Dr. Thomas Noguchi and the county coroner dispute, plus redress news

Vol. 94, No. 11, March 19, 1982. 12 pages. View this issue

The Pacific Citizen gave its front page and several inside pages to the controversy over Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the Los Angeles County coroner, who faced a 30-day suspension from the Board of Supervisors. Coverage includes John Saito’s call for fair handling at a JACCC press conference, a report on how the L.A. press viewed the case, and Noguchi’s appeal to community leaders at a JACL meeting. In redress news, John Tateishi reported that the CWRIC’s extension request went to the President, giving the Commission until Dec. 31, 1982. Mike Masaoka also wrote on redress, and Bill Hosokawa summarized an article by Ken Masugi opposing monetary redress.

Elsewhere in the 12 pages: San Diego JACL’s appeal for $300,000 for its Kiku Gardens senior housing, William Y. Nishimura’s appointment to a HUD post, and the JACCC’s second anniversary banquet. Ron Wakabayashi previewed the 27th Biennial National JACL Convention in Los Angeles, and Fred Hirasuna of Fresno was named to the Pacific Citizen Board.

What’s in this issue

National

• JACL-PSWDC Asks County for ‘Fair Handling’ of Noguchi Issue, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL Pacific Southwest regional director John Saito led a press conference demanding the county handle the Dr. Thomas Noguchi case fairly, citing concerns about racial bias given the county’s 1969 attempt to dismiss Noguchi. JACCC executive secretary Katsumi Kunitsugu and former JUST member Wally Ban also spoke about Noguchi’s cultural differences and lack of insider status within county administration.
• Noguchi Back in Center of Controversy, by Peter Imamura, page 1. L.A. County Coroner Dr. Thomas Noguchi faced a 30-day suspension from the Board of Supervisors over charges of office mismanagement, following a critical Los Angeles Times series detailing inefficiencies. Noguchi and his attorney Godfrey Isaac requested an impartial panel of forensic pathologists to review the case, drawing parallels to his 1969 dismissal fight.
• L.A. Press Views Mixed on Noguchi, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Los Angeles Times and Herald Examiner both called for Noguchi’s firing over mismanagement, while the Daily News took a more moderate stance requesting clear explanations before any dismissal. Columnist George Yoshinaga questioned whether community support groups would again raise racial issues in Noguchi’s defense as they did in 1969.
• Expressing Concern, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Pacific Southwest JACL Governor Cary Nishimoto read a statement expressing the League’s concern for fair handling of the Noguchi case by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. The photo caption notes Dr. Carole Fujita listening at the event.
• Noguchi Appeals to Community Leaders at JACL Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 7. At a special meeting at the JACL regional office, Noguchi’s attorney Godfrey Isaac argued that criticism of Noguchi was racially motivated and driven by a ‘country club’ attitude among supervisors who wanted someone more controllable. Noguchi defended his department’s performance given budget constraints and rising homicide rates, while JACL leaders including PSWDC Governor Cary Nishimoto called for fair and impartial handling of the case.
• AB 2710 Supported by S.F. Board of Supervisors, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors, on motion of Quentin L. Kopp, voted to support AB 2710, Assemblyman Johnson’s bill authorizing reparations for Nisei who were terminated from state civil service in 1942 because of their race.
• Former Rep. Patsy Mink Wins Out-of-Court ‘Guinea Pig’ Suit, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The University of Chicago agreed to pay $225,000 to three former students, including former Congresswoman Patsy Mink, who were unknowingly given the drug DES during pregnancy decades ago. The university also agreed to provide free medical care for the daughters of 1,000 DES mothers who develop a rare cancer linked to the drug.
• U.H. to Honor Distinguished Alumni, by Special to The Pacific Citizen, page 10. The University of Hawaii will recognize 75 distinguished alumni at its Charter Day luncheon as part of its 75th anniversary celebration, including the governor, both U.S. senators, and various judicial and community leaders. The Rainbow Awards committee eliminated current UH-affiliated nominees to broaden recognition across diverse fields.
• Nikkei Widowed Group, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The Los Angeles Nikkei Widowed Group held activities including officer elections and meetings at the JACCC, with Clarence Miura serving as a key organizer. Various committee members were recognized for their roles in hospitality, finance, and social activities.
• Noguchi’s Resignation Is Sought, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Chief Administrative Officer Hufford formally asked Noguchi to resign on March 5 following an investigation that found serious problems in evidence control and documented significant absenteeism due to private consulting work. Noguchi refused to resign, pledged to improve his office, and the Board of Supervisors subsequently suspended him without pay for 30 days.

Community

• San Diego CL Closes Escrow for Senior Housing, by P.C. Staff, page 1. San Diego JACL issued an urgent appeal for $300,000 to complete the $650,000 purchase of 3.2 acres in Chula Vista for its 100-unit Kiku Gardens senior housing project. The project has $4.3 million reserved with HUD and will include a rental subsidy program for low-income tenants.
• Seattle JACLer Named to HUD Post, by P.C. Staff, page 1. William Y. Nishimura, 58, was appointed Regional Administrator for HUD Region X by Secretary Samuel R. Pierce Jr., making him one of the top-ranking Nikkei in the Reagan Administration. A WWII MIS veteran and longtime Seattle Housing Authority executive director, Nishimura will oversee federal housing programs in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.
• AVAC Seeks Volunteers for Placement, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Asian American Voluntary Action Center is preparing a major spring recruitment drive to place volunteers in Asian Pacific organizations after a survey found agencies lost $3-3.2 million in funding and 130 staff positions due to government cutbacks. AVAC hopes to build a volunteer pool from seniors, students, churches, and business groups.
• Widow Support Group in S.F. Formed, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Nisei and Retirement group formed a support group for Nisei widows at the home of Elsie Chung in San Francisco, with professional guidance from the Shanti Project. Coordinator Daisy Satoda provided contact information for interested participants.
• New Youth Director to Visit PSWDYC, by P.C. Staff, page 6. David Nakayama, newly appointed JACL youth director at National Headquarters, made his first official visit to Los Angeles to meet with Pacific Southwest District Youth Council members. The meeting, chaired by Patty Honda, discussed spring workshops and youth events planned for the National JACL Convention.
• Chinese Contribution Cited in Rail Exhibit, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is featuring an exhibit on the Chinese American experience through March 22, highlighting the 12,000 Chinese workers who built the Central Pacific railroad through the Sierras from 1865-68. The exhibit commemorates their contribution to completing the transcontinental railroad.
• Asian Workshop on Methodology Set, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A 1982 summer workshop on methodology for Asian American research will be held at the University of Michigan, sponsored by the Pacific/Asian American Mental Health Research Center. The workshop will focus on computer problems and population research, with an application deadline of April 15.
• Floyd Mori Ends 10 Years of Public Service—Future Plans Told, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Former Assemblyman S. Floyd Mori resigned as director of California’s Office of International Trade to devote more time to family and his personal career. Mori, who served as mayor, councilman, and assemblyman, plans to move into international business consulting and marketing.
• Gardena Bukkyokai Rebuilding Again, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Gardena Buddhist Church Matrons and South Bay Keiro Nursing Home launched fundraising efforts, including a box lunch sale, to rebuild the church after an arsonist’s fire on Feb. 12. State Sen. Ralph C. Dills purchased 50 box lunch tickets to support the cause.
• L.A. Olympic Taps Sanyo Electric, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Sanyo Electric joined the growing list of official sponsors for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, agreeing to donate video equipment and related services. Sanyo’s products will be cited as official for the 23rd Games.
• Nikkei Saves Victim of Fiery Car Crash, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Redondo Beach grocery clerk Paul Saito helped save a burning man who leaped from a fiery car accident in Gardena on Feb. 21. The driver who caused the crash, Tony Milton, 22, was held on suspicion of manslaughter.

Incarceration & Redress

• Redress Phase 4: Extension Bill, by John Tateishi, page 2. The CWRIC’s extension request was approved by both House and Senate and sent to the President for signature, giving the Commission until Dec. 31, 1982 to complete its work. The major remaining concern is securing additional funding beyond the original $1 million appropriation, which will require separate legislation and could affect redress lobbying strategy timing.

JACL

• JACCC Fetes Three Pioneers and Celebrates Its 2nd Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center celebrated its second anniversary with a testimonial banquet honoring George J. Doizaki, Katsuma Mukaeda, and Dr. Franklin D. Murphy for their fundraising and leadership efforts. The Biltmore Hotel event drew over 500 guests including Mayor Tom Bradley and featured traditional performances and tributes.
• National JACL Board News/Notes, Part 2, by Harry Honda, page 4. Continuing coverage of the National JACL Board meeting in San Francisco details committee reports including the 1000 Club Life Membership Restricted Fund proposal and a Ways & Means Committee fundraising plan. Pat Okura reported on the upcoming publication of Bill Hosokawa’s JACL history book, expected to be ready by August for the National Convention.
• Catching the Convention Fever, by Ron Wakabayashi, page 5. Wakabayashi previews the 27th Biennial National JACL Convention in Los Angeles, hosted by Gardena Valley JACL, highlighting related events like the Nisei Week parade, Nisei Veterans reunion, and a 100th/442nd and MIS exhibit. He notes the convention will address major issues including the CWRIC report and a new JACL program of action.
• Hirasuna of Fresno Named to PC Board, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fred Hirasuna of Fresno was appointed by JACL National President Jim Tsujimura to the Pacific Citizen Board representing the Central California District, succeeding Dr. Izumi Taniguchi. The article lists other current PC Board members by district.

Commentary

• Mike Masaoka’s Post-Operative Comments on Redress, by Mike Masaoka, page 4. Recovering from his third heart attack and bypass surgery, Masaoka thanks JACL members for their well-wishes and reflects on JACL’s redress efforts and the new independent lobbying organization modeled after the Anti-Discrimination Committee. He argues the Commission should produce a comprehensive report estimating total monetary damages from the wartime evacuation.
• We Had Such a Good Thing Going…, by Sachi Seko, page 4. The author recounts the sudden death of her niece Susan in an icy car accident in Idaho, and the grief of Susan’s husband Michael and her adoptive mother, the author’s sister. The piece reflects on loss, the unfairness of young death, and the bonds of a blended family.
• Redress Repeats Mistake of WW2, Says Masugi, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa summarizes a controversial Heritage Foundation-syndicated article by Sansei scholar Ken Masugi, who argues that racially-based monetary redress would repeat the wartime mistake of racial classification and could be seen as opportunistic. Masugi contends ’60s activists are using the redress issue to portray America as a racist society, a view Hosokawa notes is at odds with mainstream JACL positions.
• Man-Nen-Hitsu, by Bill Marutani, page 5. Marutani writes about his lifelong fascination with fountain pens, comparing Japanese and American brands and recalling a cherished lost Sheaffer pen from college. He also recounts gifting a Parker pen to a Japanese gentleman after WWII and receiving a unique two-headed pen from George Inagaki.

Military & Veterans

• Oral History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 6. An estimated 200 home interviews with Issei are expected to be completed by May 1 as part of the Issei Oral History Project in Denver, underwritten by four Nikkei church and community groups. Participating families will receive a transcribed copy of their interview and tape.

Obituaries

• Ryozo Kado, Venice-Culver JACL Member, Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ryozo Kado, 82, a longtime Venice-Culver JACL 1000 Club member born in Shizuoka, died March 8. He had worked as a landscaper and constructed structures while interned at Manzanar, and is survived by his son Louis, daughter Ida Watanabe, and three grandchildren.

Arts & Entertainment

• Nikkei Author Keynotes Amerasia Week, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Akemi Kikumura, USC anthropology professor and author of ‘Through the Harsh Winters: The Life of a Japanese Immigrant Woman,’ served as keynote speaker during Amerasia Week at CSU-Fresno. Her recently published book chronicles the life story of a Japanese immigrant woman.

In-Depth

• Whistling in the Dark, by Bev Sei, page 10. The columnist reflects on why Japanese people rarely whistle in public, attributing it to traditional Japanese codes of etiquette and conformity dating back to the Tokugawa period’s class system. He describes how concepts like ‘sekken nami’ (conformity) continue to shape everyday behavior in modern Japan despite Western modernization.
• Copper Canyon-Mazatlan, by Naomi Kashiwabara, page 10. The author recounts a self-guided tour through Mexico’s Copper Canyon with fellow JACL member Kiyoshi ‘Kibo’ Kasai, traveling by bus and train from El Paso through Chihuahua to Los Mochis and Mazatlan. He shares observations on Mexican culture, transportation costs, and his enjoyment of the tropical Mexican Riviera.

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