Compiled by Peggy Chapman Northwest Asian Weekly 1. Donnie Chin murder devastates community Hundreds of people gathered at Hing Hay Park for a memorial July 26, to honor the memory of Donnie Chin, who was devoted to the International District (ID). Chin served as ad hoc security around the ID neighborhood since he was a […]
Hookah bars get a reprieve — Community reaction toward Murray’s reversed decision
By Assunta Ng Northwest Asian Weekly Within less than a month, Mayor Ed Murray reversed his decision to close down all of the city’s hookah lounges after lounge owners and supporters’ two protests at City Hall. Murray’s initial reaction to shut down the lounges was in response to Donnie Chin’s slaying on July 23 near […]
Hookah lounge advocates fight back
By Peggy Chapman Northwest Asian Weekly It was standing room only at Monday afternoon’s Seattle City Council meeting, moderated by Councilmember Tim Burgess. The majority present was there to protest Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s initiative to ban hookah lounges/bars throughout Seattle. The chamber was filled with loyal customers, lounge owners, community activists, and even health […]
Crackdown on controversial hookah lounges — Questions, and hopefully, answers
By Staff Northwest Asian Weekly There has been community concern about the presence of hookah bars and lounges in the International District and throughout other Seattle neighborhoods recently, due to the shooting of community figurehead Donnie Chin in late July. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced August 3 that the “City will step up enforcement against […]
Murray’s move surprises the Asian community — Donnie Chin’s death triggers change
By Assunta Ng Northwest Asian Weekly If there was any lasting impact residing from Donnie Chin’s murder (aside from permanent sorrow), it would be the city’s decision to shut down Seattle’s hookah bars with a new ordinance. It will be an ordinance that affects all 11 hookah bars in Seattle. That’s not what the Asian […]