Chapter news, a Colorado alien law fight and Dillon Myer’s Cuban post

Vol. 52, No. 6, February 10, 1961. 4 pages. View this issue

Chapter and community affairs filled this four-page issue. On the front page, Minoru Yasui reported on an effort to amend a Colorado law barring aliens from jobs in establishments licensed to sell liquor, and he urged more JACL involvement and an Issei history project. Mike Masaoka wrote two pieces on the House Rules Committee vote, a first test for the Kennedy Administration. Dillon S. Myer, the former WRA director, was named to lead the Emergency Cuban Relief Program in Miami for refugees. A second try to repeal Washington’s alien land amendments began in Olympia.

Elsewhere, installations and elections came from Downtown Los Angeles, Fremont, San Benito County and Seattle. An editorial asked whether JACL should change its name as Nisei assimilate, and Saburo Kido recalled the 1930 First Biennial convention in Seattle. National membership stood at 6,125.

What’s in this issue

JACL

  • Mountain-Plains District Council Chairman Min Yasui Reports on Colorado Alien Employment Law Amendment, by By Minoru Yasui, page 1. Yasui describes an effort to amend the Colorado law barring aliens from employment in establishments licensed to sell liquor, prompted by a proposed sukiyaki house. The amendment was defeated in the state Senate, and Yasui urges more JACL community engagement and an Issei history project.
  • Offer Prize for 1962 Convention Theme, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Convention Board Chairman Jim Matsuoka announced a contest to create a slogan-theme for the 1962 National JACL Convention in Seattle, with a $50 bond as prize. Submissions go to Matsuoka.
  • Five Chapters Reach All-Time High Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The first official 1961 membership report from National Headquarters shows a national total of 6,125 members. Five chapters, including San Jose and Monterey Peninsula, reached all-time highs.

Community

  • White River Valley JACL May Be Revived, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Puyallup Valley JACL president Tosh Tsubol reports a possibility of reviving the White River Valley chapter, which was active before the war and organized in 1930. A survey indicates about 80 Japanese American families in the valley.
  • PSW Presidents to Meet with Chuman at Chapter Clinic, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Pacific Southwest District chapter clinic will be held in Indio with National JACL President Frank Chuman as principal speaker. Chapter presidents will meet with him in an informal session.
  • Philadelphia JACL to Elect Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Philadelphia JACL will hold its 1961 election at a general meeting featuring the film Challenge. Nominees for the board of governors are listed.
  • San Jose State Nisei Club Adviser to Retire, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A reunion of former prewar San Jose State Nisei students and a farewell party for adviser Clara Hinze will be held in San Jose. Hinze is leaving for permanent residence in Oregon.
  • Midnight Meeting Called for Twin Cities UCL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Midwest District Council chairman Kadowaki assured Twin Cities UCL that MDC will assist with the joint EDC-MDC convention over Labor Day. Convention co-chairman Tomo Kosobayashi presented a progress report.
  • Attorney General Post Vacated by Joe Yasaki, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Joe Yasaki, active Southwest L.A. JACLer, will resign his Los Angeles post and enter private practice in Oakland. A farewell dinner sponsored by the West Jefferson Democratic Club is planned.
  • Chuman, Tamura, Kanemoto Urged for Judgeships as Nisei Democrats Meet Brown, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A group of 28 Nisei Democratic leaders met Governor Edmund G. Brown and recommended three Nisei attorneys for judgeships. The governor said he would give serious consideration to them when vacancies arise.
  • Japan Decorates L.A. Maryknoll Head Father Michael McKillop, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Father Michael McKillop of Maryknoll in Los Angeles received the Fourth Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Japanese government. He was honored as the only Caucasian in Southern California decorated in conjunction with the US-Japan Treaty anniversary.
  • Sam Minami’s Son Elected Jr. High Prexy, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dale Minami, 14, was elected student body president of Peary Junior High School in Gardena for next semester. He is active in the Gardena Valley Baptist YTF and plays for a Pony League all-star team.
  • Delay Production of Opium Eaters, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Los Angeles Chinese community groups protested objectionable material in Allied Artists’ film Confession of an Opium Eater, which led to a temporary suspension of production. The Chinese leaders have not officially approved the revised script.
  • Sequoia JACLer Elected to United Crusade Group, by P.C. Staff, page 1. John T. Enomoto of the Sequoia JACL was elected as a three-year community representative to the United Bay Area Crusade nominating committee.
  • Nisei Acceptance Not Permanent, Enomoto Tells Sacramento JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Harry Enomoto, secretary to the National JACL Board, told the Sacramento JACL that Nisei acceptance is not permanent and must be continually earned. He urged members to work toward the future.
  • Silver Beaver Award to Seattle Issei Harry M. Kurimoto, by Elmer Ogawa, page 2. Harry M. Kurimoto, an Issei who served many years in scouting leadership, received Scouting’s Silver Beaver award from the Chief Seattle Council. He is believed to be the first person of Japanese ancestry in the Pacific Northwest to receive the honor.
  • Official Title of New Japanese Community Welfare Agency Registered in Sacramento, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The new welfare agency for the local community has been registered with the California Secretary of State as Japanese American Community Services of Southern California. A 24-member board of trustees is being selected.
  • Fred Takagi’s Daughter Selected Girl of the Month, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Irene Takagi, a senior at Cleveland High in Seattle, was named Girl of the Month by the South District Lions. She is active in student government and other school activities.
  • Downtown Los Angeles JACL Installs Fukui President, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sojiro Fukui was installed as 1961 president of the Downtown Los Angeles JACL, the first World War II veteran to lead the chapter. National President Frank Chuman praised the close Issei-Nisei relationship in the chapter.
  • Free Movies Planned for New Citizens by Pasadena Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Pasadena JACL will host free movies for new citizens and their spouses on Feb. 25 at Cleveland School auditorium. Its installation dinner-dance is set for Feb. 18 at the Venetian Dining Room in Altadena.
  • Salt Lake Auxiliary Hears Talk on Cancer, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Salt Lake WACL Auxiliary met to view the American Cancer Society film Time and Two Women. Cancer Society representatives discussed the organization’s research, education and service programs.
  • Nisei Relays Benefit Dance Slated March 11, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Los Angeles JACL Coordinating Council will hold a benefit dance on March 11 at the Old Dixie Ballroom to help finance the Nisei Relays. The move broadens the event’s financial base beyond assessments to member chapters.
  • Detroit Nisei Leads in Michigan State Bowling Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Eiji Shibuya rolled a 1916 series to take first place in the all-events category of the Michigan State Bowling Tournament. Thomas Fukuda posted the tournament high single game of 280.
  • San Benito County Elects Sam Shingai, by Tak Kadani, page 3. Sam Shingai was installed as president of the San Benito County JACL at a dinner at the JACL Hall. Francis Heisler, a Monterey attorney and human rights advocate, was the guest speaker.
  • East Los Angeles JACL Reveals Scholarship Winners, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The East Los Angeles JACL presented scholarship awards to Patricia Meiko Itatani of Roosevelt High and Ernest Masumoto of Garfield High. The awards recognize outstanding graduating students.
  • Japanese American Community Credit Union President Retires, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Kotaro Sakakura retired as president of the Southwest Japanese Credit Union after ten years, during which its resources grew to over one million dollars. Ernest Fukuda was elected to succeed him.
  • Long Beach JACL Movie Benefit for Center Slated, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Long Beach JACL will show a color movie on Feb. 18 at the Harbor Community Center. Proceeds will fund needed improvements to the center.
  • Chicago JACL Credit Union Holds Annual Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Chicago JACL Credit Union held its annual meeting with a 4.5 percent dividend voted for 1960. Since 1946 the credit union has processed 819 loans totaling almost one million dollars.
  • New Jersey Woman Named Outstanding Citizen of 1960, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Shige Matsushita of Kearny, New Jersey was named the West Hudson County area’s outstanding citizen of 1960 by the West Hudson Chamber of Commerce. She is active in PTA, church and civic affairs.
  • Brotherhood Dinner Theme Picked by Chicago JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The 1961 Brotherhood Dinner sponsored by Chicago JACL will use the theme The Living Bridge, reflecting Japanese Americans’ role in helping other groups adjust to the community. Tickets are $2 per person.
  • Tommy Kono Breaks Own Weightlifting Press Record, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Tommy Kono set a new American press record of 224 pounds in the 181-pound class at the York International championships in Honolulu. The lift is two pounds over his own official American record.
  • Silver Beaver Awards to Ozeki and Nakamura, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Ben M. Ozeki received the Silver Beaver from the Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts, and Fred K. Nakamura was honored by the 49er Council of Stockton. Both have long records of scouting service.
  • Seattle JACL Lists Cabinet Nominees, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Phil Hayasaka is the lone presidential nominee of the Seattle JACL. Twelve members were nominated to fill vacancies on the board.
  • Hollywood JACL Sets Installation Date, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Hollywood JACL is holding a mail ballot to elect its 1961 board of governors. Installation is set for March 4 at the Los Feliz Michiels restaurant with National President Frank Chuman as guest speaker.
  • Exciting Research Projects of Ocean Depths Described at D.C. JACL Meeting, by Emily Higuchi, page 4. Captain C.C. Wilbur of the Navy’s Progress Analysis Group gave an illustrated talk on oceanography at the Washington D.C. JACL meeting. He discussed bathyscape research, the Mohole project, and the importance of ocean knowledge.
  • Fremont JACL Installs Kawaguchi President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Kaz Kawaguchi was installed as 1961 president of the Fremont JACL at a dinner in Newark. Henry Kato, NC-WNDC chairman, was the installing officer.
  • Puyallup Valley Chapter Committeemen Appointed, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Puyallup Valley JACL president Tosh Tsubota announced committee appointments covering program, legislation, urban renewal, and other areas. The chapter was also informed of a planned March television program on the local Japanese community.
  • Parlier JACL Invites Prewar Members to 25th Anniversary Banquet, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Parlier JACL will hold a 25th anniversary and new member initiation banquet on Feb. 18 at Parlier Central High School. Charter members from 1935 to 1942 have been invited as honored guests.
  • Boise Valley Elects Masa Nishihara; Set for IDC Quarterly, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Masa Nishihara was elected president of the Boise Valley JACL and the Intermountain District Council quarterly session will be hosted there on Feb. 19. Youth officers were also installed.
  • Sansei Club Elects Douglas Akagi President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Washington D.C. Sansei Club elected Douglas Akagi as president for the coming year. The club sent $110 to the Los Angeles JACL Christmas Cheer program.
  • Seattle Hotel and Apartment Association Re-elects H.T. Kubota, by P.C. Staff, page 4. H.T. Kubota was reelected president of the Seattle Japanese Hotel and Apartment Association, with other Life 1000 Club members elected to the vice-president and secretary positions.
  • West L.A. JACL Program for Coming Year Disclosed, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The West Los Angeles JACL announced its program for the year, including a juvenile delinquency talk by Sgt. Stanley Uno, an Easter egg hunt, a junior track and field meet, and a summer dance. It also detailed membership drive plans.
  • Dr. Ikemiya Attends UC Dental Alumni Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Dr. Ikemiya of Reedley attended the UC Dental Alumni meeting in San Francisco. Dr. James Themiye also was noted as a leader in local JACL and Kiwanis activities.

National

  • Dillon Myer Named Director of Emergency Cuban Relief Program in Miami, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dillon S. Myer, former WRA director, was appointed director of the Emergency Cuban Relief Program in Miami by HEW Secretary Ribicoff. The appointment addresses an influx of an estimated 40,000 Cuban refugees.
  • House Rules Committee Vote Signals Test for Kennedy New Frontier, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. The narrow 217-212 House vote to enlarge the Rules Committee was a key early test for Kennedy’s legislative program. The article analyzes the bipartisan conservative coalition and the implications for the Administration.
  • Second Try to Repeal Washington Alien Land Law Commences, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senate Joint Resolution 21 was introduced in Olympia to repeal alien land amendments in the state constitution, a second attempt after a failed November vote. Seattle JACL chairman Takeshi Kubota leads a committee seeking removal of the discriminatory statute.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Protest Resolution Still Sought for Dr. Lechner, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A hearing before the Assembly Rules Committee was called to reconsider a resolution honoring Dr. John R. Lechner for his Americanism. JACL national president Frank Chuman is expected to protest the resolution.
  • Living with JACL: The First Biennial, by Saburo Kido, page 4. Kido recounts the 1930 First Biennial JACL convention in Seattle, describing the tensions between Issei and Nisei and the new spirit of Nisei organization. He quotes editorials and lists registered delegates.

Military & Veterans

  • Simplicity Marks Final Military Rites for Col. Tsukamoto, by JACL News Service, page 1. Colonel Walter T. Tsukamoto was laid to rest with full military honors at the Presidio of San Francisco. Chaplain Paul M. Pease recounted his civilian and military service.

Commentary

  • House Rules Battle Aftermath, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka reviews the tentative committee assignments of Democratic congressmen representing areas with large Japanese American populations. He analyzes shifts in committee placements following the Rules Committee battle.
  • Editorial: JACL and the Future Church Question, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial reflects on the Rev. Dr. Sasaki’s remarks about whether JACL should change its name as Nisei assimilate. It speculates on the role of JACL and churches by 1980.
  • East of the River: Cheap on Principle, by Richard Akagi, page 3. Akagi reflects on his lifelong habit of cheapness as a protest against Nisei preference for flamboyant expense. He questions whether the Nisei have outgrown that attitude.
  • Director’s Report: President on the Go, by Masao Satow, page 4. Satow reports on National President Frank Chuman’s travel to official functions, including the funeral of Col. Walter Tsukamoto. He also notes the national membership total and upcoming meetings.

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