COMMUNITY GATHERING TO PRESERVE HISTORIC LITTLE TOKYO

Community members concerned about the future of Little Tokyo are invited to attend “Ties That Bind 3” (TTB3), a conference to be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Little Tokyo.

TTB3, the third gathering convened by the Ties That Bind group to discuss the future of the Japanese American community, will focus specifically on Little Tokyo, which has recently been threatened by the rapid influx of new developments. The conference will be a forum for researchers, community members and those interested in preservation issues to discuss and develop strategies for neighborhood revitalization, heritage education, and policy changes to promote and preserve the legacy of one of the few remaining Japantowns in the United States.

“Little Tokyo, the historic cultural nexus of the largest Japanese American community in America, is facing a critical juncture of survival. We must maintain this historic neighborhood so that the rich cultural history, heritage and connections are kept alive for future generations to enjoy,” said Bill Watanabe, Conference Chair and Executive Director of the Little Tokyo Service Center Community Development Corporation. “I would like to invite everyone who is interested to join us at this unique gathering.”

Co-keynoting the event will be Dr. Anthea Hartig, Western Regional Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, along with Ms. Linda Dishman, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Conservancy. Afternoon
workshops will provide the opportunity for participants to discuss specific strategies for Little Tokyo preservation and revitalization. There is a $30 registration fee for individuals which includes lunch for those who register by September 9th. Registration fees may be paid at the door.

TTB3 is funded in part by a grant from the California Endowed Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in addition to the many Little Tokyo organizations, faith groups and public agencies, as well as Japanese American organizations and campus groups outside of Little Tokyo who are participating in the planning of TTB3. For more information about the conference program, registration or sponsorship, please visit http://ties.janet.org or contact Tiffany Katayama at (213) 473-3022.