User:Dot Lung/Mas Fukai

Mas Fukai (January 2, 1927 - March 5, 2006 ), served as a Gardena Councillor under chief deputy, Kenneth Hahn, in Gardena, California. He is the father of Janice Fukai and Ricky Fukai and a well known golf enthusiast and member of Candlewood Country Club in Whittier, California.

Fukai was one of four children born to a farmer in Gardena. During World War II, the family was sent to an internment camp at Gila, Ariz. Fukai was drafted in the latter stages of the war and served until 1947. After his discharge, he returned to Los Angeles and attended Trade Tech College. He also started his own auto body repair business. While running a sports league in Gardena for at-risk youths, he caught the attention of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, who named him to a post on the county's Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Commission.

In 1974, Mas ran successfully in a seat on the Gardena City Council. He was reelected five times, serving as a councilmen and Mayor Pro Tem, for a total of 24 years. In 1975, Kenneth Hahn appointed the title of Chief Deputy 1987. DURING THIS PERIOD, HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASIAN SERVICE CENTER, THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUMMER SPORTS AND DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASIAN-AMERICAN DRUG ABUSE PROGRAM AND WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN SUPERVISORS HAHN'S ACTIONS TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE ISSUE OF REDRESS AND REPARATION FOR JAPANESE-AMERICANS, WHICH RESULTED IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY EMPLOYEES BEING REDRESSED FOR THEIR JOBS LOST DURING WORLD WAR II. He retired from the county post in 1993 but stayed on as a councilman in Gardena until 1998. His health began to decline when he suffered a stroke in 1995.

Mas Fukai Park located at 15800 South Brighton Avenue in Gardena, California was renamed in his honor.
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