VOL 34 NO 50 | DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

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VOL 34 NO 50 DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015 FREE 33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

A winning run!

Jennifer Choi’s hurdles

Photo by George Liu/NWAW

Photo courtesy Seattle Marathon

Despite injury, Sophia Liu goes back-to-back for Seattle Marathon win

Facing deportation

Sophia Liu

By Jason Cruz Northwest Asian Weekly Despite an injury, it could not stop Seattle’s Sophia Liu from winning her second straight

Seattle Marathon women’s title.

She earned the win with a time of 2 hours 58 minutes and 39 seconds.

Liu’s time is one minute slower {see LIU cont’d on page 15}

Questions, questions

Donnie Chin murder investigation update

Jenny Choi discusses her immigration experiences with the Asian Weekly editor.

By Peggy Chapman Northwest Asian Weekly Sitting across the table from Jennifer (Jenny) Choi feels like sitting with a friend you should be sharing coffee with and discussing upcoming holiday plans— not discussing fears and intricacies of the possibility

of deportation.

Choi’s situation is complicated.

She moved to the United States from South Korea when she was 6 years old, when her family moved so her father could attend graduate school—her {see CHOI cont’d on page 12}

Zero tolerance?

Photo by John Liu/NWAW

Star soccer player’s racist slurs prompt fine, training

(L-R) Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, SPD Deputy Chief Carmen Best, City of Seattle Councilmember Bruce Harrell, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott

By Staff Northwest Asian Weekly There was a community meeting to provide an update on the murder investigation of Donnie Chin, held Nov. 25 at the Nagomi Tea House in the International District.

International District icon and Seattle resident Donnie Chin was shot and killed in the early hours of July 23, 2015. As the investigation continues, members of Chin’s family and community requested

more information about the status of the investigation.

The meeting was held to update the public about progress of the search for suspects and to address questions about the status of the investigation. The meeting was moderated by Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-Seattle). Also in attendance were King County Councilmember Joe McDermott; City of Seattle Councilmember {see CHIN cont’d on page 15}

Father and son owners of the Leicester football club Vichai (L) and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha

By Jason Cruz Northwest Asian Weekly These were the words of Jamie Vardy, an English

Premier League soccer player, to an Asian man at a casino in England: “Yo. Jap. Walk on.” {see RACIST SLURS cont’d on page 16}

The Inside Story NAMES People in the news » PAGE 2

■

NATION The pho empress of Anchorage » PAGE 5

TOP CONTRIBUTOR Fighting for immigrant rights » PAGE 7

A&E A conversation with Kirk Shimano » PAGE 8

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

asianweekly northwest

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DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

■ names in the news ACRS Thanksgiving

Photo courtesy ACRS

Herron, who is Filipino, feels the biggest issue that the hospital district has to address is that it has incurred a long-term debt and shortterm debt of $98,411.705 to be paid in 13 months or longer.

She hopes to address this by evaluating the hospital strengths Emma Herron and weakness without sacrificing quality and delivery of health care to help cut costs as necessary. 

Indieflix; Phyllis Campbell, Chairman, Pacific Northwest JPMorgan Chase & Co; and Denise Moriguchi, Vice President and CFO, Uwajimaya Inc. The “Women of Influence” program highlights local business women, community leaders, and philanthropists. 

TGSCCC election results

González new Seattle city councilmember Lorena González is the first Latina elected to the Seattle City Council. González will take over departed Councilmember Sally Clark’s seat.

Councilmember John Okamoto served as interim councilmember after Clark left her seat.

González was the legal advisor to Mayor Ed Murray before leaving to run for council. 

Volunteers serving meals

Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day to provide a free meal.

Over 300 individuals, including families with children, attended the event, which offered traditional Thanksgiving fare as well as a range of Asian and Pacific Islander foods.

ACRS staff and board members, and community members, return every year as volunteers to help set up and serve meals.

Food is donated or purchased with donated funds. This year, Spice Route restaurant in Bellevue added South Asian flavors to the mix with their donation of chicken curry. Eager guests began lining up as early as 10:30 a.m. and all of the food was served by 12:30 p.m. 

Lorena González

Women of Influence

Herron elected Snoqualmie Public Hospital District No. 4 commissioner Emma R. Herron (R) was voted in for the Public Hospital District No. 4 commissioner spot in Snoqualmie Valley.

Herron’s experience in health care includes being a Long-Term Care Ombudsman and serving in numerous capacities as board member, president, advisory council, fund-raising chair.

Scilla Andreen

Phyllis Campbell

The Puget Sound Business Journal honored “Women of Influence” Nov. 18 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.

Honorees included Scilla Andreen, CEO and co-founder,

■ community news

MAP: Bridging the Gap Breakfast Honoring and celebrating diversity

Scholarship winners

The Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) at the University of Washington (UW) celebrated its 21st anniversary Oct. 17. The event benefits the MAP Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Founded in 1994, the Multicultural Alumni Partnership is dedicated to promoting diversity at the UW and in the UW alumni community.

MAP has taken a leadership role in addressing issues of equality and equity through scholarships, mentoring, lectures, and reaching out to the UW community.

MAP is open to everyone; the only qualification is a passion for diversity and social justice.

MAP’s signature event is the annual “Bridging the Gap Breakfast” held annually on Homecoming Saturday.

Denise Moriguchi

UW President Ana Mari Cauce,Tomio Moriguchi

The morning celebration recognizes the recipients of the MAP scholarship and the service of alumni and friends who have made a difference for diversity at the UW. Alumni and friends awardees included: — Dr. Samuel E. Kelly Award: Tomio Moriguchi — Distinguished Community Service Award: Senator John McCoy and Estela Ortega — Distinguished Alumni: Margaret Burnley-Spearmon {see MAP cont’d on page 11}

The new Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce (TGSCCC) announced its annual election results. TGSCCC held the annual election on Nov. 16.

TGSCCC members elected David Leong as its President.

Felicity Wang and Alvin Wong were elected First Vice President and Second Vice President respectively. Van Vong will serve as Secretary and Rick Choi will continue as Treasurer.

Alvin Wong, Pauline Wong, Martha Lee, Patsy Bonincontri and John Liu were re-elected. The two newly elected board members are HongGuan Xu and Jenny Ho. 

Send your exciting news to editor@nwasianweekly.c om.

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

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DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

■ WORLD NEWS Thai poultry Vanishing execs producers accused a mystery in HK of labor abuses financial sector

By Kelvin Chan AP Business Writer

HONG KONG (AP) — The chairman of the Hong Kong arm of one of China’s biggest securities companies goes missing.

The head of another firm resurfaces after months incommunicado. An executive at a film studio is detained for allegedly taking bribes. They’re not plot outlines for crime novels but real-life cases lifted from the normally dry Hong Kong stock exchange filings of Chinese companies over the past year.

BANGKOK (AP) — Poultry exported to Europe from factories in Thailand is sometimes prepared in conditions that violate labor rights, two Scandinavian groups promoting corporate responsibility charged Thursday.

The claim comes as Thailand’s seafood industry is reeling from allegations that its products are tainted by major labor {see THAI POULTRY cont’d on page 12}

The latest example came Nov. 23 when Guotai Junan International Holdings Ltd., the Hong Kong unit of a Chinese securities company, said it was unable to reach its chairman and chief executive Yim Fung since Nov. 18, sending its shares plummeting 12 percent.

Speculation swirled in local media that his disappearance was related to a recently launched investigation into a senior official at China’s securities regulator. That probe {see MISSING EXECS cont’d on page 12}

Vietnam reduces death sentence, targets corruption

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Death sentences imposed on corrupt Vietnamese officials will now be commuted to life in prison if they pay back at least 75 percent of the illegal money they made.

The online newspaper VnExpress said the new regulation was part of the revised Penal Code that an overwhelmingly majority passed in the National Assembly on Friday.

Under the revision, which takes effect July 1, 2016, the country also will abolish the death penalty for seven crimes: surrendering to the enemy; opposing order; destruction of projects of national security importance; robbery; drug possession; drug appropriation; and the

production and trade of fake food.

The revised law will also spare the lives of those who are 75 years old or older.

The ruling Communist Party has made fighting corruption one of its top priorities.

However, some lawmakers voiced opposition to the changes when they were debated in the assembly in June, arguing that they would weaken the fight against corruption.

“This would create a loophole for corrupt officials to use money to trade for their life,’’ state media quoted deputy Do Ngoc Nien as saying at the time.

International human rights groups and some Western countries have been urging Vietnam to abolish its death penalty. 

Assunta Ng

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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.

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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

Photo Alaska Dispatch News

■ national news Undercover agent The pho master cross-examined of Anchorage in SF crime probe

5

AP Photo

Linda La

Alaska Dispatch News

Crime investigation scene

By Sudhin Thanawala Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The undercover FBI agent at the center of an organized-crime investigation in San Francisco’s Chinatown testified Monday that he did not always tell a key defendant

why he was paying him and discussed investing in the defendant’s book project.

Under cross-examination for the first time, the agent said he misspoke when he told jurors during earlier testimony that he always told Raymond “Shrimp {see FBI AGENT cont’d on page 14}

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Behind any steaming bowl of pho soup or fried rice at Pho Vietnam 8, a new Fireweed Lane restaurant, is Linda La, the mastermind behind the chain of Anchorage’s Pho Vietnam restaurants.

Pho Vietnam 8 is actually the fifth venture despite the name. In Vietnamese culture, the number eight is associated with wealth and prosperity. What about five, six

and seven?

“Not so good,” La said in her latest restaurant in early October.

La, 47, has founded about a half-dozen pho restaurants in Anchorage. While she no longer operates them all — passing ownership of all but one to members of her family — the recipes, style and design are all hers. The chefs are all closely trained under her supervision and the sauces she {see PHO cont’d on page 13}

asianweekly northwest

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DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

■ COMMUNITY calendar ■ briefly WED 12/2

THU 12/10

WHAT: “Together Undaunted,” introducing Dean Mia Tuan WHERE: Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle WHEN: 6:30 p.m.

RSVP: By 11/16, mayadt@uw.edu

WHAT: NAAAP & TAPS Signature mixer and ACRS Holiday Drive WHERE: Suite Lounge, 10500 N.E. 8th St. Ste. 125, Bellevue WHEN: 6-9 p.m.

INFO: seattle.naaap.org

WHAT: Japan America Society Holiday Banquet WHERE: Bell Harbor Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle WHEN: 5-9:30 p.m.

THU 12/3 WHAT: Public Officials Reception 2015 WHERE: Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Pl., Seattle WHEN: 5-7 p.m.

SAT 12/5 WHAT: Multicultural Holiday Arts & Craft Fair WHERE: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1610 S. King St., Seattle WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

INFO: stpeterseattle.org WHAT: Chinese Medicine Workshop WHERE: Central Library, 1000 4th Ave., Seattle WHEN: 2-4 p.m.

INFO: 206-684-0849 WHAT: Mochitsuki and Potluck Luncheon WHERE: Tacoma Buddhist Temple Social Hall, 1717 S. Fawcett Ave., Tacoma WHEN: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

RSVP: taniguchie@comcast.net

WED 12/9 WHAT: Gang of Four Book Signing WHERE: El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave. S., Seattle WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

RSVP: 206-973-4289, youthemployment@elcentrodelaraza. org

WHAT: Meet artist Bo Choi WHERE: CoCA, Rubix 515 Harvard E., Seattle COST: Free admission INFO: cocaseattle.org

FRI 12/11 WHAT: Handel’s Messiah, symphony orchestra under the direction of Marcus Tsutakawa WHERE: Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $10-$15 INFO: garfieldorchestra.org

SAT 12/12 THRU 1/30 WHAT: Exhibit, “Slash and Burn,” will feature two Japanese artists: Naoko Morisawa and June Sekiguchi WHERE: Kirkland Arts Center, 620 Market St., Kirkland INFO: kirklandartscenter.org

SUN 1/3 WHAT: Mochi Tsuki WHERE: IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Ave. N.E., Bainbridge Island WHEN: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

INFO: 206-491-2336

THU 1/7 WHAT: A conversation with UW President Ana Mari Cauce, “The value of alumni advocacy” WHERE: Husky Union Building WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m.

COST: Free RSVP: is required. washington.edu/ site/Calendar/712009040

Four Leaders, Four Communities, One Friendship

Book signing and discussion at El Centro de la Raza The Roberto Maestas Youth Leadership Institute will be hosting a book signing and discussion panel on the newly released book: “Gang of Four: Four Leaders, Four Communities, One Friendship” at El Centro de la Raza on Wednesday, December 9.

The event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It will be held at the El Centro de la Raza Dining Room, located on the bottom floor of the building, 2524 16th Ave. S., Seattle.

The discussion panel will include members of the Gang of Four: Bob Santos, Larry Gossett, Estela Ortega in place of member Roberto

Puentes

Offering services for undocumented families There is a new organization in the Seattle area, Puentes, focused on supporting undocumented families. They have partnered with Latino Community Fund, One America, Colectivo Legal del Pueblo, Detention Watch Center, and World Relief-Seattle to carry out their work. Although they are located in Seattle, Puentes serves communities beyond the Seattle city limits.

Puentes’ three focus areas are:  Advocacy — Northwest Detention Center  Counseling — Psychosocial evaluations for immigration cases  Education — Trainings for mental health professionals and graduate students

According to a statement from Puentes, the organization “mobilizes mental health resources to help undocumented migrants and their families cope and flourish despite our broken immigration system. We create innovative therapeutic spaces to promote social healing, the recovery of social agency, and engage community members to work towards immigration justice in the US.” 

Contact information: 220 2nd Ave. S., 4th Floor Seattle, WA 98104 Tel: 206-920-6933 Email: connect@puentesseattle.org Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday

Have an event to promote?

Please send us the details to info@nwasianweekly.com.

■ COMMUNITY news

International Special Review District Board election results

The annual election for the International Special Review District Board was held Nov. 17. Three positions were up for election.

• Valerie Tran won Position #1 for a District business person, property owner or employee.

• Herman Setijono won Position #3 for a District resident, tenant or community participant.

• Carol S. Leong won Position #5 for a District resident, tenant or community participant.

Tran and Setijono will begin their first terms in December, and Leong will begin serving her second term.

The special character of the Chinatown International District is recognized and protected by city ordinance.

In 1973, the International Special Review District Board was created to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, economic, and historical qualities of the District. The Board is composed of seven members—five elected by the Chinatown International District community and two appointed by the Mayor. Board members’ terms are for two years, and members may serve up to two consecutive

Maestas, and Laura Wong Whitebear in place of member Bernie Whitebear.

The panel will be joined by guest moderator and radio personality Tony B. There will be a Street Taco Buffet, Pan Dulce and Agua Fresca. Autographed books will be made available for purchase on location.

El Centro de la Raza is a non-profit, social services agency that provides over 44 comprehensive programs and services, with a focus on commitment to the struggle for civil rights for all persons and advocacy to achieve social justice. 

terms.

Two of the five elected Board members own property or a business in the District or who are employed in the District, two of the elected members reside in the District or have demonstrated an interest in the District, and one member is elected at large. The Board reviews applications for Certificates of Approval for any change to the use, exterior appearance of buildings or structures, streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces in the District.

The current board members are Ben Grace, Carol Leong, Miye Moriguchi, Martha Rogers, Joann Ware and Marie Wong. Ware and Grace are outgoing members. There is currently one vacancy on the Board.

The International Special Review District is coordinated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program which is responsible for the designation and protection of more than 400 historic structures, sites, objects, and vessels, as well as eight historic districts located throughout the city. 

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

■ TOP CONTRIBUTOR

Rick Polintan Fighting for immigrant rights

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

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■ TRAVEL The Village Report Six weeks in Scandinavia

By Staff Northwest Asian Weekly

Rick Polintan has had over 35 years of community and union organizing experience since his migration to the United States in 1980 from the Philippines. He was a member of the Union of Democratic Filipinos, doing community organizing against the Marcos dictatorship and helping Filipinos in their struggle for immigrant rights in the U.S. He helped organize healthcare workers in California and Washington State for the Service Employees International Union from 1986 until his retirement in 2011.

He is actively involved in leadership positions in several organizations. Currently, he is Chair of the 11th Legislative District Democrats; Treasurer and board member of Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE C4); member of the board of APACE PAC; Vice-President of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Seattle chapter (APALA); and VicePresident of the Filipino American Political Action Group of Washington (FAPAGOW).

Throughout his time working with APALA, he has raised awareness of the need for AAPIs to contribute to the election process and to contribute by voting.

According to David Della, former city councilmember and brother-in-law, “Rick does not seek the limelight. He is a man of few words, but has and continues to work tirelessly to empower others. Whether it is about workers’ rights, civil rights, social

Rick Polintan

justice or political empowerment, Rick is always there, ready to support and lead.”

He is also an avid bicyclist and did the Seattle to Portland bike ride the last six years with his Filipino cycling group – the Life After Forty Bicycle League.

He learned his political activism and consciousness while a student at the University of the Philippines at the height of the protest movement against Marcos’ dictatorial rule and the Vietnam war in the early ’70s known as the First Quarter Storm.

In addition to his busy schedule, he enjoys life with his three sons, three grandchildren and his wife, Pacita Bunag. Pacita says that now that Rick is retired, he is “busier than when working.”  For reservations, call 206-223-0623 or email at rsvp@nwasianweekly.com.

Online tickets can also be purchased at http://topcontributors2015.bpt.me.

Staff can be reached nwasianweekly.com.

at

info@

By Dipika Kohli Northwest Asian Weekly Six weeks, all together, if I can manage to hold through December, here in Scandinavia.

I think the gut knows when it’s time to shake things up, and this time, I found myself at Kastrup with an immigration officer flicking through my passport—stamps from around Southeast Asia these last two years make it hard to make sense of, I’m guessing, which is why he asked, “Where are you going?” I said: “Here.” With that, I got a stamp, a smile, and a little wave.

So that’s how I got to see autumn turn to winter here, in Denmark. Me, popping out

into the city at Copenhagen Central Station, showing up, like I said I would, but not knowing yet what I’d do or whom I’d meet.

(A lot of people slowly back away when I tell them about this “pursuit of uncertainty” as my program. An art teacher had called it “the joy of confusion,” and seemed to imply that this was the whole point of making, in the first place. Some part of me translated that, in the years since, to “you gotta get lost to find center.”) Mapless, planless. Copenhagen has always been on my list of favorite cities, though, since a visit in 2007, and I’d been {see SCANDINAVIA cont’d on page 16}

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DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

■ arts & entertainment “Online Dating Tales of Old Japan” A conversation with Pork Filled Productions and playwright Kirk Shimano

By Jocelyn Moore Northwest Asian Weekly

“It’s been difficult to find just the right transitions into and out of each section. I’ve thrown entire

Searching for love often requires courage and originality.

In the case of the Akira, it means combining the wisdom of the traditional Japanese fairytales he heard from his great-grandmother with the mystical domain of the Internet.

Presented by Pork Filled Productions, “Online Dating Tales of Old Japan” by Kirk Shimano, playing at the Wing Kirk Shimano Luke Museum on Dec. 3, tells a story of the unlimited possibilities when you seek love on the Internet under the guidance of traditional Japanese folktales.

“Our story is, at its core, a tale of love and coming of age,” said Brad Walker, the director of the play. “Even before I finished reading, I was hooked.”

One of the reasons that the production team is so interested in the screenplay is because of the new angle it sheds light into.

“I am excited to be exposed to a new world view with this incredible group of people through the unity of theatre,” said Emily Feliciano who plays as Akira’s genuine friend, Heather.

Producer May Nguyen said her work along with other producers, Roger Tang and Maggie Lee, is to find new work

by Asian American playwrights and produce readings or full productions. Shimano’s modern twist on traditional Japanese folk tales caught their attention.

“The play jumped out to us because it comes from a perspective not often seen on stage: a gay American ‘yonsei,’ fourth generation Japanese,” said Nguyen.

stories because they didn’t serve the play.” — Kirk Shimano

folk tales away and put new ones in their place, which meant cutting some of my personal favorite

Shimano first had the idea of exploring Japanese folk tales in the early 2000s. He began to write the first page of the play 10 years later.

“It’s been about a five-year process,” Shimano said. “The research for this play was really great, as it gave me a chance to read about a bunch of stories I never had heard before.

When I was able to find a story that perfectly fit into what I was trying to say, it felt like a little bit of magic.”

Just like searching for love, perfecting a screenplay requires the courage to let go of some parts that may not be the best fits.

“It’s been difficult to find just the right transitions into and out of each section,” Shimano said. “I’ve thrown entire folk tales away and put new ones in their place, which meant cutting some of my personal favorite stories because they didn’t serve the play.”

Another challenge for Shimano is to stay focused with the protagonist’s arc.

“At the end of each draft, I really had to put myself back in the character’s shoes and make sure his journey was complete,” he said.

One interesting takeaway that the audience can expect from the play is the contrast on fairytales and dating norms between the Japanese and American cultures.

“Growing up in American culture, the fairytales that are told tend to end with a clear moral or lesson, the one thing that we’re supposed to learn,” Nguyen said. “Reading the play and going through the Japanese fairy tales, the ‘lessons’ aren’t so cut and dry, allowing for broader interpretations and more reflection on what it means to you, as opposed to one meaning for everyone.”

■ world news

Nguyen believes that the fairytales in the American culture such as Disney princess stories and Hollywood romantic comedies can lead people to the expectation of finding the one true love bounded by destiny.

Ironically, as Walker pointed out, the lines of relationship in the American culture can be very ambiguous.

“This often leads to confusion about the nature and ‘status’ of a couple’s relationship,” Walker said. “Xenophobia also comes into play. Despite being a melting pot, it can be trickier for non-Whites to traverse the dating scene in America – a phenomenon that Akira certainly notices as he scores over online dating profiles in the play.”

Such complexities and complications of the modern dating scenes are often unmentioned or beautified in American pop culture, which can often stray people from the “happily ever after” ending, Nguyen said.

“With this play, we’re invited to slow down, to allow complications to exist, to reflect on what is meaningful to us individually,” Nguyen said. “And maybe not put so much pressure on ourselves and our potential partners.”

Bottom line, “Online Dating Tales of Old Japan”, as Walker put it, is “a sweet story about discovering love in all its incarnations…And puppets. And silly hats. And ghost stories.

What more could you ask for?”  For more information, visit porkfilled.com/wp/2015/11/onlinedating-tales-of-old-japan-by-kirk-shimano.

Jocelyn Moore can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.

Miss World Canada denied entry into China for pageant

Philippines officials turn to web for clues to Marcoses’ wealth

HONG KONG (AP) — Canada’s outspoken Miss World contestant said she was barred Nov. 26 from entering China to take part in this year’s pageant and accused Beijing of overreach in extending its campaign of censorship even to beauty contests.

Chinese-born Anastasia Lin said she was unable to board her connecting flight from Hong Kong to the southern island province of Hainan after a Chinese official told her by telephone that she would not be granted a visa on arrival.

Lin is an outspoken critic of Chinese religious policy and a follower of the Falun Gong meditation practice, which was outlawed by China’s ruling Communist Party in 1999.

“If they start to censor beauty pageants — how pathetic is that?” Lin said in Hong Kong.

Dressed in black leggings and a belted tan trench coat, Lin was approached by several fellow travelers in the Hong Kong airport arrival hall who wanted to take her photo.

Lin, who moved to Canada from China when she was 13, told a U.S. congressional

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government will launch a website to crowd-source tips on the whereabouts of some 200 missing art works, including paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso and Rembrandt, that were owned by former first lady Imelda Marcos, an official said.

The family of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos allegedly amassed billions of dollars’ worth of ill-gotten wealth. His widow, now 86 and a member of Congress, became notorious for excesses, symbolized by her huge shoe collection and staggering jewelry collection.

Experts from Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses were concluding an appraisal of jewelry seized after the family fled to Hawaii in 1986, following a popular revolt that ended Marcos’ two-decade rule.

Andrew de Castro, a member of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, which is tasked with recovering the ill-gotten wealth, said the agency would launch a website in a week or two to seek public assistance in locating at least 200 paintings.

A former head of the agency, Andres Bautista, last year said the missing paintings

By Kelvin Chan Associated Press

Anastasia Lin

hearing in July that tens of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been killed so their organs could be harvested and sold for transplants. The 25-year-old actress also plays an imprisoned Falun Gong practitioner in an upcoming Canadian movie, “The Bleeding Edge.”

Lin said that after she won the Canadian title, Chinese security agents visited {see LIN cont’d on page 14}

By Teresa Cerojano Associated Press

Jewelry from the Hawaii Collection

include works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso and Michelangelo. He said the list was compiled from various documents after the Marcoses fled, and had been registered with the Art Loss Register, the world’s largest private database of lost and stolen art.

Among the paintings not on the list is {see MISSING ART cont’d on page 14}

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

■ on the shelf

9

Worlds of fantasy

Monkey queens, princesses, and rice cookers?!

By Samantha Pak Northwest Asian Weekly

Winter

By Marissa Meyer Feiwel & Friends, 2015 Cinder the cyborg mechanic from New Beijing, Scarlet the farm girl from France, and Cress the former secret Lunar programmer are still working to overthrow Queen Levana of Luna (better known as the moon) and start a revolution. And in this final installation of the Lunar Chronicle series, they’re joined by Princess Winter of Luna — Queen Levana’s stepdaughter.

On Luna, Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her beauty — despite the scars on her face. She is also considered a bit crazy as she refuses to use her Lunar abilities to control others and, as a result, her mind has been affected and she has hallucinations on a regular basis. Despite her perceived mental illness, Winter is much stronger than anyone gives her credit for and joins Cinder and the gang wholeheartedly, ready to overthrow her stepmother in order for Lunar’s true queen to take the throne (you’ll have to read the series to see who that is).

Loosely based on the tale of Snow White, Meyer continues her theme of weaving fairy tales with science fiction for a thoroughly entertaining story and satisfying ending to a strong series. The four title heroines are strong female characters who are not

perfect, but readers of any gender can look up to them. Their male counterparts — Kai, Wolf, Thorne, and Jacin — know it as well and support the young women in their endeavors and see them as equals. Even Iko the escort droid, who is seemingly obsessed with soap operas and a bit boy crazy (for a robot), has a strong sense of right and wrong and justice and doesn’t back down from a fight. No one needs to rescue them — a nice twist in the fairy tale narrative.

As action packed as “Winter” is, there

is also the expected romance but it is not the focus of the story. This ragtag team of misfits has more important things to worry about.

Rice Cooker Revenge (Kami No Sekai Book 1)

By S. J. Pajonas Onigiri Press, 2015

In Japanese culture it is believed that the gods live in all things: from animals

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Top Contributors

to the Asian community Making a difference

Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 • 6 — 9 P.M. House of Hong Restaurant • 206-622-7997 • 409 8th Ave. S., Seattle

and plants to buildings and even household appliances.

In “Rice Cooker Revenge,” the featured god, or spirit, inhabits — as the title implies — a rice cooker.

After years and years of having its lid slammed down with very little care or consideration, the rice cooker on the counter in a corner of Chef’s kitchen sits quietly and contemplatively, trying to {see SHELF cont’d on page 12}

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A special presentation to thank current and former Seattle City Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen, Jean Godden, Nick Licata, and Sally Clark

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REGISTRATION $75 before December 2. $80 after December 2. $85 walk-ins. $40 students with I.D. $50 student walk-ins. $750 for an individual table of 10. $1,000 for a corporate table of 10, with the corporate logo To purchase tickets online, go to http://topcontributors2015.bpt.me, or call us at 206-223-0623, or email rsvp@nwasianweekly.com

Ming-Ming Tung/ Chinese Americans Citizens Alliances President, CACA

Elsie Taniguchi

President, Puyallup Valley JACL

Mel Kang

Civil rights activist and community volunteer

Vandana Slatter

Bellevue City Council Member-Elect

To reserve your space, fax a copy of this form to 206-223-0626 or send a check by December 2 to: Northwest Asian Weekly, Attn: Top Contributors, P.O. Box 3468, Seattle, WA 98114 Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Telephone: ________________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________ Organization: _____________________________________________ Title (if applicable): _________________________________________ Name of guests: ___________________________________________ _________________________________________________________  Mastercard

Van Dinh-Kuno

Executive Director, Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest

Bill Tashima

Former president, JACL

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Chair, 11th District Democrat Caucas

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Former Board chair, Korean Womens Association

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asianweekly northwest

10

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

OPINION

■ publisher’s blog We need more revealing than concealing

Photos by John Liu/NWAW

No answers at community meeting on Donnie Chin’s slaying

Outside the Sun May store; tribute of origami cranes by unknown artist

Community members in audience

By Assunta Ng Northwest Asian Weekly

Santos, Seattle City Councilman Bruce Harrell, and King County Councilman Joe McDermott, the community got a canned speech from SPD at the meeting—the usual public relations approach.

What SPD has repetitively been saying is, “We are working on leads, following on leads… and can’t really say more (because) it might jeopardize the case.”

Deputy Chief Carmen Best, on behalf of Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole, echoed those words again at the meeting when asked

Since Donnie Chin’s slaying four months ago in the International District, there’s been little progress when it comes to getting information about the case. Why? Chin was the founder and one-man staff of the International District Emergency Center, providing patrol and emergency services in the ID. There have been a series of meetings held

with the community and the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to get updates. The most recent meeting was held on Nov. 24 at the Nagomi Tea House.

And what did the community get out of it?

Just frustration, disappointment, and disbelief. That’s how many felt in the audience.

I can envision Donnie sitting in the room, sighing, and rolling his eyes (his usual expression). “What a bunch of idiots (cops)!”

Organized by Rep. Sharon Tomiko

about the progress of Donnie’s case.

Simply stated: We can’t tell you anything.

It didn’t matter that it wasted more than a couple of hours of each of the approximately 70 attendees’ time.

Bob Santos, a community leader, said in another Asian Weekly article that we shouldn’t be sidetracked by other issues.

SPD needs to find out who shot Donnie. It needs to be a priority. {see BLOG cont’d on page 15}

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

11

OPINION

■ editorial

Keep on keeping it classy, Donald

Donald Trump

So what is the Asian American angle when it comes to writing an editorial about Donald Trump?

Well, there isn’t a specific Asian American angle, but this is what is clear—he is racist.

And that affects everyone.

The list starts with his derogatory comments about Hispanics (not worth repeating here and which is probably common knowledge now due to the initial media backlash and successful Trump hype); misogynistic remarks regarding ideas of female beauty; refusal of the idea of allowing Syrian immigration into the U.S.; and even mocking a handicapped journalist.

And don’t forget the disputable allegations that he saw Muslims celebrating the fall of the Twin Towers on 9/11. “I saw it on television,” he said, “fourteen years ago I saw it on television.” Journalist Joe Scarborough asked why, if so many

people witnessed this unverifiable occurrence, no one “can find the video.” Trump responded that “they’ll find something, they’re going to find something.”

Really?

Trump’s capability to afford any type of discretion seems to be lacking, or even nil.

It’s hard to gauge whether we should consider his actions as just antics? Or is this serious?

If it is serious, which the polls seem to be showing, there should be concern.

Maybe it is entertaining, amusing.

But it is also scary.

This other reality show he is producing is more frightening than entertaining.

And we have probably already given him too much of our print space. 

■ LETTER

Councilmembers concerned about corrections contract Open letter to Gov. Jay Inslee:

We write on behalf of City of Seattle residents to express deep concern about the recently publicized contract signed between the Washington Department of Corrections and Geo Group Inc. As we understand it, this contract would potentially send up to 1,000 Washington-based prisoners to North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, Michigan, for a sum of $24 million per year 1. We are concerned that the Geo Group’s long and documented record of mistreatment of prisoners rises to the level of international human rights violations, and that all alternatives to address Washington state’s impending prison overcrowding situation have not been exhausted prior to entering into this contract.

First: The Department of Corrections is facing a serious overcrowding problem that requires rethinking the criminal justice system as a whole. The prison population in the United States has quadrupled in size since 1980, and the United States now has one quarter of the world’s prisoners and the highest incarceration rate in the world.

2. Racial disparities in arrests, sentencing and incarceration are well documented, with African Americans incarcerated at nearly 6 times the rate of whites.

3. The City of Seattle is committed to race and social justice.

We believe government must take on the work of racial equity, in accordance with its international human rights obligations assumed by ratifying the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination and the recommendations from international human rights bodies.

4. This means working across institutions to address structural racial inequities in the criminal justice system, through innovative policy and program development and analyzing policy and budget decisions through a racial equity lens. To achieve racial equity in the criminal justice system and to address the impacts of incarceration on society, Washington State must place a focus on rehabilitative and restorative objectives, and on reforming the criminal justice system, instead of on contracts to address overcrowding in prisons.

Second: We are concerned that shipping people who are in prison out of state and away from their families impedes the potential for rehabilitation, directly undermining a central role of the criminal justice system. There is strong evidence to show that people who are able to maintain close ties with

{MAP cont’d from page 2}

Student scholarships These endowed scholarships are available to continuing UW students with at least one quarter of study at the UW. MAP awards up to five scholarships at the Bridging the Gap Breakfast on Homecoming Saturday each year.

family members while incarcerated have better outcomes post-release and lower recidivism rates.

5. Securing the capacity to keep women and men close to their families by creating a continuum of social support from prison to the community has potential benefits to public safety, as well as cost-savings through decreased likelihood of recidivism post-release2.

Third: Washington State has failed to screen out Geo Group, a corporation that is notorious for its poor human rights record. Seattle residents have been deeply concerned about human rights violations reported at the Geo Group-operated Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. These human rights violations have been well documented since 2008.

6. As a result, Congressman Adam Smith has introduced the Accountability in Immigration Act, calling for humane treatment of detainees. In the past two years, detainees at the Northwest Detention Center have reported inhumane detention conditions, exploitation of detainee labor, and retaliatory use of solitary confinement against detainees.

7. We also understand that the company has recently “come under fire for injuries to a detainee at that facility sustained at the hands of staff” and for threatening witnesses with administrative sanctions if they present any claim against the company.

8 Washington State is failing to “exercise adequate oversight in order to meet their international human rights obligations when they contract with […] business enterprises to provide services that may impact upon the enjoyment of human rights” 9. There is also a pattern of repeated human rights violations at Geo Group facilities across the country. An April 2015 Department of Justice Inspector General report found that a Geo Group detention facility in Texas “consistently struggled to meet or exceed baseline contractual standards” and “received an unacceptable number of deficiencies and notices of concern.”

10 In 2012, a federal judge used the word “cesspool” to describe a juvenile prison in Mississippi operated by The GEO Group 11. By contracting with a corporation with well-known and well documented record of human rights violations, Washington is failing to “promote respect for human rights by business enterprises with which they conduct commercial transactions.”

Fourth: Washington’s five-year contract will not shrink

costs associated with detention, and it will place the inmates under inadequate supervision. The Northlake Corrections facility claims that it provides industry-leading, evidencebased offender rehabilitation programs, however, it was shut down in 2005 due to a series of audits and investigations that found high levels of assault, frequent staff vacancies and operating costs that exceeded those in comparable state prisons13. This private prison, like many of the Geo Group’s medium-sized prisons, is more costly and less safe than Washington State prisons.

Fifth: We observe that the fundamental profit-making motive of the private prison industry introduces incentives that neither respect basic human rights, nor further the rehabilitative mission of the criminal justice system. Costs are cut, shortcuts are taken, and money flows to politicians who support harsher and longer punitive sentences. Such measures lay the foundation for inhumane practices and fundamental human rights abuses which violate detainees’ dignity. Moreover, the dependence on privately-owned facilities incentivizes incarceration, and thus plays a role in perpetuating a system that disproportionately targets people from low-income and communities of color.

We strongly encourage you as public servants of the State of Washington to pursue justice reform measures that (1) address the root causes of the overcrowding problem in Washington State prisons, which necessitates a focus on eliminating racial inequities in the criminal justice system (2) are aligned with the mission that those who serve prison time for wrongdoing have the greatest chance to be restored as full, productive members of our communities, and (3) eliminate Washington State contracts with private prison corporations and institutions that violate human rights. 

— MAP Scholarship award recipients: Kayleigh Kleia—Comparative History of Ideas Patrick Lozar—History

— Drs. Lois Price Spratlen and Thaddeus Spratlen Scholarship: Ann Nguyen—Public Health an Early Childhood and Family Studies

— Owen G. Lee Scholarship: Ashley Walls—Journalism — Alfredo Arreguin Scholarship: Mariel Vaca-Cruz—Comparative History of Ideas

See web for footnotes: http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/ Departments/SeattleHumanRightsCommission/shrc-geo_ group-092815.pdf Respectfully, Councilmember Sally Bagshaw Councilmember Jean Godden Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell Councilmember Nick Licata Councilmember Mike O’Brien Councilmember Tom Rasmussen Councilmember Kshama Sawant

— Hon. Claudia Kauffman Scholarship: Jacqueline Johnson—Communications — Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation Scholarship: Karl Gapuz—Early Childhood and Family Studies 

asianweekly northwest

12

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

{SHELF cont’d from page 9}

revenge on us?

figure out a way to seek its revenge.

The answer comes in the form of Ryu, a lowly kitchen worker in Chef’s restaurant. Ryu is admittedly unambitious, does not have many friends, and it is clear that great things may not be meant for him, but there is one thing that sets him apart from others: He can hear the rice cooker when it speaks to him. After accepting that he is not going crazy, Ryu and the rice cooker begin working on a plan to get them both out of Chef’s kitchen and on to greater things.

Featuring an unconventional friendship, “Revenge” is a fun short story with a unique and quirky plot with sympathetic characters you can’t help but root for — even if one is a supposedly inanimate object.

The idea of a vengeful rice cooker is fun enough as a concept, but Pajonas’ execution and follow-through of the story bring it to life — almost literally. The story will have readers looking at everything around them differently, wondering about the gods living in them and the spirits inhabiting them. What are their thoughts and dreams?

What do they really think about humans? And will they rise just as the rice cooker in this story and seek their

Of Introductions and Abductions: Monkey Queen Book One

{MISSING EXECS cont’d from page 4}

its chairman, Wu Yijian, who went missing in mid-May, had resurfaced and gone back to work. He explained to the company that he was “assisting the relevant department’’ of the Chinese government with an investigation while he was away, without disclosing further details.

— China Aircraft Leasing Group said in June it was not able to reach its CEO, Mike Poon, after he submitted his resignation while he was in the middle of his annual vacation. The company said Poon didn’t give any reason for his departure in his resignation letter. Nor did he make any reference to news reports in Hong Kong and mainland Chinese media that said he might be caught up in a Chinese government investigation into China Southern Airlines, which is a customer of China Aircraft Leasing.

Aside from disappearing executives, much more clearcut announcements of alleged wrongdoing are a recurring theme at Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies.

Among the slew of cases this year, Alibaba Pictures Group Ltd., the film arm of the Chinese e-commerce giant, said one of its directors, Patrick Liu Chunning, was detained by the Public Security Bureau in connection with an investigation into the “alleged receipt of bribes’’ while Liu worked at Internet company Tencent Holdings.

The company said the charges were unrelated to his employment at Alibaba.

A Chinese investigation is not always the only reason for an executive’s disappearance.

Pearl Oriental Oil Ltd. said in late September it was unable to contact Chairman Wong Kwan, who had been due in a Hong Kong court on fraud charges.

In October, police in Taiwan freed him from a gang of kidnappers who had been holding him captive for more than a month and demanding a ransom of HK$70 million ($9 million). 

is part of a broad crackdown on the finance industry following China’s stock market meltdown over the summer. The company said it would appoint temporary replacements for Yim but declined further comment.

Such cases would be highly unusual for other global financial centers, but have become commonplace in Hong Kong, where the city’s stock exchange allows international investors to access an increasing number of mainland Chinese companies.

They highlight some of the risks of investing in China’s public companies, which operate in an opaque political and legal system and face additional uncertainty because of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing and wide-ranging assault on corruption. ``It shows on one level that investing in some of these companies is quite risky,’’ said Jamie Allen, secretary general of the Asian Corporate Governance Association. ``It also says a lot about the legal and political system in China. China doesn’t have a system of law like Hong Kong.

In China you can disappear.’’

Hong Kong is a former British colony that now is a specially administered Chinese region with legal and financial systems that are separate from mainland China’s.

Among the Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies that have reported missing executives this year: — Waste disposal company Dongjiang Environmental Co. last month suspended its shares from trading because it couldn’t reach Chairman Zhang Weiyang before a scheduled board meeting. The company said it later found out from Zhang’s family that he was being investigated “by the relevant authority’’ in China, although it didn’t say why.

— Shopping mall and department store operator Century Ginwa Retail Holdings said in September that

{THAI POULTRY cont’d from page 4} abuses, including slavery on fishing boats.

The groups Finnwatch and Swedwatch said in a report released in Thailand that they found abuses at six factories that process broiler meat, including exorbitant recruitment fees, illegal confiscation of personal documentation and forced labor.

Earlier this week, the food conglomerate Nestle SA announced it has found that impoverished migrant workers in Thailand are sold or lured by false promises and forced to catch and process fish that ends up in its supply chain. Most of the migrant workers are from Myanmar and Cambodia.

Nestle’s announcement followed reports from news outlets and nongovernmental organizations that tied brutal and largely unregulated working conditions to the company’s shrimp, prawns and Purina brand pet foods.

Nestle’s findings echo those of The Associated Press in reports this year on slavery in the seafood industry that have resulted in the rescue of more than 2,000 fishermen.

The report by Finnwatch and Swedwatch explores the employment conditions of migrant workers in Thailand’s poultry industry.

“Migrant workers hired by companies exporting to the EU and other markets are often exposed to repeated violations of human and labor rights by employers and subcontractors as well as corrupt officials,” the report said.

Written by Robert Dahlen Amazon Digital Services, Inc., 2014

For geek girl Beth McGill, college is not what she expects it to be. As someone who has grown up obsessed with fantasy and science fiction and participating in cosplay, she doesn’t quite fit in with her peers. She can’t seem to hold on to a roommate. And the only friend she seems to have made is Puck, one of her professors.

Things go from not great to worse one Friday as Beth is attacked by an ogre — and subsequently saved by Michiko Koyama, the Monkey Queen. That is just the beginning as the two quickly learn that Puck has been kidnapped and Beth is thrown into a world filled with faeries, hobgoblins, trolls, sorcerers and more.

And as much as Beth has read books and watched movies about them, she quickly learns that things are a lot more complicated and involved than anything portrayed in pop culture.

Follow Kelvin Chan at twitter.com/chanman.

“Many of them become victims of debt bondage” due to excessive recruitment fees they were often forced to pay, it said. Other abuses include a lack of health insurance despite having fees for it deducted from their salaries; confiscation of passports and work permits to tie workers to their workplace; and the use of child labor.

CP Foods Public Co. Ltd., whose factories received a mostly favorable evaluation in the report, issued a preemptive response earlier this month.

Senior Vice President Suchart Sitthichai, manager of the company’s chicken processing plant in the northeast province of Nakhon Ratchasima, said in a statement that the company respects its migrant workers and “condemns all exploitation, forms of child labor, forced labor and human trafficking.”

He said the company has been found to meet Thailand’s highest labor standards, reflecting “our spirit to treat all workers under our roof on a fair, nondiscriminatory standard that meets international labor practices.”

CP Foods is part of the CP Group, one of Asia’s biggest agribusiness-based conglomerates. The other companies that were researched — Laemthong Poultry Co.; Saha Farms Group, operating as Golden Line Business Co. Ltd.; and Centaco Group, operating as Sky Food Co. Ltd. — asserted in published replies to questions from the researchers that they operated responsibly. 

Joined by a sarcastic guinea pig named Gregor (formerly a powerful sorcerer), Beth and Michiko work together to figure out who is behind Puck’s kidnapping and save him while bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Loosely based on the Chinese legend of the Monkey King, “Monkey Queen” is a fun adventure story filled with various fantasy creatures and characters as well as pancakes and a fancy dinner party. We also get to see a new, budding friendship between outcast Beth and Michiko, who is also different in her own way.

And with as many different creatures and species featured in the story, Dahlen shows readers the importance of looking beyond the surface and really getting to know others. Almost every group has its own prejudices and preconceived notions against everyone else, and vice versa. But we quickly learn the damage and harm those stereotypes can cause during trying times — a lesson anyone can take to heart during our own current trying times.  Samantha Pak can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.

{CHOI cont’d from page 1} family acquired an E-2 visa.

Here is where the complication begins.

“Unfortunately, the international student visa that my dad was on does not offer any pathways for an application for permanent residency,” states Choi.

“The U.S. government views the international student visa (F-1 visa status) as a temporary stay type of visa.

So the only other visa that my parents were eligible for at the time was the E-2 visa—which is a small business owner visa. This E-2 visa is also considered a temporary stay visa … it allows for the immigrant to stay legally in the U.S. as long as they invest, run, and operate a small business.”

Choi says her parents were able to maintain their legal status through their E-2 business visa for the past 18 years despite their business not making much money.

Choi is now 30 years old and has lived most of her life in the United States and she considers the U.S. and Seattle her home.

“As long as I maintained full-time student status, I could legally stay in the United States. And so from 2006 on, I have had to stay in school full-time because I wanted to stay in the U.S. because this is my home, where my family is, and where my friends are.”

But now she is facing deportation.

What are her options? Currently, she has several options, but none are simple (or even possible) due to time constraints and reality restraints. She can get married to a U.S. citizen. Or she can get an employer to support a visa.

Or she can return to school (she already has a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Justice, so returning to school would not be her most logical choice). There is some time on her side, but not much (she would have to leave in the new year) so she is hopeful that options, particularly work, will happen.

She has reached out to Adam Smith, Maria Cantwell, and even Gov. Jay Inslee. She says they were all extremely supportive and referred her to immigration case workers, whom she still communicates with (one referred by Gov. Inslee), and she has also acquired an immigration attorney.

But for someone facing deportation, she maintains a positive, healthy attitude—optimism.

“Fifty-fifty percent chance?” she questions.

“If I have no legal means to stay here in the U.S. after Jan. 18, 2016, I will head back to Seoul, South Korea – where I was born. But I have not lived in Korea since 1991, and I’m sure I can adapt and learn to live there. But it’s a sadly disheartening notion to think that I will be forced to leave this place that I have called and continue to call home.”

Choi refers to the term “Twilight Dreamer,” a reference her friend once made—a situation where you attempt to do everything right, follow all the rules, but it still doesn’t work out..

“It’s a broken system, “Choi says. “Even when you abide by every step, this is what happens.”  The Asian Weekly learned about Choi’s plight via her Facebook post regarding her work issues with Asian Counseling and Referral Service.

Peggy Chapman can be reached at editor@ nwasianweekly.com.

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

■ astrology

DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

13

For the week of December 5–December 11, 2015

By Sun Lee Chang

Rat — While you miss the way things used to be, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the bounty that you currently possess.

Dragon — An innocent comment could be misunderstood this week. Once you realize what has happened, then take steps to remedy the situation.

Monkey — Your priorities have shifted somewhat recently and that could cause some tension; however, that should ease as a new routine takes shape.

Ox — Have you convinced yourself that there is only one solution that works? Despite what you are thinking, keep an open mind to other options.

Snake — The tighter you try to hold on, the harder it is to actually do so. Surprisingly, a looser grip may be more effective.

Rooster — Are you growing wary of someone who keeps asking you for favors? Unless it is a two-way street, they need to go elsewhere.

Tiger — This is not the time to act rashly. Although you are used to reacting quickly, a thoughtful, measured approach is advisable.

Horse — Ask yourself why you feel the need to justify your position. It could be you are trying to convince yourself as much as your audience.

Dog — Are you afraid of admitting what you really want? An unfounded fear could be keeping you from an attainable goal.

Rabbit — A change in perspective for the better can open many doors for you. This is just the beginning to a whole host of positive developments.

Goat — Considering purchasing a pricey item in the near future? A key consideration should be its versatility and how often you are likely to use it.

Pig — Take your cues from someone you respect and trust. If you are missing one or the other, then you should look elsewhere.

What’s your animal sign?

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

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

{PHO cont’d from page 5} developed, used for everything from pad Thai to spring roll dipping sauce, are made from secret recipes that she still prepares herself for each location.

After almost 20 years in business, La still works seven days a week. She’s saved enough to buy the building her newest restaurant is housed in and to send her two daughters to college. Still, she and her husband, Minh Tran, show up for work every day.

“I like to work, I like to cook,” she said.

“I’m not lazy.”

Part of that is her passion for food. La loves to travel and, wherever she goes, she and her family seek out the best places to eat. Mexican cuisine, in particular, is a favorite.

A keen sense for business has also been instrumental to her success. Over the years, she’s modified her Southeast Asian cuisine to American palates based on customer feedback. Her latest restaurant, for example, has a whole menu of vegetarian dishes based on local demand. In an effort to perfect it, she went back to Vietnam to study vegetarian cuisine with monks at a Buddhist temple in her hometown.

“I’m always looking at customers and trying to figure out what they like,” she said.

The popularity of pho — the traditional Vietnamese soup of rich broth, usually with rice noodles and meat — has been on the rise in recent years. In 1995, it was rare enough that an Anchorage Daily News article heralded one of the first restaurants serving the dish (its headline: “At long last, real Vietnamese”).

Since then, the cuisine’s popularity has been on the rise, with 2008 marking a banner year for pho. La opened the first Pho Vietnam restaurant in June 2008 — six months after Spenard’s popular Pho Lena restaurant also opened its doors.

Of the 40 stories on pho in the Anchorage Daily News archives, about two-thirds were published after 2008.

According to the Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services, today 16 restaurants have “pho” in the name, with many other Asian restaurants offering pho on the menu as well.

Coming to Alaska La started Pho Vietnam as the cuisine was taking off, but her success is about more than just timing. Her younger sister, Lisa Lane, thinks it comes from a work ethic influenced by her immigrant roots.

Lane said that when the family came to Alaska from Vietnam, they spoke no English and had almost nothing. Even getting to Alaska was a 10-year process, hindered by the anti-American communist regime that took over the country after the Vietnam War. That anti-American sentiment affected La in other ways, too.

She was barred from getting a college education in Vietnam because her sister, Lane, has an American father.

La grew up in Vinh Long, in the southern part of Vietnam. In 1989, she immigrated to Anchorage, where her half-sister’s father lived, along with her two sisters and mother.

She worked a number of jobs after coming to the U.S. She was a hairstylist, opened a nail salon and for a time worked as a “sky chef,” catering airplane food.

But La’s passion was preparing her native Vietnamese cuisine. Her cooking was influenced by her grandmother, who used to cater weddings and other special events in Vietnam. She said that gave her an innate sense of how to cook.

La said that in the ’90s, the Vietnamese community in Anchorage was small. With few Vietnamese restaurants and people craving homemade pho, she started hosting weekend lunches.

Pho, cooked all day in giant pots, is meant

for sharing. What started as a gathering for family expanded to other members of the community. As the lunches grew, more people encouraged her to open a restaurant.

So she did, opening Pho Saigon in 1999.

Lane, her sister, said that when it first opened, business was tough. The mall had strict hours that weren’t ideal for the restaurant. In the early 2000s, pho was still catching on with the general Anchorage population. Lane, who worked as a server, said she often had to explain what the dish was to customers.

In 2004, La and her first husband divorced. Running the restaurant as a newly single mother of two was too much. So she sold it and went back to doing nails.

But La said that didn’t make her happy.

So in 2008, with the support of her second husband, she went back to pho, opening Pho Vietnam in a strip mall.

Since she opened Pho Vietnam, the popularity of pho has only increased. Her brother-in-law, Thomas Crandall, thinks Anchorage’s love of pho stems from the city’s cold, wet weather.

La understood that demand too and tried to devise a way to get the food across the city.

That meant expansion. A second restaurant opened in Muldoon, a third in Government Hill and another in Jewel Lake. At each one,

she would get things off the ground and then hand it over to a relative. Part of the hand-off includes training the chefs.

Jesus Gonzalez has worked with La for three years, and she considers him her best chef. Gonzalez had years of experience cooking Mexican and American food but didn’t know anything about cooking Vietnamese food before working with La. But she’s a good teacher, he said, with a perfectionist’s eye. Little things, like making sure each handful of rice noodles that goes into a bowl of pho is the right size (the size of La’s small palm), were drilled into him.

And while she’s shared many of her food tips, there’s one she hasn’t shared: how to make the sauces.

“It’s her secret,” he said. “She doesn’t trust me yet.”

La says she has no plans to stop working anytime soon but that Pho Vietnam 8 will be her last pho location. She’s able to take care of her family and, after years of struggle, that’s all she ever wanted to do in the first place.

“I’m so happy right now,” she said. “I just want to do enough for my family. One more may be too much.” 

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DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

{FBI AGENT cont’d from page 5} Boy” Chow that he was paying Chow for connecting him to other people for criminal activity. He said he had one conversation about investing in Chow’s book, but was never given a manuscript.

Prosecutors say Chow took over a Chinese fraternal group with criminal ties after having its previous leader killed and ran a racketeering enterprise that engaged in drug trafficking, money laundering, and the sale of stolen cigarettes and alcohol.

The investigation previously led to the conviction of a state senator.

Chow’s attorneys say the agent instigated the crimes for which people were later arrested, and forced money

{LIN cont’d from page 8} her father who still lives in China in an apparent attempt to intimidate her into silence. Although she hadn’t received an invitation letter from organizers, and therefore was unable to obtain a Chinese visa, she said she decided to travel to China anyway in hopes of obtaining a visa on arrival.

After landing in Hong Kong on a flight from Toronto, Lin was told by airline staff at check-in that she needed to speak to an official in Hainan’s provincial capital of Sanya. She said the official, who identified himself only by

on Chow, often when he was drunk. They say Chow — a former gang leader — was reformed, wanted nothing to do with crime and was looking forward to a lucrative book deal about his life.

Curtis Briggs, one of Chow’s attorneys, said Chow repeatedly said “no” when the agent offered him money.

“How many times does somebody have to say “no” before you don’t put the envelope in their pocket?” Briggs asked.

The agent said Chow never tried to give the money back.

“He probably could have physically handed it back to me,” the agent said. “He probably could have stopped calling me. He probably could have reported me to the police. He probably could have done a number of things, Mr. Briggs, but he did none of that.”

his surname, Chen, seemed to be attempting to verify her identity.

After telling her she wasn’t eligible for a visa, the man refused to give a reason then abruptly hung up the phone, she said.

“To prevent me from even stepping into Chinese territory, I think this is what they’re trying to do. I really don’t see where this insecurity comes from,” Lin told The Associated Press. “I think that’s the real harm when people watch this and learn a negative lesson. I hope people see courage and hope in the story, not simply just being denied.” 

The FBI agent, testifying under the fake name David Jordan to protect his identity, previously testified he spent more than three years posing as a member of an East Coast crime syndicate involved in illegal sports betting and marijuana cultivation as he tried to get close to Chow.

The agent said Chow introduced him to other people who helped him launder money, but told the agent he did not want to know about the crimes being committed.

The agent spent hours with Chow and people connected to him at fancy restaurants and nightclubs, recording many of their conversations as he built a case that would ultimately lead to the charges against Chow and more than two dozen others and the conviction of state Sen. Leland Yee, who pleaded guilty to racketeering in July. 

{MISSING ART cont’d from page 8} one by Claude Monet that was sold for $32 million in 2010 by former Marcos aide Vilma Bautista.

She was sentenced last year by a New York court to up to six years’ imprisonment for conspiring to sell the art work and for tax fraud.

De Castro said litigation was ongoing regarding the Philippine government’s lawsuit in New York to recover the proceeds from the sale and three other art works she attempted to sell.

Journalists were allowed to view and take pictures of the jewelry being appraised, including a rare, barrel-shaped pink Indian diamond that a Christie’s representative said was worth at least

$5 million.

Other jewelry included complete sets of diamond-encrusted rubies with a brooch whose single ruby stone is bigger than a dollar coin.

A Sotheby’s representative said they appear to be Burmese rubies. There were also diamondstudded tiaras, including a Cartier tiara with paisley-shaped design.

The jewelry collection, comprising three sets seized in various locations, was valued at $5 million to $7 million when it was last appraised in 1988 and 1991. But it is likely to have significantly risen in value, De Castro said.

The jewels have been stored for nearly three decades in the central bank’s vault in Manila. 

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Bruce Harrell; and Richard Marr from the International District Emergency Center.

Representing the Seattle Police Department (SPD) was Deputy Chief Carmen Best.

During an initial statement, when asked to summarize the investigation, Best said much of the information was not able to be released to the public, and there were regrets that the SPD was not able to release that information, due to the concern that it would jeopardize the ongoing investigation.

She also stated that “communication with the community will be better” and there was a heightened awareness of crime in the International District.

Community members in the audience expressed frustration about the lack of information about the case. There were questions about letting the community know the actual progress, any information that can be shared, where the case is going, if it was active, and if it was a priority.

Best replied that the SPD had accurate leads and the investigation was active.

When asked for specifics, she explained {BLOG cont’d from page 10} Whether it is still a priority of SPD to solve Donnie’s murder is unknown. If SPD says it is, how can we be reassured it is?

Without answers, residents can’t forget they live in buildings in the proximity of where Donnie was shot, and perhaps some are fearful of living in the ID in general.

According to Chun Li, apartment manager for Dva Apartments (721 S. Lane St.), three families have moved out since the murder due to the fear of violence, and several families are thinking about getting out.

In the month of October, six shots were fired in the middle of the night although no one was hurt. “Everyone in the building heard it,” Li said.

Li also said that just three weeks ago, two shots were fired in the evening.

The community has no way of finding out with a typical SPD response. Is there no progress in the investigation?

Don’t get me wrong. Personally, I like Best. The Asian Weekly even honored her at the Women of Color Empowered lunch in 2011. It is disappointing that Best came to the meeting without checking with the investigation unit first and couldn’t give us a more informative response regarding Donnie’s case. It was the No. 1 question in the mind of many in the audience.

I couldn’t just sit there—I was about to explode because SPD was ignoring the Asian community. Best’s excuse for not sharing information was that, if the media printed any information, it might alert the suspect(s).

that the SPD couldn’t reveal any specific information or testimony during the investigation due to the possibility it would be tainted. Best emphasized that what could be shared with the public was limited.

The other issues wanting to be addressed by community members focused around issues of safety in the International District.

These concerns included: the increase in homelessness; blatant drug dealing; lack of safety; the need for more attention to be paid to Little Saigon; a perception of disparity between the SPD’s attention paid to the East precinct and the West precinct; and the overall need for more police patrol.

At the end of the meeting, Councilmember Harrell proposed another meeting in several weeks with the SPD, focusing on more details about the case and establishing better communication with the community about Donnie Chin’s murder.

“His death left a gap,” one audience member stated.  Staff can be reached nwasianweekly.com.

at

info@

Haven’t you heard of the term “off the record”? The Asian Weekly has cooperated with sources and the police department in the past by not printing certain facts when requested. With our community as witnesses, the police can ask for the media’s cooperation. If the Asian Weekly breaks the promise, it would affect our credibility instantly.

Rep. Santos asked, “What can you (SPD) tell us?” besides information which might hinder the investigations.

Harrell said the police could talk specifically about what has been done regarding Donnie’s case. What kind of progress has the investigation made?

What kind of obstacles is the investigation running into? Or is the investigation going back to square one? Is there anything the community can do to help? Were there any suspects arrested so far?

Donnie’s death has disrupted the lives of many ID residents. Community members have been asking for increased police presence and reorganization of the East and West police precincts—such reorganization takes time and money. We understand that.

However, the community needs to know when Donnie will get justice so that Chin’s family and the community will receive closure and move on with our lives. You would think SPD has updated the Chin family. Not even once as far as we know.

The residents are waiting. We are all waiting for that day when Donnie’s killer is revealed and arrested so we can all take a long hard breath of relief and say, “It’s over.

Donnie, you can rest in peace.”

Chief O’Toole, please don’t fail us. 

{LIU cont’d from page 1}

2015 Seaattle marathon

than last year’s win. Of course, she had to deal with plantar fasciitis, a common pain in the heel of the foot. Liu still managed to beat the field of women in the 26.2 mile race on Sunday, Nov. 29.

Liu, a research scientist on aging muscles with the University of Washington, attributed her second straight victory to the support she received from friends, family, and fellow runners at the Seattle Running Club.

Originally from Tianjin, China, Liu came to the U.S. in 2009. She recently moved to Seattle from Redmond, spoke highly of the support she received from her

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Even with a slower time this year, Liu bested the next women’s runner by five minutes.

More than 12,000 runners registered for the annual event held the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Despite the cold temperatures, there was no rain as the runners ran through the streets of Seattle and ended in Memorial Stadium at the Seattle Center. 

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DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 11, 2015

{RACIST SLURS cont’d from page 1} Vardy, a player for the Thai-owned Leicester City of the Premiership, was not severely punished for this racist tirade despite a decree of “zero tolerance” of racism by the league.

Vardy, a 28-year-old player from Sheffield, England, was playing high-stakes poker at a casino when he made the comments to a man described as being of “East Asian” descent. He claimed that the man was attempting to look at his hand while playing poker which resulted in his racist rant. Vardy described his actions as a “regrettable error in judgment.” The club issued a statement in which it conducted its own investigation and have dealt with the matter.

“Having established a full account of the incident in question and taken into consideration Jamie’s prompt apology, the club has issued the player with a substantial fine and prescribed a program “of diversity awareness training,” read a portion of the statement from the club.

Leicester City is owned by Asian Football Investments, led by successful Thai businessman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who founded King Power Duty Free. Srivaddhanaprabha’s company also sponsors the soccer team. The team is also led by his son, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabh.

The soccer star apologized for his actions after the fact. Vardy had “clear-the-air talks” with Japanese teammate Shino Okazaki after his racist rant was caught on video. Vardy, and likely the team, thought it should be necessary that he speak with Okazaki to make sure that his casino comments were not a broad generalization about what he thought of Asians. Of course, it likely was. The term “Jap” for those who do not know is a derogatory term. There were no public comments made by Okazaki about his meeting with Vardy.

Vardy was not let go by his team despite its cutting three players last year for racist comments made to Thai women during a goodwill tour of Thailand. The players were accused of being involved in a sex orgy with the women. A video surfaced of the players engaging in the acts.

One of the players, James Pearson, referred to one of the women as a “slit eye.” Once the video surfaced, Leicester City was swift in its actions to

{SCANDINAVIA cont’d from page 7}

Jason Vardy

disassociate the players from the team.

In the latest instance of racial insensitivity, Vardy was not fired. Whether or not he should have been is a matter for the team and a league as a whole. The league, clubs and players union all acknowledge zero tolerance when it comes to racism. Yet, the issues remain of racial slurs like that made by Vardy as well as documented issues of racial abuse by fans against black players or by players against other players of different ethnicities. In February 2015, soccer fans of the Chelsea club were accused of pushing an opposing fan who was black. There were also chants, “We’re racist, we’re racist and that’s the way we like it.”

Vardy’s level of discipline might be due in part to his value as a goal scorer to Leicester City.

While his actions were caught on tape, there was no hint that he would be cut. The owners have not spoken publicly about the incident aside from the statement issued by the team.

Will the fine and cultural sensitivity classes help Vardy become more culturally sensitive? It is hard to say, but it is hard to believe that these issues will end.  Jason Cruz can be reached at info@ nwasiaweekly.com.

wanting to come back. This time, I’ve stayed with friends, tried out hotels and hostels, and even rented a boat, all to stretch my budget and examine the possibilities, and to be here long enough to watch a season turn. But the people and conversations are what always make a trip magical. More about those, next time. Denmark is a long step out from where I live in Asia, but like I said, I’d always been enchanted by this part of the world, and I suppose I wanted to find out why. “You should go to the south of Europe now. The weather is much, much better.” This is the usual advice. But I’m not interested in the south of Europe, I want to respond, though that won’t hit the right note, I’m sure of it. I’m here.

Sometimes people let me expand a bit on the “joy of confusion” stuff. They come back with nods, and empathy, and a couple of statements about comfort zones, and finding yourself outside of them, and looking for challenges, and pushing out past the edge. We talk, sometimes, about cliffs and other times about paragliding, about eagles, or about what makes a thing intriguing, or how to design the perfect experiment, the role of art in society, gradients and inflection points, and how digressions are good. It gets interesting, when there is a good pen, and an impulsive chart sketched quickly, and graph paper, and it gets winning when there is the underlining and circling of things that matter to us, both of us, despite our many cultural divides, and other invisible differences.

It’s always fun meeting people. This time, boat owners, community theater directors, game designers, artists of all types. People just out of “high school,” who inform me, when I blanch, trying to calculate their suddenly miniscule-

seeming age, “It doesn’t mean high school, that’s just what we call it. I don’t know the word in English.”

Symphony orchestra directors on trains will talk with me about artfulness, and there will be couples sitting at tables adjacent to mine in restaurants, really close, because this is Denmark and they have many cozy, intimate venues that squish tables up together, who get chatting about philosophy and let me butt in. (“Excuse me. Did you say Heidegger? Or was that just a Danish word? What, really? You really were talking about Heidegger? Oh, cool. Did you read ‘What is Metaphysics?’)

The time it takes to work up to being in a place, to really noticing it, and getting used to coins, and the accent, and simple things like fluctuations in the pitch, all of that time is valuable. It makes the ending of a trip really good, if there has been lots of learning.

It’s coming up to that last part, for me. The ending. My last day is open, right now. I think I’ll go for a long walk around Copenhagen, if it’s not snowing or raining or the winds aren’t blowing at too many kilometers per hour. I will look for the quality of light in the December sky, see if it’s got something new. Meet magpies. Watch swans. Most importantly, I will look for the place in Assistens Cemetery that I’ve been saving. After all the learning, that is, by osmosis of what it feels like to be in Denmark, I’ll go to Neils Bohr’s grave. I love this physicist and sometime philosopher, who said, “How wonderful that we have met with a paradox. Now we have some hope of making progress.”

The world is complicated. But there has to be, for all of our sakes, hope of making progress.  Dipika Kohli can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.