As we ring in the New Year, we usher out the old with a look back at the top 10 news stories of 2013. From parking to parks, achievers, criminals, and matters of race, here are the people and issues that delivered substantial impacts to the Asian American and Pacific Island communities locally, regionally, and sometimes nationally and internationally.
Here are the top stories of the year:
1. The Wing earns distinction from National Park Service
The designation of the Wing Luke Museum as an “affiliated area” to the National Parks gives America’s only Asian Pacific American museum recognition and promotion on a national scale, and increases visitors to Seattle’s International District.
2. Jeffrey Chen wins his case, then judge overturns
Although the judge in this case subsequently vacated the former Medina police chief’s award and ordered a new trial, this lawsuit brought the issue of racism to the fore, and a jury found his firing racially motivated.
3. UW now requires diversity education
It took 25 years to get this course requirement, but with nearly half the current UW student body identifying as nonwhite, the timing seemed just right.
4. Surveillance cameras reduce crime in the ID
The infiltration of government surveillance into Chinatown is controversial, but many have noticed that with cameras up, crime is down, making the International District much more inviting.
5. Streetcar construction causes headaches
Local businesses are the backbone of the International District, yet they are struggling to financially survive the current construction mess long enough to reap the future benefits of a completed streetcar project.
6. Local man’s mother visits him in N. Korea prison
This U.S. citizen, formerly from Lynnwood, has been in a North Korea prison for over a year, charged, by what we now know is a murderous regime, with “plotting to overthrow the government.”
7. Tony Ng paroled after decades of incarceration
The announcement of Tony Ng’s parole brought back painful memories of Seattle’s worst mass killing, and the realization that the story never ends for the victims’ families and loved ones.
8. Socialist Kshama Sawant wins city council seat
The election of far-left Sawant to Seattle City Council made national and international news. The Socialist candidate pushed out Conlin, a longtime favorite of the Democrats, like the Tea Party in reverse.
9. Ambassador Locke resigns from China post
Ambassador Locke is super popular among Washington state’s Asian American community — many are proud of his achievements and anxious to welcome him home.
10. Chinatown parking rates finally decrease
Affordable parking can make or break a Chinatown business. This story shows how collaboration between business, government, and community groups can make meaningful impacts on livelihoods.
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