The Chapter is very pleased to announce that honorees at the banquet will be Admiral Herb Bridge, Diane Narasaki and Alan Sugiyama.  Admiral Bridge is co-owner of Ben Bridge Jewelry, a civic leader and philanthropist who has been a generous supporter of the Seattle JACL for decades.  Diane Narasaki, Executive Director of the Asian Counseling and Referral Service, provides strong leadership for the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC), an advocacy group that organizes the statewide Asian Pacific American Legislative Day in Olympia each year.  Alan Sugiyama is a former Seattle School Board member and former director of the Center for Career Alternatives. 

The prices for tickets are $60.00 before January 21, 2012 and $75.00 after January 21, 2012.  Online reservations and credit card payments can be made at www.jaclseattle.org.

Q:  You were an immigrant from China and educated as an engineer. Even American-born Asians educated in political science stray away from politics. What brought you in and kept you going?

A:  I guess maybe it’s in my bones or in my blood. About 20 years ago, I felt I wanted to make a difference. And I asked myself, “Where can I make the biggest difference?” You can make the biggest difference in politics because in politics you can actually change the rules of the game. You make policy. So, I began volunteering and getting involved in the community to try and to see.

Win or lose I enjoy the process; I enjoy the people, the interaction and building relationships. If you don’t like it or enjoy it, you’re not going to stay. Every morning I wake up and look forward to my work and I’m still doing it – making a difference.

Q:  What is your most memorable experience in your political career?

A:  Well, my best moment is now! Tomorrow [at the inauguration] will be, I would consider, the happiest day of my life because the best is yet to come. The best is yet to come. That is my attitude.

That’s memorable. It’s historic. I’m the first minority mayor of the City of Bellevue with all its stature, of its size, of its importance.

In politics, you can ask people, “Did you vote for me?” and they will tell you, “Yes! I voted for you.” Realistically, there’s no way you’ll know. The only reality is when the decision is made when you are elected. That’s politics, that’s reality. And my election is hard evidence of the city’s value for multiculturalism.

Q:  There was recent data that highlighted Bellevue’s minority population that is now reached almost half the city’s population. You particularly have a large number of Asian families. What are some of the projects you have to respond to this new dynamic?

A:  I’m getting Bellevue to sponsor an American Immigration Forum – an Asian Perspective sometime in February. It will be a community discussion to inform, learn and listen from an Asian perspective.

Immigration reform has been a big issue for the last few years. Perspectives and reforms are very narrow, personal and political. The policy we have currently is out of date, irrelevant. We need to bring out other perspectives in order to make an informed decision – regardless whether we decide to make reforms, revisions or keep it the same.

I’m doing this to start the dialogue between immigrants, politicians and policymakers. I want them to learn and be informed so that they can make rational decisions.

Q:  Your election as an Asian immigrant will always remain as a monumental moment in Bellevue history. If you could leave one or two things as a piece of your legacy for the Asian community, what would that be?

A:  The problem is that people think that the American dream is dead, dashed! We should have hope. I would say as a spiritual value, we have to have faith. On the other side we also have to see reality. That’s the dry part that makes us keep working hard.

An immigrant student with no background in politics was able to get elected by the mainstream. Less than 10% of Bellevue’s population was minority at the time. Basically I pushed that history that can give young people or minority the hope or evidence that anything is possible. Specifically, we can actually succeed and make a difference in politics. We can actually get into leadership. It’s not just a fluke, it’s not one term, it is 20 years of proof, gaining trust among people of all races and differences. I think that is a real legacy. For this country is an open country.

“I’m grateful to the people of Bellevue and I am honored to be entrusted by my fellow council members to be mayor,” Mayor Lee said. “Bellevue is a wonderful place with wonderful people. It’s one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the state and I am proud to represent and lead it.

“We are pleased that the Commissioners listened to our communities to create WA’s first ever majority-minority congressional district that promotes the voting power and civic participation of communities of color,” said Pramila Jayapal, One America executive director.

“The elected representative of this congressional district must fight to win our support by paying attention to the issues of our marginalized communities,” expressed Nate Miles of the United for Fair Representation coalition. “In Congress, they must work diligently on behalf of our ever-growing community to confront disparities that exist in health, education and income.

“We now look forward to the release of the Eastern WA legislative district maps and hope that commissioners listened to the voices of Latinos in WA and created two Latino majority population (9th and 15th) legislative districts,” said Fe Lopez, coalition member and president of the Latino Bar Association of WA.

The redistricting commission heard unprecedented testimony from communities of color throughout the state about the need for the new district lines to reflect the growth of communities of color over the last decade. The United for Fair Representation coalition turned out 500 Unity Map supporters to almost all 18 redistricting forums around the state.

Please find more information at www.fairrepresentationwa.org.

Kevin Chang

 
President – Kevin Chang
Vice President of Internal Affairs – Sherwin Tsao
Vice President of External Affairs – Amy Duong
Treasurer – Lily Li
Secretary – Mingxing Tu
PR/Marketing – Brittany Ryerson
Social – Heidi Yu
Student Relations – Eugene Ngai
National Representative – Hang Chen
Technology Chair – Janet Shen
Community Service Chair – Howard Wu
Scholarship Chair – Louisa Lambert
Membership Chair – James Wong
Board at Large – Julie Pham
Board at Large – Claire Ding
 

Amy Duong

The officers will serve two-year terms. NAAAP-Seattle is the Puget Sound’s premier volunteer-run leadership development organization for Asian Pacific American professionals.
 
Photos of Kevin Chang, Amy Duong, and Sherwin Tsao attached.
 
About the Seattle Chapter of National Association of Asian American Professionals
 
The NAAAP-Seattle Chapter, founded in 1979 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, NAAAP-Seattle is an individual membership organization dedicated to creating a stronger Asian-American community within the Puget Sound. NAAAP-Seattle is dedicated to the improvement of the Asian American community by promoting leadership, career development, educational exchange, professional networking, social networking, and civic responsibilities.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

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Friends of Asian Art Association presents HOLIDAY BAZAAR and AUCTION

December 4, 2011, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Enjoy an afternoon browsing and bidding on unique Asian objects, antiques and collectibles.Here is your opportunity to purchase gifts for the holiday or any special occasion.  This Holiday Bazaar features two silent auctions and one live auction of Asian art, antiques and gift items.   Bring your family and friends!

PAYMENT BY CASH OR CHECK ONLY

5701 Sixth Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108

The ArtXchange Satellite Gallery is at Plaza Suite 290 at the Seattle Design Center

Free parking available in the SDC Garage.

Proceeds support Friends of Asian Art Association.

More info can be found on the flyer HERE.

Ark Chinn

Sharing the sad news that Ark Chin, who critically advanced the Chinese Americans into the political arena in the 1960s and was an ardent philanthropist, has passed.  His contribution, not just locally (Seattle) but back home, was built around his belief of giving back to the communities that supported him.  Read more about his life and accomplishments at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=ark-geow-chin&pid=154631319&fhid=2475.

Submitted Special to SouthendSeattle by Community Power Works

Summer jobs for students are becoming harder to come by. But Community Power Works (CPW) produced memorable summer-time gigs for a group of teenagers who got volunteer hours and payment to break dance in the name of promoting energy efficiency.

Incoming Cleveland High seniors Carlos Nieto, Erick Phung, Rodriguez Pham, Kenneth Nguyen, Edwin Tablit and Franklin High senior David Ngo make up the crew of newly professional dancers referred to as the “Cleveland Boys.” They danced in eight outreach events this past summer, sporting bright turquoise Community Power Works t-shirts. Each received $200 and community service hours for their dancing over the summer.

Kelly Rula, CPW Home Retrofit Coordinator, said, “We originally envisioned hiring jugglers and mimes to perform at community outreach events but break dancers seemed more exciting and hip. Then we discovered the Cleveland Boys and the rest is history!”

Community Power Works is a $20 million Federally funded, neighborhood-based energy upgrade initiative that aims to help people get to know their homes better, save energy and create green jobs by helping to upgrade 2,000 homes and small businesses in downtown, central and southeast Seattle for energy efficiency.

All of the boys live in the communities eligible to apply for Community Power Works, from Beacon Hill to Rainier Beach. They and their families hail from Vietnam, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Practice, practice, practice

Carlos, Erick, and Rodriguez have been friends since they were 13 years old at Aki Kurose Middle School. They picked up break dancing in eighth grade.

“During the summer between 8th and 9th grade, we practiced day in and day out, every day,” said Erick. “We didn’t know where it was going to take us. We just loved doing it.”

“We didn’t think we could ever get paid,” added Carlos.

As high school freshman, the boys started Cleveland High’s first breakdancing club. They are sometimes known as the Cleveland Boys. But they call their crew “Panda Bell.”

“It’s because we like Panda Express and Taco Bell,” said Eric.

Panda Bell practiced at various local community centers and at school, honing their style. When they got asked by Community Power Works representative to dance, Carlos said, “We were prepared.”

Panda Bell gives it back teaching the littles in Columbia City

Dancing for Community Power Works

“I really liked how we danced in many places. I got to see different communities I’ve never been to,” said David.

“We designed the dance to get people’s attention,” said Carlos.

Eric explained, “The plan was to get kids to watch while outreach people talked to parents.”

“I think we were successful. We attracted a good number of people,” said Rodriguez. “My favorite was dancing in the parade. We had never been in a parade before. Dancing while moving forward is hard. But we got energy from the crowd.”

The work gave the boys a boost of confidence.

“I like how dancing built my self-confidence,” said David Ngo. “I used to not like being in front of crowds, but ever since I started dancing, I feel better about being in front of crowds.”

“I really liked how we were able to get out there and get money at the same time,” said Edwin. “The money was a bonus. It acknowledged what we are doing is worthwhile.”

“My mom likes that I like dancing and she likes that I’m getting paid to do something that I like to do,” said Carlos.

All six teens concurred they also learned more about energy efficiency, a message they now spread to their friends and family.

“I looked into recycling,” said David. “I turn off the lights more often. I tell my parents not to waste energy around the house.”

What’s Next for Panda Bell

The boys may have less time for dancing as they enter their senior year. When asked what they want to achieve next year, they pitched in, “Get a 4.0,” “Get ready for college,” and “become a more giving person.” They shared their aspirations of becoming engineers and scientists.

They all said they will most likely dance for the rest of their lives. And always remember their first gig as professional break dancers.

This article first appeared in the Southend Seattle.

Nikkei Concerns executives and prominent supporters at the Sept. 19 ground-breaking. Photo credit: Eugene M.Tagawa.

“This looks like hell. We have to do something about this,” said Jeffery Hattori about one year ago, as he looked out at Seattle Keiro Rehabilitation Center’s current garden, with an uneven ground, an abandoned nursery and scattered plants.

Hattori, CEO of Seattle Nikkei Concerns, the umbrella organization of Seattle Keiro, had a vision: a beautiful garden space with a tranquil waterfall, lush greens and smooth pavement for the elders at the Seattle Keiro to enjoy. In a green space, their residents can experience a better quality of life and wellness opportunities.

On Sept. 19, with the help of community leaders, generous donors and hard-working staff, Hattori’s vision came to life with a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate the launch of the garden’s renovation project.

The day was also coincidentally Japan’s Keiro No Hi holiday, which celebrates and honors elderly citizens. The ground-breaking began with a Shinto ceremony and then proceeded to speeches from prominent individuals such as Consul General Kiyokazu Ota, Seattle Deputy Mayor of Community Darryl Smith, and Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell.

The Seattle Keiro Garden project is projected to finish in December. The entire project will cost $500,000, and has currently raised $175,000. Though ambitious, Hattori believes the fundraising will succeed.

“Oh, it will work,” confirmed a confident Hattori. “As people start to see it grow, it is tangible.”

The project is more than an idea. It’s a philosophy and a hope for members of the API community who have unique senior needs. But back in the 1970s, it was the rallying point for young activists.

In 1972, a group of Nisei, or second-generation Japanese Americans, shared a concern for their aging parents and family members who sacrificed to immigrate and establish themselves in the United States.

At that time, nursing homes in the United States did not cater to the culture, language and food needs these elderly Japanese Americans needed to feel comfortable and culturally connected.

In 1975, community leaders formed Nikkei Concerns, a one-of-a-kind organization which has evolved to serve not only Seattle’s Japanese American elders, but also elders from other ethnic groups. It watches over several nursing and care programs including Seattle Keiro, a rehabilitation and care center; Nikkei Manor, an assisted-living facility; Kokoro Kai, a senior activity program; and Nikkei Horizons, which provides continuing education for active seniors.

Hattori, who has served at Seattle Keiro in numerous capacities since his teens, said he’s held Nikkei Concerns close to his heart. His aunt Mitzi Hara was Keiro’s first director of nursing services, and his mother was one of Keiro’s residents who spent her last days at the care center.

That passion is how Hattori, who became administrator of Keiro in 1999, and now serves as its CEO, has shaped Seattle Keiro from a 2-star facility to a bonafide 5-star facility today. But he isn’t stopping there. He and the Nikkei Concerns team continue to set new goals and aim high for a community that few others understand.

Hattori wanted a place where residents can “hear the water and rain drops,” breath in the fresh air and create a bond with their family and with nature. Hattori describes that the garden will be a place where residents can come and reflect on their life’s achievements and hardship and find peace through the harmony in the garden. But Hattori emphasizes that it’s only possible with community support.

The garden is designed by Scott Murase, principal designer of Murase Associates and a fellow Japanese American. To ensure that he meets the residents’ needs, Murase met with a core focus group and staff about what the program’s needs are.

“The vision was to create a Northwest sort of garden and small courtyard,” said Murase. His goal is to create a garden with Japanese influence to form a look that is “timeless.”

“The use of stones is an integral part,” described Murase. The garden is also designed to have some “water feature to create some intimate type of space and have a lot of trees to create a backdrop.”

“I think of the residents here as my parents,” said Hattori, “I would want them to stay in the best place possible.”