Vol. 79, No. 23, December 6, 1974. 6 pages. View this issue
The Central California District Council convention in Fresno was the main news of this six-page issue. Fowler Judicial District Judge Mikio Uchiyama was re-elected chairman on Nov. 23, and National JACL officers installed the 1975 chapter presidents and district cabinet members at the Sunday banquet. Related stories covered an agricultural forum on farm labor and the Nisei farmer, a recession outlook, and national officers’ reports. Jim Murakami defended the decision to hire a Development Officer.
Elsewhere on the front page, the State Department of Parks and Recreation recommended that Manzanar be included in the California state park system. Inside, Edison T. Uno wrote about H.R. 17217, a bill for a Relocation Benefits Commission tied to Executive Order 9066. Harry K. Honda looked at redevelopment in San Francisco’s Nihonmachi, and a book review took up The Tale of Genji.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Uchiyama Elected CCDC Chairman at Fresno Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fowler Judicial District Judge Mikio Uchiyama was re-elected chairman of the Central California District Council during its Nov. 23 convention in Fresno. National JACL officers installed the 1975 chapter presidents and district cabinet members at the Sunday banquet.
- Recession Seen Till March, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Central California district convention delegates discussed economic conditions and the upcoming budget. Several resolutions and reports were adopted at the 25th annual CCDC gathering.
- Agricultural Forum Highlights CCDC Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The opening session’s agricultural forum addressed farm labor issues and the role of the Nisei farmer. Panelists debated the United Farm Workers and the importance of urban-rural communication.
- $10,000 Granted to Alaska Cannery Workers Assn., by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Alaska Cannery Workers Association received a $10,000 grant from the Campaign for Human Development to address racial discrimination in the Alaskan salmon industry. The organization has pursued legal action and worked to protect migratory workers.
Commentary
- Unpopular But Best, by Jim Murakami, page 1. Murakami defends the national JACL decision to proceed with hiring a Development Officer despite budget concerns and the position not being advertised. He argues the choice was the best for the organization’s growth.
- Am I Minority Always?, by Shigeki J. Sugiyama, page 2. Sugiyama reflects on what it means to be a member of a minority, questioning whether his feelings match those of other minority groups. He considers the relevance of these questions for his own identity and perspective.
- Destruction—Dispersal, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Honda discusses the redevelopment of San Francisco’s Nihonmachi and the displacement of Japanese American residents and small businesses. He argues the trade center and related projects were not built with local community benefit in mind.
- How to Read the Vernaculars, by Kets Kunitsugu, page 4. The author critiques how readers accept printed news uncritically, using examples like Watergate and local vernacular newspapers. He urges readers to think critically about what they read.
JACL
- Urging Sponsorship of National Convention Among Districts, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL officers reported on programs including the new Office of Development and personnel matters. Vice presidents outlined membership, supporting member, and textbook review priorities.
- JACL Flights to Japan Open to All Members, by Steve Doi, page 1. National JACL announced 1975 Japan flight packages negotiated with Japan Air Lines and JTB, with fares ranging from $410 to $669. The revised schedule offers favorable terms for JACL members.
National
- Blue Shield Bias Against Filipino Workers Cleared, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A consent decree ended a two-year employment discrimination case brought by Purisima Salazar and UPEE against Blue Shield of California. The decree includes bilingual training, back pay, and promotion goals for Asian Americans and minorities.
- Manzanar May Be California State Park, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The State Department of Parks and Recreation recommended that the historic Manzanar site be included in the state park system. A feasibility study had been conducted under a 1972 legislative resolution.
- Premier Tanaka Formally Resigns, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka announced his resignation amid charges he used political power to amass a fortune. Party leaders including Ohira, Fukuda, and Miki were positioned to succeed him.
- Farm Labor Use Upheld by Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to continue the use of Mexican contract laborers, a victory for California growers. The decision allowed the bracero-style labor program to continue.
Military & Veterans
- Seabee Faces Navy Court Martial After Pie Incident, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fresno Chinese American Seabee Leon Louie went before a Navy court martial charged with assault for throwing a pie at a Caucasian superior officer. His civilian attorney argues the charge reflects institutionalized prejudice against Asian Americans.
Incarceration & Redress
- ‘GI Babies’ Not Stateless, by Glenn Omatsu, page 2. The author clarifies an earlier P.C. headline about Japanese-American-born ‘GI babies’ and their citizenship status. The piece explains the legal distinctions between nationality and citizenship under Japanese and US law.
- Reparations Needed for Relocation Losses, by Edison T. Uno, page 3. Uno discusses the H.R. 17217 bill to establish a Relocation Benefits Commission for those affected by Executive Order 9066. He argues the nation owes compensation for the physical and psychological damages inflicted on evacuees.
Arts & Entertainment
- Book Review: The Tale of Genji, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The review examines the Arthur Waley translation of Murasaki Shikibu’s classic novel and its portrayal of courtly love and Buddhist impermanence. The reviewer notes the translation’s abridgment and stylistic limitations.
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