To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Diablo Japanese American Religious and Cultural Center, Diablo Nippongo Gakuen, & Diablo JA Club.
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Diablo Japanese American Religious and Cultural Center, Diablo Nippongo Gakuen, & Diablo JA Club.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
See Resolution text
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF HONORING THE CENTENIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIABLO JAPANESE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL CENTER, DIABLO NIPPONGO GAKUEN, & DIABLO JA CLUB
WHEREAS, in the early 1920s, Japanese immigrants in the Diablo Valley worked primarily in agriculture and sought to preserve their language, traditions, and cultural heritage for future generations; and
WHEREAS, an initial group of 13 families established the Concord Language Institute in 1926, and through their dedication and generosity, land was donated in 1927 for a permanent Japanese American community center, with the original building completed in 1928; and
WHEREAS, the JA Club became a vital gathering place for the Japanese American community, providing language education, cultural activities, social programs, and opportunities to strengthen community bonds; and
WHEREAS, during World War II, Japanese Americans endured placement at internment relocations camps, yet members of the community made arrangements to protect the Club property and, upon returning in 1945, worked together to resolve financial and legal challenges and preserve the site; and
WHEREAS, the Club resumed classes and community activities by 1953 and established its annual Summer Festival in 1957, celebrating Japanese culture, food, and traditions while promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting the organization; and
WHEREAS, in 1971, the original wooden structure was replaced with a larger building and gymnasium, expanding opportunities for athletics, youth programs, Japanese language instruction, and community activities; and
WHEREAS, through its educational, athletic, artistic, religious, and cultural programs, the JA Club and its affiliated organizations have continued to preserve Japanese American heritage, foster intergenerational connections, and serve the changing needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, the perseverance, generosity, and vision of the founding families and subsequent generations exemplify the enduring contributions of Japanese Americans to the Diablo Valley and the importance of preserving their history for future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors recognizes the Diablo Japanese American Religious and Cultural Club, Diablo Nippongo Gakuen, & Diablo JA Club on their 100th anniversary and honors their historical legacy and lasting contributions, recognizes the sacrifices and resilience of the Japanese American community.
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