VOL 41 NO 3 | JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022 by Northwest Asian Weekly

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

VOL 41 NO 3 JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

FREE 40 YEARS YOUR VOICE

Maiko Winkler-Chin leaving SCIDpda, joining City of Seattle By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Photo provided by SCIDpda

The executive director of the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) is joining the Bruce Harrell administration. Maiko Winkler-Chin, who has served as executive director for more than 12 years, has been appointed as Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing, contingent on City Council confirmation. “As the City considers major infrastructure projects, of which several are in [the Seattle Chinatown-International District] neighborhood, what is the role of housing and community development for this neighborhood? I approach the work from a neighborhood-

level perspective, which may be unique,” Winkler-Chin told the Northwest Asian Weekly. A news release from the mayor’s office stated that Winkler-Chin will be charged with leading the office at a time of rapid change, as it receives significant resources for building and maintaining housing and provides rental assistance and support for tenants and small landlords. Harrell said, “Maiko wouldn’t be willing to leave her job of nearly two decades if we didn’t have a real opportunity to make positive change for our City at this unprecedented moment. I’m so excited to see her proven leadership in action—advancing major investments, improving office processes, and bringing an innovative approach and a

After 24 years, affirmative action awakens How one question will lead to a new era of equity in Washington state

Washington Equity Now steering committee: (from left, back row) Dennis Worrell, Winona Hollins-Hauge, Dr. Dexter Gordon, Rev. Wilhemena Daniels, Julia Bobadilla-Melby, Attorney Karama Hawkins, Eric Silvers. (Front row) Nat Jackson, Esther Huey, Attorney/Former State Rep. Jesse Wineberry

By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

see WINKLER-CHIN on 10

When is defeat not defeat? see AFFIRMATIVE ACTION on 11

Maiko Winkler-Chin

Burien has a new mayor:

THE INSIDE STORY

Sofia Aragon

SPORTS The Layup Drill 5

PICTORIAL Photo memories from 2021 8

Provided by City of Burien

By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Bao Tran, local filmmaker, honored by ViacomCBS  7

Sofia Aragon

“I have some really big shoes to fill.” That’s what Sofia Aragon said in her speech on Jan. 10, after the Burien City Council voted to elect her as mayor for a two-year term. Aragon is the executive director of the Washington Center for Nursing, a nonprofit organization focused on building a strong and diverse nursing workforce. She is the first woman of color to be

mayor of Burien. Aragon praised the outgoing mayor, Jimmy Matta, who became the city’s first Latino mayor in 2018—for his “willingness to outreach to community members whether or not they are in agreement on issues debated by the city council.” Matta will continue to serve as a council member. Aragon, who is Filipino, was nominated by council member Kevin see ARAGON on 10

Concerns over the growing cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has prompted Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) to postpone its Lunar New Year (LNY) celebration—which was originally slated for Feb. 5. “These past few years of adjusting and navigating the event landscape have been challenging,” CIDBIA posted on Instagram. “Ultimately, our unwavering priority is the health and safety of our community members,

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exhibitors, performers, and attendees.” The celebration has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 30th, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. “We remain committed to our mission and vision of advocating for a welcoming environment for our businesses and community and urge you to continue supporting the ChinatownInternational District whichever way you can, especially because LNY is such a prominent cultural event for this neighborhood.” 

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

Photo from CIDBIA

CIDBIA Lunar New Year celebration postponed

asianweekly northwest

40 YEARS

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Starbucks tests out boba-style iced coffee

Starbucks is carrying out a limited test of two beverages “made with coffee pearls” at two stores this winter, including one in Bellevue, Business Insider reported. A spokesperson declined to share further details, but a viral TikTok video posted by @kirbyssister shows a sign at a Starbucks store telling customers to "try our new coffee popping pearls." The sign listed two new drinks containing “Iced Chai Tea Latte with Coffee Pearls” for $5.45 and “In the Dark,” an iced drink which the TikTok user said was based on Starbucks’ Cold Brew, for $5.25. Boba, also known as bubble tea, has exploded in popularity over recent years, with bubble tea stores popping up across the United States. 

Peter Kwon becomes APAMO president

SeaTac City Councilmember Peter Kwon has been selected to lead Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO) as its president for 2022. Kwon is starting his seventh year on the SeaTac City Council and previously served as APAMO’s treasurer Peter Kwon for the past five years. Kwon stated he would like to “build a more sustainable, equitable, and accessible post-pandemic cultural sector” and that “it is the participation of our stakeholders that makes this

possible.” One of the National League of Cities’ five constituency groups, APAMO brings together Asian Pacific American municipal leaders to network and share best practices. 

Sam Cho named VP of Port of Seattle Commission

Sam Cho

Toshiko Hasegawa

On Jan. 4, Sam Cho was elected as vice president of the Port of Seattle Commission, and the newly elected commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa will serve as secretary. The commission has its first people of color majority in its history. Hamdi Mohamed also took office last week. 

Watari’s debut picture book: I Am Able to Shine

Korey Watari has teamed up with her husband, Pixar artist and creator of the Ellie series, Mike Wu, to create “I Am Able to Shine”—a picture book to be published in

May. It is the story of Keiko, a young Japanese American girl with big dreams, and about embracing your identity and being true to yourself. Watari and Wu live in the San Francisco Bay Area with their two daughters. This is their first picture book together. 

Jung on Vogue February cover

For the first time in its 130year history, Jung Ho-yeon is the first East Asian to grace the cover as a solo feature for Vogue magazine. T h e South Korean model received international recognition after the global success of the Netflix series, “Squid Game,” in which she played Kan Sae-byeok, aka player 067. In 2019, Priyanka Chopra, who is of Indian descent, became the first South Asian to receive her own American Vogue cover. In Jung’s feature, the model-turned-actress discusses her sudden rise to fame after amassing over 9 million social media followers. 

THE YEAR OF THE

TIGER

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE BELLEVUE COLLECTION WE WISH YOU GOOD FORTUNE AND HE ALTH as you gather with family and friends to celebrate traditions during this season. To see a virtual presentation of traditional dances, crafts and more, go to bellevuecollection.com/lunarnewyear

GIFT WITH PURCHASE | JANUARY 19 - 23 Share your good fortune with gifts from The Bellevue Collection. Spend $500 at any Bellevue Collection stores or restaurants and receive a $50 Bellevue Collection Gift Card when you bring your same-day receipts to Guest Services in Bellevue Square’s Center Court. Purchases must be made on the same day between January 19 - 23. Restrictions apply.

LNY-2022_TBC_SeaChinesePost-NWAsianWkly_Ad_final.indd 1

12/27/21 5:03 PM

YOUR VOICE

■ LETTER

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

asianweekly northwest

Open letter to Inslee in response to the GD 98-01 rescission By I-200 PAC (formerly known as Let People Vote – Reject R-88 PAC), American Coalition for Equality Dear Governor Inslee, We would like to begin by thanking you for your service to Washington state during these difficult times, and we sincerely hope that you and your family are well. Last week, you announced your intention to rescind and replace Governor’s Directive 98-01 within the coming days. Over the past year, we have noted that I-1000 supporters have proposed an Executive Order that would effectively repeal I-200 by changing how Washington state interprets I-200’s prohibition. As the group that successfully defended I-200 in 2019, we urge you to respect the will of the voters and not to issue any Executive Order that would violate I-200 in any fashion. In 1998, the citizens of Washington state passed I-200, effectively banning discrimination and preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, and contracting. I-200 is now codified as RCW 49.60.400 and rests within the WLAD statutory framework. In 2019, Washington voters once again definitively reaffirmed their support for I-200, even though the measure’s opponents outspent its supporters by roughly three to one. We respect our opponent’s view and position, but even in the face of vast political and financial odds, our position in support of I-200 has very broad public support in Washington state. An Executive Order is an inappropriate mechanism to overturn I-200, which is what I-1000 supporters effectively propose. The Washington Constitution grants legislative power

to the legislature. It also enshrines one of the foremost rights of Washington state citizens: the ability to exercise legislative power through the initiative process. In contrast, the Washington Constitution vests the Executive Branch with the power to faithfully execute the law, even those laws enacted by the citizens through this initiative process. Washington courts describe the separation of powers doctrine as a “foundational constitutional principle.” In 1998, after the passage of I-200, Governor Locke issued Governor’s Directive 98-01 to bring the state into compliance with I-200. Governor’s Directive 98-01 began by acknowledging I-200 and reaffirming Washington’s commitment to outreach and recruitment efforts to encourage diversity. Governor Locke acknowledged that “[i]n cases of a direct, irreconcilable conflict, [he] will read I-200 as implicitly repealing or overriding pre-existing law.” We believe that the I-1000 supporters’ proposed Executive Order is deeply flawed. In contrast, Governor’s Directive 98-01 sets a bright line rule that adheres to the law and limits the risk of legal liability for the state. In particular, we wanted to note the following flaws with the proposed Executive Order’s interpretation of what I-200 prohibits: 1) I-1000 supporters incorrectly interpret Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No.1, 149 Wash. 2d 660, 72 P.3d 151 (2003). Parents Involved held “RCW 49.60.400 prohibits reverse discrimination where race or gender is used by government to select a less qualified applicant over a more qualified applicant.” Id. at 689-90. Parents Involved does not state that RCW 49.60.400’s reverse discrimination prohibition is limited to times where the government solely

uses race or gender. Washington case law is well-settled that WLAD prohibits using certain considerations as substantial factors in decision-making. Nothing in the text of RCW 49.60.400 or court opinions interpreting RCW 49.60.400, suggest that RCW 49.60.400 is to be interpreted in a different manner from the rest of WLAD. The proposed Executive Order’s sole factor test contradicts well-settled case law interpreting the WLAD statutory framework as compelling a substantial factor analysis. 2) In 2019, Washington voters rejected I-1000, which would have added the language “sole qualifying factor” to the definition of preferential treatment in RCW 49.60.400. If Washington voters had intended to limit RCW 49.60.400’s protections to times when a defined trait is the “sole qualifying factor” in a covered state agency decision, they would have voted to do so when they had the chance in 2019. Since the time the amendment was considered and rejected, the legislature has not amended RCW 49.60.400 to insert any similar limiting language. Therefore, interpreting RCW 49.60.400 to mean what was rejected in I-1000 would not respect the will or intention of the voters. The proposed Executive Order also contains a number of directives that are inconsistent with RCW 49.60.400 or violate

WASHINGTON DEPT OF ECOLOGY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT

January 17 – March 11, 2022

Ecology invites you to review and comment on a draft Permit and draft Public Participation Plan for the Clean Earth/Burlington Georgetown East of 4th facility located at 734 S. Lucile St., Seattle, WA, 98108. The draft Permit is a “Dangerous Waste Corrective Action Permit” that allows environmental cleanup at the site to continue. The Public Participation Plan encourages community involvement in the cleanup process and outlines how people can comment on cleanup process decisions. These documents were prepared by Ecology with Clean Earth/Burlington. When the public comment period ends, Ecology will consider all comments and may change the documents based on them. After considering all comments, the documents will become final. Facility Site ID #47779679, Cleanup Site ID #2622. Supporting documents are available online at: ecology. wa.gov/BurlingtonEast4th. For questions contact janelle.anderson@ ecy.wa.gov, 425-301-6454. Submit written comments to: https://bit.ly/ EastOf4thComments

the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. In particular, the following provisions are problematic: 1) Authorizing state agencies to consider race and gender as substantial factors in public employment, education, or contracting violates RCW 49.60.400. 2) Directing public institutions of higher education to abandon race-neutral admissions practices for race-conscious practices, including using race-conscious measures to grant scholarships and financial aid, violates RCW 49.60.400. A goal of attaining a critical mass of diverse students would lead to a university using race as a significant motivating factor in admissions. Additionally, while Grutter authorizes the use of “plus” factors in admissions, this practice is the exact type of preference prohibited by RCW 49.60.400. 3) Requiring the use of preference points, price preferences, and mandatory MWBE goals in public contracting is likely prohibited by RCW 49.60.400. In addition, implementing binding affirmative action plans and goals in public employment violates RCW 49.60.400. 4) Conditioning government expenditure to public contractors on the basis of race or gender, particularly in the form of “financial relief,” violates RCW 49.60.400 see 98-01 on 9

BỘ MÔI SINH (ECOLOGY) WASHINGTON THÔNG BÁO THỜI GIAN CÔNG CHÚNG GÓP Ý: 17 THÁNG 1 ĐẾN 11 THÁNG 3-2022 Bộ Môi Sinh xin mời quý vị đọc và góp ý cho bản thảo Giấy Phép và bản thảo Kế Hoạch Công Chúng Tham Gia cho quy trình làm sạch cơ sở thứ tư của Clean Earth/Burlington Georgetown East tọa lạc tại 734 S. Lucile St., Seattle, WA 98108. Bản thảo Giấy Phép là “Giấy Phép Khắc Phục Chất Thải Nguy Hiểm” cho phép công tác làm sạch môi trường tại địa điểm được tiếp tục. Bản thảo Kế Hoạch Công Chúng Tham Gia là khuyến khích cộng đồng tham gia vào quy trình làm sạch môi trường và chỉ dẫn cách mọi người có thể góp ý về các quyết định của quy trình làm sạch. Các tài liệu này được soạn thảo bởi Bộ Môi Sinh và công ty Clean Earth/Burlington. Khi thời gian công chúng góp ý kết thúc, Bộ Môi Sinh sẽ xem xét tất cả các góp ý và có thể thay đổi các tài liệu dựa trên những góp ý này. Sau khi tham khảo tất cả góp ý, các tài liệu sẽ trở thành văn bản chính thức cuối cùng. Facility Site ID #47779679, Cleanup Site ID #2622. Các tài liệu hỗ trợ có sẵn trên mạng tại: ecology. wa.gov/BurlingtonEast4th. Nếu có câu hỏi, xin liên lạc: janelle. anderson@ecy.wa.gov, 425-3016454. Gởi góp ý đến: https://bit.ly/ EastOf4thComments

asianweekly northwest

40 YEARS

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR JAN 13

UNITY IN VOICES— BRIDGING THE GAP, A RECEPTION TO HONOR NEWLY ELECTED BLACK AND ASIAN ELECTED OFFICIALS 5-6 p.m. Via Zoom Register at https://bit.ly/3z4524G Meeting ID: 984 1825 8953 Passcode: nwasian nwasianweekly.com/ events

seijinusa.org/seijinregistration seijinusa.org

LITTLE SAIGON OPERATION CLEAN STREET TO SERVE IN HONORS OF DR. KING’S LEGACY Chu-Minh Tofu (initial rally point), 1043 S. Jackson St., Seattle 11 a.m.-1 p.m. missioncontinues.org

MINH CARRICO WAS LOST AND NOW HAS BEEN FOUND, “CALL ME BUDDY” 2-3 p.m. Via Zoom Zoom Meeting ID: 716 4280 1111 Passcode: 23x40X minhcarrico.com

“UNITED BY CHALLENGES,” U.S.JAPAN FRIENDSHIP COMING OF AGE CELEBRATION Bellevue College and Zoom 1-3 p.m. RSVP required

Seattle 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Suggested donation is $20 Tickets at https://bit. ly/3zQG1dN NOW THROUGH JAN. 30, 2022

WILDLANTERNS Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle 4-8:30 p.m. zoo.org/wildlanterns NOW THROUGH JAN 31, 2022

22 LEARN HOW TO MAKE BÁNH TÉT, ONE OF MANY TRADITIONAL LUNAR NEW YEAR DISHES, “BÁNH TÉT MAKING” Little Saigon Creative, 1227 S. Weller St., Ste. A,

PAPER DIALOGUES: THE DRAGON AND OUR STORIES National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market St., Seattle For hours, please check online at nordicmuseum.org

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.

King County encourages minority business enterprise participation. King County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. KC000397 OPENS: 01/24/2022 Treatment Plant Energy Consulting Services No pre-proposal meeting will be conducted. Submittals are due Monday, January 24, 2022 @ 2:00p PST.

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.

FREE COVID-19 COMMUNITY VACCINATION CENTER OPEN IN AUBURN 2701 C Street SW, Auburn 7 days a week, 12-7 p.m. Appointments & drop-ins are welcome More info: bit.ly/kc-comm-vax

FEB 12

LUNAR NEW YEAR’S SEATTLE NIGHT MARKET, 21+ ONLY Magnuson Park Hangar 30, 6310 NE 74th St., Seattle 2-10 p.m. Tickets at https://bit.ly/3r6kAkV

Lake View Cemetery

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received by the King County Procurement Services Section through the County’s E-Procurement system for the following listed bids. Instructions on how to submit a bid electronically, view any current bid opportunities, express interest, communicate with the Buyer via Message app and/or successfully submit a bid through the E-Procurement system prior, and more are provided on the County’s website: https://kingcounty.gov/procurement/ registration

NOW THROUGH JAN 31, 2022

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-888-674-7053.

Seattle’s Pioneer Cemetery Est. 1872 An Independent, Non-Profit Association

Featuring

Traditional Side-by-Side Monument Properties

206-322-1582

1554 15th Ave East

(North Capitol Hill)

View the solution on page 10

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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

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

YOUR VOICE

■ SPORTS

asianweekly northwest

By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY Welcome to another edition of The Layup Drill. In this edition, we take a look at a great start to 2022 for figure skater Nathan Chen, one of the best hockey players in the Northwest, Tiger Woods returning to the golf course, and the best move of 2021. NATHAN CHEN WINS 6TH STRAIGHT US FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIP Nathan Chen had landed some of the most difficult jumps in figure skating, soaring through the air with a dizzying array of quads and flawlessly stringing together incredible combinations that left the crowd wanting more. Figures that he would faceplant on a simple step sequence. It didn’t matter, though. Nor did a mistake on one of his four quadruple jumps. Chen was that much better than everyone else at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Jan. 9, winning the free skate with 212.63 points and scoring 328.01 in all—good for his sixth consecutive title.

Chen’s six titles are the most by a men’s skater since Todd Eldredge won his sixth in 2002, and he is the first to win six in a row since two-time Olympic champion Dick Button won seven straight in the 1940s and 1950s. It has been a remarkable fouryear run for the 22-year-old Chen since a shockingly poor short program at the Pyeongchang Games cost him a shot at an Olympic medal. Chen won 14 consecutive events, from national titles to world championships and everything in between, before losing to Vincent Zhou at Skate America in October. That turned out to be a blip. Chen won Skate Canada the very next week. He underscored his readiness for Beijing when he broke his own national record in the short program, a throwback to his “La Boheme” program from a couple years ago that featured a pair of soaring quads and scored 115.39 points. Then Chen put his readiness in all CAPS with his performance in the free skate. Wearing a costume adorned with a supernova, Chen blasted off into another level to music

AP Photo/Mark Zaleski

The Layup Drill

Nathan Chen competes in the men’s free skate program during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Jan. 9.

from “Rocketman” with a score that beat his own Grand Prix best this season of 307.18 points. And he topped the 322.36 points his biggest rival in Beijing, two-time Olympic champ Yuzuru Hanyu, scored in winning the Japanese national title last month.

HOCKEY RISING STARS The Seattle Kraken’s inaugural season at Climate Pledge Arena has many locals watching the NHL more this year. But the state of hockey in the northwest has been thriving with minor league hockey. One of the latest prospects

that could be in a Kraken uniform in the coming years is Marcus Nguyen. The Calgary, Alberta native currently plays for the Portland Winterhawks. The 5’10, 170-pound Nguyen is a see LAYUP DRILL on 10

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITIES FOR A NIGHT OF SHARING AND LEARNING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 5–6 P.M. To participate in the conference, you need to register online at:

asianweekly northwest

40 YEARS

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

Oh Il-nam aka Player 001 didn’t win in The Squid Game. But the actor who played him—O Yeong-su—enjoyed a historic win at the 2022 Golden Globes on Jan. 9. Yeong-su, 77, scored the award for best supporting actor in a series for his work on the Netflix show. The win marks the first time a Korean actor has taken home a Golden Globe in the best supporting role category. In a statement issued via Netflix, Yeong-su said, “After hearing the news of the award, I told myself, ‘I’m a decent guy,’ for the first time in my life. Now, it’s no longer ‘us within the world,’ but it’s ‘the world within us.’” He added, “While embracing the scent of our culture and while embracing the love for my family deep in my heart, I give thanks to everyone in the world. I hope you all live beautiful lives. Thank you.” Squid Game co-star Lee Jungjae (Seong Gi-hun aka Player 456) congratulated him via Instagram. “All the scenes with the teacher were an honor,” Jung-jae captioned a photo of him and Yeong-su sharing a laugh on set. The Japanese film “Drive My Car,” got best non-English language motion picture.

Lee Jung-jae’s Instagram account

■ NATIONAL NEWS Squid Game actor is first Korean to win a Golden Globe

Lee Jung-jae (right) congratulated his co-star O Yeong-su on social media

The Golden Globe Awards, Hollywood’s so-called biggest party that regularly drew 18 million television viewers, was reduced to a live-blog on Jan. 9 for its 79th edition. The embattled Hollywood Foreign Press Association proceeded with its film

Former KING 5 anchor criticized for being ‘very Asian’ ST. LOUIS (AP) — Michelle Li, who formerly anchored mornings on KING 5 in Seattle, received an outpouring of support from around the world after a viewer criticized her for “being very Asian” and told her to “keep her Korean to herself.” Michelle Li, now an anchor at KSDKTV in St. Louis, Missouri did a 30-second segment on New Year’s Day about foods people eat for the holiday. She finished with an impromptu comment that she ate dumpling soup like many Koreans do. A viewer left a message saying she “kind of took offense” to the comment because, she suggested, a white anchor would get fired for talking about what white people eat on New Year’s. Li, who is of Korean descent, was raised by white parents in Missouri. She said in a post on KSDK that she reconnected with her Korean family in 1998 and has incorporated Korean culture into her life since then. She posted the woman’s message on social media and received thousands of messages of support, including from former NBA player Rex Chapman, comedian Margaret Cho, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. On Jan. 4, Li announced that she and Gia Vang, who is Hmong and an anchor on KARE in Minneapolis, were offering a line of merchandise with the logo “Very Asian” for a limited time, with proceeds

going to the Asian American Journalists Association. Li didn’t immediately reply to a message seeking comment that was left at KSDK. In her post on her station’s website, Li said the racist post turned out to be a gift because it led so many people to share family pictures and stories on social media. “There is more good than bad,” she said. KSDK said in a statement that it fully supports Li. “At KSDK, we embrace diversity in the people we hire, the stories we tell, and our local community. We will continue supporting Michelle and celebrating diversity and inclusion,” the station said. 

awards without a telecast, nominees, a red carpet, a host, press or even a livestream. Instead, members of the HFPA and some recipients of the group’s philanthropic grants gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for a 90-minute private event, announcing the names of the film and

television winners on the organization’s social media feeds. The HFPA came under fire after a Los Angeles Times investigation revealed last February ethical lapses and a stunning lack of diversity — there was not a single Black journalist in the 87-person group. Studios and PR firms threatened to boycott. Tom Cruise even returned his three Golden Globes, while other A-listers condemned the group on social media. They pledged reform last year, but even after a public declaration during the 78th show, their longtime broadcast partner NBC announced in May that it would not air the 2022 Golden Globes because “Change of this magnitude takes time and work.” The HFPA claims that in the months since its 2021 show, it has remade itself. The group has added a chief diversity officer; overhauled its board; inducted 21 new members, including six Black journalists; brought in the NAACP on a five-year partnership; and updated its code of conduct. 

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

YOUR VOICE

■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

asianweekly northwest

Photo by Al’n Duong

By Andrew Hamlin NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

Bao Tran

The Seattle area’s own Bao Tran started out working for himself, scraping money and resources together to make short films. But thanks to ViacomCBS, he’ll have an easier time realizing future projects. The communications company

recently declared Bao Tran one of five participants, in VicacomCBS’ 20212022 “Directors Initiative,” dedicated to building careers for talented directors from “underrepresented groups.” The award allows Tran to take meetings with network and studio executives, showrunners, producers, and other industry leaders; shadow a seasoned director on CBS productions; professional support including agent and manager procurement, branding, business development, and portfolio overview; and continued support. He’ll also, as part of a new wrinkle in the program, have a chance to direct a dramatic television episode. All the above together could seem overwhelming, but Tran, who grew up the son of Vietnamese immigrants in Olympia and Shoreline, is no stranger to networking, and hard work in general. He thanks his bilingual household for a lot of inspiration and understanding. Speaking English alongside Vietnamese “helped me make connections about how people can think, express, and understand themselves in very different ways. A really important skill in storytelling.” Asked which moviemakers inspired him to make movies, he’s quick to name Jackie Chan “because who doesn’t love kung fu movies? And as I started discovering [Jackie Chan’s] influences

LOWER GREEN RIVER CORRIDOR

FLOOD HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN

PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SCOPING AND PUBLIC MEETINGS Tell us what you think about flood risk in the Lower Green River Corridor and help shape an important environmental study.

COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED! Scoping: December 1, 2021 to January 14, 2022 February 4, 2022

Scan code or go to LowerGreenSEPA.org

HOW TO PROVIDE COMMENTS

Online: LowerGreenSEPA.org Email: lowergreensepa@kingcounty.gov Mail: King County Flood Control District Michelle Clark, Responsible SEPA Official 516 3rd Avenue, Room 1200; Seattle, WA 98104

516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104

Photo by Al’n Duong

Bao Tran, local filmmaker, honored by ViacomCBS

Director Bao Tran on set

like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly, I fell in love with movies as a whole.” At age 12, Tran grabbed the family camcorder and began to record movies with friends. A lot of kids grab a camera as a hobby, but Tran kept at it, and attracted attention with his fifth short film, called “Bookie.” Shot in collaboration with Tran’s close friend Nick Risinger, who agreed to act as movie producer, “Bookie” took about

three years to make, because the two young men had to raise money and go to college, in addition to shooting around Queen Anne and Rainier Beach. But the process was worth it. Along the way Tran met the action film director Corey Yuen, who mentored him through the next phase. “I’m fortunate to know Corey as a family friend, and he opened my eyes to see TRAN on 9

asianweekly northwest

■ PICTORIAL Someone set up a tent on Thanksgiving Day inside the pagoda at Hing Hay Park.

40 YEARS

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

PHOTO MEMORIES FROM 2021

Dow Constantine and his crew came to Chinatown to film his reelection ad in October.

PHOTOS BY ASSUNTA NG

Bruce Harrell visited Chinatown on March 11, 2021 to film before he announced his bid for mayor.

Ping pong players enjoying a game in the snow

Doug Baldwin introduced Bruce Harrell at a fundraising event at China Harbor Restaurant.

Rosa Melendez and Carmen Best visited Chinatown after Best finished writing her book, “Black in Blue.”

One of several rallies held by AAPI Against Hate in 2021. This was at Hing Hay Park on March 25. Represntatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and a panda promote recruitment at Hing Hay Park.

On March 25, 2021, organizers for AAPI Against Hate protested at Hing Hay Park

Vigil held for Asian Americans killed, including Donnie Chin, at Hing Hay Park in April.

State Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos spoke to protesters on May 1 at S. King St.

Bruce Harrell visited Chinatown on March 11, 2021 to film before he announced his bid for mayor.

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

YOUR VOICE

■ ASTROLOGY

asianweekly northwest

Predictions and advice for the week of January 15–21, 2022 By Sun Lee Chang Rat—The situation might be new, but your approach should include the same good common sense you are used to exercising.

Dragon—Do you give a lot of yourself, but it isn’t always reciprocated? A rebalancing could be in order.

Monkey—Listen to what your body is telling you. If you need rest, then by all means make sure you get it.

Ox—You do not have to accept every request that is made of you. Be honest about what you can take on.

Snake—A difficult assignment is best tackled at the start of the week. It won’t be as bad as you expected.

Rooster—You have come much farther than you realize. Don’t let past fears hold you back from reaching your goal.

Tiger—Are you doing the heavy lifting on a project? If there are others on the team, distribute the load.

Horse—You have generally been making progress, so don’t let a blip or two deter you from continuing forward.

Dog—Trying to decide whether to fix up something old? If it’s a recurring problem, then consider replacing.

Rabbit —Is someone making you jump through hoops? Ask yourself if the trouble is worth what you get at the end.

Goat—The current scenario is starting to feel very familiar. Avoid making the same mistake twice.

Pig—From your vantage point, you can see where the action is. The question is whether you want to join in.

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, 2021 TIGER 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 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.

TRAN from 7 the importance of story and character in action filmmaking.” He used Vietnamese connections to travel to Vietnam and work on editing films. He cooked up a script for a feature film: A tale of three out-of-shape Kung Fu disciples who raise themselves out of decrepitude, to avenge their master. “I wanted to explore these ancient martial arts themes of honor and loyalty through a modern, Asian American lens,” Tran commented. Money for “Paper Tigers,” as the final film was dubbed, came through private investors and Kickstarter crowdfunding. Shooting covered many places on the Seattle map, including plenty of action in the ChinatownInternational District. Not that the whole thing went easy. “We faced a lot of opposition and resistance from big studios, who didn’t think that audiences would want to see a movie led by people of color,” Tran explains.

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“With the success of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Black Panther,’ we saw great potential for our film and forged ahead in making the movie we wanted to make. And now we’ve had an amazing reception since our release. It’s one of the top films of 2021 according to Rotten Tomatoes, and the Seattle Asian American Film Festival awarded us with both their Best Film Jury Prize and Audience Award. We are so thankful and proud that there is an audience out there for our movie.” Asked about future plans, both with and after the Director’s Initiative, Tran sees an open road. “ViacomCBS shows are so widely-watched and beloved that I’m floored and excited that I will be part of it in directing episodes. “Beyond that, Seattle is my home, but of course I follow where adventure takes me.I want to continue storytelling in film and TV with great stories that truly reflect me and my communities.”  Andrew can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

98-01 from 3 and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. 5) Abandoning raceneutral policies and directing the implementation of racial classifications implicates Equal Protection Clause considerations. The proposed Executive Order contains no analysis of compelling state interests or considerations of narrowly tailored alternatives. Even if a court were to find the directives do not violate RCW 49.60.400, a court would likely hold that the directives fail a strict scrutiny analysis in response to an Equal Protection Clause challenge. The attached memo from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP provides

a legal analysis of Governor’s Directive 98-01 and the Executive Order proposed by I-1000’s supporters to rescind it. The analysis highlights flaws in the proposed Executive Order that would create legal liability for the State of Washington if it were to implement it. In conclusion, I-1000 supporters’ proposed Executive Order, rescinding and replacing Governor’s Directive 98-01, in whole or in part, does not comply with RCW 49.60.400 and violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. We respectfully request that you do not issue any Executive Order that violates I-200 or the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. 

asianweekly northwest

40 YEARS

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE

4Culture is offering relief grants between $1,000 and $12,000 to cover COVID-19 related financial losses and help King County cultural producers move forward with their creative work. Deadline is February 2. More information at 4Culture.org/recovery.

EMPLOYMENT

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P/T housekeeper wanted. Speaks fluent English. Able to drive. Flexible Hours and time. KCHA will accept Bids from Quali- References required. Call after fied General Contractors for the 12pm. 425-681-6873. Youngs Lake project to perform Roof Repairs and a Full Re-clad located in Renton, WA. See website for details at www.kcha.org/ business/construction/open/

FOR SALE

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EMPLOYMENT

Director of Government Relations and Communications PSRC is seeking a Director of Government Relations and Communications to join PSRC’s Management Team and lead its Communications Department. Please see our job announcement at www.psrc.org. PSRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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WINKLER-CHIN from 1 culturally-adept lens to make Seattle’s Office of Housing a national leader.” Winkler-Chin will be a cabinet member involved with capital projects and planning. “I’ve spent 17 years working in this neighborhood on community development, which means I understand the importance of housing on small business, public spaces, community spaces, and having a healthy community,” she said. “Maiko’s extensive background in affordable housing and community development has been integral to the strength of the SCIDpda and its work in the Chinatown-International District (CID),” said Mindy Au, president of the SCIDpda Board. “While her presence at SCIDpda will be missed, we are excited to see her strong leadership experience and knowledge of our communities applied to affordable housing across the city.” Winkler-Chin will start her new job in early March. “I have a unique perspective and lived experience as the child of a first generation, non-English speaking immigrant, who married into a family that

has been involved in [the CID] for three generations.” She set the course for SCIDpda to create 426 units of affordable housing across two real estate development projects in the area. Winkler-Chin has served as SCIDpda’s executive director since 2009, and prior to that role, she served as SCIDpda’s Director of Housing and Facilities. She has worked at the SCIDpda for over 17 years. “It has been an honor to work with the dedicated staff at the SCIDpda,” said Winkler-Chin. “I thank the board of directors for giving me the opportunity to serve our beloved neighborhood.” Winkler-Chin was also a recipient of the 2020 Women of Valor Award from Sen. Maria Cantwell, and was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Seattle” by Seattle Met in 2021. Additionally, she was a founding member of Puget Sound Regional Council’s HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Equity Network, and currently serves on the board of the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle King County. 

ARAGON from 1 Schilling, and received support from newly elected council member Stephanie Mora, as well as Matta and Schilling. Newly elected council member Sarah Moore, who was nominated by newly elected council member Hugo Garcia, received support from Garcia and council member Cydney Moore. Immediately after the council’s vote, Sarah Moore congratulated Aragon, who then lauded Moore for her own willingness “to exercise that leadership.” Aragon called the mayoral role one of “servant leadership. I’m really here to support the entire council to make sure we function the best that we can as a whole… I want to continue our momentum to assure that community input and diverse opinions are brought forward… I think we’re united in wanting to work for the best in the city. But in order to do that, my task is to make sure we have those thorough discussions, that everyone is heard.”  Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.

goal scorer and was drafted by the Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League Draft. According to the franchise, he is a player who “possesses exceptional speed and quickness, as well as the ability to finish his chances (shots on goal).” At only 17, Nguyen should be a player to watch for in the next couple years as he plays in the Western Hockey League. Nguyen looks to follow in the footsteps of fellow Canadian Nick Suzuki as the 22-year-old Montreal Canadien is having a great year in his third pro year with the NHL team and is a future superstar. Suzuki went under many hospital procedures as a baby due to ear and lung issues. But he overcame them to lead a normal childhood. You might consider him a late bloomer.

which put together major winners with their parent or child. In this case, Woods and his son teamed up for the event. It was the first tournament that Woods played in since he was in a one-car accident this past February that shattered his lower right leg. So severe was the injury that there was concern that the leg may have to be amputated. During the tournament, Woods and his son wore the same hat, golf shirt, and slacks—matching head-to-toe. Woods looked relaxed and the younger Woods had many of the mannerisms of his father on the course—from his swing and follow through to the way he approaches a golf ball. There is no timeline for when Woods will return to competitive golf. Prior to the tournament with his son, Woods indicated his return remains “a long way off.”

WOODS PLAYS WITH SON IN RETURN TO GOLF Tiger Woods returned to the golf course to play in a tournament with his 12-yearold son, Charlie. The PNC ProAm Championship in Orlando, Florida had a unique format

2021’S BEST MOVE, KIM NG IS GM Before we leave 2021 altogether, one of the best moves of the year was the Miami Marlins picking Kim Ng to be its General Manager. Ng was hired by former New

LAYUP DRILL from 5

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York Yankee and current chief executive and part owner, Derek Jeter. Previously, Ng had been the Yankees’ assistant GM from 1998 to 2001 and has held other front office positions in Major League Baseball (MLB) over her 30-year career. She had come close to becoming a general manager with other teams, including the Seattle Mariners. But each interview led to nowhere. This past year, Ng finally was given the job of heading the Marlins’ team operations. Not only was she the first Asian American to be a general manager of a MLB

team, she was the first woman to fill the position. In fact, she is the first woman to be put in the position of general manager in MLB, NBA, NFL or NHL. Ng said that when she got the job, “a 10,000-pound weight lifted off of [one] shoulder—and then transferred to [the other] shoulder.” This inferred that after waiting for the job, she would be under a microscope as she had to put together a team that had a surprising 2020 but it was unknown whether they could maintain the momentum. Not only did she have to retool the team,

she had to deal with budgetary constraints of putting together a competitive roster in the midst of a global pandemic. In her first year, the Marlins finished 67-95—good enough for second-to-last in its division and missing the playoffs after a surprising 2020, which saw the team make the playoffs. As the second year begins (assuming there is no baseball strike), Ng will look to improve on the roster and make another run for the playoffs.  Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 4

YOUR VOICE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION from 1 Jesse Wineberry, one of the architects of Initiative 1000 (I-1000), which was aimed at restoring affirmative action in Washington state, was at the downtown Bellevue FedEx shortly after the initiative was overturned by 1% of the vote in November 2019. In walked John Carlson, regarded by some as one of the chief opponents of affirmative action, who helped launch an earlier initiative in 1998, I-200, that was widely believed to have killed the policy in Washington state. Wineberry, an attorney and former majority whip in the Washington State House of Representatives, at first told Carlson he was busy with work but then decided to just outright ask him the question that he had always wanted to ask. “We were shocked to see each other, but later decided to go for a cup of coffee,” said Wineberry. After they went to Starbucks next door and sat down, Wineberry asked, “What happened in your life that has made you such a devout racist?” Carlson insisted, Wineberry remembered, that he could not be a racist when he was the one who wrote the pro I-200 voter statement, which specified what the initiative would not do—end affirmative action. Carlson then quoted the text verbatim from the voter’s ballot, Wineberry said. “Initiative 200 does not end all affirmative action programs. It prohibits only those programs that use race and gender to select a less qualified applicant over a more deserving applicant for a public job, contract, or admission to a state college or university,” it read. “But I needed proof,” said Wineberry, who had not seen the 1998 voter’s pamphlet that year because he was traveling and voted absentee that year. Wineberry tried to look it up online to no avail. He ended up finding it in the Pritchard Building in Olympia on microfiche. In the end, the question Wineberry had asked Carlson would lead to a chain of events that, through the determination and detective work of the Washington Equity Now Alliance (WENA), a nonprofit statewide equity advocacy organization, would ultimately lead to Gov. Jay Inslee’s decision to recognize an astonishing fact—affirmative action had never been eliminated in Washington state. And this week, Inslee, at the urging of WENA, the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, the King County Council, the Seattle City Council, and the Association of Washington Cities (AWC), pledged to bring Washington into compliance with state law. “Washington’s diversity is our greatest strength, and it is only by leveling the playing field that it becomes possible for all Washingtonians to thrive and live healthy and successful lives,” Inslee said in a press release on Jan. 7. “Today’s announcements are systemic changes that are designed to break down barriers that have kept too many Washingtonians on the sidelines for too long.” The effect will be revolutionary, said Wineberry in an interview, because it will overturn decades of discriminatory policies, conflicting rules and regulations, and institutional practices that have been based on a gross misinterpretation of state law. A STRICT INTERPRETATION Soon after I-200 was passed in 1998, then-governor Gary Locke was required to issue a governor’s directive to state agencies on how to interpret the new initiative. In an interview, Locke said the directive he issued at the time (GD 98-01) de-

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022 pended on instructions from the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). As a result, the directive ended up being a relatively strict interpretation of I-200. “Initiative 200 had been approved by the voters, prohibiting affirmative action, and so we needed to issue an executive order to give guidance to the state agencies on what Initiative 200 meant, what they could or could not do. And this was based on interpretations and guidance that we received from the AGO after they looked at the language of the initiative,” said Locke. Washington state became known as one of nine states that banned affirmative action. That was why in 2019, Wineberry and others launched I-1000 to restore affirmative action. In their campaign—Locke was honorary co-chair—they emphasized that the new initiative promoted outreach to people of color who were students, potential employees, and contractors. I-1000 was overwhelmingly passed into law by the Washington State Legislature. However, referendum 88, which affirmative action opponents put on the ballot to reject I-1000, prevailed by 1%. After the loss, Wineberry asked his team if they wanted to continue. Given that they had garnered 395,938 signatures—more than for any other initiative to the legislature in state history—and the closeness of the race, “they refused to quit,” he said. But it was the conversation with Carlson that turned the key that would open up a way forward, said Wineberry. To his astonishment, WENA had found two things in the original text attached to the initiative. The first was that I-200 did not intend to kill affirmative action. The second was that it was only intended to prohibit a less-qualified person from being selected over a more qualified person for public education, public employment, or a public contract based on race or gender. “When we saw in black and white that I-200 did not end affirmative action, we felt deceived that affirmative action had been killed despite the will of the people,” said Wineberry. In January 2021, Wineberry and his colleagues decided to file a lawsuit against the state for ending affirmative action in violation of I-200. However, while conducting research for the lawsuit, they discovered a 2003 Washington State Supreme Court case, “Parents Involved in Community Schools vs. Seattle School District #1,” in which the court had ruled that race-conscious affirmative action was permissible in Washington state. This State Supreme Court ruling had been overlooked for decades. The case involved a Ballard white student who did not want to be bussed to Franklin High School in Rainier Valley. The case was brought in the 9th Circuit federal court in San Francisco, but the judges sent it to the Washington State Supreme Court via a Certified Question, and Washington’s high court ruled that I-200 merely prohibited affirmative action programs that particularly advanced “a less qualified applicant over a more qualified applicant.” Wineberry said WENA checked and double checked the ruling and confirmed the case had never been appealed, overturned, or overruled. “This was the holy grail—we didn’t want it to be trumped,” he said. In 2017, Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued an advisory opinion affirming the same interpretation of I-200 provided by the State Supreme Court in 2003. In April, WENA submitted their findings to the governor’s office, urging Gov.

Inslee to rescind that governor’s directive 98-01 and comply with Washington State Court ruling and Attorney General Ferguson’s advisory. A NEW HERO AND NEW DESPAIR “And then a new hero came in to save the day. Gary Locke came in and said I was the one who issued that order and it should be rescinded,” said Wineberry. Locke said his directive was out of date given the new interpretation of I-200 by the AGO. “In the years since, the AGO has said that some things are permissible, such as having science camps that target young girls—to get them interested in science and technology. Previously, the AGO said such things as targeting or recruiting women and minorities are not permissible. They have since said that such promotional and recruiting efforts are allowed. And that’s why my executive order, based on the initial interpretations by the AGO, is out of date. It’s not consistent with more recent interpretations,” he said. “I support Governor Inslee’s decision to rescind executive order 98-01 given the more recent interpretations of the prohibitions of Initiative-200.” After WENA submitted their findings and recommendations to the governor’s office,

asianweekly northwest

they waited for his final decision. In the meantime, Democrats and Republicans on the King County Council, the entire Seattle City Council, the AWC, and the statewide Washington State Democratic Party urged Gov. Inslee to rescind directive 98-01. Inslee has promised to sign a new directive some time before Jan. 17. For many, it will not be a moment too soon. The Washington State Office of Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises estimated that since 1998, small, womenand minority-owned businesses have lost an estimated $3.5 billion in job generating contract opportunities. Gov. Inslee’s 2022 supplemental budget shows that nearly half of Washington’s Black, Latino, and Native American communities are living in poverty compared to only 23% of whites. Asked if this is a cause for despair, Wineberry said, “There is no better time than right now for Governor Inslee to use the power of his pen to lift women and people of color from the pain of poverty in Washington state.”  Mahlon can be contacted at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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40 YEARS

JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 21, 2022

■ NATIONAL NEWS

Chinese immigrant attacked in NYC dies months later By SUSAN HAIGH ASSOCIATED PRESS A Chinese immigrant who was brutally attacked in April while collecting cans in East Harlem has died of his injuries, and his case is now deemed a homicide, New York City police said. Yao Pan Ma, 61, died on Dec. 31, police said. The attack drew national attention as part of a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in New York and around the country. Jarrod Powell, 49, of New York City, was previously charged with attempted murder, felony assault and hate crime charges in the case, which remains under investigation. A family representative said the charges against Powell should now be enhanced. “We’re calling on the District Attorney’s Office to

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upgrade the charges to murder now,” Karlin Chan, a community activist in New York City and a spokesman for Ma’s family, told The Associated Press. “We’re fighting for justice and I hope (Powell) never walks the streets as a free man. He needs to pay for what he did.” The Legal Aid Society, which previously represented Powell, said he is no longer a client. A message was left seeking comment with another attorney listed in court records as Powell’s lawyer. Powell attacked Ma from behind, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly kicking his head before fleeing the scene, prosecutors say. Surveillance video released by the police appears to show an attacker stomping on Ma’s head. Chan said Ma never regained consciousness after the attack and his condition continued to deteriorate over time. Ma was moved in and out of multiple facilities during the past eight months, ultimately dying in a longterm care center run by The New Jewish Home, Chan said. A police detective said in a criminal complaint that Powell admitted to attacking an Asian man at the approximate time and location of the attack on Ma,

stating he did so because the man had robbed him the day before. Chan, however, said the men had never met before. Ma and his wife—who Chan said is “devastated” by what happened to her husband—immigrated to the U.S. in October 2018 from China, where Ma was a dim sum chef. After arriving in the U.S., Ma obtained work as a general kitchen worker at a Chinese restaurant, making pastries and performing other kitchen tasks. However, when the pandemic hit, Ma lost his job when the restaurant closed during lockdown. He hadn’t worked long enough to qualify for unemployment benefits, Chan said. That prompted Ma and his wife, who also lost her job as a home health care attendant, to collect returnable bottles and cans to generate extra money for food, Chan said. “They were recent immigrants,” he said. “They really didn’t have any savings.” The couple have two adult children, a son and daughter, who still live in China. Prior to the pandemic, Chan said the couple lost their Chinatown apartment in December 2019 to fire and had to move in with relatives. 

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Congratulations Mayor Bruce Harrell

Wish you success in the Year of the Tiger.

Wishing everyone a joyous, healthy and prosperous New Year! From the Vibrant Cities Team Winston, James, Cindy, Thuy, Phil, Pui and Ming