By Assunta Ng
Northwest Asian Weekly
It’s easy and challenging to write about Uncle Bob Santos, the legend — partly because he’s fascinating, with so many gut-wrenching stories. He was full of ambition, not for himself, but for the community. He dreamed often and succeeded in achieving big goals — his fingerprints are all over the International District (ID), including nine buildings for affordable housing, which he was directly or indirectly responsible for.
Santos died last Saturday at the age of 82, after staying five weeks in the hospital.
Who would have led protests at the age of 81, holding a bullhorn, firing off words with followers echoing him with enthusiasm? Santos instigated two protests last year after the death of community hero Donnie Chin, founder of the International District Emergency Center. Chin was killed in the crossfire of two rival gangs in the ID. The protests were targeting King’s Hookah Bar on 8th Ave. S. and S. Weller, half a block from where Chin was killed. The protests aimed at shutting down the bar.
But Santos didn’t just protest without warning. He shared his wish at an ID community meeting after Chin’s death. He and State Sen. Bob Hasegawa even met with the bar’s owner, and made him understand where the community was coming from. That’s Bob’s way of bridge building and problem-solving.
Who had the ears of the past five Seattle mayors? Uncle Bob was an adviser to the past five mayors. No one in the ID has that kind of clout.
Who would turn down powerful jobs? To stay in the community, Santos declined an administrative post to run a Washington state agency in 2001, and an offer to direct the Seattle Office of Neighborhoods in 2002.
Who would have come out of retirement multiple times to go back to work at Inter*Im, the organization he founded, to help businesses and residents foster a better ID? This year, he worked two days a week at the Inter*Im.
Santos enjoyed controversies
The last thing Santos wanted was to exclude himself out of controversies. Santos was one of the few people I know who thrive in controversies. It simply illustrated his fighting spirit. He wouldn’t stay silent in the face of accusations or attacks, such as the issue of the name “Chinatown International District.” Should the name Chinatown be a part of it, or before ID, or after ID, when naming the library or the Sound Transit station?
Some naysayers were from the Chinese community.
For past three-plus decades, the Asian Weekly has witnessed both good and bad in the community, and no one has done as much as Bob for the community — ID Village Square featuring affordable housing and programs for seniors, and a community center, public library, day care, clinic, and the Danny Woo Garden.
Part of his magic had to do with his charm, sense of social justice, and ability to raise millions of dollars and connect the dots. He often challenged himself, “What else can I do?”
“Bob did a lot for the community,” said Harry Chan, owner of Tai Tung Restaurant. “It’s hard to find someone like Bob. He fought for the community all the time. Look around all those buildings for affordable housing (in the ID). It’s his doing.”
As to criticism towards Santos, Chan said, “You can’t please everybody.”
A media darling
Media hates to hear “no comment” or “don’t quote me.” A number of Asian Americans are often hesitant to speak their mind, no matter how angry they are, or how strongly they believe in something. The fear of retaliation could be one of the reasons. But it could be our culture. Asian Americans were taught not to rock the boat. Keep quiet and be cautious. Not Uncle Bob.
I called him up for quotes in Asian Weekly stories and he never disappointed. Nor would he say, “Let me think about it.”
Everything he said, was right on. His statements were powerful, precise, honest, and above all, quotable.
Unlike some who give you juicy details, then say, “Don’t quote me.”
In late 2007, then-governor Christine Gregoire didn’t appoint the Asian community’s favorite contender, Mary Yu, to replace a retiring Washington Supreme Court Justice, and several community leaders were furious. Yet none of them would go on the record. Some finally sent the Asian Weekly a letter to the editor, complaining about the appointment of a white candidate. No one dared to sign the letter except Uncle Bob. He was happy to be the lone signer — the only one to put his name out there. Uncle Bob’s mind was fearless. He didn’t worry about who said what about him and what if — he just did what was right for the community.
More than karaoke at Bush Garden
“I was the matchmaker for Sharon (Santos’ wife) and Bob,” said Joan Seko, former owner of the restaurant. Both were karaoke regulars at Bush Garden. They liked each other initially, and Santos let Seko read their palms — Seko concluded that Sharon and Bob were compatible.
Since last Saturday, Santos’ singing pals have been dropping by Bush Garden every night for karaoke, dedicating songs to Santos. Elvis and Frank Sinatra were among his favorites.
Few people knew of Santos’ talent as a singer before karaoke became popular, said Karen Sakata, owner of Bush Garden. Bush was the first in the country to provide karaoke service in the late 1980s, and Santos became a regular customer since then.
As a state representative, Sharon is probably too busy to join us for karaoke, Seko said.
Several years ago, we honored Sharon at the Women of Color Empowered luncheon. I was not surprised that Uncle Bob came, but surprised that he came with flowers. The guy had his romantic side.
Uncle Bob was proud of Sharon’s work in the legislature and community, but he was frustrated because she doesn’t share her success with the community. She is chair of the education committee in the legislature and other national organizations. “She doesn’t tell people (of her contributions). I asked her, ‘Why didn’t you let me promote you?’” Sharon wouldn’t let him.
It bothered Santos that the Seattle Times endorsed Sharon’s opponent last time. This year, the Times endorsed Sharon before Bob’s death. He would be so proud. He must have felt, “Here at last!”
For the past decade, Uncle Bob spoke to students of the Asian Weekly’s Summer Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) at the Danny Woo Garden, which he founded. “Uncle Bob was one of the most memorable and impactful speakers for SYLP,” said Marvin Eng, past SYLP coordinator. “He would inspire and challenge the students to be agents of change and to step up as the next generation of leaders. Through his rich storytelling, we got glimpses of his work as an activist and his heart for people.”
In 2012, the Asian Weekly celebrated its 30th anniversary. Uncle Bob sang and I am glad we taped the whole program. I have to conclude that he’s a wonderful performer with a great sense of rhythm and a melodious voice. “I practiced for your event,” he said.
Uncle Bob, thank you for everything, especially for inspiring us to make a difference in the community.
Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.
La Quinta Homes says
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I’m inspired!
Extremely useful info particularly the last section 🙂 I take care of such info much.
I used to be looking for this certain information for
a very lengthy time. Thank you and best of luck.
online training programs says
I was recommended this website by means of my cousin. I am no longer sure whether
this put up is written by way of him as nobody else
realize such targeted about my difficulty. You are wonderful!
Thanks!
Group Exercise Training UK says
Nice response in return of this query with firm arguments and telling the whole thing about that.
bracelets says
Remarkable things here. I am very glad to peer your article.
Thanks a lot and I am having a look forward to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Situs Agen Judi Terpercaya Indonesia says
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been conducting a little
homework on this. And he actually ordered me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this
issue here on your internet site.
gambling addiction test says
In what regulation enforcement described as the breaking of the spine of organized gambling, the ten had been accused of running several gambling operations and meanwhile bribing police officers
to do this without interference.
Perfume Jewellery says
Excellent article. I absolutely appreciate this site.
Thanks!
prediksi sgp hari ini says
I do not even know the way I ended up here, however I assumed this put up used to
be good. I do not realize who you are but definitely you are
going to a famous blogger if you happen to are not already.
Cheers!
programs says
It’s truly a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you simply shared this
helpful info with us. Please stay us up to
date like this. Thanks for sharing.
what's the latest celebrity gossip says
Thank you for another great article. Where else may anybody get that type of info in such a
perfect method of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m at the look for such info.
Ramonita says
Hi all, here every one is sharing these know-how, so it’s good to
read this webpage, and I used to pay a quick visit this
website all the time.
tasued result checking portal says
Thank you for some other informative web site.
The place else may just I am getting that type of information written in such
an ideal way? I have a challenge that I’m just now operating on, and I have been on the glance out for such information.
loft conversions Essex says
My brother recommended I might like this website. He used to be entirely right.
This publish actually made my day. You cann’t consider just how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
https://www.facebook.com/airportshuttlepensacola/ says
Nice post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I am
inspired! Extremely useful info specially the remaining section :
) I handle such info much. I used to be seeking this certain info for a very lengthy
time. Thanks and best of luck.
bullet decal stickers says
Hello, the whole thing is going well here and ofcourse every
one is sharing information, that’s genuinely excellent, keep
up writing.
short wood log truck british columbia says
Hi to all, the contents existing at this site are truly remarkable for people
knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
loft conversions Wandsworth says
Hey I am so delighted I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Google for something else, Regardless I am
here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a remarkable post and a all round thrilling blog (I
also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep
up the excellent work.
teaching yoga guatemala says
Hello everybody, here every one is sharing such knowledge, so it’s pleasant to read this blog, and I used to pay a quick visit this web site every day.
Electricians Deptford says
magnificent points altogether, you simply gained a logo new
reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made some days ago?
Any positive?
Vauxhall Astra 1.9 Cdti m32 6 speed gearbox says
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort
to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of
time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
web hosting says
I’m really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever
run into any web browser compatibility issues?
A small number of my blog readers have complained about my site
not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
Do you have any suggestions to help fix this
problem?
AdWords Agency Houston says
Excellent, what a weblog it is! This webpage provides helpful facts to us, keep it up.
klout.com says
Right here is the perfect blog for anybody who would like to find out about this topic.
You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not
that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that
has been discussed for a long time. Great stuff,
just wonderful!
Las Vegas Printer says
No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, therefore he/she wants to be available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over here.
Davide Cuccato Noleggio Auto di Lusso says
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this superb blog!
I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this site with my
Facebook group. Talk soon!
Docklands best hairdressers says
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired!
Extremely helpful info particularly the last section :
) I take care of such information much. I was seeking this particular
info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
dui dwi nj says
First off I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if
you don’t mind. I was interested to know
how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing.
I’ve had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting
my thoughts out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first
10 to 15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
Kudos!
event planner marrakech says
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious
know-how about unpredicted emotions.
IPL 10 Winner Prediction says
This design is spectacular! You certainly know
how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
Gratis date says
certainly like your web site however you have to check the spelling on several
of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome
to tell the reality nevertheless I’ll definitely come back again.
casino bonus says
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will be
sure to bookmark your blog and will come back in the foreseeable
future. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!
F1 Manager says
We absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for.
Would you offer guest writers to write content
for you? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write related to here.
Again, awesome weblog!
gymnastikball says
Hi to all, it’s genuinely a pleasant for me to pay a visit this web page, it
consists of priceless Information.
zynga texas holdem poker gold hack says
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you can be a
great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back very soon. I want
to encourage continue your great writing, have a nice evening!
Capris says
If some one wants expert view regarding running a blog after that i advise
him/her to pay a quick visit this website, Keep up the nice work.
forex signals says
Thanks for any other informative web site. Where else could
I am getting that type of info written in such an ideal
approach? I have a undertaking that I am simply now running on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
First time home buyers says
Pretty part of content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to say that
I get in fact enjoyed account your weblog
posts. Any way I will be subscribing in your augment and even I success you access consistently fast.
chiropractic Malaysia says
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I have book marked it for later!
First time home buyers says
Hello! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Carry on the fantastic work!
Security Company Vancouver says
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am truly
pleassant to read everthing at one place.
best telugu website online says
Hello everyone, it’s my first pay a visit at this web site, and post is actually
fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these
types of content.
tv9 telugu live says
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s
both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
The problem is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy I came across this during my search for something concerning this.
Free Cheap MySiteSSL says
Thanks for finally talking about >Why I admire Uncle Bob <Loved it!
ngo jobs in kenya says
Normally I don’t learn article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to
try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me.
Thank you, very great post.
un jobs in kenya says
Hello, yup this paragraph is genuinely pleasant and I have learned lot
of things from it about blogging. thanks.
UGO CABRET glasses says
I am genuinely delighted to glance at this web site posts which
consists of plenty of useful information, thanks for providing these statistics.
yurtdisi dil okullari says
Tremendous issues here. I am very happy to see your post.
Thanks a lot and I’m having a look forward to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Patrick Weichert says
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and engaging,
and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy that I came across this during my search for something regarding this.
ac router says
If some one wishes expert view regarding blogging after that i advise him/her to pay a quick visit this blog,
Keep up the pleasant job.
CHIROPRACTIC says
Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so
I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly
enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new
to the whole thing. Do you have any helpful hints for first-time blog writers?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.