Orange County Almanac
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Jim Kanno is a Fountain Valley pioneer.
In the late 1950s, Kanno--then a 31-year-old agricultural engineer--became the city’s first mayor.
His election was reported around the world because Kanno is a Japanese American and was considered one of the country’s first Asian American elected officials.
One Tokyo magazine pointed out that Kanno was elected despite the city’s modest Japanese American population. The magazine said Kanno’s election “proves that there is still room for success in America.”
At the time of his election, Fountain Valley had about 1,200 residents.
Today
A variety show will be presented by the “Quiet Zone.”
The nonprofit, Mission Viejo-based organization showcases deaf performers and provides voice interpretation for the audience.
The show features signed songs and dance, magic, mime and skits performed by a 50-member cast.
The shows, at 2 p.m. today and 8 p.m. Saturday, are at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive. Tickets are $10. Information: (714) 581-8338.
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