SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Lawyers for two couples challenging California’s ban on same-sex marriage plan to wrap up their case Friday following the incendiary testimony of a proponent who said he thinks gays are more likely to be pedophiles and that allowing them to wed would lead to the legalization of polygamy and incest.
China rebukes accusations of involvement in Google hacks
BEIJING (AP) — China sharply rebuked the United States on Monday, Jan. 25, denying involvement in any Internet attacks and defending its online restrictions as lawful after Washington urged Beijing to investigate an attack against Google.
Japan PM says he’ll reassess U.S. Marine base pact
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s prime minister pledged Monday, Jan. 25, to “start from scratch” in re-examining a key military deal with Washington on relocating American troops, risking the ire of its key ally after a local election in Okinawa showed that residents oppose any new Marine bases in their region.
Reform Immigration FOR America urges immigration reform
Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) worked on the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign in January. During the National Asian American Pacific Islander week of action, which began on Jan. 12, The Campaign is a collaborative effort urging local, state, and national APIA organizations to take part in the immigration reform debate.
Locke announces $1.6 million grant to create jobs and strengthen economy in Bellingham
On Dec. 28, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced a $1.6 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Lummi Nation of Bellingham, Wash., to help build the Gateway Center business incubator facility in Ferndale, Wash. The project is expected to create 200 jobs and generate $4 million in private investment, according to estimates.
National Angel Island Day honors U.S. immigrant heritage
This proclamation comes after ACR 76, a measure that recognizes Dec. 17 as an annual day to acknowledge the contributions of immigrants to the United States, especially the state of California. The proclamation honors America’s immigrant heritage and commemorates the sacrifices and contributions of America’s Angel Island immigrants. Angel Island is in the San Francisco Bay and once housed an immigration station, now a national historic landmark.
Doctor calls on help for his young patient
Steve Alexander, a pediatrician in Beijing working and caring for children with special medical needs, is calling on help for one of his patients, Yi Fan, a Chinese girl who is suffering from pulmonary hypertension, a severe lung disease.
Jan. 18: Herb Tsuchiya is elected as Asian American Baptist Advocate
Herb Tsuchiya was elected an Asian American Baptist Advocate for the Pacific Northwest’s American Baptist Churches. Tsuchiya succeeds Rev. Yuki Sakiyama of Seattle Japanese Baptist Church, who served in 2008 and 2009.
Jan. 16: Seattle Center holds Kobe earthquake event
The Kobe Earthquake 15th Year Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony was held at Seattle Center to commemorate the anniversary of the Kobe earthquake, which occurred 15 years ago. Kobe is one of Seattle’s sister cities.
Jan. 17: Christopher Lu is division winner in piano competition
Christopher Lu won the Northwest division of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Junior Piano Competition this month and will travel to Albuquerque in March to compete as one of seven national finalists.