Monrovia council repeals two WWII‑era anti‑Japanese resolutions as part of new park’s history work

The Monrovia City Council on Dec. 16 unanimously approved a resolution repealing two city resolutions adopted during World War II that advocated the removal or exclusion of Japanese residents from coastal defense areas.

City staff said the records were discovered while preparing interpretive materials for a new neighborhood park honoring a local Japanese American family. City Manager Dylan Feek and staff reviewed the 1942 and 1943 resolutions (No. 1638 and No. 1693), read excerpts of language that referred to “Japanese aliens” as a purported security risk, and recommended a formal repeal as a symbolic acknowledgement of past wrongs.

Feek recounted the history of local Japanese American families who farmed and ran businesses in Monrovia, noted the family who inspired the new park endured forced removal and confinement during World War II, and said the repeal helps the city tell a fuller story as the park opens. Feek described the repeal as “much more symbolic” and part of efforts to document and interpret that history in the new Sotoro/Sonnichi park.

Council members praised staff for archival research and for bringing forward the repeal. The motion to adopt Resolution 2025‑70 passed unanimously by roll call.

What’s next: staff said the city will share the park’s interpretive materials, mark a ribbon-cutting in January and continue outreach to family descendants and the community.