Vol. 46, No. 21, May 23, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue
A proposal to raise JACL national dues by $1 so that members receive the Pacific Citizen led the issue. An editorial explained that the paper’s board had studied the $1 and $1.50 rates and found a large deficit, and it urged chapters to weigh the question before delegates met at the national convention in Salt Lake City. Mike Masaoka reported on the pressures facing the Washington JACL office, and the convention package deal at $20 was announced. Rupert Hachiya named Congressman D.S. Saund as the Recognition Banquet speaker.
Elsewhere, Larry S. Tajiri wrote about Joseph Heco, naturalized in 1858, and Allen H. Eaton suggested a holiday issue on the Issei. Bill Hosokawa’s column, chapter news from Hollywood and Sonoma County, the Nisei Relays entry list and Masaoka’s civil rights roundup fill the rest of its 8 pages. Evacuation claims awards for April reached $526,141.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Is the $1 Subscription Possible for PC?, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Citizen Board examines the proposal to raise JACL dues by $1 to fund a subscription to the Pacific Citizen, outlining the financial impact of the $1 and $1.50 rates. The board concludes the proposal would create a significant deficit and urges chapters to weigh the question before the national convention.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa reflects on Nisei home-buying patterns, the Washington zoo tragedy, and the Communist Chinese car East Wind, drawing wordplay between its name and tofu. The column blends observations on mutual funds, family life, and cultural curiosities.
- Lurking in Our Shadow, by Rupert Hachiya, page 2. Convention board chairman Rupert Hachiya announces Congressman D.S. Saund as the Recognition Banquet speaker for the Salt Lake City convention. He also reports on convention preparations including beehive-making, pre-registration, golf course selection, and trout fishing plans.
- Letter from Allen H. Eaton, by Allen H. Eaton, page 2. Author Allen H. Eaton praises the Pacific Citizen and suggests a holiday issue devoted to the stories of the Issei, particularly their preparation for citizenship. He proposes that chapters submit such material and that it be preserved in archives.
- Los Angeles Newsletter: Parking Meters in Civic Center, by Henry Mori, page 7. The Los Angeles City Council ordered 550 parking meters installed in the Civic Center area including Li’l Tokio, a measure supported by some local merchants. The column also covers East Los Angeles JACL’s Emerald Ball and a juvenile delinquency meeting.
JACL
- Masaoka Reports on Washington Office Problems, Pressures, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka reported to the Northern California-Western Nevada JACL District Council on the pressures faced by the Washington JACL office, including requests for JACL positions on U.S.-Japan relations. He affirmed the need for a Washington office and urged chapters to discuss whether JACL should change its hands-off policy.
- JACL Convention Package Deal at $20 Ready, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Registration chairman Maurea Terashima announced that the advance registration package for the Salt Lake City national convention is available at $20, saving delegates $10. Forms can be obtained from chapter presidents or mailed directly to the chairman.
Community
- TV Show Helps Momita Flagpole Fund Scale Top, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Harry T. Momita, a Calipatria druggist, was featured on NBC’s This Is Your Life, which donated $1,000 to put the memorial flagpole fund over the top. Momita received a color TV set and an Edsel station wagon during the broadcast.
- Southwestward, by Fred Takata, page 4. Takata reports on the installation of the West Los Angeles JACL Women’s Auxiliary, the upcoming Seventh Annual Nisei Relays, and various Southern California chapter activities. The column also notes honors and events across the PSWDC.
- Hollywood JACL Votes Against International Relations Role, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Hollywood JACL chapter voted against JACL involvement in United States-Japan international relations, believing JACL has more work to do on domestic Japanese American welfare. The chapter also recognized its 1000 Club members and held a successful spaghetti dinner.
- Sonoma County JACL Bowling League Ends Winter Season, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Diamond Meat Market team won the Sonoma County JACL winter bowling championship over Empire Eggs in the playoffs. The league concluded with an awards dinner and elected new officers for the 1958-59 season.
- Nisei Vet Killed in European War Games, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Hiro Kubo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kiso Kubo of Los Angeles, was accidentally killed during war games training in Europe. The Department of Defense notified his parents.
National
- Claims Awards for April Reach $526,141, by JACL News Service, page 1. The Japanese Claims Section awarded 99 evacuees and organizations a total of $526,141.51 in evacuation claims in April. Awardees resided in several states and the Territory of Hawaii.
- Civil Rights Roundup, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka surveys recent civil rights developments including Negro leaders’ criticism of President Eisenhower’s advice on patience and the Senate’s confirmation of the Civil Rights Commission staff director. He also reports on synagogue bombings and calls for FBI investigation.
Obituaries
- Theology Professor Honored, page 1. Dr. Mitsuo Kitagawa, associate professor of theology at the University of Chicago, was among nine naturalized citizens honored by Adlai Stevenson. The recognition marked the fifth anniversary of an organization protecting foreign-born citizens.
Incarceration & Redress
- Nisei Citizen Story: First Japanese American Naturalized, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri recounts Joseph Heco’s 1858 naturalization, making him the first American of Japanese ancestry, and his later encounter with Abraham Lincoln. Heco remained in Japan as an interpreter and witnessed the nation’s transition from feudalism.
Sports
- Nisei Relays Field Stacked With Top Talent, by George Hibi, page 6. Over 100 athletes have entered the Nisei Relays on June 1 at Rancho Cienega, including standout shot putter Tom Sano and quarter-miler Vic Mitsuno. The meet promises competitive races in the 100-yard dash and mile.
Military & Veterans
- Red Cross Blood Sustains Life of 18-Year-Old Student, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Kenny Nishioka, an 18-year-old student battling nephrosis, has received serum albumin from Red Cross donors through repeated transfusions. His family is recruiting donors in gratitude for the blood supply that has sustained him.
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