San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival and a county fight over Thomas Noguchi

Vol. 94, No. 17, April 30, 1982. 12 pages. View this issue

San Francisco’s 15th annual Cherry Blossom Festival parade, held April 18, led the front page. An estimated 100,000 people watched it run from City Hall to Japantown, where Rene Fuji Shimada was crowned the 1982 queen. The other main story was the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ pending final vote on the demotion of Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner Thomas Noguchi, who planned to challenge it in court. Also on page 1 were Rose Ochi’s bid for Congress, a Census Bureau finding on Asian American family income, and a settled lawsuit against Bingham County Sheriff Mike Shiosaki.

In the columns, Bill Hosokawa wrote about efforts to save memorials at Heart Mountain, Amache and Rohwer, and Ron Wakabayashi imagined what redress could not restore. Mike Masaoka weighed JACL’s role in redress and U.S.-Japan relations. Elsewhere are notices of the Tule Lake pilgrimage on June 5-6, a Gila River camp reunion, and the Go for Broke pictorial history of the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

What’s in this issue

Community

  • 100,000 Watch S.F.’s CBF Parade, by P.C. Staff, page 1. An estimated 100,000 people attended San Francisco’s 15th annual Cherry Blossom Festival parade on April 18, which ran from City Hall to Japantown. Rene Fuji Shimada was crowned the 1982 queen among festivities featuring taiko drummers, kimono-clad marchers, and grand marshal Cyril Magnin.
  • Canadian Couple Die in U.S. Auto Crash, by P.C. Staff, page 1. George Tanaka, 69, and his wife Cana, 67, were killed in a highway accident in Grove City while on vacation. Tanaka was a founding member of the Japanese Canadian Citizens Assn. and had been involved in the Canadian Japanese history project leading to Ken Adachi’s book.
  • APAAC Membership Concept: Unifying 1,250,000 Asian Pacific Americans in Calif., by Clifford Uyeda, page 2. The Asian Pacific Americans Advocates of California held its first annual membership meeting in Los Angeles, led by Dr. Allan L. Seid, addressing issues affecting APA communities including budget cutbacks to social services. The group also took action on issues like INS raids in Little Tokyo and block grant funding equity for Asian Pacific Americans.
  • H’wood Women Lured to Japan, Victims in Vice Ring, Say Police, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Police reported that women from Hollywood were being lured to Japan and becoming victims of a vice ring, with some vanishing without a trace. Federal investigators and the FBI had investigated but gave up due to insufficient evidence, while U.S. consular officials in Japan said their hands were tied because the women were unwilling to go to Japanese law enforcement.
  • New Councilwoman Lily Chen Elected to Monterey Park City Council, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Lily Chen was elected to the Monterey Park City Council on April 13, garnering 4,764 votes. Prior to the election, she met with the Japanese American Citizens Committee to Elect Lily Chen.
  • Centenary UMC Slates Spring Bazaar May 1, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Centenary United Methodist Church will hold its annual Spring Bazaar on May 1 at the church grounds on S. Normandie Ave. Proceeds will go toward Centenary’s future church in Little Tokyo.
  • PSWDC to Co-host Reception for Judge, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A community reception for Superior Court Judge Ernest Hiroshige will be co-hosted by the Asian/Pacific Women’s Network, Japanese American Bar Assn. and the Pacific Southwest JACL District on May 13. Hiroshige faces two challengers for Office 102 in the June 8 primaries.
  • BSA Troop 379 to Celebrate 50th Yr., by P.C. Staff, page 3. Boy Scouts of America Troop 379 will hold its 50th anniversary celebration and reunion on May 22 at the Quiet Cannon Restaurant in Montebello. The troop, sponsored by Koyasan Buddhist Temple, has toured Japan and performed before the Crown Prince, with messages of congratulations expected from President Reagan and Sen. S.I. Hayakawa.
  • Crenshaw Summer Fest Set for July 24-25, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Crenshaw Oriental Summer Festival, sponsored by the Nisei Memorial VFW Post 9938, will be held July 24-25 in the parking lot of Crenshaw Square shopping center. The event will feature food booths, rides, games and raffles.
  • Marina JACL to Host Legal Awareness Forum, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Marina JACL will sponsor a Legal Awareness Forum on May 6 at Burton Chace Park, featuring Don Tamaki, director of the Asian Law Caucus, as guest speaker. Topics will include the Bakke decision and the Chol Soo Lee and Wendy Yoshimura defense cases.
  • JABA to Hold Community Law Day, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese American Bar Association will hold a Community Law Day on May 1 at Little Tokyo Towers, featuring legal presentations on landlord-tenant problems and L.A. City rent control ordinance. Admission is free and interpreters will be available.
  • NC-WN Plans to Update Its Rules, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Several proposals to update the NC-WNPDC district constitution will be discussed at the May 15 district session in Reno, including changes to governor term limits and dues structure. Dr. Yosh Nakajima, district governor, announced the amendments.
  • Monterey Peninsula’s 50th Fete Set, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Monterey Peninsula JACL is planning its golden jubilee celebration for September 18 at Holiday Inn on the Beach, with committees seeking old photographs and memorabilia. The chapter is also sponsoring other events including a Reno trip and scholarship awards.
  • Houston to Hold Asian-American Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Asian American Festival Assn. will hold its third annual event May 16 at Sharpstown Mall in Houston, featuring merchandise, food booths and cultural demonstrations. The local JACL chapter will have a food and sales booth with support from dance and martial arts students.
  • Contra Costa JACL Building Plans on Tap, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Steps to launch the Contra Costa JACL Building project will be discussed at an April 30 planning committee meeting. The chapter board has already adopted an ad hoc committee’s report on building plans.
  • MDC/EDC Youth Elect Mei Pramenko, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Mei Pramenko of Cleveland was elected as the new MDC/EDC district youth representative, succeeding Alysa Watanabe of Detroit. Over 50 youth attended the Spring Workshop in St. Paul which included discussions on membership, fundraising, and a redress strategy session with national redress director John Tateishi.
  • Dayton Program for ’82 Outlined, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Dayton JACL is preparing for its International Festival June 4-6 as a major fundraiser and cultural event, along with other planned activities including a fishing trip, state park outing, and installation dinner. Lisa Titus was selected to attend the Presidential Classroom in Washington.
  • Two Bodies Found from Bay Area Boat Wreck, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The body of a child was found near the Farallon Islands, believed to be one of the children of Fairfield orthodontist Dr. Yoshi Shitanishi, who was lost in rough seas in March. The body of Dr. Shitanishi’s wife Clara was also found and identified through dental records.
  • Tri-Valley Nikkei Set 40th Year Reunion, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A Tri-Valley Nikkei 40th Year reunion for former residents of Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Lompoc and San Luis Obispo County areas is slated for October 9-10. The reunion will feature a Santa Maria-style beef barbecue and golf tournament.
  • Canadian Center to Develop Property, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre announced its Caledon property project secured grants of $126,000, enabling development plans for the 850-acre property near Toronto. The site will include recreational facilities, picnic grounds, and workshops for community service.
  • Presbyterians Give $4,500 to LTSC, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The Little Tokyo Service Center received a $4,500 grant from the Southern California Synod of the United Presbyterian Church to hire a fundraising expert for its 13 member groups. Executive director Bill Watanabe expressed appreciation given cutbacks affecting community service groups.
  • Nakatomi Named to Judicial Commission, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Debbie Nakatomi, former JACL Headquarters administrative assistant, was reappointed to the State Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation. She currently serves as community affairs manager for CBS-TV station KNXT.
  • H’wood/Wilshire 1000ers Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Hollywood and Wilshire JACL hosted a champagne brunch honoring 1000 Club members, many with over 20 years of membership. Dr. Roy Nishikawa spoke about the club’s founding in 1947 and Art Ito described its growth in the L.A. area.
  • Chicago JACL Credit Union ‘#1’, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The 35th annual meeting of the Chicago JACL Federal Credit Union reported favorable results for 1981 despite the recession, with total assets of $682,305 and a federal auditor appraisal rating the credit union number one. Lincoln Shimidzu was re-elected to serve a 7th consecutive term as president.
  • Gila-Canal Camp Reunion Set Aug. 14, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Ex-internees of Gila River WRA’s Canal Camp will gather for a 40-year reunion in Fresno on August 14, with at least 500 expected for dinner. Dr. Akemi Kikumura, author of ‘Through Harsh Winters,’ will be the keynote speaker.
  • Health Fair Slated in San Jose May 2, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Japantown Health Alliance will hold a free screening and mini-health fair at the Nikkei Matsuri Festival in San Jose on May 2. The event will take place at the YuAi Kai office on Jackson St.
  • Asian Law Caucus to Celebrate 10th Year, by P.C. Staff, page 11. The Asian Law Caucus will celebrate its 10th anniversary on May 21 at the Japan Center in San Francisco. Guest speaker will be U.S. District Court Judge Robert Takasugi.

National

  • Noguchi Set to Battle County; Fundraiser Draws 650 Persons, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to take a final vote on the demotion of Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner Thomas Noguchi, who planned to challenge the action in court. A testimonial fundraiser drawing over 650 supporters, including elected officials and entertainers, was held in his defense.
  • Reagan Proclaims Week for Asian Pacific Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Reagan proclaimed Asian Pacific American Heritage Week beginning May 7, praising the contributions of Asian and Pacific immigrants to America. Various officials and organizations, including California’s Senate President and L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley, also issued proclamations and planned celebratory events.
  • $1.3 Million Suit Against Nisei Sheriff Settled Out-of-Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A lawsuit against Bingham County Sheriff Mike Shiosaki alleging sexual harassment was settled out of court during the second day of trial, with terms undisclosed. The sheriff maintained his innocence, and both plaintiffs and defendant expressed satisfaction with the settlement.
  • Rose Ochi’s Community and Legal Forte Highlights Her Bid for Congress, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rose Ochi, a city administrator and lawyer, filed for the Democratic nomination for the 30th Congressional District seat vacated by Rep. George Danielson. She emphasized her record of community service and legal work, including aiding Issei fearful of deportation and administering anti-crime programs in Los Angeles.
  • Asians Have Highest Median Family Income in United States, by P.C. Staff, page 1. According to a Census Bureau report released April 19, Asian American families had the highest median family income in the nation at $22,075, surpassing white, Latino and black families. The data also showed Asian Americans had the highest percentage of high-school-educated family members of any racial group.
  • Sheriff Continues from Front Page, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Details of the sexual harassment lawsuit against Bingham County Sheriff Mike Shiosaki were further explored, including allegations cited by plaintiffs’ attorney Clark Gasser and the defense’s characterization of the complaints as a calculated plan. The piece also recounts Shiosaki’s political history as a lone Democrat in a Republican stronghold and local JACL support for his legal defense fund.
  • Soldier’s Son Slain, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Derek Kusumoto, 14, son of Army Lt. Col. Howard Kusumoto, was found dead at Schofield Barracks and determined to have been killed. Two suspects have been charged in the murder and are awaiting trial.
  • Washington Post Says Japan’s Voluntary Quotas Aren’t Working, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Washington Post editorialized that Japan’s voluntary auto export quotas are doing little to help the American auto industry, as Japanese manufacturers have shifted to shipping more expensive cars. The quota may have made industry troubles worse by pushing competition toward costlier, more profitable models.
  • Suspect Arrested in Professor’s Shooting, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Jose Luis Partida, 28, was arrested for the shooting death of SFCC psychology professor Dudley Yasuda, who was gunned down in his campus office. Partida, a patient at a mental health clinic, had previously threatened to kill the professor weeks before the incident.
  • Ochi Continued from Page 3, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Further details on Rose Ochi’s background describe her family’s wartime relocation to Arkansas and her community involvement including pro bono legal counsel for the Manzanar Committee. A reception in her honor drew over 125 supporters, and Reps. Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui endorsed her congressional campaign.
  • Attorney Yamaoka Receives Posthumous Award from Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The Japanese government awarded a second, posthumous Order of the Sacred Treasure to George Yamaoka, a New York attorney who died of a heart attack in November. Yamaoka was the first Japanese American admitted to the New York State Bar and served as general counsel to Japanese war crimes defendants under Gen. MacArthur.
  • Japan ‘Aid’ to U.S. Proposal Discussed by Former Minister, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Former Japanese minister Zentaro Kosaka discussed a proposal for Japan to provide American companies access to lower interest capital or loan programs, speaking as a private citizen. A Japanese Finance Ministry official expressed opposition to using public funds for such a venture, fearing comparisons to a Marshall Aid plan.

Commentary

  • Nat’l JACL Board News/Notes, Part 5, by Harry Honda, page 4. This installment concludes coverage of the National JACL Board meeting, discussing U.S.-Japan relations committee discussions and Ron Wakabayashi’s proposal for developing JACL policy from chapters rather than staff. Major issues reviewed include a political action committee, deferred giving program, and immigration committee proposals.
  • Whether or Not to Institutionalize, by Sachi Seko, page 4. The column reflects on a friend’s struggle caring for his aging, possibly senile mother and his reluctance to place her in a nursing home. It raises the universal question of when is the ‘right time’ to consider institutionalized care for an aging parent.
  • Tough Questions on U.S.-Japan Affairs Face Nat’l JACL, by Mike Masaoka, page 4. In a letter to editor Harry Honda, Mike Masaoka argues that JACL’s leadership remains crucial to the redress campaign’s success despite other groups’ involvement, citing its unique Washington presence and lobbying history. He also raises questions about JACL’s potential role in U.S.-Japan relations given declining favorable American attitudes toward Japan.
  • Comprehending, by Bill Marutani, page 5. Marutani reflects on his difficulty understanding the practice of illicit drug use, acknowledging his own biases from habits like smoking or drinking. He emphasizes the seriousness of the drug problem affecting young lives and calls for understanding and support for those addicted.
  • Redress (?) for ‘What Might Have Been’, by Ron Wakabayashi, page 5. Wakabayashi explores a thought exercise imagining alternate histories for himself and the Nikkei community absent WWII internment, noting that the community lost significant economic and political opportunity. He concludes that redress cannot fully compensate for lost potential and hopes future generations won’t face similar remorse.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Rohwer Camp Memorial, et al, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. The column covers efforts to preserve memorials at three former WRA camp sites: Heart Mountain, Amache, and Rohwer. Sam Yada is leading a campaign to rebuild a crumbling war memorial at Rohwer honoring 32 Nisei who died in military service, with a dedication planned for Memorial Day weekend.
  • Tule Lake Pilgrimage Slated June 5-6, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The 1982 pilgrimage to Tule Lake will be held June 5-6 with the theme ‘Tule Lake Pilgrimage, 1942-1982: Our Struggle Continues.’ It is sponsored by the Japanese Community Progressive Alliance of San Francisco and other organizations.

JACL

  • NCWN Scholastic Honor Roll Open, by P.C. Staff, page 6. High school seniors with a 3.6 GPA or better who are JACL members or children of active JACL members in the NC-WNPDC district are eligible for the 1982 JACL scholastic honor roll. Applications with transcripts and test scores are due to Ted Inouye by June 30.
  • NY JACL Scholarship Forms Available, by P.C. Staff, page 6. New York JACL is accepting applications for its 1982 Lucile Nakamura Memorial Scholarship and General Scholarship, each worth $500. Deadline for applications is May 31.
  • Nat’l Board Queried in Seattle, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The National JACL Board addressed various items including a PSWDC resolution condemning illegal alien searches in Little Tokyo and review of appearance of ‘Jap’ in dictionaries. Membership totals for Dec. 31, 1981 showed 26,615 compared with 29,000 in 1980.
  • Preliminary Ranking of Nikkei Retirement Topics Told, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The JACL Aging and Retirement Committee, chaired by Dr. Michael Ego, held its first meeting with a preliminary survey showing member interest in topics like intergenerational issues, Social Security, and financial planning. A technical advisory committee of researchers and service providers was also appointed to assist with program planning.

Military & Veterans

  • Requiem for Comrades, by Barry Saiki, page 10. The column mourns the passing of Hiroshi Miura, treasurer of the Japan JACL Chapter, and reports on the serious hospitalization of two other Nisei veterans, Mike Ozaki and Mike Miyagishima, both of whom served long military careers in Japan. Saiki reflects on the historical significance of the 13,000 Nisei who served in U.S. armed forces.

Arts & Entertainment

  • ‘Go for Broke’ Book Due May 31, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The pictorial history book ‘Go For Broke: A Pictorial History of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team’ will be released May 31, enlarged to 184 pages with more photographs. The limited edition hardcover will be numbered 1 to 5,000.
  • Iko’s ‘Gold Watch’, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Stanford University’s Asian American Theater Project will stage Momoko Iko’s ‘Gold Watch’ at Toyon Hall for a weekend run in late April. Admission to the performance is free.

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.

More from Issue archive