California’s fair employment bill and a youth-minded JACL spring

Vol. 48, No. 16, April 17, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue

California’s Rumford Fair Employment Practice bill led the issue. JACL chapters in the state had pushed for such a law with other groups, and Governor Pat Brown was expected to sign it. The bill bans job discrimination based on race, religion or ancestry and sets up an enforcement commission. Harry K. Honda’s column, Keeping an Eye on Japanese Politics, looked at Japan’s June upper house election and the debate over trade with Red China. Another front-page story told of Hawaii’s 100th Infantry Battalion being linked with famous Army regiments, and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team appears in its headline.

The rest of this eight-page issue is chapter and community news: Masao Satow on the May district council meeting in Oakland and its youth program, plans for the 1959 PSWDC convention in Long Beach and the 1960 national convention in Sacramento, and a town hall of nine speakers on Nisei in the community. Page 6 carries sports, including judo, boxing and basketball.

What’s in this issue

Community

• California FEPC Bill Signature by Governor Due, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California JACL chapters celebrated as Governor Pat Brown was expected to sign the Rumford Fair Employment Practice bill passed by the Legislature. The measure bans job discrimination based on race, religion, or ancestry and sets up an enforcement commission.
• PSWDC Convention Lines Up Attractions for Boosters and Delegates, Package Deal Set, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 1959 PSWDC convention in Long Beach will include a mixer, buffet luncheon, fashion show, dinner-dance, and a Meet the Board session. A $10 package deal covering all events and registration is available through the Long Beach chapter.
• Ft. Lupton JACLer Voted School Official, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Floyd Koshio, a past chairman of the Mountain-Plains JACL, was elected a director of School District No. 8 at Ft. Lupton, Colorado. He is a prominent Nisei farmer who has also served as chapter president.
• Nisei Greeted as 5-Millionth Visitor of United Nations, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mrs. Keiko Glenn, a Nisei from Hawaii, became the 5-millionth visitor to the United Nations headquarters tour on April 10. She was greeted by the Visitors Service chief and invited to lunch in the delegates’ dining room.
• Salt Lake JACL Theme ‘Welcome Hawaii’ for Chapter Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Salt Lake JACL will hold a Hawaiian-themed general meeting to celebrate statehood for Hawaii, featuring entertainment and national director Mas Satow as special guest. The chapter will also host the Intermountain District Council quarterly session in Ogden the following Sunday.
• Itinerant Farm Worker Dies with $14,000; No Will, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Kakutaro Yamamoto, a 70-year-old itinerant farm worker, died without a will in Stockton, leaving a $14,000 estate. Authorities will turn the money over to the state unless an heir is located.
• Mimbu’s Law Partner Named Judge Pro-Tem, by P.C. Staff, page 1. William J. Wong, associated with William Y. Mimbu in the Seattle law firm of Mimbu and Wong, was appointed municipal judge pro-tem by Mayor Gordon Clinton. Wong is active in the Chinese community and other civic groups.
• Retrieving Own Dog on Highway Fatal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. George S. Sugiyama, 54, of La Mesa was killed on Highway 101 near Oceanside while trying to retrieve his police dog that had jumped from his car. The dog returned to the car safely before a highway patrolman arrived.
• Statehood Plebiscite, Election Dates Set, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hawaii’s Governor Quinn set June 27 for the statehood plebiscite and primary elections, with the general election on July 28. Quinn expected 90 to 95 percent of voters to approve statehood.
• Fair Housing Bill in Minnesota Reported, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Minnesota fair housing bill prohibiting discrimination in housing based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, or national origin was introduced in the state legislature. The Minnesota Council of Civil and Human Rights is supporting its passage.
• Sumitomo Bank Yen Claimants Win Repayment Argument, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Pre-war yen deposit claimants are pursuing repayment at the pre-war exchange rate through litigation against the Office of Alien Property. Attorneys warn Yokohama Bank claimants who have moved to notify authorities to avoid dismissal of their claims.
• Nisei Relationship Discussion: Asian Mission Breakthrough, by Berry Suzukida, page 2. Linguist Norman Markel spoke to Chicago JACLers about the scientific analysis of language, explaining that Japanese and Chinese share nothing in common except orthography. The talk drew an enthusiastic audience at the McCormick YWCA.
• Memorial Scholarship Named for Late Mrs. Mimbu, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Valedas held a sukiyaki dinner at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Clubhouse in Seattle to raise funds for a scholarship honoring Mrs. William Mimbu, adviser to the University of Washington coed group. The sorority voted to establish the scholarship in tribute to her.
• Chick Sexor Union Executives Elected, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Eddie Fukiage was elected president of the Amalgamated Poultry Sexers of America at a February meeting of locals from Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, Fresno, and Salt Lake City. The union is affiliated with the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen.
• Bank of America Awards to Cotati and Petaluma Students, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Sydney Hiroko Shimizu of Cotati won a Bank of America certificate in liberal arts at Petaluma High School, and Raymond Yamasaki received a certificate in agriculture. Both will compete at the zone finals in Vallejo.
• Arizona Land Law Repeal Eyed by JACLers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Pacific Southwest JACL District Council’s legislative committee is studying a campaign to repeal Arizona’s alien land law. Arizona’s legislature is expected to vote on repeal next January, following similar repeals in other states.
• Name Bussei for Kyogoku Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Western Young Buddhist League announced the 1958 Kyogoku Awards for outstanding Buddhist youth and teachers, including Jean Yabumoto, Tomio Masaki, and Frank Doi. The awards honor the memory of Rev. Kyogoku.
• Fowler Nisei Named Yale Yearbook Photo Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Ken Fujii, son of Mrs. Irene Fujii of Fowler, was named photography chairman of the Yale University 1960 yearbook. A junior architectural arts major, he serves as Yale’s games photographer.
• Nisei Plant Pathologist Appointed to UCLA Staff, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Robert M. Endo, a former USDA researcher, was appointed assistant professor and assistant plant pathologist at UCLA. He has an established reputation as a cereal pathologist with a statewide turfgrass disease control program.
• Pasco Student Wins DAR Good Citizenship Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Linda Yamauchi, 17, became the first Nisei to win the Washington State DAR Good Citizenship Award. She was selected based on written examinations and community service.
• Centennial Year Council Formed in Denver, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A council of local organizations was formed at the Mile-Hi JACL meeting to coordinate events and reduce date conflicts during the centennial year. Representatives agreed to sponsor a single graduation dance and to inform the community through a chapter bulletin.
• Beatnik Dance Slated for Sacramento Junior JACLers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Sacramento Junior JACL will hold a beatnik-themed party on April 18 at the Nisei Memorial Hall. Attendees are asked to come dressed as beatniks.
• NC-WNDC May Meeting Bigtime in Oakland, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The NC-WN District Council quarterly meeting on May 17 at the Leamington Hotel in Oakland will feature a Junior JACL program and youth panel. A banquet with speaker Pete Domoto and a dance are planned for the evening.
• D.C. Potluck Supper Attracts Over 175, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Over 175 members and families attended the Washington, D.C. JACL annual potluck supper at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Recreation Center. The evening featured a dinner, Easter egg hunt, and accordion music.
• Town Hall Format Proves Stimulating as Nine Speakers Analyze Nisei in Community, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Nine speakers at an Oakland JACL town hall analyzed the role of Nisei in community life, noting limited involvement in church, education, local politics, and cultural heritage. Asa Fujie moderated the April 3 meeting at the Buddhist Church.
• Fresno JACLers to Stage Community Picnic Apr. 26, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Fresno American Loyalty League will sponsor a community picnic at Oak Knoll in Kearney Park on April 26. Attendees will receive kujibiki prizes and other awards during the all-day event.
• San Mateo Groups Plan June 14 Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Four local groups in San Mateo are jointly sponsoring a Japanese community picnic on June 14 at the College of San Mateo athletic field. Kurt Ota was named general chairman.
• Flower Arrangement Meeting Set Apr. 28, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary will hold its April meeting featuring a flower arrangement demonstration by Mrs. Yusui Uchida. The meeting is scheduled for April 28 at the Church of Christ.
• LA Meeting Premieres Film on Japanese American Progress, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A film on the progress of Japanese Americans, produced with USC graduate students, premiered at the Southwest Los Angeles JACL meeting. The co-production was made by the East Los Angeles and SWLA chapters.
• Sacramento Chapter Ready for 1960 National Convention, by Shig Sokamote, page 5. Bill Matsumoto was chosen general chairman of the 1960 National JACL Convention in Sacramento, and Shig Sokamote was appointed publicity director. Planning includes guest speakers, sports activities, and daily convention bulletins.
• Cleveland Chapter Launches All-Out Campaign for 400 Members, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Cleveland JACL launched a membership drive aiming for 400 members, organized geographically to minimize door-to-door solicitation. The board also approved a 50-cent dues increase.
• Milwaukee JACLers Serve Japanese Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Members of the Milwaukee JACL served a Japanese dinner to the Service League of the Underwood Baptist Church on March 24. The menu included chicken and pork teriyaki and other specialties.
• Monterey JACL Potluck Dinner Apr. 26, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Monterey Peninsula JACL will hold its annual potluck dinner on April 26 at the JACL Hall, with the Women’s Auxiliary handling the dinner. Games will follow for all ages.
• Eagle Produce, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Eagle Produce is a bonded commission merchant for wholesale fruits and vegetables in Los Angeles. The listing is advertising content and is not an editorial article.

National

• Keeping an Eye on Japanese Politics, by Harry K. Honda, page 1. Japanese politics heats up ahead of a June upper house election, with trade relations with Red China as the central issue. The Socialist party’s goodwill mission and Asanuma’s remarks about the United States sparked sharp domestic reaction.
• Yen Claimants Seeking Pre-War Exchange Rate, by JACL News Service, page 1. The Office of Alien Property is processing yen deposit claims against the Yokohama Specie Bank at the post-war exchange rate despite litigation by claimants seeking the pre-war rate. Attorneys Carolan and Amram are challenging the OAP decision in the Aratani suit.
• Step Forward with Youth: NC-WN District Council Youth Roundup, by Masao Satow, page 4. The Northern California-Western Nevada District Council’s May 17 meeting in Oakland will focus on youth, with Sue Joe leading discussions on the JACL youth program. The 7th Annual San Francisco Nisei Olympics is scheduled for May 24.

Military & Veterans

• 442nd RCT Linked with Famous U.S. Army Regiments of History, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hawaii’s 100th Infantry Battalion was selected for an Army reorganization linking it with famous regiments dating back to the Civil War. The inclusion resulted from efforts by Gen. White and Pacific Army headquarters, and the unit is redesignated the 100th Battle Group.
• Watsonville Veterans Elect Commander, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Tak Higuchi was elected commander of the Watsonville Nisei Memorial Post 9446, succeeding Tom Kawano. The post serves veterans in the Watsonville community.

Arts & Entertainment

• Bridge to the Sun Seeks Japanese Actor, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Producer Julian Blaustein is searching for a Japanese actor to portray Terry Terasaki in the MGM film Bridge to the Sun, based on Gwen Terasaki’s book. Filming is planned mostly in Japan, with the story centered on the period before Pearl Harbor.
• Izumi Yukimura Offered Role in Flower Drum Song, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Japanese pop singer Izumi Yukimura was offered the role of Linda Low in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song after appearing on an NBC Chevy Show. Pat Suzuki, who has scored a hit on Broadway in the role, may also be starred in the London company.

Sports

• National AAU Judo Tournament Summaries, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Somikichi Nozaki of Gardena was runner-up to Grand Champion Sgt. Lenwood Williams at the seventh annual National AAU judo tournament in San Jose. Southern California won the team trophy.
• Nisei May Play in East-West Shrine Classic, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Pete Domoto of Berkeley was selected as co-captain of the Cal varsity football team for 1959, the first Nisei so honored at a major mainland university. He may be the first Nisei to play in the East-West Shrine game.
• 122 Pounder Wins NCAA Boxing Title Without a Fight, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Heiji Shimabukuro, a Hawaiian Nisei boxer at the College of Idaho, won the NCAA 112-pound title when his opponent withdrew at the weigh-in. He was named to the 1959 All-America intercollegiate boxing team.
• Baron Yama Scores First Win at Tanforan, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nisei jockey Baron Butch Yama, 20, of Los Angeles booted his first winner at Tanforan aboard Eric Gem. The race was the second all-Nisei finish of the current meeting.
• Berkeley JACL Teenage Cage Tourney Thrills, by P.C. Staff, page 6. San Francisco won the second annual Berkeley JACL teenage basketball tournament, edging Berkeley 67-61 in the finals. Don Takakura led individual scoring with 26 points per game over three tournament games.
• Interracial Basketball Series Won by Negroes, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Negro All-Stars defeated the Nisei All-Stars 62-44 in the Chicago Nisei Athletic Association’s first interracial basketball tournament. Teams from several ethnic groups competed in the event at Olivet Institute.
• Southland Varsity Tracksters Continue to Shine, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nori Takatani of Belmont and Mas Miyano of Garfield were leading winners in local prep dual track meets. Varsity activity in other regions of California showed fewer Nisei winners.
• Fun-for-All Bowling Spreads Prizes to All, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The San Francisco Nisei Bowling Association held a fun-for-all bowling event with Hawaiian entertainment at the Downtown Bowl, with 200 participants. Prizes were awarded in men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions.

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