Little Tokyo Happenings
Japanese Consulate News?
There has been talk about the possibility of the Japanese Consulate opening a visa/passport office in Little Tokyo again. The community is very excited and hopeful about this actually happening.
If the visa/passport office were to open in Little Tokyo, not only would the businesses benefit from the added traffic it would bring into the area, but the move would also invigorate the efforts being made to strengthen the Little Tokyo community and economy as a whole.
The office would set a positive example to, and have a major impact on, the many other projects addressing the revitalization of the area, such as the Koban, Casa Heiwa, BID, and the Gym as mentioned in the First Street North Project.
If you have any comments or input about the visa/passport office, please contact the newsletter. Let's build up community support!
Mayor's Luncheon
On Tuesday, November 20th, Asian-American community leaders hosted a luncheon for Mayor Richard Riordan at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
The luncheon was organized in an effort to have the Mayor realize the importance of the Nikkei and the Little Tokyo community in the overall scheme of Los Angeles. It is believed that by building constructive bridges with the Mayor, the Nikkei community will have better access to him in the future, enabling the pressing issues related to the Japanese-American community to be better addressed.
Public Safety Update
Congratulations are in order for the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association (formerly the Little Tokyo Anti-Crime Association), who were honored by the LAPD Historical Society with the Jack Webb Award in memory of Dr. Morimoto. The black-tie event was held at the Century Plaza Hotel on November 18th, and Mr. Brian Kito and Mr. Satoru Uyeda were there to accept the award. It is an honor given to those that have assisted and supported the LAPD.
The Little Tokyo Public Safety Patrol have expanded their coverage area to Los Angeles St. and 3rd Street. This enables the Casa Heiwa community to be patrolled as well. Thank you!
Dr. Henry T. Noguchi
who has an office at 231 E. 2nd St., Suite 303, will permanently close his Little Tokyo office at the end of December. He will continue his practice at his Gardena office located in the Gardena Valley Medical Center, 1300 West 155th St., Suite A. He can be reached at (213) 627-9341 and (310) 532-1224.
JP Golf
is looking to sub-lease their storefront space at 115 Japanese Village Plaza. If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact Mr. Shiro Shishido at (213) 680-4336.n
Only 1 Dollar!
The parking lot on the corner of San Pedro and Third Street, across the street from the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC), is only $1.00 to park - for the whole day! What a deal!
[ Little Tokyo News * Volume 1 Issue 2]