Vol. 60, No. 8, February 19, 1965. 6 pages. View this issue
The death of Larry Tajiri, the former Pacific Citizen editor and Denver Post drama editor, shaped this six-page issue. Ralph G. Martin called him a newspaperman’s newspaperman, and Thomas M. Tarei remembered him as a mentor and generous friend he knew as “Niisan.” Carol Tamura’s column marked the end of his long-running “Vagaries,” recalling his wit and his influence on the Nisei press.
The front page followed a Washington state hearing on the governor’s proposal to bar racial discrimination in real property sales, where opponents argued that brokers should keep an open mind rather than be forced into fair housing practices. Nisei growers also asked for contracts. Inside are a review of the JACL 1960-1970 National Planning Commission report, the Long Beach chapter’s selection to host the Pacific Southwest District Council conference, a Crenshaw zoning win in Los Angeles, and a Jr. JACL stage show planned in San Francisco.
What’s in this issue
National
- Nisei Growers Ask Contracts, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nisei growers and farm workers sought contracts and protections under the Farm Labor program. The issue was raised in connection with Japanese farm workers and related national policy.
- Calls for ‘Open Minds’ in Homeowners, Agents Fair Housing Debate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Washington state legislative hearings examined the governor’s proposal to prohibit racial discrimination in real property sales. Opponents argued that brokers should keep an open mind rather than be forced into fair housing practices.
Commentary
- A Valedictory to Vagaries, by Carol Tamura, page 2. The column marks the retirement of longtime columnist Larry Tajiri, whose ‘Vagaries’ column ran for decades. It recalls his wit, his journalism career, and his influence on the Nisei press.
- A Greater Society Through Education, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Remarks on equality, education, and the responsibilities of JACL members to help all Americans reach their potential. The piece draws on a keynote address to a regional conference.
Obituaries
- Larry Tajiri: Newspaperman’s Newspaperman, by Ralph G. Martin, page 3. Tribute to Larry Tajiri, former Pacific Citizen editor and Denver Post drama editor, who died of a stroke at 50. The piece describes his influence on Nisei journalism and his wartime leadership of the PC.
- To Us, He Was ‘Niisan’, by Thomas M. Tarei, page 3. A personal remembrance of Larry Tajiri, recounting his early career, his service in the Army, and his role in recruiting Nisei for MIS. The author describes him as a mentor and a generous friend.
JACL
- Plan for the Future, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A column reviews the JACL 1960-1970 National Planning Commission report and its many recommendations. The author urges officers and members to revisit the plan and assess progress.
- Long Beach JACL to Host PSWDC Parley May 1-2, by Ruby Muo, page 4. The Long Beach JACL chapter was selected to host the Pacific Southwest District Council biennial conference. The meeting is scheduled for May 1-2.
Community
- Nisei Residents Win Legal Battle to Keep Crenshaw Square Motif, by Roy Omi, page 5. Residents of the Crenshaw area in Los Angeles won a legal challenge over zoning changes. The decision protected the neighborhood’s character.
- Momotaro Stage Show Planned by Jr. JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The San Francisco Jr. JACL announced a stage production based on Japanese folklore. The show was planned as a follow-up to an earlier successful production.
- Vapa-cse History Project’s Objectives Told to Marysville JACLers, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Akii Yoshimura described the UCLA Japanese History Project at the Marysville JACL installation banquet. He outlined the project’s goal of documenting Japanese American history.
- Weather Cooperates with Idaho Carnival, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Falls JACL Winter Carnival in Idaho drew strong community support despite weather concerns. Organizers described the event as one of the chapter’s most successful.
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