August 2026

As we welcome the month of August, we also welcome one of the busiest—and most meaningful— times of the year for our temple. With Obon just around the corner and preparations for our annual Food Bazaar well underway, our church will once again be filled with activity, fellowship, and gratitude.

Before looking ahead, I'd like to reflect on a truly unforgettable event we recently hosted. We had the distinct honor of welcoming Mr. Jim Tanimoto of Gridley to share his remarkable story of his experiences at the Tule Lake incarceration camp during World War II. At 103 years old, Mr. Tanimoto is the last surviving "resister," often referred to as a "No-No Boy," who courageously refused to answer the two loyalty questions while he and his family were unjustly imprisoned by the very country asking for their allegiance.

His presentation was a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and the importance of preserving history by hearing it firsthand. We were honored that so many members of our church and the community came to listen and learn.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who helped make this special event such a success. From making last-minute adjustments to accommodate a larger-than-expected crowd to preparing and serving 160 teriyaki bowls, your flexibility, teamwork, and dedication truly reflected the spirit of our Sangha. Events like these are only possible because of the generosity and willingness of so many volunteers.

I hope everyone will join us for our Annual Obon Festival on Saturday, August 1st. The day begins with cemetery services in the morning, followed by our combined Shotsuki, Obon, and Hatsubon Service at 11:00 a.m. After the service, the PBWA will graciously provide a somen lunch for everyone to enjoy.

In the evening, we invite you to return for our Obon festivities. A hot dog dinner begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by Obon dancing and taiko performances at 7:00 p.m. Whether you are dancing, watching, volunteering, or simply spending time with friends and family, Obon is a beautiful opportunity to honor our ancestors while celebrating our community together.

On August 16th, we are pleased to welcome Koichi Mizushima, Minister’s Assistant from Sacramento, who will be officiating our Sunday service. I encourage everyone to attend and hear Sensei Koichi's inspiring Dharma message.

I'd also like to encourage anyone interested in becoming more involved in our services to consider serving as a service chair. If you've noticed different members leading our services over the past several months, it's because volunteers have stepped forward to try something new. If public speaking has ever crossed your mind, please let Allan Yamashiro know. He can schedule you to chair a future service and help guide you through the process. It's a rewarding experience that allows each of us to contribute in a meaningful way, and I believe everyone should consider trying it at least once.

We will close out the month with our annual Wine & More event on August 29th. This year's gathering will be held outdoors, with our air-conditioned classroom available for anyone needing a break from the summer heat while enjoying their favorite chilled beverage. More importantly, this event gives us an opportunity to relax, enjoy one another's company, and build excitement as we prepare for our annual Food Bazaar.

These are exciting times for our church. Every event, every volunteer, and every act of kindness strengthens our temple and helps ensure that our Buddhist teachings and community continue to thrive for future generations.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing everyone throughout this busy and joyful month of August.

In Gassho, 

Rene' Yamashiro, President