in advanced talks to buy the U.S. operations of TikTok, which has been a source of national security and censorship concerns for the Trump administration. On Aug. 1, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo again raised the administration’s warnings about social media platform.

“These Chinese software companies doing business in the United States, whether it’s TikTok or WeChat— there are countless more ... are feeding data directly to the Chinese Communist Party, their national security apparatus,’’ Pompeo said on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures.’’

“Could be their facial recognition patterns. It could be

information about their residence, their phone numbers, their friends, who they’re connected to. Those—those are the issues that President Trump has made clear we’re going to take care of,“ Pompeo said.

In its statement, Microsoft said it may invite other American investors to participate on a minority basis in the purchase of TikTok. Financial terms were undisclosed.

TikTok’s U.S. user data is stored in the U.S., with strict controls on employee access, and its biggest investors come from the U.S., the company said.

“We are committed to protecting our users’ privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform,’’ a TikTok spokesperson said.

TikTok’s catchy videos and ease of use has made it popular, and it says it has tens of millions of users in the U.S. and hundreds of millions globally. But TikTok’s Chinese ownership has raised concern about the potential for sharing user data with Chinese officials as well as censorship of videos critical of the Chinese government. TikTok says it does not censor videos and it would not give the Chinese government access to U.S. user data.

The debate over TikTok parallels a broader U.S. security crackdown on Chinese companies, including telecom providers Huawei and ZTE. The Trump administration has ordered that the U.S. stop buying equipment from those providers to be used in U.S. networks. Trump has also tried to steer allies away from Huawei over concerns that the Chinese government has access to its data, which Huawei denies. 

WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE OUR COMMUNITY. When we all count in the 2020 Census, we will help bring money and political representation to our community for the next 10 years. When we are not counted, our community loses funding and resources.

For a stronger recovery and healthier future. Complete the census.

Our census. Our power.

5

844-330-2020 | 2020Census.gov

6

asianweekly northwest

38 YEARS

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG

Traveling during the pandemic Challenges and risks

Fear and worry make me think twice about exploring strange lands, when the coronavirus kicked in this year, killing even the strong, good, and young.

Where can I visit that is safe? Countries that have tamed COVID-19 and reopened have banned travelers from the United States. The U.S. passport, once a gateway to the world, is now not welcome.

Some countries, which didn’t require Americans to apply for visas to visit before COVID, now require them. Who can blame them? Many Americans are still not taking the virus seriously, not wearing masks and not social distancing— behaviors leading to

spikes in infections.

You can’t even visit our neighbor to the north, Canada. What about Mexico?

Don’t they love American tourists and our money?

“Travelers may experience significant delays and face the possibility of being returned to the United States or quarantined in Mexico,” states the website for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.

The two-week quarantine requirement in several countries for tourists would be a huge hurdle for me. By the time I fulfill the quarantine, my vacation time is gone. Being isolated in a foreign country is similar to being locked in a prison. Food is delivered to your room.

And don’t expect a steak.

You get sandwiches, meal after meal, according to my former high school

Street merchant selling swim wear at Leme Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Tijuca National Park at Rio de Janeiro

Photos by Assunta Ng

By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

see BLOG on 12 Sydney Chinatown

Buenos Aires train station

Weekly Specials

AUGUST 5-11, 2020

Uwajimaya’s Own

Lee Kum Kee (2.5 oz)

SEASONED GROUND PORK for GYOZA

MABO TOFU SAUCE

Medium Hot or Hot

3.99 lb

JUMBO COMBO

1.00

WHITE PRAWNS

Fresh!

NASUBI

Fried Rice, Chow Mein and Choice of Two Entrée Items

Japanese Eggplant

9.95

1.99 lb

Otafuku (14-15 oz)

16/20 count. Excellent for the grill!

11.99 lb

Chiao Mei (4 pc)

OTAJOY SAUCE

Lee Kum Kee (20 oz)

Original, Katsu, Yakisoba or Sushi

HOISIN SAUCE

3.99

1.99

BROWN SUGAR BOBA ICE BARS

6.99

To see all of our weekly specials, visit uwajimaya.com seattle

•

bellevue

•

renton

•

beaverton

•

uwajimaya.com

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

YOUR VOICE

■ COMMENTARY

asianweekly northwest

7

Local public housing leaders criticize rollback in fair housing rules By: Andrew Lofton Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority Stephen Norman Executive Director, King County Housing Authority Michael Mirra Executive Director, Tacoma Housing Authority Mark Gropper Executive Director, Renton Housing Authority As leaders of public housing authorities in the Puget Sound region, we are distressed that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is enacting a new rule that is directly counter to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which requires all federal agencies to affirmatively further fair housing in the administration of their programs. As the primary housing oversight arm of the federal government, HUD bears a particular responsibility to do this.

An important tool for this purpose has long been HUD’s regulation requiring local and state governments, as a condition of receipt of federal funding, to

Andrew Lofton

Stephen Norman

demonstrate that they are affirmatively furthering fair housing. Yet, in its new rule, HUD is largely removing any meaningful enforcement by terminating the current Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule and its reporting requirements.

HUD explains the rule change as a deference to local control, and even calls it “Preserving Community and Neighborhood Choice.” The administration has suggested that accountability on matters of housing discrimination by state and local recipients of federal funding would “destroy the suburbs.”

This shows an astonishing disregard of the national and local racial history in housing policy, how that history still shows prominently in the nation’s local housing markets, and the impassioned outcry in this country right now for

Michael Mirra

Mark Gropper

meaningful change in racial inequity.

Intentional federal policies over a hundred years, with the full complicity of local and state governments, incented or mandated overt racial exclusion of people of color from most neighborhoods and from programs that built a prosperous middle class. They encouraged the redlining of credit necessary to purchase homes and promoted exclusionary zoning, actions that were extensively supported by public and private connivance, and even violence.

This history of racial injustice in housing policy has played a pivotal role in racial inequity overall. The lack of homeownership, household wealth gap, concentrations of people of color in neighborhoods with underfunded schools and a lack of well-paying jobs, disparities in health outcomes and disproportionate levels of homelessness all trace to

deliberate local and national housing policies. What this means is that there is not only a lot of work to do, there is also a lot of work to undo.

The doing and undoing of this work is the central purpose of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. The housing challenge, and the nation’s challenge, is to create diverse communities that eliminate deeply embedded dividing lines by race, income, color, gender, national origin, language, age, and physical ability.

HUD’s rule change disavows the federal role in creating the problem, delegates the solution to communities that helped to create it, and abdicates the federal responsibility for fixing it that is embedded in the Fair Housing Act. The nation is living through an anguishing yet promising moment of racial self-reflection. This should be a time to make progress on long-standing issues of discrimination and racial inequity.

We encourage anyone who believes we need strong anti-racist housing laws that include accountability to contact HUD and members of Congress. Ask HUD to preserve its Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule and its reporting provisions.

And ask HUD to not walk away from the obligation to lead this nation in righting the wrongs of racial discrimination in housing. 

Mask Up

To open up, Washington!

When you wear your mask correctly, it helps stop the spread of COVID-19. Be sure it fits snugly over your nose and mouth.

coronavirus.wa.gov/masks

8

asianweekly northwest

■ SPORTS

38 YEARS

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

The Layup Drill

By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Welcome to another edition of The Layup Drill. As sports returns, we take a look at an NHL player speaking out for racial injustice, an NBA hopeful, a triathlete setting a record, and the passing of a surfing legend.

Matt Dumba makes stand by taking knee

Matt Dumba

The Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba was the first NHL player to take a knee during the U.S.

national anthem, as the hockey season restarted. On Aug. 1, prior to the start of the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers game, a pregame ceremony featured players from both teams standing in a circle on center ice.

Dumba, a member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, spoke about racial injustice and how hockey and its fans can help.

“Black Lives Matter. Breonna Taylor’s life matters…Hockey is a great game, but it can be a whole lot more,” Dumba said in his speech before the players in a fanless arena. The Hockey Diversity Alliance is composed of NHL players to eradicate systemic racism and intolerance in the sport of hockey. A sport made up of primarily white players from the United States, Canada, and Europe, Dumba is Filipino Canadian.

As the American national anthem played, Dumba took a knee with Blackhawks’ player Malcom Subban and Oilers’ Darnell Nurse, placing a hand on each shoulder. Dumba stood for the Canadian national anthem.

Dumba played the next night against the Vancouver Canucks.

Instead of taking a knee, Dumba

raised a fist during both the U.S. and Canadian anthems.

Unlike the NBA, where almost all of its players have taken a knee during the first couple games of the restart of its games, Dumba was the sole player to take a knee. However, many other NHL players showed support for Dumba and his support for Black Lives Matter.

Dumba is the face of social justice in the NHL. Dumba and the Hockey Diversity Alliance is hoping that the sport will become more diverse and incorporate people of color in promoting the sport.

Singh becomes first NBA Academy grad to sign with G League Princepal Singh, a 6-10 forward, has signed on to play in the NBA’s G League Select Team, which features elite youth prospects. Singh joined the NBA Academy India in 2017 with the hopes of playing professionally.

The Academy is an elite basketball training facility that helps top prospects throughout the country of India.

Singh moved on to the NBA

Japanese Triathlete sets world record

Princepal Singh

Global Academy in 2018, where he trained with other top prospects from around the world. He will join other top athletes, such as Filipinos Kai Sotto and Jalen Green, with the hopes of making it in the NBA. The 19-year-old from Punjab started playing volleyball as a youth. He wanted to attend a volleyball academy, but was instead recruited to play for a basketball academy in India. In October 2019, he was named the most valuable player at the Indian Junior National Championship. He also helped Punjab capture a gold medal in the under-21 category of the Khelo India Youth Games this past January.

Hiromu Inada

Hiromu Inada set a Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest person to complete the Ironman World Championship.

The 87-year-old became the oldest to finish the Ironman World Championships when he completed the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 run in Kona, Hawaii in 2016 and 2018. He was 83 years old and 85 years old at the time of completion. This past July, the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed the achievements. see SPORTS on 11

Lifelong Recreation Seattle Parks and Recreation

Arts, Fitness and Social Opportunities for Ages 50+ We are Seattle Parks and Recreation, programs for ages 50+ offering arts, fitness and social opportunities for older adults in 26 Seattle Community Centers. Due to the COVID-19 virus, our in-person programs are suspended at this time, but we are offering online fitness classes featuring some of our great instructors, virtual field trips and more.

Please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LifelongRecreationSPR/, search Lifelong Recreation on www.seattle.gov or watch our videos on The Seattle Channel.

We look forward to meeting you in person when the circumstances allow! For more information or to request to be added to our e-newsletter call Anne at 206-310-8163.

310-8163 Call 206-684-7484 Scholarships Available! www.seattle.gov/parks/find/ lifelong-recreation

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

YOUR VOICE

■ EDITORIAL

asianweekly northwest

9

An effort to dismiss the undercounted This week, the U.S. Census Bureau announced it would end its efforts to count the number of people living in the country on Sept. 30, a month earlier than anticipated.

The Washington Census Alliance, a coalition of more than 90 Black and Brown-led community organizations across Washington state, condemned the decision—saying the rushed timeline will exacerbate the undercount of people of color, immigrants, and rural communities that have not yet completed the census online, by phone, or by mail.

Asian Counseling Referral Service Director of Policy and Civic Engagement Shomya Tripathy Said called the move “an irresponsible and deeply damaging attempt to short change

historically undercounted communities.”

AAPI communities already have a history of being undercounted in the census, she said. “Our communities deserve resources like education, healthcare, and transit, regardless of language accessibility or internet access, but the decision from the Census Bureau indicates that is not the case.”

Nearly 63% of U.S. households have responded to the census so far, and the bureau said the recent change was part of an effort to meet the federal deadline, delivering the counts to President Trump by the end of the year.

This decision was made in the same week that Trump floated the idea of delaying the November Presidential election. It also comes on the heels of an announcement that,

for the first time ever, the Census Bureau will start to send emails to households in low responding areas, and may also send text messages. Recent data released from the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey show that the Census Bureau is significantly more likely to have email addresses of those who are white, over 35, and college educated. These emails will likely serve to further compound inequities in census coverage.

Washington Census Alliance Director Kamau Chege called the move a shameful, concerted effort to try and erase Black and Brown communities.

“Now, it’s up to Congress to take swift action and extend the deadline for the census data that’ll be used for redistricting and distributing congressional representation.

We’re in uncharted territory with the Census taking place during COVID-19 and Congress needs to make sure the Census Bureau counts everyone,” he said.

Trump tried unsuccessfully to add a citizenship question to the census, then he ordered the Census Bureau not to count undocumented immigrants—an order being challenged in court, and will likely be found to be unconstitutional. The U.S. Constitution specifically requires the census to count all “persons.”

This is just one more tactic Trump is deploying to help Republicans and preserve his political power. It will likely take action from our state’s congressional delegation to get the deadline pushed back, so contact your senator and representative and push them to do the right thing. 

MASKS from 1

be worn for a long period without pain.

Working with a group of volunteers, Yin and her counterparts contacted a factory in Taiwan that makes children’s masks, since it is no longer possible to order from factories in China, she said. The factory, learning the order was for children in the United States, immediately agreed to offer a discount of 50%. But after that, the challenges mounted.

First, there was fundraising. She contacted one of the leading local Chinese relief organizations, the Huazhong University of Science and Technology Alumni Association of Seattle, which agreed to pay for the masks.

But the challenges followed one after another. The masks didn’t fit younger kids.

So Yin arranged for them to add adjustable straps.

Material with cartoons that kids wanted was too expensive. It was copyrighted by

Disney. So she found material in Taiwan with Taiwanese cartoons.

For the see-through masks, the first round of plastic shields scratched easily, so Yin ended up choosing the kind of plastic used to make slides.

Finally, the plastic shields slipped out of the masks, so Yin added velcro.

Lang tested these out with a number of her teachers. They were all satisfied.

Delighted, actually. But the changes presented Yin with a new hurdle.

When she had made plain cotton masks before, at first it had taken her and her fellow volunteers roughly one hour to make a single mask. They had whittled it down, with practice, to less than 30 minutes per mask.

The new masks, with the plastic shields, required them to spend anywhere from three to four hours on a single mask.

That has not deterred her.

She has continued her fundraising efforts, this time approaching a leading Chinese educational nonprofit, Little Masters, which agreed to pay for the face shields. Now she’s moving on to helping the BSD get the ear savers they need. If anything, she said, the pandemic has encouraged the Chinese community to look outward and broaden its social

activism.

“We Chinese, we help each other a lot, but we don’t do enough to help others, but doing these masks is something,” she said.

Lang said the Chinese and other communities on the Eastside have been helping all along.

“Bellevue is such a diverse community, it is encouraging to see how different groups can come together to support all of our students in times of need,” she said.

“I really believe that working together like this, we can meet the vision of the Bellevue School District, ‘To affirm and inspire each and every student to learn and thrive as creators of their future world!’”

Yin agrees and adds that the pandemic has made such a mission even more vital.

“This is common sense,” she said.

“This pandemic is not an individual thing, it threatens all of us. If you don’t stand up at this time, for everyone around you, I feel that, then there’s no hope for the world.” 

intention,” she said.

The need for see-through masks — or any specialized masks, for that matter — is a reminder that some groups could be neglected during the rush for personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.

For instance, most children’s masks are often designed for older children and will not necessarily fit the faces of children with smaller faces, such as those in pre-K, according to Lily Yin, a member of the BSD PTSA and one of the volunteers leading the mask-making efforts.

Her revelation came after she worked with Lang to develop the see-through masks. Yin learned that, in addition to the see-through masks, the BSD still needed 4,000 children’s masks, 3,000 facial shields, and 10,000 ear savers. Ear savers cover the ears so that a mask can

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received for C01376C19, WTD System Wide Maintenance Hole Repair and Replacement Work Orders; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, via email, at procurement.submittals@kingcounty.gov , until 1:30 PM on August 18, 2020. Late bids will not be accepted.

The public bid opening will only be conducted via Skype or telephone following The Bid Due Date and Time. See Section 00020 for details regarding the public bid opening.

Brief Scope: The work under this Work Order Contract consists of performing repair or replacement of a variety of maintenance hole systems, including repair or replacement of large diameter maintenance holes in excess of 48” within 24 hour notice; exploratory excavation necessary to locate damaged portions of maintenance holes; restoration and repair of disturbed mechanical and electrical assemblies; repair of miscellaneous concrete or asphalt areas associated with the maintenance hole repair; back filling and grading as necessary to restore disturbed area to grade; restoration of landscaping; legally disposing of all debris; and restoration of above and below ground facilities altered by the Contractor to a condition equal to or better than the condition existing prior to the start of the work.

Estimated contract price: $250,000 Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/procurement_ovr/default.aspx

Mahlon can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.

10

asianweekly northwest

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

38 YEARS

CLASSIFIED NOTICE

NOTICE FIRST PUBLICATION

Sedro-Wooley Housing Authority (SWHA)

Landscape Maintenance Contract PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

08/26/2020

KCHA is soliciting bids on behalf of Sedro-Wooley Housing Authority for Landscape Maintenance for Hillsview Apartments, Cedar Grove I, II and III. Women and Minority owned companies are strongly encouraged to submit proposals. Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26th, 2020. Proposals are available at kcha.org/business/construction/open or via email @ JackieR@kcha.org on July 29th, 2020.

Advertize in our Service Directory below Just $10 a week! Minimum: 12 weeks for $120.

Call John at 206-223-0623 for more info.

Place a 6 line classified ad for mimimum $30! Classifieds are $5/line and run for a week. Space reservations 10 days before Thursdays.

Call 206-223-0623 and ask for John.

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

The American Legion Cathay Post 186

SERVICE DIRECTORY DONE RITE 206-487-8236

$10 off reading when you mention this ad

Chen was attending Yale University in February when news came of the coronavirus outbreak near her home in Bellevue. By March, Yale had closed its campus and Chen began adjusting to a school year disrupted.

A few classmates began a donation drive of used tablets and smartphones for local hospitals in Florida and Connecticut. When Chen got involved in May,

(425) 789-1974

HONG LAW FIRM, PLLC

(737) 200-1055

Bankruptcy Chapter 7  Personal Injury Landlord-Tenant  Simple Wills

www.retirenow2018.com

More to come

Tell past present, future, helps in love, marriage, business. Break your bad luck and troubles.

Re-store good luck.

$1,000/DAY POSSIBLE ONLINE!

have video called or used smart devices. Reviews have been positive. “They see a familiar face and they light up,” said He.

cathaypost@hotmail.com

PSYCHIC PALM & TAROT CARD READINGS MASTER HEALER & FENG SHUI SPECIALIST

CARPET CLEANING

ICHS from 3

Serving the community since 1946

206-856-8291  honglegal@gmail.com

Frank S. Hong, Attorney at Law avvo.com

she volunteered to expand the organization’s efforts to Washington state. Li, her friend from high school, got involved a few weeks later. The student-led group, Telehealth Access for Seniors, is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit led entirely by student volunteers across 26 states. It has coordinated over 1,250 device donations to medical clinics and hospitals, raised more than $50,000, developed resource guides in multiple languages, and set up a tech support line.

Chen and Li continue to solicit donations of tablets and smartphones in the Seattle area. Just recently, Chen visited the same neighborhood three times for different donations.

“One man offered to donate an old Android tablet in

» PERSONAL INJURY

» WRONGFUL DEATH

» AIRLINE DISASTERS

» DOG BITES

» BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

» PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

Mandarin, Cantonese & Korean Interpreter available

206-625-9104

WEBSITE: HLG.LAWYER

May,” she said. “He was excited about our cause and told his neighbors. Two more people have since offered to donate devices.”

In early August, they are planning to follow up with a second delivery of devices to ICHS, joined by even more volunteers.  To learn more about Telehealth Access for Seniors, visit telehealthforseniors.org.

For more questions, email Grace Chen at grace.chen@yale.edu.

SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 4.

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

asianweekly northwest

11

Predictions and advice for the week of August 8–14, 2020

By Sun Lee Chang Rat — A mutually beneficial arrangement is within reach, but it will require some concessions on both sides.

Dragon — You don’t hide from the truth. As such, you will be far ahead of the pack in terms of preparedness.

Monkey — It is best not to waste what leverage you have, instead hold on to it until you truly need it.

Ox — There is no need to fill every empty space.

Sometimes, stillness and silence are preferred.

Snake — Do you feel as though you’re being left out of an important decision? Don’t be afraid to voice your concern.

Rooster — Not quite sure what the game plan is yet? If one is not forthcoming, consider taking the lead.

Tiger — If you are inclined to criticize, try a different tact. Showing support and encouragement could be more effective.

Horse — Despite the open invitation, there is something to be said for being careful about wearing out your welcome.

Dog — Although you would like to add a few extra touches, there is a point where less is definitely more.

Rabbit — Are you pushing your boundaries in a good way? It is important to realize that some limits are self-imposed.

Goat — You are eager to share some potentially big news. However, it makes sense to wait until it is more certain.

Pig — Have you been searching for an obscure item? Luckily, you are getting very close to what you have been seeking.

WHAT’S YOUR ANIMAL SIGN? RAT 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 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, 2019

*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.

SPORTS from 8 “The Ironman World Championship was not achieved by one person,” said Inada in an interview with a Japanese newspaper. “I think I was able to finish the race because of the support from all over the world. I don’t think about the limit of how old I am, so I want to cherish the feelings inside me and do what I can now.”

Inada was 85 years and 328 days old when he completed the 2018 Ironman. He completed the race in 16 hours, 53 minutes, and 49 seconds, just 6 minutes and 11 seconds shy of the 17 hour cutoff for race participants. Remarkably, Inada has raced in Kona eight times and finished three times.

“It’s an extremely tough race for an old man like me,”

KIM from 1 basis, as they worked to become the beautiful soul you all know and love.”

Kim was recruited by Pramila Jayapal for her 2016 campaign for Congress as a communications intern.

“Jin-Ah was an invaluable member of the Seattle community, bringing a sparkling light and joy to their photography and all of their interactions,” said Rep. Jayapal.

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to work with such a very special person, to support their art and causes, and to watch their radiating smile touch everyone they came into contact with. We will honor JinAh’s life by continuing to live strong for justice, speak out for what is right, and fiercely stand up for the most vulnerable in our community.”

Northwest Asian Weekly publisher Assunta Ng met Kim in 2017 when Kim ran for Shoreline City Council.

Although Kim didn’t win, they told the Asian Weekly, “I made history as the first long-term opioid recovering addict to run and hopefully, it will inspire

said the retired television reporter. “[B]ut there’s a part of me that wants to challenge myself and see how long I can keep competing. “

Surfing legend passes

Derek Ho

other former addicts to come out and not be fearful.”

“The first and only time I met them, I was impressed,” said Ng. “Kim was fearless, bold, and honest, and spoke about their opioid addiction … it’s sad and shocking to learn that their life was cut short.”

State Sen. Bob Hasegawa hired Kim, who he had first met as a staff photographer in the Legislature, as his session staff during the 2018 Legislative session.

“During that session, amongst their other duties, Jin-Ah chose to focus on behavioral health and recovery issues because they carried a passion in those areas based on personal experience. I listened to their passionate and well reasoned policy positions in support of those who were really suffering and consulted them for guidance and thoughts as those issues came up during session.”

Hasegawa called Kim “a model of fierce advocacy to do what’s right for people and to not let past practices and business as usual stand in the way. JinAh was a walking testimony that personal experiences are an undeniable and indisputable reality and that we cannot

The first Hawaiian world surfing champion Derek Ho passed away in July at the age of 55. Born in Hawaii, the Chinese American won a surfing world title at the age of 29 and became the first native to do so.

Ho became a top surfer of Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline as a

dismiss people’s solutions, which are based on those realities.”

Kim became hooked in high school after being prescribed painkillers, and their goal was to remove society’s stigma towards drug addicts. Friend Joseph Lachman said Kim went through a long journey with recovery.

When speaking about safe injection or consumption sites, Lachman said, “Jin-Ah was always very adamant in calling them community health engagement locations. It wasn’t just about consumption or injection, it was about reframing it as sites where you have engagement with folks at all kinds of stages of recovery.”

Lachman said there’s a lot of misunderstanding within the Asian American Pacific Islander community about community health engagement locations— that they only encourage drug use, and don’t improve communities.

“Jin-Ah always very fiercely pushed back against that narrative and talked about how incredibly important they’ve been … in saving [addicts’] lives. Jin-Ah helped educate so

teenager. The area, located on the North Shore of O’ahu, is one of the world’s most famous places to surf. In his early 20s, he won the Pipeline Masters event, which brings out the top surfers from around the world. He went on to become a four-time Triple Crown winner. The Triple Crown event consists of three surfing events on the North Shore of Hawaii.

Ho reportedly died of an apparent heart attack. He had been surfing big waves up until last year.  Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

many people on that issue.”

“There are few individuals who are active in more than one circle and are able to touch lives and contribute across many sectors of society,” said SeaTac Deputy Mayor Peter Kwon. “[Kim’s] support for the API community never wavered, serving on the APACE board while also contributing to the Korean American Coalition, collaborating with elected leaders, community leaders, and the community itself. What is really incredible is all this spanned only around four short years, and Jin-Ah was just getting started. “ Zoe McMahon organized a fundraiser in Kim’s memory. On a GoFundMe page, McMahon wrote, “This is our chance to give back to an individual who gave so much to so many. All proceeds will be turned over to their family to assist in covering all related expenses toward her care. Any contributions exceeding said expenses will be used to set up a memorial fund to be donated to the primary causes Jin-Ah spent their life contributing towards.”

When asked how to best honor Kim’s memory, Lachman

said, “Listen to stories and experiences of people in recovery. Don’t dismiss their narratives, their truth.”

Hasegawa said, “I will miss Jin-Ah’s energy, expertise, knowledge, smile, energy, and audacity… Rest in peace, you powerful spirit.”

On Facebook, Stefan Kim wrote, “While Jin-Ah may no longer be with us in a physical sense, their legacy lives on in all of us who work to live our best lives, give hope to the hopeless, and work to stay true to ourselves. Please honor JinAh’s memory by taking time today and every day to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.”

Messages to the Kim family may be emailed to inmemoryofjinahkim@gmail. com. “Please feel free to share stories and memories so that their parents are able to read through them for encouragement as they grieve,” Stefan Kim said.  To donate to Kim’s fundraiser, go to gofundme.com/f/inmemory-of-jinah-kim.

12

asianweekly northwest

38 YEARS

AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2020

classmate, who was locked down inside the Diamond Princess Cruise in February for weeks after 700 people got infected.

What were once our favorite getaways, cruises are now being cast as being trapped in hell holes, leaving passengers with miserable experiences. What’s the point of traveling when you have to deal with unexpected traumas and risks?

The other night, my husband dreamed about flying on a plane.

Yes, we can dream about it, but seriously, do I really want to get on the plane now and fly to Michigan for instance? No and yes. I love to travel, though.

I do feel terrible for airlines, seeing their fortunes tumble and thousands of jobs being lost. It could last for a while. COVID has made several industries rethink how and what they can do to improve sanitary conditions and air circulation.

But the real difficulty on the plane is, you cannot practice social distancing at all. If an airline sells only 60% of its seats, can it survive or make any profit? Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines do not sell its middle seats, but it’s still not wide enough for six feet of social distancing in the economy section.

I have traveled a lot in the past 22 years, and witnessed sloppiness on the plane. My friends have shared stories of blankets and pillow cases not cleaned, and garbage left from the previous passenger in

Photo by Assunta Ng

BLOG from 6

One of the hundreds of summer houses on Thousand Islands on St. Lawrence River, Canada

business class. Now, airlines are working hard to change their cleaning process.

It is also troubling that some passengers defy the mask policy, and some flight attendants don’t say anything about it. Alaska Air announced on Aug. 5 that masks would be mandatory, effective on Aug. 12.

My brother has been flying back and forth between Texas and California to see his grandchildren. To him, it’s not an issue. He feels comfortable flying. His advice is not to use the plane’s toilet. He went to the airport’s restroom before he boarded the plane.

“I wear my mask on the plane all the time,” he said. It can work for a short flight. What if I have to fly a long flight to Asia and Europe? Never mind, Europe doesn’t want any American tourists. Only one Asian country welcomes us with open arms,

Cambodia.

My niece and her husband flew to Australia via a transfer in Singapore on Mar. 10, the day before its government imposed quarantine requirements for tourists. On the transfer flights from Singapore to Australia and vice versa, the plane was mostly empty.

She said the flight was fine, and everyone wore masks. She brought wipes and sanitizers to clean her plane seat before she sat on it. During meals, people took off their masks, that was OK too, she said, as she and her husband came home safe.

It’s not just the trip to your destination and all the safety measures you need. What about safety issues during your trip, the return flight, and after the trip?

It’s a tough lesson not only for travelers, but for the families at home. My son and daughter-in-

law traveled to the Middle East in late February in the middle of the pandemic. He agonized over whether he should go or cancel his trip. He decided to go. However, he never stopped worrying about the status of COVID during the trip, while I was stressed at home constantly for their safety. They feared that they might not be able to return home as infection rates soared all over the world, so they ended up canceling the last and possibly the best part of their trip, Egypt. Changing their flight itinerary cost a pretty penny.

My husband and I begged them to do so and even offered to pay for the penalty. All of us were so relieved when they were finally home and earlier than expected.

Immediately, they selfquarantined for 14 days. My son sneaked in to work only after everyone had left the office.

He wouldn’t allow us to hug him even though I hadn’t seen him for weeks. Travelers were careful to avoid other people after returning home in case they were asymptomatic. So there are multiple emotional tolls for travelers during the pandemic.

There might be some alternatives if you are fed up with being locked down. It is hard for families with little kids to be homebound during the summer.

Travel domestically around Washington state or in the United States. RV sales have gone up.

You can even rent a camper to travel around the state. Even in the United States, as many as 30 states, including Washington, are

high-risk areas for COVID-19. Is it worthwhile for a trip if you have to do so much more preparation?

My friend, who just drove to Lake Chelan from Seattle, said she brought many things along for her five-day trip, including sanitizers, wipes, and food. She didn’t want the hassle of going into stores to buy food all the time. Although she said the hotel was cleaned, she had probably cleaned much of the room before she and her husband used it. A recent New York Times story on travel suggested folks bring their own pillows. A good idea.

Ultimately, it’s unwise to travel during a global health crisis, no matter how much I want to.

Friends who have booked trips this year before the pandemic have all had to cancel.

I am not restless despite trips not being on my radar this year.

Instead, I reminisce about all the cherished memories of previous trips. I feel immense gratitude and contentment that I have already visited 44 countries, plus territories and islands all over the world.

“Please don’t complain that you stay home everyday,” my best friend WhatsApped me recently.

How did she read my mind? “Be grateful that you are safe at home and not in a hospital,” she said.

There is an option, my husband joked, “Travel through YouTube.”

For this year, maybe!  Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.

Alaska makes changes on masks, safety, and social distancing.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines shares its plan on safety, cleanliness, and social distancing to protect passengers. The following is the response from Bobbie Egan, Alaska’s director of communications.

What safety measures have Alaska implemented to deal with the pandemic?

We’ve thought through every single stage of the travel experience, from booking to boarding and beyond, and have implemented nearly 100 ways to keep guests safe when they fly with us.

Drawing on the expertise of the University of Washington Medical Center’s medical and infectious disease experts, Next-Level Care is our commitment to keeping you healthy and safe.

Flyers must sign-off on a health agreement at check-in to acknowledge and attest to their willingness to adhere to the mask requirement. Other layers of safety include physical distancing onboard with blocked middle seats on mainline flights through Oct. 31; enhanced cleaning of our planes between every flight; hospital-grade HEPA air filters; an air filtration system that brings fresh, outside air into the cabin every three minutes; reduced onboard service to reduce interactions; and hand-sanitizing wipes for guests onboard.

The Seattle Times had a story about passengers not wearing masks on your airline and flight attendants let them. What’s your response?

Effective Aug. 12, all Alaska passengers

will be required to wear a fabric mask or face covering over their nose and mouth (except for children under the age of two)—with no exceptions. If it’s not worn, the offending passenger will not be allowed to fly on an Alaska flight.

If a passenger is unable to wear a mask or face covering for any reason, Alaska regretfully will be unable to provide them with travel. The heightened policy at Alaska will remain in effect as long as public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the necessity of wearing masks and face coverings in public places. In late June, Alaska empowered its flight attendants to issue a final notice to any guest—in the form of a yellow card handed to them— who repeatedly disregards or disobeys the requirement to wear a mask or face covering. If the guest does not comply during the flight after receiving the yellow card, his or her travel with Alaska will be suspended immediately upon landing.

What’s your social distancing policy on the flight?

We’re blocking middle seats on our mainline flights and limiting the number of guests on our flights. Gate agents may reassign seats to create more space between guests or to seat families together.