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Historical Background Information
Our community is planning a re-enactment of the evacuation of all Japanese and Japanese American (Nikkei) residents from the Pajaro Valley on Saturday, April 27, 2002, the 60th anniversary of Exclusion Order #16. In April of 1942, all residents of Santa Cruz County of Japanese ancestry were ordered to report to the Salinas Assembly Center (California Rodeo Grounds).
An editorial of the Watsonville Register-Pajaronian noted: "By noon April 30, 1942, no person of Japanese ancestry remained in Santa Cruz County for the first time in more than half a century."
Evacuated were 1,160 Nikkei residents of the Santa Cruz County. Most were young children. In all, over 120,000 mainland Nikkei (nearly 70% were American citizens) were interned behind barbed wire in ten concentration camps throughout the western states from 1942 to 1945.
During this time many wonderful community friends of the Nikkei came forth in support. They looked after our homes and property, they took care of our legal affairs, sent us badly needed supplies, they sent letters of recommendations and encouragement, and defended us as being loyal and patriotic Americans.
Executive Order 9066, February 19, 1942
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Exclusion Order #16, April 27, 1942
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The Watsonville Story by Sandy Lydon
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