Print or digital? The Pacific Citizen asks its readers, March 2010

Vol. 150, No. 4, March 5, 2010. 16 pages. View this issue

The future of the Pacific Citizen itself was the lead subject. Executive Editor Caroline Aoyagi-Stom asked JACL members and subscribers whether the paper should drop its print edition and go all digital, and Nalea J. Ko reported on the National Board resolution directing staff to plan that move. Elsewhere, the JACL and other groups denounced racism at UC San Diego, and some Asian Pacific Americans linked coverage of Toyota’s safety recall to Japan-bashing of the 1980s.

Also inside: the Merced Assembly Center memorial was dedicated, with John Tateishi writing on it, and the Day of Remembrance was marked in Idaho. The board endorsed the ‘Power of Words’ proposal on incarceration terms. In Little Tokyo, the Metro board agreed to study a new option for the Regional Connector. Ema Nakao wrote on living with a seafood allergy.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• A Digital Debate — Let’s Hear from the Membership, by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 2. Executive Editor Caroline Aoyagi-Stom urges JACL members and subscribers to weigh in on whether the Pacific Citizen should eliminate its print edition and go all digital, noting the paper already offers digital options but most readers still prefer print. She explains the financial realities of the print vs. digital debate and invites readers to respond via a coupon or letter.
• Merced Memorial, by John Tateishi, page 8. John Tateishi reflects on attending the dedication of the Merced Assembly Center Memorial, questioning how the camp was constructed in just 11 days shortly after Executive Order 9066, suggesting incarceration plans existed well before Pearl Harbor. He argues the memorial serves as an important reminder of the injustice and the effectiveness of the Redress campaign in educating Americans.
• Sashimi Sickness, by Ema Nakao, page 8. Ema Nakao describes living with a severe, lifelong allergy to seafood and shellfish that has prevented her from ever eating sashimi despite being Japanese American, requiring constant vigilance when eating out or buying Japanese food products. She credits her father for helping her adapt traditional Japanese recipes without fish, including homemade miso.

National

• Thrusting the Pacific Citizen into the Digital Age, by Nalea J. Ko, page 3. The JACL National Board approved a resolution directing PC staff to create a plan for transitioning the Pacific Citizen to an all-digital format, sparking debate among board members and members about timing and impact. Concerns were raised about alienating older members who prefer print, potential revenue losses, and whether eliminating print would actually save the organization money.
• Orange Chicken and Spam Musubi: The Growing Weight of APAs, by Christine McFadden, page 4. While Asian Pacific Americans historically have low obesity rates globally, growing evidence shows the gap between APA and other American obesity levels is shrinking, partly attributed to differences between traditional Asian cuisine and Asian American food. Students and experts discuss genetics, cultural factors, and lifestyle differences contributing to rising weight issues among APAs, particularly Pacific Islanders.
• APA Leaders Call For Policy Review After Racial Incidents at UC San Diego, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 6. Following a controversial ‘Compton Cookout’ party mocking Black History Month and a noose found on campus, the JACL called on UC San Diego to reject racial intolerance and review its hate incident policies. Students and campus groups staged protests and a ‘teach-in’ demanding stronger action against racism at the university.
• National Newsbytes, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 6. Washington state’s Legislature passed a measure allowing honorary degrees for students interned during WWII, and President Obama’s 2011 budget includes funding for camp preservation projects like the Bainbridge Island memorial. Other briefs cover Tammy Duckworth declining a lieutenant governor offer, immigration opinion polling, fraud lawsuits against a Chinese American association, and a detainee death lawsuit in Rhode Island.
• The Danger Behind Toyota Woes, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 7. Amid Toyota’s safety recall controversy, some Asian Pacific Americans warn that the intense media coverage signals a resurgence of Japan-bashing reminiscent of the 1980s and the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin. Experts and community members discuss the racial undertones of criticism directed at the Japanese automaker despite similar quality issues at American car companies.
• APA Leaders Criticize Report on Racial Violence, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 14. A long-awaited report on violent incidents between African American and Asian Pacific American students at South Philadelphia High School concluded race was a contributing factor but was criticized for failing to assign responsibility or offer resolution. The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund has filed a federal civil rights complaint over the ongoing harassment and violence against APA students.
• House Gives Boost to Native Hawaiian Government, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 14. The House passed the Akaka Bill by a vote of 245-164, giving Native Hawaiians the opportunity to establish self-governance similar to Alaska Natives and Indian tribes, despite objections from Hawaii’s governor. President Obama has expressed support for signing the bill, though it still needs to clear the Senate.
• Inouye Faces Little Opposition For Ninth Senate Term, by Herbert A. Sample, Associated Press Writer, page 14. 85-year-old Sen. Daniel Inouye is seeking a ninth term with no established opposition, backed by a substantial war chest and decades of political influence in Hawaii. The article profiles his career, his WWII heroism, his reputation for earmarks, and questions about his age and health as he continues to serve.

JACL

• New V.P. of Membership, IPC Member are Confirmed, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 5. David Lin was confirmed as JACL’s new vice president for membership, filling the vacancy left by Ryan Chin, and plans to work on membership growth and retention with national coordinator Tim Koide. The board also confirmed John Moy to the JACL’s Investment Policy Committee for a three-year term.
• ‘Power of Words’ Proposal is Endorsed, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 5. The national board unanimously endorsed the ‘Power of Words’ resolution to change euphemistic terms describing the WWII Japanese American incarceration experience, sending it forward for a vote at the national convention. If adopted, it would promote correct terminology in JACL publications and teacher training materials.
• JACL Chapter Dissolves, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 5. The Sawtooth JACL chapter in Idaho has dissolved due to low membership, unable to sustain the required minimum members to remain in good standing. Most former members are joining other local chapters.

Community

• APAs in the News, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 7. A roundup of APA individuals in the news includes 13-year-old Jack Tobe becoming the youngest Washington D.C. JACL board member, Goodwin Liu’s nomination to the Ninth Circuit, and several other JACL members receiving honors and appointments. Additional briefs cover a blood donor search, caregiver awards, and leadership appointments in healthcare and labor.
• Metro Board Agrees to Explore Alternative Build Option in Little Tokyo, by Nalea J. Ko, page 10. Little Tokyo stakeholders, including JANM and JACL-PSW, expressed support for a new fully grade-separated alternative for the Regional Connector Transit Corridor project after community concerns about the original build options. The MTA board approved studying the new underground option, which would minimize impact on Little Tokyo’s historic institutions and businesses.
• Merced Memorial Honors JA Internees, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 11. More than 150 former Merced Assembly Center internees and family members gathered to dedicate a new memorial featuring a bronze statue of a girl sitting on suitcases, commemorating the WWII incarceration of over 4,600 Japanese Americans. Rep. Mike Honda, who was interned there as an infant, spoke at the ceremony, and the memorial replaces an inadequate plaque criticized by Rep. Dennis Cardoza.
• JA Man Accuses Chevron of Allowing Harassment, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 12. John Suzuki, a longtime Chevron employee, alleges his supervisor called him a ‘stupid Jap’ and threatened him, leading to health issues that forced him into early retirement after the company allegedly refused to transfer him. Suzuki is filing an EEOC complaint and has drawn support from Asian Pacific American organizations demanding accountability from Chevron.
• IDC JACLers Mark Day of Remembrance, by P.C. Staff, page 12. For the ninth consecutive year, the Idaho Office of the Governor hosted a Day of Remembrance proclamation signing ceremony attended by former internees and JACL representatives. Lt. Gov. Brad Little and other officials spoke about the historical achievements of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
• JA Bar Association Pays Special Tribute to Nisei Veterans, by P.C. Staff, page 13. The Japanese American Bar Association honored numerous WWII Nisei veterans, including Pacific Citizen editor emeritus Harry Honda, at its 34th annual installation dinner in Los Angeles. District Court Judge Jacqueline Nguyen administered the oath of office to JABA’s new slate of officers led by incoming president Diana H. Nishiura.
• UCLA Seeks WWII Students, by P.C. Staff, page 13. UCLA is searching for former Japanese American students from the early 1940s who were forced to abandon their education due to WWII incarceration, in order to award them honorary degrees at a May 15 ceremony. Approximately 200 students attended UCLA before being forced out, and the university is asking the public for help identifying them.

Arts & Entertainment

• ‘The Biggest Loser’ Cousins Weigh in on Cultural Habits, by Nalea J. Ko, page 9. Cousins Koli Palu and Sam Poueu, competing on NBC’s ‘The Biggest Loser,’ have each lost over 70 pounds while confronting cultural attitudes toward weight and health within their Polynesian family, including diabetes and gout that run in their family. They hope to become role models for other Polynesians and reject blaming culture as an excuse for obesity.

Obituaries

• George Muneichi Yamasaki, page 15. George Muneichi Yamasaki, a renowned nurseryman and bonsai artist, passed away at age 105 in Auburn, California, after a life devoted to horticulture and landscape design despite being interned at Tule Lake during WWII. He received numerous awards for his work in bonsai and landscape art, including creating the famous ‘Queen’s Tree’ displayed for Queen Elizabeth’s 1983 California visit.
• William Kajikawa, Father of Arizona State Sports, Dies at 97, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 15. William ‘Bill’ Kajikawa, a WWII veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and legendary 41-year coach at Arizona State University, died of pneumonia at age 97. He coached football, basketball, and baseball at ASU, was inducted into multiple halls of fame, and had a practice facility named in his honor.
• George Fukui, page 15. George Fukui, who was interned during WWII and later served in the Army, passed away on Dec. 18, 2009 after a brief illness. He worked as a research scientist for 34 years and is survived by his daughters Tenley and Lisa Fukui.
• Hugo Kaji, page 15. Hugo Kaji, born in Livingston, California, was incarcerated at the Merced Assembly Center and Amache Relocation Center during WWII before serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. He returned to Livingston after the war to run the family farm and trucking business, and is survived by his wife Marion and four children.

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