San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community

Where in the world is the San Fernando Valley Japanese-American Community Center (SFVJACC)? Some say it is in farmland country. Others say it is near Magic Mountain. Both answers are correct. An easy way to find the valley is to look over the hills just north of UCLA.

Here's how it all started. Just after World War II, the Issei and Nisei felt the need to maintain their Japanese heritage of culture and language in their children.

To meet the needs of the growing Japanese American community in the Valley, the SFVJACC was incorporated in 1951. Then in 1953, the SFVJACC raised $30,000 through various fund drives, personal donations and pledges to purchase 4 1/2 acres of property with hopes to build a permanent center. Thus a permanent location was established in Pacoima.
The members of the Japanese American community supported the dream of a community center through generous monetary contributions. By 1958, the land debt was completely paid off due to large pledges and donations. In 1959, the SFVJACC treasury reported an excess of $20,000.

A building committee was formed to plan the creation of a $150,000 community center through a joint venture of the community center board, the Japanese school, and the Judo dojo. The structures on this property also included a gymnasium, a commercial size kitchen and meeting rooms.

A unique effort to expand the facilities was made possible through a donation by the Lockheed Corporation. Lockheed's 7,000 square foot cafeteria was moved to the grounds of the SFVJACC. The building was then modified to include a social hall capable of seating 400 people, a lobby for the Human Services staff, and a large conference room.

This community center now serves 18 organizations and more than 1,000 families. It also provides a meeting place for the small groups with a focus on golf, dance, fishing, Japanese calligraphy, the JACL, youth athletics, senior citizens, landscape gardeners, aikido, karate, credit union, VFW, Taiko, and many more. The vision of promoting the Japanese heritage is now involving the Sansei. By working together and enjoying ourselves at the same time, the SFVJACC is truly an important place. So the next time you are on your way to UCLA or Magic Mountain, stop by and check us out.

Call the Community Center at (818) 899-1989 for Information
Golf Club, Fishing Club, Cooking Class, Bonsai, JACL, VFW Post 4140, SFV Senior Club, Gardeners' Association, Japanese Language School, Youth Athletic Basketball, Golf, and Baseball, and computer access.

Obon Festival Location
San Fernando Valley JA Community Center, 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima, CA 91331

Dance Practice Location
San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 9450 Remick Avenue, Pacoima, CA 91331