Vol. 80, No. 2, January 17, 1975. 4 pages. View this issue
Community news filled this four-page issue. JACL National Headquarters announced that Charter Flight No. 1 was canceled from its 1975 schedule, and applicants could move to Flight No. 2 or apply their deposits elsewhere. John W. Dean III, former counsel to President Nixon, told Playboy that securing reparations for the forced removal of Japanese Americans was a personal project. Plans to redevelop the northside of E. First St. in Little Tokyo drew objections from tenants and property owners. A councilman urged more grassroots electioneering, and poet Lawson Inada was slated for the Orange County JACL installation.
Also inside: a plaque unveiled at the Saibara rice farm near Houston, a Washington court ruling on the DeFunis case, and a Blue Shield settlement with Asian American workers. Dr. Leslie S. Hiraoka wrote on the Rice Act of 1974, and a column profiled Nisei architect Raymond Moriyama. The Nisei VFW announced its 25th reunion for Feb. 14-16.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Charter Flight No. 1 canceled, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL National Headquarters announced the cancellation of Charter Flight No. 1 from its 1975 schedule. Applicants may reschedule to Flight No. 2 or apply their deposits to other flights.
Community
- More grassroots electioneering urged, page 1. A councilman urged Nikkei to become actively involved in elections to avoid becoming powerless in city politics. He stressed that he represents the whole district while keeping Nikkei perspectives in mind.
- Rep. Phillip Burton hails 75th commemorative confab of BCA in recent Congressional Record, page 1. Rep. Phillip Burton noted the Buddhist Churches of America’s 75th anniversary on the floor of Congress. The article recounts the church’s history of hardship, including wartime persecution and the arrest of its ministers.
- Poet-philosopher Lawson Inada slated at Orange County JACL installation, page 1. Poet Lawson Inada will entertain at the Orange County JACL installation dinner on Jan. 18 in Anaheim. Dr. Don Nakanishi will introduce him.
- Tragedy knits community, page 1. A series of robberies targeting elderly Japanese Americans in San Mateo culminated in the murder of Frank Masaji Tsujisaka. Community leaders from Asian and black communities called for cooperation to end the crimes, which they said were not racially motivated.
- Suzuki case: federal funds investigation sought, page 1. Threats against Dr. Robert Suzuki and his family at the University of Massachusetts have prompted calls for federal investigation. Friends have launched a letter-writing campaign to congressmen and officials seeking protection.
- Little Tokyo redevelopment, page 1. Plans to redevelop the northside of E. First St. in Little Tokyo are expected to be announced by the city. Tenants and property owners objected to the process, saying affected residents were not present at the final meeting.
- Texas marker set at Saibara farm, page 1. A plaque marking the Saibara rice farm founded in 1904 was unveiled near Houston as a state historical landmark. Family members and officials attended the ceremony.
Incarceration & Redress
- Dean interested in evacuee reparations, page 1. John W. Dean III, former counsel to President Nixon, said in Playboy that securing reparations for Evacuation was a personal project he started in prison. He called the treatment of Japanese Americans during WWII among the worst ever given to any group.
National
- Wash. State Supreme Court now holds DeFunis case moot, page 1. The Washington Supreme Court ruled the DeFunis case moot, and the University of Washington said it would continue its minority preference policy until ordered otherwise. The decision leaves the constitutional question unresolved.
- Court backs welfare for illegal aliens, page 1. A Sacramento Superior Court judge ruled that aliens in California may receive welfare without fear if they show documents of legal presence, but not if under deportation order. The ruling could cost state and county governments millions annually.
Military & Veterans
- Calif. Blue Shield to pay up in landmark bias suit, page 1. Blue Shield of California agreed to reimburse Asian American workers and improve minority training and promotion opportunities. The settlement followed a suit brought by the Asian Law Caucus on behalf of United Filipinos for Equal Employment.
- Nisei VFW set for 25th reunion, page 4. The Los Angeles Nisei Memorial VFW Post will host the 25th annual Nisei VFW reunion Feb. 14-16 at the International Hotel. Around 500 veterans and wives from 14 California posts are expected.
Commentary
- Rice Act of 1974, by Dr. Leslie S. Hiraoka, page 2. The author describes how US rice export subsidies and price supports hurt American rice farmers and consumers. He urges readers to write in with opinions on the Rice Act.
- Frying Pan: More than concrete and stone, page 3. The column profiles Nisei architect Raymond Moriyama and his Toronto buildings, including the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. It highlights his evacuee background and his philosophy of balancing architecture with ecology.
Obituaries
- Mrs. Kiyoko Miyama, 81, page 4. Kiyoko Miyama, mother of longtime Detroit JACLer June Otsuji, died Jan. 8 at age 81. Survivors include children and grandchildren in Detroit and Cleveland.
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