Fresno’s Tri-District Meeting and a JACL under review, 1973

Vol. 76, No. 9, March 9, 1973. 6 pages. View this issue

JACL’s own business filled much of this six-page issue. Delegates from California’s 60 chapters gathered in Fresno for the first Tri-District Meeting, and two editorials praised its harmony. A story by Henry Mori reported David Ushio’s reply to critics who said the organization was dying. National JACL President Henry T. Tanaka reported on Oberlin College’s Asian American Program and wrote on priorities for chapters. Seventeen National JACL scholarships, totaling $5,400, were open to 1973 high school graduates, with an April 15 deadline for chapters to nominate.

Other pages carried Los Angeles mayoral campaign coverage, Dr. Roy Doi’s two-part travel notes on Kyoto, and Chiye Tomihiro’s letter from New Orleans about being refused service in Arkansas. Kats Kunitsugu profiled a Pasadena optometrist who left his practice to study Buddhism, and a report on heart disease research closed the issue.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Oberlin College’s Asian American Program, by Henry T. Tanaka, page 1. National JACL President Henry Tanaka reports on the Asian American Program at Oberlin College, coordinated by Tom Hibino. The program addresses the history and contemporary situation of Asians in America and serves Asian American students outside the West Coast.
• Always Good to Recheck Your Sights, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial reflects on the first Tri-District Meeting in Fresno, praising its harmony and diversity of views. It also discusses JACL installations and the organization’s future direction.
• That Tri-District Turn, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial praises the first biennial Tri-District Meeting in Fresno as a harmonious gathering of Nikkei diversity. It outlines resolutions expected from future district sessions.
• Installation Trail, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial recounts the author’s experiences attending several JACL chapter installation dinners, including Downtown L.A., Riverside, and Pasadena. It highlights Dr. Ken Yamaguchi’s decision to enter the Buddhist ministry.
• Letter from New Orleans: Dear Mom and Dad, by Chiye Tomihiro, page 2. A woman writes to her parents about a difficult stop in West Memphis, Arkansas, where she and her husband were refused service because of their mixed marriage. The letter describes the hostility they faced and the relief of returning home.
• Priorities, by Henry T. Tanaka, page 2. Tanaka argues that JACL should prioritize its work, noting that chapter program setup and membership must be balanced. He emphasizes the need for practical planning to sustain chapter life.
• Ken Yamaguchi, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 2. Columnist Kats Kunitsugu describes Dr. Ken Yamaguchi, a Pasadena optometrist who sold his practice to study Buddhism in Kyoto. The column reflects on his joy in finding his path and his friendships.
• Atop a Soap Box, by Soren Ts Boerner, page 2. Boerner proposes reforms to JACL elections, urging that candidate positions be publicized in advance and that candidates answer panel questions at national conventions. He also suggests presidents-elect build their own slates of officers.
• From the Frying Pan, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The column profiles Denver Burlington Northern executive Paul Watanabe, a Seattle Nisei who now serves as vice president for international trade. It discusses his views that Nisei should move into top management and the lost decade.
• Mental Health of Children, by K. Patrick Okura, page 3. Okura, executive assistant at the National Institute of Mental Health, discusses factors that help children grow up mentally healthy. He identifies parents’ emotional state, allowing children to grow independently, and community attitudes as crucial.
• Dr. Doi: Continued Kyoto Travel Notes, by Dr. Roy Doi, page 3. Doi continues his Kyoto travel account, describing shrine sales, shopping districts, and inexpensive restaurants. He explains that the best-known sites are less interesting than some smaller temples.

JACL

• April 15 Deadline to Select High School Graduates for JACL Scholarships, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seventeen National JACL scholarships totaling $5,400 are available to 1973 high school graduates continuing to college. Local chapters must nominate their most qualified candidates by April 15, with awards to be announced in May.

National

• Matsunaga Bill for Peace Department Re-Introduced, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Spark Matsunaga re-introduced legislation to establish a cabinet-level Department of Peace, with a companion bill in the Senate. He said the end of the Vietnam War may improve its chances in the 93rd Congress.
• Private Swim Club Exclusion of Blacks Nixed, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a neighborhood swim club granting preference to area residents could not deny membership based on race. The decision relied on an 1866 civil rights law.

Community

• Progressive Westside JACL Board Action Viewed as Mass Resignation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Progressive Westside JACL board’s action was viewed as a mass resignation, and the report discusses the chapter’s stated views and principles. The organization’s internal disagreements are described.
• Five-Day Work Week Underway in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Four major member firms of the Toyota Motor Group will implement a five-day work week starting April 1. Mitsubishi Motors is also scheduled to adopt the system in April.
• Tri-District Meeting Draws 160 JACLers to Fresno, by Harry K. Honda, page 1. The first Tri-District Meeting of California’s 60 chapters drew over 160 delegates to Fresno and included a farm tour, panels on legislation, farm labor, and membership. Speakers addressed housing for the aged, political action, and JACL’s role for youth.
• Nisei Views on Career Education, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACLers attended the National Conference on Career Education in Washington, D.C., to discuss its implications for minority communities. The Japanese American caucus warned that career education could channel minority students into stereotyped jobs and called for Asian American input at decision-making levels.
• Southland Issei Sign Up for Hanami Trip Set March 31, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pioneer Project’s annual Hanami flower-viewing excursion for Issei from Los Angeles and surrounding counties is set for March 31. Sign-ups close March 26 and the fee is 50 cents per person.
• Asian American Unit Urged for L.A. County Department of Social Services, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Thirty-five Asian American community representatives urged the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services to create an Asian American unit. Complaints cited few Asian American staff and inadequate bilingual services.
• Unruh Free-Planting Program in L.A. to Reduce Smog Coordinated by Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Architect George Shinno leads the volunteer group TREES, which distributes pine seedlings to Los Angeles residents to help fight smog. The program follows a proposal by mayoral candidate Jess Unruh.
• Asian Americans Hear L.A. Mayoral Candidates, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mayor Sam Yorty defended his overseas trips and his eight years of achievement at a luncheon sponsored by the Asian American Civic Action Committee. He said he has appointed more Asian Americans to city commissions than his predecessors.
• Fukai Spearheads Anti-Drug Program for County Youth, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mas Fukai, appointed to the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Commission, developed a sports and narcotics education program for youths aged 8-13. The program will expand to ten regional parks this summer.
• Japanese Fair Trade, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japan External Trade Organization plans to hold the first Japanese industrial trade fair in North Korea by autumn. The report is brief.
• Philadelphia Hosts EDC Quarterly with Installation, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Eastern District Council quarterly meeting in Philadelphia included an installation of chapter officers and a luncheon. Chapter presidents and guests attended the event.
• Ushio Rebuts Critics Who Say JACL Dying, by Henry Mori, page 4. David Ushio, JACL national executive director, rebutted critics who claimed the organization was dying. He spoke at Downtown Los Angeles and Riverside installations, emphasizing JACL’s continuing relevance.
• Six Co-Chairpersons Lead Bay Area Community JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Bay Area Community JACL installed its 1973 cabinet at a potluck gathering in Berkeley. The chapter outlined programs in community involvement and public service.
• Satow Installs S.F. Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Former JACL staffer Mas Satow installed the San Francisco chapter’s cabinet. The event was attended by chapter members and local leaders.
• Pasadena Honors Two Members with Scroll, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Pasadena JACL presented scrolls to two members for their service to the chapter. The honors were presented at the chapter’s installation banquet.
• Riverside Installs Glen Michel President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Riverside JACL installed Glen Michel as its new chapter president. The installation dinner featured guest speakers and chapter recognition.
• Tashima Installed at Livingston-Merced, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Helene Tashima was re-elected president of the Livingston-Merced JACL chapter and installed at a potluck dinner. Issei from the Livingston-Cortez area were honored guests.
• Berkeley JACL Hosts Invitational Cage Tryouts, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Berkeley JACL hosted invitational basketball tryouts for local players. The event was part of the chapter’s youth activities.
• West L.A. Slates Night for Mayoral Candidates, by P.C. Staff, page 4. West Los Angeles JACL announced a general meeting where mayoral candidates were invited to speak and answer questions. Most candidates accepted or arranged representatives.
• Arizona JACL Preparing Directory, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Arizona JACL set a deadline for late chapter entries to its membership directory. Members were asked to submit information promptly.
• San Mateo Transit Expansion Supported, by P.C. Staff, page 4. San Mateo JACL endorsed the expansion of the county transit system, including additional buses and extended routes. The chapter’s statement was submitted at a public hearing.
• Hawaii Today, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Hawaii news items cover hotel advance-deposit policies, Operation Aloha housing for stranded tourists, and state legislative matters. Items also mention the Hawaii Hotel Association and University of Hawaii developments.

In-Depth

• A Nisei View of Japan: Kyoto, ‘Untypical’ Japan, by Dr. Roy Doi, page 2. Dr. Roy Doi describes Kyoto and Nara as the most interesting regions for learning Japanese history, religion, and architecture. He recommends temples, gardens, shrine sales, and local restaurants.

Obituaries

• Heart Disease Research of Japanese in Calif., Hawaii, Honshu Reviewed, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Researchers report that middle-aged Japanese men in the U.S. have twice the chance of dying from heart attacks as men in Japan. A forum of the Japanese American Health Research Project explained findings from its study of 3,800 subjects.

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