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Articles by Ron Chew
National School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 19-23
In April 1939, a gentleman by the name of Frank Cyr organized a conference at Teachers College in New York that drew transportation officials from each of the then 48 states, as well as specialists from school bus manufacturing and paint companies. At that conference, which was funded by a $5,000 grant from Rockefeller Foundation, these participants established national school bus construction standards, including the yellow color for the school bus.
Three big celebrations in two weeks for Dolores Sibonga - International Examiner
It's not often that you get to be at the center of three big celebrations in two weeks. But that's exactly what happened to community icon Dolores Sibonga last month. First, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, highlighting Sibonga's many accomplishments as the first woman of color on the Seattle City Council and praising her recently printed memoir "The Best Adobo in Town: From Café to City Council," issued a proclamation declaring August 12 as Dolores Sibonga Day.
Noted Seattle poet Koon Woon passes away: 'He was a rare authentic voice' - International Examiner
Koon Woon, a well-known Seattle poet who lived for several decades in Chinatown hotels and documented his harrowing struggles with homelessness and mental illness, passed on August 13 at the age of 77. Woon had resided for the past nine years in Alaska House, a low-income senior facility in West Seattle. In late 2025, he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Annual Memorial Day event in Hing Hay Park honors fallen soldiers
The event drew dozens of relatives of the deceased, representatives of prominent Chinese Ameri- can organizations, Asian American leaders and elected officials. • Photo by Ron Chew Approximately 150 community members gathered on February 25 in Hing Hay Park on a rainy, blustery afternoon to remember the 10 Chinese American World War II soldiers who died in battle as well as others who sacrificed their lives in subsequent wars.
Ruby Luke Passes Away at 91
By Ron Chew NAP Contributor Ruby Luke, sister of the late political and cultural pioneer Wing Luke of Seattle, Washington, passed away on September 8 at the age of 91. The late Ruby Luke, one of Wing Luke’s sisters, cheerfully escorts Ron Chew, former Executive Director of the Wing Luke Museum, into the new museum facility, 2008. The lifelong Seattleite, known for her love of dance and bright sequined outfits, had been in failing health in recent years.
National School Bus Safety Week Is Oct. 20-24
National School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 20-24, 2025. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging drivers to slow down and be aware of school buses in their communities. From 2014 to 2023, there were 1.5 times more fatalities among pedestrians (171) than occupants of school buses (113) in school-bus-related traffic crashes.
Ruby Luke passes away at 91
Ruby Luke, sister of the late political and cultural pioneer Wing Luke, passed away on September 8 at the age of 91. The lifelong Seattleite, known for her love of dance and bright sequined outfits, had been in failing health in recent years. She finally succumbed to heart and liver failure, with daughter Cynthia del Rosario at her side during her final moments.
Bill Chin, last Chinese American World War II veteran in Seattle, passes away at 99
Bill L. Chin, the last surviving Chinese American World War II veteran in Seattle and a lifelong member of the Cathay Post #186 of the American Legion, passed away on the morning of March 13, 2025, three months shy of his 100th birthday. “I feel very sad,” Haydon Mar, former commander of the Cathay Post, said. “As I’ve grown older, I have come to really appreciate the World War II veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made for our country and our freedoms.
Founder of first Cambodian restaurant in Washington, Sam Ung, passes away at age 70
Seng Kok “Sam” Ung, founder of the beloved Phnom Penh Noodle House, the first Cambodian restaurant in Washington state, passed away on March 5 at the age of 70 after collapsing and suffering a sudden heart attack. Ung was well-known in the Chinatown International District community for his generous contributions of food dishes to support local non-profits and his master fruit carving skills.
A Big Seattle Reading List
This is a city of books. A city that turned a local librarian into a national celebrity. A city where there's readings every night and somebody you know is definitely working on a book. That's a good thing. Because a lot of those books are really spectacular. This list, published in its original form in 2021, is not comprehensive. Rather it's a celebration of Seattle-ish writers and Seattle-ish settings across genres.
Glenn Chinn, the first director of the Wing Luke Museum, passes away at 80
Glenn N. Chinn, a soft-spoken, low-key nonprofit leader in the Chinatown International District in the 1970s and 80s, passed away at his Seward Park home on January 17 at the age of 80. Chinn, born in Salt Lake City on January 23, 1944, grew up in El Cerrito, CA. He attended college in Claremont, CA, then moved to Seattle to attend graduate school at the University of Washington, focusing on modern Chinese history.
Viet-Wah Asian Foods in Renton reopens after New Year’s Day fire
The popular Viet-Wah Asian Foods in Renton reopened one day after a fire, likely caused by an errant New Year’s firework explosion, damaged the store’s exterior. The Viet-Wah Supermarket was founded in Seattle in 1981 by Duc Tran, a refugee from Vietnam who arrived in Seattle in 1976. The Seattle store, the anchor of Little Saigon for decades, closed at the end of September 2022. Tragically, on June 10 of this year, the vacant building was destroyed in a massive fire.
Perennial CID presence Hing W. Chinn passes at age 94
Hing W. Chinn, an influential and widely respected leader and store owner in Seattle’s Chinatown International District (CID), passed away on Oct. 25 from heart failure at the age of 94. Chinn was a perennial presence in the CID in the 1980s and 90s, working with non-profit directors, Chinese association heads and business owners to bolster the quality of life in the neighborhood. He was a colorful storyteller with a booming melodic voice and hearty laugh.
From the Chinatown-ID to New Jersey, Jennie Pu’s rise to public library stardom - International Examiner
Jennie Pu’s leadership rise takes my breath away. I met her when she was just 21. In 1996, as executive director of the Wing Luke Museum, I hired her as membership coordinator. She was one of Professor Connie So’s student minions in American Ethnic Studies. She looked like she was barely 13 and was exceptionally bright and energetic. Despite the paltry amount we offered her, she stayed until 1999. Those were lean years. The Museum was a cramped 7,200-square-foot auto garage on Seventh Avenue.
Seattle philanthropist and library advocate Maria Koh passes away at 91 - International Examiner
Maria Lee Koh, a prominent Seattle philanthropist and tireless champion of community health, education, libraries and cultural heritage, passed away May 2 after a tenacious seven-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was 91. Koh was born in 1933 in Shanghai. In 1950, she immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan, where she’d been sent for continued schooling. Koh studied biochemistry at Gannon College in Pennsylvania. She met her husband James in Minneapolis, and they married in 1956.
After 50 years, Kau Kau BBQ Restaurant on King Street has new owner
With so much instability in Seattle’s restaurant sector, it’s comforting to know that change can sometimes arrive gently. In April, Kau Kau Barbecue Market and Restaurant, a fixture of Chinatown’s business community on South King Street for 50 years, quietly took on new owners. Lynn Eng-Chang and husband Richard Chang had run the popular barbecue establishment since the death of Lynn’s father Wai Eng in 2012.
Quiet community champion Paul Mar passes away at 83
Paul Mar, a self-described “native son” of Seattle’s Chinatown International District (CID), passed away this morning at the age of 83 after battling cancer and falling at his home in Newcastle, Washington, in late January.
Community health clinic ICHS looks back on 50 years of crisis and opportunity
Fifty years ago, several protests against construction of the Kingdome led to the resurrection of Seattle’s dying Chinatown International District (CID). They also led to the birth of a major social service agency that serves as the bedrock of support for immigrants and refugees and people of color through the region. In 1968, King County voters approved bonds for a $40 million multipurpose stadium.
Seattle will be home to region’s first Vietnamese community center
FLS executive director Quynh Pham said the project will be located at 10th Avenue and South Jackson, on property now occupied by Dong Hing Market and Asia Pacific Wholesale. Pham said the two businesses will remain in place until demolition. Groundbreaking is slated for early 2025. The facility will open at the end of 2026. Pham said FLS had identified at least six or seven other proposed sites for the cultural center, but the organization was either outbid or found the sites to be contaminated.
Friends of Little Sài Gòn greenlighted to develop Vietanmese cultural, economic center
On September 11, Friends of Little Sài Gòn (FLS) reached an agreement to buy a 16,500-square-foot parcel on South Jackson Street to develop into the region’s first Vietnamese cultural and economic center. This milestone comes after more than a full decade of planning, advocacy, and fundraising by FLS and its allies.
Former CID garden coordinator Sharon Hart passes away at 75
Sharon Hart, coordinator of the Danny Woo International District Community Garden in the early 1980s, succumbed to uterine cancer last month at her home in Palouse, Washington at the age of 75. Hart had worked closely with Bob Santos — then-director of InterIm CDA, the nonprofit which manages the 1.5-acre hillside garden — to shape the early vision of the space as a vital active greenspace for elderly Chinatown International District (CID) residents to grow their own vegetables and other produce.
The IE turns 50: The two most important Chinatown-ID events everyone forgot about
50 years ago, two protests led to the resurrection of Seattle’s dying Chinatown. The demonstrations also sparked creation of the major social service agencies that still serve as a bedrock of support for immigrants, refugees, and people of color through the region. Sadly, almost no one in Seattle, including many leaders in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, remember these events. We’ve forgotten our own history.
Beloved dentist and Kin On founder Henry Chin passes away
Dr. Henry Han Chin, a beloved local dentist and early health care champion for Asian seniors, passed away at his Seattle home on July 9 at the age of 72. “Henry was kind, generous, friendly, and community-minded,” said Sam Wan, the first director of Kin On. “Though he had a very busy professional career, he was always available to provide guidance and support. He will be dearly missed in our community.” Chin was born to Chong Lee and Yee Ling Chin in Toisan, China on March 1, 1951.
Keep Our Kids Safe: National School Bus Safety Week Oct. 17-21
In support of National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 17-21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding drivers about the importance of school bus safety. In every State, it is illegal to pass a school bus while the school bus stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. Although the school bus is one of the safest modes of transportation, illegal school bus passing is a deadly risk to bus riders and their caretakers.
Theresa Fujiwara: lessons from a lifetime of social justice work
Unfortunately, fame is fleeting, even for high-profile community leaders.
Beloved Seattle artist and writer Lawney Reyes passes away at the age of 91
Seattle Native American artist and writer Lawney Reyes, who documented his family saga and his tribe’s forgotten history in “White Grizzly Bear’s Legacy: Learning to Be Indian,” passed away on August 10 at the age of 91. Reyes, a longtime Beacon Hill resident, worked for decades as a sculptor, interior designer, architect and writer until his passing last week. He was inspired by his mother’s tribal stories and the heritage of his immigrant Filipino father.
Beloved Santa and community icon Kerry Taniguchi passes away
Kerry Taniguchi, center. Photo courtesy of IDEC. Seattle native Kerry Taniguchi, beloved Santa and Chinatown-ID (CID) icon, died in his sleep at his Renton home earlier this month at the age of 67. Taniguchi was a familiar presence on the streets of Chinatown. He was a diminutive figure with a long-wispy gray beard, wide-brimmed bucket cap, shades and pocketed vest. He would mosey along, pausing to gossip with friends, old and new.
Beloved Santa and community icon Kerry Taniguchi passes away
Kerry Taniguchi, center. Photo courtesy of IDEC. Seattle native Kerry Taniguchi, beloved Chinatown-ID (CID) Santa and perennial customer at the front counter of Tai Tung Restaurant, died in his sleep at his Renton home earlier this month at the age of 67. Taniguchi was a familiar presence on the streets of Chinatown. He was a diminutive figure with a long-wispy gray beard, wide-brimmed bucket cap, shades and pocketed vest.
Artist Michelle Kumata creates two exhibits that preserve Japanese American heritage
Michelle Kumata. Photo by John Pai. On February 19, 2022, Seattle artist and illustrator Michelle Kumata again comes face-to-face with her community’s shattered past. Exactly 80 years ago, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, the infamous federal mandate that authorized the imprisonment of her grandparents in Minidoka War Relocation Camp, Idaho, a desolate concentration camp constructed to hold 13,000 residents deemed security risks by the U.S. government.
Kin On CEO Min Chang steps down
Min Chang. Photo by Rick Wong. Earlier this month, Kin On Health Care Center began the search for a new chief executive officer following the surprise departure of Min Chang. She has accepted a job as CEO of the ophthalmic supply firm MicroSurgical Technology in Redmond. Chang, who has led Kin On since November, 2020, took over from previous CEO Nigel Lo. Chang’s last day at Kin On will be February 28. She joins MicroSurgical Technology on March 1. Chang came to Seattle from Wilmington, Delaware.
'The Yellow School Bus': A story for National School Bus Safety Week
October 18-22, 2021 is National School Bus Safety Week. The theme is “Be Safe Near the Danger Zone.” Always exercise caution when approaching a school bus this week and every week. In 1939, Frank Cyr organized a conference at Teachers College that drew transportation officials from each of the then-48 states, as well as specialists from school bus manufacturing and paint companies.
CVA awardee Michael Woo - a lifetime of labor and community organizing
Michael Woo. Photo by Rick Wong. These days, you’re more likely to find veteran labor activist Michael Woo, 2021 Community Voices Award winner, in the garage of his Seward Park home restoring an old Datsun Z car than out on the streets at a protest. “I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s a challenge. It’s relaxing. It’s educational. And there’s the pride of doing it yourself.” Michael retired in December 2019, after 15 years as a pipefitter and over three decades as a union organizer.
Bob Shimabukuro: Remembering his legacy of community activism, art and creative journalism
Bob with his family. Photo courtesy of Mira Shimabukuro. On Monday, March 29, our hearts were broken. Bob Shimabukuro died peacefully in his southeast Seattle home. We lost a perennial International Examiner writer, columnist, editor and audacious community champion. Bob was born on Aug. 4, 1945, in Maui, Hawaii. In 1963, he left to attend Reed College in Portland, Ore., where he graduated with a philosophy degree.
From "My Unforgotten Seattle" by Ron Chew: Chapter 69 — Running Toward Health | International Examiner
In 2014,Ron finished his first half-marathon in Burlington, Washington. Photo courtesy of My Unforgotten Seattle. In 2012, I took up running again at age 58. It was the hardest time of my life. I was trying to recover from my divorce and the Wing Luke fundraising campaign. I was also trying to manage the daily pressures of being a single parent to Cian and Kino, both of whom had burst into adolescence.
My Unforgotten Seattle By Ron Chew
Folio Seattle and University of Washington Press are delighted to host award winning reporter, editor and feature writer Carey Quan Gelernter in an interview with Third-generation Seattleite, historian, journalist, and museum visionary Ron Chew about his book My Unforgotten Seattle.
From "My Unforgotten Seattle" by Ron Chew, Chapter 68: A Trip to My Father’s Village
This month, the International Examiner published Ron Chew’s memoir, My Unforgotten Seattle. It is available to purchase here. If purchased through the IE, all proceeds will go toward supporting the IE. See details about upcoming readings after the article. *** In 2008, Ron traveled with his sister and her kids and his two sons to China. Photo courtesy of My Unforgotten Seattle.
From Ron Chew’s "My Unforgotten Seattle": Chapter 49, “My Mother’s English Lessons”
My Unforgotten Seattle is available to purchase on the International Examiner website. Go to iexaminer.org and you will see a link at the top of the homepage. If you purchase the book through the IE, all proceeds will benefit the IE. *** Ron’s mother’s English class. Instructor Jim Lourie (in the back with mustache) called her “The Boss.” She was the oldest student. Photo courtesy of My Unforgotten Seattle.
In "My Unforgotten Seattle", Ron Chew remembers his neighbor Lily Yamada, who talked to him about Hiroshima and surviving the atomic bomb
The International Examiner is excited to publish Ron Chew’s memoir, My Unforgotten Seattle, this fall. Books will be available to purchase from the IE beginning in September. The following is Chapter 11 from the book. Chapter 11: Lily Yamada At the Evergreen Apartments, I met Lily Yamada, an older woman with a bun of white hair, a smooth, broad face, a warm smile and a very sweet personality. She lived on the same floor as I did, in apartment 306 at the far end of the hall near the elevator.
Ron Chew remembers Seattle’s Chinatown in his memoir, “My Unforgotten Seattle”, to be published this fall by the International Examiner
This fall, the International Examiner will publish Ron Chew’s memoir, My Unforgotten Seattle. Journalist, activist, historian, writer and longtime IE editor and board president, Chew chronicles six decades in a vastly changing Seattle from his youth to current days.
Marguerite Luke Young and Maxine Loo: Best friends for 67 years
Maxine Loo and Marge Luke Young. Photo courtesy of Bettie Luke. Marguerite “Marge” Luke Young and Maxine Loo were best friends for 67 years. The two met when they were assigned adjacent lockers at Washington Junior High School. Marguerite was born on September 13, 1940 and passed away December 19, 2019. Maxine was born on May 14, 1940 and passed away on February 10, 2020.
Opinion: Vote YES on the Seattle Library Levy
The Chinatown-ID branch of the Seattle Public Library. Throughout our careers as community activists for Seattle’s Asian & Pacific Islander communities, a consistent message has rung true: the preservation of our stories is fundamental to our cultural integrities. This has been true for all communities of color including immigrant and refugee groups. As our city rapidly changes to accommodate the future, these stories remind us of who we are and where we have come from.
Chinese American World War II vets receive long-overdue recognition
Photos courtesy of Mimi Gan Over 850 Chinese American World War II veterans or next of kin have received official confirmation that U.S. Congressional Gold Medals will be awarded to them, Ed Gor, project manager for the national effort, said in an interview last Friday. The spirited attempt to identify and locate other Chinese American veterans has now reached Seattle.
Memorial scheduled for Mich Matsudaira on April 27
Mich Matsudaira, far left, in front of Mich’s Men’s Shop. Courtesy photo. Martin “Mich” Matsudaira, longtime community leader and founding executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian American Affairs will be remembered on Saturday, April 27 at 11 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church in Seattle. Matsudaira, who passed away on March 24, was born on November 12, 1937 to Thomas and Theresa Matsudaira. He was one of 14 siblings.
Phnom Penh Noodle House prepares to close after 30 years
The Phnom Penh Noodle House, a beloved International District business which just celebrated its 30th anniversary, will close its doors in May, Dawn Ung, one of the co-owners, announced last week. Dawn and her sister Darlene Le have run the family-owned Cambodian restaurant on South King Street since the retirement of their parents in 2007. A personal tragedy – the lingering impact of a traffic accident involving Dawn’s 18-year old son Devin – precipitated the recent decision to close.
API community mourns death of civil liberties champion Mike Lowry
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published by the International Examiner. Former Washington Governor Mike Lowry, an early champion of redress payments for Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II and a passionate supporter of universal health care, passed away on Monday at the age of 78.
Asian Resource Center closes after 20 years, property sold to public charter school
The Asian Resource Center (ARC), the multi-purpose gymnasium at 1025 South King Street, last week closed its doors after two decades of operation, making way for development of a new public charter school at that site, supported by a $4 million grant from the Gates Foundation. Derek Chinn—whose sister Karen Wong originally spearheaded the fundraising efforts to build the ARC in the late 1980s, said last week, “It was time to give it up.
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