Manzanar funding, Anaheim diplomas and the redress debate

Vol. 125, No. 3, August 1, 1997. 12 pages. View this issue

Manzanar led the August 1, 1997 issue. The Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved $310,000 for the Manzanar National Historic Site, and Sue Embrey of the Manzanar Committee hoped some of it would turn the former auditorium into a visitor center. Caroline Aoyagi reported on Ruth Matsuda and Toru Sugita, who received Anaheim High School diplomas more than fifty years after the World War II incarceration (often called internment) pulled them out of school. Redress also drew attention: Denny Yasuhara wrote that the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund gave too little to a JACL project to document the redress campaign, and a community forum on the Civil Liberties Act was announced for Little Tokyo.

Elsewhere in the 12 pages, Harry K. Honda continued his digest of the Peru hostage crisis and covered the Pan American Nikkei Association convention in Mexico City. Bill Marutani and Akemi Kayleng wrote columns, and the paper covered the documentary Beyond Barbed Wire, chapter scholarship winners, and a Gila River camp reunion in Las Vegas.

What’s in this issue

Incarceration & Redress

Senate subcommittee approves funds for Manzanar site, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved $310,000 in funding for the Manzanar National Historic Site on July 18, money that will go toward construction projects at the former WWII internment camp in Inyo County, Calif. Manzanar Committee head Sue Embrey hopes some funds will be used to transform the former auditorium into a visitor center, while Sen. Barbara Boxer pledged to maintain the site for future generations.
WWII Internees Get H.S. Diploma, by Caroline Aoyagi, Assistant Editor, page 1. Ruth Matsuda, 70, and Toru Sugita, 72, received their long-delayed high school diplomas from Anaheim High School more than fifty years after being forced to leave for Japanese internment camps during WWII. The two were among 29 Japanese American students who left Anaheim High in 1942 for the Poston, Arizona camp, and Matsuda’s son helped arrange the ceremony.
CLPEF Curriculum Summit Scheduled for August 2-3, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Civil Liberties Public Education Fund will co-host a curriculum summit August 2-3 in San Francisco to integrate lessons from the Japanese American internment into the nation’s education system. Co-chairs Elsa Kudo and Peggy Nagae say the summit aims to help CLPEF grant recipients collaborate and create lasting educational impact on internment curriculum.
Diplomas (continued), by Caroline Aoyagi, Assistant Editor, page 9. The article continues the story of Anaheim High School’s belated diploma ceremony for former Japanese American students, honoring Principal Paul Demaree who spoke out against the internment. Demaree’s daughters Gania Demaree Trotter and Ruth Demaree Preston attended the ceremony and shared memories of their father’s stance against the injustice, while a list of the 29 displaced students was included.

National

Immigrants Challenge Retroactive Application of SSI Restrictions, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nine immigrants from California and Oregon filed a class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles challenging the government’s retroactive application of noncitizen SSI eligibility restrictions from the 1996 welfare law. The plaintiffs argue the Social Security Administration’s policy deprives them of benefits owed before the law’s passage, violating Supreme Court rulings against retroactive application of law.
PANA Is Set for 21st Century, Chile Named Host for ’99 Confab, by Harry K. Honda, Editor Emeritus, page 1. The ninth biennial Pan American Nikkei Association (PANA) convention held in Mexico City drew more than 500 delegates, with Australia joining as the 12th member nation and Chile selected to host the 2020th convention in 1999. The gathering featured workshops, a new PANA Economic Committee, and remarks from Peruvian hostage survivor Samuel Matsuda about his ordeal during the Japanese Embassy crisis.
Asians Laud Investigation of Hate Violence in Housing, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Asian Law Caucus attorney Gen Fujioka represented a dozen victims of racial violence in public housing, leading housing authorities to agree to relocate six families. Fujioka criticized housing authorities for continuing to steer Asian families into the same developments without improving conditions.
Fujimori’s Actions Cause Drop in Polls, Social and Political Unrest, by Stephanie Lai, Special to the Pacific Citizen, page 6. Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori’s approval ratings plummeted from 60 to 30 percent following scandals including alleged wiretapping of politicians and journalists, and controversial moves to seek a third presidential term. Opponents also allege discrepancies about Fujimori’s birthplace and citizenship eligibility, which he dismisses as attempts to discredit his government.
Organizations Discuss Unity and Welfare Reform at APA Leadership Summit, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The APA Leadership Summit convened in Chicago on July 19 to explore forming a unified national voice for Asian Pacific Americans, led by organizations including OCA, NAPABA, APALA, CAPACI and JACL. Delegates debated structure and purpose for a new pan-Asian organization, ultimately creating task forces to develop structure, communication networks, and a rapid response system.
Takasugi Appointed to Federal Budget and Taxation Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 7. California State Assemblyman Nao Takasugi was appointed to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Committee on Federal Budget and Taxation for the 1996-97 term. Takasugi, an Oxnard native and former Asahi Market owner, previously served as Oxnard’s mayor before his election to the state assembly.
Dr. Franklin S. Odo Named Counselor to Provost of Smithsonian Institution, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Dr. Franklin S. Odo was named to the newly created position of counselor to the provost of the Smithsonian Institution, tasked with preserving the heritage of 24 Asian Pacific American nationalities. Odo, a Princeton and Harvard-educated scholar, previously led Asian American studies programs and recently received a CLPEF grant for an oral history project.
Korean American Named DNC Outreach Director, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Kathleen Ahn was appointed director of Asian-Pacific American Outreach for the Democratic National Committee to focus on the 1998 elections. Ahn, a Georgetown Law graduate, previously served as a DNC deputy director during the 1996 elections and on the 1997 Presidential inaugural committee.

JACL

Leadership Development and Membership Focus of PNWDC/IDC Bi-District/Youth Conference, by Caroline Aoyagi, Assistant Editor, page 1. The Pacific Northwest and Intermountain Districts held a joint Bi-District Conference and Young Adult Asian Pacific Islander American Conference July 18-20 in Seattle, drawing over 100 attendees for workshops on leadership development and membership growth. National JACL officials, Warren Furutani, and local political leaders spoke on topics including political empowerment and increasing chapter membership.
PSW and NCRR to Sponsor Redress Community Forum, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL’s Pacific Southwest District and the National Coalition for Redress/Reparations are hosting a redress community forum on August 10 at the Little Tokyo Towers in Los Angeles. Dede Greene, Administrator of the Office of Redress Administration, will provide an update on the redress program under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 before the program’s final eligibility deadline.
PSW District to Host Awards Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL’s Pacific Southwest District will hold an awards dinner September 20 at the Torrance Marriott Hotel with the theme “Remembering Our Past, Empowering Our Future.” Honorees include civil rights leader Stewart Kwoh, longtime JACL volunteers Dr. Roy and Alice Nishikawa, and American Investors Financial Advisors, Inc.

Community

Kumasaka Bids for Seattle School Board, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Jan Kumasaka announced her candidacy for Position 7 on the Seattle School Board, a seat being vacated by Al Sugiyama. Kumasaka represents southeast Seattle in the race.
Making Mochi Video from Puyallup JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Puyallup Chapter of JACL completed a video demonstrating three methods of making mochi, funded by a National JACL grant and filmed by Steve Sasaki. The video is available for $23 through Puyallup Valley JACL.
St. Louis Hosts Japanese Festival, by Dave Lowry & Joe Yokota, Special to the Pacific Citizen, page 3. One of the largest Japanese festivals in North America takes place annually at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Japanese garden, drawing crowds of over 35,000 during Labor Day weekend. The festival grew from JACL’s 1960s Full Moon Festivals and now features Bon Odori, martial arts, calligraphy, taiko drumming and more, organized by the Japanese Activities Committee.
JACL to Host Young Adult/Student Rap Session, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The JACL Pacific Southwest District is sponsoring a community forum for Asian Pacific American young adults and students on August 19 at the JACCC in Little Tokyo. The forum will discuss topics including identity, political empowerment, community involvement, and gay and lesbian education, followed by an ice cream social.
Eden Township JACL Awards 1997 Scholarship Winners at Dinner Reception, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Eden Township JACL honored its 1997 scholarship recipients, graduating seniors, and parents at a chapter dinner featuring retired teacher Eleanor Girard Sekerak as guest speaker. Recipients included Valerie Lim, Andrea Wong, Roger Oda, Naomi Beppu, and Lindsey Shinoda.
Puyallup Valley Scholars Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Puyallup Valley JACL scholarship winners were honored at a program held June 7 at the Tacoma Buddhist Temple social hall. Winners included Robert Dunbar, Lawrence Hideo Cacciola, Laurel Megumi Hata, Brian Iwakiri, Lindsay Chiyomi Miki, Setsuko Lyn Murakami, and Jonathan Matsui, among others.
Ogden Taiko Drummers to Mentor Pocatello JACL Group, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Ogden Taiko drummers will perform at the Pocatello-Blackfoot JACL salmon bake and mentor a new chapter-sponsored taiko group being organized in western Idaho. Volunteers are needed to help build drums, stands and sticks for the new group.
900 Enjoy Gila River Camp Reunion in Vegas, by Joe Allman, page 5. Nearly 900 people attended the Gila River camp reunion in Las Vegas, featuring California Assemblyman Nao Takasugi as banquet speaker and events including a one-woman show by Jude Narita. National JACL President Helen Kawagoe, herself a Gila River internee, attended to renew wartime camp friendships.
Sacramento JACL Heads to 3Com Park for JA Day, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Sacramento JACL will participate in the 1997 Japanese American Day at 3Com Park on August 30 when the Giants host the Anaheim Angels. A package deal includes bus fare and game tickets, with pre-game activities honoring Japanese Americans who played professional baseball in Japan.
Ikeda’s Receives Governor’s Award for Outstanding Small Business, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Ikeda’s, a gourmet fresh fruit stand in Auburn, Calif. run by brothers Glen and Steve Ikeda, was named Small Business of the Year by the SBA’s Sacramento Region and received the 1997 California Governor’s Award for Outstanding Small Business Development Center Graduates. The business, started by their parents Sam and Sally Ikeda in the 1970s, is known for emu burgers, fresh fruit smoothies, and award-winning apple pie.
News Beat for Religion Editor Changes, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Veteran Seattle Times journalist Lee Moriwaki, religion editor since 1992, has moved to a new business news beat covering retail and commercial developments. His new assignment draws on his family background in real estate and his personal experience with downtown Seattle’s changes since joining the Times in 1975.
San Francisco Bay Area Program to Commemorate 52nd Anniversary of Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-Bombing, by Chizu Iiyama, page 11. A commemorative program on August 23 at Nihonmachi Terrace in San Francisco will feature Sansei activists Dr. Kay Yatabe and Geri Handa discussing their recent visit to Hiroshima, alongside Hiroshima survivor Seiko Chiyo. The event is sponsored by several organizations including the Women’s Concerns Committee of NCWNP JACL and Friends of Hibakusha.

Commentary

F.O.B. = Fresh Off the Boat, by Bill Marutani, page 4. Columnist Bill Marutani recounts several personal experiences with car dealers and service providers, questioning whether he received different treatment because of his Asian ethnicity. He reflects on aggressive sales tactics and a poorly done theft-alarm installation, wondering if a European customer would have been treated the same way.
It Must Be Told, by Dr. Mitsuo Miura, page 4. A poetic tribute honoring Nisei women for their contributions to the Japanese American family across generations. The piece reflects on memory, distance, and the passage of time through generations.
On Sansei Responsibilities, page 8. A letter writer reflects on Akemi Kayleng’s column about Sansei attitudes toward Nisei veterans and Memorial Day tributes, noting a shift from avoidance to respect. The writer recounts a veteran’s dismissive comment about monuments and calls for more Sansei to help complete memorial projects honoring Nisei soldiers.
Longtime Member Applauds JACL’s Activism, page 8. A lifetime JACL member expresses pride in the organization’s wide-ranging civil rights activities, including its stance against anti-immigrant sentiment and its advocacy for gay and lesbian equality. The writer commends JACL’s coalition-building efforts with other communities.
D.C. Memorial: A Superior Expression, page 8. A letter writer challenges Dr. Frank Nishio’s claim that the 100th-442nd-MIS Triad were sole ‘saviors’ of Japanese Americans, arguing many other Nisei served honorably outside these units. The writer contends the proposed D.C. Memorial should honor the full breadth of Nisei WWII service and wartime incarceration experience.
The Building and the Ice Cream Machine, by Akemi Kayleng, page 9. Columnist Akemi Kayleng reflects on feelings of unfamiliarity within one’s own community, using a metaphor about a donated Lockheed building and an old ice cream machine at the San Fernando Valley JACL. She connects this to memories of meeting her husband Steve’s extended family for the first time and feeling like an outsider before being welcomed in.
CLPEF Needs to Allocate More Funds to JACL/LEC Redress Project, Says Former National JACL President, by Denny Yasuhara, Former National JACL President, page 9. Former National JACL President Denny Yasuhara criticizes the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund for initially rejecting and then only minimally funding a $250,000 grant proposal from JACL’s Legislative Education Committee to document the redress campaign. Yasuhara argues the LEC was central to the decade-long redress effort and that the meager $25,000 grant insults the thousands of JACL members who worked toward passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

Military & Veterans

Rudy Tokiwa Honored with Excellence 2000 Award, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Rudy Tokiwa of Sunnyvale, Calif., received a ninth annual U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Excellence 2000 Award in Washington, D.C. for public service. Tokiwa, a 442nd RCT veteran, met with Sen. Robert Dole, who also fought in Italy during WWII with the 10th Mountain Division.
Hawaii Gallery of Heroes Inducts 442nd DSC Winner, by P.C. Staff, page 11. S/Sgt. Yoshimi Fujiwara, a Distinguished Service Cross recipient from Co. G of the 442nd, was inducted into the Gallery of Heroes at Fort DeRussy in Honolulu. Fujiwara single-handedly disabled an enemy tank with a bazooka during the 1944 liberation of Bruyères, preventing a German breakthrough.

In-Depth

Fujimori and the ‘Hostage Watch’ in Peru (3), by Harry K. Honda, Editor Emeritus, page 6. This installment continues the Pacific Citizen’s digest of the Japanese Ambassador’s residence hostage crisis in Peru, covering events from Day 27 through Day 44 including failed negotiations, police maneuvers, sniper fire, and the release of additional hostages. The piece details tensions between the Peruvian government, Red Cross intermediaries, and Tupac Amaru rebels as the crisis dragged into its second month.

Arts & Entertainment

Beyond Barbed Wire More Than Your Typical War Story, by Caroline Aoyagi, Assistant Editor, page 10. The documentary “Beyond Barbed Wire,” about the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service, premiered at a Los Angeles benefit screening attended by over 500 people. Veteran Yukio Sumida, who initiated the project after 50 years of silence, and filmmakers Terri DeBono and Steve Rosen discuss the film’s mission to tell a human story rather than just a war story.
Beyond Barbed Wire Heads to Sacramento, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The California State University of Sacramento Japanese American Archival Collection will premiere “Beyond Barbed Wire” at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento on August 26. Narrator Pat Morita is scheduled to attend, with Tom Nakashima serving as Master of Ceremonies.

Obituaries

Mary Tsukamoto Named ‘Notable Californian’ in Asian History, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Longtime Florin JACL member Mary Tsuruko Tsukamoto of Elk Grove was honored by the California State Senate and State Capitol Museum as a ‘Notable Californian’ in Asian History. Tsukamoto, who was interned at Jerome, Ark. during WWII, worked toward passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and co-authored the book “We, the People: A Story of Internment in America.”

Sports

Kelli Kamimura Ranks in Prep Girls’ Golf, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Kelli Kamimura, 17, a junior at Sedro-Woolley High School, won her third straight Class AA state golf championship with a nine-stroke victory and teamed with her sister Jenny to win the team title. Kamimura is ranked among the nation’s top 20 schoolgirl golfers and won three national junior tournaments the previous year.

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