Welcome to the Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League Website! Our chapter is dedicated to educating the public about the Japanese American experience, monitoring legislation affecting minority human and civil rights, addressing hate crimes and fostering Japanese American culture.
We invite you to browse the information provided here and to please consider becoming a member of our organization to support the rich cultural and historical heritage of Japanese Americans in Sonoma County, California.
Sonoma County JACL
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A local chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League in Sonoma County.
JACL Opposes Proposed Census Rule That Would Strip Millions from Representation and Erase Civil Rights Data September 10, 2026For Immediate ReleaseContact: Carol Kawase, VP of Public Affairs, ckawase@jacl.orgMatt Weisbly, Education/Communications Programs Manager, mweisbly@jacl.org The Japanese American Citizens League opposes a U.S. Census Bureau rule proposed on September 10, 2026, that would exclude millions of people from the population count and end the collection of demographic data on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Under the proposal, only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents would count toward apportionment, excluding refugees, asylees, and people with Temporary Protected Status. Section Two of the Fourteenth Amendment states clearly that “Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State…” The Census Bureau justifies the exclusion in the proposed rule by pointing to these residents' “lack of a sufficient tie and allegiance to the United States.” While the drafters of the Fourteenth Amendment made an exclusion for 'Indians not taxed, ' there was never any mention of excluding someone based on citizenship or immigration status. From 1922 to 1952, Japanese immigrants were barred from becoming citizens. Despite that, the government continued to count Japanese immigrants for apportionment. Within days of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Census Bureau began supplying other agencies with information on where people of Japanese ancestry lived. The data eventually reached the Western Defense Command before the removal from the West Coast began. What the government decided about Japanese immigrants was a judgment about who belonged in the United States, and the Census Bureau’s proposed rule is asking to make that determination again. The proposal to ban questions on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation is antithetical to the nature of the Census. The data the Census records is meant to accurately represent our nation and is the basis for the Voting Rights Act, political representation, federal funding formulas, and other policies meant to support individual states, counties, and municipalities. For our AANHPI community, this data is vital to better understand and serve our respective communities. Everyone deserves to be counted and represented accordingly. The Census Bureau has yet to decide whether to include a legal status question in the 2030 census, and the proposed rule invites public comment on the question. A form to declare immigration status on the Census in our current political climate will chill participation in the Census and leave entire households, including citizen and immigrant residents, unaccounted for. Comments on the proposed rule are due by October 13, 2026, under docket USBC-2026-0628 at regulations.gov. JACL urges our chapters, members, and allies to submit comments, and we call on the Census Bureau
here! 2026 Kakehashi Project Trip Applications Now Available! This year's Winter Kakehashi Project Trip will run from December 9 to 16, 2026. This year's cohort will comprise 55 participants who will travel to Japan to deepen their understanding of Japan's economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics, and diplomatic policies through people-to-people exchanges. Participants are expected to play an active and important role in the future of U.S.-Japan relations. We will also be accepting applications for six chaperones! Changes to the Kakehashi Project that were implemented last year will remain in place. Participants of the trip must be between the ages of 18 and 27 years old and of Japanese American ancestry or adopted by a Japanese American family. All participants who attend will be required to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including the most recent booster, before trip departure. Due to budget constraints, there will be attendance fee for this year's trip the same as previous years. For more information, or to apply, visit jacl.org/kakehashi or click the buttons below. Applications will close on Wednesday, September 16th, at 11:59 pm Hawaiian Standard Time.The JACL Kakehashi Program is coordinated by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), and supported by funding from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
jacl.org
JACL Kakehashi Project TripJACL Kakehashi Project | Supervisor Information | What to Expect | FAQs2026 Kakehashi Project Applications Are Available Now! Trip Dates: December 9-16, 2026Apply by Wednesd...
BeLongings: What We Bring, What We Leave BehindBy Phyllis TajiiLed by the Petaluma Historic Chinatown Park Committee, the Sonoma County JACL along with other community collaborators is proud to help sponsor a meaningful project and its effort to bring diverse community stories and experiences to the forefront; “Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind".The exhibit will take place September 4 through October 4 at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, located at 20 Fourth St., Petaluma.Keepsakes from individuals who migrated—whether by choice or out of necessity—will be featured in the exhibit. “Stories We Carry” events will feature community members sharing their personal stories of migration, identity and belonging. A film, workshop and performances are also scheduledPlease visit the website for an up-to-date event schedule:
Home | Historic Library and Museum Project: Belongings
belonginginsoco.org
Join us as the Mayor reads a City proclamation recognizing Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind. Performances by Danza Azteca, Sonoma County Pomo Dancer, Sonoma County Vietnamese Associatio...
Deadline Extended to June 5!Sponsors, Program Book Ads, Exhibit Hall Apps, and Volunteer Interest Form Join us for the 56th JACL National Convention inLas Vegas, July 29-August 2This year's theme is Reigniting Our Purpose and Mission!There are moments when we must pause, look within, and rediscover what drives us. Our 2026 convention theme, “Reigniting Our Purpose and Mission,” is the spirit that empowers and advances our community forward. It’s about transformational reflection for renewed action and impact.What to Look Forward to in 2026:Welcome Reception Chapter Awards LuncheonNational Council and 2026 National Board ElectionsSayonara GalaWorkshopsMixers, community events, and other ways to engage!Register Here! Image courtesy of Darrell Miho - Miho Visuals Convention Registration2026 Convention Registration is Now Open to Everyone! General registration starts at $525 ($375 for students) and will increase again on July 1, 2026. Registration officially closes July 10, 2026. Be sure to register before the deadline because there will be NO ON-SITE registration! Also note that this year, the Sayonara Gala & Chapter Awards Luncheon will be SEPARATE ticketed events from full registration. Gala and luncheon tickets can be purchased alongside or separately from full registration tickets by July 10. What does full convention registration include?Full access to 5-day Convention eventsPlenaries and workshopsWelcome Reception