Vol. 68, No. 13, March 28, 1969. 8 pages. View this issue
JACL’s direction and the Emergency Detention Act led the news. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto reported on a productive Executive Committee session in Los Angeles and asked members how JACL could be more relevant to young people. Paul Yamamoto spoke in San Francisco on the lessons of the Japanese American forced removal and urged repeal of Title II. A test case challenging the Emergency Detention Act, with Gail Nakahara Unno among the plaintiffs, was set for oral argument in Washington. Mike Masaoka assessed President Nixon’s first 60 days, and Edison Uno listed bold ideas for JACL.
Other pages followed the dedication of Nisei Hall at the Presidio of Monterey, plans for a June 7 plaque at Gold Hill marking the 1869 Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony, and the firing of coroner Dr. Thomas Noguchi. Bill Hosokawa visited the Nippon Club in New York, and Allan Beekman reviewed a Japanese novel.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Perspectives, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto reports on a productive Executive Committee session in Los Angeles and invites membership feedback on youth engagement and JACL’s relevance. He also thanks the PSWDC hosts and pays tribute to Mrs. Mitsuko Osugi of Salinas.
- First 60 Days of President Nixon, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka assesses President Nixon’s first two months, praising his media skills and measured, middle-of-the-road approach. He notes that the administration has emphasized foreign policy while domestic programs and Vietnam policy largely continue.
- Gathering Place, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa describes visiting the Nippon Club in New York and meeting several Nisei residents, including attorney George Yamaoka and travel agent Toshi Miyazaki. He reflects on the diverse Nisei community in the city.
- Chapter Relations in need of national committee head, by Henry Kaku, page 4. Kaku reports on the National Executive Committee meeting and the creation of a Chapter Relations Committee to address internal JACL needs. He notes that some chapters are struggling to find leaders and need revitalization.
- Imagine JACL, by Edison Uno, page 4. Uno proposes a series of bold JACL initiatives, including a national library, a headquarters building, legal awards, and a speakers’ bureau. He argues for education, public relations, and modernizing the organization.
- Saving Face?, by Don Hayashi, page 5. Hayashi urges Nisei and Sansei to reach out to Japanese students and visitors rather than remaining insular. He argues that sharing both cultures builds better understanding.
- Bizarre Theme, by Allan Beekman, page 5. Beekman reviews Japanese author Nozaka’s novel ‘The Pornographers,’ translated by Michael Gallagher, praising its humor and language. He calls it a significant though controversial work.
- Documentation of standing rules important in JACL, by Alfred Hatate, page 5. Hatate discusses confusion over JACL Sapphire and Silver Pin qualifications and urges written documentation of rules. He describes the PSWDC’s effort to codify its constitution, bylaws, and standing rules.
- Perspectives: Ben Komatsu column on Sansei activism, by Gary Yamauchi, page 8. A humorous diary-style account of a JACL bowling tournament, describing team victory and social events. The column recounts camaraderie among bowlers and friends.
Incarceration & Redress
- Dedicatory program for Issei 100th set, by Roy Yoshida, page 1. Plans are underway for a June 7 dedication of a state historical landmark plaque at Gold Hill marking the 1869 Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony centennial. A commemorative banquet and fundraising effort accompany the program.
- Racially-mixed audience at Glide Methodist Church enlightened and disturbed by talk of Evacuation, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Paul Yamamoto spoke in San Francisco on the dangers of the Emergency Detention Act and the lessons of the Japanese American evacuation. He urged repeal of Title II.
- Test case against detention camps law set for hearing in Washington, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Oral argument was set in federal district court in the Barbara Bick et al. case challenging the Emergency Detention Act, with Berkeley JACLer Gail Nakahara Unno among the plaintiffs. The government moved to dismiss, arguing no justiciable controversy exists.
Community
- Broadcasters criticized for non-Oriental hiring, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The EEOC held hearings in Los Angeles and criticized the broadcast industry for hiring practices that left no Oriental on-air newsmen in major markets. Commission chairman Clifford Alexander warned networks they were potential lawbreakers.
- JACL backs tax hike for Richmond area schools, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Contra Costa JACL chapter endorsed a $2.50 school tax measure on the April 15 ballot to address financial crisis in the Richmond Unified School District. The district also faces de facto segregation and teacher shortages.
- Hayakawa wants 3 weeks before ruling on amnesty for striking students, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Acting San Francisco State president S.I. Hayakawa refused to accept the disciplinary section of a settlement ending the four-month student strike. He said he would review penalties after three weeks of peace on campus.
- Dr. T. Noguchi fired by L.A. Supervisors, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Los Angeles County supervisors voted 5-0 to fire coroner Dr. Thomas Noguchi on charges including drug use, which he called distorted. Noguchi planned an appeal to the county civil service commission.
- Rep. Patsy Mink’s tax bill would let collegians deduct all school expenses, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rep. Patsy Mink introduced a bill to raise personal exemptions, allow student educational expense deductions, and let public housing tenants deduct rent. She argued the measures correct inequities facing lower-income families.
- Sansei convicted in student unrest case, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Kendal Oku, 18, was among three San Fernando Valley State College students convicted of failing to disperse during a January protest. Sentencing was scheduled for March 28.
- Southern Pacific asked to contribute $300,000 to Chinese crews tribute, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Banker J.K. Choy asked Southern Pacific to donate $300,000 to Chinatown social service programs, citing the Chinese laborers who built the transcontinental railroad. He referenced historical accounts of the many Chinese workers who died.
- Black family much more unified than white middle-class, by Cheryl Yoshimura, page 6. Yoshimura reports on research by Grier and Cobbs finding Black families often more unified than white middle-class families despite ghetto conditions. The article draws on a panel discussion from the 1968 national convention.
- Civil rights and political analysis in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Hawaii GOP chairman criticized Democrats’ statistics on Japanese American elected officials, and Maui veterans complained about unsanitary conditions linked to hippies. Several Hawaii residents were honored and promoted.
Military & Veterans
- Dedication of Nisei Hall at Presidio of Monterey gives wide recognition to Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Nisei Hall at the Defense Language Institute was dedicated in March with speeches honoring Nisei soldiers, including remarks by Lt. Gen. Stanley Larsen. The ceremony drew more than 250 attendees and wide press coverage.
- Hilarious 1000 Club whing ding opens PSWD Convention Apr. 25 at Anaheim, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The PSWDC convention in Anaheim begins April 25 with a 1000 Club whing ding and features youth programs, a fashion show, golf, and a banquet. Registration and package prices are outlined.
Obituaries
- Forgotten Horror, by Dorothy Kawachi, page 6. Kawachi recounts a friend’s experiences in a German concentration camp and reflects on whether humanity learns from history. She also summarizes a JACL Women’s Auxiliary panel on Title II and the Evacuation.
JACL
- JACL chapter involvement in local civil rights is primary concern, by P.C. Staff, page 6. National JACL Director Masao Satow outlined the role of newly appointed civil rights coordinator Raymond Uno, who will consult with chapters on local civil rights work. Chapters must submit detailed reports before consultations.
Sports
- Global baseball league flounders, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Toru Mori, manager of the Japan team in the Global Baseball League, said the team might be disbanded after league vice commissioner George Yoshinaga cancelled plans to visit Japan. The league faces logistical problems.
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