REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Affirming the City’s Commitment to Stand Against and Condemn Violence and Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Transparency and Community Engagement
BACKGROUND
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in March 2020, harmful and xenophobic rhetoric related to the geographic origins of this disease has exacerbated Anti-Asian sentiment and resulted in a surge of xenophobic violence and hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals, communities, and businesses throughout California. There have been over 2,800 documented hate incidents targeting Asian Americans throughout the nation, including over 700 reported incidents of racism and discrimination targeting Asian Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area, some notable for their level of violence and cruelty.
At the March 8, 2021 Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Task Force) meeting, the Task Force voted to authorize Member Knaack and Member Zamora-Marroquin to work with the Mayor, Police Chief, and City staff on developing a resolution condemning violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as well as other possible recommendations to support Santa Clara’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Over 44% of Santa Clara’s population identifies as Asian American or Pacific Islander.
DISCUSSION
The attached resolution affirming the City’s commitment to stand against and condemn violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (Resolution) was developed by the two Task Force members, Knaack and Zamora-Marroquin, and coordinated with the Mayor and Police Chief (Attachment 1).
The proposed Resolution condemns any racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian American and Pacific Islanders and affirms the City’s commitment to the well-being and safety of Asian American and Pacific Islander community members and advancing equity and justice for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution affirming the City’s commitment to stand against and condemn violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Staff
Reviewed by: Nadine Nader, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Affirming the City’s Commitment to Stand Against and Condemn Violence and Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders