Redress payments and the governor’s veto of SB 353

Vol. 113, No. 13, October 25, 1991. 12 pages. View this issue

Redress and the Civil Liberties Act were behind the lead news of this 12-page issue. California Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed SB 353, a bill by Sen. Patrick Johnston that would have kept redress payments from counting as income or resources for Medi-Cal eligibility. JACL issued a written statement against the veto. The JACL Education Committee also met in San Francisco to plan a curriculum guide, and national board meeting news covered a proposed state leadership program and committee appointments, including the Legacy Fund. Letters on page 6 and 7 argued over the wording of the redress apology letter.

Other pages reported on chapter news, including West Los Angeles JACL’s 50th anniversary and Sacramento JACL’s 60th anniversary dinner, with Rep. Robert Matsui as guest speaker. Bill Marutani’s columns looked at garlic and a Japanese barbershop. Page 9 gathered honors for Bill Hosokawa, Kristi Yamaguchi and others, and page 5 carried a note on plans for a monument at the Poston camp site.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Education Committee Focuses on Better Asia Coverage in JACL Curriculum, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL Education Committee met in San Francisco to plan a curriculum guide focused on the Japanese American experience as well as broader Asian American history. The committee will reconvene in February to refine its goals while national staff gather resources for review and dissemination.
  • Groups Voice Opposition to Sentencing in Loo Civil Rights Case; Matsui Protests, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Community groups including the Loo family and Asian American organizations protested the sentencing in a civil rights case, with Rep. Robert Matsui among those objecting. The article discusses reactions to the sentence handed down in the case.
  • News Media Grant Announced by Freedom Forum to Improve Asia Coverage, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Freedom Forum announced an expanded Asian Studies Fellowship Program aimed at improving news media coverage of Asia. The program, based at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, offers intensive academic study in Asian cultures and institutions to mid-career journalists.

JACL

  • New JACL State Leadership Program Proposed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A proposal for a JACL state leadership program was discussed at the national board meeting in San Francisco, aimed at identifying and training young JACL members for future leadership roles. The program would be based in Sacramento and expose 12-16 youth to the political and policy-making process at the state level.
  • National Board Meeting Highlights: Appointments and Committees, by P.C. Staff, page 1. At the JACL national board meeting, new governors were announced including Yoshida for Pacific Northwest and appointments to the Legacy Fund Committee including Beth Renge as chairwoman. The Legacy Fund Grant Committee members were also confirmed at the meeting.
  • JACL Criticizes Governor’s Veto of SB 353, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL issued a written statement condemning Gov. Wilson’s veto of SB 353, saying ‘our community did not deserve this.’ The organization expressed concern that the veto undermines the basic principle that redress payments should not be treated as ordinary income or assets.
  • JACL Youth Group to Meet for National Youth Conference, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The JACL National Youth Conference, scheduled for Nov. 8-10 in Torrance, California, will feature leadership skills development and advocacy training workshops. Topics include cultural values leadership development presented by LEAP and advocacy training led by Marissa Castro.
  • Sacramento JACL Plans 60th Anniversary Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Sacramento JACL will hold its 60th anniversary dinner on Nov. 25 at the Reddison Hotel, honoring charter members who formed the chapter in 1931. Rep. Robert Matsui will be the guest speaker, and the event will include a tribute to the late Mike Masaoka.
  • Fresno JACL Establishes Chapter Civil Rights Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Fresno JACL Board announced the establishment of a chapter civil rights fund to help defray litigation costs in cases impacting Japanese American civil rights. The Central California JACL board has already allocated $2,000 to the fund.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Gov. Wilson Vetoes Bill That Would Protect Redress Payments, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed SB 353, citing a potential loss of $7 million over five years, a bill that would have closed loopholes allowing the state to claim portions of redress money from Japanese Americans on Medi-Cal. The bill, authored by Sen. Patrick Johnston, would have exempted redress payments from consideration as income or resources for Medi-Cal eligibility purposes.
  • Poston Monument Plans Underway, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Plans for a monument at the Poston incarceration camp site are underway, with approximately $50,000 needed for building and maintenance. Details on the fundraising effort are provided in the brief.
  • Diablo Valley Chapter Conducts Oral History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Diablo Valley chapter’s oral history project committee met with Nikkei old-timers to record memories of life through WWII and the immediate postwar period. Guidelines from the National Japanese American Historical Society are being used by the committee.
  • Fresno Redress Recipients Give Back to JACL Legacy Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Pioneer JACL member Fred Hirasuna expressed hope that new redress recipients would contribute to the JACL Legacy Fund, citing JACL’s decade of effort and $1.5 million spent lobbying for redress. Central California recipients had already contributed over $103,610 to the fund.

Commentary

  • OCA Statement on Loo Case Sentencing, page 2. A statement regarding the sentencing in the Jim Loo case expressed that the perpetrator should pay for his actions and was just as guilty as his brother. The OCA expressed gratitude to Jim Loo and his friends for their efforts.
  • Of Plates, Frijoles and Garlic, by Bill Marutani, page 6. The columnist reflects on friends’ seaside property in the Pacific Northwest at risk from shifting geological plates, then transitions to discussing scientific efforts to reduce the digestive effects of beans and the odor of garlic. He highlights inventor Isao Sakai’s method of treating garlic to reduce breath odor while retaining flavor, now marketed through a company founded by Taeko Bybee.
  • A Tonsorial ‘Must’ for Tourists, by Bill Marutani, page 6. The columnist describes in detail the elaborate experience of visiting a barber in Japan, including hot towels, scalp massage, shampooing, and a thorough straight-razor shave. He recounts a humorous encounter with Aomori-ben dialect at a barbershop and later at a KFC, reflecting on regional Japanese dialects and his own family’s Fukuoka origins.
  • Natto Touted as Answer to World Food Problem, by Harry Honda, page 6. President Alberto Fujimori admitted disliking natto and shoga at a press event, prompting a discussion of fermented soybean natto’s nutritional value and its promotion by producer Seihan Yamada as a solution to future world food shortages. The article notes natto’s popularity mainly in the Tohoku region and around Tokyo, while western Japanese, including the columnist’s own family from Fukuoka, generally avoid it.
  • New Letter of Apology an Insult, page 6. A letter to the editor criticizes the redress apology letter for lacking a proper salutation and date, calling it impersonal and demonstrating an arrogant attitude by the ORA. The writer urges the national JACL to press ORA to follow recommendations for improving the apology document.
  • Responding to Hatchimonji Letter, by JACL/LEC Vice Chr/Operations, page 7. A JACL-LEC official responds to a previous letter criticizing the redress apology letter, defending the practical reasons why individualized salutations were not feasible given the volume of over 70,000 transactions. The writer notes that ORA reported very few complaints about the letter and defends the efforts made to improve its wording and presentation.
  • PC Cartoon Controversy, by Arthur Morimitsu, page 7. A letter responds to a previous claim that a Pacific Citizen cartoon was racist, noting that the original letter writer publishes a veterans newspaper in Indianapolis that has favorably covered Nikkei veterans including Sen. Inouye. The letter defends the original cartoon against charges of racism.

Community

  • PSW Chapters Recognize Own Luminaries, by Harry K. Honda, page 3. The Pacific Southwest District Council held a special recognition event at the Gateway Holiday Inn honoring chapter leaders including individuals from Arizona, Carson, Downtown LA, East Los Angeles, and other chapters. Lifetime achievement awards were given to Clarence Nishizu, a 50-year JACLer, along with recognition of incoming district officers for the Nov. 2 quarterly meeting in Las Vegas.
  • Matsui Addresses Japanese Chamber of Commerce 40th Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Rep. Robert Matsui was keynote speaker at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, affirming that Japanese Americans have a stake in the future of U.S.-Japan affairs. Matsui also commented on Pearl Harbor remembrance, Middle East relations, and the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings’ impact on public service and workplace sexual harassment issues.
  • California Educator Seeks to Bring Asian Pacific Concerns to Chamber Group Politics, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Dr. Noji, assistant to student services, announced efforts to address concerns facing the Asian Pacific community through political engagement. The article discusses his role and activities in this capacity.
  • Robin Maeda Wins $5,000 Grand Prize in Alcohol Awareness Poster Competition, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Robin Maeda, a University of Hawaii-Honolulu student, won the grand prize in the ‘Know When to Say When’ poster competition sponsored by Anheuser-Busch. The contest was held in conjunction with National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.
  • Getting in Business: Starting Your Own Business Program Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The American Woman’s Economic Development Corporation announced a nine-session business course to be held at the Japanese Village Plaza in Los Angeles. Topics include creating a business plan, marketing, insurance, business law, and sources of business capital.
  • Mazda Scholarships Offered to American High School Students, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Twenty-nine American high school students will have the opportunity to study in Japan under an increased Mazda summer scholarship program. Students are selected based on academics, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, and written essays, with an application deadline of Dec. 6, 1991.
  • Asian Americans Honored for Legal Work at APALC Awards Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California held its sixth annual awards dinner at the Biltmore Hotel, honoring individuals and organizations for enhancing the lives of Asian Pacific Americans. Awards included the Legal Impact Award to Congressman Howard Berman and Pro Bono Awards to several attorneys for their community legal service.
  • Contra Costa JACL’s Kid’s Day Set for November, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Contra Costa JACL will host a Kid’s Day event on Saturday, Nov. 9, featuring activities and free admission for families. The event will be held at the East Bay Free Methodist Church in El Cerrito.
  • West L.A. JACL Celebrates 50th Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 7. West Los Angeles JACL will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a champagne brunch and installation ceremony on Nov. 10 at the Holiday Inn Bay View Plaza in Santa Monica. National JACL President Cressey Nakagawa will serve as keynote speaker.
  • San Mateo Chapter Shares Kiku Matsuri Mum-Growing Tips, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Garden expert Eugene Omi shared tips on growing mums for the annual Kiku Matsuri in Concord, published in the chapter’s September newsletter. A chartered bus will take seniors to the all-day flower exhibit excursion.
  • Mile-Hi JACL Offers Special Young Adult Membership Rate, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Mile-Hi JACL announced a special first-time $30 membership rate for young adults aged 21-35, an unprecedented offer in JACL history. The chapter will also host the 1992 National JACL Convention in August 1992 at the Scanticon Hotel.
  • Orange County JACL Sponsors Japan Fall Tour Featuring Camp Survivors, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Orange County JACL is sponsoring a Japan fall tour aimed at connecting former WWII camp internees with a Tokyo broadcasting company interested in airing their personal stories in Japan. The tour includes stops in Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kyushu.
  • New York Chapter Hosts Ikebana and Pressed Flower Program, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A JACL-sponsored program in New York featured master Ju Hata of the Sogetsu school of Ikebana and artist Sarah Sogi demonstrating pressed flower art. The event was part of a series on Japanese American cultural heritage held at the Japanese American United Church.
  • Multi-Lingual TV Programming Arrives in Sonoma County, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Multi-lingual TV programming aired over KTSF came to Sonoma County via MultiVision Cable TV, culminating a two-year campaign by a coalition including Sonoma County JACL, Redwood Empire Chinese Association, and Filipino American Community of Sonoma County.
  • Sequoia JACL Plans Annual New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The annual JACL New Year’s Eve dinner-dance will be held at the Holiday Inn in the Palo Alto area, featuring dinner and music by Ed Oliveira. The event has been a longstanding social affair for the chapter.
  • Evelyn Hori Named Development Director for San Jose Nikkei Senior Service, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Evelyn Hori was announced as the new development director for San Jose Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American community senior services by board president Jane Kawasaki. Hori recently completed a thesis on the future of Little Tokyo and is a UC Santa Cruz graduate.
  • Dr. Inaba Honored as Distinguished Alumnus by UC San Francisco Pharmacy School, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Dr. Inaba, son of Flu and Misao Inaba of Sacramento, was honored as the Distinguished Alumnus of 1991 by the UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy Alumni Association, becoming the first Japanese American to receive the award. He is recognized internationally for his work in psychopharmacology and chemical dependencies, including pioneering detoxification protocols at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic.
  • Wayne N. Tanaka Honored for School Safety Leadership, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Wayne N. Tanaka, principal of Robison Jr. High School in Las Vegas, was one of ten chosen nationally by the National School Safety Center for Principles of Leadership honors. He was recognized for helping at-risk students and creating programs for latchkey kids.
  • Robert Kiyoshi Fujimura Named Executive Director of U.S. Taekwondo Union Training Center, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Robert Kiyoshi Fujimura was named executive director of the U.S. Taekwondo Union’s training center in Colorado Springs. He managed the 1991 U.S. Olympic Taekwondo championships and holds a 4th degree black belt.
  • Illinois Governor Appoints Asian Americans to State Boards, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Illinois Governor Jim Edgar appointed Midong Choi and reappointed Irene Cualoping to the Minority and Female Business Enterprise Council. Patricia Yuriko Rubin was also elected secretary of the Illinois state board of education, the first Asian American named to the board in 1987.
  • Idaho State Senator Lynn Tominaga Resigns Seat, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Idaho State Senator Lynn Tominaga, believed to be the only Idahoan of Japanese ancestry to serve in the state legislature, announced his resignation to work fulltime on state water interests. Governor Cecil Andrus must appoint another Republican to serve the remainder of his term.
  • Fran Kirihara Receives Distinguished Bishop’s Award, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Fran Kirihara of Livingston, California received the Distinguished Bishop’s Award from the 1991 United Methodist Conference for her many years of service to her church and community. She is a founder of the Merced County League of Women Voters and has received multiple peace and service awards along with her husband James.
  • Shig Tsudaka Honored by Inland Empire Nurses Association, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Shig Tsudaka, R.N., a lactation specialist at Spokane’s Sacred Heart Medical Center, was honored by the Inland Empire Nurses Association for her 40 years of service dispensing advice to new mothers. She hails from Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Obituaries

  • Mary Connelly McMillan, Missionary Who Aided Atomic Bomb Survivors, Dies at 76, page 8. Mary Connelly McMillan, a United Methodist missionary who taught at Hiroshima Jogakuin before being repatriated to the U.S. in 1942, worked with evacuees at Topaz and later returned to Hiroshima to help atomic bomb survivors and young women until her retirement in 1950. She was decorated by the Emperor and is survived by a brother and three sisters.
  • Mrs. Sayeko Yamanaka Remembered in Private Family Viewing, page 8. Mrs. Sayeko Yamanaka, a 74-year-old San Francisco-born Nisei resident of Whittier, passed away on Oct. 15 at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. A private family viewing was held Oct. 19 at Fukui Mortuary, and she is survived by her husband Dr. George Akira Yamanaka, son Wesley K. Oyama, and grandson Wesley Kevan Oyama.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Bill Hosokawa Honored as 1991 World Citizen, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Bill Hosokawa, 76, was honored by the Institute of International Education as the ‘1991 World Citizen’ for his contributions to international cooperation and understanding. A dinner was held celebrating his career achievements.

Sports

  • Kimiko Places Second in Gymnastics Competition, by P.C. Staff, page 9. A young gymnast named Kimiko placed second in Uneven Bars, second in Floor Exercise, and third in Balance Beam at a competition, narrowly missing first place to teammate Amy Rojas. She did not place on the Vault.
  • Kristi Yamaguchi Honored with Nikkei Foundation Outstanding American Award, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Kristine Yamaguchi, the 1991 world champion in figure skating, was accorded the Nikkei Foundation’s Outstanding American Award at a benefit gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The 19-year-old Sansei has been skating since age 6 and won her first major title at 15.

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