KINGS-KERN CO. INCIDENTS

2/23/45 Delano, Kern Co., Calif. Japanese Hall or church was destroyed by 10:30 p.m. fire believed to be of incendiary origin. Place evacuation had had become hangout of bums, it is reported. Estimated loss $4000. Pastor Yoniyana notified.

2/26/1945 Rosamond (rural 2 miles west), Kern County: Henry Kobayashi home fired on

at night. No one injured. Henry and wife fled to Los Angeles, living there at Friends Hotel, 506 N. Evergreen. Mr, Williams has leased Kobayashi farm for $2000 per year with provision for his purchase of farm implements. Williams defaulted first two years' rent and paid only $1100 of reduced $1400 third year's rent; was refused bill of sale for  farm implements by Kobayashi son-in-law, Mr. Giraud, and so moved to another farm five miles west taking farm implements with him. Mrs. Giraud once refused room reserved for visits to their Kern County farm home by any member of Kobayashi family, was ordered to get off the place since "no Japs are allowed here, besides the American Government is going to give this farm to us." Kern County Sheriff John E. Loustalot willing to protect life and limb but feels farm implements removal calls for Kobayashi's civil action, WRA investigator reports.

6/5/45 Hanford, Kings Co., Calif. — Fire, believed set by children, destroyed garage and shack on property owned by Mrs. George Kane Omata, now residing in Minneapolis. Property is for sale, as Mrs. Omata does not intend returning here. Omata residence, which is used principally for shoring odds and ends of furniture and located in front of garage has been broken into and looted several times. Mr. Edmiston was notified of fire by Chief of Police. As the property is in hands of custodian, WRA feels there is nothing further to be done; as owner if only concerned with selling property.

Source: “Special Field Reports of Allan Markley” to Dillon S. Meyer, Director WRA, Attn: M.M. Tozier, Chief of Reports, WRA