Dr. John Fujii Tami Horita Louie, CPA Alan T. Kawaguchi, MD
Layne Imada
THE APA LIVING TODAY
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Jim Chong
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Terri Torres
DIRECTOR
Jim Chong
ART DIRECTOR
Layne Imada
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Layne Imada
Summer Risso
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & SOURCES
Val Acoba
Zully JF Alvarado
Mafae Yunon-Belasco
Nico Belasco
Jessie Bowen
Linda Claramo
Leslie Edman
Elite Publications
Beverly Engkabo
Ines Ruiz-Huston
Linda Norris
Tanya Parmelee
Anna Sass- HerLife
Carrie Sass - HerLife
Terri Torres
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tim Ulmer
Jim Chong
Deadline to submit newsworthy information from non-profits, charitable organizations, or other sources is the 19th of each month for the following issue. Submitting information does not guarantee it will be featured. Submit information to: jtc.publicist@gmail.com
We are currently at the halfway mark for 2025. As we go into this month, we celebrate the freedom we have in this great State…the United States of America. We are always fortunate enough to live the “American Dream” from the freedom we have in this country. I hope you are able to spend some time really appreciating what we have not just this year, but from the decades of sacrifices made by those that have served our country.
We are able to really enjoy the many opportunities afforded us by our Founding Fathers and those that have carried out the directives set forth in the Declaration of Independence. As we continue to produce this publication, we are documenting history as it is today, knowing that future editions will be able to share the changes along with new experiences and developments.
We hope to be able to capture the essence of what the United States of America is all about…people being united in spirit and thought.
Yet, as we move forward, we can notice the separations of people that are divided in their opinions about various topics and issues. On one hand, it is great to know that we have all come together in the nation with the mindset of giving back to the various people that have made our freedom possible. While we have many opinions and thoughts about what the future holds, I hope that we can all be aligned for the bigger picture as a whole. While we have certain freedoms, let us not use them to divide but rather bring us together.
Appreciating and being grateful for the various cultures and communities that we have around us will naturally bring us together. For with appreciation, knowledge, and education, we can all aspire to promote a better future for all. As you thumb through these pages, my hope is that we develop a deeper understanding, appreciation, and perspective as to what the future holds. Here is to a great celebration for our freedom and the responsibility that goes along with it.
Jim T. Chong
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The opinions expressed by contributing writers and sources are their own and do not reflect the opinions of the newspaper’s owners, editor or staff.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025
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The Making Of A True Champion
By Jim T. Chong the Wok Star & Legend Maker
What is a Champion? It is someone that stands above and beyond others to take a stand. It can also be someone that helps carry “the torch” or cause on someone else’s behalf.
In life, we are excited to have opportunities to shine and really stand out. For whatever reason it is for, think of a time that you have been able to excel in something whether it be in some sort of contest or perhaps something great to change someone’s life.
No matter what the reason…we know that when we have those “Champion” moments, it often helps build our confidence and resilience to do certain things we couldn’t normally do. When I walked the studio of William Wong, the Principal of the Family Martial Arts Academy in Lincoln, California, I couldn’t help but notice all the plaques and trophies nationally that were very prominent throughout the Martial Arts space.
Walking in, I noticed the pictures and various martial arts training areas that encompassed the room. While I walked through the open room, I could not help but to think about all the stories that lead to the various “Champions” that the awards represented. I thought to myself, “What does it really take to make a Champion?”
I am so excited to be in an arena where you get to meet a lot of people coming together and interacting. I enjoy the various events that I host, with Citywide Karaoke, I have many opportunities to meet people and get to know why they sing. While some sing for the sheer joy of it, many do for their personal reasons. Many go to Karaoke to relieve stress, network and interface with others, while for others it is a source of release or healing. Regardless of the reason, the Karaoke World Championship (KWCUSA.org) at the local level is a great way for someone to experience what it is like to compete in this arena. As you advance up to the State and National level, it can become a very serious competition…especially after the National level. How serious? Well, this year, the National winners get a trip to Bangkok, Thailand to complete. The winner will get a significant amount of cash as well as some potential signing contracts.
Jim T. Chong
Sifu William Wong of Lincoln Family Martial Arts
Lincoln Family Martial Arts
Regardless of whether you place or not, the experience of any contest is always a great opportunity to learn and grow. Some really don’t care for competitions, while others thrive on it. No matter which side of the fence you stand on, I hope you get a chance to experience the growth that comes with doing anything in the competitive space.
One of my favorite songs was song by Leann Womack entitled “I Hope You Dance”. The summary of the sung is that you get to truly experience life and to take advantage of opportunities that come your way. What I like about it though is the emphasis on making your life count and being humble. I believe it encompasses the essence of what truly embodies a champion not externally, but internally.
However you define it, I hope you are able to be a Champion of your life… and perhaps for others. It takes the courage and consistency that comes from the mindset of never giving up and trying new things.
Your Resource to create YOUR story.
For More Information, Contact: JIm T. Chong the Wok Star (JimTChong.com)
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Email: jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com
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Are you interested in helping us share about your culture or community? We want to hear from you. Contact Jim at (916) 747-9366 or jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com
Karaoke World Championship DUET East Bay, CA Qualifiers
Karaoke World Championship SOLO East Bay, CA Qualifiers
Larry Avent turning 79 at TRAX Taproom in Roseville
Monica Ailo at Hoochs Sports Bar and Grill Pizzeria in Roseville
Ai’s Impact On Jobs WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW TO STAY AHEAD
By Zully JF Alvarado Silverado Financial Network, Inc. Systems for Success
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes our world, AI literacy has become essential for professionals across various industries in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
Workers are discovering that to stay competitive, the impact of AI on careers is a pressing concern for all, and that individuals should take proactive measures to enhance their understanding of artificial intelligence.
Geoffrey Hinton, the “Godfather of AI” and 2024 Nobel Prize winner, warned in a recent Inc. article that AI could automate up to 50% of jobs within a decade, targeting what he refers to as “mundane intellectual labor” like paralegal, call center, and entry-level tech roles.
Other AI pioneers share Hinton’s concerns and highlight the urgency of adapting to this tremulous shift. As an AI coach, understanding these insights and staying current helps me guide you and others through the AIdriven future.
Hinton told *Entrepreneur* that roles requiring human empathy, such as healthcare and creative fields, are safer, while physical trades like plumbing may resist automation longer. However, he challenges the notion that AI will automatically create enough new jobs, stating a 25% drop in graduate hiring at tech giants like Meta due to AI efficiencies (*NDTV*). This underscores the need for proactive upskilling.
Yoshua Bengio, another Turing Award winner, shares similar thoughts with Hinton, advocating for stricter AI regulations to reduce job displacement and existential risks.
In a 2023 open letter, Bengio called for a pause on advanced AI development to prioritize safety. On the contrary, Yann LeCun, Meta’s AI chief, argues AI won’t inherently develop harmful instincts unless programmed to, suggesting a focus on ethical design (*Toronto Life*). These debates inform your role as an AI learner: balance optimism with caution, emphasizing responsible AI use.
To stay in the know, I invite you to master AI literacy by mastering AI tools, subscribing to newsletters, participating in online webinars for hands-on practice, and pursuing interdisciplinary skills. As an AI learner, you’re not just learning technology but empowering yourself to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Reclaiming Your Voice, Your Power, and Your Purpose
By Dr. Jessie Bowen, 10th-Degree Black Belt, Publisher at Elite Publications
In a world full of noise, chaos, and ever-evolving challenges, true freedom often begins in the quietest of places—within the human spirit. As a martial artist, author, and publisher, I’ve come to learn that one of the most powerful tools for reclaiming personal freedom is storytelling. Not just for entertainment, but for healing, empowerment, and legacy building. Writing is where the journey to liberation begins.
“Every story written from the heart is an act of courage. Every sentence can light the way for someone else walking in darkness.”
The Hidden Power of the Written Word
Writing has long been a medium for protest, purpose, and personal rebirth. From the journals of imprisoned visionaries to the speeches of civil rights leaders and the memoirs of survivors, words have always carried the weight of freedom. When we tell our stories, we take control of our narratives. We move from being defined by circumstances to defining ourselves through meaning and reflection.
As a 10th-degree black belt, I’ve dedicated my life to teaching martial arts not just as a system of physical defense, but as a philosophy of inner liberation. In martial arts, discipline is not restriction—it’s structure that sets us free. Writing works the same way. The discipline of writing can free the mind from confusion and the soul from silence. I encourage martial artists and everyday people alike to view writing as a form of kata—a structured series of movements that allow the spirit to speak.
4 Ways Writing Sets You Free
1. Emotional Healing – Process trauma and pain
2. Self-Discovery – Understand your values and purpose
3. Empowerment – Claim your voice and your truth
4. Legacy Building – Leave a message that outlives you
At Elite Publications, I’ve had the privilege of publishing books that tell deeply personal, often painful stories. What unites these authors isn’t just the act of writing—it’s what writing gave them: freedom.
One of the most powerful books we released was by a former mayor falsely accused of embezzlement. Her story, ‘17 Felony Charges: Not Guilty’, became more than a memoir—it became redemption. “It takes God to catch them,” she told me. “But it took writing to set me free.”
Too many people believe their stories are too small or too messy. But every story matters. Every story is a beacon for someone else.
Whether you write in a private journal or publish a book, you’re contributing to the larger human story. And in doing so, you reclaim the power to shape your own future.
Call to Action: Start Today
If you’re searching for freedom—freedom from your past, freedom to become who you were born to be—start writing.
Your words have power. Your story has meaning. Your voice matters.
Let the page become your dojo. Train your mind and spirit, and step into the freedom that only your truth can give.
Dr. Jessie Bowen is a bestselling author, certified success coach, Christian minister, 10th-degree black belt, and publisher of Elite Publications. He helps everyday people become published authors and reclaim their voice through storytelling. Visit www.elitepublications.org to learn more.
Jessie Bowen
The Enduring Charm of Onigiri: Japan’s Beloved Rice Ball
By Layne Imada
For more than a thousand years, one simple yet versatile dish has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of Japan: onigiri. These rice balls, often wrapped in crisp seaweed and filled with savory surprises, have transcended time— from ancient military rations to modern convenience store shelves. But what is it about onigiri that keeps it so firmly rooted in Japanese life?
A Humble Hero of Japanese Cuisine
At first glance, onigiri might seem like a modest meal. It’s typically made from steamed short-grain rice, shaped by hand into triangles or rounds, and encased in a sheet of nori. Yet within this simplicity lies its genius. Fillings range from pickled plum and salted salmon to spicy roe or soy-seasoned bonito flakes. Each variation offers a taste of tradition or a modern twist. Short-grain rice, with its sticky, chewy texture, is essential—it binds the shape and delivers comfort in every bite. For some, onigiri evokes memories of childhood lunches lovingly packed by parents. For others, it’s a quick, nutritious snack that fuels their day.
A Journey Through Time
Onigiri has a rich history stretching back over two millennia. In the Heian period (794–1185), rice balls called tonjiki were served in imperial courts. Later, they became essential provisions for warriors, thanks to their portability and preservation.
The Edo period (1603–1868) saw the introduction of nori wrappers, and by the late 1800s, onigiri became one of the first foods sold at railway stations. But it wasn’t until the 1970s—when convenience stores began offering them nationwide—that onigiri exploded in popularity.
A Symbol of Culture and Care
Beyond sustenance, onigiri is a cultural icon. It’s a staple in bento lunchboxes, a feature of spring hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics, and even a part of traditional tea ceremonies. For many, it represents the warmth of home and the care of a hand-made meal.
Interestingly, there’s even a shrine in Tokyo—affectionately known as the “Onigiri Temple”—where worshippers leave rice-ball-shaped stones as offerings, connecting food with faith and folklore.
Innovation Meets Tradition
While classic versions remain beloved, today’s onigiri reflects Japan’s love of culinary innovation. Modern fillings like teriyaki chicken, cheese, or even kimchi appeal to younger generations. The sandwich-style onigirazu, first imagined in manga, is now a staple in shops across the country.
There are also regional favorites, like tenmusu (tempura-filled onigiri) in Nagoya and pork egg onigiri in Okinawa. Variants like yaki-onigiri (grilled) or age-onigiri (deep-fried) add texture and flavor to the familiar form.
SWEET & Savory
Global Appeal
As Japanese cuisine spreads globally, onigiri has found fans around the world. While often mistaken for sushi, onigiri has no vinegar in the rice and offers a more casual, customizable experience. Korean versions like jumeok-bap and samgak-gimbap have taken cues from this centuries-old concept, proving that rice balls know no borders.
A Bite of Japan, Anywhere
Whether enjoyed in a quiet Tokyo shrine, a busy subway station, or your own kitchen, onigiri offers more than just a meal. It’s a symbol of heritage, a vessel of creativity, and a perfect bite of Japan’s soul.
So next time you’re craving something simple, satisfying, and full of history—reach for onigiri.
Born in 1903 in Salina, Kansas, Elizabeth Humbargar was raised in a climate of exclusion and intolerance. As a German American and practicing Catholic, she experienced discrimination firsthand in the post–World War I era—a formative experience that would shape her unwavering moral compass. In 1924, seeking a more inclusive environment, she moved west to Stockton, California. A year later, she began teaching English at Stockton High School, embarking on a 40year career in education that would leave an indelible mark on her students and her community.
Elizabeth Humbargar –A Legacy of Conscience: Educator, Ally, and Quiet Resister
By Layne Imada
From her earliest days in the classroom, Humbargar stood out as a teacher deeply invested in her students’ well-being and aspirations. Her natural empathy and quiet strength made her particularly beloved by Japanese American students, many of whom faced systemic prejudice long before the outbreak of World War II. As faculty advisor to the school’s Nikkei Club— an organization that grew to over 400 members—she encouraged her students to dream beyond the confines of social expectation. She guided them through college applications, fostered leadership opportunities, and affirmed their value at a time when their American identity was often questioned.
But it was during the harrowing spring of 1942 that Elizabeth Humbargar’s legacy would take shape in profound and unforgettable ways.
An Educator Behind Barbed Wire
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans from the West Coast—two-thirds of them American citizens. In Stockton, nearly 2,500 Japanese Americans,
including many of Humbargar’s students and their families, were herded into the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, hastily converted into a temporary detention center surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards. Families were given days—or even hours—to abandon homes, farms, businesses, and all semblance of normal life.
While much of the country turned a blind eye—or worse, supported the incarceration—Elizabeth Humbargar and her sister Catherine, a fellow teacher of mathematics at Stockton High, refused to remain silent.
Every day, after finishing their regular classes, the sisters made their way to the assembly center—often walking past crowds of jeering townspeople who accused them of aiding the enemy. They carried with them textbooks, notebooks, pencils, and an unshakable belief in the dignity of their students. Inside the compound, they established makeshift classrooms above a cow barn, fashioning desks from sawhorses and planks, using butcher paper as chalkboards. It was far from ideal, but it was learning—and it was resistance.
The Humbargars recruited older college-aged Nisei students to serve as volunteer teachers. With Elizabeth acting as curriculum coordinator and mentor, and Catherine assisting with math instruction, they built a school from nothing but courage and community. They created a temporary library with over 1,000 donated books and collaborated with Stockton High School administrators to ensure that their students could receive academic credit for the disrupted semester.
In the end, 92% of the incarcerated students at the Stockton Assembly Center successfully completed their coursework—a remarkable achievement made possible by the sheer will of a few determined educators.
Source Cited: Haggin Museum • Stockton Record • San Joaquin Delta College • Densho • Janice Takahashi
Photos By: Haggin Museum • Stockton Record • San Joaquin Delta College • Densho
Elizabeth Humbargar
Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class
TRAILBLAZERS
Support Beyond the Fence
When the temporary camp was emptied and the families were relocated to the more permanent and remote Rohwer War Relocation Center in Arkansas, Humbargar’s support didn’t end. In fact, it only deepened. She maintained correspondence with dozens of former students, writing more than 500 letters of recommendation for college admissions, work programs, and resettlement assistance. She tapped into personal and professional networks to advocate for those trying to build futures under the shadow of incarceration.
In one particularly selfless act, Elizabeth and her sister opened their own home to returning Japanese Americans after the war—many of whom had nowhere to go and no resources to start over. They provided temporary shelter, home-cooked meals, clothing, and even helped former soldiers access mental health care and VA benefits.
Facing Backlash for Doing What’s Right
Her advocacy came at a cost. Elizabeth Humbargar was publicly vilified, labeled “un-American” and “subversive.” Hate mail flooded her mailbox. Some neighbors and colleagues distanced themselves. Still, she never faltered.
“I could have done no different,” she would later say. “I would not have known how.”
That simple phrase—humble, but resolute—embodied her life’s philosophy. Elizabeth Humbargar did not act for accolades. She acted out of love, responsibility, and an unshakable belief in justice.
Lifelong Advocacy and a Lasting Legacy
After World War II, Humbargar continued to serve her community as an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor and counselor at San Joaquin Delta College. She became a leader in postwar efforts to rebuild the Japanese American community in Stockton, helping to revive the local Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and quietly funding college scholarships for firstgeneration students—many of whom were the children or grandchildren of those she had taught decades earlier.
In 1978, her lifelong dedication was recognized on an international stage when the Emperor of Japan awarded her the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class—one of the country’s highest honors bestowed upon a civilian. She was only the second American woman to receive this award, following the tutor of the Crown Prince.
Elizabeth Humbargar passed away in 1989, but her influence lives on. In 2012, San Joaquin Delta College honored her with the dedication of the Elizabeth Humbargar Tolerance Garden and Counseling Center, ensuring that new generations of students will learn from her example.
A Quiet Hero for the Ages
Elizabeth Humbargar never sought recognition. Her legacy is found in the lives she touched, the minds she nurtured, and the values she upheld in the face of injustice. She showed that true patriotism means standing up for your neighbors, your students, and your conscience—even when it is unpopular or dangerous to do so.
In remembering her, we remember what is possible when one person chooses courage over comfort, and compassion over silence.
“I could have doneno dIfferent— I would not have known how.”
– Elizabeth Humbargar
The Beautiful Elizabeth Humbargar Tolerance Garden
The Beautiful Elizabeth Humbargar Tolerance Garden
TRAILBLAZERS
A Remarkable Pinay: Violet Juanitas Dutra
By Terri Torres
Torres
On May 5, 2025, I lost my mother, Violet. She was 98 years old and lived an amazing life.
She was born on Christmas day in 1926 to Cirilo Yongque Juanitas (Philippines) and Mary Peres (Spain). She grew up mainly on agricultural campos in the Terminus area, since her father was a labor contractor, so she was no stranger to demanding work.
Education was primarily stressed by her parents, “you don’t want to work in the fields forever!” She was an excellent student and hard worker, and by the time she entered Lodi High School, she was a straight A student.
Violet also was a member of the Apple Corps at Lodi High and became interested in nursing. After her graduation in 1944, she entered the nursing school at San Joaquin General Hospital, also joining the United States Nurse Corps, graduating in 1947 from both programs – the first Pinay to do so.
She then began working as a Staff Nurse at SJGH, while attending Stockton College (Staff Nurse Emergency relief on evening duty while attending Stockton College by day) and Relief Nurse from 1948 - 1949 (Relief in Emergency Dept., Evening Supervisor, Head Nurse, and in the Nursing Office). Violet obtained her AA Degree from Stockton College in 1949 and went to Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, and obtained her BSN (Baccalaureate in Nursing) in 1951 (Major: Nursing Education -- Ward Management and Teaching).
While in Ohio, she worked as a Staff Nurse at Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, in the Spring of 1950, and during the summer of 1950, worked as a Relief Nurse at University of California. Hospital, San Francisco (an evening float while attending summer school) and also a Staff Nurse back at San Joaquin General Hospital during the summer of 1950 (after summer school was completed, before returning to Western Reserve) and then graduating from Case Western Reserve in 1951.
Then she returned to Stockton and was an instructor (lecture and clinical) back at San Joaquin General Hospital from 1951 to 1953 (Medical Nursing -- taught classes and supervised students in clinical area.) Then, she began her international nursing experience.
In 1953, Violet attended the International Council of Nurses Convention in Petropolis, Brazil, and met a lot of interesting people, and one of them offered the opportunity to work and teach at the Presbyterian Hospital Santurce, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, (August 1953 - August 1954). She replaced two instructors who left at the same time, so had to develop the first combined Medical-Surgical Nursing
course to be offered in Puerto Rico (even before it was offered on the mainland). She taught in English, which was their second language, since many tourists and other English-speaking patients were admitted to this particular hospital, and students had to be able to communicate in English. It was a rewarding experience.
Violet then returned to Stockton to be Head Nurse -- Men’s Medical Ward at San Joaquin General Hospital, (Sept. 1954 - Oct. 1955). She then went to Fresno and became Medical Supervisor at the Fresno County Hospital, (Oct. 1955 - Aug. 1956), and then was In-Service coordinator at Fresno County Hospital from Aug. 1956 to March 1957.
In 1957, Violet was sent to CREFAL (Regional Center for Fundamental Education, Latin America) in Patzcuaro, Mexico, as a representative of Health by the State Department, sponsored by UNESCO. The purpose of this center was to prepare individuals to return to their countries, and go to the underdeveloped areas, prepare a counterpart to take over the duties when they left to go to another areas. (Similar to the Peace Corps). Her activities included teaching literacy in the communities, homemaking, English for the braceros, and a course in Health to those in the communities selected to act as the health liaison between visits by the physician that came twice a month. They could also take “fun” classes while there, and one such class was Photography. Here she met Dante Torres, a representative from Lima, Peru for the Education/Teaching section. Long love story made short, they got married in April 1958, in Mexico, and then in California. Dante then had to return to Peru to his work as Superintendent of Schools in Lima, and Violet got a job in Salinas, CA, as Assistant Director of Nursing Education, Monterey County Hospital, (Aug. 1958 - May 1959). This was also a new position, which included setting up a staff development program, assisting in the supervision of the vocational nursing students from Hartnell College, revising nursing procedures and developing a Procedures Manual to meet accreditation standards.
Terri
2023 Violet with her family.
TRAILBLAZERS
Nine months later, twin daughters were born, and she moved back to Stockton to be near her family.
She became the Assistant Head Nurse - Men’s Medical Ward at San Joaquin General Hospital, (May - July 1959) and then Instructor (lecture and clinical) at SJGH, (July 1959 - January 1962) mostly in Medical-Surgical Nursing (which she had created in Puerto Rico) and taught specific courses, and supervised all levels of students assigned to the wards under her supervision.
During this period, plans were being discussed concerning the phasing out of the diploma program and the offering of a nursing program at the local community college (Delta College), from which students were already receiving an AA degree at the same time as they received their hospital diploma. So, in September of 1963, Violet began as one of two instructors who had to develop all course outlines, teach forty incoming students (ADN) all lectures and supervise them in the clinical areas. The other instructor, Anne Rohweder, had co-authored the text on SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES IN NURSING and was an inspiring mentor for her. Areas of teaching were Fundamentals in Nursing and Medical-Surgical Nursing.
Then in September 1967 to July 1968, Violet was named Assistant Director of the ADN program while teaching full-time. During two of those months, she also assumed the administrative duties of the Director, who was ill. So, from July 1968 to July 1970, she was named Director of ADN Program, teaching 50%, Administration 50%. During the months of April, May, and June of 1970, she was also Director
of the VN Program, while a permanent director was being selected, with no decrease in teaching load.
In July 1970 to July 1979, Violet was named Chairperson of Health Science Division (still at Delta), Teaching 50%, Administration 50%, along with being a director 50% in charge of the ADN program, and director 50% in charge of the VN program. Other programs were added in addition to the Nurse Assistant and Medical Assistant programs.
Then from July 1979 to 1986: she was Chairperson of the Health Science Division and Director of Nursing Programs, with Administration 90% and Teaching 10%. Other programs she was involved with being offered in cooperation with community agencies included Psychiatric Technology, Radiologic Technology, and was instrumental in the development of programs in Emergency Medical Services, Care Provider Training (to care for mentally disabled in homes), an Activity Leader Course, and continuing education courses.
Violet retired from Delta in 1986, but still taught part-time, teaching on an hourly basis: Applied Math for Nurses, Professional Trends in Nursing - until 1990.
My mother was amazing! She worked hard all her life while raising two daughters as a single parent (her first husband, Dante, never returned to the US). She was always being greeted by her former students who praised her and would tell us how remarkable she was. I agree! I sure do miss her!
1947 SJGH Nurses’ graduation, Violet is fourth from left, front row
1970 Delta College Pinning and Capping Ceremony, Violet on the right pinning a nurse graduate.
US Cadet Nurse Corp membership card 1944 to 1947
Honoring a Trailblazer: Judge Frank Kim Recognized at San Joaquin County Bar Association’s Law Day Luncheon During AAPI Heritage Month
On May 7, 2025, the San Joaquin County Bar Association (SJCBA) hosted its annual Law Day Luncheon at the Hilton Stockton. This year’s event drew the largest attendance in its history and recognized retired Judge Frank S. Kim with the 2025 Law Day Award for his lifelong contributions to the legal community.
Judge Kim, the first Asian American judge appointed in San Joaquin County, was honored during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month for his decades of service and his role as a mentor, leader, and community advocate. He began his career as the county’s first Asian American Deputy District Attorney before being appointed to the bench in 1971. Throughout his judicial career, he served in every court division and was instrumental in strengthening family law services in the region.
In addition to his work on the bench, Judge Kim is widely respected for mentoring young attorneys—especially those from underrepresented communities—and for personally welcoming new judges with handwritten notes. His example of leadership and humility continues to influence legal professionals across generations.
“This was a meaningful way to honor Judge Kim’s decades of public service,” said Susan Bartman, Executive Director of the SJCBA. “Recognizing him during AAPI Heritage Month highlights the importance of representation and community impact.”
The 2025 Law Day theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” was reflected not only in the program but in Judge Kim’s own life and career—a legacy of unity through service and justice.
San Joaquin County Bar Association (SJCBA) extends its appreciation to all who supported the event.
Special thanks to Premier Platinum Annual Partner Lance McHan, Probate & Divorce Real Estate Expert, for key support, and to Titanium Annual Partner Judicate West for its continued commitment.
We also thank our Silver Sponsors: The Freeman Firm, Humphreys University, and Villapudua & Somera, PC. Additional support was provided by our Bronze Sponsors: California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., Central Valley Asian Chamber of Commerce, Law Office of Clarence K. Chan | Michael and Cammack, Chinese Cultural Society of Stockton, El Concilio California, Ron Freitas, San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, Hakeem, Ellis, Marengo & Ramirez, Hastings & Ron, Knapp Moss, Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry & Christopherson, McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, Neumiller & Beardslee, Law Office of Claire Osborn, Quinn & Kronlund, and Sandra Rivera.
Judge Kim’s legacy continues to inspire future generations and stands as a lasting example of public service, judicial excellence, and community leadership.
ABOUT SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION (SJCBA):
The San Joaquin County Bar Association is a non-profit professional organization serving attorneys, legal professionals, and the legal community in San Joaquin County, California. Established in 1940, the SJCBA mission is: To serve, promote, and celebrate the San Joaquin County legal community. For more information about SJCBA, its programs, and services, please visit https://sjcbar.org/.
“The real fact of the matter is that nobody reads ads. People read what interests them, and sometimes it’s
- Howard Gossage
Contact: Layne Imada and Allyson Aranda Okagesama l_imada@bggwestllc.com • okamesaga.org
NEWS & EVENTS
OKAGESAMA
The Japanese American Interpretive Center
— MISSION STATEMENT —
Our mission is to educate the public about the injustices endured by Japanese Americans during World War II by establishing the Japanese American Interpretive Center at the historic landmark of the Stockton Assembly Center.
Stockton Remembers: Executive Order 9066 And The Legacy Of Incarceration
Stockton, CA — February 19, 1942. In the tense months following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 — a directive that would irreversibly alter the lives of over 125,000 Japanese Americans. This federal order authorized the forced removal and incarceration of individuals of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast, including right here in San Joaquin County. What followed was one of the darkest chapters in American civil rights history.
The Impact of Executive Order 9066
With the stroke of a pen, Roosevelt’s order criminalized ancestry. Japanese Americans — two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens — were uprooted from their homes, separated from communities, and confined behind barbed wire in prison camps scattered across the country. The government built ten inland camps in remote locations, where families lived under military guard in overcrowded, hastily constructed barracks.
In Stockton, the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds were converted into the Stockton Assembly Center (SAC) — a temporary detention facility for Japanese Americans before they were transferred to more permanent camps like Rohwer, Arkansas and Gila River, Arizona. The center opened May 10, 1942, and housed over 4,000 individuals at its peak, primarily from Stockton, Lodi, and surrounding agricultural communities. The SAC closed just five months later on October 17, 1942.
Ramifications of a National Injustice
Executive Order 9066 was not only a logistical upheaval — it was a legal and moral failure. No formal charges were brought against those incarcerated. They had no right to trial, no opportunity to appeal, and no voice in their fate.
Under the order, Japanese Americans were subjected to curfews, unwarranted searches, and forced to carry identification cards. Violating the order was punishable by up to one year in prison or a $5,000 fine. Most devastating was the economic impact: families had to sell homes, businesses, and farms — often at a fraction of their worth, or simply abandon them. A 1983 Congressional Commission estimated total property loss at $1.3 billion, with net income losses exceeding $2.7 billion.
A Community’s Enduring Resilience: Okagesama
From the ashes of this painful legacy rises a powerful tribute — Okagesama, a Japanese phrase meaning “thanks to you” or “because of you.” The term serves as both a name and a mission for the Stockton Assembly Center Restoration Committee. Formed under the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, Okagesama seeks to honor the endurance and dignity of those incarcerated during WWII and preserve their stories for future generations.
At the heart of their effort is the original hospital building — the last standing structure of the Stockton Assembly Center — located at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. Originally built in the 1930s by Japanese American families as an agricultural learning center, this building now stands as a beacon of memory and education. Thanks to the efforts of County Supervisor and former inmate Richard Yoshikawa, the site was officially listed in the California State Registry in 1984. Today, it holds the designation of California Historical Landmark No. 934.08.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future
The Stockton Assembly Center spanned 110 acres, with barracks stretching 100 feet long and 20 feet wide. Each block held up to 178 barracks, along with latrines, bathhouses, and mess halls. Inmates lived in harsh conditions, with
little privacy and limited access to resources. Yet amid these conditions, families persevered — children attended makeshift schools, communities formed religious and cultural groups, and residents maintained their dignity under watchful eyes.
As the country reflects on this dark chapter more than 80 years later, the work of Okagesama reminds us that remembrance is a powerful act of resistance. The planned Japanese American Interpretive Center at the historic hospital site will stand not just as a museum, but as a living classroom — telling the stories of injustice, resilience, and the enduring strength of community.
Through education and remembrance, Stockton is ensuring that what happened under Executive Order 9066 is never forgotten — and never repeated.
Okagesama has a bold vision to transform the aging site into the Japanese American Interpretive Center and establish it as the next California State Historic Park. This will be more than a traditional museum with artifacts and signage — it will be an immersive educational experience that teaches students and adults what it was like to live in a Japanese American concentration camp.
The Center will serve multiple purposes:
• A Memorial Site dedicated to those incarcerated at the Stockton Assembly Center, and the broader Japanese American community of Stockton and San Joaquin County during World War II.
• An Interpretive Center & Museum showcasing the history of the Japanese American incarceration experience.
• Interactive Exhibits & Experiences for students and families, centered on the history of incarceration and the lessons it continues to teach about civil rights, racial justice, and American democracy.
ABOUT OKAGESAMA
This space will be a memorial to those who suffered racial injustice during a time of wartime hysteria, and a place for all to reflect on the consequences of prejudice, fear, and the fragility of civil liberties.
At this time, the center would be the only California State Park in the Stockton region — a powerful and necessary landmark that ensures this history is preserved, honored, and never forgotten.
To learn more or support the restoration efforts, visit Okagesama.org.
Established in 2025, Okagesama is the name of the Stockton Assembly Center restoration committee. Translated, this name means “thanks to you” or “because of you.” Okagesama operates under the umbrella of the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, a non-profit organization. The goal of our committee is to develop a Japanese American Interpretative Center located at the current historical Stockton Assembly Center hospital building on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. The hospital building is the last remaining structure from the Stockton Assembly Center site. For more information or if you’d like to donate, visit okagesama.org or follow us on social media @okagesama.
Stockton Assembly Center. Historic California Posts, Camps, Stations and Airfields (San Joaquin County Fairgrounds Prisoner of War Branch Camp)
Stockton, California. Noon on a hot day at the Stockton Assembly center, which is a converted fairgrounds. This photograph shows the old race track. This center has been opened a week and evacuees will arrive daily until the capacity of 5000 is reached. Picture by Dorothea Lang
Currently last standing building of the Stockton Assembly Center located on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds
Gas Prices Set to Climb Again in California Starting July 1
New Excise and Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Increases
Add to Nation’s Highest Fuel Costs
By Layne Imada
Californians already paying the highest gas prices in the nation will face another spike at the pump starting July 1, as two separate tax increases go into effect.
The state’s gasoline excise tax will rise from 59.6 cents to 61.2 cents per gallon, and diesel will increase from 45.4 cents to 46.6 cents per gallon, following the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s (CDTFA) annual inflation adjustment. This increase is mandated by state law and has been in place since the Legislature’s overhaul of the gas tax system several years ago.
Simultaneously, a separate hike stemming from the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) changes to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) will drive prices even higher—by as much as 50 to 65 cents per gallon. CARB approved these sweeping updates in November 2023 to further reduce emissions by requiring cleaner fuel production, but critics argue it’s effectively a hidden tax passed without legislative vote.
Fuel taxes in California have become increasingly complex, involving multiple overlapping regulations. The confusion has been compounded by changes in state agencies responsible for oversight. In 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown created the CDTFA to assume many duties from the former Board of Equalization (BOE), including the administration of fuel taxes.
Unlike the BOE—which handled rate increases transparently in public meetings—the CDTFA has been criticized for its lack of openness. There is currently no clear announcement or press release about the new gas tax increase on its website, raising concerns among watchdogs and media outlets seeking to inform the public.
“The BOE process was public and accountable,” one critic noted. “Today, Californians are kept in the dark about rate hikes that hit their wallets directly.”
Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones attempted to block the LCFS-related increase through Senate Bill 2, which would have repealed CARB’s authority to impose such charges without legislative approval. The bill was defeated in the Senate in June after a floor vote forced its consideration.
Jones condemned CARB for ignoring the economic burden on Californians. “CARB is making billion-dollar decisions that hit every family at the pump, and they’re doing it without even asking what it will cost,” he said. “That level of arrogance and detachment from reality is exactly why we need SB 2.”
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CARB Chair Liane Randolph confirmed during hearings that the agency did not account for price impacts when adopting the updated LCFS regulations.
With both the excise and LCFS-related tax increases set to take effect on July 1, businesses and consumers alike are bracing for higher costs.
“Any increase in the gas tax is a surefire way to put the California economy on the road to ruin,” said Clint Olivier, CEO of the Central Valley Business Federation. “Business owners who move goods to market won’t simply eat the increased cost—they’ll pass it along to the consumer.”
Currently, California drivers already pay about $1.50 more per gallon than the national average. With these new increases, that gap is likely to widen— just in time for the summer travel season.
JAPANESE AMERICAN
INTERPRETIVE CENTER
Okagesama is the name of the Stockton Assembly Center restoration committee. Translated, this name means “thanks to you” or “because of you.” Within the context of the Stockton Assembly Center project, the name Okagesama was chosen to honor the strength and endurance of the individuals incarcerated in the Japanese American concentration camps during World War II and recognizes that as Japanese Americans we are here “because of you, our elders.”
Okagesama operates under the umbrella of the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, a non-profit organization. The goal of our committee is to develop a Japanese American Interpretative Center located at the current historical Stockton Assembly Center hospital building on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. The hospital building is the last remaining structure from the Stockton Assembly Center site.
Key Features:
A Memorial Site dedicated to those incarcerated at the Stockton Assembly Center, and the broader Japanese American Community of Stockton & San Joaquin County during WWII
An Interpretive Center & Museum showcasing the history of the Japanese American Incarceration Experience
Interactive exhibits & experiences for students and families centered on the history of the incarceration
If you would like to join, support, or learn more information, please visit okagesama.org or scan the QR code. We appreciate and are thankful for your support.
