THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL April 24-May 7, 2020

celebrating 9 1 y e a r s

» PAGE 6 The new PBS documentary looks back while mapping hope for the future.

» PAGE 2 » PAGES 8 & 9 JACL Officially Cancels AAPI Community Loses Two 2020 National Convention. Trail-Blazing Women Leaders.

#3363 / VOL. 170, No. 7 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG 2 April 24-May 7, 2020 NATIONAL/LETTER

HOW TO REACH US NATIONAL BOARD VOTES TO CANCEL Email: [email protected] Online: www.pacificcitizen.org Tel: (213) 620-1767 2020 JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION Mail: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Technology, the coronavirus and organization bylaws prompt the decision. STAFF Executive Editor Allison Haramoto he JACL National Board in the same physical room with one tee is preparing guidelines with the of COVID-19 necessitated this deci- Senior Editor has voted unanimously to can- another, something that would not be preliminary expectation that elections sion to ensure the health, safety and Digital & Social Media cel the organization’s annual possible under current public health will be held later this summer. welfare of our members, delegates George Johnston TNational Convention, which had been guidelines for social distancing.” Furthermore, it was announced and board members who would have Business Manager Susan Yokoyama set to take place from June 24-28 The JACL added, however, that it that “resolutions and Constitution attended the in-person meeting. Production Artist in Las Vegas at the Bally’s Resort will hold a virtual meeting on Aug. and Bylaws amendments will not be “It is the responsibility of JACL Marie Samonte and Casino. 15 that will be open to any members considered this year; however, the Ini- to support national efforts to pro- Circulation The April 23 decision made by the who may wish to attend and infor- tiative process, as set forth in Article mote physical distancing and reduce Eva Ting JACL National Board to cancel the mation for how to join the virtual 13 of the Constitution, remains open the opportunity for the disease to The Pacific Citizen newspaper yearly confab was based on the con- meeting will be forthcoming. Items to for members to spur action from the spread,”the statement continued. (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi- tinuing shelter-in-place and physical be discussed at that time will include organization. “Further recognizing that many of monthly (except once in December distancing protocols caused by the but are not limited to: “With the new target of an Aug. 15 our members may be at heightened and January) by the Japanese Ameri- outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Board meeting, some convention-re- risk of complications from COV- can Citizens League, Pacific Citizen, • Passing of a national budget for 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 limitations in technology to hold a the 2021 calendar year lated deadlines that were in place for ID-19 also influenced the decision.” Los Angeles, CA 90012 Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA proposed virtual convention and • The proposed 2021 budget will be the 2020 National Convention may In conclusion, the JACL said in its National Council meeting (see be shifted pending decisions from April 23 decision that it “remains POSTMASTER: Send address chang- made available to the membership es to National JACL, 1765 Sutter St., following link at https://www. 60 days prior to the meeting for the convention committee chairs,” committed to ensuring the safety of San Francisco, CA 94115 pacificcitizen.org/jacl-national- review the statement continued. “Announce- our members. While it is regrettable JACL President: Jeffrey Moy board-postpones-convention/) and • Announcement of biennial award ments related to these schedules will that we will not be able to conduct Executive Director: David Inoue the organization’s national bylaws. winners be shared through the JACL Digest, our National Convention this year, we P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD In a statement, the JACL said: “As • Conveyance of awards to be held the Pacific Citizen and on the JACL must also remain faithful to the rules Rob Buscher, chairperson; Ron Kura- moto, MDC; Danielle Pierce, EDC; they currently stand, the bylaws do at a yet-to-be-specified date and website at www.jacl.org.” that govern our organization. JACL not explicitly permit a meeting of the The JACL had previously an- will be working to provide alternative Marcia Chung, CCDC; Nancy Ukai, location in 2021 NCWNPDC; Sheldon Arakaki, PNWDC; National Council to be held virtu- nounced that its National Convention programming for its members in the Kayla Watanabe, IDC; John Saito Jr., ally. Specifically, the definition of The JACL also announced that, would be postponed in a statement on coming months beginning with Asian PSWDC; Juli Yoshinaga, Youth Rep. separate from the National Board a meeting, as defined by Robert’s April 9, stating, “The unprecedented Pacific American Heritage Month Subscribe meeting, the Nominations Commit- n Rules, requires that participants be impact and continuing uncertainty in May.” Get a one-year subscription of the Pacific Citizen newspaper at: www.pacificcitizen.org or call (213) 620-1767 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Advertise To advertise in the Pacific Citi- Dear Editor, get to respond. ments and interviews with Ken Du- opinions about both. berstein (President Ronald Reagan’s A first step, before he shoots off zen, call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: I researched and wrote “Right of [email protected] I feel compelled to respond to the Passage,” the documentary every chief of staff) and Alan Simpson — his next ignorant letter, would be to who had daily contact with President actually have first-hand knowledge LEGAL Letter to the Editor by Grant Ujifusa level-headed Japanese American No part of this publication may be (Pacific Citizen, April 3-23, 2020), (except Mr. Grant “Legend in His Reagan — completely debunk Mr. of what he’s criticizing. reproduced without the express per- unfairly attacking John Tateishi’s Own Mind” Ujifusa) considers an Ujifusa’s narrative and minimize mission of the Pacific Citizen. Editorials, letters, news and the opin- new book without reading it. I am unbiased and factual retelling of the him as a peripheral player. Sincerely, He played a part — a small part ions expressed by columnists other the researcher/writer of “Right of story — which credits a whole lot than the national JACL president or Passage,” the documentary by Janice of community organizations, not — not the giant hand he claims he Sreescanda Subramonian, national director do not necessarily re- Tanaka, a film that Mr. Ujifusa just the JACL, for making redress had. Of course, Mr. Ujifusa never Writer/Researcher/Editor, flect JACL policy. Events and products advertised in the P.C. do not carry the spread malicious rumors about possible. read Mr. Tateishi’s book or saw the ‘Right of Passage’ film, yet he has spewed ill-informed implicit endorsement of the JACL or without seeing. It is only fair we Declassified White House docu- this publication. We reserve the right to edit articles. © 2020 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Calif. and mailing office. The P.C.’s mission is to ‘educate on the past Japanese American experience and preserve, promote and help the current and future AAPI communities.’ JACL MEMBERS Change of Address

DONATE $150 OR MORE AND RECEIVE ONE ENTRY TO OUR If you’ve moved, please send new MONTHLY DRAWINGS! WINNERS CAN CHOOSE FROM: information to: National JACL Mikami Vineyard Zinfindel 750ml | 4 Tickets to ‘Art of the Brick’ at the California Science 1765 Sutter St. Center | Hello Kitty JANM Tote Bag | 1 year Pacific Citizen Newspaper Subscription San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 921-5225 Name : ext. 26 Allow 6 weeks for Address 1: address changes. SPRING To avoid interruptions Phone Number : E-mail : in delivery, CAMPAIGN please notify your postmaster to include JACL MEMBER? q$50 q$100 q$150 q$200 qOTHER ——— periodicals in your change of address * Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive library of the Pacific Citizen to educate future generations.* (USPS Form 3575) COMMENTARY April 24-May 7, 2020 3 A MOTHER’S TAKE COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS old son was not progressing in his speech, about her son and showed him an immense exhibiting repetitive movements or not making amount of compassion. eye contact. Was he deaf? No, testing ruled Kindness coming from others often that out. And so Evangeline and her husband brings hope to us who feel judged. By Marsha Aizumi discovered that they had an autistic child. Evangeline found organizations that The Imana-Iyemura Family. Pictured (clock- Being Filipino and married to a Japanese provided support and resources for autism. wise from left) are Evan, Glenn, Marlene, s we continue to weather the ‘shelter man, Evangeline faced both judgment from She also eventually discovered Autism Evangeline and Chelsea. in place’ order, I am reminded that the Japanese community and the Filipino Speaks, and with her family, participated in PHOTO: EVANGELINE IMANA-IYEMURA my attitude has determined how community. People wondered if she vaccinated a walk with Evan when he was 5 years old. AI confronted past adversity and now the or failed to vaccinate Evan, and that caused The following year, she became a co-chair Evan can communicate in full sentences. challenges that we are faced with today. his autism. for the walk and has continued to chair this He has the comprehension of about a 10- to My self-isolation has given me space to reflect Then, people from the religious community event since then. 11-year- old. He can make his lunch, do his on the things I am grateful for by writing in wondered if this was God’s way of punishing Autism has a large spectrum. Evangeline laundry, and Evangeline’s goal is that he can my gratitude journal, but also this journal has her and the family for some wrongdoing. remembers a college professor who was so live as a functioning adult and hold down a job. given me the opportunity to write about things Finally, there were thoughts that ran through smart, but rather quirky. He wore the same Fortunately, Evan has learned to cope with that make me angry, sad, worried or fearful. her mind such as . . . “I must have not taken outfit every day. Some autistic individuals are different emotions like anger. Evangeline I am grateful that I can write about what care of myself or took something that caused highly functioning like her professor. Others says that “he is trying to control triggers that I perceive as being positive as well as negative. this condition. Ironically, I had lost over 100 struggle to care for themselves, and then there might spark frustration or be interpreted as Writing down the negative has been almost pounds before I had gotten pregnant, so I was is everything in between. anger.” And at 5’11,” his mother calls him a more important than writing the positive in the best health at that time.” I learned this can affect your child socially, “gentle giant.” because I am able to release those negative But could that weight loss have affected physically, verbally and in many other ways. When I asked Evangeline how she is doing feelings, which have made room for more her pregnancy? It seemed like everyone had An autistic child can react to bright light and during this Covid-19 crisis, she replied it has positive moments to come in my life. an opinion, and this threw this mother into a loud noises. People with autism also like been hard. She and her husband still work. One of my most positive moments recently minidepression. For many years, she did not routine and structure. They can become violent She is a hospital administrator. Evan told her has been a chance to interview Evangeline talk about Evan’s autism. Now, Evangeline because they are overwhelmed by the world that he was scared she would get sick and so Iyemura. Evangeline is the mother of two and Evan talk to large groups and share their and its unpredictability. would he. She has had to calm his fears, even children. Marlene is 25 years of age, and Evan story to hundreds. Evangeline shares that autistic individuals as he struggles with routine and structure is 15 and a sophomore in high school. Evangeline wisely turned to therapy to help and their families often feel like “community disappearing with school closed down. Evangeline’s journey began over a decade her navigate this unknown path. She also said outcasts as people do not understand how to ago, when she discovered that her 2 1/2-year- that there was a preschool teacher who cared give compassion to those that are different.” » See BLESSINGS on page 12 LEGAL-EASE: AN ATTORNEY’S PERSPECTIVE

likely to die from heart disease compared with that dog owners engaged in significantly more CAN YOUR PET MAKE nonowners. Furthermore, living with a dog walking and physical activity than nonowners. had an even greater benefit for people with In conclusion, numerous studies have shown heart problems. The potentially life-extending that pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, YOU HEALTHIER? benefits of dog ownership could be traced is associated with decreased cardiovascular hood effect”? Spouses take care of each other in part to increased physical activity from disease (CVD) risk mainly due to the increased walking the dog, authors speculated. physical activity. However, welcoming a By Judd Matsunaga, Esq. until the first dies. The “widowhood effect” is the increase in the probability of the widow or According to the American Heart Assn., it’s dog into the family is a big decision with big no surprise that people who walk their dogs are responsibilities. ortunately, my Nisei parents, both in their widower dying in a relatively short time after more likely to get the recommended amount Even if you live in a retirement setting that early 90s, are still living independently their longtime spouse has died (particularly of physical activity than those who don’t. doesn’t allow for pets, or just want to play in their own home. Although their Sansei within three months). One study found that pet owners who walk and cuddle a new loving companion during Fchildren are out of the house, they brought two “Say Judd, do you have any scientific studies their dogs got up to 30 minutes more exercise a visit, you will find there are neighborhood dogs into their home. No doubt, those dogs that show owning a pet increases longevity?” a day than nonwalkers. cat and dog cafés that are starting to show up are part of the family. For example, last year’s You bet. According to a new study published Studies have shown pet ownership might all over town. For example, at CatCafe Kitten Christmas cards contained a picture of them in Scientific Reports, owning a dog is linked help increase fitness levels, relieve stress, Lounge in West Los Angeles, you will liter- with their two dogs. to a longer life. The research, conducted of lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, ally be covered in a pile of adorable kittens! For years, my parents enjoyed their retirement more than 3.4 million people, suggests that as well as boost one’s overall happiness and If you love dogs, the Dog Café has opened in life traveling. They didn’t have time for pets canine companions may be good for human well-being. Pets also provide social support, the Silverlake area where “you can play with because they were never home. However, as health — especially for people who live alone. which is an important factor in helping you pups as you grab your coffee fix, or catch up they grew older and traveled less frequently, it Research found that dog owners had a lower stick with new healthy habits (https://www. with friends over lattés, snuggling lap dogs.” was time to bring another dog into the house. risk of death from cardiovascular disease than heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/). And if you fall in love with one? You’re in Not a big dog like before, but a smaller dog that people who did not report owning a dog, as “OK, what about cats?” Don’t get mad at luck — all dogs are rescues looking for their wouldn’t knock them over — thus, the cross- well as a lower risk of death from other causes. me, but according to an article also published forever homes (however, you’ll have to wait breed Labrador/Poodle dog, the Labradoodle. That was true even after adjusting for factors by the American Heart Assn., “No significant for the Safer-at-Home order to be lifted). When the first Cat Café opened in Japan such as smoking, body mass index and socio- associations have been reported between in 2005, I didn’t get it. But now I do. Those economic status (https://time.com/5028171/ physical activity and cat or other types of Judd Matsunaga is the founding attor- cats provide relaxing companionship in what health-benefits-owning-dog/). pet ownership. Of all pets, dogs appear most ney of Elder Law Services of California, a may otherwise be a stressful and lonesome Another study, published by Circulation: likely to positively influence the level of law firm that specializes in Medi-Cal Plan- urban life. I don’t think it’s possible to get a Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a jour- human physical activity” (https://www. ning, Estate Planning and Probate. He can cat to purr if you’re all nervous, worried and nal of the American Heart Assn., says owning ahahournals.org). be contacted at (310) 348-2995 or judd@ stressed out. Petting a cat destresses you, just a dog is linked with living longer. Scientists Studies show that dog owners engage in more elderlawcalifornia.com. The opinions ex- like those dogs provide relaxing, destressing found dog owners were likely to live longer physical activity and walking and are more pressed in this article are the author’s own companionship for both of my parents. than those who didn’t have dogs. According likely to achieve the recommended level of and do not necessarily reflect the view of There is something in our human nature that to the study, dog owners had a 24 percent risk physical activity than nonowners of dogs. For the Pacific Citizen or constitute legal or tax is strengthened by feeling “needed.” Let’s take reduction for death from any cause. example, a survey of Japanese adults revealed advice and should not be treated as such. spouses, for example. Ever hear of the “widow- The study also found dog owners were less 4 April 24-May 7, 2020 NATIONAL

funding for state and local governments in the April 23 bill but were rebuffed by Senate TRUMP SIGNS $484 BILLION Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who said he’s going to try to pump the brakes CORONAVIRUS MEASURE on runaway deficit spending. McConnell said he doesn’t want to bail out The funds will aid Democratic-governed states for fiscal prob- employers and hospitals lems that predated the pandemic, but there’s plenty of demand for state fiscal relief among as the economy continues Republicans, too. After the Senate passed the bill April 21, COVID-19: its downward spiral due to McConnell said Republicans would entertain no more coronavirus rescue legislation until U.S. AT A GLANCE* COVID-19. the Senate returns to Washington in May. He promised rank-and-file Republicans • Total Cases: 957,875* By Associated Press greater say in the future legislation, rather than • Total Deaths: 50,988 (as of April 24) leaving it in the hands of bipartisan leaders. • Jurisdictions Reporting Cases: 55 (50 WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Pelosi attacked McConnell for at first op- states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Trump signed a $484 billion bill April 24 to posing adding any money to his original $250 Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and aid employers and hospitals under stress from billion package and saying cash-strapped states HR266, the “Paycheck Protection the U.S. Virgin Islands) the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more should be allowed to declare bankruptcy, a Program and Health Care than 50,000 Americans and devastated broad move that they currently cannot do and that Enhancement Act” is seen on the *Data includes both confirmed and swaths of the economy. would threaten a broad range of state services. Resolute Desk after being signed presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 The bill, HR266, is the latest effort by the McConnell’s comments provoked an outcry by President Donald J. Trump on reported to the CDC or tested at the CDC federal government to help keep afloat busi- — including from GOP governors — and he April 24 in the Oval Office of the since Jan. 21, with the exception of testing nesses that have had to close or dramatically later tempered his remarks. alter their operations as states try to slow the White House. results for persons repatriated to the U.S. The four coronavirus relief bills approved from Wuhan, China, and Japan. State and spread of the virus. OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO: SHEALAH CRAIGHEAD so far by Congress would deliver at least $2.4 local public health departments are now Over the past five weeks, roughly 26 mil- trillion for business relief, testing and treatment, lion people have filed for jobless aid, or about testing and publicly reporting their cases. stay-at-home orders. as well as direct payments to individuals and 1 in 6 U.S. workers. In the event of a discrepancy between The legislation contains $100 billion the unemployed, according to the Congres- Trump thanked Congress for “answering my CDC cases and cases reported by state and demanded by Democrats for hospitals and sional Budget Office. The deficit is virtually call” to provide the critical assistance and said local public health officials, data reported a nationwide testing program, along with certain to breach $3 trillion this year. it was “a tremendous victory.” But easy pas- by states should be considered the most $60 billion for small banks and an alternative Among the candidates for aid in the next sage of this aid installment belies a potentially up to date. network of community development banks bill is the Postal Service, which has more than bumpier path ahead for future legislation to that focus on development in urban neighbor- 600,000 workers but is getting clobbered by Source: CDC address the crisis. n hoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders. COVID-19-related revenue losses. The measure passed Congress almost unani- There’s also $60 billion for small-business mously April 23 as lawmakers gathered in loans and grants delivered through the Small Washington, D.C., as a group for the first time Business Administration’s existing disaster since March 27. They followed stricter social aid program. distancing rules while seeking to prove they What you should know about COVID-19 to Passage of more coronavirus relief is likely can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis. in the weeks ahead. Supporters are already protect yourself and others Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added warning that the business-backed Payroll a somber tone to their effort to aid a nation Protection Program will exhaust the new Know about COVID-19 milk Practice social distancing staggered by the health crisis and devastating $250 billion almost immediately. • Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused • Buy groceries and medicine, economic costs of the pandemic. Launched just weeks ago, the program by a virus that can spread from person go to the doctor, and “Millions of people out of work,” said House to person. complete banking activities quickly reached its lending limit after online when possible. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). “This is a • The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left coronavirus that has spread throughout • If you must go in person, very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor the world. stay at least 6 feet away from thousands of small businesses in limbo as with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of • COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild others and disinfect items you they sought help. (or no symptoms) to severe illness. must touch. people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all.” Pelosi and allies said the next measure will • Get deliveries and takeout, Anchoring the bill is the Trump administra- and limit in-person contact as distribute more relief to individuals, extend Know how COVID-19 is spread much as possible. tion’s $250 billion request to replenish a fund more generous jobless benefits into the fall, • You can become infected by coming into to help small- and medium-size businesses provide another round of direct payments to close contact (about 6 feet or two Prevent the spread of with payroll, rent and other expenses. This arm lengths) with a person who has most people and help those who are laid off COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread COVID-19 if you are sick program provides forgivable loans so busi- from person to person. afford health insurance through COBRA. • Stay home if you are sick, nesses can continue paying workers while • You can become infected from respiratory except to get medical care. Democrats tried to win another round of forced to stay closed for social distancing and droplets when an infected person coughs, • Avoid public transportation, sneezes, or talks. ride-sharing, or taxis. • You may also be able to get it by touching a • Separate yourself from other surface or object that has the virus on it, and people and pets in your home. then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. • There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but you can seek Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 medical care to help relieve your symptoms. • There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect • If you need medical attention, yourself is to avoid being exposed to the call ahead. virus that causes COVID-19. • Stay home as much as possible and avoid Know your risk for close contact with others. severe illness • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings. • Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. • Older adults and people of any age who have serious • Wash your hands often with soap and water underlying medical conditions for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol- may be at higher risk for more based hand sanitizer that contains at least severe illness. 60% alcohol. President Donald J. Trump displays his signature after signing HR266, the “Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act” on April 24 in the Oval Office of the White House. cdc.gov/coronavirus OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO: SHEALAH CRAIGHEAD CS 314937A 04/15/2020 COMMENTARY/COMMUNITY April 24-May 7, 2020 5 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WE CAN’T STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF OTHERS WITHOUT REACHING BACK TO HELP EVERYONE UP exists between the African-American and Asian complacency about racism in this country. on the basis of race, age, disability, gender, American communities. It mostly comes from COVID-19 has turned much of that on its sex, national origin, religion, as well as the By David Inoue, the desire for any group to not be marginalized end. Many more Asian Americans have felt intersection of one two or more of these and JACL Executive Director — to be a part of the majority, to belong, to the sting of racism stemming from misguided other categories that I have not listed. be accepted. For most of the Western world, beliefs that Asians are to be blamed for the We all want to be treated as equal Americans, ASCAR driver Kyle Larson recently this means to be white. origins of the disease. but it cannot come at the expense of elevating made headlines for using a racial slur Of course, the very concept of Asians as the I remember when I was a child, probably ourselves as others are devalued. We also need while playing a video game that was model minority was created during the civil in the fifth or sixth grade, and a younger to recognize that equality is not a privilege to Nbeing broadcast over the Internet. Larsen had rights movement to pit Asian Americans as a student at the school came up to me in the be conferred upon us by those in power but been the face of diversity for NASCAR because contrast to the calls for fundamental human hallway and called me a slur. I was shocked our right as humans. of his Japanese heritage but is no longer, as he rights for African-Americans. that someone younger than me would think As we continue to be restricted from going was appropriately let go by his sponsor days The intended message was that Asian they would have the power to do that, but that out, think about who are the essential workers, after the incident. Americans had succeeded, why can’t African- is how racism works. those who stock the grocery stores and place Days before this incident, Andrew Yang Americans? It gives the person who wields it a perceived their lives at risk. Are we valuing and paying made headlines for his exhortation that As we look back, the real message was, sense of power over the victim. Fortunately, them for the work they are providing? Or are Asian Americans prove their worthiness to despite Asian Americans facing extreme I was surrounded by several of my classmates we also exploiting them and devaluing them be American citizens by performing patriotic discrimination, they were able to overcome who stepped in right away and confronted the as humans choosing cheaper groceries and a deeds. it, why can’t other groups? And yet, in neither younger child. I remember the defense they lower pay. While the rebuke was swift and widespread case did it mean all discrimination had or was gave was that I was more American than he These issues are all interconnected and for those words, what was perhaps glossed over going to be eliminated. was since I was older. laid bare by the current crisis we are in as a was Yang’s reference to his brush with racism Unfortunately, for Asian Americans, the gain The defense given was pretty good for supposedly wealthy nation. from “Three middle-aged men in hoodies.” of limited acceptance came at the expense of an elementary school student. But more As a nation, we must begin to truly recognize I don’t think anyone has a doubt about the further disenfranchisement of African- importantly, they stood up as an ally. and value the intrinsic human value of every the skin color of those three men. As much Americans. What some Asian Americans are quickly person in this country. as Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg may try to For many Asian Americans, the relative realizing is that we need allies in our own promote the hoodie look, he is about as far comfort of better acceptance than other minority fight against racism. But if we are to expect David Inoue is executive director of the from the stereotype as one can possibly get. communities, sometimes even within our own others to come to our support, we must also JACL. He is based in the organization’s Larson and Yang highlight the tension that community, has lulled many into a sense of be there for others who face discrimination Washington, D.C., office. JAs Organize COVID-19 Coalition to Protest ICE Detention Protesters demand for the release of people detained by ICE at the Yuba County Jail. high-density living made it impos- sible to avoid repeated epidemics of PHOTOS: influenza and other life-threatening JOSHUA By Joshua Kaizuka COVID-19 pandemic, which has KAIZUKA affected everyone’s life and turned communicable diseases. n spite of threats by local police things upside down. Many events “Today’s immigrant detainees are to issue citations for a rarely have been canceled or postponed to unable to practice social distancing used “honking” violation, 50 keep people safe. Yet, asylum seek- and denied masks and gloves, easy More than 40 cars participat- Ipeople in more than 40 cars de- ers and other immigrants remain in access to running water and soap. ed in the rally to free detained manded for the release of individu- detention facilities that are ripe for a Like incarcerated Japanese Ameri- individuals by ICE at the Yuba als detained by ICE at the Yuba spread of contagious diseases. cans during WWII, these immigrant County Jail. Daniel Chavez with Never Again County Jail in Marysville, Calif., Nationwide there have already detainees are not being held for com- Action Sacramento and his wife on April 14. Following a car that been 10 reported deaths of persons mitting crimes, they are not a threat had a tsuru on top of it, protest- in immigration custody in the past to national security,” Ina continued. ers honked and displayed mes- six months alone, and at least 160 “They are waiting for their asylum sages that included “#FreeThem immigration officers have tested hearing. It is unjust to keep them in AllYuba,” “Detention Is Deadly,” positive for COVID-19. confinement at all, but to keep them “Cancel the Contract” and “End Having had to postpone the Na- confined during a pandemic is cruel Family Detention” for nearly tional Pilgrimage to Close the Camps and unusual punishment.” Joshua Kaizuka with an hour. that was set for Washington, D.C., in According to Kim Miyoshi, a Florin JACL-SV Most of the 30-plus organiza- June, due to the coronavirus pandem- co-organizer of the coalition, “The tions sponsoring the car rally ic, Tsuru for Solidarity has quickly Japanese American community’s worked together in January for pivoted to respond to the danger of experience with the impact of in- the Tsuru for Solidarity Oshogatsu COVID-19 spreading in confinement fectious disease while incarcerated Protest to Close the Camps at the centers, much like what Japanese prompted Japanese Americans for Yuba Ice Detention Center. Japanese Americans were subjected to dur- Justice to join the Coalition to Free American groups with the Bay Area ing World War II when they were Everyone in ICE Detention in Yuba County,” and “demand the release of Those gathered for the rally followed social-distancing and Sacramento hubs of Tsuru for forcibly incarcerated in American ICE detainees as a matter of human protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Solidarity, Japanese Americans for concentration camps and exposed Justice, Florin JACL and San Jose to communicable diseases. rights amongst a global pandemic.” Nikkei Resisters led the charge; “The last place you want to be in Miyoshi added that “during World the rally was attended by nearly a global pandemic is a U.S. concen- War II, many Japanese Americans 300 people. tration camp,” said Satsuki Ina, co- who were incarcerated in concentra- Since then, ICE detention centers founder of Tsuru for Solidarity and tion camps died from preventable have continued to expand because a WWII camp survivor. “When we communicable diseases like tuber- culosis and influenza.” Cars participated in the rally to free detained individuals by of current anti-immigration policies. were forced to live in confinement, ICE at the Yuba County Jail. Not helping matters is the current communal latrines, mess halls and » See PROTEST on page 10 6 April 24-May 7, 2020 IN-DEPTH

ASIAN AMERICANS PBS’ ‘ASIAN AMERICANS’ IS A PBS (CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR AIRTIMES) BINGE-WORTHY GIFT IN TRYING TIMES (pbs.org/weta/asian-americans/) The five-hourlong docuseries looks May 11: 8-9 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. back while mapping hope for the future. ‘Breaking Ground’: In an era of exclusion and U.S. empire, new immigrants arrive from China, India, Japan, the Philippines and be- yond. Barred by anti-Asian laws, they become America’s first “undocumented immigrants,” yet they build railroads, dazzle on the silver screen and take their fight for equality to the Anna May Wong certificate ID U.S. Supreme Court. ‘A Question of Loyalty’: An American-born generation straddles their country of birth and their parents’ homelands in Asia. Those loyalties are tested during World War II, when families are imprisoned in detention camps, and brothers find themselves on opposite sides of the battle lines. May 12, 8-9 p.m., 9-10 p.m. and 10-11 p.m. ‘Good Americans’: During the Cold War years, Asian Americans are simultaneously George Uno at home in Japan, looking through archives (Buddy Uno story). heralded as a model minority and targeted as the perpetual foreigner. It is also a time of bold ambition, as Asian Americans aspire for the first By P.C. Staff not coincidentally is also Asian Pacific time to national political office, and a coming American Heritage Month. culture-quake simmers beneath the surface. ecent news reports of Asians in the In other words, “Asian Americans” ‘Generation Rising’: During a time of war U.S. having been spat and coughed encapsulates the seemingly eternal yin and and social tumult, a young generation fights upon, as well as verbally and physically yang of how Asians in America are perceived for equality in the fields, on campuses and in Rassaulted since the outbreak on these shores of and treated — often simultaneously —between Connie Young Yu, historian and the culture, as well as claim a new identity: the novel coronavirus — which has also been the extremes and variations of “yellow peril” Asian Americans. The war’s aftermath brings author, at Golden Spike National new immigrants and refugees who expand the referred to by high-ranking federal government and “model minority.” Historical Park (Utah) for the Ses- population and the definition of Asian America. officials as the “Chinese virus,” the “Wuhan Clocking in at nearly five hours, with the quicentennial (150th) Celebration virus” and “kung flu” — are alarming and first two episodes (“Breaking Ground,” “A PHOTO: FILM/ASIAN AMERICAN ‘Breaking Through’: At the turn of the new millennium, the country tackles conflicts over shocking, yet completely unsurprising. Question of Loyalty”) airing on May 11 at That so many of those on the front lines 8-9 p.m. and 9-10 p.m., and the final three immigration, race, economic disparity and a to inspire future generations of filmmakers. and in laboratories — nurses, physicians episodes (“Good Americans,” “Generation shifting world order. A new generation of Asian A milestone production of WETA Washing- and scientists — in the U.S. involved in the Rising,” “Breaking Through”) airing the next Americans is empowered by growing numbers ton, D.C., and the Center for Asian American and rising influence but faces a reckoning struggle to save and care for those fighting night from 8-11 p.m., “Asian Americans” Media in association with the Independent of what it means to be an American in an for their lives against COVID-19, as well as takes on the daunting task of telling the story Television Service, Flash Cuts and Tajima-Peña increasingly polarized society. find a cure for it, are also of Asian heritage — stories, actually — of a diverse group of Productions, “Asian Americans” features nar- NOTE: After being aired, episodes will be is heartening and inspiring — and again, Americans, would-be Americans and future ration by actors Daniel Dae Kim and Tamlyn available to stream at PBS.org. completely unsurprising. Americans whose forebears came here neither Tomita, with individual episodes directed by S. It’s one of the takeaways one could have willingly from Europe nor unwillingly from EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jeff Bieber and Dalton Leo Chiang, Geeta Gandbhir and Grace Lee. Delan for WETA; Stephen Gong and Donald after viewing the new PBS docuseries “Asian Africa but from different parts of Asia, for The series’ producer is Renee Tajima-Peña. Young for CAAM; Sally Jo Fifer for ITVS; and Americans,” airing nationwide in May, which reasons that nevertheless parallel those other Tajima-Peña also happens to be a professor Jean Tsien. Flash Cuts producer: Eurie Chung. American groups: hope for a better life or at the University of California Los Angeles’ Consulting producer: Mark Jonathan Harris. as exploitable labor. Asian American Studies Dept., the holder of Major funding for “Asian Americans” is provided Telling that overarching story of Asians Tamlyn the Alumni and Friends of Japanese American by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the in America in just five hours is no easy Wallace H. Coulter Foundation, PBS, the Ford Tomita Ancestry Endowed Chair and the director of task — but “Asian Americans” gives it Foundation/JustFilms, the National Endowment the UCLA Center for EthnoCommunications the ol’ college try. On that note, even those for the Humanities, the Freeman Foundation, in the Asian American Studies Center. who majored in Asian American studies the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Carnegie “I’m kind of the new Bob,” she joked, a refer- Corp. of New York, the Kay Family Foundation, (see episode 4 and be grateful that such ence to her predecessor, pioneering filmmaker the Long Family Foundation, Spring Wang and courses can now be taken with relative Robert Nakamura, who founded the Center for California Humanities. ease) should find it of much interest and EthnoCommunications in 1996 and retired in learn something new, fascinating or ironic 2011. Tajima-Peña took over in 2012. from the five hours, with enough fodder As for the process used to choose which stories to tell, Tajima-Peña told the Pacific During PBS’ “Asian Americans” session at the Citizen, “One thing that I didn’t want to do Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in is go back to ‘the first Asian who landed on Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 10, narrator Tamlyn Tomita U.S. shores.’ It’s hard to say who that was, (second from left); comedian and featured participant for one thing. It’s television. I really wanted Han Kondabolu; producer Renee Tajima- Peña (left); to tell stories that were alive, where you can and producer/director Grace Lee discussed the new find descendants, where there are images and, five-part series, which examines what the 2010 U.S. hopefully, footage. Census identifies as the fastest-growing racial/ “So, we decided to start when the first big- ethnic group in the U.S. Told through individual ger waves of immigrants started to come,” lives and personal histories, “Asian Americans” Tajima-Peña continued. “They were Chinese explores the impact of this group on the country’s and then Japanese, South Asian — you can’t past, present and future. really call Filipinos immigrants, they were PHOTO: RAHOUL GHOSE/PBS colonized subjects — but they started also to arrive.” IN-DEPTH April 24-May 7, 2020 7

Director Grace Lee Laureen PHOTO: CAAM early 1900s, everybody expected, Chew, SFSU “Well, it’s just going to be about the 1968 Strike Chinese and the Japanese” — but Organizer it’s also about Filipinos, and it’s also PHOTO: FILM/ASIAN AMERICAN about South Asians. We thought that it was really important to start the series with that breadth of the Asian American experience. P.C.: Was there a topic or person that all the filmmakers, yourself included, Viet Thanh Nguyen, wish you could have included but Pulitzer Prize-winning author could not? PHOTO: FILM/ASIAN AMERICAN Tajima-Peña: We did have a lot of stories that we could not actually It’s fitting, perhaps, that in America, including Renee Tajima-Peña film or we couldn’t get into the cut. Episode 1 — “Breaking Ground” — the roots of the grape Was there a story that I wish I told? begins with a Filipino man named boycott most Americans Well, you know, we were hoping to Antero Cabrera, whose arrival associate with Cesar do six episodes, so we could have had to the U.S. coincides with 1904’s St. Louis Chavez and Mexican farm laborers, even A Conversation more post-1965 stories. We just didn’t have World’s Fair, just a few short years after the though it actually began with Filipino farm the money for it. U.S.’ 1898 annexation and colonization of laborers led by Larry Itliong. I would not have done really recent stories the Philippines following Spain’s loss in the It’s also the decade of the Vietnam War, with With RENEE because every time we would think about Spanish-American War. some Asian American vets questioning their more recent stories, it just felt like public At the fair’s Philippine Exhibition, Cabrera personal — and America’s — participation in affairs. The beauty of history is that you have is hired to portray a loincloth-wearing Igorot it. Related to that is the rise of the civil rights TAJIMA-PEÑA time to really reflect on what happened in the “savage,” despite having been educated by movement and ethnic studies overall, as well past. It’s hard to reflect on what happened missionaries. He nevertheless manages to as the birth of the term “Asian American” in The producer of the last year. capitalize on the opportunity for his own gain. particular. PBS docuseries ‘Asian P.C.: What about sports? The episode also covers Chinese railroad But the biggest change with long-term rami- Tajima-Peña: Oh yeah, you know, I wish workers who are infamously excluded from fications comes in the form of 1965’s reforms Americans’ talks about that was something I would have done. the photo taken at Promontory Point, Utah, in immigration laws that open the door to There are a lot of great stories. to mark when east and west tracks met; the more emigration from Asia, which manifest in the ‘breadth and diversity P.C.: What do you think will be the most- complicated quest for citizenship and legal the 1980s when foreign-born Asians begin to revelatory aspect to this series for Asian recognition by East Asian and South Asian outnumber American-born Asians — and that of the Asian American American audiences? immigrants; and the short-lived rise of matinee leads to the final installment, titled “Breaking experience.’ Tajima-Peña: I think even for Asian idols Anna Mae Wong and Sessue Hayakawa. Through,” which shows how events of the American audiences there’s this real (Later in the series, there’s another Hayakawa 1980s and ’90s would map the trajectory to Pacific Citizen: How many years did it immovable image of Asian Americans as — S. I. — who acts in a way that makes him a the present day. take once the series was greenlighted to being this model minority, and that’s a myth. hero to some and a zero to others, depending Newer Asian immigrant groups from South- complete it, and when did official production Of course, there are Asian Americans who on one’s political perspective.) east Asia who arrived after the U.S. defeat begin and end? have done well, but if you look in the series, “A Question of Loyalty” begins with Satsuki in Vietnam begin to make an impact. Japan- Renee Tajima-Peña: It was greenlit in it really looks at where that myth came from Ina telling her Japanese American family’s bashing leads to the murder of Vincent Chin the spring of 2018. We had done preliminary and how it’s been used. I think we also shift trauma of dehumanization thanks to Executive and a mockery of justice for his killers. research and treatments before that, like what it means to be a success in America. Order 9066, as well as the story of the Korean “Asian Americans” shows how that tragedy in the fundraising process, but we started We have people who, against all odds, American Anh family, in particular, Navy leads to necessary changes in the definition of preproduction, research and production took their cases to the Supreme Court. In veteran Susan Anh Cuddy and her brother, what constitutes a hate crime. Another success around August of 2018. the 1800s, a Chinese restaurant worker, actor Phillip Anh, and their father, who was comes a few years later with the culmination So, it was done really quickly. . . . It’s five Wong Kim Ark, who was born in San Korean independence martyr Ahn Chang-ho, of the Japanese American redress movement. hours, lots of stories, filming all over. There Francisco. When he was denied re-entry into aka Dosan. The final installment also documents the was a big shoot that Grace Lee did in Japan. the United States, he said, “No. I’m Chinese, The episode’s centerpiece, though, is the coming of age for Korean immigrants, who She got to shoot in Hawaii and Japan. but I’m a citizen,” and he went to the U.S. story of the Uno family of Utah. With 10 bear the brunt of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Supreme Court. That, to me, is amazing. children, the Uno offspring includes Military Existing black-Korean tensions, exacerbated by P.C.: What was the process used in choosing That’s why my parents are American citizens Intelligence Service and 442nd RCT vets and Latasha Harlins’ slaying by liquor store owner which stories to tell, what to include, what because of Wong Kim Ark and birthright activists Amy Uno and Edison Uno, who would Soon Ja Du, are fuel for the conflagration that to exclude, who to focus on? citizenship. Their parents were immigrants, become known as the father of the redress follows the Rodney King verdict. Tajima-Peña: That started in the treatment- aliens ineligible for citizenship. movement. But it’s eldest brother Buddy Uno’s But it’s also, of course, about the same time writing-research-fundraising phase. . . . We You’ve got Patsy Mink. There were no tale, because of expectations dashed by racism, as comedian Margaret Cho’s breakthrough were able to find people that had some kind of women of color in Congress. It was an that is the most compelling and tragic. ABC sitcom “All American Girl,” and the personal connection, in addition to scholars. impossible dream when she ran in 1964 In Episode 3, titled “Good Americans,” critical and commercial success of “The Joy Even our scholars had personal connections. and was elected. She was the first. To me, WWII is shown as a turning point for Asian Luck Club” novel and 1993 movie. Yin and Erika Lee and Gordon Chang, their families those are success stories. American acceptance. Following the stellar yang yet again. came to the United States in the 1800s. . . . service by Japanese American 442nd veter- And, speaking of yang, there’s also Jerry Because it’s television, we wanted to make (NOTE: Prior to the debut of “Asian ans, America’s lofty but unrealized notion Yang, who co-founds Yahoo! and comes to a series that was focused on character, Americans” on PBS will be “Digital Town of equal treatment under the law cannot be personify those educated and elite Asian drama, stories and personal experiences. . . . Hall — Asian Americans in the Time of denied, and politics become the vehicle by Americans in high tech, even as less-educated, We knew that it was never going to be about COVID-19,” scheduled to take place on which figures such as Hiram Fong, Daniel less-fortunate Asian immigrants do the piece- every single Asian nationality. It couldn’t April 30 at 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT on Inouye, Patsy Mink and Dalip Singh Saund work on Silicon Valley’s assembly lines. be [if we were] to make it a coherent and Facebook Live by CAAM. It will explore push boundaries, effect change and even help The arrival of “Asian Americans” during dramatic story with arcs. We had to pare it how today’s discrimination directed at gain statehood for Hawaii. More whimsically, the coronavirus lockdown might actually be down, but at the same time, we wanted to Asian Americans is rooted in a long history even American motherhood gets an Asian fortuitous in the long run. With “business as show the breadth and diversity of the Asian of xenophobia and racism from the mid- face when Toy Len Goon gets named 1952’s usual” on indefinite hold, this documentary American experience. 19th century to the present. The event “Mother of the Year.” turns out to be timed just right for the neces- That’s why people are really shocked that page for the Town Hall on Facebook is: It’s in Episode 4, titled “Generation Rising,” sary reflection on where this vibrant and vital in the first episode, which is the late 1800s, facebook.com/events/578222596150318/) which looks back mostly at the 1960s, when group of Americans has been — and where it, things begin to get interesting for Asians the nation and the world will need to travel. n 8 April 24-May 7, 2020 NATIONAL

Irene Hirano Inouye Dies at 71 Among her She was the founding leader of the Japanese American many achieve- ments, Irene National Museum and the U.S.-Japan Council. Hirano Inouye served as By P.C. Staff again for the U.S.-Japan Council. as a calling, including the founding “I had the opportunity to interact this young(er) Torrance president and rene Hirano Inouye, whose lead- with her most closely first after the School Board member CEO of the ership helped guide a campaign Tohoku earthquake mobilizing relief running for the State U.S.-Japan in the late 1980s to take Los efforts to Japan and again as we trav- Assembly,” Muratsuchi Council. IAngeles’ Japanese American Na- eled through Japan in 2018 as part concluded. PHOTO: USJC tional Museum from a notion to a of that year’s Japanese American USJC Board Chair Phyl- Irene Hirano Inouye nationally recognized repository Leadership Delegation,” he con- lis Campbell said, “Irene in an undated photo for Japanese American history and, tinued. “What impressed me most was a singular figure in in 2008, founded the U.S.-Japan was the balance of respect everyone U.S.-Japan relations, PHOTO: PACIFIC CITIZEN Council and led it to become an held for her and the warmth of her respected by leaders on Ford Foundation; and former trustee international institution designed to relationships. both sides of the Pacific and past chair, Kresge Foundation. “develop and connect diverse leaders “I have felt an especially powerful as she carried out the mission of can community. In particular, the A graduate of USC, where she also to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relation- connection to her as our careers were USJC. Since the founding of the early exhibitions ‘Issei Pioneers: Ha- earned her master’s degree, Inouye ship,” died on April 7. She was 71. both rooted in community health council, she infused the organization waii and the Mainland, 1885–1924’ served as the first president of the Inouye had just announced in late before moving on to serve our with her wisdom and entrepreneurial (1992) and ‘America’s Concentration Asian Women’s Network in Los January plans to retire from the USJC, Japanese American community. Her spirit, kept her pulse on every aspect Camps: Remembering the Japanese Angeles and subsequently served where she served as president, and passing is a tremendous loss to our of USJC while keeping her eye on American Experience’ (1994) reso- as executive director at the T.H.E. help find a CEO to lead it(P.C., Feb. community and to me personally,” the strategic vision, and managed nated with our community’s families, Center for Women for 13 years before 7, 2020). While that announcement Inoue concluded. to approach every challenge with whose personal stories had often been becoming the president and CEO mentioned “personal considerations” California Assemblyman Albert fearlessness and determination.” neglected or forgotten.” of JANM and finally as president among the reasons for her stepping Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), said, “Irene In a statement on behalf of the The statement concluded: “Reflect- of USJC. away, the decision was believed to was a strong, graceful leader and museum Inouye guided and led from ing on her lifetime of incredible ser- She also administered the TOMO- be health-related. Subsequent news a pillar of the Japanese American infancy to world-class status, former vice to her community and country, DACHI Initiative, a public-private reports revealed that she had been community. One of many illustrious congressman and White House cabi- I also wanted to express our profound partnership with the U.S. Embassy in diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, alumni of Gardena High School, net member Norman Mineta said, gratitude. What she accomplished Tokyo and the government of Japan a rare smooth muscle cancer. Irene dedicated her life to serving “As chairman of the board of trustees and what she meant to all of us will that invests in young Japanese and A woman of tremendous achieve- her community. for the Japanese American National not be forgotten.” Americans through educational and ment, vision and leadership, Inouye “The arc of her life in public service Museum, I wanted to express our According to her biography on the cultural exchanges and leadership was also the widow of the late Sen. began as an Asian American studies deepest sympathies and heartfelt USJC website, Inouye’s community programs. Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), who activist, then an executive director condolences to the family of Irene and nonprofit activities included According to the USJC website, In- died Dec. 17, 2012. The second mar- of a community health clinic. She Yasutake Hirano Inouye on her pass- serving as chair of the Smithsonian ouye’s family requested that in lieu of riage for both took place in 2008, then devoted 20 years of her life to ing . . . she was a caring, passionate Institution Asian Pacific American flowers or cards to commemorate her the same year she announced her build the Japanese American National person with unquestioned integrity. Center; trustee, the Washington passing, donations may be made in resignation from JANM after 20 Museum in downtown L.A.,” he Irene was a giant and an outstanding Center; member, American Acad- her name to the U.S.-Japan Council. years of service. That same year, continued. “Her subsequent marriage bridge between and among all com- emy of Arts and Sciences; member Inouye is survived by her mother, she launched the USJC. to U.S. senator and 442nd RCT war munities. Irene’s visionary leadership of the advisory board, Center on Jean Yasutake; daughter, Jennifer In reaction to the news of Inouye’s hero Daniel Inouye took her to the will be terribly missed, not only in the Philanthropy & Public Policy, Price Hirano; sisters, Linda (Mike) Hayashi death, JACL Executive Director highest corridors of power in our Asian Pacific Islander communities, School of Public Policy, University and Patti Yasutake; brother, Steven David Inoue said, “Irene was a great nation, but she never forgot where but in American society as a whole.” of Southern California; and chair of (Marla) Yasutake; nephew, Wesley leader in our Japanese American she came from. Mineta also stated: “Under Irene’s the advisory board, Terasaki Center Hayashi; niece, Alison Hayashi; community serving as the founding “She reached down to help many leadership, JANM opened several for Japanese Studies, University of stepson, Kenny (Jessica) Inouye; and president and CEO for the Japanese young Japanese Americans pur- groundbreaking exhibitions on the California at Los Angeles. She served granddaughter, Maggie Inouye. n American National Museum and sue public and community service core histories of our Japanese Ameri- as former trustee and past chair,

put together the package of nonprofit exhibited not just in the nonprofit groups that helped Detroit emerge world but in her stewardship of IRENE HIRANO INOUYE: from bankruptcy. her husband’s legacy, made her the That revelation was something logical choice to write the afterword Effectiveness and Grace I learned for the first time a few for my upcoming book about Heart days ago. It wasn’t Irene’s way to Mountain: “Setsuko’s Secret: Heart By Shirley Ann Higuchi, the D.C. Bar and gave the keynote show off or call attention to herself. Mountain and the Legacy of the Chair of the Heart Mountain speech at the 2011 opening of our She just did it. Japanese American Incarceration.” Wyoming Foundation museum at Heart Mountain, which In the years I have known Irene, Irene knew the Japanese American Irene attended. I knew that it was starting with her visits in 2011 experience like few others. Her ne of the first stops I made Irene who really pushed the idea of and 2014 to the Heart Mountain family had been incarcerated, and when I decided to write a him speaking at the grand opening. Wyoming Foundation’s museum at she later built ties throughout the book about Heart Mountain, From the photographs from the event, the site of the former prison camp, community, first through JANM and Othe camp where my parents were it was clear how committed she was I have benefited from her advice. She later through USJC and the senator. incarcerated as children, was to see to our cause. helped me become a better nonprofit As I read her afterword in the days Irene Hirano Inouye at the U.S.- In the days following her death leader. I know more about leading a leading up to my book’s publication, Japan Council. earlier this month, I realized just foundation board because she showed I am more grateful than ever for her I knew that she had brought the how much company I had in feeling Shirley Ann Higuchi (left) me the paths and the pitfalls to contribution. Japanese American National Museum a great loss. She touched so many and Irene Hirano Inouye at navigate the sometimes-challenging I am also more saddened than ever to health, had mastered the art of people and left a legacy that included the unveiling of the plaque politics of our community. that she will not be with us to see fundraising for nonprofits and, of not just JANM and the USJC, but for the late-Sen. Daniel Heart Mountain would not be her contribution in print and for course, was married to the late-Sen. also the financial well-being of the Inouye at the Heart where it is today without her guidance me to thank her again in person for Daniel Inouye, a role model for all. city of Detroit, which was just 30 Mountain incarceration site. and example. everything she has done, not just for It was Sen. Inouye, after all, who miles from my childhood home of PHOTO: BACON SAKATANI Her quiet effectiveness and grace, me, but for our entire community. n had sworn me in as president of Ann Arbor, Mich. Irene had helped NATIONAL April 24-May 7, 2020 9 HELEN KAWAGOE, TWO-TIME JACL NATIONAL PRESIDENT, DIES AT 92 Kawagoe also left a Helen Kawagoe legacy with the City of served as city clerk of Carson for 37 years. Carson in California. PHOTOS: ALBERT ROBLES

By P.C. Staff during her tenure, new membership rose the community even before Carson became elen S. Kawagoe, whose years of because of her delightful personality and incorporated as a city in 1968, Dear also said association with the JACL included experience with nonprofit organizations,” Helen Kawagoe “served longer than any other serving two terms as its national Mayeda continued. “Yes, she became my elected official in our city” and added, “Helen Hpresident from 1996-2000, died April 6 as a example of how to live with humbleness and was highly respected by everyone in Carson resident of the Kei-Ai South Bay Healthcare purpose. She tasked me with working on the and far beyond our city limits.” Center in Gardena, Calif. She was 92. Japanese Latin American redress effort. “Helen Kawagoe was an inspiration to many, In addition to her stalwart support of JACL, “She was always very supportive of many as she was an early Asian American public Kawagoe was also known for her long and civil rights efforts. She called herself the official for the City of Carson, Calif.,” said storied career as the city clerk of Carson, ‘Bulldog’ as she fought for civil rights and Floyd Mori, a former California assemblyman, Calif. She was first elected to the position in showed her passion for JACL. My favorite former JACL national executive director and 1974 and held it for 37 years until a stroke in memory of her was her nickname for me, himself a two-term JACL national president 2011 necessitated her retirement. To honor her ‘Junior Bulldog.’ She became one of my reasons who served immediately following Kawagoe. decades of commitment and service to the city for serving as a recent national president for “Her tenure as national president was the in Los Angeles County’s South Bay, Carson’s JACL. Her spirit will live on in the many lives beginning of engaging a broader universe of The City of Carson Council City Council named its council chamber after she touched,” Mayeda concluded. funding for the JACL. She was a leader with Chambers was renamed in 2013. her in 2013. Carson Mayor Albert Robles, who in 2013 compassion and empathy and influenced me Sheryl Miyamoto, Kawagoe’s stepdaughter, was the first Carson City Councilmember to seek further involvement on the JACL Among Kawagoe’s professional affiliations, said, “Mom had a very full life. Up until the who grew up Carson to be elected to the National Board. Her caring personality will titles and recognitions: three two-year terms end, she was sharp.” As news of Kawagoe’s council, said, “Growing up here in the city, be missed by many.” as the elected state director for the City Clerks death became known, those who knew and Helen Kawagoe was a fixture throughout my Alayne Yamamoto, who served as JACL’s Department on the League of California Cities worked with her gave tributes acknowledging upbringing. There was one constant throughout Pacific Southwest District Council’s vice board of directors; president of the City Clerks that “very full life.” my entire upbringing here, and that was governor from 2003-05 and governor from Department of the LCC (1979-80); president of In a statement, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi Helen. No matter how tumultuous the politics 2005-09, remembers Kawagoe’s unwavering the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (D-Torrance) said, “I am deeply saddened to may have gotten in Carson, Helen Kawagoe support for the district. (1986-87); board of directors of the Municipal hear that Helen Kawagoe passed away, but I continued consistent, honest leadership with “She had been a longtime supporter of the Clerks Education Foundation when it launched see her smiling in heaven now. I remember the highest of integrity. district’s annual awards luncheons and dinners. its first scholarship program; president of the Helen as my JACL mom, always so full of “One of my greatest honors since being The very first day we would announce the ‘save Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials of positive energy. She ‘adopted’ me, like so many elected to the city council and now being the date,’ she was always right there saying, the National League of Cities (1996); serving as others, when she was elected JACL national mayor, the very first thing that happened when ‘I’m buying a youth table. Fill it. They don’t the first city clerk on the Steering Committee president in 1996 while I was working as the I got elected — the very, very first thing — it need to pay, they just need to show up,’” said of the NLC Finance, Administration and JACL Pacific Southwest regional director. happened the day I was sworn in,” Robles Yamamoto. “She helped us get centerpieces Intergovernmental Relations Committee; “Helen was part of the greatest generation continued. “I seconded a motion to name the from a local nursery that she knew. She got serving as the first city clerk to be elected to in our community, and she will continue to city council chambers after Helen, and we loaves of bread for us to give out. She always the NLC board of directors; and as a member inspire me and countless others who were voted, and it was one of the greatest honors did that personally for the district, which of the NLC Advisory Council (2004-11). blessed to know her,” Muratsuchi concluded. I was able to do. . . . I remember, during my really was amazing. She was always active at Kawagoe was also named the 2010 Citizen Past JACL National President Gary Mayeda, campaign, that was one of my campaign the district level and attended all the district of the Year by the North Carson Lions Club, who served on the JACL National Board with messages, that if elected, I would fight to name quarterly meetings and fundraisers. She was the International Association of Lions Club, Kawagoe during her tenure as the organization’s the council chambers and recognize Helen’s always there.” District 4-L3 and served as a board member of leader, told the Pacific Citizen, “Twenty-four commitment to the community. Nicole Inouye, who served on the JACL the NLC’s Women in Municipal Government. years ago, I had the pleasure to serve with “I want to convey my sorrow in the passing National Board as the national youth/student She served on the Gardena Valley Japanese Helen Kawagoe as the second female national of a pillar here in the city of Carson, that being representative during Kawagoe’s terms as Cultural Institute’s emeritus board of directors; president of JACL as one of her vice presidents City Clerk Helen S. Kawagoe,” said Carson JACL national president said, “She called us a member of the board of governors for the for four years. In 1996, she brought fun to the Councilman Cedric L. Hicks Sr. “She was her JACL family, and she really did serve as Japanese American National Museum’s National Board without sacrificing order and the second person in the history of the city to our JACL mom. Like a lot of Nisei women, President’s Circle; secretary and former VP proper procedure. hold the post of city clerk. In hearing of her both in public service and privately, she was of the National Japanese American Memorial “She brought much-needed funding, and passing, we lost a great historical figure of our a force to be reckoned with,” Inouye laughed. Foundation; and served on the board of city. Knowing the beginnings of the city “She was a strong Nisei woman who was governors and board of directors of the Go of Carson and how it has grown over the determined, she was steadfast. She knew for Broke National Education Center. She Helen years with its motto: ‘Future Unlimited!’ what she wanted, but I don’t think she ever also was awarded Japan’s Sacred Order of Kawagoe she was an instrumental part of creating strong-armed anyone into anything. She had the Precious Crown, Apricot. what we have today as a city. . . a good way of working with others. She was Prior to serving as the JACL’s national . She will be sorely missed in someone who was really accomplished and president, she was a three-term president of the City of Carson.” was well-respected in multiple communities.” the Gardena Valley JACL chapter, governor Carson Mayor Pro Tem Born in Pasadena, Calif., to Ayako and of the JACL’s Pacific Southwest District (1971- Jim Dear was also effusive Sueso Fukutaki, Kawagoe was one of their 13 72) and was named JACLer of the Biennium in his praise of Kawagoe. offspring. During World War II, the Fukutaki (1972). In 2012, the PSWD honored Kawagoe “She was like a mother to family was uprooted and incarcerated at the as a JACL Living Legend. me at city hall, a woman Gila River WRA Center’s Butte Camp in Helen Sadako Kawagoe was predeceased who was very wise, very Arizona. After the war, the family returned by her husband, Takeshi, and her second Pictured are Sheryl experienced. Her advice was to Pasadena. husband, Stanley H. Yanase. She is survived by Miyamoto, Kanji Sahara and always good. We in Carson will Before getting involved in the politics of what her sisters, Margaret Koyama and Mary Ann Helen Kawagoe at the Carson miss her tremendously,” he said. would become the city of Carson, Kawagoe (Sam) Ryono; stepdaughter, Sheryl Miyamoto, City Hall chambers. Noting that both she and her late first served as the public relations/marketing VP other stepchildren, many nieces, nephews and PHOTO: PACIFIC CITIZEN husband, Takeshi Kawagoe, were active in of a savings and loan association. other relatives. n 10 April 24-May 7, 2020 CALENDAR/COMMUNITY

A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS JANM, in partnership with Skylight Los Angeles, CA (JANM is currently Online Resources Books, will host a digital conversa- closed.) Boston, MA tion with John Tateishi about his Thru June 7 Virtual classes and information recent book “Redress: The Inside Japanese American National Museum Price: Free Story of the Successful Campaign 100 N. Central Ave. The Japan Society of Boston is of- for Japanese American Repara- To commemorate the upcoming fering free online resources featuring CALENDAR tions” and his experiences leading 75th anniversary of the bombings Japanese language learning tools, Due to health and safety concerns in the U.S. because of the the fight to seek reparative justice. of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. Japanese cooking, origami, arts COVID-19 pandemic, please check regarding the status of Tateishi will join Karen Ishizuka, chief 6 and Aug. 9, 1945, this special and lectures and much more, all in curator at JANM, to discuss the par- exhibition will present photographs, a virtual online capacity. events listed in this issue’s Calendar section. allels between his own experiences, explanatory texts, artifacts and con- Info: Visit https://japansocietyboston. the post-9/11 period and today. temporary art that will shed light on wildapricot.org. Info: Visit https://www.jcccnc.org/mem- Info: Visit https://app.mobilecause. this painful history as well as provide bership/special-promotions-2/. com/f/2r5u/n?vid=7aaom to RSVP. For a safe space for discussion with Kimono Couture: The Beauty of NATIONAL general questions, email publicpro- the hope that such events never Chiso [email protected]. happen again. JACL National Convention Worcester, MA Info: Visit www.janm.org. Thru July 26 Continue to follow JACL on Face- PSW Keiro Caregiver Conference Worcester Art Museum book, Instagram, Twitter, JACL.org naugural LAAPFF Virtual Festival Los Angeles, CA 55 Salisbury St. and PacificCitizen.org for updated I Los Angeles, CA May 31; 2-4:15 p.m. information regarding this year’s PNW This is the first exhibition outside of Begins May 1 Virtual Conference Japan of historic and contemporary National Convention. This conference is one of several Info: Visit www.jacl.org. Online Showcase ‘Hear Us Rise’ kimonos from the collection of Chiso, Kicking off Asian Pacific Ameri- Keiro will be holding throughout Seattle, WA the distinguished Kyoto-based ki- can Heritage Month, this virtual the year to serve the community Now Open mono house founded in 1555. The showcase will feature a free digital and inform them about caregiving Wing Luke Museum exhibit will include 13 kimonos from NCWNP showcase of films, panels and Q & options, resources and breakout 719 S. King St. the mid-1600s-2000s. A special A sessions from top Asian Ameri- sessions involving advanced care Price: Adult Admission $17 video will also document the con- Japanese Heritage Night at Oracle can filmmakers that focuses on the planning, decluttering and conver- This exhibit highlights Asian Pacific temporary creation of a kimono, Park (The MLB season is currently current Asian American experience sations regarding care. There will American women and other margin- from start to finish. delayed. Please continue to check for in the U.S. The opening day film be free attorney and social worker alized genders that have challenged Info: Visit https://www.worcesterart. updates regarding this event date.) will feature a sneak preview of the consultations, along with a hosted society’s expectations, defied its org/exhibitions/kimono-couture/. n San Francisco, CA upcoming PBS documentary series bento and resource fair comprised restrictions and fought for equality June 2; 6:45 p.m. “Asian Americans.” of nonprofit organizations and busi- and opportunity since their arrival in Oracle Park Info: For full screening information and a nesses focused on helping older the U.S. Visitors will hear personal 24 Willy Mays Plaza festival lineup, visit festival.vcmedia.org. adults. stories from powerful women that ADVERTISE HERE Info: Visit www.keiro.org/caregiver- Price: Members $14; General $16 have participated in and drawn in- Events in the calendar section conference to register for this virtual Join the JCCCNC at the ballpark Online Book Talk: From World War spiration from various civil and social are listed based on space conference. Please register by May 27. as the San Francisco Giants take II to COVID-19: Reflections From justice movements. availability. Place a ‘Spotlight’ on the San Diego Padres on Japa- For questions, please email programs@ Info: Visit www.wingluke.org. ad with photos of your event the Fight Against Japanese Ameri- keiro.org. nese Heritage Night. Seats will be can Incarceration for maximum exposure. in section View Reserved 321 and Los Angeles, CA 323. There also will be a pregame ‘Under a Mushroom Cloud: Hiro- FOR MORE INFO: May 5; 6:30-7:30 p.m. celebration in Seals Plaza. Reserve shima, Nagasaki and the Atomic EDC [email protected] Price: Free; RSVP to receive instructions your tickets today! (213) 620-1767 on how to join the conversation online. Bomb’ Japan Society of Boston Free

tions. However, it left the rest of the nearly had a great turnout of cars but also had an PROTEST » continued from page 5 150 people detained still in danger. amazing turnout online. Videos and livestreams Explaining why the Jewish community helped from the event had more than 15,000 views, Dr. Ian Kim with Doctors for Camp Closure it’s a disaster waiting to happen. The rally organize the rally, Greg Brucker with Jewish posts reached nearly 25,000 people and many Sacramento and a co-organizer, explained that turned out great because it brought a lot of Action NorCal explained that “as Jews, we more have been energized to continue advocat- “social distancing is impossible in jails, prisons attention toward what’s happening, but we have seen this before. We have lived and died ing for those who do not have a voice. Pre- and detention centers like this one.” In addi- need to keep going. Yuba County Jail is far through this before” and “the most important event media coverage by the local press also tion, he said that “COVID-19 now presents from equipped to handle the coronavirus, and thing to do right now is to raise the noise level, had some residents of Yuba county come and a crisis of human rights and public health.” until something changes, they’re sitting on a get in the way and push back to shed light on support the demand to free the ICE detainees. Kim added that it “is an inalterably danger- ticking time bomb.” the great darkness that surrounds, as love and The Coalition to Free Everyone in Yuba ous place for the people detained and for the “It is undisputed that the housing units, meal light will lead us down the right path.” County ICE Detention was supported by people who work there and their families — area and temperature checks do not comply To practice social distancing in a COVID-19 Abuelas Responden/Grannies Respond; that place must be cleared out.” with social distancing orders. None of the safe manner, only those fairly local to Marys- Alianza Sacramento; Amnesty International A Yuba County local, Carlos Wadkins with detained people are provided masks, and most ville attended the car rally in person. For those Sacramento; CAIR-SV/CC; California Na- Estamos Unidos, said he “became involved of the jail staff do not wear masks,” wrote living too far away or unable to attend, social tional Organization for Women; Campaign in organizing this car rally because I think Judge Maxine Chesney on April 8 when she media activities were included. for Immigrant Detention Reform — Nor- allowing ICE to detain people in our county ordered the release of two people in Yuba ICE People participating from home were encour- Cal; Centro del Pueblo — Humboldt; Davis jail is always unjust, but during a pandemic, detention due to underlying medical condi- aged to send emails to the board of supervisors, Phoenix Coalition; Doctors for Camp Closure Yuba County Sheriff and the ICE director, as Sacramento Chapter; Earth Justice Ministry; Robyn Goka well as participate in a photo challenge with Estamos Unidos — Yuba County; Florin Huynh partici- hashtags #FreeThemAllYuba #CutTheIce- JACL-Sacramento Valley; Indivisible Elk pated remotely Contract #PeopleOverProfits on Facebook, Grove CA7; Indivisible Sacramento; Jewish in the photo Twitter and Instagram. Action NorCal; Jewish Voice for Peace Sac- challenge. For those in attendance at the rally, everyone ramento; Labor Council for Latin American remained in their cars. Local police showed an Advancement — Sacramento AFL-CIO; Move intimidating show of force, following along On — Sacramento; Never Again Action; Never and parked in their patrol cars. Again Action Sacramento; Never Again Action Wadkins was pulled over for honking, but SFBay; NorCal Resists; Sacramento JACL; he was not given a ticket. Instead, he was told Peace and Justice Center of Nevada County; to tell everyone to stop honking — Sacramento Immigration Coalition; Sacramento to no avail. No tickets were NLG; Sacramento Presbytary/SacACT; Tsuru issued, despite protest- for Solidarity — Sacramento, Bay Area, San Rhonda Rios Kravitz with Campaign ers not adhering to the Jose; Uniting for Racial Justice; Wellstone for Immigrant Detention Reform and warnings. Progressive Democrats; and Women’s March her husband PHOTOS: JOSHUA KAIZUKA The rally not only Sacramento. n OBITUARIES April 24-May 7, 2020 11

rada (Joanna) and Jolene Parrish H. (Lynne); brothers, Ralph (Sandra) (Bryan); mother, Yukiko Yokota Harada; and George (Jan Arakaki) Ichiyama; gc: 5. he is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives; gc: 2.

Aoki, Dale, 60, Kealakekua, HI, Jan. 8; she is survived by her hus- (Susan) Fujii; gc: 6. Dec. 5, 2019. band, Toshiaki; daughter, Nadine R. Fierro; siblings, Hitomi (Shozo) Araki, Chad Takahiro, 41, Kojima, Miyo Takahashi, Rose R. Montebello, CA, Dec. 14, 2019. (Kent) Yamashiro, Lily Y. Hirahara, Judy S. (Douglas) Hirahara-Itomura, Chinen, Elina Mitsuyo, 86, Gardena, Carole M. (Anthony) Hirahara-Acosta, CA, Dec. 5, 2019; she was prede- Yuko S. Hirahara; Hiromichi Hirahara, ceased by her husband, Hideo; she Teruo “Ted” Hirahara, Mike S. Hira- is survived by her daughter, Lesley hara (Michiko), Robert S. Hirahara, Harada, Mikiko, 76, South Jordan, Chinen; stepdaughter, Lynda Iraha; Tommy M. Hirahara (Itsuko), Ken- UT, Dec. 28 2019; she was prede- Kashiwabara, Masako, 97, Long siblings, Kathryn (Masaru) Miyataki, neth M. Hirahara (Noriko) and Frank ceased by her daughter, Caprice Ruby (Paul) Kakugawa, Douglas J. Hirahara (Saika); brother-in-law, Beach, CA, Nov. 26; she was pre- Mikiko Harada; husband, Larry, and deceased by her husband, Mike, Oshiro, Sanford Oshiro, Keith Oshiro Harry H. Enami (Jackie); sister-in- sister, Chieko; she is survived by and Derek (Norine) Oshiro; step-gc: 1. law, Kimiko Mushiaki; cousins-in-law, and sister, Setsuko Miyahara; she is her children, Garin Harada, Brach survived by her daughters, Annette Donna (Dean) Hokama and Junie Harada, Larry, 78, West Jordan, Harada (Kelly) and Mariko Harada; Dozen, Patricia Etsuko, 70, Los (Art) Oshiro. UT, Nov. 11 2019; he was prede- Kashiwabara Isozaki (Marty) and Mi- siblings, Ken Akiyama (Claramae), chelle Farrell (William Wayde); gc: 2. Angeles, CA, Dec. 13, 2019; she is ceased by his daughter, Caprice Shoji Akiyama, Joe Akiyama, Keyko survived by her siblings, Vickie (Ed- Fujii, Mary, 96, Palatine, IL, Jan. 5; Mikiko Harada; he is survived by Silverman and Kai Akiyama; mother- Matoi, Kaname, 93, Long Beach, CA, die) Tani and Jeff (Lorraine) Dohzen; she was predeceased by her hus- his children, Garin Harada, Brach in-law, Yukiko Yokota Harada; gc: 5. a nephew, nieces and other relatives. band, John, and daughter, Joanne Harada (Kelly) and Mariko Harada; Dec. 9, 2019; he was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn, and brothers Akira Fujii; she is survived by her children, siblings, Joyce Naito, Ron Harada, Ichiyama, Testuo, 88, Gardena, Enami, Reiko, 69, Gardena, CA, Elaine (Willard) Jarvis and Wesley Janet Green (Ron), Vance Ha- “Ox,” Bob, Mas and Susumu; he is CA, Jan. 2; he is survived by his wife, survived by his children, Kevin Matoi, Lily; sons, Robin J. (Tina) and Dean Lynda (Wayne) Nakahara, Craig TRIBUTE TRIBUTE (Donna) and David (Maily); sisters- in-law, Janet Hayashi, Joanne Okada KIYO YAMAMOTO KAZUO HORIUCHI and Atsuko Yomogida; brothers-in- law, Herb and Harold Yomogida; he Kiyo “Kay” Yamamoto, 95, of Oakland, Kazuo “Kaz” Horiuchi, of Port is also survived by many nieces and Calif., passed away surrounded by her Townsend, Wash., died peacefully nephews. family on March 7, 12 days short of her at his home on March 18 at the 96th birthday. age of 95. Tagami, Jean, 89, Gardena, CA, Born in Honolulu, she grew up in Southern He was born in the Burien area Dec. 27, 2019; she is survived by her California, one of six Ikeda sisters. She was (Sunnydale) south of Seattle and children, Hogan, Stewart, Arnold and the last of the surviving sisters. Kiyo, along was raised in Yakima Valley. Tracy; gc: 3. n with her family, was imprisoned at the His early memories of Washington Poston concentration camp during WWII. include he and his older brothers Married almost 40 years, she was driving across the state to deliver predeceased by her husband, Paul, who their family vegetables to be sold PLACE A TRIBUTE died in 1984. She worked for many years for at Pike’s Place Market. ‘In Memoriam’ is a free Kaiser Permanente, eventually managing During WWII, while his family was listing that appears on a the Oakland Kaiser EKG department. She kept physically active going incarcerated at Heart Mountain limited, space-available basis. to the gym at 5 a.m. every weekday morning to exercise or swim. War Relocation Authority Center Tributes honor your loved ones She took up running races as a senior and had numerous T-shirts, in Wyoming, Kaz was in the highly with text and photos and appear medals and trophies to show for it. But her pride and joy were her four decorated 442nd RCT and received two Bronze Stars. in a timely manner at the rate of granddaughters who lived nearby and for whom she was an integral part Upon his return to the U.S., he moved to San Francisco where $20/column inch. of their lives from birth. She never missed a family event or occasion he met and married the love of his life, Maudi (Mary) Suzuki. They when it concerned her granddaughters, card games with grandma had two daughters and moved to San Jose, Calif., where they grew CONTACT: [email protected] were always a favorite over the years. She was a wonderful role model. chrysanthemums at the Horiuchi Nursery. Upon retirement, they moved or call (213) 620-1767 ext. 104 She was predeceased by her sisters, Sue, Yoko, Ruth, Itsuko and to Port Townsend in 1995. Kuch, and her husband, Paul. She leaves her two sons, Douglas, His heart was broken in 2000 when his dear wife, Maudi, died. His and daughter-in-law, Betty, and David, and daughter-in-law, Gail. beloved pets comforted him in his last 20 years without her. He is Granddaughters Lynn, Miya, Kimi and Michi. Great-grandchildren reunited with her at long last. Trevor, Sophie, Audre and Cameron were fortunate to have known her. He is survived by daughters Diane Holmes (John) and Barbara Horiuchi Nieces and nephews and longtime friends. (Ron); grandchildren, Jackie Waller (Brent), Michael Lulu and Daniel In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to J’Sei, where she volunteered Lulu; sister, Nobuko Matsumoto; and nieces and nephews. for many years. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Private services will be held at a later date.

STACI TOJI, ESQ. TOJI LAW, APC Estate Planning for the Generations

3655 Torrance Blvd., Suite 300 | Torrance, CA 90503 (424) 247-1123 | [email protected] | www.tojilaw.com

LIVING TRUSTS | WILLS | POWERS OF ATTORNEY

12 April 24-May 7, 2020 COMMENTARY • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call (800) 662- HELP (4357). This is a free and confidential REIMAGINE EVERYTHING treatment referral and information service for individuals and families. COVID-19 DEMANDS ATTENTION • National Institute of Mental Health Crisis text hotline: Text “HELLO” to 741741. This text line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, TO MENTAL HEALTH, TOO connecting him/her with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information. clearly and protect yourself and your family. In an Emergency. If you or someone you • Veterans Crisis Line: Call (800) 273-8255 and Here are some actions that can help ease know is in danger of hurting themselves or press ‘1’ or text 828255. Those with hearing depressive symptoms: others, call 911 or the National Suicide Preven- By Erwin Tan, loss can call (800) 799-4889. The service is Limit News Consumption and Stick tion Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. The Lifeline M. D., AARP, available to all veterans, even if they are not With Trusted Information. Research provides free and confidential support and and Elizabeth A. registered with the VA or enrolled in VA suggests having the right amount of timely crisis resources. Both numbers are available Carter, Ph.D., AARP healthcare. and reliable information is key for managing 24/7, 365 days a year. • Disaster Distress Helpline: Call (800) 985- t’s completely normal to feel sadness, depressive symptoms. Accepting some level Other resources include both those coming 5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746. This anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 of uncertainty about the situation and only directly out of the current crisis and excellent free, confidential and multilingual helpline pandemic. Common signs of distress in- visiting trusted news sources can help. resources already in place: provides immediate crisis counseling. Iclude feelings of hopelessness or fear, changes Connect Across Social Distance. While Expanded Telehealth. On March 17, in in eating and/or sleeping patterns, difficulty crucial to our health, social distancing can a temporary measure in response to the United in Challenging Times concentrating and physical symptoms such as exacerbate depression and anxiety. Reach COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare expanded Hopefully, these options and resources headaches and stomach problems. Everyone out to friends and loved ones that may be its telehealth services and relaxed some illustrate how none of us is alone; we are all reacts differently to stressful situations, and lonely or isolated. Call frequently and sched- restrictions to make accessing these services, navigating through this pandemic together. some people may eventually develop symptoms ule video chats if available. Try out AARP’s including mental health counseling, easier for Daily updates on how to avoid the spread of of depression or even clinical depression. new website, AARP Community Connections beneficiaries. Many private insurance plans COVID-19 can be found online at aarp.org/ Evidence has already emerged that CO- (www.aarpcommunityconnections.org). By offer therapy via telehealth as well, so contact coronavirus. You can also find COVID-19 VID-19 can affect your psychological well- providing some contact information, people your insurance company or check their website information on the AARP Facebook, Instagram being. In addition, people who thought they can receive a friendly check-in call from an to learn more about their resources. and Twitter accounts. were more at risk for contracting COVID-19, AARP volunteer. State Public Health Departments. Some including people with chronic illness, reported If you’re not sure what activities are allowed states are making access to mental health services Erwin Tan, M.D., is a director at AARP higher depression and stress levels. while social distancing, experts have advice on a priority. Check your state health department to Thought Leadership. Notably, lower depression and stress levels how to weigh the risks and benefits of certain see what it might offer. Websites are likely to be were associated with taking the preventive ac- daily activities. AARP has also compiled seven regularly updated in light of the current crisis. Elizabeth A. Carter is a senior health tion of washing hands after coughing, sneezing ways to engage in meaningful activities with Helplines. If you’re in need, several services services research adviser at the AARP Public or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. your loved ones. are available 24/7, 365 days per year. Here are Policy Institute. Even in a world without COVID-19, depres- Exercise Regularly. Exercise is one of some examples: sion is more common and severe in both older the most effective nondrug treatments for adults, especially those 70 and older, and those depression. living below the federal poverty level. Because Practice Mindfulness and Meditation. COVID-19 and related economic concerns Practicing deep breathing, mindfulness and have the potential to greatly affect these meditation can all help calm anxiety. Many vulnerable populations during the pandemic, websites and apps offer guided sessions. Try public health efforts must pay special attention free apps such as Calm; Breethe; UCLA to addressing this issue. Mindful; and Mindfulness Coach, from the Many Asian Americans have difficulty ac- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. cessing mental health services because of the Help Within Reach negative stigma that many Asian American Finally, if you or someone you know is un- communities have toward mental health issues. able to engage in normal daily activities and Taking care of your emotional health during needs additional help, there are a number of the COVID-19 pandemic will help you plan additional possible resources available. BLESSINGS » continued from page 3 Truthfully, when autistic children are in autism, he must be stronger than other kids.” school, it is a mental break for the parents and As we closed our interview, I felt so honored caregivers, plus the structure and routine makes to hear this mother’s story. Evangeline has the children feel safe. In addition, Evangeline embraced not only an autistic child and a has an 84-year-old mother who she spends a queer child but also a child by domestic great deal of time helping. partnership who happens to have cerebral Fortunately, Evan’s older sister and her palsy. She looks at all of it as a blessing domestic partner, Chelsea, were down to and a way that the world has helped her to visit from Canada and got caught up in the understand what unconditional love truly is “shelter-in-place” order. Unable to return and can be. I applaud this mother and am so home, Marlene and Chelsea are helping to in awe of her vulnerability, her generosity watch over Evan and keep him busy with dance and her unwavering love. parties, art projects (they are both in the art What the world needs now, is love sweet love, field) and supervising homework. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of, I asked Evangeline what she would like What the world needs now, is love sweet love, people to know. Her words resonated with me No, not just for some but for everyone . . . as the mother of a transgender son. “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” she —Burt­ Bacharach said. “Unless you have walked this road and know what it is like to be different, you just Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in the don’t know the daily fight Evan faces. Please LGBT community and author of the book just try to understand, have empathy and be “Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her kind. My son is not weak because he has Transgender Son and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance.”