INSIDE: JACL NATIONAL - BOARD GREETINGS - THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL - Pacific Citizen
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THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL Jan. 22-Feb. 4, 2021
c e l e b r a t i n g 92 y e a r s
INSIDE: JACL N ATIO N A L
BOA R D G R E E T I N G S
#3379 / VOL. 172, No. 1 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG
2 Jan. 22-Feb. 4, 2021 COMMUNITY
Vandals Hit S.F.’s J-town, L.A.’s Little Tokyo HOW TO REACH US
Email: pc@pacificcitizen.org
Property is damaged in two historic Japanese enclaves. This photo shows the
Online: www.pacificcitizen.org
Tel: (213) 620-1767
extent of the damage to Mail: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313
By P.C. Staff
T
one of the cherry trees Los Angeles, CA 90012
planted in San Francisco’s STAFF
he Year of the Ox arrived like Executive Editor
Japantown
a bull in a china shop for San Allison Haramoto
Francisco’s Japantown and
PHOTO: DAVID TOSHIYUKI
Senior Editor
Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo as acts Digital & Social Media
George Johnston
of vandalism struck both historic Business Manager
ethnic enclaves. Susan Yokoyama
Security video showed two cherry Production Artist
trees, planted in the mid-1990s Marie Samonte
adjacent to San Francisco’s Japanese These stills from the JCCCNC’s security camera video Circulation
Cultural and Community Center show the perpetrator tearing off and walking away with
Eva Ting
of Northern California (JCCCNC, limbs from one of the two damaged cherry trees. The Pacific Citizen newspaper
aka the Center) in Japantown, torn (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi-
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE JCCCNC monthly (except once in December
down to their trunks by a man over and January) by the Japanese Ameri-
the New Year’s holiday. can Citizens League, Pacific Citizen,
In Los Angeles, meantime, several separate nights. from the trees,” said Haruka 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Little Tokyo buildings sustained “There were two incidents on Roudebush, the Center’s senior Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA
damaged windows, according to Friday, Jan. 1, the first one being programs manager. “Some of the POSTMASTER: Send address chang-
published reports. Victimized were around 1 a.m. and the second one early news reports used language “It’s been very moving.” es to National JACL, 1765 Sutter St.,
San Francisco, CA 94115
several businesses and Japanese around 1:25 a.m.,” Okada said. “He that suggests the limbs were cut off In Los Angeles, an arrest has
American community organizations came back on Sunday, Jan. 3, around of the tree, but they were actually been made in relation to the acts JACL President: Jeffrey Moy
Executive Director: David Inoue
including the Japanese American 3:30 a.m. and finished the job.” ripped off by hand, one by one, with of vandalism, which took place
Jan. 5, 2021, and Dec. 18, 2020, P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD
Cultural and Community Center The vandal, described as a male considerable effort. I can’t think
Rob Buscher, chairperson; Ron Kura-
and the Japanese American National African American over 6 feet tall and of any reason why anyone would according to the Rafu Shimpo, whose moto, MDC; Danielle Pierce, EDC;
Museum, which also had some weighing more than 300 pounds, was want to do this, but I’m so grateful report pointed to a mentally ill Marcia Chung, CCDC; Nancy Ukai,
windows damaged last August. shown in security camera video using how much immediate support has homeless person as the suspect. The NCWNPDC; Sheldon Arakaki, PNWDC;
(See tinyurl.com/y6jcrqbv.) just his hands to tear the trees asunder. come from the broader community newspaper also reported that among Kayla Watanabe, IDC; John Saito Jr.,
PSWDC; Marco Torrez, Youth Rep.
According to Matt Okada, the Video stills show him wearing a dark in response to this vandalism.” the businesses victimized were the
JCCCNC’s director of special events hooded jacket. Okada was doubtful whether the Kajima Building, Cafe Demitasse, Subscribe
Get a one-year subscription of the
and communication, the damage to “It’s astonishing the lengths the trees could survive and speculated the San Pedro Firm Building and the
Pacific Citizen newspaper at:
the cherry trees occurred on two vandal went to, to destroy each limb that the trees will need to be replaced. California Bank & Trust. www.pacificcitizen.org or call
He added that the Center will be In another act of vandalism in San (213) 620-1767
working with the city and county of Francisco, a street memorial near Advertise
San Francisco, with the city being 2nd and Mission streets to deceased To advertise in the Pacific Citi-
entity that is actually responsible hit-and-run victims was desecrated. zen, call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail:
Japanese national Hanako Abe, 27, pc@pacificcitizen.org
for the trees, to assess whether the
trees can be saved or will need to and Elizabeth Platt, 60, were killed LEGAL
be replaced. on New Year’s Eve while crossing No part of this publication may be
reproduced without the express per-
A GoFundMe campaign to raise the street. Arrested for the incident mission of the Pacific Citizen.
funds to replace the trees was was Troy McCalister, 45, described Editorials, letters, news and the opin-
launched with a goal of raising as a parolee and multiple offender, ions expressed by columnists other
$5,000. To date, nearly $31,000 who was driving a stolen car that than the national JACL president or
national director do not necessarily re-
has been raised. struck and killed the two victims. He flect JACL policy. Events and products
“We’ve received a tremendous was charged with DUI and vehicular advertised in the P.C. do not carry the
outpouring of support,” said Okada. manslaughter. n implicit endorsement of the JACL or
this publication. We reserve the right
to edit articles. © 2021
Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Calif.
and mailing office.
SPRING ‘I’m glad to see the Pacific Citizen
growing and evolving with its website,
CAMPAIGN and especially LOVE the much easier-
to-navigate digital archives. It’s a JACL MEMBERS
treasure trove for JAs to learn about our
JACL MEMBER? q q q$50 q$100 q$150 q$200 qOTHER ——— community’s history, and for scholars
Change of Address
and journalists looking to connect the If you’ve moved,
past with the present. Thanks for the please send new
Name : improvements, P.C.!’ information to:
— Gil Asakawa National JACL
1765 Sutter St.
Address 1 : San Francisco,
CA 94115
Phone Number : E-mail : (415) 921-5225
ext. 26
Allow 6 weeks for
The P.C.’s mission is to ‘educate on the past Japanese American experience and address changes.
preserve, promote and help the current and future AAPI communities.’ To avoid interruptions
in delivery,
* Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive please notify your
library of the Pacific Citizen to educate future generations.* postmaster to include
periodicals in your
change of address
INFORMATION: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 | Los Angeles, CA 90012 | TEL: (213) 620-1767 | WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG (USPS Form 3575)
C O M M E N TA R Y Jan. 22-Feb. 4, 2021 3
being good enough. It is hard to live nursery magic had made him Real, gratitude. What I do want to say is
A MOTHER’S in a society that values beauty of face and when you are Real shabbiness that I wish all my readers health and
and body and not being different. doesn’t matter.” peace until we can all get vaccinated.
TA K E For me personally, it is hard to grow And I hope that all of you know that
I remember as my parents began
old with those values surrounding to age, I didn’t love them less every word I write comes from my
me at every turn . . . in television, because they were no longer young. heart, and I hope it goes into yours.
I CHOOSE TO SAY NO
movies and magazines. I actually loved them more because as Happy New Year everyone!
I live faced with those expectations I matured, I realized how much they
every day as I look at myself in the had given me, not just in material Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in
TO RESOLUTIONS
mirror. The person that looks back items, but in helping me become a the LGBT community and author of
at me now has more wrinkles, age better person. the book “Two Spirits, One Heart:
spots, droopy eyelids and marionette In some ways, I am like the A Mother, Her Transgender Son
By Marsha Aizumi music and story did not seem to lines extending from her mouth. My Velveteen Rabbit. I have lost my and Their Journey to Love and
L
fit the message I wanted for the body has more lumps and bumps, shape. I have less hair, and the hair Acceptance.”
ast month when I was trying holiday edition, I thought it was my hair is grey (though I continue I have has turned grey. I have grown
to come up with a thought for an appropriate inspiration for this to dye it) and often falls out when older. But today, I am more real than
“A Moment in Time” for the column to start 2021. This is the time I shampoo it. I am no longer young. I ever have been.
P.C.’s annual holiday issue, I listened for hopeful New Year’s resolutions. But one of my favorite children’s Where I once tried to hide what
to Whitney Houston’s “One Moment On Jan. 1, I thought about losing books is “The Velveteen Rabbit,” I felt, today I always try to say what is
in Time” song for inspiration. weight, exercising more, finding time a story about a stuffed rabbit. true for me with kindness and an open
The music video was filled with to meditate, eliminating sugar, gluten I especially love this passage: mind. And yet even though I often
Olympic moments where people were and dairy from my diet . . . but by “Weeks passed, and the little judge myself, I have to remember
affirmed that they were “more than the following week, those thoughts Rabbit grew very old and shabby, it is not how I look that matters as
they thought they could be.” Then vanished from my consciousness. but the Boy loved him just as much. much as how I love and how much
I watched Kevin Costner’s eulogy Also, my mom used to say that He loved him so hard that he loved all I am loved.
at Whitney Houston’s funeral. This your house will always be as clean his whiskers off, and the pink lining I have been so fortunate to have the
amazing singer was haunted by not throughout the year as it is on New to his ears turned grey, and his brown husband I have and the children that
being enough . . . not pretty enough, Year’s Day. I used to try to clean spots faded. He even began to lose may not have been born out of my
not a good enough singer. She would everything because I wanted to have his shape, and he scarcely looked body, but my heart. I also have so
struggle with “did people really like a perfect house. I realize that clean like a rabbit any more, except to the many wonderful family and friends
her?” She didn’t want to disappoint enough is good enough. It doesn’t Boy. To him he was always beautiful, who surround me with so much joy.
those around her. She wanted to be have to be perfect! and that was all that the little Rabbit So in this new year, I am not
perfect. Like Whitney Houston, I, too, have cared about. He didn’t mind how he making any resolutions. I am going to
“The Velveteen Rabbit”
So, even though Whitney’s been haunted by perfection and not looked to other people, because the live my life with more kindness and
and own your home, there’s a good fall in the future. And since there’s live in their homes. Additionally,
LEGAL-EASE: chance that you own your home no way to completely prevent falls, most loved ones do not have the time
“free and clear” (or you owe a small it’s crucial to provide immediate help to consistently be there to watch over
A N AT T O R N E Y ’ S equity line of credit). You’re sitting when a fall does happen. or just be there should an emergency
PERSPECTIVE on your nest egg. If your home needs
This is where home medical alert or situation happen. The medical
to be “senior proofed” so that you alerts (especially the mobile one)
systems can be invaluable.
can age in place safely, you may allow the peace of mind that there
AGING IN PLACE conder tapping into the equity in Medical alert systems typically is someone monitoring if they fall.
your home and pull enough money consist of two components – a base
station and a wearable device. When “With a push of the button, ADT
out to fix it up.
the user presses the help button on can be there to calm, help, dispatch
or she is likely to suffer traumatic
By Judd Matsunaga, Esq. Chances are, you have seen and alert. It is not only good for
I
brain injuries, cuts, fractures and the wearable device, a call is initiated
the TV commercial featuring the peace of mind and freedom
broken bones. to a monitoring center. The user is
get it — “Home is where the spokesperson and actor Tom Selleck. it can provide the individuals; it
connected with an operator who
heart is.” Even in cases where Whether you are the senior aging In the American Advisors Group also can be lifesaving or minimize
can help to assess the situation and
physical or cognitive decline in place or the family member caring commercial, Selleck says, “I wouldn’t serious conditions that can occur
dispatch emergency services right
make it difficult to live independently, for your elderly parent(s), it’s best be here if I thought reverse mortgages from a fall. That, of course, saves
away. Some systems will come with
seniors vastly prefer aging in place to make any needed modifications took advantage of any American everyone money, but also helps
extra features like GPS monitoring
to moving into a long-term care throughout the house to senior proof citizen. A reverse mortgage loan prevent potentially long hospital
and automatic fall detection.
facility. At home, you can live your the home. Senior proofing a home isn’t some trick to take your home. stays or having to leave their home.”
life as you see fit. You also enjoy a is different for every senior because It’s a loan, like any other. The big According to the ADT website, I asked Daniel if I could put his name
sense of dignity unavailable to many every person has a different set of difference is how you pay it back.” it’s as simple as: (1) Press Button: and number in the Pacific Citizen,
other seniors you know. disabilities, e.g., visual disabilities, “But my children won’t let me get Press the personal help button and he said he would be happy to
As a senior, this year’s New Year’s cognitive disabilities, mobility and a reverse mortgage.” Well, then ask to send an emergency alert to answer any questions that any P.C.
resolution might be to remain at home much more. your children to pay for the home ADT. Fall Detection pendants reader might have about medical alert
for another year. Seniors who age in modifications to allow you to remain can automatically send an alert systems. Daniel is also the president
Senior proofing a home might
place enjoy a sense of independence at home. If you pull out $50,000 if a fall occurs; (2) We Respond: of the San Fernando Valley JACC and
require changes such as home
and comfort that only home can to add a walk-in tub, a wheelchair ADT senior-sensitivity-trained can be reached at (818) 430-8305.
modifications like a walk-in tub.
provide. Of course, you need to ramp and other things, chances are monitoring professionals will
Other tips: Judd Matsunaga is the founding
“age in place” safely. That means your home will appreciate in value. communicate over two-way
• Get rid of throw rugs. attorney of Elder Law Services
looking into two things: (1) senior voice; and (3) You Get Help: At
• Install grab bars and rails. Secondly, any senior who wants to of California, a law firm that
proofing a home and (2) a medical the push of a button, ADT’s highly-
• Declutter living spaces. live at home independently should specializes in Medi-Cal Planning,
alert system. trained professionals alert caregivers,
• Install better lighting. protect him/herself with a medical Estate Planning and Probate. He
loved ones and/or emergency
Senior proofing a home requires • Rearrange furniture. alert system. According to the Centers can be contacted at (310) 348-2995
responders.
making changes to ensure the home for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 or judd@elderlawcalifornia.com.
A “Fall Prevention Checklist” out of every 4 older adults falls every I asked Daniel Okazaki with ADT The opinions expressed in this
is safer and fall proof. Statistics
can be found online at https:// year. Of those falls, 20 percent are for help. article are the author’s own and
from the Centers for Disease
seniorsafetyadvice.com/fall- serious, resulting in a broken bone, do not necessarily reflect the view
Control and Prevention reveal that “My parents and many of my
prevention-tips. head trauma or similar injury. of the Pacific Citizen or constitute
3 million elderly people are treated friends who are older, are starting
in emergency rooms for fall injuries “But Judd, that’s a lot of money. Furthermore, falling once doubles to have occasional moments but still legal or tax advice and should not
each year. When a senior falls, he I can’t afford it.” If you’re a senior one’s chance of experiencing another want to have their independence and be treated as such.
4 Jan. 22-Feb. 4, 2021 SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S ISSUE
IT’S CRITICAL THAT WE
National Board and staff for continu- come together to support each other, and hold our elected officials to a
ing to find ways to move us forward. whether through virtual events, at in- high standard.
Internally, we continue to integrate person socially distanced rallies or I’m proud of the actions we have
ALL CONTINUE TO DO
new technology that will make us providing bentos for our elders and taken locally and nationally, some-
more efficient and effective. I was others at increased risk of COVID. thing our chapter structure uniquely
proud of the way our staff brought I know we’re all hoping to get positions us to do, and it’s critical
OUR PART IN 2021
important information and wonderful back to in-person events at some that we all continue to do our part.
speakers into our homes through a point this year when it’s safe to do I know at times it can feel over-
variety of events; the JACL Women so, and the National Board and staff whelming, which is why we are
By Jeffrey Moy, in Leadership panel in the fall and will continue to assess the viability continuing to focus on improving
JACL National President year-end member call featuring of an in-person convention. the ways we share information and
H
George Takei were particular high- While we may need to consider resources. But ultimately, I find it
appy New Year! For me, lights for me. a virtual convention this year, we reassuring to be a part of this com-
a new year always brings The National Board is focused are being very intentional in our munity during a time when we could
excitement around new pos- on ensuring our staff have what process knowing that this is such all use some support.
sibilities and after an exhausting they need to be successful, and an important touch point for our Ultimately, even with so much
2020, I was certainly ready for 2021. I look forward to a year that should community. We expect to have more fear and uncertainty in the air, I’m
At the same time, it seemed clear see continued improvements in our updates in March. looking forward to facing the chal-
that the somewhat arbitrary chang- operations. I’m thankful to be part of a com- lenges of 2021 together with you all.
ing of the calendar year would not Education will continue to serve munity whose members strive to Please continue to keep an eye out on
resolve the major issues we faced in as a central pillar of our work, and be thoughtful and intentional when opportunities to plug in; as always,
2020. Sure enough, the short time we look forward to strengthening discussing the issues we are facing the Pacific Citizen and the weekly
we’ve spent in 2021 has already had partnerships and revising our own as a nation. In a time when oversim- digest are great places to learn about
plenty of ups and downs. curriculum to ensure that we incor- plified, polarizing comments are the upcoming events and important work
Like many of you, I found myself porate the complex experiences of norm, having thoughtful discussion going on around the country.
simultaneously excited by record- years, reaffirmed the critical work our community. is more valuable than ever. We are always looking for our
breaking voter turnout in Georgia and we must do to heal as a nation as We look forward to launching an With that being said, I’m also members to step up in different
horrified by the hateful, violent and well as the need to balance hope ambitious fundraising campaign this thankful that we are able to move ways, so if there is something you
seditious actions of white suprema- with continued vigilance against year to support all of this important from discussion to swift action, are interested in, such as a board or
cists in our nation’s capital. intolerance and injustice. work, which we expect to share more particularly when we see blatant committee role, I encourage you to
Seeing this attack, in the city that Given how challenging 2020 was, information about this spring. injustice. As a civil rights organiza- reach out and learn more.
had been my home for nearly 12 I’m thankful to our members, the I’ve also been inspired by the tion, it is our duty to mobilize against Thanks again for all that you do. I
different ways our chapters have injustice, advocate for better policies wish you the best in the year ahead. n
WE HAVE
tween George Takei and members of though, Rep. Andy Kim went to the George Floyd Justice in Polic- rest of us to protest or be free from
our NYSC — Sheera Tamura, a then nearly-empty rotunda and ing Act and the Jabara Heyer NO police violence.
Kendal Takeshita and Mariko Rooks. joined the police officers still there, HATE Act. And perhaps we can For me, that is the symbolism of
HOPE
For me, the small group meetings cleaning the mess from earlier. pass something as fundamental as the Capitol dome, the heart of our
with members was the highlight. This moment of servant leadership a comprehensive COVID relief bill. democracy. Even after 20 years of
We closed the year with tremendous was most powerful in that it con- Perhaps it is overly optimistic to living in Washington, D.C., every
AGAIN optimism for 2021.
Then came Jan. 6. All the worst
fears for what might happen with
trasted the care that the Congress-
man showed for the Capitol with
the disregard of the earlier mob. His
believe all these goals are possible,
but in the wake of Jan. 6, one can
only hope that we can rise from
time I see the Capitol dome, whether
walking on the mall or flying into
Reagan National airport, I feel a
the continued and increasing lies own words stated it best, “I know this. To cut through the lies and sense of reverence for the building
about the election came to fruition. exactly what my job is right now, recognize that there are not two and the work that happens there.
Several hundred insurgents over- which is to do everything I humanly sets of facts, that the Constitution I hope that we as a nation can all
ran the Capitol police and claimed can to restore some decency and applies to us all equally and some return to that reverence and respect
control of the U.S. Capitol building, some kindness and some civility do not have greater rights than the for our country. n
feely roaming the rotunda and the back into our politics.”
Senate chambers. And so we have hope again. Hope
For anyone who feels the respect that the coming year will be able to
and reverence for the true soul of break through some of the gridlock.
our nation and what the Capitol Hope that we can come together as
represents, this was a gut punch. a country and defeat COVID. We
Initially, all we saw was the ugli- will need that hope to accomplish
ness, the anger and hatred in the our goals this year.
actions of the rioters. As noted already, we have the
But now we are hearing the stories Japanese American Confinement
of how people tried to preserve Education Act to pass in Congress.
By David Inoue, the idealism of those halls. People With momentum from the past
JACL Executive Director like Capitol police officer Eugene summer, we have the best chance
A
Goodman, who led the mob away in years of passing HR 40 to bring
s we closed out 2020 with a from the Senate chambers. D.C. redress and reparations for centuries
first-time ever all-member Metropolitan Police Department of anti-Blackness in our country.
call, it represented the cul- officer Daniel Hodges, who was And we hope to bring to an end
mination of a year of adjustments. pinned against a door in another the Alien and Sedition Act, which
JACL members from across the viral video, said of the experience, has been the basis for centuries of
country gathered together to hear “We’re the ones who saved Con- discriminatory policy, including
from Rep. Doris Matsui and thank gress that day, and we’ll do it as our own community’s wartime
her and Rep. Rob Bishop for their many times as necessary.” incarceration and, most recently,
leadership introducing the Japanese Eventually, a semblance of order the Muslim ban.
American Confinement Education was restored, and Congress was able We now have hope that we can
Act. to reconvene to certify the Electoral achieve passage of the John Lewis
For many, the highlight of the College votes. In the midst of that Voting Rights Advancement Act,
evening was a conversation be-
SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S ISSUE Jan. 22-Feb. 4, 2021 5
JACL IS WORKING Education Remains a
DILIGENTLY TO NAVIGATE Top Priority in 2021
ITS FINANCIAL COURSE By David Lin,
JACL VP of Planning &
Development
the JACL website (www.jacl.org)
by clicking the “Youth” tab on the
menu bar.
A
IN 2021 s we begin the new year,
My sincere thanks to Scholar-
ship Program Committee Co-Chairs
I want to wish you and Sharon Uyeda and Bill Tashima,
By Matthew Farrells, your family a safe, healthy members of the committee and
JACL National Secretary/ and prosperous 2021 and welcome Matt Weisbly for his excellent staff
Treasurer
H
you to the New Year’s issue of the support.
Pacific Citizen! • Legacy Fund Grants Program
appy New Year! First, I want to thank President telling the story about the tragedy of
I wish you all a Under the leadership of Roberta
Jeff Moy and the National Board for Barton and Toshi Abe, the Legacy the Japanese American incarceration
safe and healthy appointing me to the position of VP during World War II and share these
start to the year. Let’s just Fund Grants Committee has been
of Planning & Development for this working hard to finalize this year’s important lessons widely, especially
say 2020 was nothing less biennium. This is indeed my honor in today’s political environment.
than extraordinary – with application materials and the funding
and a privilege to serve the JACL in cap for each grant. Our current plan is to coordinate
the widespread disruption this capacity. closely with existing JACL educa-
of our work and personal Since the intent of this program
In 2021, my three focus areas are is to provide “seed” money to start tional initiatives and programs in
lives. At JACL, our activi- as follows: making a direct appeal to all JACL
ties and programs were also new programs, committee members
• Scholarship Program have provided many suggestions and members and members of the Japa-
impacted significantly and, to a person to a work-from-home envi- nese American community at large.
large degree, our financial results ronment and that the organization I am sure that you have seen the valuable input to further enhance the
recent JACL announcement of the program and make it more impact- Please be on the lookout for more
for the year as well. is supporting our employees with information when we launch the
As JACL’s newly appointed mitigating the expense associated 2021 National Scholarship and ful to support JACL’s mission and
Awards Program. The JACL annu- Strategic Plan. campaign during the second quarter
Secretary/Treasurer, it is my duty with working-from-home through of 2021.
to understand these impacts and reimbursement. ally offers approximately 30 college I want to thank Roberta and Toshi
scholarships for students who are for their leadership, members of the In closing, I thank all of you for
work with my fellow board mem- When summarizing 2020 from a your continued dedication and com-
bers and staff to ensure we are financial perspective, despite our incoming college freshmen, under- committee for their contributions
graduates and graduates, as well and Patty Wada for her outstanding mitment to JACL, since it is mem-
managing well the organization’s obvious challenges, we are highly bers like you who provide the solid
finances during these challenging focused on our goal of preserving as those specializing in law and staff support.
the creative/performing arts. There foundation for this organization to
times. the financial stability of the orga- • Education Fundraising accomplish the JACL mission of
I am happy to report that as we nization and working diligently to are also financial aid scholarships Campaign
for those demonstrating a need for advancing the civil rights of Japanese
close the books for 2020, the lower monitor, assess and navigate our I am also honored to assume the Americans and all those who are
expenses due to the COVID-19 environment into 2021. financial assistance. responsibility for leading the Educa-
Starting this year, the application victimized by injustice and bigotry.
pandemic has largely offset the As we look ahead to 2021, I am tion Fundraising Campaign, which Once again, please accept my grati-
loss in revenue for the year. In a cautiously optimistic for a success- forms for the scholarship program many of you have undoubtedly heard
are completely online, and you can tude for this opportunity to serve the
year without an in-person conven- ful year and a return to our normal about. Our thinking is that we should JACL and best wishes for 2021! n
tion, it was challenging to drive way of life with an in-person con- access the program information on leverage JACL’s unique position in
fundraising revenue from spon- vention and programs. This will
sors. Additionally, without imple- present further opportunities to
menting some of our endowed connect with sponsors, meet with
programs, the organization was
unable to recognize the revenue
existing, new and prospective
members, officially launch our We Will Find Our Way
Through Adversity Together
earmarked for these programs. educational fundraising campaign
On a positive note, membership and better support our legacy plan-
revenue and annual giving fund- ning initiatives in person.
raising preliminarily are bright Additionally, I’m thrilled to work we have entered a new year, that a brighter future.
spots for revenue generation, ex- with a new development director does not mean we get to start with In reflecting on the past year,
ceeding our initial expectation for on these initiatives, which will help a blank slate. There is still so much what I keep coming back to is how
the amount of funds raised. further bolster our ability to drive continued work to be done on grateful I am to work with you all.
When looking closer at expenses, revenue for the organization. As so many levels, and I hope that While our work is never easy, it
the obvious items of meetings/ Secretary/Treasurer, that is one everyone is up to the task. is certainly made lighter knowing
conferences, travel and travel- of my primary goals — to ensure As I have mentioned in previous that I have such outstanding people
related expenses were also largely we end the year neutral relative to columns, I am not one for New by my side.
under our budgeted amounts for our budget. Year’s resolutions. That being said, Thank you, always, for everything
the year. These expense items are In summary, as I reflect on 2020 I did take a lot of time at the end of that you do. The JACL is an
generally viewed as our variable and look forward into 2021, I can- December to reflect on 2020 and incredible organization because
expenses, and the fact that these not be more grateful for the board both the benefits and challenges of its members, and I am so thankful
items were significantly under and staff who support me in this that came with it. to know and collaborate with all
budget is logical given there was role. Those fellow National Board We are in an unprecedented of you.
no in-person convention in 2020 members and staff who serve on By Sarah Baker, time period, facing unprecedented Looking ahead to 2021, if there
and the restrictions on travel due the Finance Committee and the JACL VP for Public Affairs hardship on a multitude of fronts. is one thing I know for certain, it
H
to state and local government newly formed Development Team But with these challenges comes is that we can’t predict the future.
regulations to prevent the spread truly are the heroes who protect appy 2021! With the start growth, determination and a whole There is no way to know what will
of COVID-19. the organization’s finances, and of a new year, I trust you lot of ingenuity. I have been so happen next. But one thing I do
The organization’s value is largely I could not fulfill my duties without all are finding a sense of impressed by our community, our know is that whatever happens,
driven from its human capital, them. So, thank you. hope and renewal as we usher in strength and our resilience. we are in it together.
our staff, and is defined as a fixed I’m proud of what we have some much-needed change in our While 2020 was hard, and 2021 So, here’s to you, here’s to us
expense for the organization. I am collectively accomplished in country. As for me, with the recent may not be much easier, I am and here’s to the new year. Okage
extremely pleased our staff was 2020 and am looking forward to a national events kicking us off, heartened knowing that we will sama de — I am what I am because
able to pivot seamlessly from in- renewed and successful 2021! n I am reminded that just because find our way through adversity to of you. n
6 Jan. 22-Feb. 4, 2021 SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S ISSUE
They also worked together with for JACL to remain steadfast in its leadership.
JACL WILL REMAIN community members to ensure the
health and well-being of our local
mission and also responsive to the
needs of our JACL community and
In the most recent January 2021
National Membership Committee
RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS JACL membership and the wider
Japanese American community by
membership and the community
around us.
meeting, several meeting participants
noted that they are already planning
distributing bentos and masks, as well To ensure this, I have three goals
OF ITS MEMBERS AND OUR as continued to share the stories and
memories of our collective history to
to guide my work to support JACL
members and chapters:
for the spring matsuri and sakura/
cherry blossom season.
This brought a sense of light and
COMMUNITY AT LARGE guide us through this pivotal moment • Provide a space for community hope that we have not felt in a very
G
of American history. and learning for chapters to serve long time. Even though most of these
Even though we were unable to their members and work together celebrations will be more virtual
reetings and Happy New march in Washington, D.C., for Tsuru
Year from New York City to address the challenges that come in nature, it is inspiring to see our
for Solidarity to close detention cen- forth members thinking forward into the
to Pacific Citizen readers ters and prisons, members and chap-
and the JACL community. • Identify and ensure key resources future with the traditions that we hold
ters conducted local activities, and and capacities for chapter leader- dear and have kept our community
Despite the uncertainty that still we kept in solidarity to protect Black
takes hold of the country and our ship to be confident in operating together across history, time and
Lives, as well as reminded our com- in such uncertain times geographic location.
attention, I am grateful that we are munity to participate in the U.S.
in a new year. I step into a role of • Continue to strive for deeper en- May we start the year with hope and
Census and vote in quite possibly gagement amongst and across heart, and I wish you all blessings,
overseeing JACL’s membership the most important General Election
greatly expanded and well taken members, chapters and JACL peace, health and joy for 2021. n
of our time.
care of by my predecessor, Haruka This is not to ignore the fact that our
Roudebush, which is no easy task community experienced significant
in it of itself. loss and grief with our members and
In 2020, our JACL community friends succumbing to COVID-19.
met the challenge of a relentless We still don’t know when there will
pandemic, political instability and be a definitive end to this pandemic,
By Saki Mori, a general sense of uncertainty on and every day brings something new
JACL VP of 1,000 Club, a daily basis. Chapters across the for us to react and respond to.
Membership & Services country learned how to convene in During this time, it is important
new ways with new technologies.
WOW! 2020
simple as hugging the grand kids. the Japanese American community
I’m generally considered a will be purchasing them in large
hopeless optimist, almost to a quantities, me included!
By Chip Larouche, fault, and I’ll admit that the year Although the “GO FOR BROKE”
JACL Governor, PNWDC 2020 tested my positivity in a very slogan specifically belongs to the
significant way. 442nd Regimental Combat Team,
Nonetheless, I’m grateful for a the description that accompanied
few things that happened last year. the stamp’s announcement made
The Pacific Northwest District it clear that it “recognizes the
membership actually grew by 2 contributions of Japanese American
percent, thanks to chapters that soldiers, some 33,000 altogether,
managed to stay pretty active by who served in the U.S. Army during
using creative tools like Zoom, World War II.”
continuing to publish newsletters JACL is still planning to hold a
to keep the membership informed National Convention this summer
and making calls to their members (current dates in July), but there’s
to check up on them when most of also planning afoot to perhaps
them were staying home (which push it into the fall. Most of the
continues!) in order to stay safe National Board is a bit ambivalent
F
themselves and not contribute to about whether we can pull this off.
or those of you with a good the spread of the virus. Most of you remember that we had
memory (not me!) you might We also had quite a bit of racial to cancel the 2020 Convention
recognize that the title unrest this past year, and I’m very because of COVID precautions,
above for this article is identical proud of our chapters for combining and at this time, it remains unknown
to the one I used last year to wish GOOD BEHAVIOR (remember how well the vaccination process
everyone a Happy New Year. I use that BEHAVIOR MATTERS) with will develop and how safe it will be
the same Wow! this time, not as an creative ways to show support for to start meeting again face to face.
exclamation that we’ve arrived, but the Communities of Color that Let me close by saying that
more of a relief that we survived! really needed that support in a year as an old-timer on the National
I don’t think I’m going out very that was marked with violence on Board, I’ve been very pleased
far on a limb to say that we just many fronts. that we have some great young
got through a very bad year in Another GOOD thing that leaders taking charge and have
America and the world. By the time happened in 2020 was the also been impressed by the board’s
this article gets published, we’ll announcement that the Nisei performance during this especially
have a new president in office, not Soldiers are finally going to difficult period.
a moment too soon for many of have a U.S. postage stamp that My fourth term as governor will
us, and hopefully the vaccination commemorates their exceptional end in November 2021, and since
process for COVID-19 will be in at courage and bravery. It will the PNW Bylaws have term limits
least second gear and accelerating highlight the slogan “GO FOR (a good thing in my opinion) and
so that we can begin to looking BROKE,” and the stamp was I’m “termed out,” it will be time
forward to doing normal things designed by art director Antonio to retire. To paraphrase the words
like eating in a restaurant, traveling Alcalá. The USPS hasn’t announced of Gen. McArthur, like a good
the date of release yet, but when the soldier, I’ll probably just
somewhere and even something as
stamps are available, I suspect that fade away. »
SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S ISSUE Jan. 22-Feb. 4, 2021 7
» Regardless, I hope the year
2021 is good for everyone reading
A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND HEALING FOR 2021
this article, and I hope to have the leadership and staff for their self- disease does not discriminate and how time and people become the
opportunity to meet a large number of less commitment to sustain a vital attacks anyone regardless of race, essence of one’s life. Generally,
you face to face in the not-too-distant pulse for this timeless organization. age, economic status, religious behavior science deals primar-
future. I’m still looking forward to the Clearly without your passionate beliefs or politics. Our lives will ily with human action and often
year 2029 when JACL will celebrate its efforts to promote our cause as be forever changed, and we will seeks to generalize about human
100th birthday. an advocate for social justice, need to adjust to a new normal. behavior as it relates to society. For
In keeping with the spirit of the our vocal support for violations The annual JACL National Con- someone like me that views things
time, I remove my mask momentarily, in civil rights for all Americans vention became a virtual event and from an engineering/scientific
maintaining my social distance, and raise would not be heard. resulted in the shift of a paradigm perspective, sometimes the human
my glass to toast all of you as we start a In addition, many kudos go out for our chapters to conduct their relationships are taken for granted
new year. Kampai! n to the Pacific Citizen editorial staff activities. We all became techni- and not embraced as is should be.
and contributors. You have ensured cally proficient in the use of Zoom There is a Japanese saying,
that our voices on various human as a means to communicate with Ichigo Ichie, which translates
rights issues as well as chapter our members and remain con- to “Every meeting will never
By Michael Asada, news remains at the forefront of nected. Chapters began to “think happen twice so one must make
JACL Governor, EDC all of our readers. Thank you for outside the box” like conducting every effort to give full focus and
D
your dedicated service and profes- virtual book talks and cultural appreciation to the moment (once
uring this upcoming sional manner. events via video calls (Keiro Kai, in a lifetime).”
Year of the Ox, I would The Oxford English Dictionary Mochitsuki, etc.). Therefore, as I look forward to
like to extend my sin- defines the word unprecedented Yet, as 2021 unfolds, we find the new year despite its challenges,
cere best wishes to everyone for as “never done or known before.” ourselves in another “unprece- I will continue to cherish the rela-
a Happy New Year (Akemashite Clearly as I sit down to compose dented” start to a new year, which tionships that I have with you and
Omedetōgozaimasu). my thoughts about any highlights clearly demonstrated how divided make every effort to embrace the
According to ChineseNewYear. during this past year and any goals this country really is and how the opportunities to share more time
net, 2021 will be a turbulent year for EDC in the new year, I reflect mission of the JACL is perhaps with you in 2021.
for the Ox. So, the Ox should back upon how this word was so even more relevant now, than it Hopefully, we will have an
cultivate relationships with friends appropriate and yet how it was so was in the past. effective vaccine in place soon
and family to navigate and over- overly used in so many contexts. We need a universal mind-set of so we can make that happen. A
come any hardship. While this Without doubt, 2020 will be respect for our fellow citizens, the virtual convention is better than
Our Chapters might sound ominous for 2021,
rest assured, JACL will weather
remembered for so many things.
Foremost is the impact that COV-
protection of civil liberties for ALL
AMERICANS, and we need to
none, but nothing replaces the real
opportunity of sharing fellowship
and Members
the challenges because we have ID-19 had on everyone throughout adopt an attitude of understanding together. See you in Las Vegas for
always nourished relationships the world and the devastating loss to build a better America. our upcoming National Conven-
internally and externally. of loved ones to this cruel pan- What I have come to appreci- tion . . . whenever that may be. n
Will Continue I am grateful for the national demic. What we know is that this ate with greater understanding is
to Persevere CCDC WILL FOCUS ON MEMBERSHIP
By Toshiki Masaki,
JACL Governor, MDC
RECRUITMENT AND LEADERSHIP
H DEVELOPMENT
appy New Year, everyone!
As I look back at the most challeng-
ing year in our recent memories, I am
nevertheless extremely thankful that so many By Dale Ikeda, Beyond,” winner of a Regional “Norman Mineta and His Legacy,”
of our chapters and their members persevered JACL Governor, CCDC Emmy for Best Documentary. held at Fresno City College on
H
and found the ways to quickly adapt to the new Here’s the link: https://www.pbs. Feb. 18, 2020. The showing and
environment and continue with their activities. appy New Year from the org/video/silent-sacrifice-0marqy/. reception was co-sponsored with
In fact, some of the chapters started new pro- Central California Dis- CCDC was a sponsor, and JA- a number of community partners,
grams related to Black Lives Matter and other trict Council. The pan- CLers Jeanette Ishii, Rev. Saburo including State Center Commu-
topical challenges that we faced in 2020. Also, demic made 2020 a challenging and Marion Masada and Deborah nity College District and Central
I’m so proud of the JACL National Board for year. Nevertheless, we chugged Ikeda and I were consultants on California Asian Pacific Women’s
managing to conduct its board elections virtu- along under the capable leadership the project. Network. Fresno, and the Islamic Cultural
ally, for the first time in the history of JACL. of CCDC Gov. Joy Goto. Jeff and Elizabeth also pre- Mitch Maki, CEO of the Go for Center of Fresno.
And I’m sure what we collectively learned in The first main event was our an- viewed “Unbroken Honor,” a Broke National Education Center, We also conducted a Zoom book
2020 in dealing with so many challenges will nual Day of Remembrance, which one-hour documentary on the director and co-producer Dianne interview with John Tateishi on his
serve us well in the coming years as we will was held on Feb. 16, 2020, and was Nisei veterans of WWII, which Fukami and co-producer Debra latest release “Redress: The Inside
surely encounter new challenges. conducted at the Fresno County is still in development. JACLers Nakatomi participated in a fireside Story of the Successful Campaign
We were obviously all disappointed Historical Museum, located on are assisting in that effort as well. chat after the showing that was for Japanese American Repara-
that we couldn’t get together at our the Fresno Fairgrounds. CCDC has a museum exhibit at moderated by Laura Tsutsui, a tions” with Sec. Mineta as a special
semiannual MDC meetings as well as at the Marion and Rev. Sab Masada the Fresno Fair, “Japanese Ameri- Yonsei working at our local public guest on Dec. 9, 2020. Gov. Joy
annual National Convention, but we managed were our Distinguished American cans in the San Joaquin Valley,” radio station. The program was Goto introduced the participants
to stay connected via Zoom and other means Awardees for the Spirit of Educa- highlighting the contributions of funded, in part, by a JACL Legacy and managed the Q & A while
and are looking forward to days when we can tion for their countless hours of Japanese Americans in Central Fund Grant. I served as moderator.
meet in person again. sharing their story of incarceration California. The Fair is also the The Legacy Grant was also This year, we will have a virtual
Finally, I’d like to thank MDC officers and during World War II. Rev. Sab site of the Fresno Assembly Cen- used to co-sponsor the showing Day of Remembrance on Feb.
their chapter presidents for their continued passed away this summer. ter Memorial, an exterior plaza of another documentary, “Alterna- 13, at 1 p.m., on Zoom. Karen
enthusiastic engagement. It has been an in- Jeff Aiello and Elizabeth Laval, with interpretive storyboards and tive Facts: The Lies of Executive Korematsu will be our keynote
credible experience and pleasure serving as also awardees, were our keynote bronze plagues listing the names Order 9066,” on Sept. 27, 2020. speaker. CCDC and its chapters
the MDC Governor for the last two years and speakers, and they talked about of more than 5,300 internees. It was followed by a discussion will continue their scholarship pro-
also working with the JACL National Board the documentary “Silent Sacrifice: The DOR was quickly followed with director Jon Osaki. CCDC grams with an annual lun-
members, whom I’ve grown to respect and Japanese American Internment with a showing of the documentary co-sponsored “Alternative Facts” cheon planned for May
learned so much. n in the San Joaquin Valley and on Sec. Norman Y. Mineta’s life, with California State University, 16. We are also planning »
8 Jan. 22-Feb. 4, 2021 SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S ISSUE
» our annual Memorial Day
service on May 31 at the
CCDC due to decreasing member-
ship, chapters dissolving or slipping
Sanger, Reedley and Tulare County,
with the prospect of losing two or
in collaboration with the Yonsei
Memory Project (Nikiko Masumoto
with Larry Oda (past JACL National
President) and Ko Nishimura. We are
Nisei Veterans Memorial below the 25-member requirements more additional chapters. We will and Brynn Saito) and the CCDC working to develop these events for
a t Roeding Park. and the unsustainable recycling of focus the next two years on address- Board organized the Central Valley rollout either virtually or hopefully
Our biggest challenge is mem- chapter and district officers. ing these challenges by focusing on Nikkei Summit in 2019. in person in 2021.
bership recruitment and leadership We used to have nine active chap- engaging our youth. This event brought to our valley Stay safe and help is on the way
development. Over the years, there ters in CCDC. We are now down to Jenna Aoki (NYSC rep) and Kelly the idea of a networking and story- with the Biden administration and
has been discussion of dissolving Clovis, Fresno, Livingston-Merced, Aoki (past-NYSC rep for CCDC), telling event sponsored by CCDC Covid-19 vaccines. n
OUR CHAPTERS REMAIN FLEXIBLE AND INNOVATIVE
By Carol Kawase, at times, instituted erratically. I the strongest support or greatest tions, documentaries, outdoor gar-
JACL Governor, NCWNP have been impressed with the many technology resources to prevent den and cemetery cleanups, recipe
I
creative ways the chapters remained isolation was important to many shares, raffles and online silent auc-
n ref le ct i ng on t he past flexible and innovative. chapters. As a result, socially dis- tions, senior exercise classes, panel
unpredictable, unprecedented REevaluation came in the form tanced visits, technology training, discussions, award ceremonies,
“Moment in Time,” I’ve deter- of assessing chapter business, com- phone tree calls and drop-off gifts letter-writing campaigns, flu shot
mined the word that best summa- munications and event programs. were instituted. Local small busi- drive thru, mochi tsuki instruc-
rizes this chaotic year as “REmode.” Many chapters were able to continue nesses that were suffering were tion video, soba noodle bowl kits,
Albeit a conjured term, in my mind, chapter board meetings via video tapped to participate in collaborative museum collaborations. We learned
it best describes the 2020 year for conferencing or phone conferencing, events, such as restaurant drive-thru a lot from each other’s experiences
our district. navigating technology, all while fundraisers and product purchases and ideas.
I commend all of the NCWNP adhering to Robert’s Rules of Order that were then donated or used as A New Year’s message from
District chapters for rising to the and California’s Nonprofit Gover- fundraising items. leadership is expected to be
occasion and switching gears to nance for the Covid Era. Facebook, REcreation of programs incor- inspirational, however, this year,
“REmode.” Chapter boards and websites, e-newsletters, email list porating social distancing came in I was inspired by the district’s
members rose to the challenge cre- serves, online document sharing the form of virtual and drive-thru chapters, board officers and mem- 2021, I am confident that chapters
ated by the pandemic, re-evaluating and Zoom board officer installations events. A wide variety of offer- bers. They taught me to recognize will take their 2020 successes and
what was most important to keep became the new normal to keep ings became available to not only the value of being flexible, persis- make 2021 even better, all while
their chapters viable, reconnecting their board and members informed, the local chapters’ members but tent, and upbeat in “This Moment incorporating REmode.
with members who initially became engaged and effective. also opened to the rest of the district in Time.” I lo o k fo r wa r d t o s e ei ng
isolated and re-creating programs REconnection with senior mem- — online seminars, book readings, Given that the pandemic is prob- innovation at work for a renewed,
to meet the restrictions that were, bers who don’t necessarily have trivia contest, speaking presenta- ably going to consume most of reinvigorated Year of the Ox. n
TODAY IS OUR GENERATION’S MOMENT TO STAND Let’s All Work
By Lisa Olsen,
JACL Governor, IDC
was a blessing, but I missed
face-to-face interactions.
even if I personally dislike
interacting via Zoom meetings.
IDC Board and the support
they give to me and our local Together
IDC continues to thrive Many IDC chapters con- chapters. I value the support
By Nancy Takayama,
regardless that many of the tinued to support civil rights of my local chapter, who bring
JACL Governor, PSW
O
social/cultural events that by participating in peaceful even more meaning to my ser-
embody the spirit and fam- protests, releasing statements, vice in JACL.
n Feb. 13 at 2 p.m., the Day of Remembrance
ily community of the Inter- contacting senators and rep- This work in civil rights
Los Angeles “Uniting With Other Communities
mountain District Council resentatives and supporting is more relevant with each
to Keep Democracy Alive” will be held virtually.
were canceled or held online online programming. Even passing day in 2021. Martin
The DOR-LA planning committee is made up of
to protect everyone during the though we faced elevated in- Luther King Jr. stated, “The ul-
nine organizations, all of which have worked together
pandemic. Missed meetings fection rates in many of our timate measure of a man is not
“united” in their belief in educating the public in the
and convention reinforced how states, members continued where he stands in moments
forgotten American history.
much personal interactions to fight for equal rights and of comfort and convenience,
The last administration tried to divide our nation.
mean to me, and I look forward treatment for others. but where he stands at times
We are a strong democracy. We will fight and educate all,
to a time when we can meet I am thankful for the JACL of challenge and controversy.”
for our Americans and immigrant families who believe in
safely again. National Board and the work Our Issei and Nisei are re-
our Constitution. We will stand together with our fellow
Despite missing personal they do for this organization. membered and honored be-
Americans, immigrants, other civil rights organizations
interactions between chapter I am thankful for those who cause of how they stood in
and communities to show we are a “United” America.
members, these challenges have invested their time and moments of challenge and
Let’s all work together. n
brought opportunities to learn energy mentoring me. The controversy. Some stood be-
new technology, such as Zoom, mentoring process is invalu- hind barbed wire, some stood
which enabled us to connect able as the next generation of on the battlefield, some stood
with each other in an entirely leaders emerge and build from in protest and some stood in
G
new way and interact with our existing foundation. solidarity. I am honored to
reetings and Happy JACL members across the I am also grateful for the take part in the tradition of up-
New Year! Joshua J. nation. chapters and members in holding our rights and beliefs
Marine stated, “Chal- In many areas, being quaran- IDC who participated in what- that our previous generations
lenges are what make life inter- tined and working from home ever way they could during created.
esting. Overcoming them are this year meant that there were this past year. It wasn’t easy Today is our generation’s
what make life meaningful.” more meetings and opportu- to ensure that members were moment to stand. Where and
The year of 2020 was filled nities to participate in train- safe as they participated in how we stand might differ from
with so many new challenges ings and webinars — not less. peaceful protests, unity walks, person to person, but the un-
that life was definitely interest- This made the time apart more graveside cleanups and serving derstanding that we stand for
ing. Being able to work from meaningful for me, and I am others. civil rights for all is the tie that
home during the pandemic grateful for these interactions I am also thankful for the binds us together in JACL. nYou can also read
