Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation (~ 1628 16th 8t NW 1/ 4 Washington, DC 20009 June 10, 2013 Los Angeles City Council Room 395, City Hall 200 North Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Mail Stop 160 Attention: Sharon Gin, Legislative Assistant Planning and Land Use Management Committee RE: Council File No. 12-1625 Site of Former Tuna Canyon Detention Station Dear Honorable Councilmembers Ed Reyes (Chair), Mitchell Englander, .and Jose Huizar: Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation (APIAHiP) disagrees with the Cultural Heritage Commission's finding that the site of the former Tuna Canyon Detention Facility "no longer retains integrity relating to these 1933-1946 historical association" because all the physical buildings and structures no longer remain We believe this determination is narrow in scope and further detailed study of the site is needed to confirm the integrity of the site. The National Park Services' "Japanese Americans in World War II, A National Historic Landmarks Theme Study" recommends that the evaluation of key sites associated with Japanese American confinement during World War II "be considerate of their temporary nature and, at the war's conclusion, the government's drive to quickly close the centers and return the land to its original stewards or convey it to new owners"(80). Further, we argue that Tuna Canyon Detention Facility retains strong integrity of location and setting. While there are no extant buildings of this period, mature oaks present during the period of significance remain. In addition, further study of the site may yield archaeological deposits, ruins, or features associated with the Japanese American wartime experience. As the steering committee chair of a national network of preservationists dedicated to preserving historic and cultural sites significant to Asian and Pacific Islanders Americans (APIA), it is imperative to understand that the history of Japanese Americans (and other APIAs) has been wrought with discrimination and marginalization. For many APIA communities, physical buildings and structures that have played important roles in building community life have been rendered insignificant by local, state, and federal preservation agencies. As a
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Asian & Pacific Islander Americansin Historic Preservation (~1628 16th 8t NW 1/ 4Washington, DC 20009
June 10, 2013
Los Angeles City CouncilRoom 395, City Hall200 North Spring StreetLos Angeles, CA 90012Mail Stop 160
Attention: Sharon Gin, Legislative AssistantPlanning and Land Use Management Committee
RE: Council File No. 12-1625Site of Former Tuna Canyon Detention Station
Dear Honorable Councilmembers Ed Reyes (Chair), Mitchell Englander, .andJose Huizar:
Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation (APIAHiP)disagrees with the Cultural Heritage Commission's finding that the site of theformer Tuna Canyon Detention Facility "no longer retains integrity relating tothese 1933-1946 historical association" because all the physical buildings andstructures no longer remain We believe this determination is narrow in scope andfurther detailed study of the site is needed to confirm the integrity of the site. TheNational Park Services' "Japanese Americans in World War II, A National HistoricLandmarks Theme Study" recommends that the evaluation of key sitesassociated with Japanese American confinement during World War II "beconsiderate of their temporary nature and, at the war's conclusion, thegovernment's drive to quickly close the centers and return the land to its originalstewards or convey it to new owners"(80). Further, we argue that Tuna CanyonDetention Facility retains strong integrity of location and setting. While there areno extant buildings of this period, mature oaks present during the period ofsignificance remain. In addition, further study of the site may yield archaeologicaldeposits, ruins, or features associated with the Japanese American wartimeexperience.
As the steering committee chair of a national network of preservationistsdedicated to preserving historic and cultural sites significant to Asian and PacificIslanders Americans (APIA), it is imperative to understand that the history ofJapanese Americans (and other APIAs) has been wrought with discriminationand marginalization. For many APIA communities, physical buildings andstructures that have played important roles in building community life have beenrendered insignificant by local, state, and federal preservation agencies. As a
Asian & Pacific Islander Americansin Historic Preservation (~.!atIjpJ1628 16th st NW # 4Washington, DC 20009
result, many of these physical buildings and structures have been lost.Furthermore, it has been difficult for APIAs to save and preserve historically andculturally significant sites.
We are committed to working with local, state, and federal agencies indeveloping a more inclusive and culturally appropriate approaches in historicpreservation for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and other marginalizedcommunities. The National Park Service and Department of the Interiorrecognize the need to beUer tell the story of the AAPI experience in America andthe contributions this vibrant community has made to our country and its culturewith the recent launching of a theme study focused on Asian and PacificIslanders Americans that will connect tangible places to so many intangiblestories. The Service's National Historic Landmark program will use the themestudy to guide future nominations of National Historic Landmarks and NationalRegister properties. The designation of the Tuna Canyon Detention Station canhelp broaden the scope of how we preserve and commemorate the importantthreads in the great American tapestry. We need to incorporate more inclusiveways to better tell the story of the AAPI experience in America and thecontributions this vibrant community has made to our country and its culture.
This isn't just the story of Japanese Americans in Los Angeles, or the story ofAsian and Pacific Islander Americans, however: it is the story of America.
I strongly urge you to vote in favor of the historic Tuna Canyon Detention Stationas a Historic-Cultural Monument as initiated by Council Motion (Alacr6n-Garcetti).
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this issue of great importance.
Sincerely,
Michelle G. MagalongChair, Steering CommitteeAsian and Pacific Islanders in Historic Preservation (AP IAHiP)
December 1941
FROM THE MEMOIRS OF SHIRO FUJIOKA, TUNA CANYON PRISONER
Excerpt from journalist Shiro Fujioka's memoirs, entitled "Ayumi no Ato JJ ("Followingthe Footsteps JI) translated from Japanese. Fujioka was imprisoned at Tuna Canyon DetentionStation. This excerpt is provided courtesy of his granddaughter, Kerry Cababa.
"The jail in the immigration office didn't have individual cells, and when I',~ ,\.
arrived there were already about 10 people there. Most of them were fishermen,and there were some Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) and Sansei(third generation) as well. Nisei such as Momotaro Mori and sumo wrestler Hiragawere released the day after I was put there. Then I asked Mr. Mori tocommunicate with my family.
"On the following day, we were allowed to take a walk in the yard for aboutan hour after breakfast. I went down the high steps with others. The windows ofthe building across the way were open and I could see 10 Japanese womenstanding together. After I got a better view, I realized they were all myacquaintances, such as Mrs. Furusawa, Mrs. Suzuki, and Mrs. Kazahaya. At thetime, I couldn't help becoming very emotional. A lady in front of the crowd hadher hands pressed together silently in prayer. I still remember it very vividly.
"When they checked on the fishermen in the room, I had to interpret. ..Onthe third day, I was sent to the C.C. camp in Tujunga with people from OrangeCounty, such as Mr. Kamenosuke and Mr. Seikichi Aihara.
"On Christmas day, we were served turkey for dinner and soon after that wewere ordered to leave. This time we were escorted to the enemy prison in the cityof Missoula, Montana. The word "escort" sounds nice, but we could neither seesunshine nor were allowed to get off the train while we were traveling. It was anuncomfortable trip. The train we were put on was very old. We traveled thesetorturous conditions for three days and three nights. It was early in the morning ofDecember 28 that we arrived in Missoula. The world was covered with snow."
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Council on American-Islamic RelationsGreater los Angeles Area Chapter
2180 W. Crescent Ave, Suite F, Anaheim, CA 92801Tel: 714.776.1847 Fax: 714.776.8340 [email protected]
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
June 7, 2013SENT BY Fax: (213) 485-9829
The Honorable Herb WessonCity Hall Los AngelesOffice of City Council
Dear Esteemed City Council Members:
I want bring to your attention the urgent need to insure that the Tuna Canyon Detention Station is designated as a"Historic-Cultural Monument". In doing so, it will allow for future redevelopment with the condition that a portion of thesite will be preserved to commemorate history and promote education for future generations. Itwill also ensure thatJapanese-Americans are remembered for their sacrifices and not dishonored yet again by ignoring this important part ofhistory.
As I'm sure it has been brought to your attention, the Tuna Canyon Detention Station was originally established as aCivilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in Tujunga in the Northeast San Fernando Valley during the Great Depression.Within nine days after the Pearl Harbor bombing, the CCC camp was transformed into a high security detention facilitywith 12-foot high barbed wire fencing, flood lights and armed watch towers installed around the compound's perimeter.The camp processed more than 2,500 individuals, predominantly Japanese, as well as Germans, Italians and JapanesePeruvians.
As I mentioned, "Historic-Cultural Monument" designation will not stop future redevelopment. Itwill, however, ensurethat a portion of the site is set-aside to commemorate history and to promote education for future generations. Itwouldallow placement of a plaque on-site and open opportunities to pursue national landmark designation and grant funds toprovide educational enhancements and other appropriate commemorative improvements.
In February 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the forced removal and incarceration ofall people of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast. However, from December 1941 to October 1943, the JusticeDepartment arrested and detained 1,490 Issei or first generation Japanese immigrants at Tuna Canyon. Those innocentpeople were fisherman, priests and pastors, judo instructors, bankers, Japanese language school teachers, and othercommunity leaders who were wrongly suspected of subversive activities. They were imprisoned at Tuna Canyon beforebeing sent to other detention, internment or incarceration camps in the United States.
The recent release of records by the National Archives, coupled with research conducted by the local historical societyand Asian American scholars, have shed new light on this little known episode in the history of the City of Los Angeles.
While history cannot be changed, we can do the right thing now by ensuring this small, but important gesture is made inacknowledging this shameful episode in our nation's and city's history. We owe it to our Japanese-American citizens andas a lesson for future generations and urge you to designate Tuna Canyon Detention Station as a "Historic-CulturalMonument" .
Sincerely,
Ihts~#t Aq /jl{sitHussam AyloushExecutive DirectorCAIR Greater Los Angeles Area
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the MercifulCouncil on American-Islamic Relations
Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter2180 W. Crescent Ave, Suite F.Anaheim. CA 92801
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding ofIslam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justiceand mutual understanding.
Los Angeles City CouncilRoom 395, City Hall200 North Spring StreetLos Angeles, CA 90012Mail Stop 160 Attention: Sharon Gin, Legislative Assistant
Planning and Land Use Management Committee
In the Name a/God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
June 10,2013
Re: Tuna Canyon Detention Site
2115 W. Crescent Ave., Suite 261, Anaheim, CA 92801.Tel: 714.239.6473 - Fax: 714.239.6493 - Email: [email protected] ..QIg. URL: www.shuracounciLorg
Dear PLUM Committee Members,
I urge you to grant historic-cultural monument status to the forme r Tuna Canyon Detention Site.Few decades ago, many American citizens were forced out of their homes into internment for no otherreason but for their Japanese descent.
While we celebrate the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 authorizing a governmental apology and tokenreparations to the surviving 82,000 former internees and others affected by the incarceration, we cannotafford to erase part of that history in Tuna Canyon.
The untold human suffering caused by our government's actions should never be repeated, nor forgotten.The lessons hold tremendous relevance for our society today. Iask that Tuna Canyon Detention Site begiven official designation and that you exert your leadership in this matter of history and conscience.Your affirmative action will educate for many decades to come, and resonate with all justice mindedpeople.
On behalf of more than 75 member Mosques of the Islamic Shura Council serving more than halfa million Muslims in Southern California, I like to record our profound support in preserving theTuna Canyon as a historic cultural monument.
We can better plan our future only if we make sure we remember our past. In the Tuna Canyon,lies sacred memories of a generation. And that which is sacred must be respected and not razed. Iask you to protect and preserve the Tuna Canyon because in it we will always find our moralcompass for future.
New YorkAnnistonEncinoBronxGreenbeltAustinColumbusLos AngelesSt. PetersburgtujungaHartfordLa puenteHamptonbuffaloBlue HillHillsboroEast BridgewaterBowling GreenLos AngelesLos AngelesSO. DENNISColumbusLos AngelesLos AngelesEverettSan DiegoWorcesterGrantMediaAvonJacksonvilleLos AngelesPhoenixWarrenvilleOlympiawashington depotTujungaJacksonvilleAshlandNorth Richland HillsRochesterBrunswickLos AngelesKansas CityWest LafayetteFairfaxwest hartfordCamasLos Angeles
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Darrell Smith Tucson Arizona 85749Brent Beaty Glendale California 91208Sharon Smyth EI Segundo California 9'0245AKIRA TANA BELMONT California 94002Patrick Koppula Los Angeles, CA California 90042Terrence Tally Tujunga California 91042Lois NICHOLS GLENDALE California 91208Michael Dobbs Austin Texas 78727Eileen Yamada Los Angeles California 90043-2208Julia Murakami Whittier California 90601Ryan Yokota Chicago Illinois 60641Martha Tocco Los Angeles California 90018Adam Knoedler San Gabirel California 91775Ronald Watanabe Honolulu Hawaii 96822C Pinto 412508Genevieve Okada San Diego California 92122Louise Sakamoto Gardena California 90247Laurel Matsuda Kamuela Hawaii 96743Dawn Mabalon San Francisco California 94117Michael Salazar Los Angeles California 90041Waynna Kato South Pasadena California 91030Suzanne Huesca EI Monte California 91732Masae Nakano 221-0073Grant Fujii Portland Oregon 97203June Hibino Culver City California 90230Aiteen Buhring Camarillo California 93010Tuyet Pham N. Hollywood California 91605Lisa Ruiz Huntington Park California 90255Linda Shishino-Cruz Moorpark California 93021Cheryl Leutjen Los Angeles California 90041shakeel syed Anaheim California 90232anjali nath LA California 90098Walter Dominguez Los Angeles California 90035-2569Hamid Khan Long Beach California 90803Mary Singaus Los Angeles California 90066Dian Sohn Los Angeles California 90025Wataru Ebihara Los Angeles California 90013Bernie Eisenberg Los Angeles California 90066Sherna Gluck Topanga California 90290adrienne crew los angeles California 90026ndindi kitonga Los Angeles California 90066Caroline Harris Los Angeles California 90041Micro Art Beverly Hills California 90210Matthew Baker Los Angeles California 91042Patti Kameya St. Paul Minnesota 55116Sandie Richards Los Angeles California 90005-3819saira sayeed California California 90232Mitch Homma Torrance California 90501Takako Sakamoto Los Angeles California 90004
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Criteria for CHC Monument status: .•. which are identified with historicpersonages or with important events in the main currents of national, state,or local history;
PLUM Committee200 N Spring Street, Room 410Los Angeles, CA 90012June 11, 2013
RE: Motion CHC-2013-844-HCM,ENV -2012-845-CE
Good Afternoon, my name is Lloyd Hitt
As a local historian let me say:
./ We know the correct Tuna Detention Camp location .
.t When it opened and closed .
./ The prisoners by name .
./ What concentration camp they were shipped to .
./ The names of the staff .
./ We recognize the stands of old Oaks cradled by the Verdugo Hillsfrom 1952 aerial photos.
What we do not know ... what lays under the topsoil.
In looking at previous sites when the Cultural Heritage Commission often created
Monuments about people & major historical events that today are no longer there
except for a Historic Marker. We have to wonder are not the actions of our
government against over a 100,000 people based on race, just as important as that old
house down the street. Nationally we have battlefield monuments and yet often there
are no canons on the hill and Native Americans village sites with only an educationalmarker. We often have nothing more than the footprints of civilization at a time and
place in history that is gone & yet has something to say about our civilization & who
we are. For good or bad the WWII Japanese camps say much about American society
in the'30's and '40's. We were a white raciest nation bent on keeping it that way with
race restrictive laws.
Snowball West says it already recognizes the need for a site. You have heard the
statement from Fred Gaines several times. But like Mark Handel there is never any
substance to their statements. Fred & Mark talk about the CA Park Monument which
is important but not as important as local recognition from you. Money will be
needed to create this site which will depend a great deal on Federal Park matching
grants who demand local recognition first •
.A Cultural Heritage Monument will help Snowball West put substance in their
statements with a meaningful recognizable site on the Tuna Camp property. We are
not asking for pie in the sky but a small pocket park open to everyone. If they have a
plan, let everyone here see it.
Families of former prisoners expect the City of Los Angeles to do the right thing
