Regarding the Ted Tanouye Memorial Proposals

There has been a great deal of discussion in the city of Torrance about renaming Columbia Park after Torrance's hometown hero, Ted Tanouye.

Initially, I was all for it. He showed great bravery and honor for our country, even though the federal government had interned his family along with 120,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II.

That selfless service deserves great honor.

The city has released a survey for residents to share their thoughts and vote for possible preferences to honor Tanouye. (Click here)

Some arguments and opposition have emerged in the city regarding whether the proper protocols have been followed to name--or rename--public spaces in Torrance.

This discussion matters because the city council attempted to move the Armed Forces Day parade to the Torrance Airport, near Skypark Drive, and they attempted this move without first getting input from the city.

Transparency matters, and it must be consistently applied and respected, even for commemoration efforts.

Besides that, what is the history behind the naming of Columbia Park? Should that be removed so quickly? We need to take all these questions into consideration.

I reached out to another resident to get more feedback about the Columbia-Tanouye proposal.

I submitted the following question to her:

Would you mind explaining to me why the Ted Tanouye Foundation opposes renaming Columbia Park after the veteran?

I would like to understand. Thanks!

Here are the extended remarks that she shared with me:

There is already a wonderful and beautiful memorial to Ted at 2200 Carson Street, directly across the street from Ted's Alma Mater, Torrance High School, dedicated in 2004. 

The site was the favorite of Ted's only surviving brother. That area was once a part of Torrance High School when Ted attended. Students at the time Ted attended assembled there every school morning to say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the National Anthem. Ted, as Captain of the Varsity Football team and also as President of the Japanese Club, would lead those two traditions. 

Columbia Park had no meaning to Ted's life when he was alive. That area was first farmed by the first native California tribe, and before WWII it was farmed by a Japanese American family that is not related to the Tanouye family.

It should to be renamed after one of those two groups. The person who proposed it was looking for glory to save his council seat. He is originally from Gardena and graduated from Gardena High. One of our board members was informed of his interest and why. We investigated the plan and knew it was not needed, as we had already honored Ted in the area of Torrance where he lived and attended school. until his enlistment in the Army.

Again, his only living brother worked with us and the Torrance High School Alumni Association to honor our fellow TARTAR. Also, there is another place named after Ted. The California National Guard Army on Cabrillo and Lincoln is the only CSNG [California State National Guard] building to be named after a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and hometown hero.

Again, neither Ted nor his family had anything to do with North Torrance or that area. Ted has been honored properly at the memorial at Torrance Blvd and Maple in front of City Hall. His name is above all others, and in gold we made sure of that. Hope that answers your question. We will protect Ted and his name from all political ploys.

This argument makes a lot of sense to me.

I wasn't aware until I received this message that the National Guard Armory in Torrance was named after him, as well! I could see how further efforts to name other locations after Tanouye would politicize or diminish his namesake. A person's name and legacy should not be turned into a commercialized effort, nor a narrow political end.

Councilman Jon Kaji shared these remarks with me when I asked more questions about the Columbia proposal:

Arthur:

Since first introducing the recommendation to rename Columbia Park after Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Ted T. Tanouye, the proposal was submitted with the full support of the Tanouye family.

The family’s position remains unchanged, in spite of opponents who have proposed an “expanded” park on the opposite side of Carson Street.

For your information, I asked City staff for an estimate for each option.

A new sign at Columbia Park would cost from $10-$15,000.

An expanded park would run from $850k - $1.5 million.

Additionally, CM Gerson failed to disclose that the City hired a consultant and staff time totaling more than $15,000 in preparation of his Torrance High School proposal.

The survey that appears on the City website is open to anyone who chooses to respond, whether Torrance residents or outside individuals.

The cost is considerable, and I don't think a consultant should have been hired to look into this matter so extensively, either. 

On another note, the person who informed me about Ted's brother told me that Kaji was proposing the Columbia Park renaming effort out of political gain. Based on his inappropriate remarks about his opponent David Kartsonis earlier this month, I have sadly seen this pattern of exploitation of the Internment of Japanese-Americans. It's very unforunate that Kaji would do this.

Also, based on what I have received from one of the contacts I spoke with, I finally submitted my decision, and I am asking the Torrance City Council to do nothing (Implement Option Three) at this time regarding any proposed changes to city locations or memorials in the city.

I would invite everyone in the city to also consider Option Three, and reject the Columbia proposal as well as an updated memorial in front of Torrance High School.