PAGE 4 Ellison Onizukaʼs family on Challenger tragedy.

PAGE 6 Postonʼs girl scouts.

ʻBiggest Loserʼ trainer takes over.

PHOTO: SHIRLEY NAKAO/KOREMATSU INSTITUTE PAGE 9 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE COMMEMORATIONS PAGES 5 & 14 # 3160 VOL. 152, NO. 2 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG FEB. 4-17, 2011 2 Feb. 4-17, 2011 LETTERS/NATIONAL PACIFIC CITIZEN

how to reach us letters to the editor E-mail: [email protected] Taking the ‘Japanese’ Out be our primary mission. Now changing the name of Online: www.pacificcitizen.org this organization to become Tel: (213) 620-1767 of JACL is Detrimental Fax: (213) 620-1768 Ken Yamamoto more inclusive of the diverse It seems like the main motivation Silicon Valley JACL Mail: 250 E. First Street, Suite 301 behind changing the organization population is good consider- Los Angeles, CA 90012 name is due to the long-term shrinking ation, but not the answer. Staff membership. Some members believe The JACL is a marvelous, Executive Editor * * * Caroline Y. Aoyagi-Stom that by increasing the potential wonderful and productive or- Keep ‘JACL’ ganization. It fills the needs of Assistant Editor membership pool to include all Lynda Lin Asians, we will reverse this trend. From the ongoing discussion many. We need to look for ways on the JACL name change, it to recruit and sustain members Reporter Let’s examine the numbers. Based Nalea J. Ko on the U.S. Census data, Americans is obvious that people have not rather than change its name. thought out the effects of such a Business Manager who declared themselves with solely Changing its name to magne- Staci Hisayasu Japanese heritage has shrunk from 891,214 in 1990 to 766,875 in name change. tize individuals to join is a valid It is not a simple matter. It Circulation 2009. consideration, but not an option Eva Lau-Ting will destroy the JACL as we Actually, if we consider the result of the U.S. melting pot effect, for me. The Pacific Citizennewspaper our potential membership pool has increased to over 1,220,000 (full know it now. It will broaden the Now take the rose. It is a (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi-monthly (except once in De- or partial Japanese heritage reported in the 2007 Census). Thus, our organization’s mission and make symbol of fragrance and beauty. it less effective as far as the JA cember and January) by the Japa- potential Japanese heritage membership base has grown over the last Like the rose, the JACL is na- nese American Citizens League, two decades. community is concerned. tionally recognized. A rose is a Pacific Citizen, 250 E. 1st Street, Suite 301, Los Thus, I conclude that we don’t need to increase our potential It may bring in some non-JA rose by any other name, so why people, but there may be some Angeles, CA 90012 membership pool to include all Asians. We need to truly understand change the name? Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA the main reasons people do or do not join JACL. JA members that will be less POSTMASTER: send address changes to National JACL, 1765 A quick examination of the Silicon Valley JACL, which has gone interested. T. Ted Yoneda Stockton, Calif. Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 from zero to over 100 members in one year (mostly members new Edwin Mitoma JACL President: David Kawamoto to JACL) may demonstrate a direction for the future. The number South Bay JACL National Director: Floyd Mori one common characteristic of these new members is that they share P.C. editorial board a common Japanese heritage! write to us Judith Aono, chairperson; Paul My conclusion is that taking the “Japanese” out of our organization Niwa, EDC; Kevin Miyazaki, MDC; * * * Send signed letters with your Bobbi Hanada, CCDC; vacant, NC- will actually accelerate the demise of JACL. name and contact informa- WNPDC; Hugh Burleson, PNWDC; The environment of this chapter is to promote fun, social and A Rose By Any tion to: Jeff Itami, IDC; Cindi Harbottle, PSWDC; Sonya Kuki, Youth Japanese-oriented cultural activities. Other Name [email protected] Based on these observations, I believe we should look at reinventing or subscribe Letters Get a one-year subscription of the JACL and its mission emphasis. I believe we should move toward I read with much interest the pros Pacific Citizen newspaper at: promoting the cultural awareness and leadership potential of our Pacific Citizen www.pacificcitizen.org or call and cons about changing the Japa- 250 E. First. St. Japanese members and celebrate our Japanese heritage! Of course (800) 966-6157 nese American Citizens League’s Suite # 301 we will continue to be proud Japanese American citizens who will Advertise name to suggest that the member- Los Angeles, CA, 90012 To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, continue promoting all Americans’ civil rights, but this will no longer ship is not limited to or is inclusive. call (800) 966-6157 or e-mail: [email protected] LEGAL No part of this publication may be JACL Accepting Applications for 2011 National Scholarship Program reproduced without the express permission of the Pacific Citizen. JACL is calling for applicants for its 2011 site at: http://jacl.org/edu/scholar.htm. Scholarship Program, c/o Portland JACL, P.O. Editorials, news and the opinions scholarships. JACL offers over 30 awards, with Freshman applications should be sent to the Box 86310, Portland, OR 97286. expressed by columnists other an annual total of over $60,000 in scholarships. applicant’s local JACL chapter by March 1. The deadline for these applications is April than the national JACL president or n national director do not necessar- Awards are available in the following catego- The chapters will review the applications and 1. ily reflect JACL policy. Events and ries: freshman, undergraduate, graduate, law, forward the outstanding ones to national JACL products advertised in the Pacific creative and performing arts and financial aid. by April 1. For more information, contact Patty Wada, Citizen do not carry the implicit endorsement of the JACL or this Informational brochure and applications for All other national JACL scholarship applica- JACL regional director at 415/345-1075 or publication. We reserve the right to the scholarships are available on the JACL web- tions should be sent directly to: National JACL [email protected]. edit articles. © 2011

Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Polaris Tours Calif and mailing office. Presents: JACL MEMBERS 2011 Tour Schedule Change of Address Apr. 4-Apr. 13 Spring Japan – “The Beauty of the Cherry Blossoms” Apr. 12-Apr. 24 South Korea: All Major Highlights & Drama Sites If you’ve moved, Apr. 29-May. 12 Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily please send new Jun. 7-Jun. 9 Summertime in Las Vegas: Shows: Celine Dion information to: Jul. 17-Jul. 26 Summer Japan: Vacation with the Whole Family National JACL Aug. 10-Aug. 17 Great Pacific Northwest: Vancouver, Victoria, 1765 Sutter St. Seattle, Whistler San Francisco, CA Aug. 30-Sep. 13 Gems of Malaysia 94115 Oct. 11-Oct. 20 Legacy of the Incas – Peru, Machu Picchu, Allow 6 weeks for Nazca Lines address changes. Oct. 11-Oct. 20 Autumn Japan: Majestic Fall Colors Nov. 3-Nov. 13 Islands of Okinawa & Shikoku To avoid interrup- Nov. 29-Dec. 13 Ancient Capitals of Thailand & Laos tions in delivery, Dec. 18-Dec. 20 Holiday in Las Vegas: Shows: please notify your Cirque du Soleil “Mystere” postmaster to We will be happy to send you a brochure! include periodicals in your change of 24 Union Square, Suite. 506 Union City, CA 94587 address (USPS Toll Free: (800) 858-2882 www.tourpolaris.com Form 3575) PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL NEWS FEB. 4-17, 2011 3 Civil Rights Leader photo: bob hsiang Celebrates California’s First Korematsu Day Rev. Jesse Jackson called Korematsu a founding father of the new America.

By Christine McFadden Correspondent

Rev. Jesse Jackson and Fred Korematsu have more in common than first meets the eye. Both are civil rights leaders and activists who dedicated their lives to fighting injustice and racial discrimination. On Jan. 30, California’s first Fred Korematsu Day, one civil rights icon carried on the message of the other. Jackson described Korematsu, who passed away in 2005, as someone with “courage and selflessness” and whose strong legacy has carved out a designated day on the state calendar. Last September, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 1775 into law designating Jan. 30 as Fred Korematsu Day. It marked what would have been Korematsu’s 92nd birthday and the first day in U.S. history named after an Asian Pacific American. (Top) Jesse Jackson, with Karen “This is important,” Jackson said in an interview with the Korematsu, keynoted the Jan. 30 event Pacific Citizen. “Fred is a huge mall of force in our society celebrating the first Korematsu Day. … who has not gotten the attention he deserves here or in the Jackson met Korematsu (left) for the first whole mix of authoritative leadership, and so coming to the time in 1999 when the Nisei leader was event … is a big deal to me.” honored with the PUSH/Rainbow Jackson, who met Korematsu for the first time in 1999 when the Nisei leader was honored with the PUSH/Rainbow Coalition Award. Coalition Award, was the keynote speaker of the celebration held at Wheeler Auditorium at the University of California, photo left: eric paul fournier/korematsu institute Berkeley. The event celebrated and stressed the importance of protecting civil liberties and standing up for rights. During States, just two years apart —1998 and 2000, respectively. Korematsu freshman campus at San Leandro High School. World War II, Korematsu gained national attention when he “I don’t know why I received it,” laughed Jackson. “I In the past few weeks, schools from all around California evaded Executive Order 9066 and refused to be incarcerated think I got it because they had a surplus, he got it because it as well as other states, have received free Korematsu teaching after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. E.O. 9066 authorized the was intentional.” kits. The kits, designed for both kindergarten through 12th secretary of war to designate certain areas as military zones He said Korematsu Day should have come earlier. grade, contain lesson plans (in addition to videos, posters, and cleared the way for the incarceration of over 100,000 “Korematsu, Chavez, Martin Luther King, these guys are bookmarks, and pencils for elementary classrooms) specific Americans of Japanese ancestry. founding fathers of the new America, unlike Jefferson and to educating students about Korematsu’s legacy and the JA In 1944, his case was taken all the way up to the Supreme Washington and Madison,” Jackson said. “He’s one of the incarceration. Court in Korematsu v. United States, where he lost 6-3 in new founding fathers of this country.” Karen Korematsu said students have been learning “that a ruling that constitutionally justified incarceration solely Jackson’s main message for the celebration was one he one man can make a difference,” and how “you can stand up based on race in times of military necessity to uphold said Korematsu would have agreed with, “Human rights against all odds, because he did.” national security. must remain non-negotiable … in the end, human rights will Additionally present at the program were the lawyers who “Fred emerges as kind of a … quiet, unassuming guy, just prevail.” made up the legal team that successfully reopened his case refuses to submit to racial discrimination,” said Jackson. and vacated his criminal conviction in 1984. After University “And the historic Constitutional case — the case that upheld Carrying on Her Father’s Legacy of California, San Diego professor Peter Irons and researcher the incarceration of Japanese Americans — he wouldn’t UC Berkeley’s Wheeler Auditorium holds 705 seats; Aiko Yoshinaga Herzig discovered evidence revealing that submit to that … just as she [Rosa Parks] refused to go to Korematsu Day was not only a sold-out event, but the government had purposefully withheld — and in one the back of the bus, Fred refused to be incarcerated based accumulated a waitlist. instance, destroyed — intelligence information denying any on race.” “I’m amazed by the response and the attendance,” said JA wrongdoing, Korematsu’s 1944 case suddenly resurfaced. Karen Korematsu, the daughter of Fred Korematsu, in an On the basis of governmental misconduct, Korematsu’s ‘Human rights must remain non-negotiable’ interview with the Pacific Citizen. case was reexamined under a writ of error coram nobis. Jackson, who was raised in South Carolina, noted that he The turnout, said Karen Korematsu, reaffirmed that her Although the U.S. district court in San Francisco under Judge didn’t have any JA classmates growing up, but when he got father’s legacy is still going. Marilyn Hall Patel overturned his previous conviction, the involved in the 1984 presidential campaign, he became more “I already knew that my father was well-respected,” she 1944 Supreme Court case ruling still stands to this day. exposed and “got put deeper into the culture.” explained. “His legacy has just been absolutely amazing in Coram nobis team members Dale Minami, Don Tamaki “After all, while Japanese Americans were in concentration its growth. People have realized that his story is so powerful.” and Seattle University School of Law professor Lorraine camps, we were deep in the cotton fields and we were behind Sponsored by the Fred T. Korematsu Institute for Civil Bannai were present, among others. the walls too … we were locked out too,” he said. “In some Rights and Education at the Asian Law Caucus in San “All these people paved the way for this day,” said Karen sense, Fred became that one light in the office that refused to Francisco, the Korematsu Day celebration also featured Korematsu, who co-founded the Fred T. Korematsu Institute be extinguished. Assembly members Warren Furutani and Marty Block, both for Civil Rights and Education on April 30, 2009. “My father “The scars of those camps are passed on generation co-sponsors of AB 1775, Def Poetry Jam spoken word artist was my motivation in carrying on his legacy,” she said. to generation, really,” said Jackson about the WWII Beau Sia, and a video message from Rep. Keith Ellison of At the event, Karen Korematsu brightened at the idea of incarceration of JAs. “It helps to shape your consciousness. Minnesota, the first Muslim American elected to Congress. Fred Korematsu Day becoming a national holiday. No matter how fast you run, you know someone is always “This first Fred Korematsu Day is a historic occasion for “There’s been talk about that, which has been very just over [your] shoulder. There’s always a shadow — but all Californians and all Americans,” said Ling Woo Liu, the exciting,” she said. “This is certainly just the beginning. As he [Korematsu] helped eliminate the darkness for we as a Fred T. Korematsu Institute’s director. “We are thrilled that the KDA [Korematsu Discovery Academy] kids said [during n people, not just in the Bay Area, but around the world really.” the community came out in full force to show their support.” the program]: ‘We’re reaching for the stars.’” Both Korematsu and Jackson received the Presidential Several institutions also bear his namesake, including Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United the Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy and the Fred T. On the web: www.korematsuinstitute.org 4 FEB. 4-17 , 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PACIFIC CITIZEN Remembering Ellison Onizuka On the 25th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, friends continue to honor the astronaut’s legacy.

By Joseph Craig Special to the Pacific Citizen

When Linda Onizuka first met her brother-in-law in 1969, she said one word came to mind, “Humble.” It’s a word that many of those who knew the man would use in describing Ellison Onizuka, even as the nation commemorates one of the most memorable tragedies in U.S. history. On Jan. 28, 1986, people around the world watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed by a ruptured fuel tank 73 seconds after taking off. Remembered in large part due to the inclusion of Christa McAuliffe, a 37 year-old schoolteacher from Concord, New Hampshire who was selected from more than 11,000 applicants to participate in the NASA Teacher in Space Project, often overlooked are the six others who were Onizuka (left, back row), 39, told loved ones he wanted to go into space and bring back knowledge for the next generation. aboard that flight. One in particular remains a prominent figure in the Asian Pacific American community. The incident, which took place a quarter of a century At the University of Hawaii, Hilo, Onizuka Day was According to Murakoshi, timing for a potential ago, set off a wave of emotions for those watching and established 11 years ago to allow students between grades refurbishment of the Space Shuttle Challenger has been had a lasting impact on the APA community who lost one 4-12 and teachers to celebrate space and science in Ellison’s tricky, with discussions running past what the board had of their own, Lt. Col. Ellison Onizuka, 39, in the accident. memory. hoped would be the deadline — the 25th anniversary of the As one of seven astronauts who boarded that fateful flight Rose Tseng, Ph.D., who started Onizuka Day, said Space Shuttle Challenger’s explosion. looking to take the next venture into space, Onizuka was Ellison’s message to students indicates his appreciation for “Each year we have a space and science day at El Camino excited to be joining a crew that would become forever education, which can be seen by a message he once delivered College and we were hoping to get the refurbishment done engrained in history. to students. by that date to coincide with that celebration, which would Now 25 years after that tragic event, Ellison’s memory “In Ellison’s message to the students of Hawaii, he said, have been April 30 of this year,” Murakoshi said. “But we continues to live strong within a community that continues ‘Your vision is not limited by what your couldn’t meet that date. So now, to embrace his legacy. eyes can see, but only by what your if we end up going through with “I once asked him if he was afraid to go into space,” mind can imagine,’” Tseng said. “‘From it, we’re hoping to get it done by said Linda. “He said he wasn’t because the reward was your vantage point, your education Ellison Onizuka’s birthday, which is always worth the risk. He even mentioned that sitting on and your imagination will take you to in June.” the space shuttle was like sitting on a ticking time bomb places we won’t believe. So make your With such a momentous until the rockets separated, but he always felt as though it life count and the world will be a better anniversary commemorating was worth it.” place because you tried.’” Ellison, Culp was quick to point out Ellison, who graduated from Konawaena High School in Many of those who witnessed how he felt Ellison would like to be Kealakekua in 1964 didn’t always dream about becoming the exploding space shuttle can still remembered. an astronaut, according to Robert D. Culp, a professor in remember where they were and what “If he had a choice, I believe he the department of aerospace engineering sciences at the they were doing as they watched the would wish to be remembered as University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) who served as tragedy unfold. And still, Ellison holds a consummate professional space Ellison’s adviser throughout the astronaut’s time in college. a place in the hearts of many APAs who explorer,” Culp said. “He would “He spent many hours in my office,” Culp said. “At that hold the astronaut — posthumously want to be thought of as a role model time he was primarily interested in flying. The astronaut named a colonel — in the highest for youth, and one who led the way to bug, while probably inside him somewhere, did not drive regards. the expansion of the space frontier.” him until later after he left CU. Then, he became the perfect Ellison started off as a test pilot before His life is celebrated with memorials Tseng said that Ellison would example of a space enthusiast.” joining the astronaut program in 1978. across the nation including a Onizuka appreciate the desire for youth to Upon departing CU, where Ellison earned his bachelor’s Air Force Station in Sunnyvale, Calif., travel to space and the efforts of degree and master’s degree in the same year, Ellison started Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center at Kona International another native of Hawaii as it pertains to the space program. off as a test pilot before rising up the ranks and joining the Airport and a memorial and street in Los Angeles’ Little “Ellison wanted the students of Hawaii to reach for the astronaut program in January 1978. Tokyo. stars, both figuratively and literally,” said Tseng. “We Going through the program, Onizuka joined his first The memorial, a 12.5-feet-tall model of the space shuttle certainly would know that he would be very excited by space mission on Jan. 24, 1985, on the Space Shuttle Challenger, is in need of refurbishment. Alan Murakoshi, the increased interest in science, technology and especially Discovery, which orbited Earth 48 times. According to president of the Ellison Onizuka Board, said the process of in robotics. One of President Obama’s objectives is to re- Linda, Ellison viewed his entry and subsequent success in refurbishing the statue is still in the talking stages, but that inspire the youth of today about space, so certainly Ellison taking part in the space program as a way to educate others should it be approved by the city of Los Angeles. The cost, would support that endeavor to carry on his enthusiasm and who had the dream of one day following his footsteps by however, could be fairly immense. commitment to learning more about space.” entering the space program. “We’re working with the city of Los Angeles to get the While millions around the world remember Ellison for “One of the main things he wanted to do was go necessary paperwork done to get it refurbished, something his passion to the space program and for the incident, which into space and bring back that knowledge for future that wasn’t done when it was first erected in the late 1980s,” ultimately took his life, family members recall a different generations,” Linda said. Murakoshi said. “If the project is approved, it’s going to run side of the astronaut. Beyond his profession, Linda said she Following this first mission, Culp said Ellison took great somewhere between $50,000 to $100,000 to refurbish the remembers Ellison the person and misses being around the care to return to his alma mater to share his experiences. statue.” man who left two daughters behind. “He often visited my class and inspired the new The memorial’s electrical components are in need of “I’ll always remember him being a very humble person,” aerospace engineering students. We have many mementos repair. The committee is working with the Community said Linda. “He was always there for you whenever you from when he flew into space and returned to visit us,” he Redevelopment Agency in Los Angeles. needed anything from him.” n added. PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL NEWS FEB. 4-17, 2011 5 Remembering Parallel Experiences 10 Years After Sept. 11th As communities across the nation commemorate Day of Remembrance ceremonies, one focuses on the continued fallout in the Muslim American community.

By Christine McFadden Correspondent

Nearly seven decades ago at the age of 12, former Sec. of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta received word from Executive Order 9066 that he had to report to an assembly center. Signed by President Roosevelt on Feb. 19, 1942, the order uprooted Mineta and 120,000 other people of Japanese ancestry. The evacuation signs were placed everywhere and addressed to “Japanese ancestry alien and non-alien.” “When you think about it, you say well, who’s a non-alien?’” said Mineta to the Pacific Citizen. “So already they were starting to fight psychological warfare against us. They weren’t even willing to acknowledge us as citizens. Now when’s the last time you stood up, beat your chest, and said ‘… non-alien of the United States of photo: andy frazer America?’ I don’t think you ever have.” On Feb. 19, nearly seven decades after DOR ceremonies like this one in San Jose, Calif., have expanded to include Muslim and Arab Americans. E.O. 9066 personally affected his life, Mineta will be one of the keynote speakers for the Day of Remembrance (DOR) ceremony at “I only saw my dad cry three times,” said important for us to remember the parallels have been dedicated to organizing the the Japanese American National Museum Mineta. that exist between what happened on 9/11 Redress movement and bringing attention to (JANM) in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. The tears came on Dec. 7, 1941, when and what happened for the JAs during those who were denied Redress. After Sept. Speaking alongside Muslim American artist Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, when his WWII,” said Stacy Toyota, JACL PSW 11, 2001, DOR has expanded to include and activist Imam Hamza Perez, the theme mother passed away in 1956 and when the program coordinator. “We thought it was Muslim and Arab Americans in the wake of for this year’s DOR ceremony is based on family boarded the train in San Jose to go really important because it’s been 10 years similar discrimination. another historic event that touched Mineta’s off to the Santa Anita Assembly Center in and we want to stand together with the “As we approach the 10th anniversary life: the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11th Arcadia, Calif. Muslim American community. We know the of 9/11 attacks, it is important to remember terrorist attacks. “As we were pulling out of San Jose, struggles that they’re going through.” what makes our beloved country what she I looked up and here were all these tears JACL PSW is in its third year of a new is, the upholding of our Constitution both Avoiding a Repeat of coming down.” program called “Bridging Communities,” in times of peace and conflict,” said Munira Racial Profiling Mineta was incarcerated at Heart Mountain which pairs Muslim high school students Syeda, communications manager of CAIR Mineta believes that this year’s theme is in Wyoming until December 1943, when he with JA high school students. Los Angeles. appropriate “given the issues that came up was allowed to join his father in Chicago, “The youth is our future and if they’re not “We have finally begun to acknowledge after 9/11 about racial profiling.” where he was teaching Japanese to Army aware of these issues, then who is going to the atrocities committed during WWII Mineta was serving as secretary of personnel in the Army Specialized Training do something about it? We thought it was against Japanese Americans, based solely transportation when the planes struck the Program (ASTP). important to make a program that really on their heritage. This year must especially World Trade Centers and the Pentagon. It fell “I always remember how cold the day connected youth to the larger issues,” said remind us that treating one of our own as the under his responsibility to create the security was when we got there,” he said about Heart Toyota. other undermines our core values and does regimen under which airlines would be able Mountain. “The wind was blowing, the Imam Hamza Perez, another DOR speaker nothing to keep our nation stronger or more to get back into the air. He described a cry temperature was low, and being Californians of Puerto Rican descent, turned his life secure.” for keeping Middle Easterners and Muslims we didn’t have any clothes to take care of us around to become an Imam, quitting his Kay Ochi, of the NCRR, said the JA off airplanes. in that kind of cold.” former life as a drug dealer. The FBI raided wartime experience has created a legacy of He told both his staff and the press that After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the his mosque in Pittsburgh. Perez is currently responsibility “to support other communities he himself was subjected to racial profiling JACL was one of the first organizations to a hip-hop artist who had his story featured in who have suffered similar injustices.” during World War II. come out in support of the Muslim American the film “New Muslim Cool.” The country is on the path of “continuous “And so one of the things I put in there community. Ten years later, that support has “The main goal that I had with the film progress,” said Mineta. was that there would be no racial profiling,” remained strong. initially was really to try to humanize the “It’s always said that our democracy he said. Mineta believes that “there was a big way that American Muslims are seen and is continually evolving and even the Following Sept. 11, Mineta said during impact in recognition by the JACL coming to find a story that would be very rich, Constitution talks about a ‘more perfect a cabinet meeting, Rep. David Bonior of out very quickly at the time [of 9/11].” very realistic, and very nuanced — it was union’ and that’s what we all strive for … Michigan said his large Arab American Community leaders say the Muslim and less in my mind that there were historical through the freedoms that we have. constituency was concerned about the Arab American communities have many parallels,” said Jennifer Maytorena Taylor, “But that is part of what makes this rhetoric being raised against them. parallels with the JA experience during “New Muslim Cool” director. country so great,” he continued. “Because it “The president responded by saying, WWII. “It was really more a sense of just what does allow us the opportunities to … perfect n ‘David, you’re absolutely correct. We are was happening at the time in the aftermath our system.” also concerned about all that’s going on. We Bridging Communities of 9/11. I was sort of vexed by what I found to be media depictions … I was just really want to make sure that what happened to The Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress EXTRA! Norm in 1942 does not occur today,’” said (NCRR), JANM, and the JACL Pacific bothered by what I saw.” Mineta. Southwest District are among the members The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre Find a Day of Remembrance Ten years later, Mineta says people of the DOR organizing committee. recently named Perez one of the year’s “500 ceremony near you in the P.C.’s recognize it’s wrong to round up and “We came up with the theme as a most influential Muslims in the world.” special DOR listing. page 14 incarcerate people based on race. committee and we thought it was really In the past, Los Angeles’ DOR ceremonies 6 FEB. 4-17, 2011 COMMUNITY NEWS PACIFIC CITIZEN The search for the identity of the Girl Scouts began with Buell, who wanted to document their experiences in the Finding Poston’s Girl Scouts troop. Buell says every internment camp had Girl Scout troops. But each Girl Scout has a different story to tell, she says. “As many as I can talk to the better,” Buell said. “It’s a continuing puzzle.” But like Masada many of the other Girl Scouts say their memories of the troop are limited. “We weren’t very active so I guess that was one of the reasons,” said May Sasao, 77, who now lives in San Jose, Calif. “We really didn’t do that much while we were in camp. I remember going for a hike, but I don’t remember any major projects we did or anything like that.” The details about their time in the Girl Scouts are a little fuzzy. But most remember the troop going on a hiking trip to the Colorado River and getting lost. Oka recalls another hiking trip to the mesas. Buell was interested in learning how the Poston Girl Scouts obtained their uniforms. But each Girl Scout had a different theory. Some thought their mothers sewed the uniforms. “We had to buy them. I think they ordered it at Sears or Montgomery Ward,” said 78-year-old Nancy “Nobuko” Mukai, “I don’t know whether we had to buy our uniforms — we probably did,” Oka explained. “I was looking at the photograph and I thought ‘Oh, my God! My parents had to buy that. They were earning $156 a month!” Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, some 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals were incarcerated beginning in 1942. Poston was comprised of three different camps, which were built along the Colorado River Indian Reservation. At Poston, which was operated by the War Relocation Center, internees were used as laborers. Some 18,000 internees were housed at Poston, according to the Poston photos courtesy of masada family Restoration Project. Detainees were released in 1945. The girl scout troop from the Poston II internment camp included Marion Masada, 12 (back row, second from left). Those in the Girl Scout troop say the living conditions at Poston were cramped and dusty. An Arizona historian’s search to identify for the Girls Scouts 100th anniversary in 2012, Masada put “I remember how hot it was. We got sick when we first Girl Scouts in a black and white photo from a notice in Asian Pacific American publications to locate the rode the train. We were from Salinas,” said 78-year-old Kaye a World War II internment camp reunites a scouts. The notice, published in tandem with Masada’s Girl “Kuni” Nakayama. “They had scorpions and rattlesnakes. group of women over six decades later. Scout troop photo, requested help in locating those in the Things like that I remember.” image. Most of the former Girl Scouts say they joined the troop By Nalea J. Ko Friends and relatives contacted to occupy their time at camp. Reporter many of the Girl Scouts soon after the photo was published. “I know we made origami for the popcorn to sell. We used After over six decades, certain memories from Marion “There’s so many people sending to sell those,” Mukai said, who Masada’s time at the Poston internment camp in Arizona me these articles,” explained added that they did not sell have faded from her mind. She remembers munching former Girl Scout Sally Hirai, 77, cookies then. “I used to take popcorn and staying up late the night before her family was a Washington state resident. “I’m care of my grandma so she forced from their home and incarcerated behind barbed wire. the one in the pigtails. I must have would give me her share.” The identification number 13141 that was assigned to her been mad that day [laughs].” Some of the former Girl family was burned into her memory by her mother, who With the assistance of other Scouts say they have kept in feared that her children would become lost in the identical community members, the notice contact with a few of the other barrack housing. would eventually help locate women from their troop. But the 78-year-old can’t recall other details of being the nine Girl Scouts and leader Masada hopes to hold a incarcerated like the trip from her family home in Salinas, pictured in Masada’s photo. Many reunion for all of the former Calif. to the camp. used the opportunity to catch up Poston Girl Scouts in her troop. Other memories of camp life during World War II were with old acquaintances. “I’m going to suggest that preserved in time through photos Masada kept over the “We talked for over an hour. We we meet in San Jose,” Masada years. She eventually settled down in Fresno, Calif. haven’t talked for over 65 years, explained. “Wouldn’t that be One of those black and white photos was of 12-year-old or more,” said 77-year-old Jane nice?” Masada, her Girl Scout troop and leader from the Poston II “Teiko” Oka about speaking with Having reconnected with her internment camp. Masada over the phone. old Poston camp acquaintances, On the back on the photograph the scouts scrawled their Looking at the photographed Masada has been adding her names next to the date, 1945. Those names would become faces from her past, Masada fellow Girl Scouts’ contact key information to Arizona historian, Nancy Buell, who had recounted the stories she information in her new address been researching different Girl Scout troops for years. heard about each woman after reconnecting with them. book. It would also serve to reunite a group of Japanese American ‘It was just the most wonderful feeling,’ Masada Two of the former scouts, Akiko “If you saw my address book women over six decades later. said about hearing from some of the women, who Nakagawa and Mayumi Yasumoto now, it’s a mess,” Masada “It was just the most wonderful feeling,” Masada explained were pictured in the 1945 Girl Scout photo. explained. “I bought myself about hearing from some of the women, who were pictured in (their maiden names), had a new one. I’ve been little the 1945 Girl Scout photo. “I had always in my heart wanted previously died. Masada explained by little sticking in addresses in my book. So I have three to locate and hear about what happened to their lives.” that the leader, Momoko Iwakiri, was believed to be in a address books now [laughs].” n After hearing from Buell, who was conducting research nursing home in Texas. PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONA/COMMUNITY FEB. 4-17, 2011 7 Hawaii Senate Passes Same-Sex Civil Unions By Mark Niesse into a civil union with the same state Associated Press rights, benefits and responsibilities as marriage. HONOLULU—The Hawaii Senate Advocates of civil unions said has passed a bill creating civil unions for November’s elections showed that same-sex couples, rushing it on a path voters supported candidates who backed toward becoming law. equal rights for gay and lesbian couples. The Senate voted 19-6 for the bill Only one incumbent state legislator who Jan. 28, sending it to the state House backed civil unions lost re-election. of Representatives for additional Opponents said legal recognition of gay consideration. partnerships would put the state on a path Hawaii would become the sixth state toward same-sex marriage. to grant some of the rights of marriage “It will erode parental rights and to same-sex couples without authorizing undermine the building blocks of society, marriage itself. which is the family unit — father, mother A civil unions bill also passed the and children,” Halley Hobson of Ewa Illinois Legislature last December. Five Beach. states and the District of Columbia permit Many of those testifying against same-sex marriage. civil unions cited their religious faith Democrats, who control the Hawaii as a reason they couldn’t accept the Legislature, have said they plan to approve government starting a new category the bill quickly this year and send it to of partnership that’s different from the new Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie traditional family. for his signature. Abercrombie has said he “In my love for God ... I cannot stand supports civil unions. by idly in some misguided or blind sense A similar bill was vetoed last year by of tolerance and allow this bill to pass,” then-Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican. said Mark Brians of Honolulu. “This is a matter of civil rights. We The legislation now moved to the would no longer feel that we’re second- House for further consideration. class citizens,” said Gary Okabayashi of Hawaii nearly legalized gay marriages Fred Korematsu Day Proclamation Honolulu, who has been in a relationship more than a decade ago. Berkeley JACL members and supporters attended the Jan. 25 Alameda County Supervisors with his partner for 32 years. A Hawaii Supreme Court decision “We would have a sense of pride would have allowed the practice, but 70 meeting in Oakland, Calif. where Supervisor Keith Carson presented a proclamation and integrity because the state has percent of voters approved a constitutional establishing Fred Korematsu Day on Jan. 30. Carson also read a short history of Fred finally recognized us as equal.” amendment in 1998 allowing the Korematsu’s civil rights credentials. (Pictured, l-r) Jim Duff, Supervisor Keith Carson, Susan The bill would grant both same-sex and Legislature to reserve marriage for Muranishi, Ken Korematsu and Al Satake. n opposite-sex couples the ability to enter opposite-sex couples. n APA Leaders Demand Limbaugh Apology Bill Seeks Full Lawmakers are calling for a “He was speaking and they weren’t stereotypes,” said the JACL in a Jan. 21 press Benefits For WWII boycott because of the radio show translating. They normally translate every release. Filipino Veterans personality’s racist impersonation. couple of words, but Hu Jintao was just There are about 14 million, or 4.5 percent, going, ‘ching chong, ching chong, chong,’” AAs in the United States, more if counting By Pacific Citizen Staff Limbaugh said. those of mixed races. In California, Asians By P.C. Staff and Associated Press A new bill has been introduced in He then launched into a 20-second-long make up more than 12 percent of the state’s Congress to grant full benefits to Filipino imitation of the Chinese leader’s dialect. 38 million population. SACRAMENTO—Rush Limbaugh’s soldiers who served under the American The next day, Limbaugh said he “did a While AA lawmakers demand an apology mock imitation of the Chinese language has flag during World War II. remarkable job” of imitating China’s president from Limbaugh, some are increasingly stirred a backlash among Asian American Rep. Jackie Speier, who sponsored the for someone who doesn’t know a language concerned for Yee’s personal safety. Public leaders at the state and federal level. Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011, spoken by more than 1 billion people. officials have been put on alert after the California state Sen. Leland Yee, a said the bill is “an effort to rid ourselves Democrat from San Francisco, is leading “Back in the old days, Sid Caesar, for those deadly rampage in Tucson where U.S. Rep. of our shameful history”. a fight in demanding an apology from of you old enough to remember, was called Gabrielle Giffords was shot while meeting It would restore those benefits Limbaugh. a comic genius for impersonating foreign with constituents. including an average monthly pension of “The comments that he made — the languages that he couldn’t speak,” Limbaugh Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Tony Beard Jr. $1,500, medical care and burial services, mimicking of the Chinese language — said. “But today the left says that was racism; confirmed the Legislature has launched an supporters say. Widows would also harkens back to when I was a little boy it was bigotry; it was insulting. And it wasn’t. investigation and is cooperating with other receive benefits under the bill. growing up in San Francisco and those were It was a service.” security agencies. About 200,000 Filipinos served hard days, rather insensitive days,” Yee said. Limbaugh’s station operator Clear Channel “We need to stand up for civility and be alongside U.S. soldiers during WWII “You think you’ve arrived and all of a sudden Communications Inc. did not respond to respectful of one another. Otherwise the to defend the Philippines from the 1941 get shot back to the reality that you’re a requests for comment. Clear Channel’s consequences are dreadful as we can already Japanese invasion and resist subsequent second-class citizen.” Premiere Radio Networks Inc. is home to see in the death threats against Senator Japanese occupation. Yee has rallied civil rights groups in a Limbaugh, Jim Rome, Ryan Seacrest, Glenn Yee,’’ said Rep. Judy Chu, a Democrat who After the war, however, Congress boycott of companies like Pro Flowers, Sleep Beck, Bob Costas and Sean Hannity. represents a large Asian district outside Los passed the Rescission Act of 1946, Train and Domino’s Pizza that advertise on After Yee complained about Limbaugh’s Angeles. stripping Filipino veterans of their status Limbaugh’s talk show. He also launched crude imitation, Limbaugh poked fun at the Yee, who has a chance to become San as U.S. veterans. This denied Filipinos an online petition asking people to join the Chinese American lawmaker, who’s running Francisco’s first elected Asian American the benefits they were promised. boycott. for mayor of San Francisco. Yee also said mayor, said he has no plans to change his The veterans have campaigned for During a Jan. 19 program, Limbaugh said he received racist death threats to his San behavior because doing so would amount decades to win these benefits back. there was no translation of President Hu Francisco and Sacramento offices. to “stepping down.” He said his staff has They’ve had some victories, including Jintao’s speech during a visit to the White Limbaugh’s mimicry “perpetuates an ugly received additional security training. when Congress passed a bill allowing House. practice of using Asian and Asian Pacific Rep. David Wu, the first Chinese American thousands to immigrate and become He launched into a 20-second-long Americans as fodder for jokes by caricaturing to serve in Congress criticized Limbaugh’s U.S. citizens. Burial rights in national n n imitation of the Chinese leader’s dialect. them in mindless, one-dimensional antics as “pathetic childishness.” cemeteries came a decade later. 8 FEB. 4-17, 2011 VOICES PACIFIC CITIZEN the shigeki shake down Purpose in Death, Purpose in Life VERY by peter shigeki frandsen truly yoursby harry k. honda

One Oshogatsu that the Bunny (2011) Battered WHEN “VTY” READ 70,000 customers in downtown Las Vegas in early December happily California lost their telephone service because of met the Miyamuras there, who stayed overnight the rainstorm four or five days before Christmas, and drove home in the morning — a bonus, even if it included our house and service has yet to be you paid “tuition at the slots”. restored. Outdoor phone techies came, saying ONE YEAR-END LETTER, dated Jan. 1, 2011, photo: stephanie stevens the line was OK. But still unsatisfied, we’re now is particularly newsworthy for passing along in the waiting (as this column is being written) for Pacific Citizen, a family-kind of a newspaper 80 an indoor techie to check — a hell-bent way to years ago. Excerpts follow. Tragedies like the one in Tucson sink deep into our emotional core. introduce the Oshogatsu spirit in any house. “Rather than fight the stress and depression Even more harrowing (for us) was driving of the Holiday Season, I have decided to forgo midday southbound on Interstate 5 (the West Coast greeting cards for the last few years. I suspect Death is a mysterious beast, striking freeway from the Canadian border to Baja) on New people may have thought I left this good earth or Year’s day, then learning approximately 150 miles was in a hospice battling for the last breath of my from its lair abruptly, seemingly inadvertently. from Los Angeles that the “Grapevine” — a 55- life. Fortunately, it was neither and I have managed It assaults with puzzling accuracy, indefinable complexity mile stretch over the Coast Range with Tejon Pass, to survive the last few years relatively unscathed 4,300 feet elevation — was completely closed by except for a triple bypass and aortic valve and devastating tenacity. California Highway Patrol, high winds, snow and replacement in August 2007.” And then we are left alone to attempt to put everything back together ice. Don’t hold your breath, as this column ain’t again. Of course, we relied on the saying who it’s from — this Last month, as the nation came face-to-face with the nastiness of the CHP’s direction to exit I-5 at active JACLer of at least 50 vile attack in Tucson, Arizona, the rest of us had to search for solace in Buttonwillow, some 20 miles years will recognize the above as the wreckage. east to Bakersfield and took ‘Our Christmas will others inside this wide circle I was sitting in my in-laws’ family room on that fateful Saturday State Route 14 south, the cards usually of friends. morning doing my usual Huffington Post read on my iPhone app when alternate route from Mohave “Although I resigned I learned about the shooting. My mother-in-law is from Arizona. Her over this mountain. Instead, mention the trips from tons of committees and mother is still there. we chose a second alternate organizations, I still support As I recounted the events as they were unfolding, the three of us — via US 395 (the way to of the year and many in under the radar ways my wife included — were stunned at the brash lunacy that drove a wild Manzanar) further east and seem to be busy as ever. I man to such behavior. The whole thing was in a sense paralyzing — through Cajon Pass, at 4,000 for 2010, it was have been concentrating on end another shooter wreaking havoc on the innocents. It was horrible. feet. What should have been of life things for myself and my Thinking about the judge and the child that were slaughtered that day a comfortable six-hour drive flying to the family. With millions of projects reverberated within me. I thought about the sense of loss suddenly thrust from Palo Alto to Diamond contemplated over the years, upon their families. Bar (home) decomposed to JACL convention each year I realized that there’s That same loss and longing stung me as well as I was forced to face 14 hours — at least we were in Chicago by no way I can accomplish even a the reality of my own losses of those close to me. not stranded on the highway small iota of things I would like Grand public tragedies like these bring to mind the quiet, more private overnight freezing in the car. Southwest Air in to do. tragedies that many of us have suffered in our own lives. Everyone has Our Christmas cards “Therefore, annually, I have lost someone intimately close. usually mention the trips June and to Gallup, continuously narrowed my These public tragedies sink deep into our emotional core whether or of the year and for 2010, scope to a few projects, which not we were acquainted with the victims from the Tucson tragedy. These it was flying to the JACL New Mexico will require the rest of my life moments bring to surface the raw emotions of our own private losses convention in Chicago by to complete if I should be lucky and threaten us with disruptive chaos. Southwest Air in June and in September enough to live so long. I tell my Surely, there must be some grand purpose that will emerge from the to Gallup, New Mexico family that I can go any day and tragedy in Tucson. in September via Amtrak via Amtrak for I am prepared for the occasion… Sell-out proponents of every stripe will seek to drum up support for dedication of Hershey dedication of “I work out fairly regularly. for their own pet projects: more or less gun control, more or less Miyamura High School. The I try to hit the JCC (Jewish government, more or less of this or that. What sacrilege! JACL convention in Chicago Hershey Miyamura Community Center) for my 5 We must find a deeper, firmer purpose in life that is equal in death. was in competent hands. a.m. workout. I do free motion The greater the tragedy, the greater our resolve for the better must The “group travel” with the High School.’ lifting and exercise, shadow box, be. As a nation we grieve and mourn together and as a nation we must Japanese American Korean shadow judo, shadow karate rebuild and uplift. War Veterans is a scheme (teaching myself through book), We cannot cry as we listen to President Obama implore us to be as other organizations should jump rope, shoot the basketball good a nation as the sweet 9-year-old, Christina Taylor Green, born on adopt to save on round-trip hoops and jog around the Sept. 11, 2001, would have imagined, and then honk our horns on the rail fares. basketball court and do some wind sprints. I do this freeway, lash out at customer service representatives on the other side of Thanks to the Christmas cards we’ve received in a hot shower and thoroughly massage my head the phone line or neglect to hold doors open for complete strangers. information on related trips others have had, and face with shampoo, soap and hot water as well The only order in chaos is to find purpose in life. Live the life the way especially the November cruise headed by as scrub my whole body. This is the best part of my the departed would have. Break through the present. Surely, there are Hershey and Terry Miyamura from Los Angeles day.” Indeed a routine for baby boomers about to lessons to be found in the lives of those who have passed. to the Mexican Riviera to help raise funds for retire. We cannot be prisoners to death. the National Japanese American Memorial to To be continued — we’ve just passed our 750- There must be some greater purpose in death. I refuse to believe that Patriotism in Washington. One expected to meet word limit. n death is the end. I reject the notion that death is a finale. There must be n more supporters. Another said nearly 60 came, an encore. adding it was the best cruise ever. And those who Harry K. Honda is the editor emeritus of the attended the MIS-Southern California bonenkai in Pacific Citizen. Peter Shigeki Frandsen is a Mount Olympus JACL member. PACIFIC CITIZEN ENTERTAINMENT FEB. 4-17, 2011 9 Boxer Cara Castronuova in the ‘The Biggest Loser’ Ring

Pacific Citizen: Being one of the new trainers worked her butt off to make sure that we had on “The Biggest Loser” ranch you must have everything we needed. People always say, ‘Oh, had to prove yourself. your dad probably affected you because he was a Cara Castronuova: It just required a lot of hard Marine and he was a fighter.’ Of course he affected work and dedication. It means living with them, me. But my mom just had this warrior spirit where spending the majority of my time here in California she never let anything get her down. at the ranch. So I really put my work into getting to know them so that they see I’m coming from a P.C.: Her ‘warrior spirit’ must have influenced good place, and I really do want to help them. you a lot. Castronuova: It was an influence as a kid just to P.C.: Contestants on ‘The Biggest Loser’ seem see such a strong person. She grew into her voice. to shed as many tears as they do pounds. When I was 26, which was four years ago, Have you cried yet? she passed away in a car accident, which was Castronuova: I cry all the time [laughs]. I’m the bothersome to me especially because she worked trainer that probably cries the most. The contestants so hard to get to the point she did. She was finally are always crying, but I have my meltdowns. It’s ready to retire after fighting her whole life to give usually because I’m really touched by something us what we needed and to get to a good place someone does. herself. Then she’s driving and she gets into a car P.C.: Was it intimidating to come on board accident. It was just heartbreaking to me. At that as a new trainer since fans of the show love point in my life I was boxing I was trying to really, trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper? really competitively box at the time. I just stopped Castronuova: It’s nerve racking somewhat. But for a little bit. I was like, ‘I can’t do it without my I like it when it’s challenging and intimidating. mother. That’s when I perform the best. Knowing that Bob She was always there in my corner at every and Jillian have set these high standards and these single fight, pushing me mentally.’ Because I loved high bars, it challenges me to be the best that I it, I came back to it. I picked myself up and kept could be. fighting. That all led me to being here right now, it all led to this. P.C.: You’ve said on the show that everyone has an inner fighter. How do you bring out that P.C.: I know you said your dad was obese. Is fighter? it emotional now to work with ‘The Biggest Castronuova: It’s just a day-by-day thing that you Loser’ contestants? do by spending all the time with them, showing Castronuova: It’s emotional. Of course it is. them that they’re strong, showing them that they We have a father and daughter couple and I know can surpass limitations that they had set in their how it feels to grow up without a dad. For me I mind. get emotional. I don’t want this girl to know what it feels like to not have a dad go to your wedding. P.C.: You’ve been boxing since you were a kid right? P.C.: Do you share your story with the Castronuova: Yeah, I’ve been boxing since I was contestants? five. I started learning when I was five from my dad Castronuova: Yeah, I do. I’m like, ‘It stinks.’ who was a Marine boxer. He really was big on me I’m like, ‘You don’t want that, trust me, for your and my brothers learning how to fight. Whenever daughter. Every time you feel weak just think we’d have fights as kids my dad would have us about that.’ [laughs] box it out with each other with gloves on. photo: trae patton/nbc P.C.: Do you still compete as a boxer? P.C.: I know you’ve had a difficult life. How has Castronuova: I’m not competing right now. I wish Castronuova is of Chinese descent. that shaped you as a fighter? I could. I was actually thinking about that today. Castronuova: It’s shaped me as a fighter. It’s I don’t have the time to train like a boxer trains, shaped me as a “The Biggest Loser” trainer and as which is a job in and of itself. But I plan on doing Cara Castronuova, a two-time Golden Gloves champ, a person. The more adversity you have in your life so in the future. brought her boxing training to ‘The Biggest Loser’ ranch to it’s kind of how you react to it. My dad he passed help contestants lose weight in the ring. away when I was 14 from — he was obese but he P.C. I saw you in the History Channel’s ‘Warrior also was very affected by the war, the Vietnam War. Women’ where you said you have a shirt from By Nalea J. Ko So when I was 14, he passed away. And my mom your first fight. Is that right? Reporter was left basically with four kids. My mom was Castronuova: Yeah, I still have the shirt. It had Chinese, born in the Philippines. She’s Chinese blood on it from the other girl and I kept the shirt. Contestants on “The Biggest Loser” have shed weight and tears on camera Filipino. She was from another culture, so she It sounds pretty sick, but it’s true. I have a lot of came to this country, raising four kids who were mementos like that [laughs]. And my mom was at for 10 seasons, but Cara Castronuova says it is also an emotional experience like Americanized and completely running amok. that fight. I’ll always remember that! for the show’s trainers. She had no choice but to work 15-hour days. It was A professional boxer and certified trainer, Castronuova says she was “crying really hard for us. P.C.: What will you do after ‘The Biggest Loser’ all the time” with contestants on season 11 of the NBC show. Once ranked as season 11 ends? the No. 2 boxer in the nation by USA Boxing, the New York native says she P.C.: Did you rebel after your father’s death? Castronuova: I would like to continue on with brought her training to the weight loss show. The 30-year-old explained that Castronuova: Yeah, I rebelled for a little while. ‘The Biggest Loser’ and really learn as much everyone has an inner fighter. I was very angry. I just really didn’t want to deal as I can. I could really use it to continue to help She went toe-to-toe with some contestants in the boxing ring to help them with much, not going to school. I just was angry. I morbidly obese people lose weight. tap into their inner fighter and lose weight. On the show’s premiere, contestants wound up just not doing well in school and getting It is something that is extremely important to me were given the choice to work with the original “Biggest Loser” trainers or kicked out of a school actually. I went on to my considering how much it has affected my life. In take a chance with the “unknown” trainers: Castronuova and Brett Hoebel. next school and wound up picking myself up and my mind it’s the closest thing I could ever be to a doctor because I’m helping them cure a disease Taking a break from training the contestants, Castronuova told the Pacific getting A’s and getting into a really good college and doing really well. that’s preventable. It’s something that I just want to Citizen in a phone call that her whole life is now dedicated to “The Biggest My mom really stepped up to the plate. She grow with and keep pushing forward with. n Loser.” 10 FEB. 4-17, 2011 NATIONAL/COMMUNITY PACIFIC CITIZEN Eat Rich, Eat Right for Chinese New Year By Associated Press National Have your luck and eat it, too. Newsbytes That’s the philosophy behind traditional Chinese New Year’s By Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press dishes, which are loaded with symbolic meaning auguring S. Carolina Considers Anti-Illegal Immigration Law prosperity for the coming year. COLUMBIA, S.C.—South Carolina legislators are considering an Want to live long? Eat long anti-illegal immigration law similar to Arizona’s. The bill was up for noodles — just be sure not to cut debate in Senate Judiciary, but the meeting ended before senators could them. get to that issue. Need a bit more in the bank? It would allow police to check the immigration status if an officer Serve fish, the Chinese name for thinks a person is in the country illegally. Republicans in both chambers which sounds like the word for have called it a top priority for this year. surplus. And don’t forget dumplings, Idaho Pays Tribute to Medal of Honor Recipients which also symbolize prosperity BOISE, Idaho—A bill in the Legislature aims to name a state highway and are traditionally eaten late on tarts, which can take different became more about family. These after Idaho recipients of the nation’s highest military honor. the eve of the New Year. forms but generally call for a days she often makes her mom’s Veterans groups approached Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d’Alene, The Year of the Rabbit starts luscious pineapple jam stuffed into tomato beef chow mein, a blend of about naming northern Idaho’s State Highway 3 after Medal of Honor with the big “reunion dinner” on flaky pastry. east and west cooking styles typical recipients. The senator introduced legislation on Jan. 25 to name the New Year’s Eve — Feb. 2 this year “Every year that was the one in Chinese American kitchens. roadway “North Idaho Medal of Honor Highway.” — a meal reserved for family and thing I wanted to eat,” says “I remember so many times resonant with culinary customs. Tanumihardja, author of “The peeking over her shoulder as Wyoming House Set to Debate Gay Marriage Bill Carolyn Jung, a San Francisco Asian Grandmothers Cookbook.” she crisped up the noodles in the CHEYENNE, Wyo.—After repeated unsuccessful attempts in Bay food writer who blogs at This is the time when luxury pan,” says Jung, who would sneak previous years, the Wyoming House passed legislation on Jan. 24 to stop www.foodgal.com, remembers ingredients such as shrimp or noodles right out of the pan until recognition of out-of-state gay marriages and civil unions. sitting at the table as the youngest abalone shine and fish is served she was shooed away. The bill, House Bill 74, now heads to the Senate, which was considering of her family, and only girl, helping whole to symbolize plenty. Serving Jung’s mother passed away some gay marriage legislation of its own. her mom fold dumplings by hand whole poultry also is a sign of years ago, and a lot of her recipes and “waiting eagerly for her to pan family unity and Tanumihardja are gone, “but this was one that I Girl Sues Over Handicapped Space Denial fry them or boil them so that we sometimes makes a whole braised did get her to write down.” PHILADELPHIA—The mother of a brain-damaged Philadelphia girl could dig in.” duck for a holiday meal. The recipe isn’t strictly orthodox has sued the city’s parking authority over its rejection of an application Chinese New Year is celebrated In Singapore, a raw fish salad New Year’s fare, but the noodles seeking a handicapped parking spot in front of their home. in many parts of the world that have is served in restaurants with the symbolize the traditional wish for Nil Sok filed the federal civil rights suit on Jan. 20 against the sizable populations of Chinese ingredients kept separate on a long life. Philadelphia Parking Authority on behalf of her 12-year-old daughter, immigrants, and other Asian large plate or tray. Before they eat, And making a dish in memory Salina. The lawsuit claims her application was denied because they cultures have similar celebrations. diners stand and toss the salad as of her mother fits Jung’s grown-up couldn’t get consent from a neighbor. With so many people involved, the high as they can saying auspicious perspective on the holiday. According to the suit, the parking authority requires a neighbor’s customs aren’t uniform, though the words like “Every year we’ll have “As I get older and the family permission if the applicant’s home is less than 20 feet wide. Sok’s home hope for a prosperous new year is prosperity.” gets larger with significant others is 18 feet wide. The suit seeks a reserved spot and the elimination of the a constant. As a kid, Jung saw Chinese and kids and people moving away, consent requirement. The festival lasts 15 days, with New Year as mostly about the it’s one of the holidays where we some days set aside for visiting food — and the red envelopes really make an effort to gather and R.I. Upped Interpreter Services Following Complaint and other rituals. It wraps up with a filled with crisp dollar bills that are to see each other and catch up.” PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The state of Rhode Island has agreed to improve Lantern Festival on the final night. handed out to children. She spent And those red envelopes come language services following a 2007 complaint from the American Civil For Patricia Tanumihardja, who the money and kept the brightly in handy, too. These days she fills Liberties Union. grew up in Singapore and is of decorated envelopes, keeping them them with crisp bills of her own The state announced Jan. 18 that the Rhode Island Department of Chinese and Indonesian descent, neatly stowed away in a drawer. and gives them away to her nieces. Human Services has signed an agreement with the federal government the holiday means eating pineapple As she grew up, the holiday n to improve the assistance given to people who speak little or no English. The state in 2007 laid off all its Southeast Asian language interpreters, prompting a complaint from the ACLU that the state was violating a 1997 agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Civil Rights Coalition Asks Court to provide timely interpreter services.

Block More of Arizona’s Immigration Law Koreans Mark More Than 100 Years of U.S. Migration The provisions violate day Judge Susan Bolton blocked restricted their ability to earn a NEWARK, N.J. — Korean immigrants nationwide celebrated a laborers free speech rights, key components of it ruling that living,” said Julie Su, litigation milestone this month that marked more than 100 years since their according to the coalition. immigration matters are the federal director for the Asian Pacific predecessors arrived in America to work in Hawaii’s sugarcane fields. government’s responsibility. American Legal Center. In events from New York to Los Angeles, Koreans observed Jan. 13 A coalition of civil rights But several other measures in the The civil rights coalition — designated in 2003 as Korean American Day by the U.S. Congress — organizations has asked a federal law including provisions banning includes the JACL, the Asian with celebrations and reflections on their changing diaspora. court to prohibit Arizona from drivers from hiring day laborers off Pacific American Legal Center and enforcing two key sections of the street went into effect. Asian Americans for Advancing Churches, Buildings Marred by Spray-Painted Hate SB 1070 targeting day laborers, According to the coalition, these Justice, among others. Messages pending a final court ruling on the provisions cause irreparable harm At its national convention last ORANGE COUNTY, Calif.—Orange County police continue to search provisions’ constitutionality. to day laborers and those who seek July, the JACL national council for suspects after spray-painted racial slurs were discovered at two local, Last April, Arizona Gov. Jan to employ them by curtailing their passed a resolution to join future Catholic churches and other buildings. Brewer signed SB 1070, a tough First Amendment rights. legal efforts to repeal the law The spray-painted graffiti targets Catholics, Asians, Mexicans and state law that required police to “All workers have a First before its effective date. African Americans. question the immigration status of Amendment right to seek work, The move came after the JACL Brea police Sgt. Bill Smyser said the incidents are being investigated suspects when there is reasonable particularly in public areas. The national board, last May, voted as vandalism because the graffiti was not on a business associated with suspicion. Before SB 1070 went unconstitutional provisions of 8-6 to join a class action lawsuit any ethnicities or a place of worship. Police officials in Anaheim, Santa into effect, U.S. District Court SB 1070 have severely violated opposing SB 1070. n Ana, Irvine and Brea are collaborating to determine who is leaving the workers’ free speech rights and graffiti. n PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL/COMMUNITY FEB. 4-17, 2011 11 Tiger Mom’s Memoir Meets Ferocious Roar APAs By Leanne Italie 28 and spiraled into in the Associated Press a depression that led to her suicide after News NEW YORK—A new memoir the startup where she Utah Councilwoman Jani Iwamoto of tough parenting, in the so- worked fizzled. Appointed called Chinese style, from a “She graduated Councilwoman Jani Iwamoto was self-proclaimed tiger mother has from Harvard with an appointed in Utah as minority leader of the unleashed a ferocious roar. MBA. That was the Salt Lake Council for 2011. She will represent Fallout was swift for Yale first time she had ever the Democratic caucus. professor Amy Chua after she experienced failure,” Iwamoto was the first Asian American in published an essay in the Wall said the 34-year- the state of Utah to be elected to public office Street Journal describing the old Lu. She stopped when she began a four-year term in 2008. She heavy-handed methods she used short of blaming her is also the only woman on the county council. with her two daughters. mom, adding: “It’s Her “Battle Hymn of the the culture. Amy is a product of the culture, JANM Receives National Medal Tiger Mother” shot to No. 6 Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard presented the Japanese American National in the Amazon sales rankings too.” It’s a book of Museum with the highest national honor for a museum. recently. Adult offspring of JANM officials received the National Medal for Library and Museum Asian and Asian American extreme parenting, for sure, a memoir and Service on Jan. 28. The Institute of Museum and Library Services immigrants are weighing in on distributed 10 of the medals. Chua’s provocative description further from meek robots. They’re not a how-to manual, confident, funny, kind, generous, Chua cautions. Her parenting of Eastern-style parenting: No JAVA Installs New Officers with very big personalities, and choices reflect her upbringing: No sleepovers or playdates. Grueling The Japanese American Veterans Association approved and installed they’re always calling my bluff.” TV, no pets, no grades under A, no rote academics. Hours of piano and newly elected officers at its general meeting. The incoming officers are Chua, 48, insists her tone in parts in school plays, no choice violin practice. Slurs like “lazy” Gerald Yamada (president), Col. Bruce Hollywood (vice president), LTC the book is self-deprecating. of extracurricular activities, no and “garbage,” and threats to burn Alan Ueoka (secretary) and LTC Mark Nakagawa (treasurer). It’s a point she considers lost in musical instruments except piano stuffed animals when things don’t Incoming President Gerald Yamada identified three goals for the blogosphere, including heat or violin. go mom’s way. the organization, one of which includes educating the public about from moms employing Western When Lulu had trouble with Some see truth and a borderline contributions made by Nisei soldiers during WWII, among other goals. abuser. Others see a dangerous philosophies she doesn’t consider a tricky piece of music, Chua better or worse, but more lax and denied her bathroom breaks and stereotype with the potential to Governor’s Council Approves Duffly for Mass. SJC feed China haters and xenophobes. undisciplined. threatened to ship off her dollhouse to the Salvation Army until she Appeals Court Associate Justice Fernande “Nan” Duffly endured a Still others publicly thanked their “My first reaction was, ‘Is this a close vote Jan. 24 to take her place as the first Asian American member of moms for similar, though less joke?’ I kept waiting for the punch got it right — which she did with pride. When she pushed back at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. extreme, methods. line,” said Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, Newly elected Councilor Jennie Caissie, a Republican from Oxford, Few had read the book 44, a second-generation Chinese age 13, rejecting the violin, mom allowed for tennis instead, keeping broke the suspense by declaring she would support the 61-year-old themselves, missing out on more American and mother of four in nominee. The nine-member panel ended up voting 4 to 3. facetious nuances and details Ann Arbor, Mich. She had parents a keen eye on her game. As a young adult, Chua said During a six-hour confirmation hearing last week, Duffly faced stern on Chua’s journey to a softer with high expectations but none of questioning from Councilors Thomas Merrigan and Christopher Iannella, approach with Sophia, 18, and Chua’s histrionics. “Her methods she rebelled in her own way. She married an American Orthodox who accused her of being an activist judge and unnecessarily removing Louisa, nicknamed Lulu and about are so crude. The humiliations and children from their fathers in divorce cases. to celebrate her 15th birthday with the shaming. The kids will hear Jew after hearing from her dad: — gasp — a sleepover party. that voice in their heads for the rest “‘You’ll marry a non-Chinese over my dead body.’ Now my dad San Francisco’s First Asian American Mayor Sworn-In “It’s been tough on my kids,” of their lives.” San Francisco welcomed its first Asian American leader Jan. 10 when Chua said. “They want to speak Christine Lu’s memories of her and my husband are the best of friends.” City Administrator Edwin Lee was sworn in as interim mayor before a out over the thing that has hurt tiger mom growing up in L.A. crowd of hundreds. Regrets? “I wish I hadn’t lost my me the most, when people say, are full of sorrow. Mom’s ramrod The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to appoint Lee to fill the temper,” she said. “I wish I hadn’t ‘Oh, doesn’t that kind of strict tactics failed on her (“life at home remainder of Mayor Gavin Newsom’s term. Newsom was sworn in Jan. been harsh. I wish I would have let parenting produce meek robots?’ used to be horrible”) but they 10 as California’s lieutenant governor. them have more freedom.” n My daughters could not be worked on her older sister. She hit The 58-year-old will serve as interim mayor until next January, when the winner of November’s mayoral election will take over. Lee, a city Federal Agencies Publish Plans to employee for more than 20 years, has said he does not plan to run. Assemblyman Warren Furutani to Chair API Caucus Increase Participation of Asian Americans Assemblyman Warren Furutani announced Jan. 24 that he was The White House Initiative public comment period will be a national partnership program unanimously re-elected as chairman of the California Asian Pacific on Asian Americans and Pacific open for 30 days from the posting that incorporates national APA Islander Legislative Caucus. Islanders Interagency Working date of each plan. organizations. Established in 2001, the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus aims Group (IWG) has released the first On Oct. 14 President Barack Twenty-three participating to advocate for California’s APA community, among other things. set of agency plans to increase Obama signed an executive agencies developed agency plans Asian Pacific American access to order that restored the White over a four-month period with GFB National Education Center Elects New Chairman the federal government. House Initiative and President’s input from numerous offices within The Go For Broke National Education The agency’s plans are part of Advisory Commission on Asian each agency. Each plan details the Center’s board elected former California the administration’s “commitment Americans and Pacific Islanders to agency’s strategic activities and Assemblyman George Nakano as its new to assure that all Americans address issues concerning the APA performance outcomes for the next chairman. Nakano’s term began Jan. 1. He have a seat at the table,” said community. one to two years. replaced Michael Ozawa. U.S. Secretary of Education The executive order mandates “In order for the federal Nakano is a former math teacher at Jordan Arne Duncan, who serves as the that agencies develop plans to government to take meaningful High School. He was elected in 1998 to serve initiative’s co-chair with U.S. increase access to and participation steps, it is crucial that people go in the California State Assembly. Secretary of Commerce Gary in federal programs in which APAs online, view the plans, and provide During two legislative sessions, Nakano Locke. remain underserved. feedback,” said Kiran Ahuja, the helped secure $1.5 million to fund Go For Plans will be released on a rolling Strategic activities include initiative’s executive director. n Broke’s education program. The program basis on the initiative’s website providing training and access to raises awareness about the World War II heroics of the 100th Battalion, through the end of February. The 2010 Census data and developing On the web: www.aapi.gov Military Intelligence Service and 442nd Regimental Combat Team. n 12 FEB. 4-17, 2011 COMMUNITY NEWS PACIFIC CITIZEN NPS to Offer $3 Million in JA Confinement Sites Grant Program The National Park Service (NPS) is now groups and communities that want to accepting applications for grants to preserve preserve these sites. Collectively, their and interpret the U.S. confinement camps efforts can deliver sobering lessons and other sites where more than 120,000 about how vulnerable our freedoms Americans of Japanese ancestry were can be — even those protected by the detained during World War II. Constitution.” This year’s deadline for applications is The program, established by March 1. Congress in 2006, aims to preserve and Congress assigned a total of $4 million in interpret the places where Japanese grant money to the JACS program during its American men, women and children first two years. The president’s budget plan – most of them U.S. citizens – were for FY 2011 calls for $3 million more in relocated and held after Japan attacked grants. However, Congress has yet to pass Pearl Harbor in 1941. Congress has the federal operating budget for FY 2011 and authorized that up to $38 million in thus the funds have not been committed to grants can be awarded over the life this year’s grant program. The NPS expects of the program. Funds can be used to to be able to award grants for FY 2011 after identify, research, evaluate, interpret, Congress passes the appropriations bill. protect, restore, repair and acquire During its first two years, the JACS historic internment sites. The goal is program awarded $3,895,000 to eligible for present and future generations to groups and entities — non-profit learn about and gain inspiration from organizations, educational institutions, and the sites and those who were held in state, local and tribal governments — that them. are working to preserve the confinement In 2010 the NPS awarded 23 grants More than 50 historical locations are For More Information: sites and their histories. totaling $2,925,000. Grant amounts can vary eligible for grant-funded work. They include So far, the program has granted funds to widely. In Idaho, The Friends of Minidoka the 10 War Relocation Authority (WRA) Application materials and a list of 42 projects that involve 16 states (and the received $17,295 to document and rebuild camps that were set up in 1942 in seven informational meetings are available on the JACS website: http://www.nps.gov/history/ District of Columbia): Arizona, Arkansas, the historic Honor Roll that once stood near states: Amache, Colorado; Gila River and hps/hpg/JACS/index.html. California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, that camp’s entrance, listing all those from Poston, Arizona; Heart Mountain, Wyoming; Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Minidoka who served in the U.S. Army. Jerome and Rohwer, Arkansas; Manzanar Pacific West: Tom Leatherman, Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington In Park County, WY, the Heart Mountain and Tule Lake, Calif.; Minidoka, Idaho and 925/943-1531 ext. 122, tom_leatherman@ and Wyoming. Although many of the Wyoming Foundation received $832,879 to Topaz, Utah. Also eligible are more than 40 nps.gov projects are tied to single, specific locations, finish building an 11,000-square-foot Heart other locations in 16 states, including civilian some also range across multiple sites and Mountain Interpretive Learning Center at and military-run assembly, relocation and Intermountain: Kara Miyagishima, are conducted from other places and states. the camp site. isolation centers. Of the 10 WRA sites, three 303/969-2885, kara_miyagishima@nps. “These projects are helping us understand The program encourages applicants to are now units of the National Park Service gov better a shameful chapter in America’s not- raise project funds from other sources to (Manzanar National Historic Site, Minidoka so-distant past,” said Kara Miyagishima, meet a 1-for-2 “match” with the grant money, Midwest: Rachel Franklin-Weekley, Internment National Monument, and Tule 402/661-1928 the JACS program manager for NPS. which is awarded in a competitive process. Lake National Monument) and four are [email protected] “As stewards of many important places Successful grantees must provide $1 in non- National Historic Landmarks (the Rohwer in America’s cultural history, we in the federal funds or “in-kind” contributions for cemetery, and the Granada, Topaz and Heart Hawaii: Frank Hays, 808/541-2693 ext. National Park Service are glad to assist every $2 they receive in federal money. Mountain camps). n 723, [email protected]

AAs Saw No Gains in Homeownership Nikkei Community Internship Rates After Foreclosure Crisis Program is Accepting Applications Asian Pacific American home- the subsequent foreclosure crisis, cent of APAs speak a language Celebrating its 10th year, the 19 – Aug. 13. Interns will be placed owners saw their greatest loss of but preliminary assessments and other than English at home, com- California Japanese American in community organizations and equity following the national fore- anecdotal evidence indicate that pared with 20 percent of the total Community Leadership Council spend four days a week working closure crisis despite their higher they lost considerable ground,” population. Additionally, 2009 data recently announced that its popular on Nikkei community projects and median income, according to a said Melany De la Cruz-Viesca, as- showed that 32 percent of APAs Nikkei Community Internship one day in cultural training and new study by the Asian Real Estate sistant director of the UCLA Asian “speak English less than very well” (NCI) program is now accepting leadership development activities. Association of America (AREAA) American Studies Center. “Espe- compared with nine percent of the applications. Prospective interns Interns will receive an educational and the UCLA Asian American cially troubling is the loss in equity total population. must submit their applications by scholarship of up to $2,000. Studies Center. many Asian American homeown- The study sheds light on home- March 4. Applicants must be age 18 by the While AAs made some improve- ers face.” ownership patterns in APA com- During the past 10 years, over start of the program. ment in their rate of homeowner- The median property value of munities, and provides a mixed 100 interns and over 20 Japanese The Nikkei Community ship between 2005 and 2007, in- APA homeowners decreased from picture of how the foreclosure American community groups in Internship is funded through creasing from 59 percent to 60.3 2007 into 2009. and economic crises are affecting Los Angeles and the Bay Area support from Union Bank and percent, the study revealed that the “This finding again reinforces APAs. While the study showed that have participated in the program. Southwest Airlines, as well as national foreclosure crisis wiped AREAA’s longstanding concerns APAs had far larger median house- The goal of NCI is to provide other generous donations from out any modest improvements by that Asian Americans are dispro- hold incomes than the total popu- cultural exposure and develop various community sponsors. The 2008, returning the rate of home- portionately affected by the hous- lation ($73,745 for APAs versus the net generation of community program is coordinated by the ownership to 59 percent by 2009. ing bubble because of population $61,021 for the total population), it leaders by networking with JACL Pacific Southwest District The study is entitled, “Following concentrations in markets such as found that APAs still lag behind the various Nikkei organizations and in Los Angeles and the Japanese the Path to Asian American Home- Los Angeles, Chicago and New total population in terms of home- connecting interns with mentors in Community Youth Council in San ownership Report: An Analysis of York, where housing costs are ownership. the JA community. The internship Francisco. the United States, California, New high,” said Kenneth Li, AREAA According to the 2008 Census, also aims to provide a fun learning For more information, visit York, Texas, and Select U.S. Met- chairman. AAs make up five percent of the experience that creates energy and www.nikkeiyouth.org or contact ropolitan Areas.” Another factor affecting home- total U.S. population. ■ a desire to participate in the JA Stacy Toyota at the JACL Pacific “There is limited research on ownership is language barriers. community. Southwest District at stoyota@ how Asian Americans fared during According to the study, 71 per- On the web: www.areaa.org The program will run from June jaclpsw.org. n PACIFIC CITIZEN COMMUNITY NEWS FEB. 4-17, 2011 13 JA Leadership Delegates Arkansas Center Gets Memorabilia to Head to Japan in March from Rohwer Internment Camp By Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Memorabilia from a Japanese American internment camp set up in Arkansas during World War II has been donated to the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies in Little Rock. Rosalie Gould of McGhee has donated her collection of several hundred works of art and other materials produced by people held at the Rohwer Camp, the Butler The Japanese American Leadership Delegation Program, which works Center announced Jan. 19. the camp. Gould and Vogel became residents. It also contains a to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations, is now celebrating its 11th anniversary. The Rohwer camp operated close friends and Vogel left her memorial dedicated to the 31 JA Sponsors include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan in Desha County in southeast collection to Gould when she died, soldiers from Rohwer who died Foundation Center for Global Partnership and co-organized by the U.S.- Arkansas from September 1942 to according to the Butler Center. fighting on behalf of the United Japan Council. November 1945 and held nearly Appraiser Jennifer Carman said States in World War II. This year 13 Japanese American leaders from throughout the United 8,500 people at its peak. Gould’s the materials in Gould’s collection David Stricklin, head of the States will participate in a delegation visit to Japan from March 4-12. The collection includes hundreds are “unique among internment Butler Center, welcomed Gould’s delegation will visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka for a variety of exchanges of documents and photographs collections.” They include copies donation. with high-level leaders. A symposium will be held on March 7 in Osaka dealing with the camp’s schools of a newspaper, published by camp “This collection really contains and will feature three delegates as panelists. and government, along with 185 residents, that documents day-to- two stories. The first is the Selection to the 2011 delegation emphasized leaders from the business, handwritten autobiographies of day life. extraordinary testament it makes communications, education, and government sectors. This year’s internees. The Rohwer site, most of it to the perseverance of American delegation includes: Phyllis Campbell (Seattle) chairman, JPMorgan Much of the collection stems demolished decades ago, has been citizens in the face of a truly Chase & Co., Pacific Northwest; Erwin Furukawa (Los Angeles), vice from the work of an art teacher who designated a National Historic unfortunate wartime situation,” president, Customer Programs and Services, Southern California Edison; taught at the camp, Mabel “Jamie” Landmark. It includes a cemetery Stricklin said. Kathryn C. Ibata-Arens (Chicago), associate professor, Department of Jamison Vogel. Her students with the graves of 24 internees Political Science, DePaul University; Bill Imada (Los Angeles), chairman gave her many of the works they The Rohwer camp was one of who died at the camp as well as two in Arkansas, with the other at and CEO, IW Group, Inc.; Val T. Iwashita (Honolulu), headmaster, ‘Iolani created,45251 JACL and LTC she ad.qxd kept other 1/28/11 items 4:56 PM Page 1 memorials erected by the camp’s n School; and Susan Morita (D.C.); partner, Arnold & Porter LLP. accumulated during her work at Jerome, in Drew County. Other delegates include: Gary S. Moriwaki (New York); partner, Tax & Estates Department, Fox Rothschild LLP; Susan Muranishi With so many places to shop for long-term care coverage, how do you decide what’s best for you? (San Francisco); county administrator, Alameda County; Gary Oda (Honolulu), president, Allied Builders System; Kenneth A. Oye (Boston), Start shopping from the director, Program on Emerging Technologies (PoET) associate professor of Political Science and Engineering Systems MIT; Genevieve Shiroma Shopping for source you can trust. (San Francisco), board member, Agricultural Labor Relations Board, State of California; William Tsutsui (Dallas), dean and professor of History, Long-Term Care Call toll-free Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Southern Methodist 1-800-358-3795 today. University; and Mari Watanabe (Portland), executive director, Oregon Insurance? Or visit Nikkei Endowment. ■ www.jaclinsurance.com. As a JACL member, you don’t have to worry. APFC Launches $20,000 Don’t know That’s because you can trust JACL and JACL’s Long-Term Care Call Center. It’s available to Verizon Scholarships Program you, your spouse, your parents and your whom to trust? parents-in-law. The Asian Pacific Community Fund in partnership with Verizon has established a scholarship program to support students pursuing a college When you call the JACL Long-Term Care Call Center at 1-800-358-3795, you’ll get the degree in math, science and related majors. first-rate service you deserve from salaried, “We hope to especially support those who excel academically, are licensed agents. leaders amongst their peers and are making a difference in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities,” said Debra Fong, Asian Pacific Your Long-Term Care Agent will ... Community Fund’s executive director. 3 Provide personalized one-on-one service A total of 20 scholarship awards of $1,000 will be made in 2011. 3 Offer needs-based analysis based on your The first application cycle, which will be open to current first- personal situation and budget year college students, will have a submission deadline of March 3 30. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May as a part of the Asian Help guide you through the long-term care buying process Pacific American Heritage Month celebration. The second scholarship round will begin in May and be open to college- 3 Custom-tailor a plan for you bound high school seniors. A total of seven awards will be made in the What’s more, you’ll never be pressured to second round. buy and you’re never under any obligation. The third round of scholarships will begin in August and be open to Administered by: college juniors. Five scholarships will be awarded. Established in 1990, the Asian Pacific Community Fund is a community-based, non-profit fund that was created to educate and CA Ins. Lic. #0633005 encourage individuals and companies to support Asian Pacific American AR Ins. Lic. #245544 communities through workplace giving programs. n d/b/a in CA Seabury & Smith Insurance Program Management 50700/50216/50025 ©Seabury & Smith, Inc. 2011 On the web: www.apcf.org

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M A R S H Misc: N/A 14 FEB. 4-17, 2011 CALENDAR PACIFIC CITIZEN day of remembrance events

GOA NATIONAL• GSUIDE TO EENOTABLE COMMU•NITYD EVENTS*O

Livingston-Merced and Cortez JACL Day of Remembrance MERCED, CA. Feb. 19, 5-8:30 p.m. Merced County Fairgrounds 900 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Merced Assembly Center monument at the gala dinner. Toyo Miyatake In Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, where the famed photographer Info: Janet Fujimoto at 209/723-8588 or Street Dedication once worked, a street will bear his name. Councilwoman Jan Bob Taniguchi at 209/383-5161 LOS ANGELES, CA Perry and Archie and Alan Miyatake will attend. Feb. 10, 11: 30 a.m. Day of Remembrance JANM’s Day of Remembrance Between 2nd & 3rd Streets Info: Serena Ngo at [email protected] or 213/473-3030 ext. 169 Ceremony LOS ANGELES, CA MOORESTOWN, NJ Feb. 19, 2 p.m. Feb. 19, 1-4 p.m. Japanese American Moorestown Friends National Museum CCDC Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: Nancy Gohata at 818/899- School Dining Hall 369 E. First St. California Secretary 4237. 110 E. Main St. This year’s theme “September Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage of State’s Auditorium $5/members; $10/non- 11: Ten Years After” was OWENS VALLEY, CA 1500 I. St. Little Tokyo Historical Society members selected by the DOR committee April 30, 12 noon A gripping story about an innocent Shinnenkai Luncheon This event will featuring a follow- because of growing anti-Muslim Manzanar National Palestinian American human rights LOS ANGELES, CA up discussion to the violent sentiments. The committee felt Historic Site activist imprisoned after Sept. 11, Feb. 5, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. incidents that took place at South that it was important to support U.S. Highway 395 filmmaker Konrad Aderer of New Chop Suey Café & Lounge Philadelphia High School. the Muslim community. Each year, hundreds of people York, whose Japanese American 347 E. First St. Info: Cliff Akiyama 267/235- Info: 213/625-0414 attend the Manzanar Pilgrimage. grandmother was interned during $10 /general 9426 or Don Kajioka at The event is sponsored by the World War II, investigated this Little Tokyo Historical Society, [email protected]. CCDC JACL Los Angeles-based Manzanar case and presents his film. an all-volunteer organization, Day of Remembrance Committee. Participants are Info: 916/685-6747 or will celebrate its major New England JACL FRESNO, CA advised to bring their own lunch, www.nctor.com accomplishments of 2010, Day of Remembrance Feb. 20, 11 a.m. drinks and snacks. including its first publication, “Los MEDFORD, MA Pardini’s Catering and Info: 323/662-5102 PNW Angeles’ Little Tokyo” and share its Feb. 12, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Banquets An Intimate Dinner ambitious plans for 2011. Asian American Center 2257 West Shaw Ave. NCWNP with George Takei RSVP: Serena Ngo at Sophia Gordon Hall Cost: $40/general; $20/Nisei PORTLAND, OR [email protected] or 15 Talbot Ave. veterans and youth Contra Costa JACL Installation Feb. 19, 5-7 p.m. 213/473-3030 ext. 169. The New England JACL is The Day of Remembrance Luncheon Portland Marriot partnering with the Asian is a national observance EL SOBRANTE, CA Downtown Waterfront Ryu Goto’s Violin Recital American Center at Tufts remembering the forced Feb. 26, 12:30-3 p.m. 1401 SW Naito Pkwy CERRITOS, CA University to present a program internment of Japanese Royal Palace Restaurant $100/general; $1,500/table Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. featuring Junichi Suzuki’s Americans during World War II. 3550 San Pablo Dam Rd. To remember the day in 1942 Cerritos Center documentary “442nd: Live With In the Central Valley, the day is $15/person when President Roosevelt signed for the Performing Arts Honor, Die With Dignity.” The film highlighted with the Distinguished Join the Contra Costa JACL for Executive Order 9066, the Oregon 12700 Center Court Dr. will be followed by comments American Awards. The 2011 its installation luncheon at the Nikkei Endowment will host actor $35/general from Susumu Ito, a 442nd RCT awardees include Assemblyman Royal Palace Restaurant. The and activist George Takei at this Join us for a night of music veteran. Juan Arambula, the Charles event features guest speaker Tim special fundraiser. with 22-year-old Ryu Goto, an Info: Tufts Asian American Pashayan family and David Kawakami, a sports columnist with Info: 503/224-1458 or accomplished violinist with a Center at 617/627-3056 “Mas” Masumoto. the Bay Area News Group. www.oregonnikkei.org growing fan base in Asia, North Info: 559/960-0852 Info: 510/243-6688 America and Europe. Twin Cities JACL PSW Info: 800/300-4345 or Day of Remembrance Monterey Bay Asian Fashion Show and www.cerritoscenter.com BLOOMINGTON, MN Day of Remembrance Mother/Daughter Luncheon Film Screening of Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-12 noon SALINAS, CA SAN LEANDRO, CA ‘The Harimaya Bridge’ The Art of Iaido Seminar Transfiguration Lutheran Feb. 27, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26, 12 noon-3 p.m. PACOIMA, CA PASADENA, CA Church Salinas Community Center San Leandro Library Feb. 12, 2 p.m. Feb. 19-20 11000 France Ave S. 940 N. Main St. 300 Estudillo Ave. San Fernando Valley Japanese Pasadena Buddhist Church Local students will read stories The highlight of this Day of $20/general; $30/couples American Community Center 1993 Glen Ave. from internment camp survivors Remembrance observance will As part of the Big Read program, 12953 Branford St. The seminar will feature, Katsuo as archival photographs are be the performance of “Hold attendees will enjoy a dim sum The San Fernando Valley JACL Oda, a guest instructor from projected, and a commemorative These Truths: The Journey of luncheon while watching models is hosting this special screening. Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. He candle lighting ceremony will be Gordon Hirabayashi” by actress walk the runway. The film’s writer/director Aaron is an expert in the art of drawing held. Former WCCO reporter and playwright Jeanne Sakata Info: 510/577-3971 Woolfolk will be available after and cutting with the Japanese Maya Nishikawa will moderate. and starring Ryun Yu. the movie. A $10 donation is sword. The seminar is expected to RSVP: Lucy Kirihara at Info: Mas Hashimoto at California Film Premiere requested. A bento may be attract over a dozen practitioners. [email protected] or [email protected] or of ‘Enemy Alien’ purchased for $10, but must be Info: www.eanet.com/sckf 952/831-2866 by Feb. 8 for free 831/722-6859 SACRAMENTO, CA ordered by Feb. 1. box lunches after the program. PACIFIC CITIZEN OBITUARIES FEB. 4-17, 2011 15 Barney Hajiro, Medal of

Goto, Keiko,IN 74 MEMORIAMKai. Kawanishi; nieces and nephews. Honor Recipient, Passes Los Angeles, CA; Jan. 21; Shojinaga, Katsumi, 79 By Pacific Citizen Staff survived by siblings, Yoko Kamisato, Ernest Hideo, 87 Granada Hills, CA; Jan. 24; Horimoto and Tom (Ruth); also Honolulu, HI; Jan. 8; he was a survived by wife, Alice Yasuko; Barney Hajiro, the country’s survived by nieces and nephews. general contractor; survived by children, Susan (Richard) oldest living Medal of Honor wife, Dorothy; brother, Tadao; Sirovy; Cheryl (John Fukunaga); recipient, passed away Jan. 21 Hashimoto, Kiyo Sato, 95 sisters, Gladys Kamisato, Jane Steven (Marina); brothers, Sueo in Honolulu at the age of 94. Chicago, IL; Jan. 24; survived Larson and Jessie Teruya. (Sumiye), George (Kathryn), by son, Fred (Joan); daughters, Thomas Sr., and Richard (Grace); During World War II Hajiro Christine and Pamela (Robert); Kariyama, Tom, 84 sisters, Fumie Drobkin, Kiku had been awarded three 2 gc. Gardena, CA, Jan. 26; Yuen, Nancy Braithwaite, Shigeko Distinguished Service Crosses predeceased by brother, Makin (Randall) Deese and Janet while serving with the famed Higa, Raymond Tetsuo, 67 and Takeshi; survived by sister, (Robert) Matsuda; many nieces 442nd Regimental Combat Pearl City, HI; Jan. 27; a retired Hanako Matsuno; sister-in-law, and nephews; 5 gc; 1 ggc. Team in Europe. Leeward Lounge bartender and Susie Kariyama; many nieces and One of his DSC’ was Vietnam War veteran; survived nephews. Taniguchi, Betty Fusae, 85 upgraded to a Medal of Honor by brothers, Herbert and James; Waipahu, HI; Jan. 11; survived when legislation was passed in sister, Jean Yamanaka-Kane. Matoba, Yuka, 106 by husband, Kiyoto; son, Edward K.; daughters, Iris Y. Mulder and 2000 to upgrade the DSC’ of Kirihara, Shigeko, 84 Lori F. Taniguchi; sister, Momoe 22 Asian and Pacific Islander Kataoka; 2 gc; 2 step-gc; 3 step- Americans. ggc. While a member of the 442nd, Hajiro helped free the towns of Bruyeres and Biffontaine in Tomita, Yukiko, 80 France’s Vosges Mountains. On Oct. 29, 1944, Hajiro led a charge of Los Angeles, CA; Jan. 16; “Suicide Hill” and helped destroy two machine gun nests, killing two survived by husband, Toshiyuki; enemy snipers before being wounded. brother, Yoshimi (Yuki) Shiraki; Hajiro was the oldest of nine children and left the eighth grade to Sebastopol, CA; Jan. 12; she children, Kurt (Gaye), Mark help work in the sugar-cane fields in his hometown of Maui. St. Louis, MN; Nov. 5; survived passed away two weeks shy of (Joanne), Derek (Joan), Grant n by husband of 57 years, Jim; her 107th birthday; her family was (Stacy); brother-in-law, Akira He is survived by his wife Esther, son Glenn and one grandson. children, Terry (Cecelia), Randy interned at Amache internment (Nako) and Yoshinori (June); (Julie), Marsha Mangen (Mike); camp during World War II; nieces and nephews; 8 gc. TRIBUTE sister, Toshi: brother, Masanobu; predeceased by her husband, 6 gc; memorials preferred to the Katsuzo; children, Katsuki “Kats,” Yoshida, Nancy Sachiko, 71 Dr. Tsukasa Matsueda Twin Cities JACL Scholarship Haruki “Hank,” Mary Yamamoto, Torrance, CA; Jan. 19; she is September 28, 1925 - January 28, 2011 Fund. Tomiko Hayakawa and Asako; survived by her mother, Miyoye survived by daughters, Ann Takahashi; husband, Shigeo Beloved husband, father, Hisamoto, Alfred Mitsuo, 89 Bradley, Vicki Epling, Twinkle Yoshida; sister, Jean Fujita. n grandfather, Dr. Tsukasa Wahiawa, HI; Jan. 2; survived Yagi and Haru Hamamoto; sons, Matsueda passed away peace- by wife, Mieko; sons, Wayne Akio and George; 13 gc; 21 ggc; fully on January 28, 2011 at the Honor Your age of 85. Hisamoto and Dwayne Yap; 2 gggc. Loved Ones daughter, Patricia; brother, Tsukasa was a graduate of UC Hidemi; sister Norma Kido; 3gc. Nakamura, Michael Tsuneo, 94 ‘In Memoriam’ is a free Berkeley, received a Doctorate Pearl City, HI; Jan. 7; former listing that appears on a Degree from the University of Inouye, Harumi owner of the North American Life limited, space-available basis. Massachusetts, and was a Los Angeles, CA; Jan. 4; survived Insurance Agency; survived by Tributes, which honor the Fulbright Scholar and teacher by sister, Emiko Tsuji; brother, son, Randal; daughters, Sharon memory of your loved ones with for 33 years. A former Rohwer Hiro (Mary) Hino; son, Randall Kurz and Myrtle James; sister, original copy and photos, appear and Tule Lake internee, Tsukasa was also a 525th MIS US Army (Susan); brother-in-law, Masaru; Yuriko Yanagisako; 6 gc; 4 ggc. in a timely manner at the rate of many nieces and nephews; 5 gc. Veteran. $20/column inch. Sakamoto, Marie Toshiko, 84 He is survived by his wife of For more information: Kai, Hideko Frances, 89 Santa Monica, CA; Jan. 16; 54 years, June, sister Yori Kawakita (Yoneo), brother Kanow; children [email protected] or Walnut Grove, CA; Jan. 11; she survived by her sister, Teruko Bob (Ranko), Julie (Jon Osaki); grandchildren Ken, Mika, and Lee. (800) 966-6157 is survived by her daughter, Pam (Don) Morinaka; brother, Hiroto G r e e t i n g s f o r t h e H o l i d a y s R I C HMOND - S H IMA D A F R I END S H I P C OMMI S S I ON The PACIFICPACIFIC NORTHWEST’SNORTHWEST’S Reverse Mortgage ASIAN GROCERY & GIFTGIFT MARKETMARKET Call for a free information package If you are 62 or older and own your house, a Reverse Mortgage may benefit you! • Turn Home Equity into Tax Free Cash • You keep title to your home • No Monthly Mortgage Payments • FHA Program Designed for Seniors “I pledge to provide excellent customer service with the highest standard of ethics” 25+ Years Experience as a Financial Professional A Tradition of Good Taste Since 1928 David C. Miyagawa Chee Certified Public Accountant 1-800-967-3575 seattle 206.624.6248 | bellevue 425.747.9012 renton 425.277.1635 | beaverton 503.643.4512 CA Dept. of Real Estate – Real Estate Broker #01391106 www.uwajimaya.com NMLS ID 263222 16 FEB. 4-17, 2011 COMMUNITY/VOICES PACIFIC CITIZEN JACL Announces ‘Bridging A Japan Trip to Remember Communities’ for H.S. Students The Min Yasui oratorical point of view that many of us in the U.S. fail to realize. The JACL is now accepting struggles. contest winner thanks applications for Bridging The National Park Service local Japan JACLers John explained that the Japan JACL’s main focus is on social Communities 2011. In its third (NPS) Confinement Site grant for showing her around year in Los Angeles, Bridging sponsors Bridging Communities. during her recent trip. networking. Their chapter is always open to visitors from the Communities is now being Participants will have the U.S. and they are a great resource launched in San Francisco and opportunity to connect to the By Nicole Horiuchi Gaddie if you have any questions about Seattle. confinement sites through visits The program is open to high and service learning with the NPS This past summer I had the Japan. For instance when I was there, John arranged for four school students of all ethnic and at the Manzanar national historic opportunity to travel to Chicago to religious backgrounds. Through site, Minidoka internment national compete in the national JACL’s University of California students to take me around Tokyo and show education, dialogue, creative monument or Tule Lake national Min Yasui oratorical competition, n focus of the JACL Japan and the me everything from shrines to art, and community service, the monument. a contest traditionally held at each program seeks to bring Japanese biennial national JACL convention. JACL U.S. One of the primary popular shopping spots. Bridging Communities objectives of the JACL in the U.S. It was truly a great experience American youth together with For more information or to I won the oratorical contest and my youth of other communities prize was airfare to Japan and three is eliminating racial prejudice and and it wouldn’t have been the same download an application, contact of color to understand history, the individuals below. nights hotel for two! maintaining social justice. In Japan if I hadn’t made contact with the almost everyone is Japanese so JACL Japan chapter. They were build identity, and garner a sense I recently returned from my of passion to engage with and LOS ANGELES — PSW they don’t have these issues. very helpful and I would highly Yuka Ogino trip and I had an amazing time. I preserve the confinement sites wanted to share some of the things In the U.S. the JACL puts a recommend anyone thinking of [email protected] or 213/626- strong emphasis on remembering traveling to Japan to contact the where more than 120,000 JAs were 4471 I learned with the JACL. detained during World War II. The JACL Japan chapter the events of WWII. This includes Japan JACL. Program starts Feb. 19 JACL will be partnering with http://www.jaclpsw.org president John Ino greeted me the the 442nd regimental combat Other Japan JACL members we team, internment camps, and met were Nancy Kose, a Japanese the Council on American-Islamic first day and was a very generous S.F. BAY AREA — NCWNP personal sacrifices made by all Brazilian, and Jon Kojaku, JD- Relations (CAIR) in all three cities, host. John was raised in Mill Valley, Jess Kyo Japanese during that time. MBA, originally from Gardena, and with Nikkei for Civil Rights & Calif. and recently took a position Redress (NCRR) in Los Angeles. [email protected] or 415/921-5225 John explained to me that during Calif. These friendships were Program starts Feb. 20 at a Tokyo university teaching Through these partnerships, the war some similar events took possible through the national JACL http://www.bcsfba.wordpress. bio ethics. Their vice president is and with support from other Asako Suzuki who teaches English place in Japan however the victims and I will always be appreciative com/ JA, Muslim American and Arab at a Yokohama high school. I met were the Japanese Americans. The of this opportunity that was given JAs visiting Japan during WWII to me. n American civil liberties groups in SEATTLE REGION — PNW Asako in Chicago this past summer all three locations, JACL hopes to Mackenzie Walker when she attended the national weren’t interned, but they weren’t [email protected] or 206/623- allowed to leave the country Nicole Horiuchi Gaddie is the create dialogue and understanding convention. between different communities 5088 because they were viewed as a most recent Min Yasui oratorical Program starts March 26 While visiting with John, he that share similar histories and explained to me the difference in threat. It’s definitely a different contest winner. http://www.jacl.org/bc-seattle

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Health Plans for California JACL Members Call the JACL Health Benefits Administrators at 1.800.400.6633 or visit www.jaclhealth.org