The Grand Parade was held on Sun. April 20. It began at 1 p.m. at the Civic Center, proceeding north up Polk Street, taking a left on Post and ending in Japantown at Post and Fillmore streets.

Nichi Bei Times Report

BERKELEY — Laura Takeuchi, who has served as the executive director of Japanese American Services of the East Bay (JASEB) for more than 16 years, has stepped down from her position. Her last day was April 4.

CLICK HERE or the IMAGE ABOVE to visit JASEB

courtesy of Bob D'Amico/ABC

By APRIL ELKJER
Nichi Bei Times

Kristi Yamaguchi and partner Mark Ballas, Jr. are staying ahead of the pack with their first perfect 30 point score from Season 6 of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) with an all out, high-energy jive.

By AKITO YOSHIKANE
Nichi Bei Times

On April 16, an Arizona state legislative panel endorsed an amendment to a homeland security bill that would prohibit state funds to public schools if their curriculums "denigrate American values and the teachings of Western civilization."

Another section of the bill would also bar race-based organizations in public schools, community colleges and universities, which could potentially eliminate ethnic studies and minority student groups.

By CHIZU OMORI
Nichi Bei Times Columnist

I have been following the political rivalry between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama with great interest. After all, this is a historic election and we all should be vitally involved in its outcome. By the time this column is printed, the Pennsylvania primary should have taken place and maybe the political landscape will have changed. But I am concerned about a persistent note that Mrs. Clinton (and, apparently, former President Bill Clinton) have been hitting for some time now: her assertion that Barack Obama is unelectable.

Fred Oshima
Nichi Bei Times Columnist

JA POLITICS: A press release (April 3) from Capitol Bureau Chief Hank Shaw: "NAKANISHI PULLS AHEAD — IN RACE BEGINNING IN 2010."

Lodi Assemblyman Alan Nakanishi has pulled off a coup in the embryonic race for the state Board of Equalization.

The race won't begin in earnest until 2010, but the termed-out lawmaker appears to have the Republican nomination for the open seat on the tax panel all but sewn up. How? Nakanishi dropped more than $344,000 of his campaign money to ensure that his name appears on vital "slate mailers" scheduled to appear on voters' doorsteps in two years.

In a low-interest contest like the Board of Equalization race, slate mailers can make or break a candidate.

photo by Kathy Aoki/Nichi Bei Times

By KATHY AOKI
Nichi Bei Times

Women play an important role in every society, with Japanese women being no exception.

A symposium held March 22 to discuss the "Legacy of Japanese Women: Past, Present and Future" gave the attendees a chance to not only hear how Japanese and Issei women made important contributions in the Nikkei community, but also helped strengthen bonds between Japanese and Nikkei scholars to learn about each other's histories and continue having positive U.S.-Japan relations.

sfgov.orgCLICK HERE or the ABOVE IMAGE to visit the official website

The Japantown BNP process has completed four community meetings and the second round of nine focus groups attended by over 250 community stakeholders.

This completes the Analysis Phase and begins the critical Recommendations and Plan Development Phase. In this phase, the Planning Department will further engage the community through at least two additional community meetings and ongoing concensus-gathering outreach.

With guidance from the focus group attendees, the preliminary recommendations from the Planning Department staff and consultants will now be compiled and prioritized by the Steering Committee.

mlb.com
CLICK HERE or the ABOVE IMAGE for the Kansas City Royals Homepage

OAKLAND (Kyodo) — The Kansas City Royals designated Japanese right-hander Hideo Nomo for assignment April 20 while recalling right-hander Luke Hochevar from Triple-A Omaha for the day's starter against the Oakland Athletics.

mlb.com
CLICK HERE or ABOVE IMAGE for SF Giants Homepage

NEW YORK (Kyodo) — The San Francisco Giants on April 20 recalled right-handed pitcher Keiichi Yabu from Triple-A Fresno, the club said on its official website.

The Giants placed Erick Threets on the 15-day disabled list with a right intercostal strain, put Yabu on the 25-man active roster and designated outfielder Rajai Davis for assignment.