asian avenue magazine - april 2016

magazine

April 2016Volume 11 Issue 4

Connecting CulturesLinking Lives

asian avenue

A look At AsiAn Districts ArounD tHE WorlD

rEstAurAnt PEEk HoP AllEY

nEW DEnvEr HEAltH soutHWEst FAmilY HEAltH cEntEr oPEns

iguDEsmAnAnD Joo:

clAssicAl violinist AnD PiAnist

Spring is here!As we look forward to the sunny weather, we are also preparing for travel season! This month’s cover story features the Asian communities, such as Chinatowns and Little Tokyos, that exist across the U.S. and the world. Asian populations have made their mark with famous arch entrances, beautiful flower gardens and delicious restaurants. Read more about the history of these Asian enclaves and consider visiting one in your 2016 travels! Where will it be: Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, Chicago’s Chinatown or our very own Little Saigon here in Denver?

While visiting the Little Saigon area of Denver, along Federal Boulevard between Louisiana Avenue and Alameda Avenue, stop by Denver Health’s new Southwest Family Health Center and Urgent Care. Opening on April 18, the center is located at 1339 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219. It will have 40 exam rooms, 10 rooms for urgent care, a pharmacy and a dental clinic; the center will provide much needed services to the southwest Denver community.

Kudos to our friend, Tommy Lee, for his latest culinary endeavor. The Cherry Creek High School graduate and owner of the Highlands’ Uncle restaurant recently opened Hop Alley which features regional Chinese flavors such as Sichuan, Cantonese and Taiwanese. Visit them downtown in the area known as Denver’s original Chinatown.

Next month, we will feature the 2016 Asian American Heroes of Colorado. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the outstanding individuals in your lives. We are excited to share the admirable stories of this year’s award recipients in our May issue. On Saturday, June 11, we invite you to celebrate the heroes at the annual award ceremony and dim sum brunch at Empress Seafood Restaurant. Get your tickets at www.cacenetwork.org. Have a great month!

Annie Guo, PresidentAsian Avenue magazine

staff & supportPublisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo

President: Annie GuoEditorial and Marketing Manager: Sarah Shirazi

Senior Designer: C.G. YaoGraphic Designer/Photographer: Anastasia Yagolnik

Copy Editor: Jaime Marston Cook Staff Writer: Patricia KaowthumrongStaff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz

Staff Writer: Brenda VelasquezMarketing Coordinator: Chun Guo

Marketing Coordinator: Mai Choua LeePhotographer: Trang Luong

Intern: Akemi Tsutsui

advisors groupGeneral Counsel: Michael C. Song

Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado,Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh,John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida

contributing writers Timothy Clark, Rebecca Cruz, Tony Huynh,

Clarence Low, Jules Nadeau, Tom Shieh, Stacey Shigaya, Mary Wang

contributing photographers Gil Asakawa, François Nadeau

on the coverChinatowns, Little Tokyos and ethnic enclaves

around the world deliver a sensory experience - from bright colors and unique architecture, to intriguing

music and enticing smells of exotic food.

subscriptions To subscribe, e-mail [email protected]. A one-year subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues. Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine. For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping/handling included.

advertisingAsian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at [email protected] for our media kit and ad rates.

editorialTo submit story ideas, letters to the editor or calendar events, e-mail [email protected]. Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.

Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc.P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748

Tel: 303.937.6888 | [email protected]

Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

asian avenuemagazine

April 2016 | President’s Note4

DenveR International AiRport

You’re invited to the official opening of the University of Colorado A Line! Service will begin running directly after the ceremony.

UniveRsity of ColoRado line

NOON – 9 pmall Rail lines

5 am – 10 pm

all UniveRsity of Colorado

line Stations

We’re having a huge celebration and you’re invited. Join us for fun-filled

festivities full of entertainment!

10 am – 2 pm

free rides*free rides

station paRtiesgrand opening

10 am – NOON

CA D E H W

fRiday • ApRil 22 satuRday • ApRil 23

* Bus service not included.

61st & Peña

Peoria

Central Park

40th • Colorado

Union Station

38th •Blake40th Ave & Airport Blvd

• Gateway Park

Denver Airport

GR NDAOPENING

University of Colorado Line

the tRain to the plAne

grand opening sponsor

in partnership with

University of Colorado Line rtd-denver.comUniversity of Colorado Line rtd-denver.com

DenveR International AiRport

You’re invited to the official opening of the University of Colorado A Line! Service will begin running directly after the ceremony.

UniveRsity of ColoRado line

NOON – 9 pmall Rail lines

5 am – 10 pm

all UniveRsity of Colorado

line Stations

We’re having a huge celebration and you’re invited. Join us for fun-filled

festivities full of entertainment!

10 am – 2 pm

free rides*free rides

station paRtiesgrand opening

10 am – NOON

CA D E H W

fRiday • ApRil 22 satuRday • ApRil 23

* Bus service not included.

61st & Peña

Peoria

Central Park

40th • Colorado

Union Station

38th •Blake40th Ave & Airport Blvd

• Gateway Park

Denver Airport

GR NDAOPENING

University of Colorado Line

the tRain to the plAne

grand opening sponsor

in partnership with

University of Colorado Line rtd-denver.comUniversity of Colorado Line rtd-denver.com

13

COMMUNITY FEATURE: DENvER HEAlTH’s NEw sOUTHwEsT

FAMIlY ClINIC OPENs APRIl 18The new family health center will be one of the largest locations in Denver Health’s network of primary care locations in Denver, and will be

the first to provide Urgent Care services to the community as well.

April 2016 | Table of Contents6

contents8 EVENT CALENDAR

21 CHEF’S MENU Vietnamese Pork Bánh Mì Sandwich

BETTER LIVING

23 5 Tips for Staying in Shape While Traveling by The Fit Asian

24 The Prayer Flag Tradition

25 A Pledge for Parity: 5 Tips to Master for Both Sexes by Tom Shieh

ON SCENE

28 GuGu Drum Group performs at the Lone Tree Arts Center

Day of Remembrance brings Japanese Americans and Muslim Americans together amidst anti-immigration rhetoric

Asian Chamber of Commerce hosts seminar on Trans-Pacific partnership

29 Relief efforts in Tohoku region on fifth anniversary of disaster

Mobilizing Asian American and Pacific Islander voters in Colorado

Colorado Children’s Noruz performance celebrates Spring and Persian New Year

30 NATIONAL NEWS

10

11

20

26

CONCERT FEATURE: IGUDEsMAN & JOO: ClAssICAl vIOlINIsT AND

PIANIsTViolinist Aleksey Igudesman and pianist Hyung-ki Joo perform an engaging show at the Boettcher Concert Hall that included classical compositions

of their own intertwined with masters such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Rachmaninov.

COvER: A lOOK INTO CHINATOwNs, lITTlE MANIlAs,

lITTlE TOKYOs AND AsIAN ENClAvEsThese historic and cultural communities have become tourist sites around the U.S. and the

world. Chinatowns have come and gone but the ones still standing are thriving.

REsTAURANT PEEK: HOP AllEYThis newcomer is a must see for its modern take on

regional Chinese food, its use of sustainable and local ingredients, that hip atmosphere and good music, and an amazing bar program. Visiting this

new Denver establishment once is a guarantee to go back and enjoy some more.

BOOK PREvIEwMontreal-based photographer François Nadeau

published a photo album of his best prints of China, this vast land he literally “fell in love with”. Rather than chitchatting in Mandarin, he communicates in “visual shots” with

ordinary folks he mingles with in his book China, Photographic Narrative in the Middle Kingdom.

Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc.P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748

Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488www.asianavemag.com

Find us @AsianAveMag

#AsianAveMag

Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc.P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748

Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488www.asianavemag.com

Brought to you by our newSouthwest Family Health Center and Urgent Care

Trust.Trust.

Federal & Louisiana|Open April 18

William Schoolcraft, MD • Eric Surrey, MD • Debra Minjarez, MD Robert Gustofson, MD • Jennifer Brown, MD

For more information call 720-873-6243 or visit our website today at: www.ColoEggDonor.com

upcomingsouthwest Family Health Center

Grand Opening

Tuesday, April 5, 3:30pm to 6pmSouthwest Family Health Center and Urgent Care

1339 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, 80219Cost: Free, RSVP required

Please RSVP to attend by Monday, April 4 atwww.denverhealth.org.

Join Denver Health in celebrating the grand opening of its newest family health center at a special speaking engagement and ribbon cutting ceremony. Take a tour

of the health center, meet the providers, and enjoy snacks and refreshments after the ribbon cutting.

Theatre Esprit Asia presentsACE: Asian-American Cabaret Evening

sunday, April 10, 7pm to 9pmACAD: Aurora Cultural Arts District

Gallery Classroom, 1400 Dallas St. Aurora, 80010Cost: Free, Donations Appreciated.

Limited seating; reservations suggested. E-mail [email protected].

Join Theatre Esprit Asia (TEA) for ACE: Asian- American Cabaret Evening, featuring poetry by Sueyeun Juliette Lee, poetry by Serena Chopra, performance by David Paul, tai chi gung practi-

tioner. Scenes from TEA’s upcoming production of Animals out of Paper, written by Rajiv Joseph and directed by Sam Wood, with Arlene Rapal, Mark

Pergola and Jonathan Slusser. Free refreshments of wine & snacks!

Fighting For Justice: Bruce lee, Race, and Rights

wednesday, April 13, 12:3pm to 1:45pmUniversity of Colorado Denver,

Student Commons Building, Room 20001201 Larimer St. Denver, 80204

Cost: Free, Food Provided

Join the Asian American Student Services office for a discussion led by Dr. Daryl Joji Maeda, Associate Pro-fessor and Chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies, at the University of Colorado Boulder called “Fighting

for Justice: Bruce Lee, Race and Rights.”

Hmong Culture Nightsunday, April 17, 4pm to 9pm

Tivoli Turnhalle, 900 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204For more information contact: Soyon Bueno, Asian

American Student Services Director, at 303-315-1879 or [email protected].

The Hmong Student Association welcomes you to join in the celebration of Hmong people being in

the U.S for 40 years!! Come learn about the culture, watch performances of singers and dancers, and

eat delicious food! Spread the word and invite your friends and family!

Asian Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

wednesday, April 20, 6:00 - 7:30 PM“Chocolate: The Exhibition”

Denver Museum of Nature & Science2001 Colorado Blvd. Denver, 80205

Cost: $10 members, $15 non-membersRSVP required at www.acccolorado.org.

Join the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) for its Business After Hours at one of Denver’s favorite

institutions, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! Enjoy a great networking event with colleagues

and have access to the Museum’s Chocolate exhibit, which is generously sponsored by Enstrom.

Asian Art Association 2016 Annual Meeting & silent Auction

sunday, April 24, 11:30am to 2pmLittle Ollie’s Restaurant, 2360 E. 3rd St. Denver, 80206Cost: $45 per person, RSVP required to Beverly Little

by noon on April 15 by calling 720-913-0040. Please specify food preference, vegetarian or non-vegetarian menu.

Join the Asian Art Association (AAA) for its annual meeting to hear the state of the association report and elect leadership for the next year. A luscious luncheon and silent auction to follow.

events

April 2016 | Upcoming Events8

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Violinist Aleksey Igudesman and pianist Hyung-ki Joo create a playful and engaging show that includes classical

compositions of their own intertwined with masters such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Strauss and Vivaldi.

Their late-February Denver performance of “BIG Nightmare Music” was born from their first groundbreaking show, “A Little Nightmare Music” in 2004. These talented and entertaining musicians are clear in their intention “to make classical music accessible to a wider and younger audience.”

Conductor Andrew Litton artfully blended the musical theatrics of Igudesman and Joo with an attentive and vivacious symphony orchestra. On his website, Litton states, “The arts provide us with the ultimate form of self-expression and give us fulfillment, enrichment, beauty and peace, and represent, quite frankly, all that is best about mankind.” Decorated with a myriad of accolades, Litton is also an accomplished pianist. Litton was not shy throughout this performance, occasionally participating with Hyung-ki Joo in various piano shenanigans.

Filling the Colorado Symphony’s top post as Music Director, Andrew Litton will shift into a new role as both Artistic Adviser and Principal Guest Conductor. Taking the lead for just a few concerts each year here in Denver, Litton is free to fulfill his new role as the Music Director of the New York City Ballet Orchestra. The audience was fortunate on the night of this Igudesman and Joo performance to witness the skill and mastery of Andrew Litton’s art.

Hyung-ki Joo’s presence fills the stage with sophistication and languid charm. Finely dressed, Joo exudes self-confidence in his musical craft. Aleksey Igudesman is saucy and expressive, with a delicate command of the Colorado Symphony that nicely compliments conductor Andrew Litton. Whirlwind costume changes between numbers are reminiscent of musical comedy theater, demonstrating the ease with which Igudesman and Joo relate to one another, their fellow musicians on stage, and the audience as participatory members of the performance.

Complementing a rendition of Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube, a lighthearted Joo teaches the audience about his Three Steps to Success in Music: always smile with joy, only play music that everyone knows, and show off. The family-friendly banter between musicians is enough to keep the audience at the edge of their seats throughout the evening, hungry for whatever surprise is to come next.

Igudesman and Joo: ClassICal VIolInIst and PIanIst RoCk BoettCheR ConCeRt hall

By Jaime Marston Cook

AAm: What is something unique about you that is not already on the Internet?

“Well, I am the fastest tooth brusher in the world, I have watched the original Mission Impossible eight times in the span of 23 hours, and I have 423 different laughs.”

AAm: How do your performances and your audiences vary around the world?

Joo ponders thoughtfully for a moment and replies with passion, “Audiences are unanimous around the world – they resound with humor and music. We have a raison-d’etre as musicians: there is a deeper hidden meaning in all of our songs, and frankly, we don’t care if people get it or not because truly, all music comes from the same place.”

AAm: What is the most inspiring moment of your musical career?

Joo reminisces with a twinkle in his eye, “A year and a half ago, Aleksey and I created a competition in Switzerland called Feast of Duos, between piano and violin, made up of international people of all ages. They had to play something classical, and also they had to prepare something totally original. The desire of the competition was not only to discover talented musicians, but mainly to inspire creativity, to truly challenge people to let out their inner child. Just like this orchestra has done tonight.”

From the moments when Igudesman and Joo are squaring off as if in a duel and the orchestra is galloping in their seats, to finishing the show by running full-speed around the theater encouraging audience engagement, Igudesman and Joo prove to be classical musicians and entertainers of the finest caliber.

This performance was clearly just as much fun for the members of the symphony as the guests. When the whole stage erupts in a Latin party atmosphere to Aleksey Igudesman’s own composition of Uruguay, brightly-colored flowing feather boas bring warm smiles while various sections of the orchestra move around the platform in a well-articulated salsa dance. This duo makes it look easy to keep everyone guessing, while they clearly have fun making music come alive.

IntervIew wIth hyung-kI Joo

April 2016 | Concert Feature10

11Community Feature | asian avenue magazine

REGUlAR vIsITs TO THE DOCTOR ARE IMPORTANTRegular visits to the doctor are important to staying healthy.

A family doctor can screen you for certain health conditions that you may be at risk of developing, can provide important vaccines to prevent certain conditions, can connect you with other medical services you may need, and can help you when you just aren’t feeling well. The Southwest Family Health Center will provide care for adults and children of all ages.

NOT sURE wHEN TO UsE URGENT CARE?An urgent care center provides care for urgent health issues

when your family doctor is not available and medical care is needed the same day. Most of the time this is after hours or on weekends, but sometime your family doctor does not have an appointment available. Urgent Care Centers provide care for minor injuries and illnesses, have x-ray and blood testing services, and stay open longer that family medicine health centers.

Here are some conditions that an Urgent Care Center can help with:

• Cuts that need stitches• Broken toes or fingers• Animal bites• Sore throats, ear aches, and severe colds and flus• Skin rashes and infections• Sprains and strains• Urinary tract infections

The Urgent Care Center at the new Southwest location will serve adults and children, and will be open Monday-Friday,

9 a.m. to 9p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.*Remember! In an emergency, always dial 911.

*Hours may change. Please visit DenverHealth.org for current hours.

Denver Health works hard to connect patients and the community with services they need to stay healthy and live well. The new Southwest Family Health Center will

feature additional medical services, and community services as well, including the following services.

• Dental Services• X-Ray and Lab Services• Full-Service Pharmacy

• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Location• Health Enrollment Services

New Denver Health Southwest Family Health Center and Urgent Care to Open April 18

The new Denver Health southwest location opens its doors on Monday, April 18.

The new family health center will be one of the largest locations in Denver Health’s network of primary care locations in Denver, and will be the first to provide Urgent Care services to the community as well.

Urgent Care Center

Additional Services at a Convenient Location

For more information visit: DenverHealth.org/southwest

1339 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219DenverHealth.org/Southwest

EXHIBITION NOW OPEN

Robot Revolution is supported by Google.org with additional major support from The Boeing Company. Other funding provided by RACO Industrial, The David Bohnett Foundation, The Kaplan Foundation and official airline United Airlines.

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13Asian Towns All Over the World | asian avenue magazine

While some Chinatowns and Little Tokyos are more robust than others, these ethnic enclaves always deliver a sensory experience - from bright colors and unique architecture, to intriguing music and enticing smells of exotic food – these features can make any visit an adventure. In a neighborhood where English is not the primary language, a visitor may feel as though they have left the United States altogether, and then suddenly become a tourist in their own city.

Most can take a “staycation” by just visiting their local Asian neigh-borhood instead of investing in an international trip, providing the lure of an adventure close to home. Chinatown in New York, for exam-ple, is thriving. According to Flush-ing resident Mitch Wu, professor of Asian-American Studies at Hunter

College in New York, “Chinatown and Chinese settlements are growing.”

History of Asian settlements in the United states

Rapid immigration to North Amer-ica led to the formation of ethnic en-claves in the late 19th century. A long period of Chinese exclusion and dis-crimination began around the same time. San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America, serving as a port of entry for early Chinese immigrants from the 1850s to the early 1900s. The area was the one geographical region deeded by the city government to private prop-erty owners. This allowed Chinese families to inherit and inhabit dwell-ings within the city. Many Chinese found jobs working for large compa-nies seeking a source of labor, most famously as part of the Central Pacif-

ic on the Transcontinental Railroad. As early as 1763, Filipinos were

documented entering the United States through Louisiana. More Fili-pinos entered the United States from 1899 to the 1930s, settling in Hawaii and California. The next wave of Fili-pinos appeared as “war brides” after World War II. The most recent wave of Filipinos immigrating to the U.S. occurred after the 1960s as working professionals from the medical, ac-counting and legal fields.

Japanese immigrants first entered the United States in the late 1860s, settling in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest areas, in cities such as Portland and Seattle.

According to the Migration Poli-cy Institute, as of 2014, the top five origin countries of Asian immigrants were India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea.

ChInatowns, LIttLe ManILas, LIttLe tokyos and asIan enCLaves Found around the worLd

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

san FRanCIsCo ChInatown

April 2016 | Cover Story14

Famous ChinatownsSan Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco has what is considered

to be one of the largest and oldest China-towns in North America. San Francisco’s Chinatown has long been a gateway to the country for Chinese immigrants, and continues to serve as a bustling ethnic enclave for Chinese residents and those passionate about Chinese cuisine. Most residents of Chinatown immigrated from the Canton province, and many contin-ue to live in Chinatown even after their children and grandchildren move to the suburbs outside of San Francisco.

Change continues to affect Chinatown. Younger families who move away from their Chinatown heritage often leads to local consequences, such as local schools shutting down. Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, for example, plans to close its doors by the end of 2016. Old St. Mary’s, the first private Catholic school to offer Manda-rin-language classes, was established as an institution 100 years ago.

New York, New YorkChinatown in New York, along with Lit-

tle Italy, was listed as an historic district

on the National Register of Historical Places in 2010.

Following San Francisco, “The Big Ap-ple” hosts the second-oldest Chinatown in the United States. Self-guided walk-ing tours allow visitors to identify sites as much as 200 years old. Founded in

1883, the Chinese Consolidated Benev-olent Association serves the community as the oldest community organization that assisted new Chinese immigrants with job skills, building businesses, and providing financial assistance, as well as serving as a cultural hub of activity.

Boston, MassachusettsAs the third-largest Chinatown, Bos-

ton’s version sits between the shop-ping and financial districts, reflecting an immigrant population that settled in Boston during the 1880s. Chinatown’s atmosphere and cuisine help make hot summer nights a popular cultural desti-nation for families, teenagers, senior citi-zens and tourists.

Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaWithin a few short blocks of the Phil-

adelphia Convention Center and City Hall, Chinatown beckons tourists and out-of-town visitors. Cantonese immi-grants settled this Asian enclave in the mid-19th century. The neighborhood is packed with restaurants and stores that represent Hong Kong, Cantonese, Fuji-anese, Northern Sichuan and Taiwanese

ChICago ChInatown

Old St. Mary’S Cathedral,San FranCiSCO


ChICago ChInatown

PoRtland JaPanese gaRden

cultures, with a sprinkling of Korean, Thai, Malaysian, Burmese, and Vietnam-ese cultures, too.

Honolulu, HawaiiOn the island of Oahu, Chinatown His-

toric District lures visitors to check out temples and architectural buildings.

Sitting on the western edge of Hono-lulu’s financial district, Chinatown show-cases a hodgepodge of shops such as herbalists, lei makers, antique dealers, temples, bars and restaurants. By day, bustling markets such as the Mauna Kea Marketplace or the Oahu Market offer ex-otic fruits, seafood and curiosities like the “thousand-year-old egg.” It is home to temples such as Izumo Taishakyo Mission Shrine and the Kuan Yin Temple, reminis-cent of historic Japan and China.

For most visitors, the scents of dim sum (Chinese dumplings), Eurasian, Viet-namese, Malaysian and even Cuban and French cuisines make Honolulu a favor-ite destination to explore local culture through delicious food.

Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe first Chinese immigrants were re-

corded entering Los Angeles in 1852. By 1870, an identifiable Chinatown of 200 or so residents was situated on Calle de Los Negros - Street of the Dark-Hued Ones - a short alley 50 feet wide and one block long between El Pueblo Plaza and Old Arcadia Street.

These early, mostly male Chinese served mainly as laundrymen, gardeners, agricultural or ranch workers, and road builders. Despite heavy discrimination in the late 19th century, the Chinese held a dominant economic position in the Los Angeles laundry and produce industries for many years.

Houston, TexasEast of downtown Houston, China-

town merged with other Asian neigh-borhoods, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Pakistani and Indian. The restaurants and businesses collect-ed there evolved into an international district, including markets that entice locals and out-of-town guests for the great diversity found within.

In the U.S. and abroad, Asian-Amer-ican tourists dig deeper beyond China-towns and searching for other ethnic

neighborhoods such as Little Manila or Japan Town.

little Manila or Pinoy TownStockton, CaliforniaStockton was the beginning of Little

Manilas. Littered with dance halls, chop suey houses and gambling dens, a ma-jority of Filipino immigrants were orig-inally men working in the fields or as domestic laborers, or “house boys.”

Filipinos started moving to northern California’s surrounding areas such as Daly City, Vallejo, and San Francisco. Large Filipino bakeries such as Red Rib-

ChinatOWn, hOnOlulu


bon and Goldilocks’ headquartered its U.S. locations in these northern California cities.

Los Angeles and San Diego, CaliforniaThroughout southern California, Filipino stores are found al-

most everywhere. Any Filipino resident can lead a visitor to a Seafood City for grocery products originating in the Philippines or to Jollibee’s, a fast-casual restaurant where diners can point to specific food items in a buffet line.

Dublin, IrelandSeveral grocery stores, remittance businesses and restau-

rants are found throughout downtown Dublin as a way to serve the overseas Filipino workers who populate the health care in-dustry. Since the 1990s, Ireland has recruited health care work-ers from the Philippines. The 2011 Census tracked more than 12,000 Filipinos in Dublin.

London, EnglandThe largest Filipino community in the United Kingdom is in

and around London, based around Earl’s Court. Other towns and cities with significant Filipino communities include Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and Barrow-in-Furness, which is home to an extremely successful Filipino community, as well as being the country’s largest for a town of its size.

little Tokyo or JapantownLos Angeles, CaliforniaAs the heart of the largest of Japanese-American communi-

ties, Little Tokyo stands as the most ethnically diverse neigh-borhood in downtown Los Angeles. This area provides an array of restaurants offering sushi, Udon noodles and country-style Japanese cuisines.

Business ownership is often passed down through genera-tions. Other types of businesses include nonprofit organiza-tions such as Leadership Education for Asian Pacific, Inc., Little Tokyo Community Council, and Little Tokyo Service Center.

Vancouver, CanadaThis Canadian metropolis has expanded its Japantown, or

Little Yokohama, into an international city of diverse Asian cul-tures. Japantown has undergone several crises, including the Japanese-Canadian internment camps and racial attacks of the past. The reality of the past haunts many in Vancouver’s Japan-town to this day.

Portland, OregonOregon has listed Portland as having the largest Japanese

garden outside of Japan. It is an ideal retreat for meditation and contemplation. Covering nearly 5.5 acres, the Portland Japanese Garden features five different gardens, replete with exquisite plants, carefully placed stones and relaxing pools. Currently, the garden is closed for ongoing renovations, the first time since it opened its doors.

What about Denver?Sakura Square started as an urban renewal project in a

once-shabby area, according to author Bill Hosokawa, who has traced the history of Japanese-Americans in Colorado. The transformation of a run-down neighborhood that evolved into an important part of Denver’s Lower Downtown now includes commercial space and an apartment tower for the elderly.

Downtown Denver has a tragic history with Chinese immi-grants. The first race riots were recorded in downtown Denver in an area that was then referred to in a derogatory manner as “Hop Alley.” Rumors of opium dens frightened Caucasians. In addition, heated competition for railroad and mining jobs, and increased hostilities among other immigrant groups escalated into a fight starting at a pool hall on October 31, 1880.

Records indicate that a crowd of 3,000 people gathered in downtown Denver. As several Chinese men attempted to es-cape, they were ambushed by the larger group gathering downtown. One Chinese man died and property damage was estimated to be about $30,000, a significant amount of money now and especially in the late 1800s.

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Today, visitors can view a commemorative plaque near Blake and 20th Streets, the only visible sign of Denver’s long-lost Chinatown.

Denver does not have a designated Chinatown area, although the city does have many Asian immigrants including Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipi-no. There are Asian grocers in Aurora and spread out throughout the city. In Den-ver, there is a concentration of Asian markets and restaurants on South Federal Boulevard and West Alameda Avenue.

Declining ChinatownsThe report on gentrification, published by the Asian American Legal Defense

Fund, finds that from 2000-2010 the share of the Asian population has fallen while the share of the white population rose in all three cities:

• New York: from 48-percent to 45-percent• Boston: 57-percent to 46-percent • Philadelphia: 49-percent to 30-percent Increasing numbers of immigrants live outside Chinatown and come in for

business during the day, or on a weekend shopping trip.

Washington, DCToday, Washington DC’s Chinatown is more than a collection of Chinese restau-

rants, gift shops and an ornate arch. It is known for its annual Chinese New Year

denVeR FaR east CenteR


tIps For expLorIng ethnIC neIghborhoods

Check out different cities’ visitors and convention bureau websites.

Ask friends and family who have visited these locations for recommendations.

Conduct an Internet search using key words such as Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Little Manila, Koreatown, or even “ethnic neighborhoods.”

washIngton d.C. ChInatown

festival and parade and the Friendship Arch, a Chinese gate built over H Street at 7th Street. Other nearby prominent land-marks include the Verizon Center, a sports and entertainment arena, and the Old Pat-ent Office Building, which houses two of the Smithsonian Museums.

Boise, IdahoAccording to the local historical society,

the Chinese population disappeared in the 1970s when investors pushed an el-derly Chinese man out of his apartment in a large building complex. Remnants of ethnic Chinese heritage are visible throughout downtown Boise with his-torical markers showing vintage photos, reminders of laundry buildings, and old

Chinese restaurants.Descendants of Chinese immigrants

settled in the outlying suburbs of down-town Boise, while others relocated to metropolitan cities of Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago for better job opportunities.

Whether it is for a day-trip close to home, or part of an excursion to a new city, taking the time to visit Chinatown or another ethnic enclave is a great way for visitors to expand their cultural horizons, support local businesses, and experience something new.

Mary Jeneverre Schultz has visited Chinatowns, Manilatowns and Little Tokyos all over the United States. Follow her on Twitter @Jeneverre.

los angeleslIttle tokYo

Golden ShanghaiAsian Restaurant

● The Best Chinese Restaurant by 710 AM Restaurant Show● The Best Chinese Restaurant by the 1430 KEZW Restaurant Show● Voted 2007 Top 100 Chinese Restaurant in the US

1412 S. Parker Rd. A-134 Denver, CO 80231(303) 743-7666 (303)743-9079 (303)743-8210

April 2016 | Restaurant Peek20

tommy lee, owner of the popular ramen eatery, uncle, has opened his second restaurant venture in the rino district named hop alley. lee and Chef todd Somma have developed a 15-item menu focused on regional Chinese cuisine with a modern twist.

lee is clever in his reclaiming of the term, “hop alley,” originally used by Caucasian populations in the late 1800s to describe denver’s original Chinatown where opium could be found – “hop” was the Chinese folk etymology for the english word opium at the time.

inside hop alley, the dining room is modern with a mixture of seating options, including a table in the back with a lazy susan and a consistently good playlist featuring hip-hop music in the background. Who knew Chinese food paired so well with hip-hop? after trying a signature cocktail (or two) named after the Chinese Zodiac and a few bites of the mind-blowing hot and sour potatoes, not even the most serious types will be able to resist a little head bobbing or chair dancing.

the atmosphere, the experience, and the food are what make hop alley so special. the steamed eggplant is definitely not to be missed. it sits on a beautiful bed of Sichuan bean sauce, topped with a cooling salad made of crispy garlic, poppy seeds, thai basil, and bean sprouts. The combination of flavors, textures and presentation make this dish an easy choice.

One of the most playful options on the menu

is the Beijing duck roll, a twist on traditional roast duck and scallion pancakes. tender pieces of duck and crispy cabbage are rolled inside a scallion pancake, and extra pieces of crispy duck skin are served on the side with house-made sweet and sour sauce—a very successful pairing indeed.

For those who have ventured further into Chinese culinary territory, the La Zi Ji - fried chicken with dried chilies and Sichuan pepper is a great choice, especially for diners who like their food on the spicier side. hop alley’s version is prepared differently than most, with the addition of chili powder to the batter. this dish comes finished with chili and sesame oil, providing both moisture and flavor to this deliciously fiery and crispy chicken dish.

While some items will remain on the menu longer, like the Beijing duck roll, the majority of the menu will change seasonally, which means we will have to wait until next winter and hope that the soul warming Hakka fish noodle soup, featuring a tea-based broth, chock full of herbs, shrimp, clams, octopus and hand torn noodles makes its appearance on the menu again.

the verdict: this newcomer is a must see for its modern take on regional Chinese food, its use of sustainable and local ingredients, that hip atmosphere and good music, and an amazing bar program—complete with an in-house sommelier. Visiting this new denver establishment once is a guarantee to go back and enjoy some more.

3500 larimer St.denver, CO 80205

720.379.8340www.hopalleydenver.com

houRs MOn - Sat

KitChen OPen 5:30PM - 10:30PM

ClOSed Sunday

ChIlled toFu $8Bang Bang sauce peanuts,

smashed cucumbers

Bone maRRow FRIed RICe $10

eggs, green peas, scallions

shanghaI RICe Cakes $15Ground pork, carrots, oyster

sauce, fried egg

steamed eggPlant $12Sichuan bean sauce, crispy

garlic, cooling salad

ChaR sIu PoRk BellY $15Braised mustard greens,

hop alley mop sauce

CumIn lamB Rou JIa mo $14

S.e.B.S, pickled cucumbers, koji mustard

new YeaR’s sashImI $16alamosa bass, winter citrus,

shoyu koji

la ZI JI $18Fried chicken, dried chilis,

Sichuan pepper

whole wood gRIlled alamosa Bass $38

Pickled green papaya salad, nuoc cham

sa

Mp

Le

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by Sarah Shirazi

Chef’s Menu | asian avenue magazine 21

　　

　　

　　

heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. add the onions and cook until slightly softened, 5 to 7 minutes. add the ginger and garlic and cook another 3 minutes. add half a cup of the pickling liquid from the pickled vegetables and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock, fish sauce, hoisin sauce and black pepper and stir to combine.

Simmer until reduced slightly and thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. add the slice pork, and cook until the pork is cooked through, 10- 12 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. heat the bread for 2-5 minutes, to crisp the crust and soften the interior.

Cut the bread in 6-inch pieces, and slice in the middle.

Spread desired amount of mayo on one side, place some pork on top of that, top with some pickled vegetables, fresh jalapenos, cilantro leaves, and finish with the chopped peanuts (optional).

Method

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil• 1 large yellow onion, 1/4-inch dice (about 2 cups)• 1 tablespoon peeled and finely grated ginger• 6 cloves garlic, minced• 1/2 cup chicken stock• 1/2 cup fish sauce• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper• 2 pounds boneless pork loin roast, sliced in 1 inch pieces

• 2 French baguettes, cut in 6-inch pieces• 2 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves• 1/2 cup salted roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)• 1/2 cup mayonnaise• 1 cup pickled vegetables, mixture of daikon, carrots, cucumbers. *Make ahead or buy at the nearest Asian grocery store

Ingredients

VIetnamese PoRk

Bánh mì sandwICh(makes 6 sandwiches)

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Saturday, June 11, 2016 10am to 12pm

Empress Seafood Restaurant

2200 W. Alameda Ave. #44, Denver, CO 80223

Tickets: $30 Adult$20 $20 Student

Award ceremony will include recognition of 2016 Asian American

Heroes of Colorado, acceptance speeches, acknowledgment of

participating organizations, dim sum brunch and more!

FFor more information, e-mail [email protected] or call

303-937-6888.

Buy tickets at: www.cacenetwork.orgThis program is presented by the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network in

collaboration with several APA organizations in Colorado.

2016 Asian American Heroes of Colorado Award Ceremony + Dim Sum Brunch

Better Living | asian avenue magazine 23

The grass is getting greener, the temperature is getting warmer, and that means that summer is right around the

corner. It also means shorts, tank tops, and bikinis! Traveling shouldn’t mean having to let yourself go. I bet this scenario sounds familiar. You might have spent that last couple months shedding the holiday weight so you can hit the beach without being afraid to take your shirt off. Perhaps your diet has been on point. And you’ve been hitting the gym on a regular schedule, and posted more bathroom selfies to Instagram than anyone ever should.

But, as soon as your feet hit the ground, your vacation will become a full on all-you-can-eat affair with the only form of exercise being walking from one restaurant to the other.

We’ve all been there.Look, I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t enjoy some

great food while you’re on vacation. Actually, that’s one of my favorite things about traveling!

However, even though new cuisine is great, you should still try to keep your fitness goals in mind

Here are 5 ways to stay on track while you’re traveling, so you don’t hate yourself when you get back:

1 Plan AheadFind a hotel that has a fitness center. It usually is not as well

equipped as a commercial gym, but something is better than nothing. Another option is get a hotel that is near a gym. A lot of times, if the hotel does not have it’s own fitness center, they will have an agreement in place with a nearby gym that let’s their guests access to that gym.

2 Pack Your workout GearBring your workout shoes, clothes, shorts, or whatever you

prefer to workout in. If you took the time to pack it up, you’ll be more likely to actually use it once you get to where you’re going. If you did forget your stuff, and don’t want to go out spend money on some new gear, check with your hotel to see if they have a leasing program for workout clothes. For example,

the Westin offers New Balance branded gear for you to lease at only $5 for your entire stay.

3 Hit a Grocery store when You ArriveNot only will you be able to save calories by picking up some

items at the grocery store, you’ll also save a ton of cash. Get some food/snacks to prevent eating at the first place you see when you get hungry. I recommend picking up some packaged tuna, your favorite fruit, and some bagged pre-washed salad.

4 work In Physical ActivityWhen my fiancee and I went to Kauai a couple years ago, we

ended up hiking close to 16 miles over the course of a few days. Not only did we see beautiful sites like the Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast up close and personal, we got one heck of a workout! So, try to find some hiking trails or if you’re in the city, explore as much as you can on foot. You’ll see things that you’d normally miss if you took a cab.

5 Don’t Neglect sleepLosing out on sleep can make you feel sluggish both

physically and mentally. You’ll be less likely to stay active if all your body wants to do is stay in bed to make up for the lack of sleep. So, avoid caffeine later in the afternoon, go easy on the booze, and shoot for 6-8 hours of sleep if you can.

Armed with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining all the handwork you put in to look good for your tip well after you get back! Happy Travels!

About the Author Tony Huynh is a blogger, podcaster, and fitness

enthusiast who helps people get the body they want at www.thefitasianman.com

Email: [email protected]/Snapchat/Instagram - TheFitAsianMan

5 Tips to Help you Stay in Shape While Traveling

By Tony Huynh

April 2016 | Better Living 24

Prayer flags are not just pretty pieces of colored cloth with funny writing on them. The ancient Buddhist prayers,

mantras and powerful symbols displayed on them produce a spiritual vibration that is activated and carried by the wind across the countryside. All beings that are touched by the wind are uplifted and a little happier. The silent prayers are blessings spoken on the breath of nature. Just as a drop of water can permeate the ocean, prayers dissolved in the wind extend to fill all of space.

Placing prayer flags in and around one’s home or business imparts a feeling of harmony,

increases the spiritual atmosphere and brings to mind the teachings

of enlightenment.

“The prayer flag tradition has a long continuous history dating back to ancient Tibet, China, Persia and India. The tradition has now reached the West and is rapidly gaining popularity. The meanings behind prayer flag texts and symbols, indeed behind the whole idea of prayer flags, are based on the most profound concepts of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.

The Tibetan word for prayer flag is Dar Cho. “Dar” means to increase life, fortune, health and wealth. “Cho” means all sentient beings. Prayer flags are simple devices that, coupled with the natural energy of the wind, quietly harmonize the environment, impartially increasing happiness and good fortune among all living beings.

According to some lamas prayer flags date back thousands of years to the Bon tradition of pre Buddhist Tibet. Shamanistic Bonpo priests used primary colored plain cloth flags in healing ceremonies. Each color corresponded to a different

primary element - earth, water, fire, air and space – the fundamental building blocks of both our physical bodies and of our environment. According to Eastern medicine health and harmony are produced through the balance of the 5 elements.

Properly arranging colored flags around a sick patient harmonized the elements in his body helping to produce a state of physical and mental health. Colored flags were also used to help appease the local gods and spirits of the mountains, valleys,

lakes and streams. These elemental beings, when provoked were thought to cause natural disasters and disease. Balancing the outer elements and propitiating the elemental spirits with rituals and offerings was the Bonpo way of pacifying nature and invoking the blessings of the gods.

Placing prayer flags in and around one’s home or business imparts a feeling of harmony, increases the spiritual atmosphere and brings to

mind the teachings of enlightenment. By placing prayer flags outdoors their sacred mantras are imprinted on the wind, generating peace and good wishes.

When raising prayer flags proper motivation is important. If they are put up with the attitude “I will benefit from doing this” – that is an ego-centered motivation and the benefits will be small and narrow. If the attitude is “May all beings everywhere receive benefit and find happiness,” the virtue generated by such motivation greatly increases the power of the prayers.

”

The Prayer Flag Tradition

By Timothy Clark, Copyright Radiant Heart Studio

Better Living | asian avenue magazine 25

March 8th marks International Women’s Day each year. “Pledge

for Parity,” the theme for International Women’s Day 2016, included a focus on both men and women, encouraging people to pledge to take concrete steps to help achieve gender parity. Of course, parity does not mean that everyone has to be the same. Equal opportunities and rights are just as important as diversity and varying strengths throughout the broader business spectrum.

According to Laura D’Andrea Tyson of the McKinsey Global Institute, “Greater gender equality in educational and employment opportunities fosters faster, more inclusive growth, not only because women are half of the world’s population but also because they are more likely than men to invest in the human capital of their families.” She goes on to say, “Even though men and women are currently at or near parity in health and education throughout much of the world, women continue to lag behind men in economic participation and opportunity by 15 to 25 percent in even the most gender-equal societies.”

For female entrepreneurs today, there are some inherent advantages. Women who embark on the journey into business as entrepreneurs may choose to embrace the following five strengths and skills to help their businesses thrive:

THE ABILITY TO MULTI-TASK. In a recent study from BioMed Central

Psychology, scientists prove the myth that women are, in fact, “better at multi-tasking than men.” There is indeed value in one’s ability to focus on one task at a time. However, in today’s fast-paced world, the ability to multi-task allows one to better navigate and balance parallel projects simultaneously.

JUGGLING ROLES. Women are phenomenal at juggling

different roles. Working women with or without children and families are often shifting among different identities. One danger is the tendency to get involved in too many projects at a time. The multi-talented Singapore-based entrepreneur, coach, and author Millie Leung says, “Manage your schedule ruthlessly. Remember, anything you say ‘yes’ to means you are saying ‘no’ to something else. Learn to say ‘no’ and prioritize what is important.”

INTUITION. Psychology Today reports, “Research

on nonverbal communication skills has clearly shown that women are, as a group, better at reading facial expressions of emotions than are men.” Women are not only better at expressing emotions, but also better able to pick up on subtle emotional messages sent by others.

By Tom Shieh

A Pledge for PArity – 5 tips to master for both sexes

OPENNESS TO CHANGE. Recently, Northwestern University

compiled 45 studies comparing the leadership styles of men and women and found that women were significantly more likely to have transformational leadership skills. These skills are often attributed to the emotional strength of women and the ability to cope and handle change. Buffy Chang encourages women, “Do not be afraid of change. Having the courage to change might just be your biggest asset.”

NETWORKING. Many women are natural networkers.

In today’s environment, the ability to connect is vital – not just through traditional networking events, but also through social media and the networking opportunities it presents in the digital realm. People naturally want to connect to one another; networking, whether in person or online, is a great way to strengthen any business.

Consider that conversations about “equality” or “parity” are not only about leveling the field and making everyone the same in business or in life. More appropriately, if we can truly embrace the natural abilities that each of us possess, we may find that we are all doing our best to come from a position of strength and courage.

Connect with Tom: linkedin.com/in/tomshieh

facebook.com/tomshieh

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China, Photographic Narrative in the Middle KingdomNewly released book by photographer François NadeauWritten by Jules Nadeau, freelance journalist in MontrealPhotographs by François Nadeau

With a visa in his Canadian passport, frequent traveler François Nadeau is circling back this spring to China for the fourth consecutive year where “old friends” are expecting him. The Montreal-based photographer recently published a photo album of his best prints of this vast land he literally “fell in love with”. A local Chinese language weekly published a flattering review in a front page story.

His passion for photography came to light at his fifth birthday when he was offered a magic Instamatic Kodak. He graduated with a degree in music and now earns a living in multimedia. Dragon-eyed François Nadeau also cherishes cycling in Xian and Shanghai, while Beijing is his favorite place to work. Rather than chitchatting in Mandarin, he communicates in “visual shots” with ordinary folks he mingles with. His love story book China, Photographic Narrative in the Middle Kingdom (Editor: Cayenne) can be bought online at: www.aminumerique.com.

April 2016 | Book Preview 26

China, Photographic Narrative | asian avenue magazine 27

April 2016 | On Scene 28

On March 12, the award-winning GuGu Group Drum Group, an ensemble of twenty artists from Shanghai, China, amazed the audience at

the Lone Tree Arts Center with their athletic, musical and dramatic drum work. Through their music, the GuGu Drum Group’s artists told traditional Chinese tales, staged fierce battles between the ox and the tiger, and played instruments as small as finger cymbals and as large as massive standing drums to weave magic on stage.

ACC hosts seminar on Trans-Pacific partnership

The Asian Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an information-

al seminar at CU Denver highlight-ing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)- Increasing Small Business Ac-cess to International Markets. Led by Regional Small Business Administra-tor Ms. Betsy Markey and Mr. Bryson Patterson, SBA Export Finance Spe-cialist with the Denver U.S. Export Assistance Center, the program provided an overview of the region-al trade agreement that the United States is negotiating with 11 other

On February 21, the community gathered at History Colorado for the Denver Day of

Remembrance, which commemorates the sign-ing of Executive Order 9066, a presidential proc-lamation that allowed Japanese Americans to be incarcerated during World War II. This year, Japa-nese Americans and Muslim Americans gathered to discuss the link between Japanese discrimina-tion and the current anti-immigration rhetoric in the United States.

Among the panel participants were Japanese American, Erin Yoshimura, whose family was in-carcerated during World War II, and a Muslim American, Obeid Kaifo, whose parents immigrat-ed to the United States from Syria.

As a 4th generation Japanese American, Yoshimura is a proactive member of the Japa-nese American community. She discussed inter-generational transition of trauma, which is prev-alent among descendants of internees.

Gil Asakawa’s presentation on the history of Japanese American discrimination resonated with Kaifo’s experience growing up in the United States. He expressed frustration with politicians, stating that they create “ripples of hatred.” For those who claim freedom of speech for racist re-marks, Asakawa states, “just as it is your right to say it, it is his right not to experience it.” He asked others to get to know a Muslim, and write to sen-ators to ask them what they are doing to address this issue.

Day of Remembrance brings Japanese Americans and

Muslim Americans together amidst anti-immigration

rhetoricBy Rebecca Cruz

By Clarence Low

GuGu Drum Group performs at the Lone Tree Arts Center

From left to right: Clarence Low, President/CEO of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Betsy Markey, Regional SBA Administrator, Bryson Patterson, SBA Export Finance Specialist, and Consul-General of Japan in Denver, Ito Makoto. Photo by Gil Asakawa.

Asia-Pacific countries (Australia, Bru-nei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singa-pore and Vietnam).

The U.S. currently has agreements with five of the 11 countries (Aus-tralia, Chile, Canada, Mexico, and Singapore). The goal of the ongo-ing negotiations is to produce a comprehensive and high-standard agreement that supports economic growth and jobs and addresses 21st century trade issues. To learn more about TPP, visit www.ustr.gov/tpp.

From left to right: Moderator David Fulton and panelists Erin Yoshimura and Obeid Kaifo. Photo by Gil Asakawa.

Mile-High Happenings | asian avenue magazine 29

On March 11, 2011, a devastating magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit the

Tohoku region of Japan. Nearly 16,000 lives were lost, more than 6,000 people were injured and 2,565 people are still missing. Almost $200 billion in building, utility and infrastructure damage oc-curred.

The fifth anniversary of the disaster was marked in Denver on March 11, 2016 with Tohoku Today: A Celebration of Food, Culture and Recovery After 3.11.2011. Fifteen local Japanese-American orga-nizations and companies, led by the Sakura Foun-dation, partnered to learn more about the recovery efforts in Tohoku and honor those lost and affected by the tsunami and earthquake. While much prog-ress has been made in the last five years, there is still a great deal of work to be done.

Consul General of Japan in Denver, Mr. Makoto Ito, expressed his appreciation to the people of Den-ver and Colorado for their immediate support five years ago to the citizens of Japan. Ms. Mio Yama-moto, founder and Managing Director of WIT World in Tohoku, shared stories of three Japan-based re-lief organizations which were created in the wake of the disaster: Replus (eldercare), Asuiku (mentor-ship and support to children in poverty), and Watari Green Belt Project (coastal forest rebuilding).

The nearly 200 attendees also learned about The Nozomi Project: www.nozomiproject.com. Nozomi (“hope” in Japanese) brings sustainable income, community, dignity and hope to the women in Ishinomaki, Japan by training them to craft jewelry from broken shards of pottery left in the wake of the tsunami. The evening ended with the Sakura Chorus Mile High singing “Hana wa saku” (“Flowers Will Bloom”) to honor those lost in and affected by the tsunami.

It is the hope of the Sakura Foundation and its community partners that much-needed support will continue to flow to the Tohoku community. When we gather together as a community, great things can happen.

Mobilizing Asian American and Pacific Islander voters in ColoradoLocal Asian American and Pacific

Islander (AAPI) leaders gathered on February 16 to talk about mobi-lizing the AAPI voters in Colorado. Christine Chen from APIA Vote, a na-tional organization with a mission to increase electoral and civic participa-tion within the AAPI community, pre-sented about the current state of civic engagement in the AAPI community locally and nationally. Following the presentation, community members discussed the unique challenges to civic participation in Colorado.

According to data from APIA Vote, Colorado has an estimated 95,000 eligible AAPI voters, however, only about 37,500 are registered to vote. The 40% of registered AAPI voters in Colorado is below the national average of 56% – the lowest rate among minority groups. While na-tionally, Asian Americans and Pacif-ic Islanders make up about 6% and 0.4% of the population, respectively, during the 2012 election year, they accounted for less than 3% of the electorate. Although participation

On March 12, over 500 com-munity members gathered

at the Infinity Park Events Center to celebrate the Persian New Year with a beautiful performance by the Colorado Children’s Noruz Founda-tion, nonprofit cultural organization whose mission is to promote the main celebration of Persian culture (Noruz) to the community at large. Noruz, the Persian New Year, began on March 20 and is celebrated for 13 days after by over 300 million people all around the world to honor spring and renewal. It is proclaimed as an official United Nations (UN) obser-vance because it promotes peace and solidarity.

The celebration also focuses on growth, reconciliation and cooper-ation, contributing to cultural diver-sity and friendship among peoples and different communities.

Relief efforts in Tohoku region on fifth anniversary of disaster By Stacey Shigaya

has grown continuously (from 1.6% in 1996), there is much progress to be made.

As the fastest-growing racial group in the United States, why are our numbers so low? Historically, the big-gest barriers to civic participation are lack of English language proficiency and uneven access to language assis-tance throughout the voting process.

Another issue is voter outreach to the AAPI community is abysmally low. As the AAPI population contin-ues to grow, this is a population that must be mobilized. As a battleground state in the general elections, Colora-do is poised as a state where targeted getting out the vote campaigns can make significant impact and showing up to vote matters greatly.

The sold out cultural event included a bazaar, crafts, art, dance, theater, story-telling, and live traditional music per-formances. The participants of these performances were mostly children from multicultural backgrounds, who are inspired and trained to represent an ancient culture, which is meaning-ful, inclusive, and rooted in principles of the celebration of nature.

Colorado Children’s Noruz performance celebrates Spring and Persian New Year

A ceremonial table (Spread) at the CCNF event on March 12, called Sofreh-e Haft Seen (cloth/Spread of seven dishes), where name of each dish begins with the Persian letter Seen.

By Mary Wang

April 2016 | National News 30

Stellar Class Announced for 2016 Asian Hall of Fame

Kristi Yamaguchi

Bruce Lee

The Asian Hall of Fame in Seattle announced a stellar class of 2016 inductees.

Recognized will be gold medal winner Kristi Ya-maguchi, actor and famed martial artist Bruce Lee, television journalist Connie Chung, and retired Major General Antonio M. Tabuga of the U.S. Army.

Kristi Yamaguchi, the Olympic Gold Medal win-

Antonio Tabuga

ner, got into figure skating as a form of physical therapy to treat her clubfoot. It quickly became more than that as she excelled to a junior national title as a pair skater with Rudy Galindo in 1986. She went on to com-pete in singles, eventually win-ning her gold medal in 1992. Her Always Dream Foundation provides support to children through educational and rec-reational activities. Yamaguchi is also an author of children’s books and is developing her Tsu.ya clothing line. She is mar-ried to professional hockey player Bret Hedican and has two daughters.

Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco, raised in Hong Kong, where he trained with Wing Chun master, Yip Man. He re-turned to the United States at age 18 and would open martial art schools in Oakland and Los Angeles. He rose to fame as Kato in the American television series The Green Hornet. He rose to legendary status with his nu-merous films.

In 1993, Connie Chung be-came the first woman to co-an-chor the CBS Evening News. She began her career with CBS in 1971 covering politics and world news. Her honors include the George Fos-ter Peabody Award, three Emmy awards, and the Amnesty International Human Rights Award.

Antonio Tabuga served 34 years on active duty before retiring in 2007. During Operation Iraqi Free-dom, he was responsible for overseeing logistical and support services to U.S. and Coalition forces totaling over 150,000 troops conducting combat operations. He later served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon. In his final as-signment on active duty, he served as Deputy Com-manding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command.

Connie Chung

Bernie Sanders Makes Inroads with AAPI Voters

Sen. Bernie Sanders met with a score of leaders from the Asian Ameri-can and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in Chicago.

During the meeting, the first for the Democratic candidate held exclu-sively with AAPIs, Sanders discussed the need for immigration reform, se-curing voting rights and providing affordable healthcare for all Americans.

Joining Sanders was Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) who resigned from her position of vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee so she could endorse the Vermont senator.

The First Woman of Color to Run for Statewide Office in Vermont

A woman who got her first big break in politics from Bernie Sanders is the

first woman of color to run for statewide of-fice in Vermont.

Kesha Ram, 29, is the daughter of an In-dian father and a Jewish-American moth-er. She was elected to the Vermont State House of Representatives at the age of 22 and is now running for Lieutenant Gover-nor as a Democrat.

She ranks early education, higher edu-cation, high-speed broadband access and affordable housing as high priorities which she feels can help stimulate the economy.

Clinton’s AAPI Outreach Director Resigns

Lisa Changadeveja, the director of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s AAPI

outreach efforts, is leaving Clinton’s campaign. “I will be leaving Hillary for America as I have re-

cently accepted a new job at the Colorado Demo-cratic Party,” Changadeveja said in the email.

Changadeveja, a Thai-American, worked for the Democrats in Colorado for three months in 2014 to improve voter turnout in the state.

AAPI people form about six percent of the U.S. population. Besides California and Washington, AAPI voters could be critical in New York, Hawaii and New Jersey.

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Valid Sunday – Thursday, April 3 - April 28, 2016. Visit the players club or cashier services to validate offer. Must be 21 or older and have a Fan Club® card to redeem.

401 Main Street • Black Hawk, CO 80422 1-800-THE-ISLE • www.theisleblackhawk.com

© 2016 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Isle, Calypso’s and Fan Club are registered trademarks of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 and have a

Fan Club card. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid for 50% off of one buffet. Valid only at Isle Black Hawk. Gratuity is not included. Limit of one coupon

per person, per day. Management reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

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asian avenue magazine - april 2016

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