By BEN HAMAMOTO
Nichi Bei Times

As the new face of Japantown begins to emerge, the preliminary designs for a building that could become a major part of Nihonmachi's skyline were unveiled at a community meeting on Dec. 1.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Community College Trustee Warren Furutani received the most votes in a special election held Dec. 11 for a California state Assembly seat that covers Carson to Long Beach, but he faces a runoff in February against two opponents, the Daily Breeze reports.

By APRIL ELKJER
Nichi Bei Times

Growing up with a mother who was on drugs made Lucinda Ray's home feel like a crack house. She came to Glide when she was 10 years old. " Jan recognized me as a poet. Poetry was my therapy...I felt empowered being able to tell my story."

On Dec. 6, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of Teresa M. Takai as the state's chief information officer.

"Two years ago, I introduced my Strategic Growth Plan to rebuild and improve California's crumbling infrastructure. But, our state's infrastructure isn't limited to the physical roads, bridges and levees that need repair. We also have to expand and improve California's technology to meet our future needs,"

The San Francisco Japantown Foundation on Dec. 10 announced the recipients of its 2007 grants at a presentation event at Union Bank of California Japantown branch's hospitality room.

By JEFF ASAI
Nichi Bei Times Columnist

One tradition in Japan that doesn't seem quite as popular in other countries around the world is the communal bath. There seem to be hundreds of variations of these onsen, which include outdoor baths, waterfall baths and baths with various flower petals, tea leaves and minerals.

NEW YORK (Kyodo) — The Chicago Cubs announced Dec. 12 they have agreed to terms with outfielder Kosuke Fukudome on a four-year contract through the 2011 season, pending his passing of a physical.

LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) — Free agent second baseman Tadahito Iguchi has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres, baseball sources said Dec. 11.

"Passing It On"
By LINDSEY YAMASAKI
Nichi Bei Times Columnist

"It is essential that every basketball player establishes good shooting technique. Most players love to score points (I do!), and if you love to score, then you need to find the most accurate way to get the ball up and into the hoop consistently. From hook shots to lay-ups, there are many different ways of shooting."

"Today, I would like to share with you some tips to help you refine your shot when facing the basket. These tips will come in handy for shooting a jump shot from anywhere on the court, or when taking a free throw. There is one key word that will help remind you the steps to follow in order to shoot a good face-up shot. The acronym you should always remember is BEEF..."

-Lindsey Yamasaki (excerpted from "Passing It On" By Lindsey Yamasaki, Volume 1: Passing)

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