Here is the recap of Wednesdays One Year Anniversary of TCDS being designated a Historic Monument by the City of LA. This event was held at the Japanese-American Community Center in Pacoima. This recap comes from Nancy Oda, one of the directors of the TCDS Coalition; Hi Happy Sunday! This is a report from June 25 Nancy Oda > > The Tuna Canyon Detention Station became a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #1039 one year ago on June 25, 2013. The newly formed Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition organized a potluck lunch to celebrate the designation at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center where their monthly meetings are held. > > David Scott, grandson of Officer in Charge Merrill Scott, was introduced by Dr. Lloyd Hitt who is the leader of the group and the Little Landers. Historical Society. David brought a beautiful yellow vase in a hand made box that was. presented to his grandfather by Japanese immigrants for Officer Scotts fairness and kindness. A single candle flickered nearby in his memory. Nancy Takayama introduced Rose Ochi who recounted the political process spearheaded by Councilman Richard Alarcon. > > Keynote speaker, Kanji Sahara, spoke about the long legislative road that Isseis endured enroute to citizenship in 1952 citing the 1913 Alien Land Law that has been repealed in all states except Florida. Suzy Katsuda from NCRR noted that the PowerPoint presentation was thorough and revealed little known Japanese immigration facts. Dr. David Yoo,director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center and faculty, complimented Kanji Sahara for describing the racism and isolation that occurred before and after World War II. Nancy Gohata felt strongly that the fourth and fifth generation should know more about the struggles of the Issei, Kanji Sahara concluded his presentation that heralded Wintersburgs important announcement by the National Trusts eleven most endangers historic sites. Tad Kowta who lived in the manse, spoke about his personal story and the importance of preserving this Japanese landmark. > > Family members of the Tuna Canyon Detention Station were introduced and given a red rose in memory of their fathers. They were: Ken Furutani, Haru Kuromiya, Nancy and Patty Takayama, Jane and Matt Nishii, David Scott, Min Tonai, Ted Yamane, and Sumi Yamaguchi. Julie Pritikan led the gathering with an original song called Three Trees capturing an image that Tuna Canyon s mature oaks and sycamores witnessed Tujungas tragic history. That is, the Japanese, German and Italian immigrants, Japanese taken from Peru, and others, mostly men, were imprisoned there in violation of trier civil liberties. > > The Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition is truly grateful for the communitys demonstrated support at the Los Angeles City Hall, the Purification ceremony, and Multicultural Panel event, Members have assisted the children of the detainees secure the enemy alien files. Michael Kinoshita of San Diego has begun preliminary renderings of the Coalitions vision creating a walking trail under the grove of trees at Tuna Canyon, Immediate memorialization as recommended by the city of Los Angeles has been delayed by the owners lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:51:40 +0000