July 5, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Ready, Set, Read! at SM Public Library

Inside the MLK Jr. Auditorium at the Santa Monica Public Library, the 16th annual, citywide reading event, Santa Monica Reads officially began Saturday May 12. A full auditorium of residents, librarians, students, and guests were present for “An Afternoon with Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston,” author of the book “Farewell to Manzanar” and this year’s selected book for Santa Monica Reads. The event marked the first in a series free public programs and discussions focusing on the selected book.

Patty Wong, Director of Library Services for the Santa Monica Public Library explained that the narrative is “told from Jeanne’s perspective, as she recounts the struggles and resilience of her family and the camp community.”

Now 83 years old, Houston was only seven when she and her family were forced to leave their Ocean Park home during World War II.

The audience included “Nisei” and “Sansei,” terms used to identify second and third generation Japanese Americans. Houston, like many in the room, is considered “Nisei,” “American Citizens by birth.”

Some attendees shared their experience and how President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 affected them and their families; thanking Houston for writing her memoir.

Shilla Nassi, an Iranian immigrant asked Houston whether or not, “she was aware that people were documenting the [internment] camps and taking photographs.” Houston responded by pointing out that at the time there was no internet, or television and so the sources of information came from newspapers. At the conclusion of the event, Nassi lined up to get her copy of “Farewell to Manzanar” signed by the author.

One of the most difficult things about the internment stated Houston was “coming out of camp.” “We didn’t have homes. We didn’t have jobs. Everyone had to start over again,” she said.

Her book, which covers “the Japanese American experience during and after the World War II Internment” was published in 1973, decades after the incident.

Houston’s daughter, Corinne Houston Traugott, was in attendance, and stated that “coming to these events with my mom, I’ll always learn something about her that I didn’t know.”

“‘Farewell to Manzanar’ is available from the Santa Monica Library or your local bookstore.”

For more information, visit: www.smpl.org

in News
<>Related Posts

Hama Sushi Hosts Weekly Music and Comedy Open Mics

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The venue, a Venice Beach staple since 1979, has recently expanded its legendary happy hour to the entire patio Hama...

Connections Breakfast to Network Local Business Professionals in Malibu

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The event, sponsored by Malibu Country Mart, will feature a breakfast mixer where attendees can meet new contacts  A Connections...

12th Annual Gopher Scramble Golf Tournament to Benefit Venice Heritage Museum

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The museum opened to the public in March 2024 at the Main Street Design Center with its inaugural exhibition, “This...

Michael Madsen, Star of Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dies at 67 in Malibu

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Actor Remembered for His Intense Performances and as a Poet  Actor Michael Madsen, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and...

Ruskin Group Theatre to Stage ‘The Fantasticks’

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

A timeless tale of young love and life’s bittersweet beauty, the show is reimagined with modern flair for contemporary audiences...

Film Review: F1: The Movie

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

FILM REVIEWF1: THE MOVIERated PG-13155 MinutesReleased June 27th F1: The Movie will envelop you in a racecar. You will be...

Big Blue Bus Launches Prohibition Order Program to Bolster Safety

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

The orders, which can range from 30 days to one year, target offenses that threaten the safety and comfort of...

Col. Eric Swenson Honored by LA for Historic Debris Removal Effort

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Swenson, with a distinguished military background including a Ph.D. and multiple master’s degrees from Penn State and other institutions, has...

(Video) A visit to New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Authentic NY Style Bagels with Extra Creamy Cream Cheese and Multi-Cultural Desserts. Located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. A visit to...

(Video) Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Go To Homefrontbuild.com For More Information @home_front_build Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles. Go...

(Video) Gladstone’s Malibu Prepares for Reopening after Surviving Palisades Fires

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

With One Half of its Structure Slightly Charred and Undergoing Repairs, Gladstone’s Malibu is Reopening its Patio Space Just in...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Community Mapping Survey

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

The initiative aims to shape the library’s programs and services to better meet community needs, fostering an inclusive and accessible...

Third Street Promenade Loses Bibibop Asian Grill

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Bibibop opened at the Santa Monica location in 2017 after taking over a former ShopHouse space Bibibop Asian Grill, a...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...