MARCH 18-31, 2011

PAGE 4 Asian American Studies in peril.

AFTERMATH: Two days after JAPAN Japan’s catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, EARTHQUAKE & a woman stands in the middle of the rubble TSUNAMI looking at her city submerged under water. PAGE 5 Transgender aware- RACISM AMID ness among APAs.

Hines TRAGEDY Ward of On the web, cries of ʻRemember ʻDancing Pearl Harbor!ʼ sound out. PAGE 3 With the Starsʼ

AP PHOTO: TADASHI OKUBO-THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN PAGE 9 # 3163 VOL. 152, NO. 5 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG MARCH 18-31, 2011 2 MAR. 18-31, 2011 COMMENTARY PACIFIC CITIZEN national director’s report the night before at which over 600 The JACL and others in the civil people attended. rights community are concerned David Unruhe, JACL NCWNP that these hearings will bring focus how to reach us A Week to Remember district governor, attended the fu- unfairly to the thousands of inno- E-mail: [email protected] By Floyd Mori neral as well. Our thanks to Andy cent Muslim Americans and others Online: www.pacificcitizen.org no one could be completely pre- Tel: (213) 620-1767 pared for a catastrophe of this mag- Noguchi, civil rights co-chair, and who are law abiding members of Fax: (213) 620-1768 nitude. We can be grateful that the Marielle Tsukamoto, Florin JACL society but may be looked upon as Mail: 250 E. First Street, Suite 301 loss was not worse, but it was an chapter president, for their leader- terrorists. Los Angeles, CA 90012 unbelievable calamity for which ship. The incident is being investi- There are similarities to the ex- Staff gated as a possible hate crime. perience of JAs during World War Executive Editor we are all saddened. Our hearts go Caroline Y. Aoyagi-Stom The NCWNP district also held II when many community leaders out to the victims of this terrible Assistant Editor disaster. a “Bridging Communities” event were immediately imprisoned fol- Lynda Lin at JACL headquarters under the lowing the bombing of Pearl Har- Friday was filled with phone Reporter While waiting for a flight to calls from JACL and other com- direction of Patty Wada, NCWNP bor. To represent the JA communi- Nalea J. Ko California on March 11, I heard the munity leaders, as well as commu- regional director, March 12. This ty and the JACL, I was interviewed Business Manager news of the devastating earthquake nication with the White House, Ja- program, sponsored by AT&T, has by CNN International, NHK, the Staci Hisayasu and tsunami in Japan. As some of pan embassy, and others who were been successfully held in the PSW Washington Post and other media Circulation district under Craig Ishii, PSW re- sources regarding the hearing and Eva Lau-Ting my immediate family members re- concerned and anxious to help. We side in Tokyo there was immediate are overwhelmed with the outpour- gional director, and is also being the JA experience. Advertising Representative cause for concern. ing of care and support. conducted in other areas. It brings The JACL continues to have rel- Brad Kiyomura together Japanese American and evance as it did in the past. How- The Pacific Citizennewspaper Jean Shiraki, of the JACL Wash- On March 12, I gave brief re- (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published ington, D.C. office, had left recent- marks at the funeral for Surinder Muslim American youth to further ever, the organization is having semi-monthly (except once in De- ly to visit relatives in Japan. Reid Singh, a Sikh gentleman who was understanding of each other’s cul- difficulties caused largely by our cember and January) by the Japa- ture and build leadership. declining membership. nese American Citizens League, Tateoka, a JACL leader from Utah, fatally gunned down while taking a Pacific Citizen, is living in Sendai where he serves walk in a Sacramento suburb with On March 10, a congressional If you are reading this, you are 250 E. 1st Street, Suite 301, Los as a mission president for the his friend, Gurmej Atwal, who was hearing was held on the “radical- one of the most interested mem- Angeles, CA 90012 ization” of Muslims in the United bers of the JACL. If you could per- Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- also shot but survived. They were POSTMASTER: send address day Saints. Most were heard from likely targeted because of their ap- States. Rep. Peter King of New sonally secure a new member for changes to National JACL, 1765 throughout the day and reported pearance. Sikhs are often mistaken York stated: “I remain convinced the JACL or are in a position to gift Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 that they were okay. for Muslims and have been victims that these hearings must go for- a membership or make a donation, JACL President: David Kawamoto Japan is to be commended for of violence since the Sept. 11 at- ward, and they will … to protect it would be very helpful. Thanks National Director: Floyd Mori their preparation for disasters but tacks. A candlelight vigil was held America from a terrorist attack.” for your support of the JACL. n P.C. editorial board Judith Aono, chairperson; Paul Niwa, EDC; Kevin Miyazaki, MDC; Bobbi Hanada, CCDC; vacant, NC- SPRING CAMPAIGN WNPDC; Hugh Burleson, PNWDC; Jeff Itami, IDC; Cindi Harbottle, PSWDC; Sonya Kuki, Youth Pacific Citizen has Something for Everyone subscribe By Judith Aono about the JACL or about the P.C. and social rights of JAs, and initiatives, along with, and most Get a one-year subscription of the Now I have a much better I’m glad that their stories are not importantly, the quality of the Pacific Citizen newspaper at: A lot of what I’ve come to know understanding about the P.C. and lost, but continue to exist in the writing, the quality of the printing www.pacificcitizen.org or call (800) 966-6157 about JACL, and how it operates, exactly what it provides to me historical records of the P.C. and layout, and the quality of the Advertise is “JACL folklore.” and to everyone who gets to read And then there are also articles total product, it’s obvious that it To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, That’s what I call the knowledge it. When I get my P.C., I stick it about the entertainment industry. takes more funding than what is call (800) 966-6157 or e-mail: and those interesting little tid-bits in my purse and carry it around, Interestingly, these articles get allocated and available from the [email protected] of information that are passed reading it whenever I get a break the most feedback — either the JACL membership dues allocation LEGAL No part of this publication may be from one long-time member to a in my schedule. I read it waiting at person really loves the and the advertising reproduced without the express per- newer member — it’s the stuff that the DMV, doctor’s office, or even entertainment stories ‘JACLers have, dollars. mission of the Pacific Citizen. isn’t written down anywhere and when I’m in a really long line at or they don’t like it at JACLers have, Editorials, news and the opinions ex- throughout the pressed by columnists other than the sometimes it takes a long time to Costco. all. throughout the national JACL president or national di- figure it out. I read everything in it because I’m But that’s what’s history of the history of the P.C., rector do not necessarily reflect JACL And that’s exactly the category a news-junkie but I definitely enjoy really great about donated additional policy. Events and products advertised the P.C.; they have P.C., donated money to allow the in the Pacific Citizen do not carry the I’d place the Pacific Citizen Spring some things more than others. I’m implicit endorsement of the JACL or Campaign in. When I first joined always amazed at the variety and something for additional paper to become an this publication. We reserve the right to everyone. They truly ever better resource edit articles. © 2011 JACL and I got the letter asking diversity of the different stories money to allow for money to provide additional and interviews they carry in each do their best to reflect — they have shown Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, support for the P.C., my first edition. P.C. covers current news the needs and wants of the paper to their support for Calif and mailing office. thought was that I already give stories — often stories that the their entire readership. what the P.C. them money through my JACL mainstream media either covers Add to that the P.C.’s become an does and is doing, JACL MEMBERS dues. Why are they asking for only minimally, if at all. program to digitize the ever better by sending an Change of more? P.C. tells the stories about the old back editions so all additional donation Address That was when I was a new men and women who worked this history won’t fade resource.’ to the Spring member and didn’t know much tirelessly to advance the economic and crumble away but Campaign. If you’ve moved, will be available to anyone who If you enjoy the P.C. and you are please send new wants to learn more about the JA able to, please do make a donation information to: historical experience. to the Spring Campaign. n National JACL Spring Campaign 1765 Sutter St. Help support the Pacific Citizen by donating today! And finally with a nod to the San Francisco, CA name future and an acknowledgement of Judith Aono is the Pacific Citizen editorial board chair. 94115 the power of the internet – P.C. has Allow 6 weeks for address been developing and expanding address changes. their web-based news content. This Correction S tate city zip online capability allows the P.C. to In the article “Finding Poston’s To avoid interrup- expand some stories from the print Girl Scouts” that appeared in tions in delivery, e-mail tel version, carry some there wasn’t the Feb. 4-17 issue of the please notify your room for in the print version, and Pacific Citizen, Jane Oka’s postmaster to q $50 q $100 q $150 provide updated information on parents each earned $16 include periodicals Donate $150 or more Mail to: to become a Wall of q $200 q other Pacific Citizen developing stories. per month, not the $156 per in your change of Famer; $200 or more address (USPS for a chance to win a 250 E. First Street, Suite 301 But when you consider all month that was stated. The Mexican cruise! Mexican cruise prize donated by the Los Angeles, CA. 90012 Form 3575) NATIONAL JACL CREDIT UNION these creative and innovative P.C. apologizes for the error. PACIFIC CITIZEN IN-DEPTH MAR. 18-31, 2011 3 Amid Rescue Efforts in Quake-hit Japan, Racist Comments are Rampant on the Web On social media sites, cries of ‘Remember Pearl Harbor’ sound out while Japanese Americans continue to grapple with the tragedy.

By Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press

Days after Japan’s devastating earthquake, bodies are still washing up along the coastline, crematoriums are overwhelmed and rescue workers are running out of body bags. But as the nation struggles with the grim reality of a mounting humanitarian, economic and nuclear crisis after a tsunami, some Americans are using the power of social media to unleash insensitive and racist jokes about the tragedy. In a March 13 post, a blog promoting the need for a University of California, Santa Cruz Ethnic Studies Department posted a collection of racist status updates and tweets gathered from Facebook ap photo/the yomiuri shimbun, tadashi okubo and Twitter including references to A woman wrapped up in a blanket stands in the middle of rubble, looking at the city submerged under water in Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture March “payback” for Japan’s World War 13, two days after the catastrophic earthquake-triggered tsunami hit northeastern Japan. II attack on Pearl Harbor. “If you wanna feel better about of Japan affected by the massive Hours after the earthquake to hear my nephews’ voice,” said out to be less than 10,000 (dead),” this earthquake in Japan, google 8.9 magnitude earthquake and struck, in a hotel room in Tad Chiyo, Suzuki’s older brother. said Hery Harjono, a senior ‘Pearl Harbor death toll,’” tweeted tsunami, including friends and downtown Tokyo, New England “I need to hear her voice to go on geologist with the Indonesian Alec Sulkin, a scriptwriter for the family and members of the JACL JACL member Ken Oye said the with my day and stop worrying.” Science Institute, who was closely Fox animated television show Japan chapter. occasional aftershock continues to Friday’s double tragedy has involved with the aftermath of the “Family Guy.” Organizations like the Japan- shake the building. caused unimaginable deprivation earlier disaster that killed 230,000 Sulkin has since deleted his America Society and the JACL are “No buildings were collapsed, no for people of this industrialized people — of which only 184,000 comment on Twitter and has encouraging concerned citizens to glass was shattered. No wounded country — Asia’s richest. In many bodies were found. apologized for his “insensitive donate to the relief effort. on the street not in Tokyo,” areas there is no running water, According to public broadcaster tweet”. The official death toll from said Oye who was in Japan as a no power and four- to five-hour NHK, some 430,000 people are Hateful rhetoric is rampant on the the March 11 double tragedy in member of the Japanese American waits for gasoline. People are living in emergency shelters or web. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried Sendai has been raised to about Leadership Delegation. suppressing hunger with instant with relatives. Another 24,000 continues to make lewd jokes 4,300, but the Miyagi police Oye and other prominent JAs noodles or rice balls while dealing people are stranded, it said. n about the disaster on his Twitter chief said that more than 10,000 from the delegation, including with the loss of loved ones and page and rap star 50 Cent reacted people are estimated to have died Irene Hirano-Inouye, were heading homes. to backlash from his tsunami jokes Relief Efforts in his province alone, which has a by bus back to a hotel when the “People are surviving on little by tweeting, “Hate it or love it. I’m The JACL has joined forces population of 2.3 million. earthquake struck. food and water. Things are simply cool either way 50 cent.” with Direct Relief International Millions of people are homeless “The bus was rocking and not coming,” said Hajime Sato, Racist comments like these, the in an effort to support relief without water, food or heating rolling,” said Oye. “You could a government official in Iwate UCSC Ethnic Studies Department and recovery efforts in Japan in near-freezing temperatures see construction cranes on top of prefecture, one of the three hardest argues, show why Ethnic Studies is following the earthquake and in the northeast devastated by buildings swaying back and forth hit. tsunami. needed. an earthquake and the wave it almost like leaves of grass in the The pulverized coast has been hit JACL national director Floyd spawned. Meanwhile, a third wind.” by hundreds of aftershocks since, One hundred percent of Mori is also blasting the comments. reactor at a nuclear power plant In San Francisco, Seiko Fujimoto the latest one a 6.2 magnitude donations, which will be “I think comments such as these lost its cooling capacity and the is tensely waiting for a phone call quake that was followed by a new managed by Direct Relief not only inflame prejudices of the International, will be dedicated to fuel rods at another were at least from her daughter Takeno Suzuki, tsunami scare. As sirens wailed, past but cause misinterpretations relief efforts. briefly fully exposed, raising fears 27, who lives and works in Sendai. soldiers abandoned their search of the real facts of this major of a meltdown. The stock market “I’m still scared. I don’t know operations and told residents of catastrophe,” said Mori. “It’s To make a donation, visit www. plunged over the likelihood of what to do,” said Fujimoto. the devastated shoreline in Soma, unfortunate that people have to jacl.org and click on the Japan huge losses by Japanese industries Suzuki, who lives in Sendai the worst hit town in Fukushima stoop so low to try to make a Relief and Recovery Fund link. including big names such as Toyota with her husband and two young prefecture, to run to higher ground. name for themselves and get their Also checks may be made out to and Honda. children, managed to get in touch Japanese officials have refused Japan Relief and Recovery Fund seconds of notoriety on social News and images of the with one of her friends to say the to speculate on how high the death with a notation of JACL in the media.” magnitude 8.9 earthquake and family was okay, but Fujimoto toll could rise, but experts who memo line and mailed to Direct In a March 12 statement, the tsunami in Sendai rattled the nerves has yet to hear directly from her dealt with the 2004 Asian tsunami Relief International, 27 South La JACL expressed “deep concern of many Japanese Americans both daughter. offered a dire outlook. Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA for and condolences” to the people 93117. in the U.S. and in Japan. “I want to hear her voice. I want “It’s a miracle really, if it turns 4 MAR. 18-31, 2011 IN-DEPTH PACIFIC CITIZEN to Study Their Past that we were not going to sit passively and Generations of young adults throughout allow our program to be cut, nor would we Asian American Studies the United States now face the increased allow any other minority program’s funding potential of not having the option to major or to be cut,” said Rahima Dosani, a UPenn minor in Asian American Studies. alumnus. on the Chopping Block Gounder initially wanted to go into On the opposite side of the country, medicine, but after enrolling in more Asian Arizona State University celebrated its first American Studies classes, she declared it semester officially offering Asian Pacific as a minor and eventually a full major. She American Studies as a major/minor last currently serves as a UT student liaison for fall, previously only offering a certificate the department. program. “It helped me form my identity,” Gounder An effort that began in the 1970s, it took continued. She is currently hoping to go to until 2010 for the major/minor to become law school and focus on immigration law. officiated by the administration. Currently, Gounder’s serendipitous experience may ASU has the only APA Studies degree not be repeatable for future generations. program in Arizona and is only one of two Depending on which college Misha Stone in the Southwest (with the other being in chooses, she may not have this opportunity Texas). to major or minor in Asian American Studies. “We would of course have liked to have “If I entered a school and discovered that the major/minor option earlier,” said Kathy the Asian American Studies program was Nakagawa, director of ASU’s APA Studies. no longer offered, I’d be upset,” said Stone, “There are students who graduated with who is from Maryland. “I would feel cheated the certificate who really would have liked as though the school lied to me and would the degree option. There were some factors never stop asking ‘what if’ questions in that made it difficult in terms of a change relation to the program.” in administration, reorganizing within the According to Madeline Hsu, director of university and economic considerations.” the Asian American Studies program at There are currently 10 students enrolled as UT, Austin, the program has been growing minors, but currently no majors. Nakagawa steadily since 2006, with a current core expects that number to grow as more people faculty of nine. learn about the degree, and APA classes have The newness of the program is a double- mostly been fully enrolled. edged sword — it’s growing but it is also “I think our program is needed during this easier to cut, said Hsu. kind of odd moment in Arizona history,” Over the span of three years, the UT said Jeffrey Ow, an ASU lecturer in the APA department has been cut by about 27 percent, Studies department, referring to the anti- according to Hsu, with the budget falling immigration laws and debates over having by about 30 percent and the department ethnic studies taught in the high schools. decreasing down to one lecturer. The success stories of some schools’ “If UT is going to be fulfilling its mission Asian American Studies programs, such as photo: lauren kanegawa/brooks institute to train its students to be leaders in Texas, I ASU, are surrounded by dilemmas that other think you need to be aware of the place of schools face when ethnic programs are the In the face of budget woes, Asian American Studies, which is often credited with helping stu- Asians in the United States,” she said. “This first to go on the budget cut chopping block. dents find their identity, is being cut from universities across the nation. is a multiracial society and you need to be Ow believes that keeping the able to understand across the board what is humanities alive is essential to fighting the An area of study that was once on the rise is now facing a decline, going on.” corporatization of schools and producing At Cal State Los Angeles, Dean James well-rounded citizens. putting the availability of Asian American Studies in jeopardy. Henderson announced in 2010 the possible “Universities are trying to create diploma future suspension of the Asian and Asian mills: trying to have stellar scientists or By Christine McFadden American Studies. American Studies program due to a failure to stellar businessmen who know their craft, Correspondent “We’re definitely being cut,” she said. meet the program goals set at its inception, but aren’t necessarily human in the sense “Which is sad — we’re a growing center.” according to the University Times. that the humanities try to aspire to,” he said. Rachel Gounder, a senior majoring in Gounder is lucky to have the opportunity Only 12 and 10 students at Cal State Los Dosani stressed that Asian American Asian American Studies at the University to graduate with an Asian American Studies Angeles are currently pursuing a major and Studies programs help APA students to of Texas, Austin, might be one of the last degree, as UT is certainly not alone in facing minor, respectively. The objective is to have address the “model minority myth” and students at UT to graduate with a degree in threats to their ethnic studies departments. at least 50 students enrolled in the major. understand the need for social support her field. Cal State, Los Angeles faces the suspension “We simply don’t have the number of programs in addition to helping unite A proposed budget bill currently sits in of their Asian and Asian American Studies majors or the minors because it’s a very different sectors of the APA community. the Texas Senate threatening to cut the UT Department, and schools such as the small program,” said ChorSwang Ngin, “The existence of a scholarly and academic budget by a staggering $65 million for the University of Pennsylvania have previously founder and former director of the Asian and avenue with which to learn about APA 2012-13 year, netting a loss of $3.5 million faced large cuts to their program. Asian American Studies program. history is fundamentally important to the for the college of liberal arts and the potential These cuts reflect a step back from the In response to the possible future Asian American community,” she said. “It elimination of the Asian American Studies previous push in decades past to establish suspension, faculty and students have legitimizes the APA experience and allows department, according to ABC News. Asian American Studies programs, classes organized a grassroots protest movement us to weave threads and formulate bonds Gounder, who is South Asian, participated and departments. An area of study that was and a march, according to Ngin. across what can appear to be very disparate in a march to the Texas State Capitol. once on the rise is now facing a slippery slope “They’re not suspending the program. cultural groups.” “There’s definitely a group of students of decline, putting the availability of Asian The question is how long this will last,” said Entering students with expectations of who are very passionate about these budget American Studies for future generations in Ngin. “For the moment, I think we’ve won Asian American Studies may be disappointed cuts and don’t want to see it happen,” she jeopardy. the battle — so far, at least it appears to be.” to learn that their opportunity to learn more said. “Ethnic studies as a whole is really about APA history is shrinking. But Gounder believes that the program is important because our country claims to be Students Fight Back “If a college does have an Asian American as good as gone. She cites an e-mail sent to this melting pot of cultures and it’s important In 2008, through grassroots efforts led Studies department, then I expect the quality students by the dean of the college of liberal to learn the components of it,” said Gounder. by APA and minority organizations at to be superb like all their other fields,” said arts affirming budget preservations for other “When you cook food, you need to know the the University of Pennsylvania, students Stone, who is on track to be in the graduating programs on the chopping block, such as parts of the recipe.” successfully fought a budget cut to the Asian class of 2016 when she enters college. “No Mexican American and African American American Studies program. single studies department should be lacking n Studies, but without any mention of Asian Future Generation Unable “The Penn administration soon learned in quality from all the others.” PACIFIC CITIZEN IN-DEPTH MAR. 18-31, 2011 5 AAs on Raising Awareness About the “T” in LGBT

Some in the transgender photo: marsha aizumi community nationwide say more resources and visibility are needed.

By Nalea J. Ko Reporter

Growing up in California, Aiden Aizumi did not always feel comfortable with the role he was born into. Adopted from Japan with his brother, Stefen Lawrence, Aiden Aizumi grew up in Arcadia, Calif. He was born as a girl in Japan, and named Ashley Akemi. But in 2008 he would openly express his desire to transition to a male. “I never really related to being a girl, or having a female body,” Aiden Aizumi explained. “While everybody around me was becoming really proud and comfortable with their body, I was up and boys, and doing my hair,” becoming more uncomfortable. photo: marsha aizumi I think I learned a lot from being Aiden Aizumi said, who almost did raised socially as a woman, but I not finish high school. “I struggled never felt like one.” to find friends who were OK with But before Aiden Aizumi, 22, me being a masculine girl and also Aiden and Marsha Aizumi have came forward about his desire to a lesbian.” actively participated in LGBT transition to a male, he struggled in About three years ago, Aiden community events. his own skin. Aizumi opened up about his desire Aiden Aizumi’s mother, Marsha, to transition. He has since had “top The two (pictured left) were says she knew from a very young surgery,” or chest reconstruction among a crowd of about 100 that age that her child was different. surgery and takes testosterone. gathered March 4 in California There were signs throughout his The mother and son are writing to protest Arcadia Mayor Peter childhood, she says, when he a book together to share their story Amundson’s decision to invite a refused to conform to society’s with others. They are hoping their representative from Focus on the gender norms. book “Two Spirits, One Heart” will Family, a conservative Christian “He was very much a tomboy,” be picked up by a publisher. group, to the Annual Community Marsha Aizumi explained. “The Their story is one others in the Breakfast. first couple of years when he was transgender community can relate young I dressed him as a ballerina to. and fairy, but after that he refused. “Adults really need to understand what it’s like for children. Because Anything that he chose was it would be the first time our manager of the Los Angeles Gay “I think it’s very hard to navigate transgender children know from masculine.” governor, Legislature, and Board and Lesbian Center’s Transgender through resources if you don’t live a really young age usually,” said Twenty-two-year-old Aiden of Education united to affirm the Economic Empowerment Project. near L.A. or San Francisco,” Aiden Rev. David Weekley, an Oregon Aizumi says he was always a “little Department of Education’s role Juarez says the transition Aizumi said. “Even living here resident who is transgender. anxious” growing up. But in high in proactively addressing bullying process can often be complicated I feel that it’s hard sometimes to “When I grew up, which was back school he found it difficult to leave and harassment of students in and confusing. find the right doctor or to be safe in the ‘50s and ‘60s, it was really the house. His mother says he our public schools,” said Kim “Sometimes trans people cannot at school.” different of course. There have faced cruelty at high school, where Coco Iwamoto, a Hawaii Board get to the level of transition that Marsha Aizumi says talking been some changes.” he played varsity golf. of Education member who is also they’d like,” Juarez explained about transgender issues can be Legislation is being introduced The bullying and harassment transgender. about barriers people face in the even more difficult in the Asian nationwide to protect people began after he came out as a Other protections are being process of transition. “That again American community, but it is like Aiden Aizumi. In Nevada, lesbian in high school, Marsha implemented across the nation in becomes another barrier.” essential. lawmakers are considering a bill Aizumi said. the hopes of curbing discrimination, More resources are needed “I think Asian people are very to expand the state’s hate crimes “As he came out to his peers violence and bullying against to support the transgender private,” Marsha Aizumi said. “It’s law. The bill, SB 180, would make he started dressing a lot more transgender people. On March 9 the community, said Rev. Jonipher hard for us as Asians to talk in a stiffer penalties for crimes against masculine. So he became a target Boston City Council unanimously Kwong, director of API Equality- group. I’m a Sansei, so I’m much transgender people. I think for bullying and harassment passed a resolution supporting the LA. Also educational awareness more open. But I feel like even at In Hawaii legislators are at that time,” Marsha Aizumi said. Transgender Civil Rights Bill. work is needed to dispel common that it’s hard.” considering a bill that would “Then a lot of physical violence The resolution states its misconceptions about the Without the support of his friends protect against bullying, cyber started to enter our lives. At that support of protecting transgender transgender community, he says. and family, Aiden Aizumi says his bullying and harassment within point I just didn’t know what to individuals from discrimination “Just the terminology itself is so life would have been different. the schools because of a student’s do.” and violence. ambiguous in the API community’s “I don’t think I would be actual or perceived sexual As a highschooler Aiden Aizumi “In California we’re very lucky eyes.” Kwong added. “Quite able to be as happy and fulfilled orientation, gender identity or was diagnosed agoraphobic with that we have a strong community honestly I’m Chinese and I don’t without them, or it would be a gender expression. panic attacks. advocacy for a lot of changes. The even know how to say transgender lot harder to get there,” Aiden “The Hawaii Safe School Act “I was always really masculine rest of the country is very different,” in Chinese [laughs].” Aizumi explained. “I’m extremely (HB 688) would be an important and never really was into make- said Drian Juarez, program Others agree. blessed.” n piece of legislation because 6 MAR. 18-31, 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PACIFIC CITIZEN Asian American Leaders Say Hearing on Muslim Extremism Scapegoats a Community The treatment of Muslim community within the halls of Congress,” Americans today is reminiscent said the JACL in the same statement. of the World War II Japanese Rep. Peter King said he called the hearing American internment, they say. because Muslim community leaders need to speak out against terrorism and work with By P.C. Staff and Associated Press police and the FBI. “There’s an elephant in the room and Citing parallels to the World War II nobody wants to talk about it. We talked incarceration of Japanese Americans, Asian about it today,” King said after the four- Pacific American leaders are speaking out hour session. “I remain convinced that these in support of Muslim Americans amid the hearings must go forward — and they will.” tearful testimonies, angry recriminations and But the conversation — a government political theater of the Congressional hearing examination of one religion in the U.S. on Muslim extremism in America. — was fraught with distrust and political In a statement, JACL blasted the March 10 pandering that reflect the nation’s ongoing hearing for scapegoating a community based struggle against terrorism, nearly a decade on religious affiliation. after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “One of the most shameful chapters in “Rep. King’s intent seems clear: To cast our country’s history remains the Japanese suspicion upon all Muslim Americans and to American internment during World War II. stoke the fires of anti-Muslim prejudice and Islamophobia,” said Rep. Mike Honda in an photo: asterix611 Sadly, the parallels between the treatment of Japanese Americans and the backlash op-ed piece in the San Francisco Chronicle. Asian American leaders led an inter-faith protest against Islamophobia in New York City’s endured by South Asian, Arab, Sikh and During WWII, Honda and his family were Time Square March 6. Muslim Americans in the aftermath of Sept. incarcerated at Amache in Colorado along 11, 2001, have been drawn before, and are with other innocent JA families. The move all the more pertinent today. To question the was “based on race prejudice, war hysteria, men blamed the Islamic community for to the World Trade Center attack. loyalties and beliefs of a single community and a failure of political leadership.” inspiring young men to commit terrorism. “This committee’s approach to this simply based on religion or race divides and Rep. Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional “We have to know our enemy, and it is particular subject, I believe, is contrary to alienates all Americans,” said the JACL in Asian Pacific American Caucus, echoed the radical Islam in my judgment,” said Rep. the best of American values and threatens the statement. criticism about the hearing. Michael McCaul of Texas. our security, or could potentially,” Ellison After the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, the “The Homeland Security Committee’s On the other side of the argument, one of said. JACL was the first Asian Pacific American witch hunt for Muslim radicals is a ‘guilt- the two Muslims in Congress wept while After the hearing, the White House group to publicly support the Muslim by-association’ conviction in the trial of the discussing a Muslim firefighter who died in repeated its position that America should not American community citing parallel public arena, and it reinforces negative and the attacks. practice guilt by association. experiences after Japan attacked Pearl potentially dangerous prejudices about the Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim “And we also believe that Muslim Harbor, which propelled the U.S. into WWII. American Muslim community,” said Chu in elected to Congress, cried as he discussed Americans are very much part of the solution “As Asian Americans, we are extremely a statement. Mohammed Salman Hamdani, a Pakistani here and not the problem,” White House disappointed with the targeting of a particular At the hearing, the families of two young American paramedic who died responding spokesman Jay Carney said. n Obama Nominates Gary Locke to be Ambassador to China By Associated Press strident disapproval that would anger the Chinese. WASHINGTON—Hoping to make The White House said there was no China more friendly to American business, timetable for replacing Locke, who is the President Barack Obama on March 9 first member of Obama’s cabinet to leave the nominated as his top envoy to Beijing administration. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, the Locke developed a strong relationship first Chinese American to serve in that with businesses during his two terms as diplomatically and commercially important governor of Washington, which is home assignment. to several high-tech companies, including Locke is well-versed in the Chinese trade Boeing and Microsoft. policies that have frustrated American Both companies, their executives and businesses trying to sell their products in others connected to them made substantial the huge and growing Asian power. He’s led donations to Locke’s statewide campaigns: delegations of U.S. companies on dozens of Microsoft and donors that connected to it trade missions abroad, including to China, the U.S. as a teenager, died in January. economic rival. Administration officials, gave at least $90,000, almost all for Locke’s where U.S. exports were up 34 percent last “I know that if he were still alive, it would including Locke, have pushed China to 2000 race, and Boeing and people linked to year. be one of his proudest moments to see his reform policies that restrict the ability of it donated at least $30,000, with most of that “When he’s in Beijing, I know that son named as the United States ambassador American companies to export to China, and also for Locke’s re-election campaign. American companies will be able to count to his ancestral homeland,” said Locke, as have strongly condemned Chinese efforts to Locke reported holding up to $250,000 on him to represent their interests in front his wife and three young children looked on. undervalue its currency in order to make its worth of Microsoft stock in a financial of China’s top leaders,” Obama said as he If confirmed by the Senate, Locke would goods cheaper. disclosure statement he filed after his Cabinet announced Locke’s nomination. replace Ambassador Jon Huntsman, who The U.S.-China relationship stretches well nomination; he divested the stock after being Underscoring the critical nature of the leaves China in April. beyond economics. The U.S. needs Chinese confirmed for the Cabinet. relationship between the U.S. and China, Locke, a soft-spoken 61-year-old, is support on a range of foreign policy matters, Microsoft and Boeing both have a strong Obama was flanked by Secretary of State popular in China, say those who have from nuclear standoffs with Iran and North interest in America’s economic relationship Hillary Clinton and chief of staff Bill traveled with him to the country. He has built Korea to peacekeeping efforts in Sudan. with China. In January, Boeing finalized Daley, a former Commerce secretary, at the a relationship with many Chinese leaders Complicating the relationship is China’s poor a $19 billion deal to sell 200 airplanes to ceremony in the White House Diplomatic during more than 20 trips there over the past record on issues including human rights and China. Microsoft has advocated for greater Room. 20 years. intellectual property theft. Particularly on enforcement of intellectual property rights Locke drew on his compelling family As ambassador, Locke will be tasked with human rights, the Obama administration has in China, estimating that only one in 10 history in accepting the nomination. His managing the U.S. relationship with a country struggled to strike the right tone in making customers using Microsoft products in China father, who was born in China and moved to Obama frequently cites as America’s chief clear China must do better without voicing is actually paying for them. n PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL MAR. 18-31, 2011 7

photo: nalea j. ko

‘Sucker Punch’ is Steve Shibuya’s first major film credit. He co-wrote the script with director Zack Synder over a period of about 10 years.

‘Sucker Punch’ Co-Writer Steve Shibuya on Fighting Inner Demons Steve Shibuya is one of several Asian confront her inner demons and seek redemption. woman.” Americans who worked behind-the scenes on “Sucker Punch is a movie about escape, both literal and Shibuya and Snyder first started working on the “Sucker the new film ‘Sucker Punch.’ figurative,” Snyder said in a release. “It shows how the mind Punch” script about ten years ago, he said. The movie “Sucker can create an almost impenetrable barricade against the Punch” is his first major film. During the development of By Nalea J. Ko real world, and to what lengths we’re willing to go, what the script, Shibuya juggled being a stay-at-home dad and Reporter sacrifices we’re willing to make, to get out of a difficult working on the script. situation.” “We started ten years ago. My daughter is five,” Shibuya Steve Shibuya knows firsthand about the journey to fight Babydoll attempts to escape her reality of being explained. “So there was a lot of time, she would take a nap one’s inner demons. The Japanese American grew up in institutionalized through her mind. In the action film, the for two hours and I would start writing, like crazy. I would California with parents who were uprooted from their homes group of scantily clad, gun-toting friends sets out to escape just be writing until I heard her screaming and waking up.” during World War II when they were declared “enemy the institution. Some critics online, however, are calling the While Shibuya’s wife, Ulli, worked as a make up artist, aliens.” Shibuya says he was a Hollywood househusband. The couple As a result of their WWII experiences and cultural met while working on a commercial about 11 years ago. It influences, it was a home environment where feelings and is a switch on traditional gender roles that also inspired the emotions were not openly discussed, Shibuya says. creation of a reality show “Househusbands of Hollywood.” Growing up without an outlet to discuss his feelings “I feel thrilled, Steven never gave up on his dream and complicated coping with a childhood tragedy involving the I am happy to see him succeed after many years of hard drowning of a family friend. work,” said Ulli Shibuya. His life experiences were perhaps fodder for the “Sucker As a househusband, Shibuya says he took his daughter to Punch” script that he co-wrote with long-time friend, ‘mommy and me’ classes where he sometimes experienced Director Zack Snyder. “weird looks.” All the time, Shibuya balanced changing dirty The idea for the script was born from the creative mind of diapers with writing “Sucker Punch.” Snyder whose credits include the films “300,” “Dawn of the “I feel like I was a pioneer. I do,” Shibuya said smiling. “I Dead,” and “Watchmen,” among others. see guys with kids all the time now. But five years ago there “He has told me dreams that he’s had before and they’re wasn’t a lot.” pretty wild,” Shibuya said breaking into a laugh in a Los With the premiere of the film approaching reality is starting Angeles, Calif. coffee shop. “This came from some dark to sink in that Shibuya can shed his role of househusband to place inside of him.” become a full-fledged Hollywood screenwriter. The two met while attending the Art Center College of Shibuya has already made plans to bring his parents to see Design in Pasadena, where they also went to school with “Sucker Punch.” He credits them for his success. “One thing about my parents is that it is really because Chinese American Larry Fong, who was the director of photo: warner brothers pictures photography in “Sucker Punch.” of their sacrifice that I’m able to even be here,” Shibuya Shibuya is one of several Asian Americans who worked Actress Jamie Chung is part of the cast of the action flick explained. “Just going to camp, losing everything … all that behind-the-scenes to create “Sucker Punch,” which is set ‘Sucker Punch,’ premiering March 25. suffering they did gave me the chance to literally be free, to for release nationwide March 25. Others include Chinese run and really explore this world. This world that they never American editor William Hoy. film a “male fantasy.” really feel a part of.” On screen, the Asian American talent includes Actresses But Shibuya says the film’s underlying message will likely Shibuya says although the script was about 10 years in Vanessa Hudgens, who takes on the role of Blondie, and be relatable to everyone. the making, he never gave up on seeing his vision come to Korean American Jamie Chung, who plays Amber. Hudgens “You’re going to see these women and you’re going to fruition on the big screen. and Chung are among the five young women who make up connect with them.” Shibuya added, “Everyone goes through “I never had a plan B. I don’t know if that’s a good thing,” the flick’s ensemble cast. the same journey if they want to fight their inner demons. Shibuya said. “Fortunately for me, ‘Sucker Punch’ came The movie centers around the story of Babydoll, played Nobody wants to go there. I didn’t think, ‘Oh, OK. A woman because if that didn’t come I don’t know [laughs] where I’d n by actress Emily Browning, who embarks on a journey to looks at it differently.’ Everybody is afraid to do it. Man or be right now.” 8 MAR. 18-31, 2011 V OICES/NATIONAL PACIFIC CITIZEN Student Conflict Common in Philly Schools

photo: harvey finkle

for the

recordby john tateishi The 800-Pound Gorilla Okay, let’s get the 800-pound gorilla in the Kido were separated in one meeting with the room out of the way. In terms of the JACL, that feds, and he was told that the removal process By Associated Press policies for resolving conflicts. Its gorilla is the word “cooperation.” was going to happen whether we cooperated or recommendations are advisory only. I should preface this by laying my cards on the not. He was warned that if there was resistance, PHILADELPHIA—A commission The commission based its report on table. I grew up in Los Angeles very critical of there would be bloodshed, that soldiers would investigating racially motivated attacks testimony from 11 public hearings it the JACL, even though I really didn’t know how be armed with live ammunition and bayonets, against Asian American students in held after about 30 Asian students were much it did for the JA and APA communities. and Army tanks would be involved and used if Philadelphia has found conflicts among assaulted at South Philadelphia High But I did know about the 1942 decision and that necessary. all types of groups are widespread in the School in December 2009. was enough. I was young, and like most people When he and Kido met later, they found that district. The school district agreed in my age, I was judgmental and naïve. they were both told the same thing: that there The report was released March 1 December to state and federal oversight I eventually joined the JACL and, eventually, would be bloodshed if there was resistance. by the Philadelphia Commission on for the next two and a half years to became the chair of the national redress As he recounted those meetings, Mike said that Human Relations. It calls for school address the anti-Asian violence. committee and then a full-time lobbyist for the agents were not offering friendly advice but officials to reduce language barriers District spokeswoman Jamilah Fraser redress in D.C. I found myself were threatening. Both Kido and and implement clear and consistent says officials will review the report. n facing a hostile and often angry Mike had heard the same threats public. I didn’t mind because I and discussed what their options was confident that I knew more ‘Of course it’s were. He told me he thought than most people about the about it for a couple of days and Reward Offered in California internment but also knew I still easy to say, felt we had to resist being forced had some blank spots in my from our homes. But what if, Shooting of Two Sikh Men knowledge of what happened and it’s easy in resisting, a woman or child Florin JACL offers support reward in this case. The executive and why. or one of our elders got killed? director of the council’s Sacramento One of those was the Could we risk that?? Wasn’t the and asks police chief to make to criticize. the investigation a top priority. Valley chapter noted that Sikh men in JACL’s advice to cooperate JACL’s responsibility to keep beards and turbans are often targeted by with the government orders to You’ve never the community safe? those who mistake them for Muslims. “evacuate.” By Associated Press and P.C. Staff And then he asked me what “The Muslim community offers its An important point to been there.' I would have done, given that condolences and support to the Sikh remember: the JACL never situation. I told him I would ELK GROVE, California—The community in this time of sorrow,” sought the responsibility of have resisted and would have Florin JACL chapter is decrying the Basim Elkarra said. serving as a communication link between the JA advised resistance. He replied, more to himself recent shooting of two Sikh men — one The reward for information leading community and the feds once restrictions were than to me, that he wished many times that that’s of them fatally — on a sidewalk in a to a conviction in the March 4 shooting imposed on JAs. It was the government that what they had done, but still, what if there had Northern California suburb. in Elk Grove comes as police cautioned chose the JACL to represent the JA community been bloodshed as the agents had threatened? In a letter to Elk Grove Police Chief there was no evidence it was a hate because of its chapter network throughout the Then what? Robert M. Lehner, Florin JACL asks crime. However, Police Chief Lehner coastal states and, more importantly, it was Over the years, I’ve had dealings with the that the investigation into the possible said there was no other apparent motive. an organization made up of that generation government in Washington: with members of hate crime shootings be made a top “The obvious Sikh appearance of described by Curtis Munson as “pathetically Congress, with representatives of the Justice priority. the men, including the traditional loyal” and eager to demonstrate that loyalty. Department, with White House staff. While “As a law enforcement leader, we Dastar headwear and lack of any other It wasn’t just the JACL but the entire Nisei it wasn’t under the same conditions that know you are familiar with the rise in apparent motive, increasingly raise that generation that Munson characterized. confronted JAs after Pearl Harbor, in the 1980s bigotry, hatred, and violence against possibility,” he said in a statement. It was a little more than two years after we were losing a bitter trade war with Japan and innocent Sikh, Muslim, and Arab Authorities said 65-year-old Surinder launching the redress campaign that I was living the mood of the country was often ugly. Americans after 9/11,” the Florin Singh was pronounced dead at the in D.C., lobbying the Congress. I had gotten to I know what it’s like to be on the short end JACL states in their letter. “Our Sikh, scene, and a second man, identified as know Mike Masaoka and probably befuddled of arguments with Justice Department lawyers, Muslim, and Arab American neighbors, 78-year-old Gurmej Atwal, has been him more than anything else. He advised me enough to give me some insight into what friends, and co-workers need the fullest hospitalized in critical condition. on matters from time to time, and sometimes I Masaoka experienced. It’s easy when the reality protection of the law especially when an Singh was a truck driver who had took his advice and sometimes I didn’t. I was a isn’t staring you in the face to be macho, but it’s entire people can be wantonly targeted, worked in both India and Libya before greenhorn in D.C. and here was Mike, by then very different when you know you’re holding not for any individual wrong-doing, but moving to the United States about five a 30-plus-year veteran of Washington politics. an empty hand. for their religion, dress, or ethnicity.” years ago, his son Harvinder Singh, told I’m sure it seemed to him that he was friendlier How do you decide when you’re given two The letter goes on to explain that the the Sacramento Bee. He had recently to me than I was to him, but it didn’t seem to horrible options in a no-win situation by a current targeting of these communities survived his fourth heart attack. faze him. For me, it was that 800-pound gorilla hostile inquisitor? Tell them to go to hell? is similar to the Japanese American Atwal moved to the U.S. from India always in the room whenever we met. Of course it’s easy to say, and it’s easy to experience during World War II when in 2001, and the family settled two years And finally one day, while having lunch with criticize. You’ve never been there. n they were targeted after the Pearl Harbor later in Elk Grove, according to his son, him at his favorite restaurant, I asked him what bombings simply because of their race. Kamaljit Atwal. in the world possessed him and Sab Kido to John Tateishi is the immediate past JACL The Council on American-Islamic “He is quite a gentle man,’’ he said. n recommend cooperation. He said that he and national director. Relations is currently offering a $5,000 PACIFIC CITIZEN ENTERTAINMENT MAR. 18-31, 2011 9

photo: abc

The Super Bowl MVP wants to help Asian Pacific American and biracial youth build self-confidence.

Steelers’ Hines Ward to Turn On Razzle Dazzle for ‘Dancing With The Stars’ The popular TV dance competition is an Representatives. wow the judges with “razzle and dazzle.” opportunity for the Super Bowl MVP to raise “I’ve been having a blast,” said Ward by phone from “I don’t put pressure on myself. I just give it all I’ve got.” Atlanta where he was — what else — practicing. “I can “Hines is wonderful to teach,” said Johnson. “He learns so awareness about biracial discrimination. dance. I can cut a rug, but ballroom dancing is different.” fast and is 200 percent dedicated.” By Lynda Lin Just ask teammate James Farrior who was quoted in the That’s because his work ethic was instilled early. Assistant Editor Pittsburgh Tribune-Review lightheartedly calling Ward “the Ward was born in Seoul, South Korea to a Korean mother worst dancer on the show.” and an African American father serving in the U.S. Army. Hines Ward has his eye on the prize: a mirror ball trophy It’s a normal reaction for football players, said Ward about In Korea, mixed race children are shunned by mainstream that would ease the pain of walking away from Super Bowl the ribbing. He describes himself as more of a jokester than society. Ward was just one years old when he moved to the XLV empty handed. a dancer, but he’s in it to win. Atlanta area. His mom, Young-He Ward, struggled to raise “It would be a great consolation,” said Ward, the Pittsburgh “It’ll be great to prove that I can do ballroom dancing.” her son in a new country without the benefit of being fluent Steelers’ all-time leading receiver, about winning “Dancing And if he does win, Ward plans to bring the coveted mirror in English. With The Stars.” ball trophy to the locker room. Ward “took that sense of sacrifice and determination Forget about the Steelers’ Feb. 6 Super Bowl loss to and embodied that in his heart and soul,” according to his the Green Bay Packers and the NFL’s labor strife, Ward website. is devoting himself to dance and he has new mirror ball “I have the best of both worlds,” he said about being cufflinks to prove it. biracial. “I don’t look at it as a hindrance.” “Football comes naturally,” said Ward, who is of Korean In 2006 after winning his first of two Super Bowl rings, and African American descent. Ward and his mother traveled back to South Korea to form Ballroom dancing? Not so much. the Helping Hands Foundation to help combat biracial For days now, Ward has been spending up to six hours discrimination among children. His trip was greeted with a day trying to perfect his posture and footwork for the much acclaim. It’s all part of a larger plan, he said. The more March 21 premiere. His decision to compete on the popular Koreans embrace him the more they will open their hearts to ABC television dance show is just another chance for Ward mixed race children. to expand his fan base and spread the word about his pet photo: abc “We’re making progress little by little.” projects. Last year, President Barack Obama appointed Ward as a ‘He learns so fast and is 200 percent dedicated,’ said Kym member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian He wants to help Asian Pacific American and biracial Johnson, about her dance partner. youth build self-confidence. Americans and Pacific Islanders to help improve the APA For Ward, 35, it comes from a personal place. community’s health, education and economic status. In this “I’ve been teased,” he said about growing up biracial in “No doubt! I’ll take it everywhere with me. I’ll sleep with role, he has used his celebrity status to inspire APA youth. the Atlanta area. “The black kids didn’t want anything to do it, take it out with me to dinner, go on a date with it …” he On March 21, he hopes to inspire “Dancing With The with me because I wasn’t black and the white kids didn’t said with a laugh. Stars” judges with a little of his razzle and dazzle. He’s doing want anything to do with me because I wasn’t white. There Luckily, the statistics work in his favor. Professional it for his mom too, who will be in the audience maybe even was no race to fit into, so I tried to act white or I tried to act athletes have fared well on the dance show, but APAs have waving a Terrible Towel in honor of her son. black instead of being myself. dominated including past winners like Kristi Yamaguchi, “She was a little shocked,” said Ward about his mom’s “Kids need an outlet, a place to belong. For me it was Apolo Anton Ohno and Nicole Scherzinger. A win from reaction to his “Dancing With The Stars” decision. “But sports,” he said. Ward could create a dynasty of APA dancers on “Dancing she’s been really supportive.” Now, Ward is trying to find his place in the ballroom, and With The Stars.” His game plan leading up to the first performance is he’s bringing along a strong work ethic. Early predictions, however, have not been as kind. Many simple, “Just be myself.” To celebrate his 35th birthday on March 8, Ward’s have singled out reality TV star Kendra Wilkinson as a To prepare, Ward watched past episodes to soak up “Dancing With The Stars” partner Kym Johnson cut his frontrunner in the competition. technique. The predictions don’t faze the NFL veteran. He may not be “Emmitt Smith and Warren Sapp were just having fun … practice time down to four hours, so Ward could go to the n Georgia State Capitol to receive an honor from the House of the favorite, but his strategy is to slip in under the radar and I want to take the same approach.” 10 MAR. 18-31, 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PACIFIC CITIZEN ‘The Slants’ Fights to Trademark Their Name National Newsbytes

By Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press

City Establishes First Fred Korematsu Day PASADENA, Calif.—City council members unanimously passed a resolution to recognize Jan. 30 as Fred Korematsu Day, making Pasadena the first city to pass such a resolution. The city council passed the resolution Feb. 28. Champions of the cause included Connie Castro of the ACLU, Mark Furuya of the Japanese American Bar Association and Wendy Anderson By Pacific Citizen Staff “This battle is important to us support comes from the Asian of Southern California’s Cherry because it’s more than just about the community itself!” according to Blossom Festival. A Portland, Oregon-based Asian band. It’s fighting for the right for The Slants’ website. California’s former Gov. Arnold Pacific American dance rock band all underrepresented communities The use of the word, “slant,” Schwarzenegger signed on Sept. 23 the is battling the U.S. Patent and and groups to have the power to has been used without criticism in statewide bill of the same matter. Trademark Office over the band’s discern for themselves as to what is other instances and events, band name: The Slants. appropriate within their own social members argue, including The Official: Riders Say NYC Bus Crash Driver Swerved Saying the name may “disparage culture rather than a government Slant Film Festival in Houston, NEW YORK—Passengers and witnesses to a New York City crash or falsely suggest a connection entity that might have little, if any, Texas and Jeff Adachi’s 2006 that sheared the top off a bus and killed 14 people — who were mostly with persons … or bring them connection with them at all,” said documentary “The Slanted Screen” Asian Pacific American — told investigators that the driver’s account into contempt, or disrepute,” the Young. about racism in Hollywood. was inaccurate. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Band members, currently on tour The Trademark Office They said the driver’s account of getting clipped by a tractor-trailer has denied the band’s trademark across the U.S., say they are active considered these examples and didn’t match up to what they felt and saw before the vehicle slid off the request for the second time. in the local APA community and said The Slants’ “arguments have road and into a sign pole. Band members say they have have not encountered resistance on been considered but are found Driver Ophadell Williams had told police that his World Wide Tours turned the word “slant,” a long their name. unpersuasive,” according to the bus was hit just as it crossed the New York City line early March 12 on held racial slur against Asian “I have met so many young fans band. a trip from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Pacific Americans, on its head to who say that they were ashamed “With the way that laws are The bus was one of scores that travel daily between Chinatown, create a source of ethnic pride and to identify as being Asian before written, its conceptually possible in Manhattan, and the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos in empowerment. they found The Slants,” said Chen. that a non-Asian band would have southeastern Connecticut. “‘Slant’ is an outdated, “Our band and band name have a better chance to get the name Many of the passengers on the bus were Chinatown residents. They generational term,” said bassist become a rallying point for Asian trademarked than us,” said Young. ranged in age from 20 to 50, officials said. Simon Young. “For us, and the American youth to finally feel safe The Slants are working with other Asian Americans we’ve to embrace their ethnic heritage!” their attorney to generate more Jury Recommends Life for Former Gang Boss encountered, it is a positive In a Feb. 17 statement the band support from the APA community LOS ANGELES—A jury has recommended life in prison instead of statement of pride. We’ve had quoted community activist Mari and appeal the Trademark Office’s the death penalty for the former boss of a Los Angeles street gang, who great success with it. Every week, Watanabe defending the name. decision. The Slants can still keep was convicted of eight murders and 10 attempted murders. we get e-mails and comments from “The name is being used in a its name, but a federal trademark The Superior Court jury made the recommendation on March 7 for Asian Pacific Islander youth who self-referential manner, carrying would “provide significant 37-year-old Marvin Mercado. A judge will sentence him on March 30. say that we help encourage them a message that promotes Asian benefits, including access to Prosecutors said Mercado led the Asian Boyz gang in the mid-1990s to be proud of and explore their culture. This use does not disparage the federal courts, nationwide and was involved in several shootings in the San Fernando and San heritage.” Asian identity; it celebrates it,” she protection, and, in certain cases Gabriel Valleys. Formed in Portland, Oregon in said. of infringement, the possibility of Mercado fled the country and eluded authorities for more than 10 2006, the Slants — self-described The band’s website also attorney fee awards,” said Spencer years before being arrested in the Philippines and brought back for as “Chinatown dance rock” — addresses the controversy of the Trowbridge, the band’s attorney. prosecution. includes Young, vocalist Aron name. “We want people to be informed Moxley, guitarist Johnny Fontanilla “Although we aren’t a socio- as to what is happening, to show Gambling Isn’t Coming to Hawaii Anytime Soon and Tyler Chen on drums. political band, we do feel strongly unilateral support from the API HONOLULU—All proposals to bring some form of gambling to The band is appealing the that Asians should be proud of community, and to show the Hawaii have busted out. Trademark Office’s decision their cultural heritage, and not absurdity of the situation. I hope The legislation included ideas for a standalone casino in Waikiki, saying the APA community — not be offended by stereotypical that the Trademark Office will see bingo on Hawaiian Home Lands, shipboard gambling, slot machines or a governmental office — should descriptions. Stand proud, stand this and reconsider their decision,” a multistate lottery. decide if a word is disparaging. strong — it is why our strongest said Young. n None cleared its committee before March 4, the deadline for non- budget bills to advance for a vote in their originating chamber. Hawaii and Utah are the only states that don’t allow any gambling. Quinn Signs Chinatown Redistricting Legislation Japanese Refurbish U.S. City’s Friendship Doll By Associated Press population. dilutes voting power. SPOKANE, Wash.—An exchange of “friendship dolls” with Japan The bill was pushed by Redistricting is a politically more than 80 years ago has turned into an enduring tie for a Spokane CHICAGO—A bill that protects Chicago’s Chinatown leaders who charged process done once a museum. minority groups and adds public say thousands of Asian voters in decade based on U.S. Census The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture has a doll named Miss input to the legislative redistricting the area are divided into three state numbers. Tokushima that is one of 44 dolls still accounted for. They were created process is law. Senate districts, four state House Data for 2010 is in lawmakers’ by Japanese artisans and sent to the United States in the 1920s in return Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation districts and three congressional hands. for thousands of blue-eyed American dolls that were sent to Japanese March 7 that’s designed to protect districts. The bill, which immediately children by a missionary. minority groups — defined by race Consultant Theresa Mah of the takes effect, also requires statewide Miss Tokushima recently returned to Spokane from an eight-month or language — in districts where Coalition for a Better Chinese hearings on redistricting. n trip to Japanese museums where she was displayed with one of the they might not have a majority American Community says that American dolls named Alice. n PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL/COMMUNITY MAR. 18-31, 2011 11 APAs Choices Abound in S.F. Mayor’s Race in the Three Asian American candidates are vying for News the top spot in a city where nearly one-third are Asian By Pacific Citizen Staff Americans.

Goodwin Liu Fighting for Confirmation By Robin Hindery Goodwin Liu, a law professor at the Associated Press University of California at Berkeley, is going before the Senate Judiciary SAN FRANCISCO—The race Committee for the second time to fill a to become the next mayor of vacancy on the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of San Francisco has begun to take Appeals. shape with a list of eight serious Liu was nominated to the same post last contenders that reads like a who’s year, but failed to get a floor vote. President who of city politics. Barack Obama again nominated Liu, who The candidates vying to fill the again is going before the committee. vacancy left by Democratic Lt. San Francisco’s interim mayor Edwin Lee has inspired other Asian Ameri- Republican Senators are using Liu’s Gov. Gavin Newsom include three cans to seek the city’s highest office. liberal speeches and academic writings to Asian American elected officials make the case that he is not fit for a lifetime appointment to the bench. competing in a city that is nearly citywide campaign for ranked- Asian American and other voters Liu has sterling credentials that earned him the highest rating from one-third Asian American but has choice voting in 2002. “You win throughout the city will prevail,’’ the American Bar Association and there have been no allegations of never elected an Asian American by finding common ground with said Don Nakanishi, director impropriety to disqualify him from serving. mayor. The number of candidates opponents and building coalitions, emeritus of the UCLA Asian is expected to grow in the months and you don’t win by getting into a Studies Center. UC Berkeley JA Women Group to Honor Alumna leading up to an Aug. 12 deadline. ‘me-against-you’ situation.” The structure of ranked-choice Wendy Tokuda, an award-winning TV newscaster, will be Adding to the unpredictability, Though San Francisco is home voting will help ensure that Yee, keynoting the Japanese American Women Alumnae of UC Berkeley’s the Nov. 8 election also will be the to the largest percentage of Asian Chiu and Ting don’t cancel each (JAWAUCB) 21st annual luncheon April 9. first test of the city’s ranked-choice Americans of any county in the other out as they compete for Tokuda is also an author of children’s books, and co-founder of voting system in a competitive continental U.S., it never had an that powerful voting bloc, said Students Rising Above, a non-profit organization dedicated to guiding mayor’s race, and the first time Asian American leader until Edwin Jim Stearns, Yee’s campaign and supporting low-income, first-generation college students through mayoral candidates can take Lee was appointed interim mayor consultant. college. advantage of new public financing in January. The appointment “Now, multiple candidates Dr. Joyce N. Takahashi, UC Davis emeritus adjunct professor, will rules offering a hefty boost of energized the Asian American from the same community can also be honored. taxpayer money to participants community, and turnout in inspire additional commitment, who surpass certain fundraising November is expected to be high. enthusiasm and turnout in that Manoa Scholarship Honors Retired Professor thresholds. Some observers predict the three community, and ultimately benefit The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s architecture school has created Political experts and campaign Asian American candidates — the top vote-getter with the second- a new scholarship in honor of former associate professor Leighton insiders say these factors will help state Sen. Leland Yee, Board of and third-place votes of the other Liu, who retired last year after 40 years at the school. keep some lesser-known hopefuls Supervisors President David Chiu candidates,’’ he said. The Leighton Liu Endowed Scholarship will support an outstanding competitive and encourage a shift and Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting The math could get more second-year architecture student who demonstrates design excellence. away from cutthroat campaigning — may form their own slate on complicated if Lee yields to The scholarship was established with $35,000 in donations from by rewarding candidates who form the ballot, whether they intend to mounting outside pressure and friends and alumni. strategic alliances. or not. decides to try to hold on to his Liu started at the school as an instructor in 1971. Most recently, “San Francisco politics is “It is likely that the three Asian position. he served as supervisor of a workshop, uniting traditional hand and somewhat of a blood sport, but American candidates will split the He has so far insisted he’s not digital construction techniques. this mayor’s race is going to show vote on the first counting of rank- interested in staying beyond his the culture starting to turn,’’ said choice voting, but the candidate interim term and instead hopes Ng Leaving Dodgers to Join Torre with MLB Steven Hill, a political reform who can skillfully garner the to resume his former role as city Kim Ng, vice president and assistant advocate who ran the successful second and third preferences from administrator. n general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has accepted the job of senior vice president for baseball operations at Hawaii’s Daniel Akaka Decides Against 2012 Run Major League Baseball. She will report to By Mark Niesse of the Senate, previously said he Democratic Senatorial Campaign Joe Torre, the newly named executive vice Associated Press intended to run again. But his Committee (DSCC), said Akaka president for baseball operations. campaign account had just $66,000 would be missed. But she added She said she hasn’t abandoned hopes of HONOLULU—With a tiny in cash on hand at the end of 2010, that Democrats will “absolutely” becoming the first female general manager campaign war chest and indications far short of the amount he’d likely keep the seat. in baseball. that powerful Democrats wouldn’t need to organize and mount a “With a heavily leaning Ng, 42, was entering her 10th season support a re-election bid, Sen. successful run at another term. Democratic electorate and their with the Dodgers, and was the first woman Daniel Akaka of Hawaii announced Democrats hold a 53-47 majority native son up for re-election as to interview for a general manager’s job in 2005, when Ned Colletti he would step down after his term in the Senate, including two president of the United States, got the position. expires next year. independents who side with them. we are confident the people of The 86-year-old Democrat — But they must defend 21 of the 33 Hawaii will continue to have two CAPAC Gets New Staff Members the only U.S. senator of Native seats on the ballot next year, and Democrats serving them in the New staff members have been named for the Congressional Asian Hawaiian or Chinese ancestry — face a struggle to retain control. United States Senate,” she said. Pacific American Caucus.Gene F. Kim has been named the executive has become the seventh senator to Former Republican Gov. Linda Akaka suffered a major defeat director and Andy Wong the assistant and coordinator. recently decide against running in Lingle, who left office in December, in December when he failed to get Kim spent the past two years working with a national network 2012. has said she would consider a a full Senate vote on legislation of APA elected officials as the director of communications and “It was a very difficult decision campaign for the seat, and former granting Native Hawaiians the right program development for the Asian Pacific American Institute for for me,” he said in a statement. U.S. Rep. Charles Djou, who lost to form their own government. The Congressional Studies. “However, I feel that the end of re-election in November, also has measure, known as the Akaka bill, Wong was formerly the founder and director of API Equality, a this Congress is the right time for been mentioned as a possible GOP had been the senator’s priority for Chinese for Affirmative Action initiative to promote support for LGBT me to step aside.” candidate. the last 11 years, but its progress n acceptance and equal rights in the APA community. Akaka, the third-oldest member Sen. Patty Murray, chair of the has stalled indefinitely. n 12 Mr a . 18-31, 2011 COMM UNITY/NATIONAL PACIFIC CITIZEN Revised JACL Curriculum Guide is Now Available

442nd RCT veterans were recognized and honored at the Wisconsin JACL inaugural luncheon. (L-r) Sus Musashi, Lt. Aaron Greisen, Tom Suyama, Sharon Ishii-Jordan, and Bill Yoshino. Wisconsin JACL Honors Its Own At its inauguration luncheon, the Wisconsin JACL 12 are: Lynette Jarreau, Masaru Danshita, Margaret honored local heroes and future Congressional Gold Igowsky, Nancy Jonokuchi, Irene Bridgeford, Carole Medal recipients Tom Suyama and Sus Musashi of the Shiraga, Dave Suyama, Bill Suyama and Sherri famed World War II 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Fujihira. At the event, Aaron Greisen, a 2nd Lieutenant Three members received Silver Pin awards in the Wisconsin National Guard, talked about the — Masaru Danshita, Kevin Miyazaki and Irene Congressional Gold Medal bill, which collectively Bridgeford — for 10 or more years of service. JACL has released the fifth edition of its acclaimed curriculum guide honors members of the 442nd, the 100th Infantry Carole Shiraga was recognized for her years of on the Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Entitled Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service. volunteer service and being inducted into the Holiday “A Lesson in American History: The Japanese American Experience,” New chapter officers were also sworn in by Sharon Folk Fair Wall of Fame. the guide has been an important resource for teachers and educators Ishii-Jordan, JACL Midwest district governor. The member of the year award went to Marty in promoting a greater public understanding of the tragic wartime Members of the Wisconsin JACL board for 2011- Suyama. n treatment of JAs. A new section on the post-Sept. 11th experience of Arab and Muslim Americans has been added to the curriculum guide. This new section JACL Collegiate Leadership Conference Applications Available draws parallels between the aftermath of Applications are being accepted for the JACL create positive social change on their own campuses. Sept. 11th and the impact that the Pearl CURRICULUM Collegiate Washington, D.C. Leadership Conference Last year, 14 students from across the country met Harbor attack had on the JA community. on June 9-12. Sponsored by the UPS Foundation, this with a diverse group of APA leaders from various The new chapter also contains a GUIDE intensive three-day leadership development program fields, including Frank Wu, dean of the University of summary of other historic events Available for $25/copy introduces Asian Pacific American California, Hastings College of the Law; where civil liberties were compromised plus shipping from the student leaders to the national policy- Leadership Bruce Yamashita, who led a successful including the Alien and Sedition Acts of JACL headquarters or making arena. legal case against the U.S. Marines Corps 1798, the assault on habeas corpus rights the JACL Midwest office. Conference For JACL chapters and The application deadline is May 6. for racial discrimination; and U.S. Rep. during the Civil War, the Red Scare and Eligibility is limited to APA students June 9-12 at the Mike Honda. educators, the guides are DoubleTree Hotel in Palmer Raids in 1919. who are full-time college freshman, Representatives from leading APA $10/copy plus shipping. Washington, D.C. The curriculum guide also provides For more information: sophomore or junior students attending and civil rights organizations including a chronology of important dates in JA To download the JACL Midwest office an accredited college or university. application: www.jacl.org Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, history and lesson plans for teachers, at 773/728.7170 or Participants will be briefed on For more information: Inc. (LEAP), South Asian Americans including new activities related to the [email protected] n legislative issues affecting the APA Bill Yoshino, JACL Leading Together (SAALT), Asian and incarceration and the Constitution. community and examine the role Midwest regional director Pacific Islander American Health Forum APA civil rights organizations play in at 773/728-7170 or (APIAHF), Asian and Pacific Islander affecting public policy. Participants [email protected] American Vote (APIAVote) and the will also have the chance to meet American-Arab Anti-Discrimination and work with student leaders who Committee (ADC) briefed participants represent colleges and universities throughout the on public policy issues affecting the APA community country, learn ways to effectively address issues and by representatives. n

JACL Accepting Masaoka Fellowship Applications The popular program will place the fellow field executive, national legislative director of the in a Washington congressional office. JACL’s Anti-Discrimination Committee, and the JACL Washington, D.C. representative. JACL is now accepting applications for the 2011 For a period of six to eight months, JACL JACL Mike M. Masaoka Fellowship. The 2010 Masaoka fellows are placed in the Washington, D.C. Masaoka Fellow, Mike Misha Tsukerman, is currently congressional offices of members of the U.S. Senate serving in the office of Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. or the House of Representatives. “We encourage young members of the JACL who The fellowship develops leaders for public service. are college graduates to apply for this fellowship which Information and applications can be found on the offers a unique experience in the nation’s capital,” said JACL website: www.jacl.org. National JACL President David Kawamoto. Applications are due May 2 and should be submitted The Mike M. Masaoka Fellowship Fund was to the JACL Washington, D.C. office via e-mail established in 1988 to honor Mike M. Masaoka for to: [email protected]. The announcement of the selected fellow is expected a lifetime of public service to the JACL and the n nation. Masaoka was the JACL’s national secretary, to be made by June 15. PACIFIC CITIZEN COMMTY UNI MAR. 18-31, 2011 13 Willamette University to Honor JA Students Incarcerated During WWII Willamette University will dedicate a students’ story. bench, stone and plaque to 10 Japanese Following the dedication, a free concert American students who were in Rogers Music Center will incarcerated during World War feature Oregon’s fifth poet- II. Memorial laureate, Lawson Inada, and the The university’s President M. Dedication multi-generational Minidoka Lee Pelton will be on hand to April 1 Swing Band, including vocalists make the dedication. 1:30 p.m. Hank Sakamoto and Nola Bogle. The ceremony will take place Mark O. Hatfield All 10 students forced to leave April 1 at 1:30 p.m. in front of Library Willamette for government Lawson Inada and the the Mark O. Hatfield Library, camps were American citizens Young Nisei students at Manzanar High School strived for normalcy. Pictured here are Minidoka Swing Band along Mill Creek and near the complying with Executive Order members of the Manzanar High girls’ league. will perform a free flowering cherry tree sheltering concert after the 9066. the commemorative bench. ceremony. In 1981, a congressional Manzanar High School Reunion Set for August Participants will include commission called the act a United Methodist Church bishop “grave injustice” and concluded The Manzanar High School reunion will lives of Japanese Americans who were Robert Hoshibata and Dean Nakanishi, that the order was a result of “race prejudice, be held Aug. 8-10 at the California Hotel in falsely imprisoned by the U.S. government Willamette alumnus and Seattle-area teacher war hysteria, and a failure of political Las Vegas. during World War II. whose research project documented the leadership.” n Former Manzanar High School students Manzanar committee members are: as well as those interested in the history of Grace Anderson, Grace Deguchi, Cabby Manzanar are encouraged to attend. Buses Iwasaki, Rosie Kakuuchi, Ray Kawahara, will leave from Los Angeles, Gardena, Toshiko Kubota, Shig Kuwahara, Kats Venice and the San Fernando Valley. Marumoto, Henry Nakano, Dorothy Oda, Event highlights include a tribute to Joe Ozaki, Kanji Sahara, Wilbur Sato, Jane William Hohri, Manzanar School class Tochi, Cherry Uyeda and Seigo Yoshinaga. YAMATO TRAVEL BUREAU ® of 1944 and lead plaintiff in the National n C.S.T. 1019309-10 Council for Japanese American Redress class action lawsuit, who passed away in For reservations November at the age of 83. PROPOSED ESCORTED TOURS & CRUISES SCHEDULED FOR 2011 Grace Anderson 818/889-4291 or

Artists Margaret Chula and Cathy [email protected]

Erickson will also discuss their book, For more information: “What Remains, Japanese Americans in Cherry Uyeda 818/981-2629; June 5-15 Yamato Essential Spain Tour – 11 days/9 nights visiting Barcelona, Madrid, San Sebastian, Philippe Theriault Henry Nakano 714/871-8178; or Burgos, Bilbao, Seville, Cordoba, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, la Ronda, Granada. Internment Camps.” The book features poetry by Chula and representations of Kanji Sahara 310/539-3733 or June 20-30 Yamato Summer Tour to Japan – 11 days/9 nights visiting Tokyo, Takayama, Nagoya, Peggy Mikuni [email protected] Hiroshima/Miyajima and Kyoto. quilts created by Erickson inspired by the July 8-13 Yamato Boston & New York by Rail Tour – 6 days/5 nights visiting highlights in Boston Philippe Theriault as well as visiting Concord & Lexington and New York City sites.

July 8-19 Crystal Cruise Inside Passage Discovery – 13 days/12 nights aboard Crystal Symphony, Sharon Seto Manzanar Pilgrimage Set for Apr. 30 roundtrip from San Francisco, sailing to Victoria (BC), Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan.

“Champions of Civil Rights” is the theme opportunity to interact with former September 13-19 South Dakota, The Black Hills & Badlands with Collette Vacations – 7 days/6 nights, Sharon Seto for the 42nd Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage internees to hear their personal stories and NEW DATES featuring a one hotel stay in Rapid City for the 6 nights, visiting Keystone, Rapid City, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer, Deadwood, Pine Ridge and Badlands. on April 30, sponsored by the Los Angeles- discuss the relevance of the concentration based Manzanar Committee. camp experience to present-day events Sep. 26-Oct. 5 Yamato Eastern Canada Fall Foliage Tour – 10 days/9 nights visiting Quebec, New Philippe Theriault The pilgrimage will start at noon at the and issues. MAD is co-sponsored by the Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton.

Manzanar National Historic Site, located Lone Pine Unified School District, Lone Oct. 1-13 Route 66 with Balloon Fiesta with Trafalgar Tours – 13 days/12 nights visiting Chicago, Sharon Seto on U.S. Highway 395 in California’s Pine High School, and the UCLA Nikkei St. Louis, Branson, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque (Balloon Fiesta), Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Hollywood, Los Angeles. Owens Valley, between the towns of Lone Student Union. Pine and Independence, approximately 230 The Manzanar Committee also October 17-26 Yamato Korean Drama Tour – 10 days/8 nights visiting Seoul, Mt. Seorakson, Gyeongju, Grace Sakamoto miles north of Los Angeles. announced that bus transportation to the Jeju Island , DMZ.

Each year, over a thousand people from pilgrimage will be available from Los October 17-31 Yamato Deluxe Autumn Tour to Japan – 15 days/13 nights visiting Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Peggy Mikuni diverse backgrounds attend the pilgrimage, Angeles. Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Hiroshima/Miyajima, Kyoto, Tokyo. which commemorates the unjust Bus reservations are being accepted Oct. 31-Nov. 14 Yamato South Pacific Wonders with Collette Vacations – 15 days/12 nights visiting Cairns Collette Escort imprisonment of over 110,000 Japanese on a first-come, first-served basis. For (Great Barrier Reef) & Sydney, Australia; Christchurch, Mt. Cook Nat’l Park, Queenstown, & Milford Sound, New Zealand. Americans in 10 American concentration information or to make a reservation, camps. Manzanar was the first of these call 323/662-5102 or 42ndpilgrimage@ Nov. 13-21 The Heart of Texas with Collette Vacations – 9 days/8 nights visiting Austin, San Antonio, Sharon Seto camps to be established. manzanarcommittee.org Bandera (dude ranch) and Fort Worth.

This year’s speaker will be Alisa Lynch, The non-refundable fare is $40 per seat. December 3-12 Yamato Christmas Markets of Europe Tour – 10 days/8 nights visiting Prague, Rothenburg, Philippe Theriault chief of interpretation, Manzanar National Pilgrimage participants should bring Dinkelsbuehl to Ulm, Neuschwanstein, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Salzburg, Vienna. Historic Site, now in her 10th year of their own lunch, drinks and snacks as * * * service at Manzanar. there are no facilities to purchase food The afternoon program, held at the at the Manzanar National Historic Site. Manzanar cemetery site, will begin with a Water will be provided at the site. n Yamato Travel Bureau® continues to be a full service travel agency. We sell all phases of leisure and corporate travel: airline tickets; hotel performance by UCLA Kyodo Taiko. The accommodations; car rentals; tours; cruises; rail passes, etc. We also have discounted airfares to many destinations. Please call on our experienced travel consultants for your travel and tour arrangements. Professional memberships: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines program will conclude with the traditional Manzanar Pilgrimage International Association (CLIA), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Vacation.com consortium. interfaith service and ondo dancing, led this April 30 Please visit our website at www.yamatotravel.com for tour itineraries and other travel specials. year by the UCLA Nikkei Student Union’s Daytime program and Manzanar At Dusk, free and open to public odori dance group. YAMATO TRAVEL BUREAU® The pilgrimage continues that evening For more Information: 250 East First Street, Suite #1112 with the popular Manzanar At Dusk (MAD) 323/662-5102 or Los Angeles, CA 90012 program from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lone Pine [email protected] (213) 680-0333 or (800) 334-4982 High School gymnasium. Manzanar Committee’s official blog: Email: [email protected] MAD participants will have the http://blog.manzanarcommittee.org 14 MAR. 18-31, 2011 CALENDAR PACIFIC CITIZEN SALT LAKE CITY, UT Cost: $65/season tickets storytelling and choreography March 18 to April 2 Portland Taiko has crafted an featuring both Chinese and Pioneer Theatre Company innovative blend of taiko and Western instruments. Shen Yun 300 S. 1400 E. dance expression informed Performing Arts has achieved In a special collaboration with the and enriched by long honored tremendous growth in popularity GA NATIONALO• GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMU•NITYDO EVENTS* Topaz Musuem, Pioneer Theatre Japanese traditions. This year the since its founding five years ago. SEE Company’s Loge Gallery will company brings their big drums Performances are also scheduled present “Testament to Topaz,” a and big sound to the stage in three in Orange County. collection of internees’ art from 2011 season concert premieres: Info: Call 800/880-0188 or visit the Topaz Internment Camp. The Ponta & The Big Drum running www.ticketmaster.com exhibit will run in conjunction with April 30, May 1,7 to 8; Drums@ PTC’s production of the play “The Work, Drums@Play running A Lecture on Japanese Folktales Diary of Anne Frank.” Admission June 17 to 19 and their season LOS ANGELES, CA is free. finale Beat Salad:U -Pick running March 22, 6:30 p.m. Info: Call 801/581-6961 October 1 to 2. The Nibei Foundation Info: www.portlandtaiko.org or 11570 Olympic Blvd. NCWNP e-mail [email protected] Cost: $10/ General admission Asian Heritage Celebration Author and illustrator Sunny Seki SAN FRANCISCO, CA Sharon Inahara Art Exhibit of the San Gabriel Valley will May 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Opening lecture about Japanese folktales Civil Center/Little Saigon CORVALLIS, OR DO! through illustrations. Through District April 4 to 8 this seminar, you will rediscover Larkin and McAllister Streets Fairbanks Gallery Japanese folktales as they bring The largest gathering of Asian The 28th Annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival 220 SW 26th St. back a time and heritage that has Pacific Americans in the nation is Artist and photo stylist Sharon almost vanished. The reception CUPERTINO, CA back and bigger than ever. The Inahara will exhibit eight large begins at 6:30 p.m. April 30 and May 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seventh annual Asian Heritage painted and silkscreened Info: Call (310) 479-6101 ext 134 Cupertino Memorial Park Street Celebration, produced by canvases with compelling quotes or e-mail japanstudies@nibei. Stevens Creek Blvd the Asian Week Foundation, will pertaining to the incarceration org feature a Mah Jong section, more of nearly 120,000 Japanese arts and crafts selections and American citizens during WWII. A Reading of ‘The Last of the Come and enjoy the 28th Annual Cupertino Cherry Filipino American jazz. This series also acknowledges the Nisei Cougars’ Blossom Festival where there will be delicious Info: www.asianfairsf.com 442nd Regimental Combat Team LOS ANGELES, CA and the 100th Infantry Battalion. March 27, 1 p.m. Japanese and American food, outdoor entertainment California of the Past: Stories of Info: Call 541/737-5009 Japanese American National by taiko drum groups, classical Japanese dancers, Japanese American Internment PSW Museum martial art schools and musical groups, large koi fish SAN LEANDRO, CA 369 E. First St. display and more! April 10, 2 to 4:30 The Manzanar School Reunion Fifty-year-old Nisei widow Sashi p.m. SEE! Las Vegas, NV Hirano hasn’t been with a man San Leandro Main Aug. 8 to 10 since her husband passed away Info: www.cupertinotoyokawa.org, or call 408/940-5287 Library California Hotel 30 years ago. Then a 19-year-old 300 Estudillo Ave. 12 East Ogden Ave Korean adoptee Dennis Johnson San Leandro Library presents Manzanar School Reunion will unexpectedly enters her world. a screening of “California of the host a 2011 Manzanar School This new comedy, written by Philip EAST Noh Theater TOWSON, MD Past,” digital stories of Japanese Reunion. Everyone who attended W. Chung and directed by Jeff Liu, March 19, 8 p.m. American internment during WWII. schools in Manzanar as well as is about finding love at any age. Graduate Recognition/ Included are stories of relocation, those interested in Manzanar are Info: Call 213/625-0414 or visit Installation Luncheon Stephens Hall Theatre 8000 York Rd a young girl’s experience as a encouraged to attend the reunion. www.janm.org VILLANOVA, PA nurse’s aide, a son’s memory Buses will be leaving from Los March 19, 12 noon Cost: $15/Presale; $20/at the GO! door of his father’s carvings in Angeles, Gardena, Venice and MIDWEST Azie on Main camp, stories by cartoonist San Fernando Valley. Restaurant Encounter the unique theater form developed and preserved since Jack Matsuoka, Kathryn and Info: Grace Anderson at Roger Shimomura Art Auction 789 E. Lancaster Ave Karen Korematsu about Fred T 818/889-4291 or LAWRENCE, KS Cost: $40/members; the 14th century! Kyoto-based Kashu-Juku Noh Theater is led by Korematsu. Reception to follow [email protected] March 17 to April 9, 5:30 p.m. $45/non-members presentation. Lawrence Arts Center Join the Philadelphia JACL for Katayama Shingo of the Katayama Noh family. Kashu-Juku will Info: Call 510/577-3991 or e-mail Poston Camp III Reunion 940 New Hampshire St. its graduate recognition and [email protected] LAS VEGAS, NV Cost: $40/ Presale; $50/At the installation luncheon at the Azie perform noh and kyogen plays (in Japanese with English subtitles). PNW April 25 to 27 door on Main restaurant. The event Golden Nugget Hotel and This exhibition will feature original will feature guest speaker Terry Info: Call 410/704-2787 or visit www.tuboxoffice.com Portland Taiko’s 2011 Season Casino art from approximately 150 artists, Shima, executive director of JAVA. PORTLAND, OR 129 E. Fremont St. including featured artist Roger Info: Cliff Akiyama 265/235-9426 IDC April 30 Come to the 15th annual Poston Shimomura. His paintings, prints, or Scott Nakamura 610/265-5434 The ‘Testament to Topaz’ Art Portland Center for the Camp III reunion where the and theatre pieces address Exhibit Performing Arts atmosphere will be casual and sociopolitical issues of Asian The Premiere of Kashu-Juku 1111 SW Broadway low-key with an emphasis on America and have often been renewing old friendships and inspired by diaries kept by his late The sharing memories. Chartered immigrant grandmother. The live Reverse Mortgage PACIFICPACIFIC NORTHWEST’SNORTHWEST’S bus rides are available by calling auction begins at 7:30 p.m. Call for a free information package ASIAN GROCERY & GIFTGIFT MARKETMARKET Sammy Nakagawa at 559/638- Info: Call 785/843-2787 or visit 9510 (Central California), Babe www.lawrenceartscenter.org If you are 62 or older and own your house, Karasawa at 562/947-1146 (Los Angeles) or Mich Himaka at a Reverse Mortgage may benefit you! 619/660-9865 (San Diego). ADVERTISE HERE • Turn Home Equity into Tax Free Cash Info: To register contact Wendy Events in Go•See•Do are • You keep title to your home Tsutsumi at 408/259-8285. listed based on space • No Monthly Mortgage Payments availability. Don’t see your • FHA Program Designed for Seniors Shen Yun Performing Arts event here? Place a “I pledge to provide excellent customer service Performance ‘Spotlight’ ad with with the highest standard of ethics” PASADENA photos of your event for 25+ Years Experience as a Financial Professional April 28 to 29, 7:30 p.m. and maximum exposure. A Tradition of Good Taste Since 1928 April 30, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. David C. Miyagawa Chee Pasadena Civic Auditorium For more info: Certified Public Accountant 1-800-967-3575 [email protected] CA Dept. of Real Estate – Real Estate Broker #01391106 seattle 206.624.6248 | bellevue 425.747.9012 300 E. Green St. renton 425.277.1635 | beaverton 503.643.4512 This performance brings together (800) 966-6157 NMLS ID 263222 PSW www.uwajimaya.com PACIFIC CITIZEN OBIT UARIES MAR. 18-31, 2011 15 TRIBUTE Yonamine, ‘Nisei Jackie Robinson,’ Dies at 85 Kazuko Oda By Jaymes Song March 4, 2011 AP Sports Writer Age 92, passed away peace- fully in her sleep at home in HONOLULU—Wally Kaname Berkeley, California on Friday, Yonamine, the first American to March 4, 2011. She is survived play professional baseball in Japan by her sister Teruko Inouye; after WWII and a former running brother Nike (Grace) Mitsui; back with the San Francisco 49ers, sons, Gary (Judy) Oda, has died. He was 85. Dennis Oda, Edward (Lois) His son, Paul Yonamine, told Oda; daughters Janet (Tom) The Associated Press that the two- Sonoda, Caroline (Lester) sport standout died Feb. 28 at a Ouchida; grandchildren, Russell (Hsiao-Wei) Ouchida, Joanne Honolulu retirement home after a (David) Sonoda-Yu, Ryan Ou- bout with prostate cancer. chida, Alison Sonoda, Colleen “Most people remember him Oda, Roger (Valerie) Oda, Mi- for his accomplishments on the chael (Mariel) Sonoda, Kevin Oda, Lindsay Oda; greatgrandchildren diamond, but our family, we have Jordan Yu and Kara Yu. She was preceded in death by husband, a great deal of respect for him for photo courtesy of wally yonamine foundation Masami “Sam” Oda by almost exactly one year. what he’s done off the diamond,” Wally Yonamine made a name for himself in Japanese baseball, making In 1945, Kazuko and Sam and four of their children relocated from Paul Yonamine said. the All-Star squad seven times. the Topaz Utah Japanese American Interment Camp to Berkeley. The outfielder was known as They raised their family in the same house built for the Oda family home after being incarcerated in second to break up a double play the “Nisei Jackie Robinson” for in 1922. She retired as Thousand Oaks Elementary School cook in internment camps during WWII. like Yonamine did in his first game breaking into Japanese baseball and Berkeley, California. She was a member of the Berkeley Buddhist Yonamine, who inked a two-year to the shock of the fans. Temple and Contra Costa JACL. Kazuko was a gentle, kind, empa- building ties between the countries deal worth $14,000, is believed With a .311 career batting thetic and generous person who will be missed by all. in a highly sensitive period after to be the first player of Japanese average, the seven-time All-Star A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 2 World War II. Facing a language ancestry to play professional won three batting titles and was the p.m. at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple, 2121 Channing Way, barrier, he was sometimes met with football. But he was released 1957 Central League MVP before Berkeley, California 94704. hostility, including rock throwing, after one season after hurting his serving decades as a manager and for being an American and his wrist while playing baseball in the being inducted to the Hall of Fame aggressive style of play. offseason. in 1994. Honor Your Advertise in the The Maui-born Yonamine In Japan, Yonamine played After baseball, Yonamine and his Loved Ones played professional football for for the Yomiuri Giants and the family ran successful pearl stores Pacific Citizen! the 49ers in their second season ‘In Memoriam’ is a free Chunichi Dragons, helping in Tokyo and the Los Angeles area. in 1947, three years before the listing that appears on a Call transform how the game was Yonamine is survived by his team joined the NFL. It was a time limited, space-available basis. played in Japan where it was a wife Jane; daughters Amy Roper when many Bay Area residents of Tributes, which honor the memory Brad Kiyomura more passive style of game then, and Wallis Yamamoto; and son of your loved ones with original Japanese descent were returning with no players sliding hard into Paul. n copy and photos, appear in a 800/966-6157 timely manner at the rate of $20/ column inch. For more info: Brad Kiyomura [email protected] or (800) 966-6157 Furumizo, GeorgeIN Tsuyoshi, MEMORIAM 85, Elaine Burkhart; 4 gc. Feb. 26; survived by daughters, Ewa Beach, HI; Feb. 18; he was a Patricia (Robert) Wendorf and retired United Airlines airframe and Okada, Mitsuto, 81, West Covina, Debra (Kevin) Quock; many nieces (562) 598-9523 powerplant mechanic; he was also CA; Feb. 25; he was a Korean and nephews; 4 gc. E s t a blished 1965 an Army veteran; survived by wife, War veteran; survived by his wife, Imperial Jew e l ry Mfg. C o . Dolores “Dee”; sons, Glen and Kiyoko Okada; children, Warren Takaya, Roy Katashi, 89, Fine Jewe l ry • Custom Designing • Repair Dave; 1 gc. Tetsuji (Karen); Mae Mineko (Ed) 11072 Los Alamitos Blvd. Los Alamitos, C A 9 0 7 2 0 Tsuji; sisters, Kozue Kubo, Sueko Hashimoto, Harry Haruki, 86, Ueda and Akie Kawano; many Koloa, Kauai; Feb. 13; a Korean nieces and nephews; 2 gc. War veteran; survived by wife, Yayoi Y.; sons, Harlan and Ross; Murase Masataka, Andrew, 20, daughter, Nan Starling; brothers, Feb. 21; survived by his mother Jerry, Wilson and Stan; sisters, and father, Cheryl Murase and Ruth Cofer, Carol Chiba and Karen Daryl Sadakane; a celebration of Ibara; 6 gc; 2 ggc. his life was held on Feb. 26. Camarillo, CA; Feb. 25; during Higa, James Jensei, 86, Siu, Fred Choy Kwai, 86, World War II, his family was sent Honolulu, HI; Feb. 23; he was to Amache camp; he ministered at an Army veteran; survived by Bethany Congregational Church, wife, Yoshiko; son, Wendell M.; the Union Church of L.A. and the daughters, Natalie A. Yabusaki and Japanese American Christian Jamie M. Lee; brothers, Zensuke, Chapel; after marrying his wife, Robert, George, Richard, Ronald, Miyeko, in 1949 they served Free Harry and Michael; sisters, Alice Methodist churches. Howe, Mabel Higa, Lorene Ono; 9 gc. Yamaki, Martha, 88, Los Angeles, CA; Feb. 21; she was a long- Hinazumi, Ann Nobue, 86, San Francisco, CA; March 10; time community activist; in 1981 Honolulu, HI; Feb. 14; she was a he was a World War II veteran; she was appointed to the Rent homemaker; survived by husband, survived by his wife, Amelia; Adjustment Commission; survived Shigeru; sons, Jay, Ross and daughter, Christine; son, Victor; by husband, Ken; sons, Michael Dean; daughter, Kate Takahashi; daughter-in-law, Susie; daughter, and Clifford; daughters, RoseMary sisters, Masako, Lynette and Pauline; 1 gc. and June; sister, Mary Jane Lucille Takemoto, Jean Yanaga, Roalizo; nieces and nephews; 4 Takako Miura, Lillie Tsuchiya and Taiji, Fujiko, 78, Montebello, CA; gc. n 16 MAR. 18-31, 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PACIFIC CITIZEN JACL/OCA Leadership Summit Focuses on Anti-Bullying

Participants of the 2011 JACL/OCA Leadership Reps. Mazie Hirono, Eni Faleomavaega, Madeleine Z. Summit discussed anti-bullying issues and leadership Bardallo, Colleen Hanabusa, and key staff members development at the March 5-8 event in Washington, from Sen. Harry Reid’s and Rep. Mike Honda’s D.C. offices. As the theme and main policy area of focus, anti- State Farm awarded $35,000 to the JACL for the (L-r) Terry Shima, Dr. Norman Ikari, Jake Shimabukuro, Grant Ichika- bullying issues were discussed in a panel led by 2011 JACL/OCA Leadership Summit. wa and Kyoko Ikari. Michael Lieberman, of the Anti-Defamation League; This year’s participants were: CCDC: Leslie Hama- Mou Khan, of South Asian Americans Leading moto and Jody Hironaka-Juteau; EDC: Mari Masuko Together; and Amy Berman, of the Department of and Kazuo Uyehara; IDC: Jinny Kim and Jennifer Un- Shimabukuro, Ukulele Musician, Justice. gvichian: MDC: Michio Murakishi; NCWNP: Alan Participants also met with Congressional staffers Teruya and Devin Yoshikawa; PNW: Mariko Newton, Recognizes Nisei Veterans to present their policy agendas on anti-bullying Linda Tanaka, and Mackenzie Walker; PSW: Kathryn Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro paid tribute to World War II legislation. Hirayanagi. Additionally, Harry Budisidharta, who is Nisei veterans with his Feb. 8 performance at the Birchmere Music Sponsored by State Farm, the three-day leadership the JACL Mile Hi chapter president in Denver, attend- Hall in Alexandria, Virginia. summit brings together 30 participants from the ed as an OCA representative. At the evening program entitled, “Go For Broke,” the Honolulu JACL and OCA to take part in intensive training in “As a past participant of the Washington, D.C. native, who said he is a great supporter of the WWII heroes, Washington, D.C. Designed to introduce participants Leadership Summit, I know firsthand how valuable the performed the “Go For Broke Song” in front of a sold-out audience. to the political process and enhance leadership skills, State Farm program is in energizing and motivating Shimabukuro’s introduction of WWII veterans Grant Ichikawa the summit provides participants with the opportunity our community’s leaders,” said David Kawamoto, (MIS), Dr. Norman Ikari (442nd Regimental Combat Team) and to meet with Asian Pacific American leaders in JACL national president. “This program would not be Terry Shima (442nd RCT) resulted in a prolonged standing ovation. Congress, the administration, as well as partners from possible without the continued support of State Farm. Shimabukuro, 35, is a fifth generation Japanese American who the Washington, D.C. social justice community. The JACL is so appreciative of having State Farm recently performed for Queen Elizabeth. n Other highlights included attending a briefing with as our community partner.” n

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