Fair housing laws and Hawaii statehood, March 1959

Vol. 48, No. 13, March 27, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue

Fair housing led the news in this eight-page issue. Colorado’s legislature passed a bill against discrimination in most housing, and Bill Hosokawa’s Nisei View column looked at what the law meant for Denver. California bills aimed at biased real estate agents and publicly aided housing also drew coverage. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter reviewed recent gains, including Hawaii statehood and Washington’s move to repeal its alien land law. A bill from Congressman Thomas J. Lane would give some evacuation claimants a chance to file late.

Chapter news fills the middle pages: San Francisco JACL passing 1,000 members, a Portland dinner for Masaoka, Gardena Valley’s largest turnout, and Detroit’s 500-member goal. Sports pages cover Nisei basketball titles and a 701 bowling series in Fresno. Len Smith’s piece recalls Col. Farrant L. Turner and the 100th Infantry in Italy, and Franklin Hagio’s essay asks whether college students chase grades instead of an education.

What’s in this issue

National

• Colorado Passes Fair Housing Legislation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Colorado legislature passed a bill outlawing racial and other discrimination in most housing transactions, pending resolution of minor differences between House and Senate versions. Governor Stephen McNichols is expected to sign it.
• Bill Introduced to Revoke License of Biased Real Estators, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorney General Stanley Mosk backed two California bills allowing the Real Estate Commissioner to revoke licenses of agents who discriminate in housing and permitting damage actions against discriminatory housing promoters. The measures were announced at a press conference with NAACP counsel William R. Ming Jr.
• Cal. Assembly Votes to Outlaw Bias in Gov’t Aided Housing, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The California Assembly passed AB 89 by a 67-9 vote, prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, or ancestry in housing built or aided with public funds. Assemblyman Augustus F. Hawkins, the author, said the bill was sent to the Senate for consideration.
• Housing Agency Opposes Strong Anti-Bias Provisions in Civil Rights Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Housing and Home Finance Agency opposed writing strong anti-discrimination provisions for government-aided housing into a proposed civil rights bill. Administrator Norman P. Mason said the agency already works against discrimination with local housing authorities.
• Tanaka Test Case Under McCarran-Walter Act, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Yoshio Tanaka traveled to the United States on a Certificate of Identity under the McCarran-Walter Act to test whether his wartime Japanese Navy service cost him citizenship. The case will proceed through the Immigration and Naturalization Service and possibly the courts.

JACL

• San Francisco JACL Passes 1,000 Mark in Membership Push, by P.C. Staff, page 1. San Francisco JACL reported 1,014 paid-up members and a total of 1,050 after a mixer, with a goal of 1,200 in sight. Mrs. Yo Hironaka, membership vice-president, led the fourth straight annual campaign.
• Goodwill Created at JACL Function Pays Off for Things Japanese, by Abe Hagiwara, page 1. Chicago JACL public relations chairman Abe Hagiwara reported that a Chicago social club member defended Japanese and Asian consuls from being excluded as honorary members. The defender had been impressed by Japanese Americans at the JACL Inaugural Party.
• JACL Board Rules on Anti-Japanese Films and Visitor Entertainment, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The JACL Board told International Relations chairman William Marutani that no blanket rule can cover anti-Japanese films or visitor entertainment, so each situation must be judged individually. Chapters will decide their own roles in hosting visitors from Japan.

Community

• Reception Planned for Buddhist Leader Bishop Hanayama in May, by P.C. Staff, page 1. San Francisco plans a reception for Bishop Shinsho Hanayama, who will assume the superintendency of the Buddhist Churches of America. Albert S. Kosakura, new BCA board president, is coordinating the civic and religious invitations.
• Nisei Weatherman at South Pole for Year, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seattle meteorological technician Fred Mayeda, 29, is working a year at the South Pole after leaving the local weather bureau. He takes weather observations and launches radiosondes while his family awaits messages from amateur radio operators.
• Seattle JACLer Named Sertoma Club Official, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Phil Hayasaka, president of the Jackson Street Community Council and a Seattle JACL board member, was appointed vice-president of Totem Sertoma. The service club sponsors the Big Brother movement.
• Denver Public Library Features Japan in Spring Program, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Bill Hosokawa wrote the feature article for the Denver Public Library’s spring Japanese festival program, which includes lectures, dances, and displays. Mile-Hi Nisei helped assist with the committee.
• Denver JACL Helps Pass Fair Housing Act, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mile-Hi JACL president Robert Uyeda described the chapter’s efforts to support the Colorado Fair Housing Act through contacts with legislators. JACL cooperated with the Colorado Committee Opposing Discrimination and the Anti-Defamation League.
• Long Beach JACL Addresses Segregated Assembly Controversy, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Long Beach JACL held a meeting with parents and school officials after Stephens Jr. High School called a segregated assembly for Japanese American students. Principal Dr. Norbert Farrell said the issue stemmed from some youths’ delinquent behavior rather than the students as a whole.
• Gardena Valley Chapter Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Gardena Valley JACL held its first general meeting of the year combined with a potluck, drawing its largest turnout ever. Under new president Ronald Shiozaki, the chapter has grown into one of the top chapters in the District.
• Student Seminar to Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 4. American President Lines is sponsoring a 34-day student seminar to Japan led by Professor Noboru Inamoto of USC. The tour departs Los Angeles aboard the President Wilson and returns in August.
• Portland JACL Dinner Honors Mike Masaoka, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A dinner co-hosted by three Portland-area JACL chapters honored Washington representative Mike Masaoka. In his talk, Masaoka stressed the importance of U.S.-Japan relations and urged assistance in repealing Washington’s Alien Land Law.
• Parlier Auxiliary to Take Homemade Anpan to Aged, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Parlier JACL Auxiliary planned to make anpan and deliver it to elderly homes in the area, an annual project. They also agreed to serve food at the Parlier Buddhist Church bazaar on April 5.
• East L.A.’s Emerald Ball Date Set May 9, by P.C. Staff, page 4. East Los Angeles JACL announced its fifth annual Emerald Ball for May 9 at Old Dixie with Aaron Gonzalez’s orchestra. Ladies will be admitted free.
• Watsonville Groups Ready for Community Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Watsonville will hold its first community-wide picnic since the war on April 12 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Several local organizations will jointly sponsor the event, which includes games and a sports dance.
• Over 200 Attend S.F. Auxiliary Benefit Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 4. An overflow crowd attended the San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary dance featuring Dick Crest. Proceeds will provide gifts and food for Issei residents of Laguna Honda Home.
• Bank Official Honored by Chicago Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Chicago Nisei honored Donald Magers, newly named president of Cosmopolitan National Bank, for his help to persons of Japanese ancestry after evacuation and resettlement. Magers had assisted during his time as vice-president.
• Southwest L.A. Dance Proceeds to Aid Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Southwest L.A. JACL announced its Spring Nocturne sports formal on April 11 at the Los Angeles Breakfast Club, with proceeds to assist needy Issei. Victor Zolo and his combo will provide music.
• Detroit JACL Social to Start Dance Series, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Detroit JACL will revive a brush-up course and beginners’ dance class with instructor Margaret Page, starting April 3 at the International Institute. Classes will be held on alternate Fridays with a $1 charge per student.
• Detroit JACL Targets 500 Members in 1959 Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Detroit JACL is aiming for a record 500 members in its 1959 membership drive under the direction of June Otsuji. Membership blanks were mailed to prospective members and a door-to-door canvass will follow after April 1.
• Tak Shiba Installed as Gilroy JACL Leader, by P.C. Staff, page 5. National Director Mas Satow installed Tak Shiba and his new Gilroy JACL officers at Hecker Pass Inn. The evening also featured bowling awards and entertainment by the Chidori Band.
• Placer County JACL Plans 11th Annual Community Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Placer County JACL will hold its 11th annual countywide picnic on April 12 at the JACL Recreation Park near Penryn, with about 5,000 attendees expected. Program highlights include Japanese dances by 100 girls and a youth picnic ball.
• Gilroy Easter Egg Hunt at April 5 Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Gilroy’s community picnic on April 5 at Uvas Dam will include an Easter egg hunt for youngsters along with games and races. Picnickers were asked to bring their own refreshments this year.
• Cincinnati JACL Potluck Square Dance Social, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Cincinnati JACL will hold a square dance and potluck supper on April 4 at First United Church of Walnut Hill. Chapter president James Takeuchi announced the event.
• Hawaiian Bowlers Tour California, Visit Sacramento, by Shig Sakamoto, page 6. About 70 Hawaiian bowlers and their families toured California after the National JACL Bowling Tournament, spending two days in Sacramento as guests of the Sacramento Nisei Bowling Association. Activities included a potluck dinner, a banquet, and entertainment by the islanders.
• Reno Nisei Welcome Squaw Valley Olympic Skiers, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Reno 1000 Club members Fred Aoyama and Mas Baba and ski instructor Judy Aoyama joined a city welcome for skiers arriving at the North American Alpine Championships at Squaw Valley. Japanese skiers and coaches were entertained at a dinner by local Issei and Nisei.
• Ethnic Groups Compete for Chicago Cage Trophy, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Chicago Nisei Athletic Association is sponsoring its first United Basketball Tournament with six teams representing various ethnic groups. The event runs April 2-5 at Olivet Institute.
• Fresno Bowler Hits 701 Series, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Sam Yomogida bowled a 701 series in the Fresno Nisei Bowling League, the first 700 series in Central California in many years. It was the 27th such series by a Nisei bowler recorded by the Nichibei Times.
• Hollywood JACL Athletic Calendar Heavy, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Joe Suski landed the top fish in the Hollywood JACL’s first annual perch derby at Zuma Beach. The chapter also plans junior baseball teams and has raised its athletic fund to $147 plus equipment.
• San Kwo Low Lords Win California Nisei Cage Title, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The San Kwo Low Lords defeated Oakland YBA 72-53 to win the Southern California Nisei Athletic Union basketball title and lead the state series 7-6. Kaz Shinzato led the Lords with 22 points.
• Women Cagers Garner Fourth Championship, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Naturals, sponsored by Yamato Employment, won their fourth straight Southern California Women’s Athletic Association basketball title with a 27-19 playoff victory over Lucky Doks. Angela Kuroiwa led the Naturals with 20 points.
• Community Youth Council Basketball Season Ends, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The L.A. Community Youth Council closed its first basketball season with an awards night at Maryknoll auditorium. The council, co-sponsored by four Nisei civic groups, plans summer baseball play.
• Heiji Shimabukuro Named to All-American Boxing Team, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Hawaii Nisei Heiji Shimabukuro, a 112-pound boxer for the College of Idaho, was named to the 1959 All-American team by the National Intercollegiate Boxing Coaches Association.
• Tokyo Japanese Nisei Club Forms in Nagoya, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Nagoya Nisei formed the Chubu Nisei Kyokai, electing Susumu Ito as its first president. The group plans an English oratorical contest and offers translation services to promote goodwill.
• Houston Nisei Melvin Tio Leads Lions Club House Fund, by R.E. Connor, page 7. Melvin Tio, a Houston Nisei merchant, led a Lions Club project building and selling a house that raised about $12,000 for children’s eyeglasses and other needs. The house was sold to a newlywed couple in a Friday the 13th wedding.
• San Mateo Referendum Filed on FEP Law, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Backers filed petitions for a referendum on San Mateo’s fair employment practices ordinance, which would delay its operation and bring the issue to a citywide vote if the petitions qualify.

Incarceration & Redress

• Ill-Advised Evacuees Failing to File Claim May Get Chance, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Thomas J. Lane introduced a bill at JACL’s request allowing evacuation claimants who failed to file through no fault of their own to file within six months of enactment. The proposed amendment covers failures caused by attorneys, accountants, or citizen organizations.
• Personal Effects Seized by U.S. Up for Sale, Protested, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A citizens group protested to Congress the planned auction of confiscated German and Japanese jewelry and personal items held by the Office of Alien Property. The group argues the sale is bureaucratic irrationality given that less than a fifth of seized property has been returned.
• Judge Who Fought Evacuation Rule Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Judge William Denman, who had criticized General DeWitt’s evacuation order, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in San Francisco on March 9. He was 86 and had been despondent after his wife’s death.
• Claims Bill Introduced for Late-Filed Evacuation Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Congressman Lane’s bill, drafted with JACL attorneys, would let claimants who failed to file through no fault of their own file within six months. Masaoka said the bill is a limited effort to correct inequities rather than reopen the program.

Military & Veterans

• Calling Former Co. K 442nd GIs in Midwest, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Former Co. K members in the Midwest are asked to contact Dr. James Okubo to help arouse interest in the 1961 442nd veterans reunion in Hawaii. Other contacts were listed in Santa Monica, Seattle, and New York.
• Col. Farrant L. Turner and the 100th Infantry in Italy, by Len Smith, page 7. Denver Post writer Len Smith recounts Col. Farrant L. Turner’s leadership of the original 100th Battalion in Italy, including the Rapido River campaign. The Nisei unit resisted enemy propaganda broadcasts and earned the Go For Broke reputation.

Commentary

• Hawaii—50th State, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL celebrates the passage of Hawaii statehood, which completes postwar legislative goals. The article credits JACL Washington Representative Mike Masaoka’s testimony and chapter letter-writing campaigns with defeating the racist argument against statehood.
• Ye Editor’s Desk: Letterbox Invitation and Editorial on Student Grades, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. The editor invites readers to respond to Letterbox columns and introduces a critical essay by Franklin Hagio on college students pursuing grades and degrees over genuine education. The essay argues students neglect humanities and social understanding in favor of narrow career paths.
• PC Letter Box: Privilege to Join, by Carl Harris, page 2. A new San Francisco JACL member thanks his sponsor and suggests making the JACL emblem into pins and rings for members. He also recommends a permanent membership drive.
• PC Letter Box: Vital Statistics, by Sumi Harada, page 2. A Riverside subscriber asks the paper to restore complete vital statistics including marriage and death notices. The editor responds that space limits on the eight-page tabloid have restricted compilations.
• Nisei View: Denver Fair Housing, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa examines Colorado’s Fair Housing Act, noting the bill’s support from Senator George Brown and the exemption for private homeowners. He recounts Governor Ralph Carr’s welcome to Nisei during the war as a precedent for fair play.
• Ye Editor’s Desk: Grades Versus Education, by Franklin Hagio, page 6. Franklin Hagio argues that college students today pursue degrees and grades rather than genuine education, following a narrow path toward jobs. He concludes that students miss the humanities and the appreciation of art, literature, and human understanding.
• The Northwest Picture: Seattle Sister City and Trade Fair, by Elmer Ogawa, page 7. Elmer Ogawa reports on Seattle’s sister city relationship with Kobe and the upcoming Washington State International Trade Fair. He traces the fair’s origins to a 1949 Seattle delegation that gained General MacArthur’s support.
• Washington Newsletter: Alien Land Laws, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka reviews recent legislative gains including Hawaii statehood, repeal of interracial marriage bans in Idaho and Nevada, and Washington’s move to repeal its alien land law. He credits JACL’s Alien Land Law Repeal Committee and Tak Kubota’s leadership.

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