King County is gearing up for the 2010 U.S. Census, which, for many area residents, translates to well-paying temporary jobs while helping out the community and the country. Read the full story

The Government of India has issued following instructions to ensure proper use of all categories of the tourist visa:

1. In respect of foreign national holding tourist visas with a multiple entry facility, there should be gap of at least two months between two visits to India. Read the full story

Last month, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) CEO Beverly Scott said that the transit agency would change the name of its Yellow train line, which goes to Doraville, home to a large Asian American community. The line will now be called Gold. MARTA serves the Atlanta area. Read the full story

The Japanese American Veterans Association’s (JAVA) 2010 memorial scholarship program will be awarding six scholarships, three more than last year with a higher award of $1,500 each. Read the full story

Pioneer Square/International District Community Preservation and Development Authority (PSIDCPDA) urges voters to bring 2ESHB 2912 to the Senate floor for a vote and amend it to include dedicated funding for community preservation and development authorities, as included in the version of the bill passed by the House. Read the full story

The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging received $2.9 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to increase enrollment in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a work-based training program for older workers. Read the full story

Lilly Woo of the Census with people

On Feb. 17, the U.S. Census Bureau presented a fortune cookie event at Tsue Chong Fortune Cookie and Noodle Factory. Two million census fortune cookies were launched to reach and encourage people who are traditionally hard to count — non-English speakers, ethnic minorities, and young adults ages 18 to 25 — about the importance of the 2010 Census, how it is safe and easy. Read the full story

Car prowls have increased, and parking garages have been targeted.

Tenants are asked to not leave anything valuable in their car. If a car is broken into, it is important to notify both the police and the parking management company. Read the full story

Since late January, the city has reported a marked increase in graffiti tags on public and private property. The city requires property or business owners to promptly remove graffiti from their buildings within 10 days.

The Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) does record tags and will remove or paint out tags on private property if they are given a signed permission by the property or business owner.

This service is restricted to painted surfaces 10 feet or lower. This excludes painting porous surfaces, brick, or cement requiring special processes exceeding the skills and equipment of the CIDBIA staff.

CIDBIA uses city-provided gray, white, or brown paint but property owners may match existing paint color if they provide CIDBIA with the paint. CIDBIA can also put owners in touch with graffiti removal companies. ♦

For more information, e-mail Meriberth Ellis, executive director of CIDBIA at meribeth@cidbia.org.

In celebration of the Chinese New Year, Chinus Cultural Productions and China Arts and Entertainment Group are presenting the U.S. premiere of ‘The Butterfly Lovers’ — hailed as China’s Romeo & Juliet — performed by the Beijing Dance Academy (BDA) Resident Dance Company. This production will take place on Feb. 27  and Feb. 28 at the Paramount Theatre. Read the full story

By Jacquelyn Martin
The Associated Press

DEHRADUN, India (AP) — In the pre-dawn fog of winter, a gong peals once and girls wrapped in shawls and head scarves emerge from their dormitories to attend Hindu prayers. A fire is lit as their young voices chant ancient Sanskrit verses. Read the full story

Nearly 500 Washington Muslims met with legislators last month on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as part of the 2010 Washington State Muslims Day at the Capitol. Read the full story