The JACL convention in Sacramento: budget, awards and a new president

Vol. 83, No. 2, July 9, 1976. 4 pages. View this issue

The National JACL convention in Sacramento filled most of this four-page issue. Delegates adopted a $492,300 budget for the next biennium after a $1 dues increase failed, and the National Board held two extraordinary sessions on problems with the Foundation Responsiveness Project. James Murakami of Santa Rosa was sworn in as National JACL president. Michi Weglyn, author of Years of Infamy, was named Japanese American of the Biennium, and Dr. Clifford Uyeda received the gold medallion as JACLer of the Biennium. Bill Hosokawa and Sachi Seko wrote in the commentary pages.

Outside the convention, the California Legislature asked President Ford to pardon Iva Toguri d’Aquino. Robert M. Takasugi was sworn in as a federal judge in Los Angeles, and developers were invited to propose low-income housing for Little Tokyo. Reunion plans in Chicago and Minneapolis for Nisei and MIS veterans close the issue.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Nominations, Financial Statement Accepted in Session of First Day, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Council reconvened at the Sacramento convention, accepting nominations and reviewing the FY 1975 unaudited financial statement presented by accountants Kuni Yoshioka and Mal Visbal. Delegates also discussed procedural rules such as identifying speakers by name and chapter and submitting motions in writing.
• $492,300 Budget Adopted, $1 Dues Increase Fails, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL convention adopted a $492,300 budget for the next biennium with no membership dues increase. Regional office budgets were reduced and several recommended programs were cut to fit projected income.
• Foundation Responsiveness Project Problems Aired, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Board held two extraordinary sessions during convention week to address problems with the Foundation Responsiveness Project. A fact-finding committee found no misappropriation of funds but recommended fiscal management fixes.
• James Murakami: First Engineer to be National President, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sonoma County JACL member James Murakami, a professional engineer from Santa Rosa, was sworn in as National JACL president at the Sayonara Banquet. He previously served as president-elect and has a long record of chapter, district, and national service.
• Dr. Uyeda Named JACLer of the Biennium, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Clifford Uyeda of San Francisco was selected JACLer of the Biennium for his leadership on the Iva Toguri pardon committee and the Whale Issue committee. He received the JACL gold medallion at the awards luncheon.

Community

• Takei Appointed to Superior Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Governor Edmund Brown Jr. appointed Consumer Affairs Director Takei to a judgeship on the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Richard Spohn was named his successor as state consumer affairs director.
• Federal Judge Takasugi Sworn In, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Robert M. Takasugi was sworn in as U.S. District Judge in Los Angeles on July 6. He had previously served on the municipal and superior court benches.
• Low Income Housing Proposals Sought in Little Tokyo, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Community Redevelopment Agency requested development proposals for a 70-100 unit mid-rise low-income housing project in Little Tokyo. Developers have until July 26 to submit their plans.
• Nisei Veterans Parade on State Street, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Chicago’s Japanese American community is preparing a Nisei Veterans Reunion parade on State Street for July 24. Organizers expect participation from veterans of multiple wars and national figures including Rep. Patsy Mink and Gen. Mark Clark.

Incarceration & Redress

• Michi Weglyn Earns J.A. of the Biennium, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Michi Weglyn, author of Years of Infamy, was named Japanese American of the Biennium at the convention’s Sayonara Banquet. Jerry Enomoto and Harry Kubo received silver medallions as runners-up.
• Cal. Legislature Asks President Ford to Pardon Iva, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The California Legislature unanimously passed a joint resolution urging President Ford to grant Iva Toguri d’Aquino a full pardon. Rumors that a pardon would come on her July 4 birthday proved unfounded.

National

• Patricia Hearst Testimony Raises Serious Questions in Wendy Yoshimura Case, by Ruttle, page 1. The surprise disclosure that Patricia Hearst will testify against Wendy Yoshimura raises questions about the relevance and admissibility of any testimony covering crimes after April 1972. Defense attorney James Larson will receive Hearst’s prior statement to challenge her credibility.
• National Council Narrative: Financial Report and Budget Discussion, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The narrative continues with detailed discussion of the JACL endowment fund, restricted funds, record keeping, and the FY 1976 first-half financial report. Delegates debated budget overrides and the need for timelier financial information for chapters.

Commentary

• The 24th Biennial Is Over, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial reflects on the 24th Biennial convention in Sacramento, noting delegates’ enthusiasm for the Salt Lake City meeting ahead. It praises the Sacramento host committee and the budget compromise reached after the dues increase failed.
• Korea Revisited, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Columnist Bill Hosokawa describes his visit to Seoul, noting its rapid development, the American presence, and lingering memories of Japanese occupation. He observes that many Koreans prefer to look to the future despite past injustices.
• New York’s Nominee, by Sachi Seko, page 2. Sachi Seko praises Michi Weglyn’s selection as Japanese American of the Biennium and recounts the difficulties she faced publishing Years of Infamy. She credits the New York JACL chapter and Ruby Yoshino Schaar for promoting the book.

Military & Veterans

• Twin Cities All Set for MIS Vet Reunion, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rep. Spark Matsunaga will keynote the MIS veterans reunion dinner dance in Minneapolis on July 18. The festivities precede the 1976 reunion in Chicago and include a tour of the Twin Cities and a Japanese garden dedication.

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