Valentine Nishihara
Originally from Santa Barbara, California, retired U.S. Navy Captain Valentine Nishihara lived and traveled in many different places before calling Lompoc home. She is the first female Japanese American military officer to attain the rank of captain.
Join Our Community Effort
Our Roots/Our Routes is more than just an archive of history: it’s a project devoted to recognizing and honoring the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of communities that have shaped the local region. It is fueled by a commitment to supporting community pathways of self-definition and self-determination, and ultimately contributing to a more just and sustainable future for the Central Coast.
Through these stories, we aim to strengthen community bonds, foster cross-cultural understanding, and give voice to the rich diversity that defines our region.
