Proposition 13 and the temporary farm worker debate, 1956

Vol. 43, No. 16, October 19, 1956. 8 pages. View this issue

Two subjects ran through this eight-page issue from October 1956. Proposition 13, the November ballot measure to repeal California’s Alien Land Law, drew Roy Yoshida’s call for Nisei solidarity, Kats Kunitsugu’s account of the Southwest Los Angeles chapter’s campaign, and Harry K. Honda’s reminder to vote. The other was the dispute over temporary Japanese farm workers that followed the 14th Biennial convention. An editorial, a news story and a statement from Central California JACL District Council chairman Jin Ishikawa explained the council’s position.

Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa wrote about the family’s pets, and Larry S. Tojiri continued his series on Joseph Heco. Chapter news covered an Oakland luau, a San Mateo hobby show and a Gilroy Thanksgiving dance. Henry Mori reported on a Los Angeles recognition night for newly naturalized Issei, and Sam Ishikawa looked at issues missing from the presidential campaign.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Lesson gained from Convention experience, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Central California delegates’ heated stand on the temporary Japanese farm worker program at the 14th Biennial convention is explained. The editorial urges members to read the chapter’s letter to understand the controversy and subsequent action.
• Nicky and Frosty, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa recounts the death of the family parakeet Nicky, who had lived with them for four years. He also describes the family’s remaining pets, including a mischievous Siberian Husky named Frosty.
• Heco: 1st Issei citizen, by Larry S. Tojiri, page 3. This installment traces Joseph Heco’s rescue at sea, his arrival in San Francisco, and his service with the U.S. government toward Japan’s opening. It concludes with his decision to return to California in 1852.
• Sou’wester: Insulated lives and the work of JACL on Prop. 13, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 4. Kunitsugu contrasts complacent Nisei with active JACL members and details the Southwest Los Angeles chapter’s campaign for Proposition 13. The chapter mailed leaflets and raised funds, with smaller chapters also contributing volunteer labor.
• See you at the polls, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda urges voter participation, tracing JACL’s long history of civic education for Nisei and Issei. He notes the growing role of Japanese-language political advertising and the importance of each vote.
• Our barber has a point, by Henry Mori, page 7. Mori recounts a barber’s complaint that Little Tokyo haircut prices have risen to $1.75 and are discouraging customers. The barber also mentions that the shops close on Sundays and Mondays.
• New York: Issues missing from the 1956 presidential campaign, by Sam Ishikawa, page 8. Ishikawa argues that neither candidate addresses vital issues such as race relations and foreign policy in Asia. He calls for both parties to offer positive programs rather than relying on moderation.

National

• Temporary farm program OK reached, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Central California JACL District Council reiterated it has never opposed the temporary Japanese farm worker program. It raised concern over concentrating workers, with 60 percent of 15,000 expected to be employed in its area.
• Investment group appoints Inagaki as district manager, by P.C. Staff, page 3. George J. Inagaki, past national JACL president, was named district manager for FIF Management Corp.’s Southern California sales office. The article summarizes his business and civic background.
• Wives of U.S. Marines irked by ‘get out’ order, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Marine dependents in Japan were ordered to leave within 30 days under Marine Corps policy. Some wives said they intended to stay, citing their enjoyment of life in Japan.
• Prop. 13 vote outcome pictured as test of Nisei solidarity, by Roy Yoshida, page 3. Yoshida urges support for Proposition 13 to repeal the Alien Land Law, a discriminatory relic that remains on the books. He argues Nisei solidarity is needed to ensure an overwhelming victory in November.
• Essay contest winner wins $3,000 scholarship, by Henry Mori, page 7. Ted K. Tajima, a journalism teacher at Alhambra High School, won a $3,000 scholarship in a Broadway department store essay contest. His wife encouraged him to submit the entry at the last minute.
• Snake River JACL hears Sweetland on relocation and statehood, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Monroe Sweetland told the Snake River Valley JACL that wartime relocation was in the long run for the best. He urged statehood for Hawaii and Alaska as a counter to communism in Asia.
• Ishikawa’s statement on temporary farm labor program, by Jin Ishikawa, page 8. Central California JACL chairman Jin Ishikawa restates that the council never opposed the temporary Japanese farm worker program. He asks for assurances that administrative machinery and public explanation accompany the program.

Community

• Million-dollar shopping center in S.F. proposed, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Issei and Nisei businessmen in San Francisco’s Nipponmachi organized to form a $1,000,000 shopping center corporation. The project is tied to the Western Addition Redevelopment Project affecting the area.
• Diet held clue to high incidence of heart ills in U.S., by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dr. Ancel Keys studied Nisei men in Los Angeles and found diet may be a more important cause of heart disease than modern tensions. He linked high American fat intake to heart attacks compared with lower rates in Japan.
• Christmas Cheer drive opens, aims to aid local needy, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The ninth annual JACL Christmas Cheer drive opened with a $2,000 goal and $195 received in its first round. Donations are accepted at the Southern California JACL office through December 15.
• Customs service officer honored, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Frank K. Oda of the U.S. Customs Service in San Francisco received a certificate of superior performance and a cash award. The honor recognized his export enforcement work in 1955.
• Oakland JACL luau a splendid affair, by Allan Asakawa, page 4. The Oakland JACL held a Hawaiian-themed luau attended by about 400 people at the Hotel Alameda. The evening featured island food, native dancers, and dancing to the Napoleon troupe.
• Satow addresses Stockton chapter on Proposition 13, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Masao Satow spoke to a special Stockton JACL meeting on Proposition 13 to repeal the alien land law. The talk launched the local campaign for a yes vote.
• 300 view first annual San Mateo JACL hobby show; statuettes win top prize, by P.C. Staff, page 5. More than 300 people attended San Mateo JACL’s first hobby show at the Buddhist Church. John M. Yumoto’s images of the gods of wealth earned sweepstakes honors among the many exhibits.
• Fun night proceeds for JACL building fund, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Tri-Villes chapter of Sequoia JACL will donate part of the proceeds from its fifth annual Fun Night to the JACL building fund. The event is held at the Palo Alto Buddhist Church.
• Fine food and fun: Gilroy CLers plan Thanksgiving dance, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Gilroy JACL members are organizing a non-couple Thanksgiving dance with George Porcella’s orchestra. Committee assignments were distributed to every member.
• Northwest ‘Matsutake’ time, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Ogawa describes the Northwest matsutake mushroom hunting season and its popularity among Issei and Nisei. He also notes a local mushroom derby and a shipment sent to Emperor Hirohito.
• War brides subject of Auxiliary meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 6. San Francisco JACL Auxiliary heard Jean Bolton and Lucy Schulte discuss relations between Nisei and Japanese war brides. Speakers urged understanding and personal contact in helping the brides adjust.
• Issei citizens to be honored, by Henry Mori, page 7. The Los Angeles JACL Coordinating Council and American Legion Post 525 will host a Citizenship Recognition Night on Nov. 30. Newly naturalized Issei will be recognized and an essay contest will be held.
• Young Japanese farmer spends summer in U.S., likes American way of life, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Kazuo Shitara, a Japanese farmer in the International Farm Youth Exchange, spent the summer on Joe Saito’s Oregon farm. He praised American family life, work habits, and religious attitudes while noting differences in diet.

Sports

• Iwasaki, Saito pace Biola and Reedley football, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Central California halfbacks Larry Iwasaki and Hiroshi Saito starred with multiple touchdowns in their high school games. Fullerton’s Ron Fujino also led a 20-6 upset over Santa Ana.

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