Podcasts about Little Saigon

Our series continues about unprecedented politics, named for the famous Benjamin Franklin line in 1787: "A republic, if you can keep it." University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides historic context. Then, it takes a lot of work to keep Mustang standing strong outside DIA. Also, tech firm Ibotta makes a 10-year commitment to downtown Denver, which other businesses have fled. And the family stories behind Denver's Little Saigon at History Colorado Center. 

Seattle doesn't have Skid Row or Miami's Garden District. Still, Little Saigon stands as the city's frontline in the drug crisis—Seattle's Little Saigon could become the spark forcing a political reckoning, one that might even reshape Seattle and Washington's future. Once a busy warehouse district, this corner of Seattle became a family neighborhood thanks to support from a local Vietnamese Catholic church. Now, it's a frontline in the 2025 mayoral race, with candidates scrambling to fix what feels broken.

As the GM of The Spring District, Linda brings us the inside scoop on the commercial real estate industry as well as interesting details like how the retail shops were chosen for this neighborhood and how she partnered with the city of Bellevue for success. All this and your top stories!Top Stories:1. Update on The Spring District2. Amazon (and Meta) layoffs3. Heritage Distilling closes tasting rooms4. Little Saigon landowner sues the cityAbout guest Linda Hoffner - General Manager, The Spring District, Wright Runstad & Company & Host, Whatever She's Having podcast.Linda has a long history of working in commercial real estate. She is on the board of Rainier Athletes, Bellevue Chamber, Eastrail Partners, and is the President-Elect for CREW. She is a 425 and PSBJ 40 Under 40 and a 425 Magazine Woman to Watch. She is also a former Mrs. Washington for the Mrs. America competition!Watch Whatever She's Having podcast!About host Rachel Horgan:Rachel is an independent event producer, emcee and entrepreneur. She worked for the Business Journal for 5 years as their Director of Events interviewing business leaders on stage before launching the weekly podcast. She earned her communication degree from the University of San Diego. Contact:Email: info@theweeklyseattle.comInstagram: @theweeklyseattleWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theweeklyseattle.com

A faux controversy has broken out in Vancouver, WA after a former city councilmember dressed up as an ICE agent at a Halloween party that the mayor attended. A property owner in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood is suing the city for its soft-on-crime policies. // House Speaker Mike Johnson says the Democrats’ insistence on continuing the shutdown is putting the American people’s health and safety at risk. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says that the Trump Administration is “throwing black babies into the back of vans.” // According to Forbes, Washington is home to the best employer in the world.

So Seattle's International District has become such a lawless nightmare that a Little Saigon property owner is suing the city for $30 million – and honestly, he's got a solid case. We're talking about an open-air drug market where people are literally dying on the streets while cops just drive by, businesses are shuttered, and a $21 million property sale collapsed because no developer wants to touch this chaos. Meanwhile, the Asian community gets zero attention from Seattle's DEI crowd – apparently "communities of color" doesn't include the ones being overrun by fentanyl zombies and knife-wielding addicts in wheelchairs. The city's response? "Policy disagreements," they claim, as if allowing people to OD in broad daylight is just a minor political difference. When bus stops have to be relocated because passengers might get murdered, when restaurants get broken into 25 times in four years, when kids can't walk to school safely – that's not policy, that's negligence. Will this lawsuit actually force Seattle to clean up its act, or will they just write another check and keep enabling the madness? What do you think it'll take to finally wake up these progressive politicians?

In this special preview from the Blue City Blues podcast, Sandeep and David explore the sprawling open-air drug market in Seattle's Little Saigon neighborhood, which resembles similar drug markets in poor, blue city neighborhoods across the US that have been overrun by the urban fentanyl and methamphetamine crises. Whether it's the Tenderloin in San Francisco, or Kensington in Philadelphia, or Skid Row or MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, the well intentioned, largely permissive policies towards hard drug use that in recent years took root in progressive-dominated bluer cities is coming under increasing challenge, and not just from Trump and the MAGA right.In the fall of 2024, Oregon rolled back its famous 2020 experiment in full drug decriminalization - as did Vancouver, B.C. earlier last year - after Portland neighborhoods like Old Town were overrun by addicts committing petty crimes to fuel their addictions. Recently installed San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has embraced more aggressive law enforcement and treatment interventions, as part of a nascent shift heralded by the city's adoption of “Breaking the Cycle” and “Recovery First” policies.Our guide in Little Saigon is Andrew Constantino, a former heroin addict and outreach worker, whose recent Seattle Times op-ed, “Here's what I Learned about Addiction at 12th and Jackson,” has struck a nerve in Seattle's social services provider community. Constantino walks us through the streets of Seattle's most notorious open air drug market, where methamphetamine, fentanyl, and stolen goods are openly exchanged at all hours of the day and night, and explains why so many fentanyl users are stuck here on the streets, trapped in a cycle of rising hopelessness and despair – due to the fleeting, highly addictive nature of the drug.With a searing candor, disarming humor and electric cowboy green hair, Constantino rejects many prevailing progressive orthodoxies to offer his own, deeply compassionate yet sharply questioning perspective on addiction, personal autonomy, and opportunities for productive interventions on the mean streets of blue cities.Our editor is Quinn Waller. Our producer and editor for this episode was Jennie Cecil Moore. About Blue City BluesSubscribe to the Blue City Blues podcast here. Twenty years ago, Dan Savage encouraged progressives to move to blue cities to escape the reactionary politics of red places. And he got his wish. Over the last two decades, rural places have gotten redder and urban areas much bluer.America's bluest cities developed their own distinctive culture, politics and governance. They became the leading edge of a cultural transformation that reshaped progressivism, redefined urbanism and remade the Democratic Party.But as blue cities went their own way, as they thrived as economically and culturally vibrant trend-setters, these urban cosmopolitan islands also deSend us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comSupport the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

Xin chào and hello! Welcome to Season 3 of Thip Khao Talk Podcast. Legacies of War Lam Vong Circle member and Mine Action Fellow, Anna Phommachanthone, sits down with author, (and former roommate!) Trinity Nguyen.Trinity Nguyen is a Vietnamese American author and graduate of Franklin & Marshall College. She was born in Viet Nam and raised in Little Saigon, California, and learned English by reading too many young adult novels and never turning off closed captioning. Her debut novel, A BANH MI FOR TWO, is a national independent bookstore bestseller, a 2024 Freeman Book Awards honoree, and a 2024 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee. Trinity currently lives in Los Angeles with her cats and the succulents from her mom's garden.You can find Trinity on social media as @thetrinitytran on Instagram and Twitter, except for TikTok @eggtarts (because she refuses to retire the username), and otherwise trinity-nguyen.com. Theme song by Lao Jazzanova BandLearn more about Legacies of War: www.legaciesofwar.org

In November, Orange County Congressman Derek Tran became the first Vietnamese American to represent Little Saigon in Washington, D.C. Tran barely defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel, helping Democrats flip three California House seats from red to blue. We revisit a conversation from May, when Scott and Marisa talked with Tran about representing a very purple district and his father's harrowing story as a refugee after the Vietnam War.   Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder how a love for spy novels can lead to a thrilling career chasing spies across Europe and the US? Or how bold, maverick moves can transform your personal and professional life? Join us in this captivating episode of Late Boomers as Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington sit down with the remarkable Gina L. Osborn. From her beginnings in the army's counterintelligence program to her impactful 22 years with the FBI, Gina shares her incredible journey through cybercrime and counterterrorism in Los Angeles. Discover how Gina's experiences inspired her podcast, Making Maverick Moves, and learn why authentic leadership is crucial—especially for women in male-dominated fields. Plus, get Gina's expert tips on avoiding scams and preparing for the 2028 LA Olympics. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and practical advice from a true maverick!Connect with Gina:Podcast: MakingMaverickMovesPodcastWebsite: https://ginalosborn.com/Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

Federal law enforcement made a series of immigration sweeps across Los Angeles today. County officials are warning of another measles case in which people in Santa Clarita may have been exposed. Ahead of Andrew Do's sentencing on Monday, his fall from grace hits especially hard in Little Saigon. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!Support the show: https://laist.com

The head of a nonprofit that helps resettle Afghans in the U.S. reacts to a new travel ban targeting the country. The San Diego City Council considers changes to library service as it approaches a final vote on budget cuts. And, a concert happening this weekend will benefit San Diego's Little Saigon district.

Little Saigon San Diego will hold a tribute concert that retraces the path of the Vietnamese diaspora over the 50 years. Also, what makes silent films unique? And finally, we dive into the North Park Music Fest and more in your weekend arts preview.

In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, join Town Hall Seattle to hear Vietnamese author Susan Lieu discuss her memoir, The Manicurist's Daughter. Susan will be in conversation with Executive Director of Friends of Little Saigon (FLS), Quynh Pham. Together, Susan and Quynh will discuss the impact of war with regards to trauma, memory, loss, and healing — as individuals and as a collective. You may have already seen the work of Seattle author and performer Susan Lieu at Bumbershoot, Wing Luke Museum, or the Seattle Library. Her sold-out solo theatre performance in Seattle, 140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother, describes the true story of her mother's death due to medical malpractice. No matter where you've seen her name, you already know she's passionate about asking questions and seeking a better future. In her new memoir, The Manicurist's Daughter, Lieu asks questions about grief and body image through her family's story. Refugees from the Vietnam War, Lieu's family escaped to California in the 1980s. Upon arrival, her mother was their savvy, charismatic North Star, setting up two successful nail salons — until Lieu was eleven. That year, her mother died from a botched tummy tuck. For the next twenty years, Lieu navigated a series of questions surrounding her mother's death alone—until now. Sifting through depositions, tracking down the surgeon's family, and enlisting the help of spirit channelers, Lieu uncovers the painful truth about her mother, herself, and the impossible ideal of beauty. But the answers she finds are also rooted in fierce determination, strength in shared culture, and finding one's place in the world. Susan Lieu is a Vietnamese-American author, playwright, and performer known for her autobiographical solo show, 140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother, which toured nationally to sold-out audiences. Her sequel, OVER 140 LBS, premiered at ACT Theatre's SoloFest. She has performed at major events such as Bumbershoot and The Moth Mainstage, and her work has been featured by NPR and the L.A. Times. Susan co-founded Socola Chocolatier and is an activist who helped pass a law raising medical malpractice caps. Her debut memoir, The Manicurist's Daughter (Celadon), is an Apple Book of the Month, a 2024 Best Book of The Smithsonian, NPR, and Elle Magazine, and has received accolades from The New York Times and The Washington Post. She was recently named one of Seattle Magazine's Most Influential People of 2024. Quynh Pham is the Executive Director of Friends of Little Saigon (FLS), a community development organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Little Saigon's cultural, economic, and historical vitality. Coming from a small business family, Quynh is passionate about supporting small immigrant- and refugee-owned businesses and fostering community-driven solutions for health, safety, and well-being.

For Memorial Day, we have stories of conflict and devotion, and how they are told through memorials.A well-known memorial in Washington, DC, pays tribute to the US service members who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, but few memorials honor the Vietnamese who fought alongside them, or the hundreds of thousands who came to the US in subsequent years. A new memorial project in the "Little Saigon" neighborhood of Dorchester in Boston aims to do just that. Also, Chile's biggest carnival is kicking off at full speed. As many as 150,000 people have traveled to the northern Chilean town of Arica to participate. But this is not your typical carnival. Most of the dances and music come from Bolivia for a celebration of Indigenous Aymara, Quechua, and Afro-Chilean identities. And, Yaroslav Simkiv has played the trumpet for over 50 years and is a recognizable figure in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Several times a day, he plays his instrument from the towering mayoral building in Lviv's main square to announce the time of day. But these days, Simkiv has taken on a more serious role — bidding a musical farewell to Ukraine's fallen soldiers.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Fifty years ago, thousands of Vietnamese refugees arrived in America with little more than the clothes on their backs and memories of a homeland left behind. In the second of this three-episode series, we explore how they transformed themselves from displaced people into one of America's most vibrant communities.

There's an area southeast of Lake Merritt that's lined with abandoned buildings, boarded up storefronts, vacant lots, and decrepit warehouses. The neighborhoods here, Clinton and San Antonio, are some of Oakland's oldest. Although there are also beautiful Victorian houses, long-established churches, and several thriving immigrant communities, including a stretch of Vietnamese establishments known as Little Saigon, this area has suffered from disinvestment and high crime rates for decades – why? Answering that question requires a trip through more than a century of Oakland history – from the Gold Rush up through the Urban Renewal era and beyond. Exploring this story illuminates not only the problems of these neighborhoods, but helps explain the rise and fall of entire cities. “The leading edge of development follows the wealthiest residents,” according to Mitchell Schwarzer, the author of “Hella Town: Oakland's History of Development and Disruption.” In this episode, Schwarzer unpacks that diagnosis, and what it means for older neighborhoods left to crumble as investors chase new frontiers. This conversation was inspired by Schwarzer's work with the San Antonio Station Alliance, a campaign advocating for the construction of a BART station and transit village. For photos and links related to this episode, visit: https://eastbayyesterday.com/episodes/not-on-the-wealth-corridor/ Don't forget to follow the East Bay Yesterday Substack for updates on events, boat tours, exhibits, and other local history news: eastbayyesterday.substack.com/ Donate to keep this show alive: www.patreon.com/eastbayyesterday

In the first installment of a three-part series, we explore the chaotic final days of April 1975, when thousands of South Vietnamese citizens desperately sought escape as North Vietnamese forces closed in on Saigon. You'll hear firsthand accounts from both sides of this massive evacuation, and from those who were part of the waves of exodus that followed.

In November, Orange County Congressman Derek Tran became the first Vietnamese American to represent Little Saigon in Washington, D.C. Tran barely defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel, helping Democrats flip three California House seats from red to blue. Scott and Marisa talk with Tran about representing a very purple district and his father's harrowing story as a refugee after the Vietnam War.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we discuss McSweeney's new quarterly issue: McSweeney's 78: The Make Believers, featuring writers of the Vietnamese diaspora. We are joined by contributors and guest editors of the issue, Thi Bui and Vu Tran, as well as McSweeney's Quarterly Editor Rita Bullwinkel. You can learn more about their work in the episode description below.During the episode, Thi, Vu, and Rita mention upcoming events in celebration of this issue. You can learn more about these special events at the links below. We hope to see you at one of these!Asian Art Museum | San Francisco | May 1 | 3:45 pm Natasha Reichle, Associate Curator of Southeast Asian Art, leads a special curator's choice discussion with McSweeney's 78: The Make Believers co-guest editor Vu Tran and contributing author Doan Bui.Tenderloin Museum | San Francisco | May 1 | 6:00 pm A block party in the heart of Little Saigon. Readings by Vu Tran and Doan Bui, plus a DJ set by Topazu.University of Chicago | Chicago | May 15 | 5:00 pm Co-editors Vu Tran and Thi Bui will be joined by fellow contributor Isabelle Pelaud for a reading and celebration of the issue's publication.This conversation originally took place April 7, 2025 and was recorded via Zoom. We hope you enjoy entering the Mind of a Writer.AWM PODCAST NETWORK HOMEMore about The Make Believers:In McSweeney's 78: The Make Believers (guest edited by Thi Bui and Vu Tran), ten writers of the Vietnamese diaspora write from the eclectic hodgepodge that is their shared imagination of what it means to be "Vietnamese." Packaged in a beautiful foil-stamped cigar box (with art by Bui on each and every surface), and including two booklets, one menu, and a glossary of broken Vietnamese, the work in this issue spans from highbrow to lowbrow, proper to naughty, logical to absurd, and painful to funny. Published on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, its contributors work across perspectives and multiple languages. In this completely singular, nothing-else-of-its-kind anthology, these artists write (and illustrate!) from a place of collective loss and joy.Featuring work by: Doan Bui, Thi Bui, H'Rina DeTroy, Anna Moï, Hoài Huong Nguyen, Vaan Nguyen, Isabelle Thuy Pelaud, Bao Phi, Paul Tran, and Vu Tran. Order your copy of McSweeney's 78: The Make Believers here.About our guests:THI BUI is a writer and artist from Viet Nam, California, and New York, now planting roots in New Orleans. Best known for her graphic memoir, The Best We Could Do, she has also been a longtime educator in public high schools, a professor of comics, an organizer and artist-activist, an ambivalent sculptor and puppeteer, and a fledgling screenwriter. She received a Caldecott Honor as the illustrator of her first children's book, A Different Pond, by Bao Phi.VU TRAN is the author of Dragonfish and a forthcoming novel, Your Origins. His other writing has appeared in publications like The O. Henry Prize Stories 2007: The Best Stories of the Year, The Best American Mystery Stories, Ploughshares, and Virginia Quarterly Review. He is the recipient of a Whiting Award and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, MacDowell, Yaddo, and the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. Born in Sài Gòn, Việt Nam, and raised in Oklahoma, Vu received his MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and his PhD from the Black Mountain Institute in Las Vegas, and he is an associate professor of practice in the arts at the University of Chicago, where he directs undergraduate studies in creative writing.RITA BULLWINKEL is the author of Headshot and Belly Up, a story collection that won the Believer Book Award. She is a 2022 recipient of a Whiting Award, the editor of McSweeney's Quarterly, a contributing editor at NOON, the creator of Oral Florist, and a Picador Guest Professor of Literature at Leipzig University in Germany, where she teaches courses on creative writing, zines, and the uses of invented and foreign languages as tools for world building.

For years, Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood has been struggling with crime, public drug use, and concentrated homelessness. Little Saigon’s problems got worse during the pandemic, and it’s taking a toll on the community, especially neighborhood businesses. Now, there’s a grassroots effort up and running to make Little Saigon safer. It’s a project called Phố Đẹp. We visit the neighborhood to talk with Quynh Pham, Executive Director of Friends of Little Saigon. Link to apply for an e-bike voucher. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years now, members of Seattle's political establishment have been trying to fix one particular street corner: 12th and Jackson, in Little Saigon. This corner is an example of what city leaders call "hot spots" — tiny sections of the city that are home to disproportionate amounts of crime and disorder. A report by the city last year found there were more than a hundred crimes targeting people and overdoses - mainly from fentanyl - at or around 12th and Jackson over a one-year period. And it's been this way for years. Leaving residents and business owners in this historically Asian-American community begging for help from the city. KUOW's Will James wanted to know: What's driving the crisis on display at 12th and Jackson? Why has it persisted for so long? And is there a solution to these problems that seem so intractable? Will spent months visiting this corner and getting to know some of the people who congregate there, trying to answer these questions. Read the full story: Fentanyl fuels a persistent ‘hot spot’ at Seattle’s 12th and Jackson. What will it take to fix it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was an officer-involved-shooting in West Seattle. The Seattle City Council signed off a new plan to build workforce housing in SODO. An outreach team from a group called ‘We Deliver Care’ will begin operating in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood. There’s a fake jewelry scam going around Arlington. // LongForm: GUEST:Deputies with the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) are sounding the alarm over a lack of staffing. Mike Mansanarez, the president of the King County Police Officers Guild, joined "The Jason Rantz Show" on KTTH on Tuesday -- breaking down the staffing numbers and speaking on law enforcement being used for a political agenda. // Quick Hit: DOGE is working to cut waste in Social Security.  

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson dives into the best of Sacramento's food, culture, and outdoor scene with three expert insiders. First up, Johnson is joined by Benjy Egel, the food and drinks writer for The Sacramento Bee. Egel explains how the area's agricultural abundance helps fuel its thriving farm-to-fork dining scene. “So much of the U.S.'s produce comes from the Sacramento region and the Central Valley as a whole, and so we have this wealth of tomatoes and asparagus and even caviar here in the region,” says Egel. He then dives into where to grab some local good eats, from neighborhood favorites in Little Saigon to Michelin-starred joints in Midtown. Next, Johnson is joined by Ashley Shult Langdon, author of Mildly Scenic, a trail guide to Sacramento's Lower American River. The outdoor enthusiast and longtime Sacramentan describes what aspects of the river continue to surprise and delight. “Just within a 10-minute walk from the city, you can feel like you're out in the wilderness,” says Langdon. Langdon gets into her favorite spots and the family activities that visitors can enjoy along the lower half of the American River.    Last, Johnson talks arts and culture with Hillary Louise Johnson of Sactown Magazine. The seasoned writer discusses Sacramento's growing creative landscape. “There's such a density of public art [in Midtown], in part because Sacramento's pretty mural-crazy,” says Johnson. She then goes on a culture-fueled walking tour throughout the city's artsy neighborhoods with stops for coffee and shopping along the way.

The City of Seattle is closing a park in the Little Saigon neighborhood due to rampant crime and drug use. Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett asserted that extra cost from tariffs will mostly be paid by other nations. Joy Behar says she could be friends with a Trump supporter. Guest: KIRO News Radio’s Luke Deucy on the Tesla’s burned and having a knife pulled on him. // Big Local: A fight at Southcenter Mall’s food court prompted a shooting false alarm on Saturday night. Horses made their way through Puyallup. Everett PD is struggling with staffing shortages. // You Pick the Topic: A Starbucks manager says he was discriminated against for being straight. A ‘Love is Blind’ star left her partner at the altar because he wasn’t liberal enough.

(The Center Square) – King County Metro is resuming bus services at a Seattle location that became an increasing public safety concern at the end of 2024. King County Metro closed bus stops along 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street in Seattle's Little Saigon neighborhood on Dec. 16. The department previously told The Center Square that the area was flagged as a safety concern for riders, transit operators and facilities employees. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_391602a0-f08b-11ef-a6db-73123fd2125f.html

Mandatory lunch time for kids? // Should cell phones be limited in schools statewide // Little Saigon calling for help // GUEST: Chandra, parent of the West Seattle High player who was concussed by a Garfield opponent after the buzzer in a recent game // SCENARIOS!

Little Saigon's first Vietnamese American representative was sworn in today. The reasoning behind Governor Newsom's executive order on processed foods. LAist food editor Gab Chabran offers a foodie forecast for 2025. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com

In this bonus episode, Deqah and Vanessa have a much-needed conversation with Erica Allen-Kim about her new—must-read—book, Building Little Saigon: Refugee Urbanism in American Cities and Suburbs, about Vietnamese American-built landscapes and cultural heritage. In this interview, Deqah and Vanessa dive deeper into themes from her book to explore the role that Vietnamese Americans played in physically and socially shaping their ethnic neighborhoods in American (and Canadian) cities and suburbs. They discuss how refugee and immigrant communities adapted urban spaces to meet their needs, the importance of Asian American preservation efforts, community advocacy, and legacy preservation, and the challenges these communities face today to remain extant.  Erica Allen-Kim is an Associate Professor in the University of Toronto's Department of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Her newest book, Building Little Saigon: Refugee Urbanism in American Cities and Suburbs, is out now and available for purchase!   Credits:  Your hosts are Deqah Hussein-Wetzel and Vanessa Quirk. This episode was edited by Deqah, Vanessa, and Skyler Ficklin. Mixing by Connor Lynch. Our music is by Adaam James Levin-Areddy.  Urban Roots is a project by Urbanist Media, a non-profit dedicated to preserving place through story. Even though we do need money to keep going, we try not to spam you with ads. Instead, we add the occasional giving plug, encouraging our listeners to support us by giving. Anything helps, even $10 or $20. Please consider sending us a donation via ⁠Venmo⁠ or ⁠Paypal⁠.  *Want to give big? Consider sponsoring a bonus episode. Email us at: urbanrootspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on IG at ⁠urbanrootsculture⁠ and on YouTube (⁠Urban Roots podcast⁠). Have a thought or question – drop us an e-mail

This holiday season, we're sharing our favorite episodes of 2024. Producer Jessica Kariisa's pick is our episode featuring San Jose's Story Road Night Market in the Little Saigon neighborhood. This episode first ran on Oct. 18, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4pm: Biden says he supports a congressional stock trading ban // Metro driver killed in stabbing on bus in Seattle's University District // King County Metro cites safety in closing Little Saigon bus stops // Seattle Times bids farewell to Dave Ross & Colleen O’Brien // Diaz releases statement after being fired as Chief // Redacted details of the report published by Publicola // We had AI write a song with the words of their letter… // Hornets apologize for taking back gift of PS5 from 13-year-old fan following on-court Christmas skit

Around 3:00am today, a King County Metro driver was fatally stabbed near the 4100 block of University Way in Seattle’s U-District. At a press conference this morning, King County Executive Dow Constantine said that the loss is being felt by everyone in county transit. "We are not always able to keep what's happening out on the streets away from the transit that operates on those streets," said Constantine. "We are doing everything that we can, and will continue to ramp up our efforts, to make sure that transit is safe for everyone. Including, especially, for our brave operators who are out on the streets every day." Greg Woodfill is the local president of the Amalgamated Transit Union #587. He said he’d like to see more regional resources dedicated to transit safety. "I don't have all the answers. This is a difficult, societal problem. What I know is that we're not doing enough," said Woodfill. "This is bigger than Metro, this is bigger than Seattle, this is the whole community that we serve." The attack comes just a couple days after Metro cut service to a cluster of stops around 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street in the Chinatown International District because of ongoing “safety concerns.” For the latest, Soundside was joined by KUOW reporter Ann Dornfeld, who attended a press conference with transit and public officials in Tukwila this morning. Guests: Ann Dornfeld, reporter on the KUOW investigations team. Related links: KUOW - King County Metro bus driver killed in fatal U District stabbing King County Metro cites safety in closing Little Saigon bus stops | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s Trending: Seattle is considering imposing a capital gains tax, but economists warn it could lead to wealth flight. A New York Times columnist concedes that Trump’s victory wasn’t due to ‘misinformation.’ A group in Seattle is trying to preserve a historic apartment building in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood, which has become plagued with crime and drug use. // Big Local: The city of Lynnwood is stepping up police patrols amid an increase holiday retail thefts. Bellevue police officer Kevin Bereta is suing the State of Washington over serious injuries he suffered in a motorcycle crash while on duty. A suspect was arrested in Bellevue for allegedly vandalizing a piece of “pride” artwork. // A person in California tried to dress up as a bear and stage a fake attack in order to get the insurance money.

A 37-year old man remains in custody at King County Jail at this hour, held on $2 million dollars bail. He's awaiting charges connected to the stabbing of up to 9 people in Seattle's Chinatown International District and South Jackson street on Thursday and Friday.   While setting bail, the judge noted the suspect had a warrant out for his arrest and a history of multiple felonies, including robbery, theft and attempted burglary. A police spokesman described the attacks as random assaults. Several victims were hospitalized with multiple stab wounds.  CID and Little Saigon community members and business leaders are speaking out after the attacks, saying the community needs more law enforcement and social services support to deal with problem areas like 12th and Jackson – where residents have long complained of safety problems due to crime and rampant drug use. Quynh Pham is the Executive Director of Friends of Little Saigon, a community development organization focused on the Vietnamese community in the Chinatown/International District, and spoke with Soundside's Libby Denkmann. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. GUEST: Quynh Pham - Executive Director of Friends of Little Saigon RELATED LINKS:  $2M bail set for ‘unprovoked' mass stabbing suspect in Seattle - Seattle Times Seattle Chinatown International District mass stabbing: What we know - Seattle Times  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VOA mời quý vị khám phá sự tham gia sôi động của cộng đồng người Việt trong cuộc bầu cử Tổng thống Mỹ 2024, một trong những cách thức mà họ khẳng định vị thế và thể hiện lý tưởng phục vụ xã hội. Chúng ta sẽ có dịp lắng nghe tiếng nói của những cử tri gốc Việt tại Quận Cam, nơi mà lá phiếu của họ không chỉ là quyền lợi cá nhân mà còn là cách để thể hiện sự quan tâm đối với những vấn đề như nhân quyền Việt Nam và mối quan hệ Việt-Mỹ. Hãy cùng VOA tìm hiểu những câu chuyện và quan điểm đa dạng từ cộng đồng gốc Việt để cảm nhận tầm ảnh hưởng và sự chuyển mình của họ trong đời sống chính trị Hoa Kỳ. Xem thêm: https://bit.ly/voatvfb4 Ở California, người Việt dấn thân vào sinh hoạt chính trị sôi động mùa bầu cử. Những cử tri này lên tiếng về Việt Nam bằng cách đi bỏ phiếu ở Mỹ. Tranh cử ở Little Saigon trở thành điểm nóng tranh quyền của quốc hội Hoa Kỳ. Phụ nữ có thể làm tổng thống Mỹ? Cử tri gốc Việt ở Quận Cam nêu nhận định. Người nhập cư Việt Nam và con cái họ chia rẽ về chính sách biên giới của Hoa Kỳ. Bầu cử Mỹ là tốn kém nhất thế giới.

Night markets have exploded in popularity over the past few years in the Bay Area. Many local downtowns and shopping districts have invested in night markets as a way to regain the foot traffic of the pre-pandemic years.  In this episode, we go to the Story Road Night Market in San Jose's Little Saigon neighborhood to eat some delicious food and talk about whether night markets are here to stay. Links: Bay Area Night Markets Fall Guide Apply to be our intern! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#116: Alex takes a walk through fentanyl hell and talks with some people holding crack pipes and torches. Seattle's Little Saigon neighborhood is experiencing unprecedented drug activity - great fodder for right wing media pundits and politicians who are quick to blame but have no solutions. Meanwhile, local residents go on with their day.

  A weekly magazine-style radio show featuring the voices and stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders from all corners of our community. The show is produced by a collective of media makers, deejays, and activists.   Important Resources QTViet Cafe website Instagram Facebook Register for QTViet Cafe's 8 Year Anniversary Bilingual Letter for a Free Palestine (English/Viet) Transcript Cheryl Truong: Good evening! You were currently tuned in to APEX Express. I'm your host Cheryl Truong, and tonight is an AACRE night. What is AACRE, you might be asking. Comprised of 11 grassroots, social justice groups, the Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality Network — AACRE — leverages the power of its network to focus on long-term movement building and support for Asian Americans committed to social justice. Speaking of AACRE groups, APEX Express is proud to be a part of the AACRE network. Tonight. We have some special guests from a collective near and dear to my heart. Hải Võ and Jean Jean Phạm from QTViệt Cafe. QTViệt Cafe is a project of Asian refugees United, which is one of the 11 Asian American social justice groups within the AACRE network. Hải, do you want to kick us off by introducing yourself? And QTViệt Cafe?  Hai Vo: Co chào mọi người! Hi everyone. Thanks Cheryl for inviting QTViệt Cafe to be here today. My name is Hải. I go by my name. It means ocean in Việt. And just so excited to be here today. , I'm part of the Queer Trans Việt Cafe Collective. We are a cultural organizing hub by and for queer and trans Việt folks for our freedom and liberation. And we do that through the creative arts, ancestral life ways, and, connecting intergenerationally with our parents, our elders, families, and friends. We'll be celebrating eight years, and I've been a part of it in the beginning when Mơ asked me to help advise and start the project. What started out as an idea to essentially really bring us together and meet other queer and trans Việt people, and with a little bit of SEED funding from the Impact Hub and Youth Impact Hub Oakland project and fellowship, we've been able to not just grow our numbers, but also really more importantly, My healing and then our collective healing.  Just so grateful to be here. And I'm just so excited that Jean, you can join us. Jean is just amazing all around, such a thoughtful intuitive person, designer, friend, just all around beauty of an artist. Thank you for introducing me to the world of visual art and just so many things that you've just been exploring over the years. So, yeah, I'll pass it over.  Jean Pham: Oh my god, thanks Hải. That's honestly too generous. And thanks for inviting us here, Cheryl. That's really awesome that we have this opportunity to share about QTViệt Cafe and our work. My name is Jean. I use they/ them pronouns. I've been a part of of QTViệt Cafe since 2018 when I first moved here to the Bay Area and honestly was looking for queer and trans Việt Namese community, which although I grew up in Orange County, I have always found it very difficult to relate and find other QTViets I've been a part of the various programming and events that QTViệt has put on, including our Healers and Artists cohort. I think my role in QTViệt Cafe is honestly to just , go with the flow. I try to make myself available as much as I can. I try to help with designing things. A big cornerstone of QTViệt Cafe is repairing our connection with our ancestral and cultural heritage in a way that still celebrates and maintains our queerness and transness at the forefront. A lot of this I found has been through the culinary arts, which to me was a big point of growth. Literally using taste and smell to connect us with memory and feeling and healing. QTViệt Cafe is honestly such a special place here. It started in Oakland here in the East Bay, but we have members all across the Bay Area and even outwards in different states and locales. So it's been a pretty amazing journey to see how vast the QTViet Cafe network has expanded and definitely excited to talk about it. So yeah, I'll just check there. Again, thanks for having us.  Cheryl Truong: Thanks so much for sharing that, and especially the culinary aspect of QTV, I think is really what makes y'all so, so special. And honing that ancestral connection through food, too, is something I noticed that you all do , extremely well. Hai brings up that we're celebrating eight years of QTV at Cafe, coming up very, very soon, which is such a long time to celebrate trans and queer Việt Namese magic. I want to know what does this milestone mean to you, maybe it tastes a certain way, maybe it smells like nuoc mam or something like that. Jean Pham: Yeah, eight years is a long time. I think it's longer than any relationship I've ever had. , I've always found the QTViet Cafe such a beautiful, open space. It's very different from any organization I've ever been a part of. There's been times when, I've been overwhelmed and had to step away, but I've always just been invited back and I've been given that grace to be as involved as I want to. There's something we practice it's called penguin theory where we try to support the inner penguins like who you know move in advance of work but also have space for us to be modular. We built this bastion of work here in a Bay and I've eight years I think really to me starts or begins this journey of connecting with a greater diasporic queer and trans Việt Namese collective. So, last year was a big points in our journey as QTViet cafe, because we were able to. a fundraise and take about a dozen members to go back to Việt Nam and connect with Queer and Trans Việt Namese in Saigon. And that was just honestly, such like a unbelievable thing. Totally out of my imagination that we were able to do it. But now it really peaks our imagination of yes, , there's queer and trans Việt Namese people all over the world. Next year marks the 50th year since the Việt Nam War had ended, and there's diasporic queer and trans Việt Namese all across the U. S., but also France and Germany, Australia, Japan. We were able to form these meaningful connections here in the East Bay, but I think what I'm thinking about now is how do we take these lessons we've learned in community building and creating our own traditions and connecting with other locales, like in the queer and trans people in Australia , LA or New York or Texas of which, they do exist. There are other collectives, queer and trans Vietnamese there, but, how do we further unite the different threads of Diasporic Viets, and so it's kind of a very hard question to answer, but I think, again, we have such a strong organizing and magic that I think People that we connect with, they get why does work is important and it's what's what's needed right now. To build these strong points of relationships and solidarity across different locales internationally and outside of our own safe collective spaces. Hai Vo: Yeah, I resonate with everything that Jean shared. I think for me, eight years of continuing to gather and to organize and to be with one another means that the vision of a cultural healing hub, by and for queer and trans people to learn our ancestral ways, to be creative with one another, to heal with our elders still resonates like it still matters. I'm getting emotional about it because I just been thinking a lot about, this question. We're approaching 10 years and even 12 years. And I keep asking myself, as a queer Việt person, am I more free? Am I more liberated? I think I want to be asking myself that question deeply in the next phase of my life. Having gone through a journey on my own to explore my own gender, sexuality and be more loving of my trans femness and explore my art around food and food waste and being a diasporic cultural food worker, but also explore my eco- femme writing and erotica. Those things are really exciting for me, but also when we started QTViet Cafe, I came to peace with potentially being estranged from my parents. I noticed that a lot in our community, like that's a possibility. After my mom passed in 2018 and inviting my dad to, you know, I've invited my parents every year to come to QTViet, they haven't. Me inviting my dad to bring a picture of my mom for the altar. For me, like, okay, that's the cultural organizing piece. But deep down, I just really wanted to celebrate my mom and I just wanted my dad to be there. And to like witness how I've grown, witness my friends and family, witness the chosen family that I've built over time. And my dad came and my dad stayed through the program. My dad donated. My dad could have chosen not to go.  My dad could have left the program. My dad could have not donated. If anything, he could have probably done a lot of things Not in support of what we do. And not to say that this happens with every person or every family, but I think that for me, that's the power in trying to heal our relationships with ourselves and our families and with each other. Every year I hear more struggles, as queer and trans Việt people, and I also hear more joys and liberations, and so I think for me, yeah, eight years means that, we still are surviving, and we are still thriving any way that we can. Whether that's through our foodways, our practice of trying to continue the language, whether it's connecting on our different art forms, I'm hopeful. Eight years means being more of ourselves, and it means being able to experience one another being more of ourselves.  In my relationship with my dad, I've been able to be more honest. I see my dad as more honest, and I hope that by doing this cultural organizing work and arts as a way to practice healing justice, I want more of us to see each other as human. Queer, trans, Việt-ness is not a sickness or a disease. But also our parents are more than that role, that they're humans who experience war and trauma and are also healing too. And so, I think, that's a big part of what eight years means to me. Eight years also means we have, like, hundreds of recipes. I still haven't written out all the recipes, but in my mental Rolodex, we have lots of recipes, lots of songs, lots of poems, visual , art pieces, photos, videos. We just have so much art that expresses the queer trans Việt experience, especially the diaspora. I'm excited to, create more of it and also help archive that and document that and celebrate that as we approach, 10, 12 years and into the farther future.  My example is specific to my dad, but I think that we all heal in different ways with ourselves and our relationship to body and spirit, our relationship to other family, other friends, how we relate to each other, how we relate to the world. I see that in, in every one of us. Jean Pham: Everything Hai is saying is so important and beautiful. The landscape that QTViet formed in eight years ago was in many ways very different from now. There's a lot more shift in their communities too. Eight years ago, for example, I grew up in Orange County. Little Saigon, outside of Việt Nam, it's the densest Việt Namese population, where in San Jose, it's like the largest Việt Namese populations outside of Việt Nam . Still at their core like very deeply conservative locales. And, it's one of the reasons why I was seeking community in the eight years since then I think we've seen a kind of a shift. Our generation of Việt Namese diasporic students, descendants, inhabitants, we're challenging the politics, reckoning of, what does it mean for us, who descendants of refugees, people who hold all these different complexities, who also struggling to find our own space, what does it mean for us to, create and shape our own worlds, or to even resist against some of the things we were taught. I've been in QTViệt Cafe for most of my 20s, and I really feel the collective has honestly raised me in many ways that changed me for the better. I remember, one of my first QTViệt Cafe meetings, everyone was just cooking. I came in, like, on time. I was coming from a very different environment in terms of political organizing, where it's very we have a set agenda, everything's really disciplined. In QTViet Cafe spaces, we spend most, like, an hour or two just kind of checking in with each other, making sure everyone just felt okay and present, and able to move. A big part of it is still just being in community, cooking with each other, sharing recipes, and that's so central to the work. It's a slower pace, but I also felt like it's also ingenuous. It's really about building relationships and families. So many of us have complicated relationships with our blood families and. within QTViet Cafe spaces, sometimes we do talk about it, and sometimes there is space for us to explore that form of hardship, but people just understand. If we come in a space as a queer and trans Viet, there are certain experiences that are almost unfortunately, , universal, or you can just deeply feel. And everyone just almost telepathically holds that space for each other in a very, like, beautiful way. Cheryl Truong: You bring up how last year you were all able to go to Việt Nam, to the motherland. What is the landscape there? Like politically, emotionally, spiritually. Jean Pham: Yeah, last year we went in October, it was almost a week before Halloween I believe, and we had been preparing for this journey for half a year and it was actually delayed. Originally there were plans for , queer and trans Việt Namese. to go Việt Nam together in 2020. But because of the onset of the lockdown, these plans were not scrapped, but just put on pause until we could travel in a meaningful and safe way.  I would say the landscape in Việt Nam with the queer and trans, community we met, it was a big shock to me. It was, very loving, you know, like When I told my parents I was going my mom sent me this large message about how dangerous Việt Nam is, it's like a third world country, that people are gonna try to scam me or steal my belongings and that I should always be on guard, that even my friends can't necessarily be trusted because they might be fooled too. And I didn't necessarily believe her all the way, right? I think I thought she was being a little bit just overprotective. And when I met people in Việt Nam, no, it was like the exact opposite. Everyone was very curious, where are you from? Why are you here?  We met with a collective called the Bạc Xỉu Collective. Bạc Xỉu is a type of Việtnamese coffee. I thought it was interesting that both our collectives are named after community spaces that revolve around coffee. The Bạc Xỉu Collective were very, like, loving and open to us. They were just so curious that our group existed. A lot of them practice the art of drag, but they also had members who were involved with very different art forms, pretty similar to us. I think one of the questions I was trying to reckon with was, what does it mean to explore your queerness and transness, when you're not confronted with whiteness in the way that we are as people living in America. Obviously, white supremacy is global, but I felt it's such a new way to be queer in Việt Nam, if that makes sense. One of the highlights from meeting the collective was one of the first nights when we had rented this apartment suite and we invited a lot of the locals to come over and we just had a nice little kiki moment. We had brought over gifts. Hải is always very hospitable and gracious and prepared. Hải brought this entire suitcase full of seeds of gifts of prints of artwork that we had created and we exchanged it with them and they also just had a moment where we went around in a circle just shared who we are. It was bilingual. I was really nervous. I was like looking up on Google Translate, how to say something very, it was just like, Hi, my name is Jean. I'm from California. This is something I know how to say, but I was just so nervous in the moment that I was using Google Translate for it. But everyone was so nice. Local people in Việt Nam can speak, especially young people have a level of fluency in English so we were able to communicate pretty effectively, despite some of the language barriers. But I remember they were just interested and wanted to learn more. I honestly wish I could have stayed longer and just been in that moment forever.  I think the last thing I'll add: we just had a little like cute little party moment and I was like, what music do I put on? And so I just put on my regular music that I put on for, folks at home, like all like the gay boys and stuff I hang out with. And I just found that everyone, like Rihanna is universal. Like you put on Rihanna and no matter where you are in the world, people will freak out which I thought was so hilarious.  Hai Vo: A thousand percent agree. I loved everything that you shared, Gene. That question around, yeah, I love that you brought up that question.  As someone who grew up a part of my life in the diaspora, white supremacy and whiteness, it's just, it just happened. It's just every day. Most of the Bạc Xỉu Collective is a lot younger than our group. Most of the country actually is very young. I think a good percentage, if the majority of the country is under 25. I bring that up because I think that there's a level of a cultural revolution happening around art in general in Việt Nam in my experience in the last, let's say last like six years that I've been going almost every other year. And then to be able to meet other queer and trans Viet folks who were born, grew up there, live there, to hear them say things like, Yeah, I want to do drag and I want to do drag forever and this is what's going to free me and liberate me. , that's like very inspiring. I think in many ways, those of us who grew up here or, had time here in the diaspora, whiteness kind of, distracts, makes distractions, , and so , to, hear these young queer, Việt, local folks be so adamant and, and really, , trying, like, they're going to shows, they're making their own shows, they start doing their own events, asking for tickets and working with local shops and local bars to make their dreams happen. The one maybe kind of interesting thing that I want to share that I thought about in your question, Jean, is we met Bạc Xỉu Collective at a time when I went back, with Mơ, also part of QTViet Cafe, end of 2022. And up until that point, I had done visits back starting 2018 after my mom passed and, I wanted this trip to be a bit of a pre trip, kind of a research trip, and getting ready for the bigger trip with the dozen of us that Jean mentioned,. So, the night after we landed, we were introduced to the Bạc Xỉu Collective. A lot of these local Việt drag artists started this collective because they were in houses that had folks who were other than Việt, of them white European folks, and so they just were like, we want to create our own all Việt drag house, and do this show all in Việt. You know, make it bilingual, but centered on Việt-ness. , I think that's what we're trying to do. In the diaspora. I think there's different nuances in the places, but to be able to hear a queer drag Việt show Mostly like 95 percent Việt, and for most of the the space that we were at, was mostly Việt, I was like, oh, this is what it feels like to be at home. It was both and both comforting, exciting, my creative curiosity was going, but also there were moments where I was like, I don't understand that, you know?  I think they experienced their own challenges as artists over there , in trying to center their Việt-nesa and then we have our challenges here too. but they have a lot of freedom and access and connection to their Việt-ness because that's our motherland. During our time there where I was able to bring, parts of our altar that we bring and we practice here as part of our gatherings to honor our ancestors and, It was interesting, before that kiki that Jean mentioned I was asked if I could share about the altar, and then for some reason, I think at the end of the night I realized I didn't share, and then after we danced and catwalked, Some people started leaving. Some of the collective members, noticed the altar, and then they started bowing and recognizing Chị Phụng and Xuân Diệu, and they were wondering who put it together.  I think it was just me noticing them knowing what this is, where I didn't have to explain. Them just honoring them, just taking a minute, like, it was like a minute of our hundreds of minutes that we had together that night. But I just started getting emotional and crying that night because this is a moment where I don't have to explain. There's my kin who get it. And they looked at me after and they're like, well, you're crying. And I'm like, yeah, I'm crying because this practice, this ritual I feel only a few of us get it in the diaspora. What seems so special here in the diaspora is actually just very normal.  They were like, yeah, this is what I know about Chị Phụng and you should look up these other queer ancestors that I didn't know about. And I'm like, oh my God, this is one of the reasons why I wanna be here. So better understand our people. They were like, yeah, look at this up. Look at this up. Like look this, look up this person. Two nights later when we had our show together, we brought elements of the same altar, but Bạc Xỉu also brought things. They brought, their contributions and offerings to the altar, and food. It was a collaborative ritual that we had together and before the show as part of the hype up and the prep. We got to cúng mǎ to honor our ancestors and I'll never forget that moment to be able to practice ritual in addition to the show where we're sharing our expressive creative arts. Everyone knew the importance of why we were doing that and that we come from a deep lineage of queer trans, have probably paved the way and fought for their existence and for our existence to be here. I think that spiritually, that's a way that I felt like I was able to connect over there. I'd also say in your question, Cheryl, I think the last time I heard the the government approves same sex marriage. I would say culturally, it's a whole other story. I think because of colonization, imperialism, um, queerness and transness has been erased. And so I think that why it's so important for us to do this work in the diaspora because, our parents and our elders, they have left a motherland and so there's a gap in culture and understanding, and, it's a harder struggle to justify that actually, no, we have queer, trans, Việt history, and we come from a lineage of queer folks, and I think that for me that cultural work is so important because by sharing the history of our people, by sharing our creative expression, by sharing the struggles of, who we are both here in the diaspora and also in Việt Nam. And a lot of those struggles are around the same things. Family acceptance, belonging, economic justice, employment, , access to resources, access to healthcare, jobs. Those things are actually very similar , in my meeting, in my connecting with queer folks there. Those systems that are, creating those struggles are the same, like they're the same capitalist, Corporate imperialist systems. What I'm hopeful for is that what we're doing as queer and trans Việt folks in the diaspora, connecting with queer and trans Việt folks who are in Việt Nam know– I want to imagine a world without borders. For me the art and the creativity and trying to transform the struggles that we all experience as queer and trans people to stories and actually life ways of resilience. I'm hoping changing hearts and minds. Will ultimately transform practice and policy. The government might be saying one thing, but at home, it's actually a different story. That's why our work is important to try to change heart and minds. I want to get to a place where my dad would be like, okay, yeah, same sex marriage. My child and their friends, are members of the community who are respectful and joyful and wanting to contribute to society, just as much as our, just as much as our queer trans, Việt ancestors have to. Cheryl Truong: Thank you so much for bringing us here, Hai.  You've highlighted some really important point. Colonization capitalism, white supremacy. These are, systems of oppression that while they manifest differently, as you say, they are global in nature and. In escapable and then impact is both here in America and also in Vietnam.  The motherland, like the forces at play are very much the same. I really appreciate the insights that both of you have shared, especially in response to Jean's extremely evocative question about what it means to explore queerness and transness when you're not confronted with whiteness. Hai,, your story about the altar and Bạc Xỉu Collective connection to ancestral practices and rituals. They're embracing of our trans and queer Viet histories. And how. How it creates this deep sense of kinship. I think these are powerful reflections. The diaspora. You know, as you say. As a result of imperialism and capitalism.  Makes us a bit disconnected from these wisdoms at the motherland and what you share truly clarifies. And sharpens. What's up the forces at play and the vast systemic issues that we're confronting. But also, it really deepens my admiration for. The extremely revolutionary work that QTVIet Cafe is doing to bridge this gap and are in our world, filled with borders.  Okay. We're going to take a quick music break. But stay tuned. We'll be right back.   Cheryl Truong: And we're back. You were listening to apex express on 94.1, FM KPFA and online@kpfa.org. You were just listening to change the world by baby Chris.  We are still here with Hai Vo and Jean Pham from QTViet Cafe. For the first half of our show, we were reflecting on what eight years of QTV at cafe means and also learning. And also about the trip that they took together as a collective to Vietnam last year to learn more about trans and queer. Experience of local Vietnamese of local Viet. And of course, as the artists that they all are, they created a film about it. Let's get back to the show.  Speaking of changing hearts and minds, tell me about this documentary that you all created when you were in Việt Nam.  Hai Vo: I think the idea started because, so my parents and my brother left as boat people in 86 and I was born In Iowa in 87 after being sponsored by a Presbyterian Church. I went for the first time to Việt Nam when I was 7 and again when I was 12. I remember my parents were obsessed with camcorders. I don't know if you all have this but, there's still so many VHS tapes that I think I need to digitize, But I think the spirit of homeland trips being documented in my family is such a thing.  When I was thinking about this trip, 2018, when I started coming back when I was 12, it wasn't until 22 years later, when I was 34, that I came back after my mom passed. Going back, I was , curious about how people document their experience going back to the homeland and these days with reels and social media, people doing daily blogs and just all the things, I was curious. But I think there's an element of that kind of old school, just document everything. And then coming back here a few weeks later, just over dinner, just see everything unedited. Um, so, yeah, that was part of the inspiration and then fortunately, 1 of our collective members, and, and members Tracy Nguyen and folks with the Sunkist SunKissed,they've been documenting the QTViet Cafe experience since the beginning, really.  So much of what's on YouTube and online of our work is, through their documentation. Basically was like, Sal, I don't have a lot of money. We don't have a lot of money, but here's a little bit of money that I fundraise so far and we can keep fundraising as part of the collective effort. What do you say about trying to document this experience with us? I think what's so powerful about the collective is by it for us. Knowing that Sal and other folks who practice videography and film are already part of the collective and are already interested in a trip, I think, it's easier to share and connect on the goal of connecting with other queer and trans folks.  We've never done a trip like this and then two, we've never documented a trip like this. Everything was new. And we were going into it. We had like ideas of how we wanted to film this and there were some proposals and we Filmed some of the activities that we had before the trip like some of our planning retreats and some of our fundraising events. Sal did some interviews of how we felt before in all the feelings of like anxious and excited, nervous. And I ultimately was just like, Sal, here's our best agenda, here's like a guide of what each day will look like. Ultimately, I want to give all of us a creative permission just experience this trip and to let's do our best to document it. And as long as we're truthful and honest. As long as we can just share our full humanhood, whatever happens on the other side, I think will be amazing. After that, it just had a little bit of relief knowing that. Honestly, we were inspired by Videos that other queer trans folks were doing in Việt Nam. It's like abstract and editorial and like voiceover and like, it's just like, just put it out there. That was part of our inspo. I think just as much as, our identities and sexualities and gender are fluid, I wanted to encourage, the film and documentation to be just as fluid. Fortunately, we had folks who were filming and doing sound, and with the support of , everyone in the collective, we're all taking photos and doing videos. We're, hoping to just share honestly and report not just our experience, but also share the struggles that we experienced as queer and trans people, the struggles that queer and trans people, in Việt Nam experience to the power of what it means to collaborate together and, um, do something historic and do a first event there ever. we hope to share our post trip reflections of what it's meant for us.  Jean Pham: Yeah, it was just like a fun process for us to take upon this trip and each of us in our own way, document it. QTViet Cafe has different disciplines of artists– filmmakers, photographers, writers, dancers, and so forth, that one of the things we were also asked to do was, to take our own photos and to share it throughout the entire process.  For me it was a different experience because this is my first time going to Việt Nam. My parents came here in 89 and I was born in 95. I guess if you're not a part of the diasporic Việt Namese American population, there are certain, like, ideas held about Việt Nam that some people from the older generation have about, Việt Nam as , a socialist country. And also, like, what it means for people who are refugees to be reckoned with, how their country has transformed. And so I've never gone back to Việt Nam because my parents honestly thought this is like a lost country. It's not home for us anymore. And so a lot of ideas about Việt Nam and what it is now, we're, Reproduced and given to me and of course, like it's a lot of unpacking too, right? Because I honestly don't believe a lot of these held ideas that they have about Việt Nam. And it was important for me to want to experience that. Việt Nam for myself, in a way where I could truly see what the country is and not in a way that necessarily demonizes it or even romanticizes it. A lot of like diasporic poetry and art and writing I feel kind of like hinges or teeters that like point of almost romanticizing their ancestral country. And I think it's important for us to unpack all these like held beliefs and biases. In college, I did a lot of poetry, slam poetry, and I always recognized the language barrier is a big part of access, not being able to fully understand or communicate with our parents is a tension that many like second or third generation Americans face. The way that I think QTViet Cafe interacts with that is pretty ingenious, but also very, what one should do, which is just simply to learn the language. We need to teach each other the language so that we can communicate with each other in Việt Namese. That was another big part of our preparation too.  Some collective members. held Việt Namese classes for us to talk to each other, talk to locals, talk to other queer folks. And also the language is important because as much as we have our own lingo and slang as queer and trans communities here, so do they in Việt Nam, in Việt Namese. With the documentary, not everyone has the same experience, right? For me, it was my first time. So I was trying to visit places where my parents grew up, trying to see the city from my own eyes. Some people had a lot more connection with Việt Nam and had visited it, Việt Nam and Saigon many times before. So in a documentary, there are certain members of the collective that have like more keyed interviews that kind of talk about that difference because even within our collective, we're not monolithic in terms of our experiences and you can see the different ways like we're shaped by it.  I think the last thing I'll share with you is definitely, and Hai, and I kind of talked about this. It's in conversation pretty often, but a lot of eateries, Việt Namese restaurants in the US are kind of stuck in time because a lot of them are, restaurants that are Staffed and created by diasporic Việt Namese refugees. The food has like definitely developed a lot in Việt Nam. And so has the language. It almost feels like, you know, us in a diaspora, us here in California, we're in like a time bubble. And going to Việt Nam breaks that. And lets us experience what does Việt Nam look like now in like 2024, 2023. Now that it has like modernized. You know, most people, most queer and trans Việt Namese people we've met were either in underground economies or they're gig workers or they're freelance workers. I think there's a lot of parallels between the ways that queer and trans people move here and also in Việt Nam. Although there is definitely like that point of us visiting Việt Nam as Americans. or people who have American passports, there is a class dynamic to it. So yeah, it, I would say part of the complication is There are things we were trying to resolve within our own bodies by going back to Việt Nam, but also things we had to reckon with, like the differences too, and how, I think for me, one of the most jarring things was realizing that in Saigon, there are provinces or like neighborhood, entire neighborhoods that are home to just people who immigrated out from their countries and had access to a larger degree of wealth and who are actively perhaps displacing Saigonese locals and realizing that if I wasn't careful, then these are structural issues that can be created if we don't examine our place like in context. Yeah. And I'll check there. Yeah.  Cheryl Truong: Thanks so much for sharing Jean and Hai. That's just about all the time we have left tonight. For those interested in seeing the premiere of their Đồng Quể documentary, learning more about QTViet Cafe. And or celebrating eight years of queer trans Viet magic, please join QTViet Cafe on September 1st in Oakland, California. They will be having an exciting celebration. ? Hai, how can people learn more? Hai Vo: Yeah, we're excited to invite everyone to our eight year anniversary. We're premiering Đồng Quể, which is the film of their Việt Nam trip. We are planning to have it, on Sunday, September 1st. 5 to 9 at Firehouse Oakland in Chinatown. And, yeah, we're live on the tickets and registration.  It'll be up on our IG, @qtvietcafe, it'll be up on our Facebook, it'll be up on our website. Folks can also subscribe to our newsletter too via our website. Yeah, September 1st, Sunday, evening time, 5 to 9, Chinatown at Firehouse in Oakland.  Cheryl Truong: Thank you all. So thank you both so much for being here for coming on the show. And for our listeners, please join us September 1st at the firehouse in Oakland. You hear all of these stories, these intimate details at Jean and Hai have shared with us income to live. For those interested in learning more. QTViet Cafe's socials Facebook, Instagram website, all that good stuff will be in the show notes as well as a link to their registration form. As well as their bilingual letter for a free Palestine. That was written in collaboration with members of QTViet Cafe, the Dallas, Asian American historical society, and also various other community supporters. This letter is bilingual. It starts off with dear family. And is meant to catalyze an intergenerational conversation about Palestine. Everyone has a different relationship story to our families and lineage, so this resource is a conversation starter so please check it out.  It'll also be in the show notes.   Thank you all so much for listening and I'll see you next time. .  Apex express is produced by Miko Lee, Paige Chung, Jalena Keane-Lee, Preeti Mangala Shekar. Shekar, Anuj Vaidya, Kiki Rivera, Swati Rayasam, Nate Tan, Hien Nguyen, Nikki Chan, and Cheryl Truong   Tonight's show was produced by me, cheryl. Thanks to the team at KPFA for all of their support. And thank you for listening!  The post APEX Express – August 22, 2024 – 8 Years of QTViet Cafe! appeared first on KPFA.

Send us a Text Message.Chinese entrepreneurs in the 1970s as well as refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia transformed an area on the city's north side by opening restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, and social service agencies. Today we're discussing Chicago's Little Saigon with author Erica Allen-Kim.Building Little Saigon: Refugee Urbanism in American Cities and Suburbs by Erica Allen-KimBuy it from the publisher: https://utpress.utexas.edu/9781477329719/Show your support of the show for the cost of a coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistoryLeave me a voice message - just click on the microphone in the lower right corner here: https://www.chicagohistorypod.comUp your cocktail or Sodastream game with Portland craft syrups!https://portlandsyrups.com/collections/all?sca_ref=1270971.MO4APpJH1kAffiliate Links (anything you buy  through these links - not just this stuff - helps benefit the show at no additional cost to you):BOOKS:Building Little Saigon: Refugee Urbanism in American Cities and Suburbs by Erica Allen-Kimhttps://amzn.to/3X1MxvyToward a Framework for Vietnamese American Studies: History, Community, and Memory by Linda Ho Peché, Alex-Thai Dinh Vo, et al.https://amzn.to/3WXx3IBAfter Rain: A Vietnamese Refugee Family Story by Hoành Phonghttps://amzn.to/3yzjVQC (Paperback)https://amzn.to/3LY3Vej (Kindle)or FREE with Kindle UnlimitedWant to read hundreds of books for FREE every month? Try Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/4dInhRbChicago History Podcast Art by John K. Schneider (angeleyesartjks  AT gmail.com)Gear used in the recording of this podcast:Shure MV7 Microphone: https://amzn.to/4aN8Xo6Zoom H6 Recorder: https://amzn.to/3y0wWh0Support the Show.

It's a kid-run business bound to please the sweet tooth in Dorchester. WBZ's Jay Willett has the story.For more, ask Alexa to play WBZ NewsRadio on #iHeartRadio.

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Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We'll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here's one from our archives. Boston Little Saigon is one of the city's four official cultural districts as designated by the state. Located in Fields Corner in Dorchester, the district was officially designated in 2021, but to its residents, Little Saigon has been an anchor for Vietnamese culture in the region for decades. To learn more about the district's food and experiences, and its place in the New England Vietnamese community, The Common toured Little Saigon with Annie Le, board president of Boston Little Saigon. This episode is part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston, a station-wide effort to help you connect with the city's communities. Take a look at the team's trip around the district here: Greater Boston's daily podcast where news and culture meet.

Having learned nothing from the tragedy of Seattle's occupied protest zone, so-called leaders will wind up with blood on their hands. The Washington State Democratic Party sells its endorsement to Bob Ferguson for $1 million. Little Saigon deli owner faces fines for frequent graffiti. Governor Kristi Noem somehow tops her dog murder story. 

In this podcast episode, Tim Hutchinson and Jordan Giusti discuss their experiences and insights from engaging in disciple-making and church planting efforts in the Los Angeles area, particularly focusing on the vibrant and diverse community of Little Saigon among the Vietnamese population.They share encouraging stories about local and international impacts, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among local laborers and the broader Christian community to address the immense spiritual needs in Southern California.The conversation also highlights how their ministry strategies are informed by and integrated with biblical principles, aiming to foster a broader participation in the Gospel and spiritual growth across various unreached groups in the region.

“In 2017, VOX Kitchen opened in the heart of Little Saigon, bringing the ‘Chifa' culinary movement —a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines—to Orange County. The award-winning restaurant entered into 2024 with an expanded kitchen and dining room, new menu … Continue reading → The post Show 570, March 23, 2024: VOX Kitchen, Fountain Valley, with Founder & Executive Chef Viet Nguyen Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“In 2017, VOX Kitchen opened in the heart of Little Saigon, bringing the ‘Chifa' culinary movement —a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines—to Orange County. The award-winning restaurant entered into 2024 with an expanded kitchen and dining room, new menu … Continue reading → The post Show 570, March 23, 2024: VOX Kitchen, Fountain Valley, with Founder & Executive Chef Viet Nguyen Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Wide Open Walls faces criticism over Lunar New Year murals in Sacramento's Little Saigon. Also, Rep. Katie Porter discusses why she is a candidate for U.S. Senate. Finally, author of “Judith Letting Go” and how to approach death. Wide Open Walls Lunar New Year Controversy is known for putting artists in the spotlight, by showcasing vibrant murals throughout Sacramento streets. But the organization is coming under fire for its latest murals surrounding Lunar New Year in the city's Little Saigon community - accused of cultural inaccuracies and not including Asian artists. Hannah Ross is a journalist with Solving Sacramento - a journalism collaborative that partners with CapRadio - and shares her reporting with local artists and city officials, as well as some possible solutions. Wide Open Walls CEO David Sobon sent a statement to Insight that says in part, “We stand behind the fact that, when compared to other mural festivals in the country, we feature one of the most diverse portfolios of participating artists, including many API artists, Black, LatinX, non-binary, LGBT, women, and more. This diversity is central to our mission and ethos…We realize in this particular instance, we could've done better in the planning stages and we're committed to making those changes.”  Senate Candidate Rep. Katie Porter Democratic Congressmember Katie Porter joins us on Insight as part of our series of conversations with the candidates for U.S. Senate. Rep. Porter, according to polls, is in a neck-and-neck race for second place with Republican Steve Garvey, and is looking for a way to differentiate herself from him and frontrunner, Congressmember Adam Schiff (D) as the top two candidates move on to the general election in November.   Author on How to Approach Death How can talking about - or even preparing - one's death give it meaning as a part of life, and increase compassion for those who are approaching the inevitable? That is the subject of a new book called Judith Letting Go by author Mark Dowie, who remembers his six-month friendship with poet Judith Tannenbaum as she made her decision to “let go.” Mark joins Insight to talk about experience with Judith and learning how to approach death, ahead of an event on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Capital Books.

On today's show, Legal Lionel discusses the Fanni Willis Sex Scandal and Hunter Biden's Gun Charges. Later, Senator Janet Nguyen discusses Senate Democrats rejecting the Republican Amendment on Felony Theft once again. GUEST 1 OVERVIEW: Lionel, through his Nation, covers world and national news and issues, dissecting and exposing them without preconditions and preconceptions. He provides deep political analyses, revealing the truth with a priority on unvarnished historicity. He engages in critical thinking elevated to an art form and offers words of wisdom from the last of the renaissance polymaths. He is known for his honest, funny, and unapologetic discussion as a renowned legal and media analyst, sesquipedalian, and veteran talk radio pioneer. He is nonpareil and sui generis. For more information, visit https://lionelmedia.com/. You can also find him on YouTube: @LionelNation Twitter/X: @LionelMedia. GUEST 2 OVERVIEW: Janet Nguyen is an American politician who serves in the California State Senate. A Republican, she represents the 36th district, which includes coastal Orange County, Little Saigon, and parts of Los Angeles County. She previously was a member of the State Senate for the old 34th district from 2014 to 2018, before narrowly losing reelection to Tom Umberg. GUEST 3 OVERVIEW: Scotty Saks hosts Sovereign Radio each Saturday morning on News/Talk 1470 KYYW. Scotty isn't afraid to analyze controversial topics surrounding the media, U.S. and global economics, finance, and business.    

Banh Khot Crispy Vietnamese bit-sized mini pancake, often eaten as a snack or light meal, and consumed with stacks of green leafy vegetables and herbs, and sweet salty fish sauce. Cha Gio rolled with shrimp, ground pork, and taro. (Egg Rools) Banh Knot Lady started during the pandemic Tony and his mom had to close his tattoo shop and her nail salon. First day was Mother's Day, selling about 400-500 pieces of Banh Khot. The following week they sold double. @023, they found themselves meeting with the owner of the prolific Asian Garden Mall, considered by many as the epicenter of Little Saigon. After a fortuitous

Boston Little Saigon is one of the city's four official cultural districts as designated by the state. Located in Fields Corner in Dorchester, the district was officially designated in 2021, but to its residents, Little Saigon has been an anchor for Vietnamese culture in the region for decades. To learn more about the district's food and experiences, and its place in the New England Vietnamese community, The Common toured Little Saigon with Annie Le, board president of Boston Little Saigon. This episode is part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston, a station-wide effort to help you connect with the city's communities. Greater Boston's daily podcast where news and culture meet.

In November 1975, Vietnamese Navy commander Minh Nguyen, left behind his macho military life and retrained as a manicurist. He migrated from Vietnam to the United States during the fall of Saigon. He went on to open a beauty school in Little Saigon, California and encouraged thousands of Vietnamese refugees to become nail technicians. Today, more than 40,000 students have graduated from Minh's beauty schools and they have helped establish Vietnamese-Americans as the mainstay of the nail salon industry. Minh's wife Kien talks to Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. (Photo: Minh Nguyen. Credit: Minh Nguyen)