Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
Compiled by Mary Tablante
News Updates
Low-Key U.S. Reaction to S. Korean Election
Washington, DC—Reaction from the Korean-American community to the election of 60-year-old Park Geun-hye as the first female president of South Korea has been quiet. The daughter of the late military dictator Park Chung-hee, she leads the conservative New Frontier Party. The Asia Society extolled her 30 years of rising through party ranks to earn the position, while noting that her liberal opponent, Moon Jae-in, “had more favorable policies to women.” The The Heritage Foundation, a conservative D.C. political group, said she “will be welcomed in Washington for her strong support of the bilateral alliance, a conditional engagement policy toward North Korea, and her embrace of the Korea–U.S. Free Trade Agreement.” President Obama congratulated Park during a telephone call, and they agreed to cooperate on dealing with North Korea’s recent rocket launch.
Controversy Over Bullied Teen’s Suicide
Taylorsville, Utah—The parents of a 14-year-old boy who shot himself to death in front of students near his school may take legal action against district school officials. David Phan, who was gay, had been bullied for years at Bennion Junior High in Taylorsville, Utah. His parents, Nhuan Phan and Phuong Tran, are described as “angry and confused” over the school system’s handling of events before and after their son’s death and are considering legal recourse. They set up The Anti-Bullying Foundation at Wells Fargo bank, with donations earmarked for anti-bullying education and outreach.
Last Soldier Punished in Danny Chen Army Suicide
Winston-Salem, N.C.—The U.S. Army announced that the leader of a platoon whose members were accused of racially hazing 19-year old Chinese American soldier Danny Chen until he killed himself in Afghanistan has been punished and will be discharged. The case against 1st Lt. Daniel Schwartz, the highest ranking of eight soldiers charged in connection with Chen’s death, was the last to be resolved. Punishment details were not released, although the Army said a decision has not been made whether his discharge will be honorable or dishonorable. Other soldiers accused in the case were punished with reduction in rank, forfeited pay, hard labor and short jail sentences and only one soldier was discharged for bad conduct. Chen’s parents and the New York chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans, which has been active in the case, are outraged over what they consider too-lenient punishment.
Walmart in LA Chinatown
Los Angeles—A Walmart will open in Los Angeles’ Chinatown despite complaints from some residents who believe Chinatown should remain culturally unique and free of major chain retail stores. The big box will locate close by the Chinatown Gate. Los Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he would not prevent Walmart from opening there, adding that the area needs a “mainstream grocery store.”
Restaurant Controversy
San Francisco—A Chinese American restaurant in San Francisco agreed to pay $340,000 to employees who complained that owners failed to pay overtime and minimum wages and provide payroll statements. California labor commissioner Julie A. Su took action against Tsing Tao Restaurants , and 28 workers at two locations will receive between $2,000 and $36,547 each.
First Filipino American Federal Judge Appointed
New York—Lawyer Lorna G. Schofield has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the first Filipino American to serve as a federal judge. She will preside in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Schofield is a graduate of NYU Law School and was former assistant U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York, working on tax fraud, domestic terrorism and smuggling.
High Court Nomination in New Jersey
Trenton, NJ—Half-Japanese Judge David Bauman of the civil division of Superior Court for Monmouth County, N.J. has been nominated by Gov. Chris Christie to become the first Asian American to serve on the New Jersey Superior Court, the state’s highest. Bauman was born in Japan and immigrated to the U.S. at age three.
Remembering Ravi Shankar
San Diego, CA—Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar died Dec. 11 at the age of 92. Shankar introduced Indian classical music to the Beatles and is credited with bringing Indian music to the West. Over a seven decade career, he encouraged cross-cultural music and composed scores for ballets and films. He passed away near his home in San Diego, with wife, Sukanya and daughter Anoushka Shankar by his side. Shankar was also the father of jazz singer Norah Jones.
LifeStyle
Japanese Dolls Returned 70 Years Later
Sacramento, CA—Beverly Thornton returned ancient Japanese dolls to her childhood friend Marianne Rikimaru 70 years after Rikimaru and her family were sent to a World War II detention camp. As reported by the Sacramento Bee, Thornton had been searching for Rikimaru, now Marianne Breakfield ever since Marianne’s mother gave the dolls to Beverly’s mother for safekeeping. The Japanese American Citizens League searched records for the Tule Lake detention camp, leading them to a grateful Marianne.
Jackie Chan: Expendable?
Kuala Lumpur—Just months after announcing his retirement from action movies, Jackie Chan signed for a minor role in Expendables 3, with Sylvester Stallone. Chan made the announcement in Malaysia while promoting his latest movie, Chinese Zodiac.
Golf Rookie of the Year
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL—The first Korean American( and Asian American) was named US PGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year. John Huh, 22, won the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico in February, and was also named Korean Tour Rookie of the Year in 2010. Born in New York, Huh lived in Korea shortly before moving to Chicago in fifth grade.
