Volunteers made sushi while some attendees made their own.
Laughter, music, community spirit, and the aroma of fresh sushi filled St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church in Huntington Beach on Sept. 20 as Historic Wintersburg celebrated its 100th year anniversary with the unforgettable “Nomikai” sushi and beer-making fundraiser.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd and exceeded expectations, marking a century of resilience, heritage, history, community, and a bright future.
Guests gathered for an evening inspired by the lively tradition of nomikai — a time to raise a glass, enjoy delicious food, and strengthen bonds. Attendees savored expertly crafted sushi, sampled local craft beers made on site by master brewer Jim Hill, enjoyed cultural highlights, and celebrated the vibrant legacy of Historic Wintersburg with friends old and new.
The energy in the room was electric as supporters came together to honor one of the region’s most meaningful Japanese American historic landmarks. The evening, emceed by Jamie Hiber, started with Oceanview School Board Trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin providing inspiring opening remarks.
During the evening, Historic Wintersburg Conservancy Board President Ernie Nishii shared updates on the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore Historic Wintersburg, noting that negotiations continue among Historic Wintersburg Conservancy, the Ocean View School District, and Republic Environmental Services.
Artifacts from Historic Wintersburg were displayed during the event.
“Our vision is to enable all of Southern California to understand the shared and open history of Huntington Beach and its promise for the future,” he said. “This first Japanese American historic district in Orange County will be a beacon and lesson for future generations.
“We are thankful for the incredible support of the Historic Wintersburg Board, which consists of Huntington Beach former planning commissioners, School Board members, former JACL President Kenneth Inouye, the Ocean View School District, Preserve OC, APIAHiP (Asian Pacific Islanders in Historic Preservation), George and Sakaye Aratani CARE, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, and the original vision of Mary Adams Urashima.”
Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners, the evening raised essential funds that will support the preservation and revitalization of the Historic Wintersburg site — ensuring the next 100 years are as meaningful as the last.
Historic Wintersburg extends a warm and heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed to the magic of the night. The success of this celebration reflects the power of community — and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Since the event, Historic Wintersburg Conservancy has achieved yet one more exciting milestone. The State Historical Resources Commission met on Nov. 7 to determine sites eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
After reviewing the record and testimony, including the testimony of the grandson of the Tashima market where Orange County Buddhist Church was started, the commission found sufficient facts to determine that the Historic Wintersburg District is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
This historic district designation is the first Japanese American historic district in Orange County and enables it to be automatically part of the California Register of Historic Places.
For more information about Historic Wintersburg or to get involved in future events and opportunities to support, contact the board directly at historicwintersburg@gmail.com.