Correspondence - Item 29 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Flores, Dora From:janice munemitsu <jmunemitsu@me.com> Sent:Tuesday, January To:eComment Cc:Janice Munemitsu; Glenn Tanaka Subject:Comment for Jan 21,2025 Santa Ana City Council Meeting Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. To the Santa Ana City Council and City Management. Thank you for putting resolution 29 on the agenda for tonight’s meeting. As you will be voting on this resolution identifying the Japanese American Citizens League Southeast Los Angeles, North Orange County/Orange County Chapter as a community stakeholder in the preservation of the Orange County Japanese Tea House and Garden, I want to express my thanks and encouragement for the passing of this resolution. I understand that in approving this resolution, the JACL SELANOC will be involved in the legacy of this important historical space. This garden is of significant historical note for Orange County and for Japanese American history. It was dedicated in 1970, which was 25 years after our families returned from the Poston AZ incarceration camp to their homes and farms in Orange County. The dedication plaque says it all: “Dedicated and Presented for the Pleasure of All People in Orange County by the Japanese American Community. A Grateful Arigato ini Honor of our Pioneer Fathers and for the Blessings of Freedom.” May 27, 1970. After 3.5 years incarcerated, this commemorates gratitude for FREEDOM! My grandfather, Seima Munemitsu, was an Issei (first generation) advisor on the project and my Nisei dad, Seiko Lincoln “Tad” Munemitsu was the canvassing volunteer. Seima was arrested unjustly by the FBI accused of spy activity and my dad incarcerated in Poston, AZ for over 3.5 years. To return home to their farm in Westminster and to friends who helped them, like the Gonzalo Mendez family, was a great blessing and this is why they believed and gave to the project in 1970. On a personal note: When I was in Jr. High School, I was a volunteer for JACS and the mailing of the requests for contributions as my dad’s daughter. I folded the letters of requests in envelopes and sealed them on our dining room table. I believe I was the youngest volunteer. Thank you in advance for passing this important resolution - a grateful arigato to you. Cultivating Kindness, Janice Munemitsu Author, The Kindness of Color - The Story of Mendez v. Westminster and the Japanese American family farm in Westminster where the Mendez family leased during WWII. 1