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Rep. Costa Statement on Nomination of David “Mas” Masumoto to National Council on the Arts

June 19, 2012

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Jim Costa released the following statement in response to President Obama's announcement that he had nominated David "Mas" Masumoto to the National Council on the Arts.

"In an age when the art of the written word is dying, my friend Mas used words to keep the story of our Valley alive," said Costa. "As a farmer and an author, he has grown and created things of beauty his entire life. His words jump off the page and give life to what is special about the place that we are proud to call home. His work offers a glimpse into the experiences of Japanese American immigrants and echoes the common experience and legacy of all immigrants to our Valley. He will be an invaluable asset to the National Council on the Arts. There is no more fitting testimony to his contributions to our nation and the San Joaquin Valley than this nomination."