A great many of us were flabbergasted when we discovered Sakura Park was changed to Heinlenville Park.  We felt blindsided because of the Covid-19 lockdown which resulted in abnormal social communications.

It was oddly changed on September 1, 2020, at the San Jose City Council meeting. Attending was an opposition group proposing Heinlenville.  They voiced their opinions and a few described Sakura negatively.  Shortly afterwards, the Council Members unanimously voted for Heinlenville, and Sakura was dismissed.  In addition, a PIE Chart was displayed containing park names.  Submitted were many Japanese names at a total of 70% and the rest were European names.

This online petition was created to send a message to City Officials requesting the park name be changed back to Sakura Park.  We are in a sense, "The Silent Majority," and want our voices heard.  The PIE Chart speaks Volumes of what the public truly wanted, and we wholeheartedly agree.  Obviously, the public survey preferred a name reflecting Japantown's cultural heritage.  To the City Officials:  Please reconsider Sakura Park so we can restore the trust in our City of San Jose governance.

Letters of concern were sent to Mayor Sam Liccardo, The City Council, and Assemblyperson Evan Low (28th District) many months ago and no response received.

Japantown's annexation will be a dream come true for all who made it legendary, especially our ancestors who built it.  Tenacity and Gaman was their driving force to build and sustain a town for us.  Even after being released from America's concentration camps (WWII) they resumed their dedication to our beloved Japantown.  Amazing, they were "The Rise of the Phoenix."

The new addition is located on a 5.5-acre land to which the City of San Jose owns between North Taylor, Jackson, 6th and 7th Streets.  The building contractor has designated their development as San Jose Japantown Center.  Within this massive project will be a beautiful cultural park, and so, this Park is our concern of contention.

On January 31, 2019, San Jose Taiko performed at the groundbreaking ceremony.  In addition, a Shinto Purification and Blessing was given by Rev. Byron Ishiwata (SJ Konko Church) and Rev. Masato Kawahatsu (SF Konko Church) on February 18, 2019.  Part of the Blessing Chant said:  "Grateful to our Parents and Ancestors."  In attendance were Japantown business and residents including community organizations.

The wind of change is rapidly encroaching upon our beloved Japantown, and the force of Gentrification is just around the corner.  We respect our ancestors and want to see their Japantown flourish, not given away, especially since they helped build it thru personal Merits.

Yuri Saito started this petition and has forwarded it to Mayor Sam Liccardo and San Jose City Council members.