World Journal

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

12 Rookie Cops Visit CCBA and Neighbors

Twelve newly-assigned police officers from the 5th Precinct paid visits to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) and other civic organizations yesterday. Paul Ng, President of CCBA, welcomed their visit and introduced the organization’s 120 years of history. He said the organization has been bridging the gap between the government and the community. He thought the crime rate in the precinct’s jurisdiction is comparatively low to others and issues on the quality life should be prioritized. He also asked cops to serve those who speak English less fluently with additional patience. Singtao Daily (B2) World Journal (C2)

Nan Shan Senior Center Celebrates 24th Anniversary

The Queens Nan Shan Senior Center celebrated its 24th birthday and raised about $50,000 yesterday. The center, led by Director Michael Wang, is the expanded part of Chinatown-based Chinese-American Planning Council. It provides congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, recreational and educational activities, ESL classes, and naturalization services. It is expecting to move into a permanent building by next year. World Journal (C5) Singtao Daily (B3)

AALDEF Files Amicus Brief Urging to Uphold Affirmative Action

The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) , the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), Asian American Institute (AAI), Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), Asian Law Caucus (ALC) and Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) jointly announced yesterday that they will file amicus briefs urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold University of Texas at Austin’s (UT-Austin) affirmative action policy in the upcoming case Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin. An amicus brief is a document which is filed in a court of law by someone, such as an advocacy group, who is not directly related to the case under consideration.

“We stand in favor of affirmative action’s continued benefits for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) achievement, including enabling underrepresented AAPIs to achieve equal access to college, reducing the isolation of students of color on campus, and preparing youth to be leaders in our multicultural society.” said Khin Mai Aung, Director of the Educational Equity Program at AALDEF.

Under UT-Austin’s current admissions policy, the majority (e.g., 86 percent in 2009) of freshmen are admitted under the state’s Top Ten Percent plan, a policy that guarantees admission to public (and many private) high school seniors in the top 10 percent of their class, based solely on grades and not on other aspects of merit like leadership abilities, pursuit of extracurricular activities, and overcoming adversity. The university bases remaining admissions on applicants’ academic rankings, performance, and a holistic, individualized review that takes into account race and other diversity factors, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, and socio-economic status. World Journal (C5)

Downtown Flushing BID Holds 9th Annual Meeting

Downtown Flushing Transit Hub Business Improvement District held its 9th Annual Meeting and voted on new directors yesterday. The meeting was presided over by Dian Yu, Executive Director of the Flushing BID. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg approved the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Downtown Flushing in 2003. At the time, John C. Liu and David Weprin were both New York City Council members. World Journal (C3)

Origin of Food Poisoning in Putnam County Identified

New York State health officials identified yesterday that a staphylocccus aureus bacterium was detected on several food samples that sickened 150 people who attended a Mother’s Day event at the Chuang Yen Monastery in Putnam County. Those people who were sickened have since recovered. Samples were sent to the Wadsworth Center, a research-intensive public health laboratory of the New York State Department of Health for testing. Health officials said the bacterium is commonly found on the skin and noses of up to 25% of healthy people and animals. However, if ingested, these toxins could cause food poisoning, a gastrointestinal illness. Singtao Daily (B1) World Journal (C2)

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Singtao Daily

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

Husband Accused of Attacking Wife with Meat Cleaver
Kang L. Wang, a 53-year-old immigrant, reportedly has a history of mental illness. He was accused of repeatedly striking his wife, Liu Heizhen in the head with a meat cleaver early yesterday morning in Flushing. It happened around 5:45am at 42-11 Parsons Boulevard in Flushing. The crime scene was purchased by the immigrant only a couple of days ago. Cops said a “good Samaritan” kept the attack from getting worse by stepping in once the victim fled outside and beat Kang L. Wang with an ice scraper until police arrived. Kang was arrested by cops from the 109th Precinct and sent to Flushing Hospital. Trails of blood were left in the apartment stairway and outside at a construction site. Witnesses told cops that the victim was bleeding profusely from her head and arms. She remained in critical condition at New York Hospital-Queens, fighting for her life. The alleged weapon was recovered at the scene. Kang L. Wang was charged with assault in the first degree, attempted criminally negligent homicide, and criminal possession of a weapon. Singtao Daily (B1) World Journal (C1)

9,026 Birthday Cards Solicited in Memory of Danny Chen

Private Danny Chen should have celebrated his 20th birthday on May 24th. Although he is no longer with us, he is not forgotten. A delegation of Asian Americans left yesterday morning on his behalf by bus from New York’s Chinatown to Washington D.C. to hand-deliver 9,026 birthday cards for Private Danny Chen to Members of Congress. Private Danny Chen, a soldier who died in Afghanistan after being subjected to excessive physical and emotional mistreatment—including racial taunting and humiliation, would have turned 20 this Memorial Day Weekend.

“We’re going to D.C. to remind Congress about Danny and to convey the birthday wishes from around the world. We will not forget Danny and the need for military reforms to ensure these senseless tragedies never occur again to anyone,” stated Liz OuYang, OCA-NY President.

Banny Chen, Danny’s cousin; OCA-NY President Liz OuYang; board member Esther Min Choi; interns Mackenzie Yang and Julia Chung; Vietnam veteran Thomas Lee; Baruch College Undergraduate Student Executive Secretary Ivy Tang; and documentary filmmaker Mansee Kong were on the bus. The one month birthday card campaign generated cards from twenty-five states and nine countries including Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Croatia, Turkey, Hungary, Switzerland, Spain, and Canada. Cards were received from former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, filmmaker Spike Lee, and several elected officials. In D.C., the New York delegation met with representatives from OCA-National, Asian American Justice Center, and Japanese American Citizens League. Together, they visited the offices of Senators Carl Levin and McCain, chairs of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Representatives Smith and McKeon, chairs of the House Armed Services Committee to deliver the birthday cards and to show our support for U.S. Congresswomen Nydia M. Velázquez and Judy Chu, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s anti-hazing legislation. Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez’s bill, Service Member Anti-Hazing Act H.R. 5638, was passed by the House earlier this week. Their collective legislation calls for defining hazing; tracking, reporting, responding to incidents, and expedited transfers. Singtao Daily (B2)

Mark Fang Appointed to Lead Human Rights Commission

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced on May 1st that Mark C. Fang, a lawyer who has worked in the public and private sectors, has been appointed Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission. He will begin May 28th. Robert P. Astorino recommended Mark C. Fang’s selection based on his vast experience as a litigator and an advocate, including work in the Army Reserves as an equal opportunity officer. This choice was unanimously endorsed by the members of the Human Rights Commission at its meeting in April.

“Mark’s experience, temperament and long-time commitment to equality make him an ideal choice to lead the Human Rights Commission,” said Robert P. Astorino. “I know he will work conscientiously to uphold the important values that our community cares so much about.”

The Westchester County Human Rights Commission works to eliminate discrimination and promote equality by advocacy, educational programs and, when necessary, legal measures. The county’s Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on a wide variety of reasons that includes race, color, religion, ethnicity, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

“Discrimination to me is a significant measure about dignity, which every human being is entitled to,” Mark C. Fang said. “I hope to build upon the outstanding work of the commission to make sure it continues to be a credible alternative for the inquiry, adjudication and resolution of discrimination claims in this county.”

A practicing attorney for 17 years, Mark was an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division of the New York State Attorney General’s Office. He has also served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the first Asian American to be appointed to that position in Westchester County. He is also presently a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer with the rank of Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. While with the reserves, Mark served as his unit’s equal opportunity advisor in which he helped investigate, resolve and address equal opportunity complaints brought by soldiers. He also trained soldiers on the Army’s Equal Opportunity Program. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, having been called to active duty and serving with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division based in Ft. Drum, New York, from 2004 to 2005. Mark C. Fang is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Tufts University and received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. World Journal (C3)

Manhattan BP Celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month

Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer and the Asian American Arts Alliance presented its Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at Red Egg Restaurant and Lounge last night. They honored Chhaya CDC, a community-based non-profit organization focused on improving access to housing opportunities, resources, and information for South Asian Americans throughout New York City and the metropolitan area, the Korean American Community Foundation (KACF), and the Organization of Chinese Americans New York Chapter (OCA-NY). World Journal (C4)

APICHA Hosts 22nd Anniversary Benefit Gala

The Asian Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS Inc. (APICHA) hosted its 22nd Anniversary Benefit: A Thousand and One Champions at Grand Hyatt New York last night. Six female Japanese-American activists founded APICHA in the fall of 1989 after being inspired by the People of Color AIDS Conference earlier that year. Two years later, with a grant from the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Foundation and the fiscal sponsorship of the Family Health Project, APICHA hired its first two employees. APICHA was incorporated in December 1992, and granted tax-exempt status in July 2001 when they moved into their current office in Lower Manhattan. APICHA was among the seven honorees who received the WE SPEAK (Women Empowered Support Protect Educate Advocate and Know) Awards from the Young Women of Color HIV/AIDS Coalition (YWCHAC) last year. Singtao Daily (B3)

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Singtao Daily

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

Comptroller Liu Honors Liz Ouyang of OCA-NY

City Comptroller John C. Liu hosted an Annual Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration last night at Surrogate’s Courthouse in Lower Manhattan. Liz Ouyang, President of OCA-NY was one of the five honorees. World Journal (C3) Singtao Daily (B3)

2 Canadian Asian Visitors Fatally Stabbed in Atlantic City

Two visiting Canadian women were attacked and killed by a female attacker on Pacific Avenue between Michigan and Ohio avenues in Atlantic City on the morning of May 21st. The victims were two Asian women ages 47 and 80 who were visiting from Scarborough, Ontario. One woman was attacked first by a suspect with a 12-inch butcher knife as they walked along Pacific Avenue. The second woman came to her aide. They were temporarily referred to as Jane and Sally Doe, pending notification of next of kin. Atlantic City police officer Jacob Abbruscato rushed to intervene and arrested Antoinette E. Pelzer, 44, of Philadelphia. The suspect was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, plus weapons offenses and robbery. This is the third fatal attack on Atlantic City tourists in two years. The attack happened on the two-year anniversary of a fatal abduction from the Trump Taj Mahal parking garage. On September 18th, 2011, a couple was carjacked from the same garage. One was killed while the other was wounded. Singtao Daily (B1)

Action Announced to Seek Forfeiture of a Chinatown Building

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James T. Hayes, Jr., the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations directorate (HSI), and Raymond W. Kelly, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (NYPD), announced yesterday the filing of a civil complaint seeking forfeiture of a six-story Chinatown building located at 35-37 East Broadway (the “Building”) in New York City. The Building is alleged to have been the site of a pervasive network of illegal gambling activities. According to the civil forfeiture complaint which was filed yesterday in Manhattan federal court:

1. Over at least the last two years, the Building has consistently hosted a group of illegal gambling operators offering various gambling options, including pai gow poker and computer-based slot machine games, in nearly half of the Building’s suites. The Building itself has been modified to accommodate these gambling operations, including the creation of a ground floor slots room hosting computers dedicated to slot machine games and the installation of surveillance cameras throughout areas of the Building dedicated to gambling.

2. Illegal gambling operators have continued to utilize the Building despite two separate searches conducted by law enforcement in 2011 that resulted in the seizure of hundreds of thousands of dollars in gambling proceeds. Their gambling operations continued at the Building as recently as May 21st, when ICE HSI, in cooperation with the NYPD, executed a search warrant for multiple locations within the Building, as well as a related gambling site. In connection with the search, ICE HSI and NYPD arrested eleven people involved in the illegal gambling operations on New York State charges that are being prosecuted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and seized approximately $163,000 in gambling proceeds. In addition, the officers seized large numbers of gambling tables and other gambling materials. The New York Attorney General’s office simultaneously arrested two people for practicing medicine without a license in the Building. Singtao Daily (B1) World Journal (C1)

Jeremy Lin Listed 10 Most Fashionable Asian Americans in NYC

Michael Musto of the Village Voice released his list of the ten most fashionable Asian Americans in New York City yesterday. They are Niki and Shaokao Cheng, owners of eight BoConcept stores, fashion designers Jason Wu, Sally Wu, and Vivienne Tam, Ling Tan, the first supermodel from Southeast Asia, athlete Jeremy Lin, CNN correspondent Alina Cho, artist Yoko Ono, and David Chang, owner of the Momofuku restaurant. Singtao Daily (B4)

Congressional Candidate Dan O’Connor Raises Funds in BK

A group of Brooklyn Chinese American community activists and merchants held a fundraiser in support of Dan O’Connor yesterday. The little known Chinese-speaking Democrat Dan O’Connor is running for Congress in a New York Congressional District where both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Chinatowns are included. The 7th Congressional District of New York will hold an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6th.The Primary date is June 26th. Incumbent Congresswoman Nydia Margarita Velázquez is running for re-election. Singtao Daily (B3) World Journal (C5)

For more updates, follow us @ourchinatown.

World Journal

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

Feds Raid Gambling Parlors; 11 Arrested and $14M Seized

Federal agents and NYPD detectives struck at the heart of New York’s Chinatown from afternoon to late last night. They raided two illegal gambling parlors, arrested eleven men and women, and seized more than $14 million in assets. Detectives from the Manhattan South Vice Enforcement Squad and the Department of Homeland Security had also raided the six-story building at 35-37 East Broadway in Chinatown on July 19th, 2011. Law enforcers took action at 4:30pm by raiding the basement of 93 Henry Street, an illegal gambling parlor, first. Fifteen minutes later, another group of federal agents and plain-clothed detectives went into the building at 35-37 East Broadway where they believed a group of illegal gambling operators existed from multiple floors and suites. Later in the evening, investigators sent two trucks to ship boxes of documents, mahjong sets, pai gow pokers, computer-based slots and surveillance camera equipment away. World Journal (C1) Singtao Daily (B1)

Jeremy Lin Named to USA Basketball Select Team

New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin was officially named to the 2012 USA Basketball Select Team yesterday by USA Basketball. Featuring nine players with USA Basketball experience, including the 2011-12 NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving and the 2010-11 NBA Rookie of the Year runner-up John Wall, USA Basketball announced yesterday thirteen players for the 2012 USA Men’s Select Team that will train against the 2012 USA Basketball Men’s National Team during its July 6th-12th training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada. The players include: Ryan Anderson (Orlando Magic / California), DeJuan Blair (San Antonio Spurs / Pittsburgh), DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings / Kentucky), DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors / USC), Derrick Favors (Utah Jazz / Georgia Tech), Paul George (Indiana Pacers / Fresno State), Taj Gibson (Chicago Bulls / USC), Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz / Butler), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers / Duke), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs / San Diego State), Jeremy Lin (New York Knicks / Harvard), Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors / Washington State) and John Wall (Washington Wizards / Kentucky). “The USA Select Team was a vital part of the USA Men’s National Team’s training in 2007, 2008 and 2010, and again in 2012 we’ll utilize this team of select NBA players to help get our National Team ready for the very competitive summer that is ahead of us,” said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball chairman. Singtao Daily (B15) World Journal (C13)

Councilwoman Chin Reacts to Allegations by Protesters

Council Member Margaret Chin issued a statement yesterday to protesters called Coalition to Protect the Lower East Side and Chinatown outside the City Council offices at 250 Broadway. She explained and clarified her position in this following statement:

“Last week I urged the members of Community Board 3’s Committee on Land Use to vote ‘yes with recommendations,’ with regards to modifications to the SPURA proposal. This vote does not mean that this proposal is a done deal. It is important that the Land Use Committee agree on recommendations to be incorporated into the Community Board’s resolution as part of the ULURP process. Ultimately, the recommendations from the Community Board will help guide development on the SPURA site. This necessary step will allow the process to move forward, while ensuring that the needs of the community are fully understood and incorporated when this project is put out to bid by the city. Members of the ‘Coalition to Protect the Lower East Side and Chinatown’ have grossly misrepresented my position with regards to the development of SPURA. From day one, I have unequivocally stated that increasing the number of affordable units is necessary. And again, at last week’s meeting, I clearly stated that permanence of affordable housing is one of my highest priorities. I will continue to fight for what Community Board 3 has identified as priorities when this plan comes to the Council, but at this moment, it is imperative that this project keeps moving forward.

For 45 years, these five plots of land have sat vacant on the Lower East Side. Community Board members and residents have spent countless hours over the last three years trying to find a way to get this project moving. The Coalition is seeking to derail this process by spreading misinformation. This type of campaign by the Coalition is unhelpful and in the end it will diminish the community’s voice and influence in this process. Our goal is to make sure that the development of SPURA follows the guidelines crafted by the community board and that the community remains involved long after ULURP.”

On May 16th, Councilwoman Margaret Chin provided the following remarks at the Community Board 3 Land Use Committee meeting:

“I am here to thank and acknowledge comments that people from the community have been making in the public hearings and town halls that CB3 has held. Permanent affordable housing is one of my highest priorities. I know that EDC and HPD have heard this loud and clear, but I want to let everyone know that this will continue to be of the highest priority for this project. Any discussion about this plan at the Council level will have to cover this topic…Another important component moving forward will be continued community involvement. This will not be a situation where once the Community Board votes on this at the end of this month that people will be comfortable having no more role or involvement in this project. I want the community to be involved every step of the way. Your continued involvement will provide the support and voice that we need to advocate for what our community needs from the build out of SPURA… Finally, I would like everyone voting on this proposal tonight to understand how important and historic this vote is for our community. Voting yes and making your recommendations known will move forward a project that has been waiting for nearly 45 years to be accomplished. Your recommendations will serve as a map for me and my Council colleagues to follow.”

World Journal (C2) Singtao Daily (B3)

Liu: NYC’s Income Gap Twice the National Average

City Comptroller John C. Liu released a report yesterday that detailed the income disparity in New York City. The study found that the top 1% of income tax filers receive one-third of all City personal income, a share that is almost twice the national average. “Such a wide income gap has financial consequences for the City,” Comptroller Liu said. Income inequality can weaken or destabilize the local tax base, reinforce patterns of racial and economic segregation, and undermine the vibrant social, cultural, and economic mix that is the foundation of New York City’s identity. It also threatens the very fragile economic recovery we are now experiencing.”

The report also found that New York City tax filers in the top 1% accounted for 32.5% of the City’s entire reported income in 2009, based on the most recent micro-data available from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. By comparison, the top 1% across the U.S. accounted for 16.9% of income. The income gap is further highlighted by the concentration of income among the very wealthy. The most affluent 15,000 New York City households (the top 0.5% of filers) took in 26.7% of the City’s income. The top 2,000 households (the top 0.05% of filers) accounted for 18.9% of all income reported in the City. The top 1% of earners ended the past decade with an average income of $2.2 million, the same level at which they started in 2000. This reflects the volatile nature of investment income earned by the ultra-wealthy.

However, the gains made by these top filers in the boom years (2003-2007) illustrate the speed with which income disparity grew in New York City. During the good years, New Yorkers in the 99% of income earners made gradual gains that raised their average annual income from $41,000 to $50,000. In those same years, the income of the top 1% skyrocketed, more than doubling from $1.5 million to $3.9 million. World Journal (C3)

Queens Democrats Endorse Jerry Iannece for Assembly

Jerry Iannece, who is running for the 25th Assembly District seat, received a unanimous endorsement by the Queens County Democratic Committee yesterday. He has been a member of Community Board 11 for over fifteen years and has served as chair since 2002. The 25th Assembly District seat is currently held by Assemblyman Rory Lancman, who is making a run for Congress. Community Board 11 borders 26th Avenue in the north, Grand Central Parkway in the south, Utopia Parkway, the Long Island Expressway and the Clearview Expressway in the west and the City line to the east. It contains Auburndale, Bayside, Douglaston, Douglas Manor, Little Neck, Hollis Hills, and Oakland Gardens sections of Queens. Increasing amounts of Asian American voters in this district have played a significant role in local elections. World Journal (C3) Singtao Daily (B3)

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Singtao Daily

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

1-Alarm Fire Breaks Out at 51 Mott Street

A one-alarm fire broke out from a bedroom on the second floor of the building located at 51 Mott Street yesterday afternoon around 1:57pm. It took more than sixty firefighters over half an hour to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. The owner of the building rushed to the scene shortly after and helped the investigation. World Journal (C1) Singtao Daily (B1)

All Eyes on Grace Meng’s War Chest

Two elections have already been held in New York City, in March and in April respectively. On June 26th, a Congressional Primary election including the 6th Congressional District will be held in New York. The polling sites will be open from 6am to 9pm. Following the updated results of the 2010 Census, New York lost two congressional seats, bringing its total number of representatives down from 29 to 27. The 6th Congressional District of New York, an Asian-majority district, includes most of southeastern Queens including the neighborhoods of Cambria Heights, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Hollis, Jamaica, Laurelton, Queens Village, Rosedale, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, South Ozone Park, as well as John F. Kennedy International Airport. The Queens portion of the district includes the neighborhoods of Bayside, Corona, Douglaston, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Little Neck, and Whitestone. There is no Republican opposition for Daniel Halloran. On the Democratic side, State Assembly members Grace Meng and Rory Lancman, and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley are running in the primary. Facing the scrutiny from mainstream media, Micheal Tobman, spokesman for Grace Meng, said yesterday that the campaign has been cautious in dealing with fundraising operations and vigorously protecting donators’ privacy. Singtao Daily (B1) World Journal (C2)

Angela Fan Awarded by Intel: Science and Engineering Fair

Angela Fan Huihui of Staten Island was one of the seventeen “Best of Category” (Plant Sciences) winners from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF). She attends Stuyvesant High School in New York City. The Fair, the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, provides an annual forum for more than 1,500 high school students who are selected from 446 affiliate fairs in about 70 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their independent research as they compete for over $3 million annually. The Intel ISEF is the premier global science competition for students in grades 9–12. At the same time, three Taiwanese students received second prizes of US$1,500 at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair’s (ISEF) award ceremony in Pittsburgh on May 18th. Su Tzu-hsuan and Shang Kuang-ming, both 17-year-olds from Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School, won second prize in the Medicine and Health Sciences category for their insights into how the rare fungi, Antrodia Cinnamomea , fights breast cancer cells. Hsieh Tying-Shiuan, another 17-year-old, from Taipei First Girls High School, was awarded a second prize in the Animal Sciences division for identifying a gene that controls eye development in fruit flies. World Journal (C2)

Malaysia Association Celebrates AAPI Month

The Malaysia Association of America, based in Flushing, celebrated Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month yesterday afternoon. It is the 8th year that the association hosted a celebration in May. City Comptroller John C. Liu and H. E. Dato Hussein Haniff, the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations, were among attendees. World Journal (C3) Singtao Daily (B4)

Chinese Joins Norwegian-American 17th of May Parade

30 Christians and churchgoers from the New York Chinese Evangelical Free Church, located at 6501 6th Avenue, attended the Norwegian-American 17th of May Parade in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn yesterday afternoon. The parade began at 86th Street and 3rd Avenue and finished at 67th Street between the 6th and 7th avenues. Thousands of Norwegian immigrants used to live in the area. Singtao Daily (B3)

For more updates, follow us @ourchinatown.

World Journal

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

Chin Joins Rally for State Legislation to Protect Sharks

A coalition of major animal welfare, environmental and conservation organizations joined City Council Member Margaret S. Chin yesterday at a rally on the steps of City Hall in support of her resolution and state legislation to end New York’s contribution to the dire collapse of shark populations worldwide. If enacted, New York will join California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands in similar actions to provide critical protection to sharks and preserve the health of the world’s ocean ecosystems by banning the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins. This week, the Illinois Legislature passed a ban on the possession or distribution of shark fin. In 2011, President Obama signed the Shark Conservation Act to strengthen the federal law against shark finning at sea and require that sharks be landed with their fins still attached. Earlier this year, the New York City Council passed Resolution 1311 calling for an end to cruel and unsustainable shark fin trade. World Journal (C2) Singtao Daily (B3)

AAFE Presents 5th Annual Community Development Conference

In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) presented the 5th Annual Asian American Community Development Conference yesterday at New York University’s Kimmel Center. More than two hundred registered participants, including City Council members Erik Martin Dilan and Daniel Dromm, discussed how to mobilize the Asian American community from the margins to the center. Singtao Daily (B5) World Journal (C3)

NTSB Adds Documents to Last Year’s Fatal Bus Accident

As part of its continuing investigation into the crash of a motor coach that occurred in New York City last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) added additional items to the public docket yesterday. On March 12th, 2011, at about 5:45am, a 1999 Prevost motor coach, operated by World Wide Travel of Greater New York LTD, collided with a roadside barrier adjacent to the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in the vicinity of mile marker 3.2. Fifteen of the thirty-two passengers on board were killed; seventeen passengers and the driver suffered minor to serious injuries. The bus was returning to New York City from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. Forty-six photographs and eighty-three documents totaling more than one thousand and six hundred pages have been added to the public docket. The information being released is factual in nature and does not provide any analysis. Additional material may be added to the docket as it becomes available. Analysis of the collision, along with conclusions and its probable cause, will be determined at an NTSB meeting in Washington, which is scheduled for June 5th. Singtao Daily (B2)

SFPD Arrests 5 Scam Suspects; 2 Extradited to NYC

San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr announced yesterday that cops have finally nabbed five suspects who were responsible for bait-and-switch scams victimizing dozens of Asian women for more than $100,000 worth of jewelry and cash over the last few months. SFPD has worked with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies in New York, Boston, and Chicago to track down the serial thieves. In San Francisco, cops arrested Lirong Lin, 57, Caiqiong Chen, 43, and Huifei Lin, 42, on suspicion of grand theft, extortion, and elder financial abuse. Lirong Lin and Huifei Lin are also being held on out-of-state warrants and Huifei Lin is also charged with one count of robbery. Cops also arrested Feiyan Wu, 45, and Qinying Ke, 47, both of whom are also being held on out-of-state warrants. One other person was arrested, but was not charged and was subsequently released. The investigation continues. World Journal (C1)

Tony Avella Calls on NYC Building Department to Take Action

State Senator Tony Avella joined a rally yesterday in Elmhurst at a construction site where Hedilberto Sanchez, an immigrant worker, died on January 10th, 2011 when a 20-foot-high concrete wall collapsed. He called on Robert LiMandri, Commissioner for the NYC Buildings Department, to take action against “rogue” developer Thomas Huang. Tony Avella, since his City Council years, has long blamed Thomas Huang for being a notorious developer who destroyed the interior of the landmark RKO Keith’s Theater in Flushing over a period of years beginning in 1987. World Journal (C3) Singtao Daily (B5)

For more updates, follow us @ourchinatown.

World Journal

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

500+ Attend Fundraiser for John Liu, Nets $70,000

More that five hundred guests attended a Friends of John Liu’s record breaking fundraiser for City Comptroller John C. Liu last night in Chinatown. The event attracted fifty-five tables of guests and raised almost $70,000. The door tickets cost $50, $100, and $250 respectively. It wasn’t the first time such a fundraiser was held in New York’s Chinatown; however, it was the largest in scale this year. John C. Liu, claiming himself a “Candidate of Next Year”, vowed to fight his best.  World Journal (C3) Singtao Daily (B3)

“Made in New York” Digital Jobs Map Introduced

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Chief Digital Officer Rachel Sterne and Internet Week New York Chairman David-Michel Davies unveiled the “Made in NY” Digital Jobs Map yesterday, an interactive guide to the City’s startups, investors, incubators, and co-working spaces, including over 325 digital companies that are currently hiring for thousands of jobs. Highlighting the vibrant state of New York’s digital industry, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg invited startups and job seekers around the country to get on the map by moving to New York City. Created by Internet Week New York in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Made in NY Digital Map already plots more than 500 digital companies across the five boroughs. The map offers direct links to the companies’ jobs listings pages and pinpoints the city’s hottest tech hubs, from the Flatiron District to DUMBO.

The Mayor made the announcement at Internet Week headquarters and was also joined by Economic Development Corporation President Seth Pinsky and Branch CEO Josh Miller. “New York City is the place to be if you’re a growing tech startup,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Our tech companies are looking for talent, and we want to make sure that everyone – no matter where they live today – knows about these jobs and is able to apply for them.” The Made in NY Digital Map arrives on the heels of the New Tech City Report from the Center for an Urban Future, which revealed that New York City has surpassed Boston to become the nation’s number two tech hub – outranked only by Silicon Valley. World Journal (C4) Singtao Daily (B5)

New York Mets Celebrate Asian Heritage at Citi Field

The New York Mets held their annual Asian Heritage Night prior to their game against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field last night. Francis Lewis High School Junior ROTC, Ultimate Champion’s Tae Kwon Do, and Shao Lin Kung Fu presented pre-game performance routines. The Seattle-born first baseman Travis Ishikawa blasted two home runs and collected a career-best five RBIs; and the Brewers starter Zack Greinke struck out seven in helping secure an 8-0 win over the Mets. World Journal (C2)

Peter Cheng Leaves ISACC for REDC

Peter S. Cheng, current Executive Director of Indochina Sino-American Community Center (ISACC), will join Asian American for Equality (AAFE) and become Director of its affiliate, Renaissance Economic Development Corporation (REDC), starting May 30th. REDC has been providing direct financing and technical assistance services throughout New York City. It focuses on low-income immigrant neighborhoods where the barriers of language, culture and conventional loan underwriting have stymied the growth of small businesses. Underpinning all of REDC’s lending activity is a commitment to increasing business opportunities for low-income, minority, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs. Singtao Daily (B3) World Journal (C5)

Zhong Hua Supermarket Burglarized, Estimated Loss of $20,000

Zhong Hua Supermarket, located at 59-11 Main Street in Flushing, was broken into by buglers yesterday and stole about $20,000 in cash. Investigators from the 109th Precinct have collected the surveillance camera images and have found that the perpetrators broke into the premise by damaging the rear door yesterday morning at 4am. Police said the supermarket turned off its lights at 8:30pm on May 14th and opened for business at 7:15am yesterday morning. There was a similar burglary case which happened on April 22nd, a Chinese restaurant across the street from the supermarket was broken into and lost $22,000. World Journal (C1)

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World Journal

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

“Secure Community” Program Expanded to New York

A controversial fingerprint sharing program to identify and remove illegal immigrants will be imposed in the state of New York, starting today. Dozens of elected officials, immigrant rights advocates and organizations and immigrants rallied yesterday in front of City Hall and the Jacob Javits Federal Building to oppose this program. They stated that the program invites racial profiling. On June 1st, 2011, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York State will suspend participation in the federal Secure Communities Program to review the mounting evidence that the program is not meeting its stated goal and has serious consequences for witnesses, victims of crime, and law enforcement.

At the same time, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) focused its limited resources on those who have been arrested for breaking criminal laws. It prioritizes the removal of criminal aliens, those who pose a threat to public safety, and repeat immigration violators. Secure Communities is a simple and common sense way to carry out ICE’s priorities. It uses an already-existing federal information-sharing partnership between ICE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that helps to identify criminal aliens without imposing new or additional requirements on state and local law enforcement. Secure Communities imposes no new or additional requirements on state and local law enforcement. The federal government, not the state or local law enforcement agency, will determine what immigration enforcement action, if any, is appropriate. World Journal (C2) Singtao Daily (B1)

Chancellor Visits H.S. for Dual Language and Asian Studies

New York City Department of Education Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott paid a morning visit to the High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies yesterday. He congratulated Principal Li Yan, faculty, and students for their achievement. The school, founded in September, 2003, was just cited as one of the “Best High Schools” in New York by U.S. News & World Report recently. It was the second school visit of the day for Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott, who is touring schools that landed on U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of America’s “Best High Schools.” Seven of the ten highest-ranking New York State high schools are in the city, topped by Queens’ Baccalaureate School for Global Education. World Journal (C3)

Brooklyn D.A. Honors NYPD AC Thomas Chan

The Office of Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes and the Asian American Bar Association held an Asian American Heritage Month celebration yesterday. Charles J. Hynes praised Asian Americans for making significant contributions in society, not only in the legal profession in Brooklyn, but in many industries across the country. Outstanding individuals and organizations, including New York City Police Department Assistant Chief Thomas Chan, medical doctor Jonathan Chang, and South Asian Youth Action (SAYA), were honored for their contributions and accomplishments. The 2-star Assistant Chief Thomas Chan is the Commanding Officer of the Patrol Borough of Brooklyn South and the highest ranking Asian-American officer in the NYPD. Kin Ng is the highest ranking Asian American executive in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Singtao Daily (B3) World Journal (C5)

USPS to Reject Int’l Packages Containing Lithium Batteries

From May 16th to January 2013, the United States Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes: mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations. This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation. This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation. International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.

USPS anticipates that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate. USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available. World Journal (C4)

ICE Seized 761 Domain Names for Selling Counterfeit Goods

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been taking action since June of 2010 to crack down on sites allegedly used to sell counterfeit goods or that are otherwise involved in copyright infringement. “The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and the Department of Justice in seizing more than $896,000 in proceeds from the distribution of counterfeit sports apparel as a result of an investigation into the sale of counterfeit goods on commercial websites,” stated an ICE report released earlier. “The investigation also resulted in the seizure of seven domain names engaged in the sale of counterfeit goods. The funds were seized from interbank accounts and three PayPal accounts.” According to ICE, to date a total of 761 domain names have been seized. Singtao Daily (B1)

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World Journal

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

150 Sickened by Food Poisoning after Mother’s Day Celebration

Health officials from Putnam County, in the lower Hudson River Valley of New York State, collected samples of food that visitors brought to the sprawling campus of the Buddhist monastery off Route 52 and tried to determine why roughly 150 people got sick. The symptoms were limited mostly to vomiting and stomach cramps. A large crowd came in more than 10 buses from New York City and visited the Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent on Mother’s Day to celebrate. Not all the visitors felt or complained of illness. Some of the visitors continued their trip by going shopping at the Woodbury Commons outlet stores in Orange County. Emergency responders in Woodbury treated about 60 people, sending some of them to be evaluated at local hospitals. Health officials are also asking anyone who ate at the monastery and got sick to call them at 845-808-1390. World Journal (C1) Singtao Daily (B1)

H.S. for Dual Language and Asian Studies Praised

The High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies was cited as one of the “Best High Schools” in New York by U.S. News & World Report recently. U.S. News & World Report reviewed 21,776 public high schools, including 370 in New York, to make their rankings. It cited “the curriculum at the High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies places a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Additionally, the school strives to turn out students proficient in two languages: Chinese and English. The High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies offers Advanced Placement courses in biology, calculus, and Chinese language and culture, among others. The school’s College Now program offers opportunities to earn college credit, tour campuses, and earn scholarships.” The High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies, located at 350 Grand Street, shares its campus with other two schools and has long devoted itself to providing quality instruction and guidance counseling to promote the academic and social development for mostly new immigrant students as well as stress linguistic capacity, cultural appreciation, and international and global awareness. Principal Li Yan has been taking a low key approach to work in student retention and student graduation rates. Singtao Daily (B1)

500+ Pieces of Work Participates Mother Day’s Drawing Contest

The 8th Annual Mother’s Day Drawing Contest, sponsored by Singtao Daily, was held at the Flushing Shopping Center yesterday. There were more than five hundred pieces of work which competed for honors. Forty young winners received awards. Singtao Daily (B2)

FCBA Honors 41 “Joyful Mothers” at Luncheon

The Flushing Chinese Business Association (FCBA) hosted its 3rd Annual “Joyful Mother” special event yesterday afternoon. Peter Tu, Executive Director of FCBA said that the organization spends at least $15,000 annually to sponsor this event with only a simple purpose – to set examples for generations of children appreciating and honoring mothers’ nourishment and sacrifice. Forty mothers were honored this year in front of four hundred guests, all the honoree moms have lived under the same roof with three generations or more. Singtao Daily (B4) World Journal (C3)

Ellen Young Receives M.A. Degree from St. John’s University

About 3,000 graduates walked across the stage at the Queens campus yesterday to finish St. John’s University’s 142nd academic year and celebrate their commencement. Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s University, presided over the commencement exercise. Ellen Young, former New York State Assemblywoman and the first Asian American woman in New York State Assembly, received her M.A. degree in East Asian Studies from St. John’s University. Ellen Young’s mother and daughter congratulated her and shared a special Mother’s Day with her there. World Journal (C1)

For more updates, follow us @ourchinatown.

Singtao Daily

Prepared and translated by Alex Peng, staff reporter

1,000+ Parents and Children Rally for Child Care Slots

More than a thousand concerned parents and children packed the auditorium of the Yung Wing School yesterday evening and urged City Hall not to cut day care and afterschool services in New York’s Chinatown. Due to cuts to children’s services in Mayor Bloomberg’s Executive Budget, seven out of ten afterschool programs in Chinatown and the Lower East Side will be forced to close, including programs at: P.S. 2, P.S. 20, P.S. 124, P.S. 142, P.S. 137, P.S./ I.S. 140 and M345. The neighborhoods also stand to lose nearly 500 child care slots. Six daycare centers serving Chinatown and the Lower East Side will be forced to close their doors. Action for Progress, the Puerto Rican Council, and four sites operated by Chinese American Planning Council including: Chung Pak, Little Star, Garment Industry Day Care and Jacob Riis Childcare Center. These Out of School Time (OST) and Early Learn (Head Start, child care) programs are operated by community based organizations including: Henry Street Settlement, University Settlement, Educational Alliance, Vision Urbana, and Chinese American Planning Council. City Councilwoman Margaret Chin told the crowd that “We don’t allow this kind of thing happen!” World Journal (C1) Singtao Daily (B6)

CPLDC Introduces 7 New Board Members

The Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation (CPLDC) announced the addition of 7 new board members yesterday. They are; Robin Mui of Singtao Daily, Tina Lee of World Journal, Elizabeth Lee of HSBC, Peter T. Lau of Manning Pharmacy, Teddy Lai of C.L. Insurance, Christopher Kui of Asian Americans for Equality (AAEF) and Yang Chen of the Asian American Bar Association of New York. These new board members bring a broad range of skills, expertise and experience to the organization in helping to build and promote Chinatown.

“We are thrilled and excited by these talented additions,” said Wellington Chen, CPLDC’s Executive Director. “They bring with them a unique combination of experience and knowledge of issues that CPLDC is committed to. They have been, in one way or other, working on behalf of Chinatown to help build a better place for everyone who lives, works or visits this neighborhood.”

The CPLDC is a major effort by Chinatown community leaders to create a new, forward-looking, community-wide organization that will actively address a broad range of issues to improve and promote the neighborhood. The partnership is an outgrowth of the tragedy of 9/11, which was begun as a project to spark community discourse on planning the future of Chinatown. This partnership is made possible by a grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, which is funded through Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and with the support of NYC Department of Small Business Services and 9/11 Fund. CPLDC, working closely with the community, is planning a number of initiatives in the near future that will rejuvenate Chinatown and bring New Yorkers and others back to the neighborhood. These include the pilot Wayfinding program with DOT that will guide and draw many more New Yorkers and visitors, working in conjunction with the new Clean Streets will systemically and regularly keep the streets around Chinatown clean and welcoming, and many other meaningful and impactful programs and initiatives. World Journal (C3) Singtao Daily (B4)

Tony Avella Visits FCBA; Defends English Sign Bill

New York State Senator Tony Avella visited the Flushing Chinese Business Association (FCBA) yesterday. He defended his pitch and push for a proposed bill to force New York store owners with signs in a foreign language to provide English translations. This bill has actually been a personal quest for him, dating back to his City Council terms. He said he was fully aware of the political implications of this type of legislation in heavily ethnic areas, but his proposal is aimed predominantly at public safety and the economy. In June of 2011, City Councilmen Peter Koo and Daniel Halloran drafted legislation that would require store signs in the city to be mostly in English. They say police officers and firefighters need to be able to quickly identify stores. Prior to seeking public office, Tony Avella served in numerous volunteer capacities as a civic activist and was a member of Queens Community Board 7.

In 2001, Tony won election to the New York City Council in the 19th District – Northeast Queens, and was reelected with an overwhelming majority in both the 2003 and 2005 elections. Respecting the will of the voters who twice passed term limits, Tony refused to run for a third Council term in 2009, even though political observers agree he could have easily won re-election. Instead, he ran for mayor in 2009, hoping to use a populist pitch to first upset City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr. in the Democratic primary and eventually Mr. Michael R. Bloomberg in the general election. Mr. Thompson handily defeated Mr. Avella by a better than three-to-one ratio in the Democratic primary. Tony Avella is a graduate of Hunter College. He has spent most of his career in government, working for Peter Vallone Sr., the former City Council speaker, and former Mayors Edward I. Koch and David N. Dinkins. Singtao Daily (B5) World Journal (C3)

Sandra Lee Honored by United Hospital Fund

The United Hospital Fund presented Distinguished Trustee Awards to 28 trustees from metropolitan area hospitals including Sandra Kawano Lee of New York Downtown Hospital, at a luncheon on May 7th at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The honorees were recognized for their leadership, generosity, and extraordinary service to not-for-profit and municipal hospitals in New York City, nearby New Jersey, and Long Island communities. This is the 22nd year the Fund has presented Distinguished Trustee Awards. The 28 honorees are all trustees from the Fund’s beneficiary not-for-profit hospitals, New York’s municipal hospital system, and hospitals participating in the United Hospital Fund/Greater New York Hospital Association quality improvement collaborations. Among the award recipients are prominent leaders in law, education, health care, religion, government, finance, and business. The trustees were nominated by their respective institutions, which include community hospitals, academic medical centers, and public hospitals representing all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and nearby New Jersey. Singtao Daily (B5)

Six Scam Suspects Nabbed in San Francisco

Five women and one man were arrested yesterday by federal agents, hours before they flew back to China from San Francisco. Federal investigators suspected these suspects belonged to a posse of criminals that prey on Chinese American elders and were involved in a lot of scam cases in New York and Boston’s Chinatown. They were caught because federal customs agents found extraordinary jewelry in their checked luggage. At the time of occurrence, the posse flew out of Boston via Chicago to San Francisco. Detectives from NYPD are helping with the investigation. Singtao Daily (B1)

For more updates, follow us @ourchinatown.