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Torrance names Columbia Park memorial the 'World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument'
Summary
The council unanimously approved the advisory committee’s recommendation to name the Columbia Park memorial the World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument; the decision followed discussion about whether to include the words 'incarceration' or 'internment' for clarity.
The Torrance City Council voted unanimously March 3 to officially name the Columbia Park memorial the World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument, adopting the advisory committee’s recommended title.
Crystal Karubia, senior business manager in Community Services, said the project — funded in part by a $5 million allocation secured through Senate Bill 170 — will memorialize and educate the public about the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The advisory committee recommended a concise, historically grounded name to ensure consistent public communications and fundraising.
Designer Tina Chi urged the council explicitly to include the term "incarceration" so the monument’s purpose would be clear. "The title of the monument should make clear the purpose of the project — it's the incarceration of Japanese in America during World War II," Chi said. Several councilmembers, including Matuchi and Gerson, said adding a descriptor is important so visitors understand the memorial’s focus rather than drawing alternative interpretations.
After discussion about using a longer title versus a succinct name and about placing fuller context in interpretive materials and on the project website, Councilmember Kaji moved to follow the committee’s recommendation and adopt the name World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument for the Columbia Park site. The motion passed unanimously.
Advisory committee members said they will continue working on interpretive text, plaques and fundraising materials; staff noted the committee will finalize remaining design and appointment details as the project moves toward construction.
