A Rally to Support Little Tokyo

"Lend Us a Hand"

October 28, 2000

The idea for a community recreation center ("the Gym") in Little Tokyo has been a dream for at least two generations. Sports have always played a major part of the JA heritage, and one of the ties which bind the community.

After five years of searching and researching 25 different sites in the Little Tokyo area, the only available space at this time is on city-owned property on First Street North. (This property is presently being used for parking.)

This recreation center is endorsed by many (including the LA Lakers), but faces opposition from the City of Los Angeles. The City is putting together a "Master Plan" for the area to be finalized at the end of the year, but preliminary drafts do not yet show the Little Tokyo Recreation Center despite the community-wide support. This is the reason for the rally - to urge City Council to include the Recreation Center.

Community benefits are not only to provide a space for youth to play basketball and volleyball, but also planned are a senior lunch program/activities, taiko and martial arts, art and theatre workshops, a computer center, and much much more. Local area businesses will also benefit greatly as this will bring more people to downtown Los Angeles - revitalizing a depressed portion of the city where many are leaving.

The weather was cloudy with a slight drizzle, but hundreds of people came to rally their support near the proposed location of the "Little Tokyo Recreation Center". Speeches were made on the back of a flatbed truck by Bill Watanabe, Warren Furutani, and Gil Cedillo (Assemblymember, 46th Assembly District). Petitions to government officials were signed - including a "hand print" petition, and concluded with a march of chanting supporters through the streets of Little Tokyo.

"What do we want? A Recreation Center!"

"Where to we want it? In Little Tokyo!"

For more information, please visit the Little Tokyo Recreation Center website, or contact Cate Kuniyoshi 213-473-1687.