SF JACL holds annual installation dinner

SWEARING IN — New San Francisco School Board member Emily Murase (L) swears in the San Francisco JACL’s board of directors. photos by Kenji G. Taguma/Nichi Bei Weekly

The San Francisco chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League held their annual installation dinner on Jan. 21, honoring Nob and Shiz Mihara of Paper Tree for their years of community support and service.

The Miharas, who could not make the event due to sickness, were represented by their daughters Vicky Mihara Avery and Linda Mihara at the event, held at Sushi Akatombo in San Francisco’s Japantown.

San Francisco JACL President Hiroshi Shimizu praised the contributions of Nob and Shiz Mihara.

“Their store has been a resource for the community,” he said.

“They really appreciate the honor,” said Linda Mihara, in accepting the award on behalf of her parents. “Our family has been a part of the community for 100 years.”

AWARD — Sisters Vicky Mihara Avery (L) and Linda Mihara accept the Communtiy Justice Award from Hiroshi Shimizu on behalf of their parents, Nob and Shiz Mihara. photos by Kenji G. Taguma/Nichi Bei Weekly

The board of directors was sworn in by Emily Murase, who made history as both the first Japanese American female elected in the city and the first Japanese American elected to the San Francisco School Board in the November 2010 elections.

Murase announced that at her first School Board meeting on Jan. 11, she introduced a resolution signifying “Fred Korematsu Day” in the city.

The chapter also acknowledged Doug and Julie Nakatani for their role in organizing the chapter’s annual Crab sand Spaghetti Feed in December, and 9-year-old Elizabeth Hayashi for her role in creating a bake sale to raise additional funds for the Nichi Bei Foundation at the Crab Feed.

The chapter said that it will donate $2,500 in proceeds from the Crab Feed to the Nichi Bei Foundation.