Timeline
1942-1945: World War II Japanese Relocation Centers
During World War II, Japanese Americans were collected and removed from the west coast and interned in concentraion camps called relocation camps for three years during 1942-1945. Upon returning to the valley, they lived in trailer parks and tar paper houses located in a part of Burbank now called Sun Valley. The Pioneers raised $150,000 during this difficult period rebuilding their lives. Also, farmers donated their entire treasury to the project as it was clear that a Community Center was needed to support the families.
1951: SFVJACC Origin
The San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center was established in 1951 and the pioneers met in family homes after work to brainstorm plans for the Community Center. They pooled their ideas and hard earned resources to purchase the property on Branford Street in 1953. The pioneers met in a house on the northeast corner of the property that served as the first permanent location of the infant SFVJACC.
The construction was a slow process in which Community Center members would provide some of the labor to keep construction costs down. Former SFVJACC President(1952), Tom Ikuta, would sometimes sleep in his truck overnight at the construction site to prevent thieves from stealing construction materials. He would then put in a full day of work in his landscaping business and then return the following night to the construction site after having dinner at home. His wife, Sara, and the other wives of pioneer members surrendered their husbands for many evenings and weekends in order for the CC to be built.
The construction was a slow process in which Community Center members would provide some of the labor to keep construction costs down. Former SFVJACC President(1952), Tom Ikuta, would sometimes sleep in his truck overnight at the construction site to prevent thieves from stealing construction materials. He would then put in a full day of work in his landscaping business and then return the following night to the construction site after having dinner at home. His wife, Sara, and the other wives of pioneer members surrendered their husbands for many evenings and weekends in order for the CC to be built.
December 12, 1959:
Official Dedication of SFVJACC
The vision of a gathering place became a reality with the hard work of the Issei and Nisei, first and second generation.
On December 12, 1959, the official dedication of the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center took place upon completion of construction.
1980s
The SFVJACC expanded it's footprint with the addition of classrooms.
1997 - 2013 & Present:
In 1997, the Nikkei Pioneer Hall (a donation from Lockheed Martin) is now the "home away from home" for the seniors during the day. At night, Community meetings, Dance and music classes keep the place buzzing with activity. Club meetings, Special Events, Taiko and parties fill the hall during the weekends. The gym is utilized all day from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM by the SF Athletics, Ping Pong Club, and Volleyball groups. Additionally, the annual Kohaku Judo Tournament is a tradition that is held each February in the space.
March 11, 2011: JET Yard Sale
On March 11, 2011, the young adults of the Center responded to the devastation by the Japan Earthquake Tsunami with a HUGE yard sale.
They inspired the rest of us to raise $110,000 for the hardest hit areas of northeast Japan and the orphans that were left behind.
They inspired the rest of us to raise $110,000 for the hardest hit areas of northeast Japan and the orphans that were left behind.
2012: Nikkei Village Sold
Nikkei Village is a beautiful housing project on Laurel Canyon Blvd. where the elderly members and local community found a home near the Center. The Nikkei Village Board of Directors faithfully steered it for twenty eight years, It was sold in December 2012 to repay loans for the newer Nikkei Senior Gardens. The memory support unit at Nikkei Senior Gardens is named in its honor.
January 27, 2012:
Dr. Sanbo Sakaguchi Hall
On January 27, 2012, we named the Nikkei Pioneer Building hall the Dr. Sanbo Sakaguchi Hall to recognize a lifetime member that represents leadership and compassion through his service to the community as a healer by day and volunteering after hours helping SFV Judo Dojo and Bishop Alemany High School football. Dr. Sakaguchi's world was balanced with music, sport fishing, and more.
|
|