C OM ED IA N RA ND AL L PA RK P AG E 9

HEART MOUNTAIN IN PHOTOS

APAs becoming citizens.

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# 3177 VOL. 153, NO. 8 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG OCT. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 2 Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 COMMENTARY/COMMUNITY PACIFIC CITIZEN PACIFIC CITIZEN JACL Holds Successful 2011 National Gala how to reach us first person of color Groups that purchased tables or made E-mail: [email protected] Online: www.pacificcitizen.org to play in the NBA; significant donations were: the University of Tel: (213) 620-1767 Don Wakamatsu, the Maryland Asian American Studies Program, Fax: (213) 620-1768 first Asian Pacific JACL Eastern District Council, Washington, Mail: 250 E. First Street, Suite 301 Los Angeles, CA 90012 American to become D.C. JACL, Japanese American Veterans Staff a major league Association, Caesar’s Entertainment, Dr. Craig Executive Editor baseball manager, Uchida, John Tagami and Roberto Llames, Caroline Y. Aoyagi-Stom Cappy Harada UNITEHERE, Red Cross, Paramount, CBS, Assistant Editor (posthumously), who Larry and Anne Oda and Donna Cole. Lynda Lin contributed to diversity JACL national board members in attendance Reporter in the MLB; the Hon. included David Kawamoto, national president; Nalea J. Ko Eni Faleomavaega, Gail Sueki, vice president for general operations; a strong supporter of David Lin, vice president for membership and Business Manager (L-r) David Kawamoto, JACL national president, honoree Wat Misaka and Staci Hisayasu Floyd Mori, JACL national director. diversity; and Comcast/ services; Larry Oda, secretary treasurer; Toshi NBC, a corporate Abe, EDC district governor; Chip Larouche, Circulation Eva Lau-Ting The JACL held its fifth annual gala event partner committed to PNW district governor; and Stephanie Nitahara,

Sept. 29 in Washington, D.C. diversity and support of organizations such as MDC district governor. The Pacific Citizennewspaper Norman Y. Mineta, former U.S. secretary of the JACL. Past JACL national presidents who attended (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi-monthly (except once in De- transportation, served as honorary chairman of AT&T and Eli Lilly were diamond-level the gala were: Oda, Lillian Kimura, and Floyd cember and January) by the Japa- the event. sponsors of the gala. Other sponsors included: Mori. nese American Citizens League, The gala, themed a “Salute to Champions,” Comcast, Southwest Airlines, AARP, Aratani “The gala has given the JACL the opportunity Pacific Citizen, 250 E. 1st Street, Suite 301, Los honors outstanding individuals who have Foundation, UPS, Norman and Deni Mineta, to honor some outstanding individuals, Angeles, CA 90012 contributed to JACL’s mission. This year, the National Education Association, U.S. Navy, members of Congress, and corporations who Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA honorees were individuals who broke barriers OHA/Office of Hawaiian Affairs, David and have contributed to diversity and have made it POSTMASTER: send address changes to National JACL, 1765 in athletics. Carol Kawamoto, Annie E. Casey Foundation, a better world for all of us and our posterity,” Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 Awards were presented to: Wat Misaka, the George and Nobuko Azumano and GEICO. said Mori. n JACL President: David Kawamoto National Director: Floyd Mori commentary P.C. editorial board Judith Aono, chairperson; Paul Niwa, EDC; Kevin Miyazaki, MDC; JACL National Board Seeks Director Applicants Bobbi Hanada, CCDC; vacant, NC- By Gail Sueki determining the selection committee and process; WNPDC; Hugh Burleson, PNWDC; Jeff Itami, IDC; Cindi Harbottle, and JACL Nat’l Director PSWDC; Sonya Kuki, Youth With Floyd Mori 3. Getting the word out. Job Description subscribe stepping down as The national board has the final decision in hiring Get a one-year subscription of the JACL national director the national director. Pacific Citizen newspaper at: Duties: www.pacificcitizen.org or call at the end of this year, The first step in this process of identifying key The national director shall (800) 966-6157 the JACL wishes Floyd skills and characteristics for the next national administer the affairs of the Advertise well on his future director is largely complete. The factors, listed organization and shall implement To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, endeavors as we assess above, along with additional criteria from the call (800) 966-6157 or e-mail: the policies of the national council [email protected] changes that will bring personnel committee and the national board will as directed by the national board LEGAL challenges but will also form the basis of our selection focus. and shall be directly accountable No part of this publication may be bring opportunities for The second step involves the personnel committee to the national board through the reproduced without the express per- improvement. who is tasked to review candidates to make a president. mission of the Pacific Citizen. The national director shall Editorials, news and the opinions ex- To determine the key qualities needed for our recommendation to the national board. pressed by columnists other than the future national director, the national board was The personnel committee is composed of supervise the national national JACL president or national di- asked to rank certain qualities from the vice president for general headquarters and all staff rector do not necessarily reflect JACL members, with the exception of policy. Events and products advertised highest to lowest. That list was operations - chair, Pacific Citizen the editor/general manager of the in the Pacific Citizen do not carry the ‘The best implicit endorsement of the JACL or compiled and the top results were editor (Caroline Aoyagi-Stom), Pacific Citizen and Pacific Citizen the following: program planning and candidates will governor’s caucus chair (Chip this publication. We reserve the right to staff. edit articles. © 2011 management; knowledge of JACL; likely learn about LaRouche - PNW), national corporate fundraising; organizational director (Floyd Mori), staff Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, the position Location: Calif and mailing office. management; personnel management; representative (Bill Yoshino - MDC and financial management including through word of regional director), three delegates- The JACL national headquarters is located in San Francisco. The budgeting and projections at-large (Judith Aono, Betsy Sato mouth, so while position may be based out of a JACL MEMBERS The priorities outlined by the the board has and Milo Yoshino), president - ex- currently existing regional office in Change of national board show a high desire officio (David Kawamoto) and been recruiting, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Address for improvement in the basic legal counsel - ex-officio (Floyd Washington, D.C. or Los Angeles. tenets of running a highly effective we are also Shimomura). If you’ve moved, organization. Towards that end, I am relying on the Finally, the last key step is Compensation: please send new heading up two major components to getting the word out. Please think information to: Commensurate with qualifications membership to National JACL fulfill the road to better organizational about potential candidates who and experience. spread the word.’ 1765 Sutter St. management. may be interested in being our San Francisco, CA The first major element is future national director. The best Application Process: overseeing the process of hiring our candidates will likely learn about 94115 Allow 6 weeks for next national director. The second of these areas the position through word of mouth, so while the Please send a CV/résumé, cover letter and application to the address changes. is implementing the process of reviewing our board has been recruiting, we are also relying on the vice presiden for operations at operations via the completion of yearly reviews of membership to spread the word. [email protected]. To avoid interrup- our national director, Pacific Citizen editor and our We appreciate the support and efforts of tions in delivery, staff. I’ll write more on reviews in a future column. our members and friends. We are proud of our The application can be found on please notify your The process of hiring a national director involves accomplishments and look forward to bigger and the JACL website at www.jacl.org. postmaster to three key steps: better things in the future. n The application filing deadline is include periodicals 1. Identifying key skills and characteristics for the Nov. 14, 2011, 5 p.m. PST. in your change of next national director; Gail Sueki is the national JACL vice president for address (USPS The JACL is an EOE. Form 3575) 2. Organizing the personnel committee and general operations. PACIFIC CITIZEN IN-DEPTH OCT. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 3 Hirahara Collection of Heart Mountain Photos Worth a Thousand Words Patti Hirahara donated what is exhibit, which will run through 2013. said to be the largest collection of “My great grandparents and my Heart Mountain photographs. grandparents are buried in Yakima,” Patti Hirahara said. “I think for them they’re happy because their possessions are brought By Nalea J. Ko back to them.” Reporter The Hirahara family took root in Yakima in 1909 when Motokichi Hirahara, Frank’s From his home in Anaheim, Calif. Tom grandfather, relocated there from Japan. Hide, 84, recalls images of everyday life George Hirahara was four years old when at Heart Mountain during World War II. his family settled in the United States. He His memories are still crisp in his mind owned and operated the Pacific Hotel, which of the time when his family — including is still standing, until the outbreak of WWII. his brother, two sisters and parents — left In Heart Mountain George Hirahara was their home in Yakima Valley, Wash. for the a member of the camp’s camera club and internment camp in Wyoming. worked as a “refrigeration man” for the The Japanese American remembers his complex. boyish joy of not having to do chores at Under the family’s barrack, George camp, playing softball games with Block Hirahara built a dark room. There the elder 15, city boys picking fights with country Hirahara and his son Frank processed their boys, and teenager girls sneaking behind the photo negatives. latrines to meet boys. Frank Hirahara was photo editor of his But he also has memories of the hardships high school yearbook in 1944, but only had endured by the Issei, or first generation JAs, a budget of $150. The makeshift darkroom who saw the erosion of their family life in helped Frank Hirahara produce the yearbook the camp setting. He recalls seeing the Issei with a small budget, Patti Hirahara says of struggle with camp life, many of whom lost her father. their businesses and homes following the “My grandfather was very good at bombing of Pearl Harbor. carpentry and using his hands. So he would These memories are preserved in black and work at night in secret,” Patti Hirahara said. white images stored in Hide’s photo album. “Since he was a refrigeration man in camp Hide’s lifelong friend Frank Hirahara, who that’s I think where he got most of the parts was born and raised in Yakima Valley, took and things.” some of those photos in Hide’s personal This year Patti Hirahara donated photos photo album. processed in her family’s makeshift “Like they always say: photos are worth a darkroom. thousand words. So it’s always nice to have The news of the photo donation photos,” Hide said with a laugh. inspired other JAs to donate their wartime A far larger collection of over 2,000 Heart memorabilia to the collection. Hide donated Mountain images taken from 1942 to 1945 his track sweater and other curios from by Frank Hirahara and his father, George, around WWII. was donated in September to Washington “We were both on the track team,” Hide State University, or WSU. The donation, said. “Frank and I both earned a sweater which was gifted by Frank’s daughter Patti, that had a ’48, which would be the year you photo: nalea j. ko is said to be the largest collection of Heart would graduate.” Another track sweater with Mountain images. Frank Hirahara’s name sewn into the tag is “Everybody keeps saying it’s our history, After her father also a part of the collection. passed away in 2006, but it’s not. It’s the history of all those As news of Patti Hirahara’s photo donation internees at Heart Mountain from 1942 Patti Hirahara (above) spread, former Heart Mountain internees discovered boxes to 1945,” said 56-year-old Patti Hirahara. inquired about the people captured in the “It’s more important that it be given out for of negatives among images. his belongings. The everyone to see. I would be selfish to keep Togo Nishiura, 80, was a pre-teen when it.” photos shed light on his family was interned at Heart Mountain. life in Heart Mountain. With the help of a National Park Service Although he did not know the Hiraharas at grant of $49,217, an online database with camp, Nishiura came to know Patti Hirahara photo: washington state university about half of the photos will be available after news broke of her donation. online in October of 2012. Those handling He e-mailed Patti Hirahara a photo of his father’s family in some of the Hirahara “She would go through it and then she the collection at the university are scanning an obutsudan, a religious shrine, built by photographs. would bring it over and say, ‘who’s this? the images to start the database. his grandfather and great uncle in Heart “Unfortunately, she said her records didn’t Who’s that?’” Hide said. “Her father was “It’s going to be such a tremendous Mountain for Buddhist minister Rev. Tesshin list anyone from my family in the photos,” taking a lot of pictures, but she didn’t know resource for understanding life at Heart Shibata. Nishiura was hoping to identify the Nishiyori said, adding that he hopes the who they are. So she’d bring them over and Mountain,” said Trevor Bond, head of photographer of the image in his possession. online database will yield better results. I’d try to identify them for her.” WSU’s manuscripts, archives and special “I received an immediate answer by “Although, there are some 2,000 of them and When the photos go digital in October of collections. e-mail. She said that she was looking at the maybe when I see the photos I might be able 2012, those working on the collection will After her father Frank Hirahara passed negative of the photo as she wrote!” Nishiura to pick out someone from the family in the attempt to identify those in the images. away in 2006, Patti Hirahara discovered the said. “There are several more photos from background somewhere.” Patti Hirahara says she felt an urgency boxes of negatives among his belongings. my grandmother’s album related to the The photos were stored in envelopes to donate the collection this year because She also discovered many other Hirahara Buddhist church which may also be taken by marked with the Heart Mountain barrack many of those who were interned in Heart artifacts from the family’s days in Yakima the Hirahara photographers. I look forward numbers. Patti Hirahara says she was unable Mountain are no longer living. Valley. to finding them also.” to find the Nishiyori family barrack number, “Since my family’s ties here in America In a rental van Patti Hirahara and her Others contacted Patti Hirahara after but there is a chance the family was captured ends with me, it’s better to give now husband packed up those family artifacts hearing about her donation, hoping to locate and not identified. because once I’m old I won’t remember and donated them to Yakima Valley Museum their relatives who were interned at Heart Former internees like Hide helped Patti either,” Patti Hirahara said. “So it’s a good in 2009. They brought with them enough Mountain in the photographs. Hirahara identify some of those in the time to be able to tell this story and to talk artifacts to create a 2,000-square-foot Kenneth Nishiyori, 48, was hoping to find images. with people.” n 4 Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 IN-DEPTH PACIFIC CITIZEN Asian American Groups Work to Boost U.S. Citizenship Numbers

Asian Pacific Americans take part in a U.S. citizenship ceremony in Los Angeles Sept. 28.

Organizations like the Asian nationwide 2.9 million APIs are eligible. “So we need to make sure that both of his paperwork was misrouted and other Pacific American Legal Center That’s a huge chunk that actually live in our our communities are participating and are problems. (APALC) are holding free state,” said Connie Choi, a staff attorney at becoming citizens so that they can have Nguyen, who is part of the ROTC program citizenship workshops in APALC. “So there’s a huge gap in terms of more political power,” she added. at Cal State Long Beach, said telling his California in an effort to help people who actually applied versus people U.S. Rep. Judy Chu and California story in an article published in the Orange who are actually eligible to apply.” Assemblyman Mike Eng also co-sponsored County Register on Sept. 29 helped speed up Asian Pacific Islanders become About 74 percent of newly naturalized an Oct. 15 workshop held in El Monte, Calif. his citizenship process, among other things. United States citizens. citizens in the 2009 fiscal year reside in “It’s to ensure that people become U.S. “It was more relieving than anything,” California, New York, Florida, citizens if they want to,” Nguyen said of the ceremony held in Los By Nalea J. Ko Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Eng said about the goal Angeles on Oct. 13. Reporter Virginia, Massachusetts, of the workshops. “Many Nguyen celebrated his citizenship with Washington and Maryland, ‘Asians and people want to petition a dinner at Black Angus steakhouse. A Cindy Fernando, 34, says she wanted according to U.S. Citizenship Latinos are the two relatives, they want to U.S. Army reservist, Nguyen says he looks to vote for President Barack Obama in and Immigration Services. vote, they want to qualify forward to voting in the next presidential the 2008 election but had not begun the The next APALC fastest growing for jobs only a U.S. citizen election. process to become a United States citizen. immigration clinic will be can qualify for. They “I think voting is the most important thing Now Fernando, who relocated from the held Nov. 3 in Buena Park, communities in want to travel with less you can do to serve your country, have your Philippines in the 1990s to California and Calif. At the workshops, California. After difficulty. So this is really say in the government,” Nguyen said. held a green card, is on her way to becoming immigration attorneys are a win-win to a lot of them For others the cost of applying for naturalized. on hand to consult with this last census we to do that.” citizenship can also be a barrier. She passed her citizenship interview Sept. applicants. In-language saw that they’re Every year about “To apply for citizenship it’s very 27 and expects to attend an oath ceremony resources are also available. 680,000 citizens are expensive. For somebody who is under 75 next month. Fernando, a home health worker, APALC is partnering with the reason why naturalized in ceremonies years old it’s $680. If you’re 75 or older it’s says now she will get a second chance to seven organizations to hold nationwide and around $595. It’s pretty cost prohibitive,” Choi said. vote for Obama in the 2012 election. the workshops. Organizations California keeps the world, according to Applicants can apply for a fee waiver based “I really wanted to vote last election, like the National Association growing.’ USCIC. The top countries on their inability to pay for immigration two years ago,” Fernando said. “I’m not of Latino Elected and of origin for newly services. American yet legally. But I did really want Appointed Officials naturalized citizens in For Fernando she says applying for her to participate. I wanted to make sure that I (NALEO), International — Elisa M. Sequeira the 2009 fiscal year were U.S. citizenship was long overdue. did my part because to me I thought this last Rescue Committee, Catholic Mexico, India, Philippines, The Los Angeles resident says she has election was very important. Unfortunately I NALEO Charities, and others are program manager China and Vietnam. not told her parents, who are citizens, that couldn’t do that.” working together to help For many eligible she has started the process to becoming Fernando is one of many Southern eligible immigrants become immigrants, without help naturalized. Californian residents who have attended the citizens. from community organizations like APALC, She hopes to surprise them after attending free citizenship workshops held by the Asian “Asians and Latinos are the two fastest the naturalization process can be confusing. the naturalization ceremony next month. Pacific American Legal Center, APALC. growing communities in California,” Army Pfc. Vinh Nguyen, 22, came to the “I’m just going to surprise them because The workshops are being held in California said Elisa M. Sequeira, NALEO program U.S. legally with his mother when he was my mom probably thought I just put it with the goal of helping Asian Pacific manger. “After this last census we saw that an infant. The resident of Orange, Calif. is off again and [was] not listening to her,” Islanders, and others, who are eligible to they’re the reason why California keeps of Vietnamese descent, but was born in the Fernando said with a laugh. become U.S. citizens. growing. As far as legal permanent residents Philippines. “I’m just going to wait and see how “Just in California alone there’s 800,000 California has 2.3 million legal permanent The 22-year-old says he filled out his shocked they are because they have no idea. APIs that are eligible to become citizens. residents who can apply for citizenship. 1.8 naturalization form in 2009, but was I told my fiancée, ‘Don’t tell them until I get This is pretty huge in light of the fact that million are either Asian or Latino.” not naturalized until Oct. 13 because it.’ I know they’ll be proud of me.” n PACIFIC CITIZEN IN-DEPTH Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 5 Offspring of ‘Tiger Parents’ Sound Off Despite growing up in intense households, many of these so- called ‘tiger children’ say they will practice this controversial parenting style with their own kids.

By Christine McFadden Correspondent

When Masaru Oka, a Shin Nisei or second generation Japanese American, misbehaved as a child, his parents would lock him in the garage. “Our garage has a door that opens into the Chris, a second generation Vietnamese American who graduated from Yale in 2008, started playing the piano at a very young age. dining room area,” he said. “Everyone else would be eating dinner and they would lock me in the garage. I would be hollering and parents.” She recently held a workshop for fair to the student … It’s cruel and unfair ever,” he said. “It’d be nice.” kicking the door and demanding to be let her staff to educate them about Asian culture. to the children. It’s like raising a child in Jordan Wu, a second generation Taiwanese out.” “I think they [tiger parents] have a right Candyland and saying, ‘I’m sorry, you can’t American, plays the violin and gets good This happened often, said Oka, 23, but not to parent their kids the way they feel they have candy.’” grades, but says it’s not because of his because he was what many would call a bad should be parented,” said Hara. “Who’s to A self-classified American tiger mom, parents. kid. He grew up playing the piano and went say who’s right?” Tatsui-D’Arcy has raised her daughters to “Kids should take a little bit of on to study at a prestigious university. Hara, who is half Japanese and half follow their passions. Both are successful responsibility,” said Wu, 17. Call it tough love — generations of Chinese, admits she was a “maybe a little young women — one is a student at Stanford He hasn’t had a birthday party in eight parents who aggressively push their children bit” of a tiger mom to her son, Alex, 17. Medical School and the other recently years and makes his own cake on his birthday. to reach the pinnacle of excellence. “We wanted Alex to be a well- Gifts are not exchanged at Christmas. These parents aren’t a recent phenomenon, rounded person, so we got him into Instead, Wu buys presents for himself with but earlier this year author and Yale law music, sports, and made sure he did his own money. school professor Amy Chua coined the well academically,” she said. “But “I’m gearing towards being completely phrase “tiger mothers” from her book “Battle we also gave him the opportunity to independent,” he said. Hymn of the Tiger Mother.” choose what he wanted to do.” Oka’s parents have also pressured his And suddenly the world had a phrase to While Alex wasn’t allowed to quit younger sister, Hiromi, to follow in his describe parents who demanded nothing piano lessons, he was allowed to swim footsteps, namely by taking up piano and less than perfection, especially in the Asian and join a bowling league. running track. Pacific American community. Chua argued “I just want him to have a happy “I’m not sure if she actually ever liked it,” Asian mothers were superior to “Western life, that’s all,” said Hara. “To be said Oka. parents” in raising stereotypically successful happy and financially independent.” For Hiromi, 18, piano lessons were a kids. Hara is what Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy, struggle and often led to tears. Despite growing up in intense households, founder and director of Merit “It was kind of a joke that every time she many of these so-called “tiger children” say Academy, a kindergarten through 12th came back from a lesson. We’d ask her, ‘Did they will practice this controversial parenting grade college advisory institution in you cry?’” said Oka. “And then when she style on their own kids. Soquel, Calif., would classify as an did, my dad would be like, ‘Why are you “I definitely value the combination of “American Tiger Mom.” crying? You’re so weak. Why can’t you take strictness and guidance,” said Oka. “You She describes it as: “a parenting it?’” need to be good at something to really like style that looks at providing the best Hiromi is currently a freshman at it. You have to build that competency.” that you can for your children.” Where ‘I would raise my kids the same way,’ said Chris. ‘I Georgetown University, an academic it departs from the “tiger” parenting would be a tiger dad.’ accomplishment in the eyes of many parents. Tiger Parents, Helicopter Parents path is the encouragement of engaging Others agree with the pure tiger parent “A lot of these things sound terrifying,” in the child’s passions. stance. said Chris, a second generation Vietnamese In her new book, “Our Entitled “I agree [with Chua] that Western parents American who graduated from Yale in 2008, Children: An American Tiger Mom’s Story,” graduated from Claremont McKenna are too sensitive about self-esteem and don’t about the strict parenting style. Tatsui-D’Arcy also describes so-called College — who she says were also able to push their kids hard enough,” said Ronan Chris, who declined to reveal his last “helicopter mothers,” who constantly hover engage in a social life. Sato, who is currently in his third year at name, went to Brunswick High School over their children and prevent them from When asked if he would become a “tiger Oxford University. in Greenwich, Connecticut — Chua’s doing things on their own. dad,” Oka admitted that he would definitely “Effort and repetition do have an important children’s rival high school. He started She works as a college admissions use some aspect of the parenting, but was place in acquiring any skill and you can only playing piano at the age of four. Family counselor and has encountered many tiger looking for more of a balance, perhaps pick up that skill by doing it,” he said. “And gatherings would often turn into fierce piano parents. becoming an American tiger dad. that obviously includes being forced to do competitions between cousins. “Sometimes I just say ‘You need to stop, He wishes he could talk to his parents it.” Joan Hara, a principal at an Oregon this is not okay,’” Tatsui-D’Arcy said about about more personal aspects of his life. Chris agrees. elementary school with a high percentage of strict parenting practices. “In our society “I don’t think I’ve ever talked about “I would raise my kids the same way,” n APA students, is no stranger to APA “tiger in America it’s not healthy and it’s not anything relationship-related to my parents, admitted Chris. “I would be a tiger dad.” 6 Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PACIFIC CITIZEN Senate Apologizes to Chinese for Past Discrimination The resolution now heads to the grandfather operated a Chinese restaurant House where the Speaker says he in Watts, working long hours to make ends will not bring the issue to the floor. meet. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned By Pacific Citizen Staff Chinese from becoming U.S. citizens and had the effect of halting Chinese immigration In a move that harkens back to the Japanese to this country for a decade. American redress days, the U.S. Senate has The law was eventually repealed in 1943 passed a resolution that apologizes to the once China became a U.S. ally during World Chinese for the discriminatory laws they War II. once endured in this country, including the The resolution explained that these Chinese 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. workers “faced grueling hours and extremely Senate Resolution 201 passed by harsh conditions in order to lay hundreds of unanimous consent on Oct. 6. The bill now miles of track and were paid substandard heads to the House where it will have a more wages” and without their efforts construction difficult time with Speaker of the House John would have been “seriously impeded.” Boehner, R-Ohio, saying that he will not The Senate action is the first time the U.S bring the issue to the floor for discussion. has apologized for these discriminatory laws Bilingual Voting Ballots Ordered in 25 States This “cannot undo the hurt caused by past against the Chinese. Included among the changes said the law has been key in the election discrimination against Chinese immigrants, The Congress has apologized before are increased assistance for of new Hispanic and Asian officials in but it is important that we acknowledge the including to Japanese Americans for their the Indian, Vietnamese and many places, even as he noted that a vocal wrongs that were committed many years forced incarceration during WWII. English-only language movement and new ago,” said Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass, the The current Senate resolution does not Taiwanese communities. budget constraints on local governments lead sponsor of the Senate resolution in an include any monetary payments for the could stir fresh tensions. By Associated Press and Pacific Citizen interview with the Los Angeles Times. Chinese. “Some jurisdictions will see pushback,’’ The companion bill in the House is “History can be an important teacher to he said. WASHINGTON—In the run-up to the sponsored by Rep. Judy Chu, D-El Monte, present and future generations. Because The Voting Rights Act provision, first 2012 elections, the federal government is the first Chinese American woman to be Chinese American and Asian American approved by Congress in 1975, requires ordering that 248 counties and other political elected to Congress whose grandfather was history has been ignored by most historians, states, counties and political subdivisions jurisdictions provide bilingual ballots to among those Chinese who were forced to this is a milestone in bringing to American to supply versions of ballots and election Hispanics and other minorities who speak face these discriminatory laws. minds that bias and prejudice may create materials in other languages if a Latino, AA, little or no English. “The thousands of Chinese Americans decades of pain and suffering,” said Floyd American Indian or Alaskan minority group That number is down from a decade ago around this country with similar family Mori, JACL national director. “This is a makes up more than 5 percent of the voting- following the 2000 census, which covered histories will celebrate the passage of the significant reminder of a chapter in American age population or at least 10,000 citizens. n 296 counties in 30 states. In all, more than Senate resolution,” said Chu to the Times. Her history that needs to be understood.” The minorities must be unable to speak 1 in 18 jurisdictions must now provide or understand English well enough to vote foreign-language assistance in pre-election in elections, a proficiency level determined publicity, voter registration, by those who indicate in census NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE! early voting and absentee surveys that they don’t speak applications as well as English “very well.’’ The Election Day balloting. ‘We would minority group also should The latest requirements, like to be in a have literacy rates ranking mandated under the Voting below the national average. Rights Act, partly reflect society where “Section 203 breaks down second and third generations everyone language barriers by allowing of racial and ethnic voters to understand and minorities who are now has equal participate in the election reporting higher levels of opportunities system,” said Terry Ao Minnis, proficiency in English than director of census and voting their parents. Still, analysts to vote, but programs at the Asian American cite a greater potential for that’s not Justice Center. resistance from localities Eugene Lee, voting rights that face tighter budgets, the reality ...’ project director at the Asian new laws requiring voter Pacific American Legal Center, IDs at polls and increased — James Tucker, noted the significant impact that By Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy anti-immigration sentiment. voting rights language assistance has had on For the first time, lawyer voting and the election of AAs This is a book about how a mother helped her daughters get into Stanford and people from India will Claremont McKenna, without being a Tiger Mom. It’s a reflection on how our children in places such as California. get election material in became so entitled, and what we can do to fix it. A story of how an American Tiger In Los Angeles County, their native language in Mom prepared her children to conquer the world at age eighteen. officials will now be required to offer voting precincts in Los Angeles, Chicago materials in Cambodian and Asian Indian and New York due to their fast population Our Entitled Children: An American Tiger Mom’s Story is available in print (Amazon. languages in addition to Spanish, Chinese, com) for $19.95 and ebook (Kindle, Nook, iBook) for $9.99. growth. Vietnamese and Taiwanese will get Filipino, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese. their own voting assistance in several new About the author: The language requirements already have areas, including parts of Washington state, drawn fire from some Republicans, who Texas, Massachusetts and California. Asian Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy, M.A. is the founder & director of Merit complain they are too burdensome on local Bangladeshi must be provided for the first Academy, one of the top private schools in the country, as governments. well as the college advisor and time management consultant time in Hamtramck, Mich, which neighbors The continuing demands for bilingual for Merit Educational Consultants, LLC. She has worked in Detroit. balloting come at a time when residents in the education field for more than 30 years. “We would like to be in a society where the U.S. are increasingly likely to speak a everyone has equal opportunities to vote, Her books on education, college admisions, time language other than English at home, but but that’s not the reality we’re living in mangement, & parenting are all available at who are also now more likely to have lived today,’’ said James Thomas Tucker, a former www.meritworld.com. in the U.S. for at least a decade and be Justice Department attorney who is now a naturalized citizens who vote. n See featured article on Page 5. voting rights lawyer in Las Vegas. Tucker PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL/COMMUNITY Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 7 Groups Propose ‘Unity Map’ for NYC Redistricting The map accounts for the growth of Asian Americans, who now account for 13 percent of the city’s population.

By Cristian Salazar Associated Press

(L-r) Manjit Singh, Floyd Mori and Jaideep Singh. NEW YORK—Civil rights groups working to protect the JACL’s Mori Receives SALDEF Award voting rights of blacks, Latinos and Asian Americans say they Floyd Mori, JACL national educate fellow Americans in pre- have a vision for redrawing state director, was honored with the venting hate crimes. legislative districts in the city to Constitution and mandates of McEneny, a Democratic member Dorothy Height Coalition Build- Naindeep Singh received the reflect the demographic changes of the federal Voting Rights Act of of the task force, said they ing Award at the SALDEF (Sikh SALDEF Youth Leadership their communities. 1965 in developing their maps — welcomed the proposal and would American Legal Defense and Award. Calling it a “unity map’’ for new criteria that the designers of any consider it. Education Fund) National Gala Although not in attendance, state Assembly and state Senate new election maps will have to “What we would hope is that it in Washington, D.C. recently. former Sec. of Transportation districts, the groups unveiled a abide by. They also said they had be comprehensive,’’ he said. “No In addition to his work with Norman Mineta was awarded the proposal Oct. 4 in a bid to shape the sought to respect “communities of tunnel vision.’’ SALDEF, Mori has been on the SALDEF Public Service Award debate surrounding how election interest’’ that are bound by some executive council of LCCR (the for his contributions to the bet- lines are redrawn. Juan Cartagena, the president and common denominator, and to try to general counsel of LatinoJustice Leadership Conference on Civil terment of society. “We now have clear indications follow neighborhood lines. PRLDEF, said the maps were a and Human Rights) for the past Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL, was of where there has been tremendous The Center for Law and Social first step. six years and has also served as honored with the Dalip Singh expansions by communities, Justice, based at Medgar Evers chair of NCAPA (National Coun- Saund Legislative Leadership particularly Latino and Asian, and “It doesn’t mean anything until College in Brooklyn, developed cil of Asian Pacific Americans). Award. where the black community has we take the next step and galvanize the district maps with LatinoJustice Also honored at the event was Mori represented national shifted,’’ said Esmeralda Simmons, our communities, looking for the PRLDEF, Asian American Legal Lakhwinder “Rana” Singh So- JACL at the funeral for Surinder the executive director of the Center right candidates, and making sure Defense and Education Fund and dhi who was presented with the Singh, a Sikh man who was fatal- for Law and Social Justice. that whoever gets elected from the the National Institute for Latino new district responds to the needs Bhagat Singh Third Community ly gunned down in a Sacramento “We want to make sure our Politics. of the community,’’ he said. Empowerment Award. Sodhi’s suburb while walking with his communities get their fair share of The maps take into account the two brothers were murdered af- friend, Gurmej Atwal, who also districts,’’ she said. It could also be ignored by n rapid growth of Asians, who now whoever ends up redrawing the ter 9/11 and he has worked to died. State legislative district account for 13 percent of the city’s district lines — whether it is a task boundaries are remapped every 8 million people; and the increase force or the courts. 10 years to reflect demographic in Hispanics, now 29 percent of the changes demonstrated by the But Margaret Fung, executive city’s population. The maps also Former Governor Joins federal census — a politically director of the Asian American aim to protect black districts. contentious process that is known Legal Defense and Education The groups said they submitted U.S. Senate Race in Hawaii as redistricting. Fund, said that was unlikely to the proposal to the state task force happen. The groups said they responsible for redrawing the followed the “one person, one “It makes more sense for them legislative district boundaries. vote’’ requirement of the U.S. to recognize the demographic Assemblyman John “Jack’’ change,’’ she said. n

Calif. Governor Signs Bill Requiring Accurate Collection on Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders By Kevin Freking female governor and served from The bill requires the reported under one or two large percent in the state of California, Associated Press 2002-2010. She won with about 62 disaggregation of data on categories, the experiences of and represents the fastest growing percent of the vote in her second Asian American ethnic specific ethnicities can be masked, racial/ethnic group in the state, WASHINGTON—Linda Lingle, race. groups. preventing policy-makers, increasing nearly 34 percent a former two-term governor of Her victories indicated she can advocates and elected officials since 2000,” said Sefa Aina, a Hawaii, announced Oct. 11 that appeal to moderate Democrats, Legislation requiring state from understanding the real issues commissioner on the White House she is entering the state’s Senate which could be critical in an agencies to collect and post that affect our communities,” said Initiative on Asian Americans and race, giving Republicans hope of election cycle that features native information about job programs Eng. Pacific Islanders. capturing the seat being vacated son President Barack Obama at the participation and employment and AB 1088 requires that data California Assemblymember by Democrat Daniel Akaka, who top of the Democratic ticket. housing discrimination faced by collected by the California Warren Furutani has also introduced is retiring. Lingle praised Akaka, as Asian Pacific Americans, Native Department of Industrial Relations a resolution to recognize the Lingle, 58, said that one of embodying “the spirit of aloha in Hawaiians and other Pacific and the Department of Fair contributions of Native Hawaiians her strengths is getting people Washington, D.C.’’ and serving the Islanders was signed by Gov. Jerry Employment and Housing be and Pacific Islanders. to work together regardless of state for 34 years. Brown Oct. 9. disaggregated using the same Assembly Current Resolution party affiliation, a concept that Lingle also served for two Assembly Bill 1088, introduced categories used by the Census 67 “sends a strong message to she believes is in short supply in terms as the mayor of Maui. In by Assemblymember Mike Eng, Bureau, including Bangladeshi, our NHPI Californians that we Washington. a radio interview, she stressed D-Monterey Park, requires two Fijian, Hmong, Indonesian, acknowledge their sacrifices and “If elected, first, foremost and that she would focus on curbing key state agencies to include the Malaysian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, contributions to the success of always, my decisions will put government regulation and full spectrum of APA ethnicities Taiwanese, Thai and Tongan. The California,” said Furutani. Hawaii people first as we decide spending. in their data collection, consistent data would also be made more With a 2010 population of the critical issues facing our state Rep. Mazie Hirono and former with those groups reported by the accessible online. 284,000, the Native Hawaiian and country,’’ Lingle said in a Rep. Ed Case are competing for U.S. Census. “Asian Americans, as well and Pacific Islander community in statement. the seat in next year’s Democratic “Because information about as Native Hawaiians and other California is one of the largest in Lingle was the state’s first primary. n these communities is frequently Pacific Islanders, make up 15.5 the United States. n 8 OCT. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 VOICES PACIFIC CITIZEN for the the right

recordby john tateishi Placeby james kumpel Japanese American Farmers and WWII Asian Americans and Higher Education Several years ago, I spoke at a university way could that have been mere coincidence, In the most recent Pacific Citizen, it that helped take down this economy in 2008 where students surprisingly knew a lot especially when you consider that harvest was interesting to see two articles that is nothing compared to the tuition increases about the internment — surprising because comes at different times based on regional highlight troubling issues that face the that represent a monstrous overhang to this wasn’t on the West Coast, wasn’t in an climates. Asian American community: affirmative parents and future students alike. area where there was a significant Japanese Once again, the student acknowledged that action and skyrocketing tuition. In the first I think the source of the problem American or Asian American population. the exclusion was wrong and even heartless, article, “Protesting Pastries for Affirmative with tuition increases is similar to that This was the University of Kentucky, deep in but he wondered if the huge economic loss Action,” multicultural student groups with healthcare and housing. Whenever the heart of bluegrass country. could be attributed to the loss to the farming protested a UC Berkeley bake sale that something is subsidized, the out-of-pocket During a Q&A, someone challenged a communities because, after all, these were featured various discounts depending on cost to individuals goes down, reducing the comment I had made that the economic not huge farms for the most part and were race, ethnicity and gender. Protesters who pressure to manage operations efficiently impact to JAs as a result of the internment all pretty much family farms. True, but then were offended by the event seem to have and increasing the societal costs. With was made particularly harsh by the enormous Japanese farmers in the Central Valley had missed the point that California Senate Bill the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in loss experienced by JA farmers who lost valuable family-owned properties and had a 185 is an attempt to overturn the state’s 1965, per capita healthcare inflation has large expanses of valuable farm lands. monopoly on truck farming, a multi-million “color-blind” college admissions policy by since exceeded the CPI for each of the last The student said he understood how this dollar industry by 1941. injecting greater subjectivity in considering 45 years with Medicaid growing 1000- would be true in places like the Central Besides, what did it matter whether farms race, gender, ethnicity and national origin fold during that period. Medicare and Valley in California but wondered how that lost were smaller family farms or larger farms toward some “optimal” racial mix. Medicaid have created long-term unfunded impact could have been felt in metropolitan owned by Japanese cooperatives? The loss Most colleges do not consider liabilities and the tab has been left with areas where most JAs resided. was equally devastating. It was the family socioeconomic, ideological viewpoints, the disenfranchised youth and future The significance was that at the outbreak farms that drove the agricultural economy military or rural generations. of WWII, most of America of this country for two backgrounds as relevant The Community was still largely rural: the centuries until Ronald factors in achieving ‘… AA students Reinvestment Act and Midwest, the South and ‘Redress and the long Reagan killed many of diversity. Rather, according other policies were to Princeton University were held to far designed to increase Mountain states, and yes, fight to educate the the small farms subsidies even the West Coast. that spelled sure death to lecturer Russell Nieli, higher standards home-ownership Places like L.A., San public, I thought. Twenty family farming and gave diversity is generally among lower income Francisco and Seattle were rise to the agribusiness characterized by a black than even the people. However, the surrounded by family- years later it was still corporate model (and and Hispanic student mix, resulting adjustable rate since AAs are viewed mortgages that helped owned farms, many by JA paying important to tasteless produce and white majority.’ farmers. I grew up in West fruit!) we know today. as “over-represented” in banks comply with these L.A. where most of the dividends.’ Prior to that, small towns university settings. Indeed, requirements hid the true enclaves of communities like existed across the country Thomas Espenshade and Alexandria cost of ownership, fueling a housing bubble Sawtelle (where I lived) were surrounded by because of these family farms, and as they Radford reviewed admissions data from and a spate of foreclosures that ultimately farmlands. Places like Mar Vista and Venice disappeared, so did the heart of small-town eight highly competitive public and private precipitated the Great Recession, trillions and Culver City on the Westside, or south to America. Similarly, all the Nihonmachi that universities and found that AA students in deficits and structural unemployment Gardena, areas like Compton or Lawndale or existed (there were 47 of them) along the were held to far higher standards than and underemployment that we have not Inglewood had miles of family farms, much three Coastal states virtually disappeared even the white majority. Specifically, to seen in 80 years. of it owned by Nisei. when farms owned by Nisei were lost during have equivalent probability of admission When the Obama Administration pushes What’s known today as the Peninsula south the war or as young JAs left the farms for the as a black student with an 1100 SAT score, for all children to have a guaranteed of San Francisco and the Silicon Valley area big cities. Hispanic students would need a 1230, college education, it appears that around San Jose were virtually all agricultural So as I explained all this to the student white students would require a 1410, and Washington refuses to acknowledge that land, as was the East Bay. From Half Moon who asked the question, I asked him and AAs would need a 1550. the best of intentions can create unintended Bay down to Santa Cruz and Monterey and the audience to consider how much their This disparity in standards should be consequences. Subsidizing anything Watsonville, and over to Hollister, JA farms parents would lose if they suddenly lost unacceptable to AAs, many of whom are creates incentives to overconsume, gave energy to the agricultural life of the their properties in that beautiful bluegrass either immigrants themselves or children of increasing demand, and pushing up pricing coastal areas. and farm-rich country of Kentucky. If they immigrants who did not speak English as well beyond a normal market clearing Consider this: when Nisei farmers suddenly were forced to leave on military- a primary language. The 1996 referendum rate. Restricting these subsidies and grants consulted with their local farm bureau controlled transportation, taking only what that banned government entities from may be painful but necessary to focus on the offices in 1942 to ask about the rumors of they could carry. Did it matter whether they discriminating on the basis of race helped essential elements of a college education, an evacuation and whether they should even lived on one of those beautiful ranches with to raise the AA student mix to 40% in rather than the non-core programs that have consider planting their crops, they were thoroughbreds roaming pasturelands, or they California public universities. Clearly helped to drive up the cost of education to assured that they would be there for the lived in a modest home in town? How then a reversal of this ban would threaten ungodly levels. Spring harvest and were urged to plant as do you equate the loss of freedom? meritorious AAs, undermining the very We are at a point where we need to usual. So they borrowed heavily from their The dialogue that followed was interesting, premise of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream. more narrowly define the vital functions local banks for seed and other necessities as and as we explored these and other questions, The second article, “Students Struggle of government (and education) and they normally did. I thought about how these students, out in the With Rising Tuition”, highlights the leave the “optional” elements to market What I found in my research during the hinterlands of Kentucky, understood enough difficulties many AA students face in coping forces. That is what helped deliver Redress Campaign was that just about all about the internment to fill an auditorium. with escalating tuition during this extended the two longest periods of peacetime of the JA farming communities were hit Redress and the long fight to educate the jobless economic recovery. Indeed, when expansion (under Reagan and Clinton/ n with the so-called evacuation notices just public, I thought. Twenty years later it was we evaluate Bureau of Labor Statistics data Gingrich) in our country’s history. weeks before the harvest, and there was no still paying important dividends. n since 1978, consumer prices have tripled, way the Japanese farmers could recover housing values have quadrupled, and James Kumpel is a JACL New York from the enormous losses they incurred by John Tateishi is the immediate past JACL college tuitions have grown a staggering chapter board member and former JACL leaving their crops behind untouched. In no national director. ten-fold. That’s right, the housing bubble scholarship winner. PACIFIC CITIZEN ENTERTAINMENT OCT. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 9 Funnyman Randall Park Talks Seriously About Comedy Actor Randall Park’s new “Portrait of Leonore,” among short film “Siamese Dad” others. will show at the San Diego “We’ve got a great short films Asian Film Festival on Oct. program this year. In particular, my 23. favorite is always the animation program curated by San Diego animator and native, Sam Chen,” By Nalea J. Ko Matthews said. “It’s a collection Reporter of really bizarre and beautifully created short films from around Actor Randall Park, 37, has the world.” played many roles ever since In addition to showcasing his pursuing acting as a professional short film, Park is scheduled to career in his late 20s, but when co-host on Oct. 22 the San Diego the camera is off the actor is self- Asian Film Festival’s gala at the described as shy and says he has Sheraton San Diego Hotel & been that way since his childhood. Marina. That shyness disappears, Park is no stranger to creating however, around his friends and short films and webisodes in when he slips into character, Park addition to his regular TV, says. commercial and film work. “I get into a different zone Last year Park won best actor when I perform. I don’t look at it for his short “Blueberry” at the so much as something to be shy NBC Universal Short Cuts Film about,” Park said in a phone call Festival. In the film, which he with the Pacific Citizen. “But when also wrote, Park played a cash- I perform or audition or do stage strapped lonely guy looking for a stuff, all that goes out the window, low-priced female escort. which might be a reason why I do The film projects Park writes it because it’s freeing.” and stars in are often off-colored, Park, with his subtle comedic racy and unconventional but never style, slipped into lacking in humor. the character of And most of his work Russell, a stay-at- has an underlying home scientist in ‘Also just message. his new short film being a “I think the seed “Siamese Dad.” to a lot of the things The short, which minority, that I write comes Park also wrote having grown from opinions I have and directed, will or political views, show at the San up in a very or just things that Diego Asian Film diverse kind of get me riled Festival on Oct. 23 up emotionally,” alongside the film community Park says. “The Park, with his subtle “Ties That Bind.” comedy that I do comedic style, slipped The eight-day and seeing all has some sort of a into the character of festival kicked off sides of the message, but it may Russell, a stay-at-home Oct. 20. not be immediately scientist in his new short “We are here socio-economic apparent.” film “Siamese Dad,” to serve the spectrum, I Born to “working, (left) which will screen filmmakers and feel like all of middle class” Korean at the San Diego Asian make sure that their Americans, Park grew Film Festival on Oct. 23. work, that may not those angles up in Los Angeles, be able to be picked make their Calif. His father ran up by a major a one-hour photo distributor, can way into my business, which still be seen,” said struggled after the co-found the Asian Pacific also appear in the webisodes he I married her. But for sure it’s Dan Matthews, the work.’ widespread use of American theater troupe “Lapu, makes like “Dumb Professor” and definitely one of the perks.” festival’s marketing digital cameras. Those the Coyote That Cares” in 1995. “Dr. Miracles.” These days Park can also be and public relations experiences have Like many other performers of “It’s a lot easier just to ask your seen acting in commercials or as a director. “These are impacted Park’s film APA descent, Park’s parents were friends if they’re free to be in series regular as Martin Fukanaga stories that are very important and creations. not too excited when he decided to something then holding cast calls,” on Nickelodeon’s “Supah Ninjas.” relevant and definitely do have an “I feel a lot of what I write — pursue a career as an actor. Park said laughing. “Everything He will also appear in next year’s audience.” not everything — it’s kind of more “So for a lot of years at the that I do is on such a kind of low “Five Year Engagement” directed The film “Siamese Dad,” is a skewed to that perspective,” Park beginning I kind of just didn’t budget, just kind of quick, get-it- by Nicholas Stoller. six-minute short about a Korean said. “Also just being a minority, really bring it up with them. I kind done type of style that it’s easiest As for his future plans, Park American father (Charles Kim) having grown up in a very diverse of kept it a secret almost,” Park to just ask my pals.” simply hopes to continue making and son (Randall Park) who community and seeing all sides of said. His wife, Jae Sue Park, also audiences laugh. become conjoined after a science the socio-economic spectrum, I Over time as he gained more makes guest appearances in his “I just want to keep working experiment. It is one of a slate of feel like all of those angles make success in the business, Park says, projects. and doing good work,” Park said. shorts set to show at the festival. their way into my work.” his parents came around to accept “She’s an actress as well. So “I want to keep working and keep Others include Andrew Ahn’s Park went on to attend the his career choice. she’s made her way into a lot of being productive and keep having film “Andy,” ManSee Kong’s University of California, Los Many of the friends he has met shorts that I’ve done,” Park said fun doing it. That’s the ultimate “Room #11,” and Peter Jin’s Angeles. After college he helped throughout his journey as an actor with a laugh. “That’s not why goal I guess.” n 10 Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PACIFIC CITIZEN National Newsbytes By Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press

Dan Choi Suffers Setback in Protest Case WASHINGTON—A gay West Point graduate discharged from the military for revealing his sexual orientation has been dealt a setback in a court case resulting from his arrest during a White House demonstration. The chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington ruled Oct. 11 that a judge overseeing Dan Choi’s trial cannot take into account whether prosecutors were treating Choi’s November 2010 protest differently because its subject was “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth wrote in an opinion that Choi’s attorney should have raised the issue of harsher treatment before trial and he cannot now use it as a defense.

UIC Gets $2 Million Grant to Help Marine Suicide Sparks Hazing Inquiry Asian Pacific American Students Lance Cpl. Harry Lew, the nephew of In November, he deployed to Afghanistan. Four U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, died in April. months into his tour, the Marine Corps sent Lew to join a squad at Patrol Base Gowragi — a remote outpost in By Audrey McAvoy Helmand province the U.S. was establishing to disrupt Associated Press Taliban drug and weapons trafficking. That night, Lew fell asleep during watch duty — the HONOLULU—In the chilly pre-dawn hours of first of four times he would do so in 10 days. April 3 in Afghanistan, Marine Lance Cpl. Harry Lew A few days later, while the squad was on its own crouched down in the foxhole he’d been ordered to ambush patrol, he dozed off while on watch. dig for disciplinary reasons — he’d repeatedly fallen On April 2, the executive officer of the regiment, a CHICAGO—The University of Illinois at Chicago says it has received a asleep on guard duty — placed the muzzle of his gun lieutenant colonel, and the battalion executive officer, $2 million grant to help recruit and retain APA students. in his mouth and pulled the trigger. a major, found Lew sleeping on watch duty while The five-year grant comes from the U.S. Department of Education. Three Marines — Lew’s squad leader, a sergeant, they toured the base at 11 a.m. Lew’s head was tilted It’ll fund academic and writing skills development, college preparation, and two of his fellow lance corporals — have been back, his mouth was open, and his eyes were closed, career advancement and financial aid. charged with wrongfully humiliating and demeaning testified Capt. Michael Regner, the Golf Company Kevin Kumashiro, a UIC professor of Asian American studies and Lew. The two lance corporals have also been charged commanding officer who escorted the other officers. education, says the federal support recognizes the challenges faced by with assault, and one was charged with cruelty and The platoon’s commander, 1st Lt. Jameson Payne, APA students, especially those who are learning English and those who maltreatment. testified that removing Lew from the outpost wasn’t have limited financial resources. A military Article 32 hearing on whether the men an option. About 20 percent of UIC students identify as APA. should be court-martialed on these charges was held “There was no reserve of Marines to replace a last month at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Marine who was tired. Everyone was tired,’’ Payne No Bias Charge for CU Student Over Dorm Assault Bay. said at the Article 32 hearing, which is similar to a BOULDER, Colo.—Prosecutors have declined to file a charge of In a case with mild echoes of the 1992 Hollywood civilian grand jury proceeding. bias-motivated crime against a University of Colorado student accused movie “A Few Good Men,’’ the hearing into the Lew was found asleep on watch again the night of punching another student who is half Asian. 21-year-old’s suicide sought to determine whether of April 2 after he didn’t respond to a radio check at The Daily Camera reports 19-year-old Thomas Frank Ross is charged Lew’s fellow Marines hazed him in the hours leading 11:15 p.m. with two counts of second-degree assault. up to his death. Testimony was also given that the Johns woke up another Marine who was due to Witnesses told police Ross and 18-year-old Chris Tetreault were in Marines were trying to help Lew. relieve Lew at 1 a.m. and had him take over the job a student’s room on Sept. 30 with a group playing video games when The commander of the Hawaii-based 3rd Marine early. Lew was ordered to dig a foxhole deep enough Ross said a bad smell in the room was because of Tetreault eating Asian Regiment, Col. Nathan Nastase, will determine for him to stand in, so he would stay awake while on noodles. whether the three Marines will be tried after he reviews watch. A police report says Ross told officers he didn’t know Tetreault was the recommendations of the officer who presided over After 2 a.m. Lance Cpl. Charles Orozco III told half Asian. the hearing. Lew to do push-ups, crunches and planks. Orozco also told Lew to hoist a sandbag while exercising, and, The hearing depicted a squad of Marines actively Japanese American WWII Veterans fighting on the front lines while at the same time according to the command’s investigative report on the incident, stomped on Lew’s back and legs if Lew Honored at Honolulu Ceremony dealing with Lew’s problems. Commanders said HONOLULU—Japanese Americans failed to do his repetitions properly. in retrospect Lew may have been suffering from killed in action during World War II were The alleged forced exercising is at the heart of depression or some other medical condition. honored at a Sept. 25 National Memorial Marine rules which prohibit hazing. Lew had fallen asleep several times on watch duty, Cemetery of the Pacific service in Johns, Jacoby and Orozco each faces possible when his life and the lives of his fellow Marines Honolulu. charges of wrongfully abusing, humiliating and depended on him being awake and alert. His leaders The memorial honored fallen members demeaning Lew. tried various approaches to keep him awake, including of four segregated units: the 100th Lew left a note scrawled on his arm: “May hate me taking him off patrols so he could get more rest, Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental now, but in the long run this was the right choice I’m according to testimony at the hearing. Combat Team, the Military Intelligence sorry my mom deserves the truth.’’ But on Lew’s last night, those efforts escalated into Service and the 1399th Engineer To Lew’s aunt, what happened was clear torture. SGT. JOE TAKATA alleged acts of violence and humiliation, according Construction Battalion. “Harry’s death was a tragedy that could have to the charges heard. The Marines are accused of The Oahu AJA Veterans Council began been prevented. He was a patriotic American who punching and kicking him, making him do push-ups holding the annual ceremony at Punchbowl in 2006. It’s held each year volunteered to serve his country. No one deserves and pouring sand in his face. on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the date the first American of being hazed and tortured like he was, especially Lew, the nephew of U.S. Rep. Judy Chu of Japanese ancestry was killed in action in WWII. by (those) who are supposed to be fighting on the California, joined the Marine Corps after graduating Sgt. Shigeo “Joe” Takata of the 100th died on Sept. 29, 1943, after same side of the war,’’ the congresswoman said in a from Santa Clara High School and studying at Mission being mortally wounded when German soldiers opened fire on him College in California. His first assignment was to join statement. “The military justice system must hold any n n while he was leading his squad. the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines at Kaneohe Bay. wrongdoers accountable.’’ PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL/COMMUNITY Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 11

APAs California Governor Signs Ban on Shark Fin Trade in the The ban, which some in the Asian American News community have criticized By Pacific Citizen Staff as an attack on their culture, will take effect Rep. Honda Receives President’s Award Jan. 1, 2012. By Judy Lin Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California’s governor announced Oct. 7 that he signed a bill banning the sale, trade and possession of shark fins to protect the world’s dwindling shark population. Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB376 over objections that the Rep. Mike Honda with Karen Narasaki of AAJC. fins are used in a soup considered a delicacy in some Asian cultures. Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, noted Huffman, D-San Rafael, who co- Rep. Mike Honda has received the prestigious President’s Award California joined Hawaii, the bill would ban only part of authored the bill. during the Asian American Justice Center’s (AAJC) American Courage Washington, Oregon and Guam the shark while permitting the Brown said researchers have Awards dinner. in the ban that environmental and continued consumption of shark estimated that some shark Through his critical work on legislation such as the Reuniting animal rights activists hailed for skin or steaks. populations have declined by more Families Act, the DREAM Act, and the Strengthen and Unite closing off Pacific ports in the U.S. “I respect the governor’s decision than 90 percent. Communities with Civics Education and English Development to the shark fin trade. and now hope the proponents of “In the interest of future (SUCCEED) Act, Honda was given the President’s Award for “The practice of cutting the fins AB376 will focus on protecting generations, I have signed this exemplifying his dedication to advancing justice and equality for all. off of living sharks and dumping sharks, such as the spiny dogfish bill,’’ he wrote. Other awardees that night included Wade Henderson, president and them back in the ocean is not only shark, from being endangered due The ban was supported by CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Jose cruel, but it harms the health of to consumption of its meat, such as celebrities, including actress Bo Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founder of our oceans,’’ Brown wrote in a in steaks and fish and chips,’’ Lieu Derek and retired NBA center Define American; and Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director statement. said in a statement. Yao Ming of China. It also was of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center The bill had split the Asian Critics of shark finning, which backed by the Humane Society delegation in the California already is restricted in U.S. waters, of the United States and Humane Arizona JACLers to be Honored Legislature. estimate that fishermen kill 73 Society International, and other Three Arizona JACLers have received prestigious awards for their Assemblyman Paul Fong, million sharks each year for their environmental advocates. dedication to the community. D-Cupertino, who authored the fins. They said it is particularly Brown signed another bill by Mas Inoshita, past Arizona JACL president, will receive the Wilbur bill, said it was needed to protect cruel because the wounded sharks Fong, AB853, that allows existing Murra Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Council for endangered shark species, but often are returned to the ocean to stocks of on-hand shark fins to Social Studies (ACSS). The annual award, which recognizes an others called the measure racist die after their fins are removed. be sold until July 1, 2013. It also individual who has made long-term contributions to social studies because the fins are used in a soup. “Californians can be proud makes it clear that sport fishermen education, will be presented Oct. 28. The fins can sell for $600 a pound, of their role in giving these who catch a shark can still eat the Marian Tadano Shee will receive the Outstanding Alumni Award and the soup can cost $80 a bowl. remarkable top predators a chance fin or have the shark stuffed and from the University of Arizona Asian American Faculty Staff and The California market for shark- to recover their populations and mounted as a trophy. Alumni Association. Her husband, Jim Shee, will also be honored at the fin soup is the largest outside helping to restore balance to our The ban will take effect Jan. 1, n Oct. 28 awards dinner. Asia. During a legislative debate, oceans,’’ said Assemblyman Jared 2012. Madeline Ong Sakata, Asian Chamber of Commerce executive director, will be awarded the JACL Pacific Southwest District’s Community Honoree Award at its 15th annual awards dinner Oct. 29. NY to Provide More School Help to NYC Immigrants By Michael Gormley as good as its implementation and The programs will include services JACCC’s Executive Director to Step Down Associated Press so we will be vigilant.’’ for students considered “long- Chris Aihara, the executive director of the Japanese American Students who primarily speak term’’ English language learners Cultural & Community Center of Los Angeles, is stepping down from ALBANY, N.Y.—New York Spanish and other students and more quickly identify students her leadership position at the end of the year. City schools will provide more speaking any of the dozens of who need bilingual services. After over 25 years, Aihara “feels it’s time for the next generation to help to immigrants and other languages other than English had a The state and city will also work lead the JACCC to its next phase,” according to an Oct. 12 press release. English language learners and their graduation rate of just 41.5 percent to resolve a shortage of bilingual During her tenure, the JACCC brought and toured Bunraku National families under a plan approved by in June. Just 7 percent of English teachers, exploring alternatives to Puppet Theatre to sell out crowds, and produced and celebrated its 30th the state Oct. 12. language learners who were certification beyond the traditional anniversary with Japan’s singing sensation, Jero. State Education Commissioner freshmen in 2006 were considered education requirements and John B. King Jr. says the city plan ready for college or a career, creating incentives to bolster their Lu Becomes New WHIAAPI Co-chair will provide more options, support according to the state education numbers. President Barack Obama has tapped Christopher Lu, assistant to and services, including 125 new department. Khin Mai Aung, the director of the president and cabinet secretary, to co-chair of the White House bilingual programs over the next “We know that when these the educational equity project at Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. three years. Parents will have a students become proficient in the Asian American Legal Defense The initiative was created to help expand and improve APA access choice of the traditional approach English and no longer need and Education Fund, which has to federal services and protections. Lu replaces former Commerce Sec. of English as a Second Language additional services, they perform advocated for improving programs Gary Locke, who had co-chaired the White House Initiative before or bilingual education, with some even better than their peers and for English language learners, becoming the U.S. Ambassador to China. instruction carried out in Spanish boost our system as a whole,’’ said agreed it was the right move. But Obama has also announced his intent to appoint Olympic skating or another language. city schools Chancellor Dennis M. she said more needs to be done. champion Apolo Ohno, professor May Chen and Dr. Tung Thanh “English language learners Walcott. “More needs to be done on the Nguyen to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans are facing serious obstacles to New York City schools will hire administrative side for schools to and Pacific Islanders. academic success,’’ King said. more bilingual teachers and create make sure that ESL and bilingual They will join 17 other members of the commission to provide advice “This is a situation that has been a warning system to alert when the staff are deployed to schools that n to Obama and the co-chairs of the White House Initiative. under-attended to. Any plan is only students’ test scores show concerns. need them,’’ she said. n 12 Oct. 21-Nov. 3, 2011 COMMUNITY PACIFIC CITIZEN Clinton: U.S.-Japan Remains a Cornerstone Alliance

By Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press for their contributions to relief and rebuilding efforts after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says The efforts of both large-scale and grassroots the United States’ alliance with Japan will remain organizations shows the diversity of Americans that its cornerstone relationship in the Asia-Pacific as it support Japan and believe in the importance of an expands engagement in the region. enduring U.S.-Japan partnership, said U.S.-Japan Clinton spoke Oct. 7 at the annual U.S.-Japan Council President Irene Hirano Inouye who was in Council conference in D.C., adding that the U.S. is in Japan on March 11. the midst of a strategic pivot to deepen its ties in the “Japanese Americans played a catalytic role in their East as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq wind down. communities because of their shared heritage with the She noted that U.S. aid involving 20,000 American people of Japan,” she said. photo: toyo miyatake studio personnel after the quake and tsunami that struck The organizations recognized included the northeast Japan in March underscored the strength of Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern Chris Tashima plays Sei Fujii. the alliance. California ($3.6 million raised), GlobalGiving ($5.9 “Our strongest relationships have not lived only in million raised) and the Japan-America Societies ($21 the halls of power; they live in the hearts and minds million raised). of the American and Japanese people not just in The U.S.-Japan Council established the U.S.- Sei Fujii Film Begins Filming some cold assessment of our common interests, but Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund. More “Lil Tokyo Reporter,” a short film about Issei newsman Sei Fujii, in the warmth of common experiences, family ties, than $2.6 million has been donated to the fund started shooting on Sept. 28 on location in Downtown, Los Angeles. friendships, and the common values that bind us and disbursements have been made exclusively to The drama, based on Fujii’s life, takes place in Little Tokyo in 1935, together,” said Clinton. Japanese Non-Governmental Organizations/Non- during the Great Depression. As a newspaperman, he faces the dilemma 50025During JACL All thePlans annualad.qxd 10/14/11conference, 9:39 AMcommunity Page 1 Profit Organizations to support this growing sector in of exposing a corrupt gambling establishment or keeping quiet to save the organizations from across the U.S. were recognized Japan. n face of the Japanese community. In the film, Academy Award winner Chris Tashima will play Fujii, who teamed up with civil rights attorney, J. Marion Wright, to defend Japanese Americans against unjust laws, unethical business practices and racism in HAS THE RIGHT California. INSURANCE PROTECTION “As a community leader, Fujii not only overcame the odds, he became a man of great accomplishment, paving paths for all of us today,” said JACL PLAN FOR YOU Tashima. “It is vital that we strive to honor these histories — American stories which help to complete the picture of how diverse, vibrant and Nothing is more important than helping to protect your family. JACL unique our country is.” “With this film, we hope to open doors,” said Jeffrey Chin, the understands. That’s why JACL sponsors economical insurance plans available film’s director. “Until we establish strong roots for the Asian American exclusively to JACL members and their families. So, no matter what your stage community … Until we establish in the media … respect will not exist of life, JACL offers these plans to help cover all your needs: because people won’t know.” n For information and to make a donation: www.ltreporter.com. • Long-Term Care Plan • Customized Major Medical Insurance (available to non-California members) • Short-Term Medical Plan • Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans* • Group Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance** • Term Life Insurance***

For your FREE, no-obligation information kit (including costs, exclusions, limitations and terms of coverage) on any JACL-sponsored Insurance Plan, CALL TOLL-FREE Administered by: 1-800-503-9230 Our hearing-impaired or OR VISIT voice-impaired members may call the Relay Line at 50025 (2011) ©Seabury & Smith, Inc. 2011 All plans may vary and may not be available in all states. www.jaclinsurance.com 1-800-855-2881 * Underwritten by (depending on your state of residence): Transamerica Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, IA 52499; For NY residents, Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company, Harrison, NY. ** Underwritten by: The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York. *** Underwritten by: Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Simsbury, CT 06089. AR Ins. Lic. #245544 CA Ins. Lic. #0633005 AG-8932 d/b/a in CA Seabury & Smith Insurance Program Management 25440910

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M Misc: na PACIFIC CITIZEN COMMUNITY/COMMENTARY Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 13 San Fernando JACL Co-Sponsors ‘Honor Thy Children’ Program The program was devoted to spoke of the misunderstanding that being a healthy appreciation and gay is a choice. support of all children, especially The couple praised their youngest son, gay, lesbian and transgender Guy, for his courage to speak at high schools in Santa Clara County school district about individuals. his HIV/AIDS experience. Guy inspired the Nakatanis to continue the educational work By Patricia Takayama after his death. Special to the Pacific Citizen Molly Fumia chronicled the family’s experiences in a book. Filmmaker Francisco Al and Jane Nakatani, previous recipients J. Leon made the film based on the Nakatani of the National Education Award and family, “Honor Thy Children,” which was founders of the Honor Thy Children non- shown as part of the program. profit educational organization, were the Marsha Aizumi and Kristel Yoneda featured speakers at the Sept. 24 tolerance also spoke at the event. As the parent of a event at the Little Tokyo Democracy Center transgender child, Aizumi described the in Los Angeles. isolation and loneliness her child endured Over 150 people attended the program, and the sadness her husband experienced which was devoted to a healthy appreciation through losing the child they had raised and and support of all children, especially gay, gaining a new one in the transition. The Nakatanis often speak about the loss of their three sons when promoting tolerance. lesbian and transgender individuals. Yoneda, 27, spoke of the solitary life The Nakatanis shared the stories about she experienced as a child, which changed to incarceration in camps and California’s and Gays (API PFLAG), Asian Pacific their three sons who died in their 20s. Two while attending Washington University. anti-miscegenation laws prohibiting AIDS Intervention Team (APAIT), Gay sons contracted HIV/AIDS and the other Yoneda also spoke about the “It Gets Better” interracial marriages. The San Fernando Asian Pacific Support Network (GAPSN), was killed in a name-calling altercation. The campaign, an online project she participated Valley JACL declared its support of marriage API Pride Council and API Equality Los couple spoke about how the Asian culture in. equality shortly thereafter. Angeles. gaman of silence and created a distance Phil Shigekuni, a San Fernando Valley The event was sponsored by the Japanese DVDs of “Honor Thy Children” were between them and their sons. JACL member, moderated the program. American National Museum, the San donated in memory of co-producer Judi At 15, Glenn, their eldest son, ran away In 1994, Norman Mineta, then Fernando Valley JACL, Chatsworth West S. Kaminishi and were distributed free from home because he didn’t want to reveal Congressman for the San Jose area, publicly United Methodist Church, Nikkei for Civil of charge to everyone who attended the that he was gay and endure his parents’ announced his support for marriage equality. Rights and Redress, Asian Pacific Islander program. n disapproval and shame. The Nakatanis Mineta equated the denial of marriage rights Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians commentary Remembering 9/11 - We Will Never Forget

By Sharon Hayashi surviving families to use their lost loved YAMATO TRAVEL BUREAU ® ones images in his artwork. C.S.T. 1019309-10

I have been a member of national JACL Currently, Faces of the Brave is on and the Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL since display in firehouses, EMS facilities and Outside of the immediate disaster areas, please be assured Japan is safe for travel! Our Yamato Summer Tour to 1963. Since my retirement, after 30 years of first responder organizations worldwide in Japan in June was very successful and the welcome mat was out wherever we traveled. By joining one of our Japan taking a company I started in Watsonville 22 countries, 130 U.S. embassies and Times tours, you will be helping to support the hotels and travel suppliers who are suffering from the low numbers of international, I have relocated back to Square. It has been gifted to President incoming guests. We’ll also have a great time! Watsonville, Calif. Bill Clinton, numerous celebrities and I volunteered to join the organizers dignitaries. Over 30 Santa Cruz County first ESCORTED TOURS & CRUISES SCHEDULED FOR 2011 of the city’s 9/11 tenth year anniversary responder agencies were gifted with Faces December 3-12 Yamato Christmas Markets of Europe Tour – 10 days/8 nights visiting Prague, Rothenburg, Philippe Theriault memorial event sponsored by the Santa of the Brave to display at their individual Dinkelsbuehl to Ulm, Neuschwanstein, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Salzburg, Vienna. Cruz County Fair in northern agencies as our tribute to California. With years of event ‘The preparation of them. PROPOSED TOURS FOR 2012 planning, marketing, and public Our 9/11 memorial event our “Remembering Feb. 22 – Mar.1 Discover Panama: The Land Between the Seas with Collette Vacations - Sharon Seto relations experience, I became was conducted at the Santa (new dates) 9 Days/7 Nights visiting Panama City, Monkey Island, Galeta Marine Lab, Panama Canal 9/11 — We Will Never Railway, Gamboa, Panama Canal Cruise, Embera Indigenous Village, and Playa Bonita. the volunteer production Cruz County Fairgrounds coordinator. The preparation of Forget” ceremony Ocean Speedway Center. April 4-18 Yamato Deluxe Spring Tour to Japan – 15 days/13 nights visiting Tokyo, Hakone, Nagoya, Peggy Mikuni Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Kyoto. Ask about partial tour participation. our “Remembering 9/11 — We The field was filled with was a tremendous May 7-17 Yamato Netherland, Belgium & Paris tour with Collette Vacations – 11 days / 9 nights Sharon Seto Will Never Forget” ceremony hook and ladders holding visiting Amsterdam for the Floriade horticultural exhibition held once every 10 years, Brussels, community effort …’ Bruges, Paris, Giverny. Hotel stay in 3 cities, 3 nights each: Amsterdam, Brussels & Paris. was a tremendous community a giant-size American flag, effort hosted by all of Santa mobile command units, May 16 – 28 Yamato RCL 9-day Cruise on the “Enchantment of the Seas,” starting from Baltimore and Peggy Mikuni cruising to Bermuda, Boston, Newport (Rhode Island) and back to Baltimore. Cruz County’s first responders. police, sheriff and highway patrol vehicles, June 17-28 Yamato Hokkaido Tour – 12 days/10 nights visiting Sapporo, Sounkyo, Kawayu Spa, Kushiro, Peggy Mikuni I had the privilege of introducing Randy American Red Cross units, Fallen Officer Ikeda, Obihiro, Lake Toya and Hakodate.

Soard’s Faces of the Brave artwork to the Foundation unit, rescue helicopter and October 15-29 Yamato Deluxe Autumn Tour to Japan – 15 days/13 nights visiting Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Peggy Mikuni 3,000 attendees who came to pay tribute to hospital units, and the Salvation Army. Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, Miyajima Kyoto and Tokyo. Ask about partial tours. those who gave their lives on Sept. 11. He is Our program opened with the national MANY OTHER EXCITING TOURS FORTHCOMING with Sharon Seto and Philippe Theriault! CALL OR EMAIL US! a longtime friend and world-renowned artist anthem sung by a local singer, invocation who created the artwork to honor those who by a police chaplain and testimony from a Yamato Travel Bureau is beginning its 54th year in business. Looking forward to helping you are our experienced protect us and to keep alive the memory of 9/11 survivor. The local VFW color guard agents, Masako (Japanese-speaking), Noreen, Grace, Lois, Sandy and Sharon. How about a Crystal Cruise, a trip to the best of humanity by putting their “faces” gave a 21-gun salute, there was a fly over, Hawaii, the special hotel and air package to Japan on Singapore Airlines, Disney World, France, Costa Rica, to name a few of the delights in store for you as you explore the world of travel!! Many special deals with Vacation.com, our before the public. and American flags were passed out for the consortium partner! Give us a call!

It is the only known 9/11 memorial tribute tribute ceremony. artwork project of its type to be approved We ran a live broadcast so people who Please visit our website at www.yamatotravel.com for tour itineraries and other travel specials.

and legally authorized by the surviving were not able to attend in person could still YAMATO TRAVEL BUREAU® families of the fallen heroes of 9/11. Over be part of it. n 250 East First Street, Suite #1112, Los Angeles, CA 90012 500 surviving families were invited to (213) 680-0333 or (800) 334-4982 participate. It took Randy over five years Sharon Hayashi is a member of the Email: [email protected] to obtain the releases and permission of the Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL. 14 Oct. 21-nov. 3, 2011 CALENDAR PACIFIC CITIZEN Carnelian by the Bay LOS ANGELES, CA 1 Ferry Plaza SEE! Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m.-noon Cost: $75/ticket Union Church of Los Angeles This annual fundraiser benefits the work 401 E. Third St. of Kimochi, an organization that provides Various free medical screening services A NATIONAL• GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMM•UNITY EVENTS GO DO culturally sensitive, Japanese language- will be provided, including free flu shots. SEE based programs and services to 3,000 Bay Participants should eat a light breakfast and Area seniors and their families each year. take all usual medications. Entertainment will take place on two stages Info: 213/473-3035 with performances by popular Bay Area acts Jest Jammin’, ScoJourners and Joyo Go For Broke’s Evening of Aloha Velarde. There will also be cultural activities LOS ANGELES, CA including an interactive mochi pounding Nov. 5, 7 p.m. DO! demonstration by Kagami Kai and hands-on Beverly Hilton Hotel origami making activity with Linda Mihara. 9876 Wilshire Boulevard This year’s dinner marks a history-making Exhibit: “Deep Roots, New Shoots” year for WWII Japanese American veterans, SAN FRANCISCO, CA who will be receiving the Congressional Now through Dec. 30 Gold Medal. It will also mark the historic NJAHS Peace Gallery gathering of the other WWII veterans of 1684 Post St. segregated units including the Tuskegee Curated by J-town Arts and presented by Airmen and the Navajo Code Talkers. the National Japanese American Historical Kenjiro Nomura’s painting “Street” will be among some of the paintings on display. Chef Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s Restaurants Society, this project includes an art exhibit Worldwide and Chef Hirose Akira of Maison and public programs that cover up to 40 Akira are planning the dinner menu. years of work by artists rooted in the Bay Exhibit: “Painting Seattle: were well known in 1930s Seattle for Entertainment will be provided by jazz Area’s Asian American communities. Kamekichi Tokita & Kenjiro Nomura” their American realist style of landscape musician David Benoit, popular Hawaiian This project will also host art workshops, SEATTLE, WA painting. This unique exhibit highlights entertainer Daniel Ho, and multi-platinum individual artist retrospectives, visual, composer Harold Payne. The Grateful Oct. 22, 2011-Feb. 19, 2012 the landscapes they knew well — literary and performing arts collaborations Crane Ensemble and Campus 5 will round Seattle Asian Art Museum neighborhoods in and around Japantown and panel discussions on issues affecting out the evening’s musical program. 1300 1st Ave. or Nihonmachi. the Japanese American community. Tickets and info: Kamekichi Tokita and Kenjiro Nomura, Info: 415/921-5007 www.goforbroke.com or 310/201-5033 first-generation Japanese Americans, Info: www.seattleartmuseum.org MDC Manzanar School Reunion Midwest JACL District Council LAS VEGAS, NV EDC film festival will feature short documentaries Fall Conference Aug. 20-22, 2012 about civil rights activism. Each night will INDIANAPOLIS, IN California Hotel Book Reading by Ha Jin close with an in-depth Q&A discussion with Oct, 28-30 12 East Ogden Ave. NEWTON, MA film directors and the activists who led the Hilton Garden Inn Save the date for a fun-filled reunion of high Nov. 8, 7 p.m. movements represented on screen. The 10 East Market Street school friends and family members. More Newtonville Books films are: “Always My Son & The Fall of the Cost: $25/registration; includes details to follow. 296 Walnut St. I-Hotel”, “Pilgrimage & Freedom Riders” and conference materials, luncheon, dinner Ha Jin reads from his book “Nanjing “Whose Children Are These?” and “Viva La at the Skyline Club Book Talk and Signing Requiem.” He is the award-winning author Causa.” Register now to find out the latest in JACL’s with Professor Min Zhou of “Waiting” and “War Trash.” Info http://korematsuinstitute.org LOS ANGELES, CA Info: 617/244-6617 or Midwest District. Planned activities include MDC business meetings as well as a tour Oct. 26, 7 p.m. www.newtonvillebooks.com J-Sei’s Saturday Morning Series of the Asian Art Exhibit at the Indianapolis Chinese American Museum on College Planning 425 N. Los Angeles St. 2011 Boston Asian American ALAMEDA, CA Museum of Art and optional concert at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Circle “The Accidental Sociologist in Asian Film Festival Oct. 29, 10-11:30 a.m. American Studies” recounts Zhou’s journey BOSTON, MA Theater. The deadline the register is Oct. Buena Vista United Methodist Church of critically examining the ever-changing Nov. 10-13 21. 2311 Buena Vista Ave. experience of Chinese/Asian Americans. Various locations Info: [email protected] Are you a parent who’s unsure about Zhou will discuss how contemporary Beantown’s Asian American film festival the best way to research and select the patterns of Chinese immigration, settlement, opens with Bertha Bay-Sa Pan’s “Almost best university for your child? This panel PSW and integration differ from those of the Perfect” starring Kelly Hu as Vanessa, a discussion is for you. Among other things, past and how Chinese Americans are single “go-to girl” for her demanding family. Film Screening: “Stand Up For Justice” this panel will teach you the secrets to positioned in 21st-century American society. When Vanessa runs into the love of her life, PHOENIX, AZ college admission’s success. J-Sei, Inc. Particular attention will be paid to the San her family begins to fall apart. How will she is a multi-generational and multi-cultural Jan. 20, 2012 Gabriel Valley. The talk will be followed find love? organization that has its roots in Nikkei Phoenix College by a reception and a tour of the museum. Info: www.baaff.org values and culture. 1202 W. Thomas Road Zhou is the Walter and Shirley Wang Info: www.j-sei.org The film is about Ralph Lazo, who during Play: “Before I Leave You” WWII chose to go to camp with his friends Endowed Chair in U.S./China Relations and Communications at UCLA. BOSTON, MA Cast in Bronze: on the high school basketball team to take RSVP: Mengning Li at Oct. 14- Nov. 13 A Terminology Symposium a stand for justice. A panel discussion will [email protected] n Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston SAN FRANCISCO, CA GO! follow. Panelists will include representatives Center For the Arts Oct. 22, 9 to 9:30 a.m. from JACL, NCRR and the local Latino 527 Tremont Street JCCCNC community. A new play by New England JACLer 1840 Sutter St., Suite 201 ADVERTISE HERE Rosanna Yamagiwa Alfaro features New The symposium will focus on terminology West Los Angeles JACL Boutique York actor Glenn Kubota as Koji. “Four and remembering the WWII incarceration. LOS ANGELES, CA Events in Go•See•Do are listed longtime friends face too much past and Confirmed speakers include scholars and Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. based on space availability. too little future in this moving comedy,” activists who have worked to promote Venice Japanese Community Center according to the description. clarity in the language used to describe 12448 Braddock Drive Don’t see your event here? Info: www.huntingtontheatre.org the Japanese American WWII experience: This fundraiser supports the West Los Place a ‘Spotlight’ ad with Roger Daniels, Neil Gotanda, Don Hata, Angeles JACL’s quarterly newsletter photos of your event for NCWNP Lane Hirabayashi, Karen Ishizuka, Tetsuden and other chapter related functions. The Kashima, and Mako Nakagawa. boutique will feature Asian-themed jewelry, maximum exposure. RightsFest Info: Hiroshi Shimizu at 415/566-2279 or clothing, toys, artwork, music, books and SAN FRANCISCO, CA [email protected] ceramics. For more info: Oct. 26-28 Info: Jean Ushijima at 310/390-6914 or Various locations Kimochi, Inc.’s “Sansei Live! by the Bay” Marisa Tamaru at 310/936-3182 [email protected] FREE, but reservations required SAN FRANCISCO, CA (800) 966-6157 The Korematsu Institute’s annual civil rights Oct. 22, 7 p.m.-midnight Little Tokyo Community Health Fair PACIFIC CITIZEN OBITUARIES Oct. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 15 TRIBUTE Nisei Civil Rights Activist was the ‘Epitome of Generosity’ and his family were incarcerated George O. Yasukochi at Santa Anita and at Granada in January 9, 1919 - September 29, 2011 Colorado. After volunteering to truly a free spirit and generous serve in the U.S. Army in 1944, man. He had a love for golf Yuzawa was stationed in Tokyo. which was only exceeded by his His wartime experience spurred love for life. He is survived by his activism in the Redress his wife Yasuko Martha Yasuko- Movement of the 1980s. chi, son Glenn Yasukochi (wife Yuzawa helped organize the Patricia), daughter, Sandra November 1981 New York City Radel (husband Jim, sons Tay- lor and Derek), sister Mitsuko commission hearings, which Funakoshi, sister Chiyoko Ya- helped lead to a formal apology George Yuzawa is pictured here in 2005 during his last trip to Japan. George O. Yasukochi died sutake, brother Ben Yasukochi and monetary compensation peacefully on September 29, and many nephews and nieces. from the U.S. government for the 2011 at age 92. He will be Pre-deceased by brother Henry By Pacific Citizen Staff activists launched a successful WWII incarceration of Japanese missed by all of us. He was Yamaga. campaign in the 1970s to get Paris Americans. George Katsumi Yuzawa, a fashion designer Kenzo Takada to Yuzawa has received many Nisei civil rights activist whose stop using his trademarks “Kenzo commendations for his years of community activism in New York of J.A.P.” and “JAP” on his service, including the Governor’s Reverse Mortgage City spanned over 40 years, passed clothing. Award for Excellence from New Call for a free information package away Oct. 8. He was 96. During the height of anti- York Gov. George Pataki. In 1983, He was active in numerous Japanese sentiment in the 1970s the emperor of Japan awarded If you are 62 or older and own your house, social and political causes fighting and 80s, Yuzawa protested the Yuzawa with the Order of the racial discrimination against Asian International Ladies Garment Sacred Treasure, 5th class. a Reverse Mortgage may benefit you! Pacific Americans, providing aid Workers Union’s “Buy American” “He was a strong proponent of • Turn Home Equity into Tax Free Cash for senior citizens and organizing campaign by, among other things, leaving the world a better place, • You keep title to your home • No Monthly Mortgage Payments Japanese cultural events around removing the posters from subway a quest he willingly took on • FHA Program Designed for Seniors New York City. train stations. daily with his limitless supply of “I pledge to provide excellent customer service energy,” said Yuzawa-Rubin, a “He was like the mayor of the According to his daughter with the highest standard of ethics” Japanese American community Pat Yuzawa-Rubin, he was the Chicago JACL board member and 25+ Years Experience as a Financial Professional here,” said New York JACLer “epitome of generosity – giving past chapter president. Lillian Kimura, the organization’s of his time, his caring, his Yuzawa is survived by his wife David C. Miyagawa Chee of 71 years, Kimiko, children Gene Certified Public Accountant 1-800-967-3575 first female national president. “He understanding.” CA Dept. of Real Estate – Real Estate Broker #01391106 did a lot for everyone here.” Yuzawa, who was born in Los (JoAnne) and Pat Yuzawa-Rubin NMLS ID 263222 In 1973, Yuzawa, a longtime Angeles, Calif. to Issei parents (Jack), and grandchildren Seth and New York JACL member, helped Tamasaburo “James” and Bun Emiko Rubin and James Yuzawa. establish the Asian Americans “Mary,” was named after George In lieu of flowers, make a for Fair Media, Inc. to monitor Washington. In 1940, he married donation to the Fidelity Charitable local and national broadcasts and Kimiko Hattori, the proprietor of Gift Fund for the benefit of the print media for negative APA Nippon Produce Market in Los George Yuzawa Legacy Fund: stereotypes and racial slurs. Angeles. P.O. Box 770001, Cincinnati, OH Yuzawa and other civil rights During World War II, Yuzawa 45277-0053. n IN MEMORIAM Doi, Rikio, 85, Las Vegas, Matsunami, Richard Zenji “Z”, instructional assistant at Ontario Nevada; Sept. 5, 2011; U.S. Army 85, Pepeekeo, Hawaii; Sept. 19, High School, Pioneer Elementary, veteran. 2011; a retired Hawaii County May Roberts Elementary and (562) 598-9523 Police Department radio technician Aiken Elementary. She retired in E s t a blished 1965 Horie, Yueji “Barney”, and an Army veteran who served 2003 after 35 years of service. Imperial Jew e l ry Mfg. C o . 76, Honolulu, Hawaii; Sept. 26, in World War II. Survived by wife Survived by husband Masao, three Fine Jewe l ry • Custom Designing • Repair 2011; Army and Air Force veteran. Faye; sons Ryan, Kevin and sons, Michael (Kelly), Dale, Marc 11072 Los Alamitos Blvd. Born in Ewa and survived by wife Stuart; sister Gladys Yoshimoto; (Heather) and four grandchildren, Los Alamitos, C A 9 0 7 2 0 Deanne M., sons Guy and Dean, two grandchildren; and a great- Noah, Gabriel, Katy and Auburn. daughter Brenda Cole, brother grandchild. Atsushi, five grandchildren and a Nakashima, Richard Yasuyuki Get wired @ www.pacificcitizen.org great-grandchild. Mitani, Don Kiyoshi, 89, Salinas, “Yas”, 92, Aiea, Hawaii; Sept. 18, CA; Sept. 2, 2011; incarcerated 2011; WWII 442nd RCT veteran Ikemoto, Bill Tsutomu, 84, at Tule Lake and later at Heart and a retired Pearl Harbor Public Gardena, CA; Sept. 23, 2011; MIS Mountain during World War II. In Works Center maintenance veteran. 1955, he started Oshita, Inc. with supervisor. Survived by wife brothers-in-law Frank and Jack Gladys Y., son David Y., daughter Inagaki, John Yukio, 85, Oshita. Survived by wife Sally, Christine A. Nakashima-Heise and Honolulu, Hawaii; Sept. 20, 2011; three sons and two daughter-in- two grandchildren. MIS veteran. laws, and four grandchildren. Yamamoto, George, 87, Kato, Masao, 84, San Leandro, Morikawa, Hiroshi, 85, Honolulu, Watsonville, CA; Sept. 4, 2011; CA; Sept. 28, 2011; born in Hawaii; Sept. 27, 2011; a Honolulu active member of the Watsonville Stockton, CA. Worked for over Sign Co. silk screen printer. Buddhist Temple and JACL; 25 years at Sunnyside Nursery in Survived by son Jon H., daughters worked as a strawberry farmer Salinas and owned Farmer Joe’s Gail C. Camara and Janice Y. for over 40 years. Preceded in Produce in Oakland for over 4 Ogoshi, brother Akira and five death by brother Ben. Survived years. Survived by wife of 49 years grandchildren. by his wife Sato and sons Jeff Wanda, sisters Hanae Watanabe (Stephanie), Wayne (Amy), Steve Place a Tribute and Honor and Terry Sato, and many nieces Morishige, Yasuko, 75, Ontario (Theresa), Bruce and Eugene and nephews. OR; Oct. 4, 2011; worked for the (Pam); grandchildren, great Your Loved Ones, Call 800/966-6157 Ontario School District as an grandson and sister-in-law. n 16 OCT. 21-NOV. 3, 2011 COMMUNITY PACIFIC CITIZEN

442nd Veteran to Get France’s Legion of Honor 442nd RCT veteran Arthur Kurahara in By Associated Press gassho at the Nisei Veterans’ Center’s HONOLULU—A Japanese American veteran of Sept. 29 joint the 442nd Regimental Combat Unit that liberated memorial service two northern French towns during World War II was for the 100th awarded France’s highest military honor, the Legion Infantry Battalion of Honor, at a Honolulu ceremony Oct. 6. and the 442nd Attorney Patricia Lee, Hawaii’s honorary consul of Regimental Combat France, presented the award to Kauai resident Masao Team. Tamura, 88, a member of the famed 442nd Regiment. Tamura was wounded after the towns were liberated, on the second day of a battle to rescue a trapped unit from Texas known as the “Lost Battalion.’’ Nisei Veterans’ Center on Maui Gets New Facility Attending the bilingual ceremony were 38 people from one of the liberated towns, Bruyeres, including By Associated Press center’s board members. two other buildings housing a preschool Deputy Mayor Ludovic Durain. There were also Moto’s father, the late Kaoru Moto, and an adult day care program. fellow members of the 442nd, one of the most WAILUKU, Hawaii—The Nisei served as a private first class in the Alexander & Baldwin Inc. donated the decorated units in the European theater. Veterans Memorial Center on Maui will 100th Infantry Battalion and earned land for the center, which has received Out of gratitude to the 442nd, a sister-city be able to display memorabilia from the United States’ highest military numerous grants from individuals, relationship between Honolulu and Bruyeres was Japanese American soldiers of World award, the Medal of Honor, along with corporations and foundations along established in 1961, Lee said. Wilbert S. Holck, a War II after it finishes building a new a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his with money from the government 442nd St. veteran from Honolulu visited Bruyeres Education Center early next year. heroism. The total cost for the veterans’ center with his family in the late 1950s, where he met Gerard The facility is dedicated to recounting The center’s board members believe is nearly $1.9 million. Of that, some Deschaseaux, who understood some English and was the history of the veterans to facilitate the new building will be the “crowning $1.43 million has already been secured. summoned to meet with the Americans. The two men the passing down of values, The Maui piece’’ of the “living memorial’’ that sits Center officials and volunteers are convinced officials in their respective cities to form News reported recently. on a 6-acre parcel along Kahului Beach currently making a last push to raise the sister-city relationship. “The Education Center is in all Road. about $470,000 for the project. Deschaseaux’s wife, Marcelle, who was a likelihood going to be the last major It will house a library, oral histories, “The story ... of the Nisei soldier is an kindergarten teacher, required students there learn facility dedicated to the World War II and education classrooms. It will have American story. It is about our country’s and sing “Hawaii Ponoi,’’ the state song, Lee said. Japanese American veterans that would temperature and humidity controls to history and heritage and so therefore it’s The song was sung at the end of the Oct. 6 ceremony. have been built and designed during protect the memorabilia from mold and a story that we hope will inspire and n their lifetime,” said Brian Moto, general mildew. transform all people everywhere,’’ said campaign chairman and one of the The veterans’ center currently has Moto. n

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