Vol. 77, No. 23, December 7, 1973. 6 pages. View this issue
A federal judge’s order on police hiring in San Francisco led this six-page issue. The ruling required the department to hire three minority members for each two non-minority members until 30 percent of the force represented minority groups. Also on page one, Assemblyman Paul Bannai spoke to about 270 people at the Central California JACL District Council convention in Fresno, and California Attorney General Evelle Younger apologized to the Chinese community over a Justice Department bulletin on tongs. On page six, Edison T. Uno wrote two pieces marking the Pearl Harbor anniversary, one a personal memory of that day in Los Angeles.
Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa described the San Diego JACL’s 40th anniversary banquet, and Kats Kunitsugu questioned protests over the Little Tokyo redevelopment project. The JACL National Headquarters building fund had received almost $55,000 in contributions and pledges. Dr. James Watanabe reviewed a 1934 Japanese-language yearbook, and Los Angeles County opened its first Asian Community Service Center.
What’s in this issue
National
- 1970 Census Shows San Francisco with Minorities at 43%, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A federal judge ordered San Francisco’s Police Department to hire three minority members for each two non-minority members until 30 percent of the force represents minority groups. The ruling followed a suit by Officers for Justice and other minority groups challenging discriminatory entrance and promotional exams.
- Asian Community Service Center Opens in Los Angeles, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Los Angeles County opened its first Asian Community Service Center at Patriotic Hall with bilingual staff to assist individuals with health, mental health, and social services. Supervisor Kenneth Hahn addressed the grand opening ceremonies.
- Last of Brazil’s Diehards Return to Japan for Visit, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A group of 14 Japanese immigrants in Brazil who refused to believe Japan lost World War II returned to Tokyo for a visit. They had settled near Sao Paulo and continued to believe Japan had won the war.
Community
- Bannai Keynotes Central California JACL District Council Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Assemblyman Paul Bannai addressed about 270 people at the Central California JACL District Council public relations banquet in Fresno, urging Nisei to vote for the best candidate regardless of ancestry. The convention also honored Delano JACL as chapter of the year.
- Gov. Brown Voices Concern Over Youth Gangs and Redistricting Impact on Asian Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Assemblyman Ken Maddy and State Sen. George Zenovich discussed opportunities for women in government and Japan-California relations at a Central California workshop. Separately, a court-ordered redistricting plan was reported to reduce representation for Asian American communities in Los Angeles County.
- Voluntary Action Center Serves as Link to Community, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Asian American Voluntary Action Center in Los Angeles recruits volunteers from Asian American communities and refers them to agencies. It also trains volunteers, helps groups develop projects, and links Asian American communities with general community agencies.
Commentary
- Attorney General Younger Apologizes to Chinese Community for Tong Article, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California Attorney General Evelle Younger apologized to the Chinese community for a July 1973 Justice Department intelligence bulletin that suggested a link between Chinese tongs and crime. He called the cover drawing showing a stereotyped Chinese figure with a weapon wholly inappropriate.
- Inadequate, by Harry Kawahatana, page 2. A letter to the editor argues that the Japanese language is phonetically inefficient compared with English. The writer compares the number of symbols and sounds in each language.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa describes attending the San Diego JACL 40th anniversary banquet and Pacific Southwest District Council meeting at the Hotel del Coronado. He profiles Helen Kawagoe, retiring district governor, and her husband Tak, and reflects on JACL’s culture of banquets.
- On the Margin: Bamboozle Me Not, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 3. A columnist critiques protesters opposing the Little Tokyo redevelopment project and the Community Redevelopment Agency. The writer argues that protest rhetoric about Japanese corporations and displacement of seniors oversimplifies a complex land acquisition process.
- Where Do I Go from Here, page 4. This column discusses the Japanese language and the difficulties its writing system presents for learners. It considers how the language’s structure affects communication.
- Lest We Forget, by Edison T. Uno, page 6. Uno reflects on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor and expresses concern that anti-Japanese sentiment may return amid growing Japanese business investment in America. He urges Japanese Americans to take proactive steps to avoid being targeted for the actions of Japan.
JACL
- JACL Building Fund Receives Almost $55,000 in Contributions and Pledges, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Almost $55,000 in contributions and pledges have been received for the JACL National Headquarters building fund drive, according to Ted Hirota and Mas Satow. The San Francisco chapter pledged $50,000 to kick off the campaign, with a goal of $250,000.
In-Depth
- Matter for Local Histories Found, by Dr. James Watanabe, page 3. Watanabe reviews a 1934 Japanese-language yearbook from the North American Times listing Japanese communities in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. He describes the history of Japanese farming communities in Fife, Washington, including lettuce and berry cultivation.
Arts & Entertainment
- Mona Lisa News Delights Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The French government agreed to lend Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa for exhibition in Japan next spring. Japanese art experts believe the loan was prompted by Japan’s loan of its national treasure portrait to a Nice exhibition.
Military & Veterans
- Where Were You on December 7, 1941?, by Edison T. Uno, page 6. Uno recalls his experience as a junior high student in Los Angeles hearing of the Pearl Harbor attack and feeling isolated as the only Japanese American in his class. He reflects on the fear and shame felt by Nisei following the attack.
Obituaries
- Toge Fujihira Dies in Vancouver, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Toge Fujihira, 97, staff photographer for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, died on assignment in Vancouver, B.C. He was a New York JACL member and is survived by family members.
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