FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paul Payne April 15, 2020
(707) 576-2093
Sen. Dodd: Isleton’s Jean Yokotobi is Woman of the Year
ISELTON – Jean Yokotobi was born in a Northern California Japanese internment camp during World War II and devoted her retirement to promoting her adopted delta community of Isleton and preserving its Chinese- and Japanese-American heritage. She has been named Sacramento County Woman of the Year by Sen. Bill Dodd.
“My passion for Isleton will always remain,” Yokotobi said. “My contribution is to see this town become the town I was introduced to in the 1960s. It has given me a sense of worth, a sense of peace, and a sense of hope for the future. I sincerely hope when the Asian-American Heritage Park is completed, people can reflect and feel good about what they are taking away from their experience in Isleton.”
“I’m proud to recognize Jean for her valuable contribution to this unique town, so rich in California history,” Sen. Dodd said. “Her leadership ensures Isleton will be able to preserve its past while remaining vital for future generations.”
Yokotobi, the daughter of second-generation Japanese-American farmers, was interned with her family at Tulelake and spent her childhood in the town of Gridley. While attending San Francisco State University she fell in love with Isleton when she first saw it while driving through the delta in a convertible. Jean moved to Isleton in 2003 where she had previously purchased an historic building. After a long career in public health, she retired in 2008. In 2010, she bought a second building, a former general store and bait shop known as the Quong Wo Sing building, which had been constructed by a Chinese-American family in the 1926. It is currently being restored.
She opened a deli and restarted the Isleton Chamber of Commerce, becoming its president and eventually founded the chamber’s Delta Life magazine. She also helped found the town’s Cajun and Blues Festival and later, was an organizer of Asian Festival. She is a past president of the Isleton Historical Society and is now working on creating the Asian American Heritage Park to commemorate the town’s early Chinese and Japanese inhabitants.
###
Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Contra Costa, Solano, Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, and Sacramento counties.
You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd. Paul PaynePress SecretarySenator Bill DoddDistrict 3 | Representing: Solano, Sonoma, Napa, Yolo, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties
Office: (707) 576-2093
Mobile: (707) 483-4874
paul.payne@sen.ca.gov
www.covid19ca.gov
“I have been a craft beer enthusiast for at least 30 years,” said Walton. “Mei Wah Beer Room is the culmination of
this passion and the desire to present amazing local craft beer in the unique historical town of Isleton.”
“Iva’s commitment to Isleton, craft beer and the town’s Chinese heritage is remarkable,” Sen. Dodd said. “I’m proud to
recognize her significant contributions to Isleton and the Delta. Small businesses are the cornerstone of local
communities. With the current pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we recognize and support our local small
businesses.”
Walton opened her business in 2017 after a lengthy renovation of the building said to have been a gambling hall,
boarding house, opium den and brothel. It was originally owned by Isleton’s Chin family, who named it Meh Wah, meaning
beautiful place. Walton spent a year furnishing it with antiques from the 1800s including an opium bed, a dragon head
mask, original Qing Dynasty-era pennants and a decorative display case with Chinese figurines. The main bar was in a
scene from the movie “Basic Instinct” with Sharon Stone.
The business, which offers a rotating menu of 22 craft brews as well as non-alcoholic draft kombucha and nitro coffee,
has served drinks and snacks on a take-out basis during the coronavirus pandemic. Iva’s commitment to Isleton is
strong. The former Oakland resident was elected to the Isleton City Council in 2018. She has also served on the board
of the Isleton Chamber of Commerce.
###
Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma,
Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.