Vol. 78, No. 14, April 12, 1974. 6 pages. View this issue
Cleveland’s front-page columns opened this six-page issue by taking up anonymous letters in JACL chapter newsletters and arguing that letters to the editor should be signed. Other columns looked at plans for elderly Asian Americans in New York City, Detroit and Denver, and at the new convention format ahead of the 23rd Biennial National Convention in Portland, July 23-27, 1974. Shig Sugiyama reported that the headquarters building fund drive had reached about 70% of its $250,000 goal, and Mike Masaoka offered advice on answering racist materials.
Bill Hosokawa described a Denver visit by Japanese Ambassador Takeshi Yasukawa. Kats Kunitsugu reviewed the East-West Players’ ninth season opener, a play about a World War II internment camp romance. Page 5 gathers chapter news: Seabrook JACL’s chow mein dinner for 1,800 people, Santa Maria Valley’s scholarship benefit, and a Turlock Social Club gift in memory of Nisaburo Albers.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Letters to the Editor, by Cleveland, page 1. The columnist discusses anonymous letters to JACL chapter newsletters and argues that letters to the editor should be signed to be credible. He encourages writers to sign their names and to pursue constructive exchange with editors and readers.
- What Can I Do About P.R.?, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka advises Japanese Americans on how to respond to racist materials through letters to editors, broadcasters, and organizations. He argues that such protests are more effective than lobbying for public relations purposes.
- JACL Bldg. Fund—An Eastern View, by Shig Sugiyama, page 3. Sugiyama describes the JACL headquarters building fund drive in San Francisco and notes that it has reached about 70% of its $250,000 goal. He credits the Eastern District Council for strong support of national projects despite some opposition.
- The Envoy’s Visit, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa recounts the Denver visit of Japanese Ambassador Takeshi Yasukawa and his family and their interest in the Sakura Square project. He reflects on the value of visits by diplomats to the broader American heartland.
National
- Housing Project for Aged, by Cleveland, page 1. Asian American groups in New York City are combining efforts through JAHFA to build home care, visiting nurse, and socialization programs for the growing Asian American elderly. The column also notes Asian elderly concerns in Detroit and praises the Sakura Towers housing project in Denver.
JACL
- On to Portland, by Cleveland, page 1. District councils have reviewed the new convention format ahead of the national convention in Portland in July. Members are becoming more involved in decision-making on national programs and resolutions for the next biennium.
Community
- Portland and Gresham-Troutdale JACL Chapters Co-Host 23rd Biennial National Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Portland and Gresham-Troutdale chapters are hosting the 23rd Biennial National JACL Convention July 23-27, 1974. Convention planning and format changes are being prepared.
- Oregon’s Gas Crisis Easing Up, by Rowe Sumida, page 3. Gas availability in Oregon is improving and the convention is approaching. Sumida urges members to plan travel for the Portland convention.
- Chapter Pulse: April Events, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Several chapters announce April and May events, including Detroit’s spring meeting, San Fernando Valley’s talk on Nikkei values, and Contra Costa’s Issei appreciation night. Event details and contacts are provided for each.
- Seabrook JACL Starts 30th Year with Chow Mein Feast, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Seabrook JACL chapter served chow mein dinner to 1,800 people to kick off its 30th anniversary year. Proceeds support the chapter’s community programs including senior citizens and scholarships.
- Turlock Social Club Honors Nisaburo Albers, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Turlock Social Club donated funds in memory of charter member Nisaburo Albers, a Japanese pioneer who died at 103. Donations went to the JACL building fund and scholarships.
- Salt Lake JACL Newsletter Circulation Expanded, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Salt Lake JACL newsletter expanded its distribution to include Mt. Olympus members and other families. It provides employment and housing information to the community.
- Santa Maria JACL Chicken Teriyaki Benefit Raises Scholarship Funds, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Santa Maria Valley JACL’s chicken teriyaki benefit dinner raised $1,000 for its scholarship fund. The awards will be presented in May.
- Religious Holiday for Students Ruling Tested, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A proposed California measure would allow students to miss school for religious observance, but the issue remains contested in court. The article reviews the legal debate over the policy.
Incarceration & Redress
- Las Vegas Cab Driver Incident Followed Up, by Madeline O. Sakata, page 2. A Phoenix reader reports on her complaint about a Las Vegas cab driver who used obscene language toward a couple. The Taxicab Authority is still investigating the matter.
Arts & Entertainment
- Harry Kelly, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 4. East-West Players open their ninth season with Harold Heifetz’s play about a World War II internment camp romance. The review praises the performances of Steve Shemayme and Momo Yashima while noting weaknesses in the script.
Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.