The dedication of the new JACL Headquarters in San Francisco

Vol. 81, No. 4, July 25, 1975. 4 pages. View this issue

The new three-story JACL Headquarters in San Francisco’s Nihonmachi was dedicated on July 20, and the issue opened with it. Harry Honda reported on the speeches by national and local leaders, who called the building a tribute to the Issei. National President Shigeki Sugiyama thanked the members who gave their time, talents and money, and Rep. Norman Y. Mineta spoke at the dedication banquet. John W. Dean III told a Los Angeles JACL gathering that he hopes to help bring some form of restitution for the WWII incarceration, and Ken Hayashi covered the talk.

Elsewhere in these four pages: the 29th National JACL Bowling Tournament schedule, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley’s tribute to the Nisei, and a Washington State commission’s criticism of a Disney film. Columns by Minority One, Wayne Horiuchi and Joe Oyama looked at Vietnamese refugees in Guam camps, a trip to Washington, D.C., and life in New York.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Faith in JACL’s Future, by Shigeki Sugiyama, page 1. JACL National President Shigeki Sugiyama reflects on the dedication of the new National Headquarters building as a crowning moment in the organization’s history. He expresses thanks to the many members and contributors whose time, talent and money made the project possible.
• Disney’s Latest, ‘Dinosaurs’, Rapped for Perpetuating Chinese Stereotypes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Washington State Commission on Asian American Affairs criticized Disney’s film ‘One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing’ for its caricatured Chinese characters. The commission warned that such portrayals encourage ridicule of Asian American children.
• Legion Post 187 Votes Down Fukai Sign-up Papers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Gardena councilman Mas Fukai’s application to join American Legion Post 187 was rejected amid a controversy over the post’s leadership and finances. Fukai had requested public disclosure of the reasons for the rejection.
• Letters: JACL Leadership, by Margarette Murakami, page 2. Margarette Murakami, a Sonoma County JACL member, responds to an earlier article by expressing concern about bitterness among JACL leaders. She calls for a national grievance board to prevent similar conflicts.
• If You’re Job-Hunting, by Gail Nishioka, page 2. JACL staff member Gail Nishioka describes a plan to publish a resume booklet of young job seekers modeled on an Urban League publication. She invites interested young people to submit resumes for a trial edition.
• Viet Refugees in Guam Camps Face Relocation Woes, by Minority One, page 3. A column describes the hardships faced by Vietnamese refugees in Guam camps, including family separation and loss of parental authority. The writer draws parallels to the wartime evacuation of Japanese Americans and urges community compassion and support.
• The American Ethnic ‘Mosaic’, by Wayne Horiuchi, page 3. Wayne Horiuchi describes a Washington, D.C. trip with David Ushio to meet federal officials and Congress members. He also reports on JACL participation in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which emphasized Japanese American cultural identity.
• Echoes: The Big Apple, by Joe Oyama, page 3. Joe Oyama reflects on the appeal and drawbacks of living in New York City after a short stay in Ohio. He quotes a New York Times editorial and argues that New York, though not typical of America, reflects the nation’s urban problems and cultural richness.
• Sansei Scholastic Achievements, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This brief item recognizes scholastic achievements of Sansei students including scholarship winners from several JACL chapters. It highlights honors earned by young Japanese Americans in their communities.

Community

• National JACL Bowling Tournament Releases Full Week’s Schedule, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 29th annual National JACL Bowling Tournament will be held at Golden Gate Lanes in El Cerrito with about 160 bowlers participating. A full daily schedule of events and the awards dinner-dance are outlined.
• Chicago Mayor Pays Tribute to Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley praised Japanese Americans at the dedication of a remodeled Clarendon Park fieldhouse. He recounted the loyalty and service of the Nisei and the city’s welcome to evacuees.
• JACL ‘Honbu’ Dedicated, by Harry Honda, page 1. The new three-story JACL Headquarters in San Francisco’s Nihonmachi was dedicated on July 20 with speeches from national and local leaders. Speakers viewed the building as a tribute to the Issei and a symbol of the organization’s achievements.
• Henry Hibino Re-elected Mayor, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Salinas Valley JACL member Henry Hibino won a landslide re-election as mayor of Salinas. He was first elected to the council in 1971 and became mayor in 1973.
• Grand Jury Clears Peter Yew Case, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A New York grand jury voted to dismiss the assault charge against Chinese American architect Peter Yew, an innocent bystander arrested in Chinatown. The jury also ordered the two arresting officers charged with official misconduct.
• Toshio Hoshide Affirmed as Distinguished Toastmaster, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Washington, D.C. JACL member Toshio Hoshide received the Distinguished Toastmaster award, the highest member recognition from Toastmasters International. He has been active in his club and community for many years.
• Optimists to Host Nisei Week Coronation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese American Optimist Club of Los Angeles will host the 35th annual Nisei Week coronation ball at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on August 16. Freddie Martin and his Orchestra will perform along with several entertainers.
• Scholarship Awards Announced by Salinas Valley JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Salinas Valley JACL announced four scholarships at a graduates dinner, with honors going to co-valedictorians Jeffery Iida and Dale Yamashita. Other chapters also presented scholarships to deserving graduating students.
• Canal High Reunion Dinner-Dance Aug. 9, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Graduates of Canal High School at the Gila River WRA Center will hold a 30-year reunion dinner-dance at Bimbo’s 365 Club on August 9. Organizers are accepting registrations for the event.
• Ohio Workshops Set for Hiroshima Memorial, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Wilmington College’s Peace Resource Center will host a conference titled ‘Hiroshima: 30 Years After’ from August 1 to 5. Presentations, films, an exhibit and a memorial observance in Hiroshima Peace Park are planned.

Incarceration & Redress

• Dean Talks with JACLers on Evacuation, by Ken Hayashi, page 1. John W. Dean III described how a childhood visit sparked his interest in the WWII Japanese American evacuation. He told a Los Angeles JACL gathering that he hopes to contribute to some form of restitution for the incarcerated Japanese Americans.

Military & Veterans

• U.S. Bicentennial Theme Glistens at JACL Dedication, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Norman Y. Mineta delivered a keynote at the JACL Headquarters dedication banquet, expressing concern about the future of American government. He called for individual responsibility and reforms including reduced military spending and updated political structures.

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