Local

SACRAMENTO — The Asian Community Center has announced ACC Team, a new telecommunications education and assistance program in multiple languages.

ACC will be one of the 30 community organizations in California, serving as a resource for limited English speakers when it comes to understanding and resolving issues with their phone bill (both land line and cell phone bills) – for free.

ACC can provide a workshop regarding:

• Understanding phone bills
• Avoiding unnecessary charges and lowering phone bill costs
• Spotting and resolving fraudulent activity

by RICHARD SHINTAKU

“Bring back the old songs.”

“Bring back the old feelings.”

“Bring back the old times.”

So, we’re BACK!

Back because of popular demand.

Back because of those who missed it last year and want a second chance.

And back because everyone, committee members included, just can’t get enough of talking stories of the old days.

Don’t take our word for it; read on:

by STAN YOGI

“I simply love him and he loves me,” wrote a young Californian in a public letter defending a non-traditional marriage. “It is a matter solely between us two. I cannot see how our marriage will interfere with the workings of the community in any way or to the detriment of the church.”

by J.K. YAMAMOTO
Hokubei Mainichi

The Foreign Minister’s Commendation was presented to long-time Japanese American community leader Hatsuro Aizawa on Sept. 25, but there was one thing missing from the ceremony — the honoree.

Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine, who hosted the event at his official residence in San Francisco, announced that Aizawa had been hospitalized the night before. Although he was in stable condition and wanted to attend the ceremony, his doctor told him not to, Nagamine said.

BERKELEY — In celebration of National Coming Out Day, the Network on Religion and Justice for Asian Pacific Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People will host an interfaith community blessing at Pacific School of Religion on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Multi-denominational API religious leaders will facilitate an interfaith service recognizing, affirming and celebrating LGBTQ families and supportive friends and families.

Light refreshments will follow this kid-friendly event.

Pacific Institute will present its 2008 Eldership Awards, which recognize the lifelong contributions of two of the Bay Area’s outstanding elders, to San Francisco’s Sensei Keiko Fukuda and author and administrator John Levy.

A celebration of their unique talents and life’s work begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Marines Memorial Club, 609 Sutter St. in San Francisco. This celebration will recognize their wisdom and generosity of spirit, demonstrating what it means to be an elder in today’s society.

by YOKO MORIHIRO
Hokubei Mainichi

Kyoto Prefecture held a tourism seminar in San Francisco on Sept. 10 and invited various groups and companies, mainly Bay Area travel agencies that offer tours to Japan.

The event was attended by the governor of Kyoto, Keiji Yamada, who told attendees, “Kyoto is the heart of Japan.”

During his greeting speech, Yamada said, “When Japanese yearn for the heart of Japan, they come to Kyoto. It is a place where there is a special kindness toward both people and nature. I hope many people will come to Kyoto to experience the heart of Japan.”

DALY CITY — The Nikkei Ladies League played on Sept. 24 at Classic Bowling Center. The results are as follows:

Team Standings
Pearl 12.5 3.5
Aquamarine 12 4
Sapphire 12 4
Ruby 10.5 5.5
Diamond 7 9
Opal 7 9
Garnet 6.5 9.5
Amethyst 5.5 10.5
Emerald 4 12
Topaz 3 13

Individual High Scratch
Sanae Tanaka 554

Eighteen years ago, Pat Shiono joined a group of dedicated volunteers and community organizations that had been working to create a place where Asian seniors could live in their later years.

By the mid-1990s, their efforts were focused on transforming an abandoned building at the corner of Bush and Laguna streets in San Francisco. The result was Kokoro Assisted Living Center.

Four years ago, when Pat’s mother, Yuri, finally agreed it was time to move from her home, Kokoro was Yuri’s choice for a new place to live.

OAKLAND — The Oakland Athletics celebrated Japanese Heritage Day on Sept. 20 at McAfee Coliseum, featuring representatives of the local Japanese American community and donating part of the day’s ticket sales to Nikkei community organizations.

The A’s faced the Seattle Mariners in the second of three games, the season’s last series at home for Oakland. The lineup included a Japanese American player, A’s catcher Kurt Suzuki, and two from Japan, Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and catcher Kenji Johjima, and there was a large turnout of Asian American fans.