“This is not my father’s LTBA,” said Irene Tsukada Simonian, noting the ability to change with the times by the community organization that was honoring her.
Simonian received the Little Tokyo Business Association’s Businessperson of the Year award, during the group’s 66th annual installation dinner on March 6 at the Miyako Hotel.
“It’s wonderful to be recognized by a group I’m so proud to be a part of,” Simonian added.
A special hero’s award was also presented to Michael James, the director of public safety for the Little Tokyo Business Improvement District.
“I’m not one for speeches, so I’ll leave that to the politicians,” said James, who attended Bel-mont High School and has worked faithfully to protect Little Tokyo since joining the BID in 2016.
In presenting the award to James, LTBA Vice President Joanne Kumamoto said, “People need to know how he saves lives, including our homeless neighbors. He’s looking after us all.”