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SoCal History: Terminal Island And An Unknown Japanese American Fishing Hub

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A man-made island off the coast of San Pedro, Terminal Island was created as a part of the Ports of Los Angeles. Originally, the land served as a resort for California's wealthy landowners and as a safe haven for artists, writers, and scientists. But, most of Terminal Island's history is tied to California's fishing industry and the Japanese Americans who turned Terminal Island into a thriving fishing town, unique with its own culture and ties to the residents' Japanese heritage. Then on February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 that led to the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans. The residents of Terminal Island were the first Japanese Americans on the West Coast to be removed from their homes under the order and sent to Manzanar. The book Terminal Island: Lost Communities on America’s Edge tells the story of the island's forgotten residents and how the start of World War II marked the end of the once flourishing coastal town. Joining us to discuss Terminal Island's legacy as an important chapter in California history are authors of the book Naomi Hirahara and Geraldine Knatz.

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AirTalk

Join Larry Mantle weekdays for lively and in-depth discussions of Los Angeles and Southern Californi 
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