CC Resolution No. 21-022 Affirming the City's Commitment to Stand in Solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander Community RESOLUTION NO. 21-022
A RESOLUTION OF THE CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL
AFFIRMING THE CITY'S COMMITMENT TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY
WITH THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council and Chinese for
Affirmative Action launched a hate incident-reporting internet website, titled "Stop
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate," at the beginning of the COVID-19
outbreak in March of 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Stop AAPI Hate reporting center documented over 2,800 hate
incidents against the Asian and Pacific Islander community in 2020; and
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WHEREAS, over 700 of these incidents occurred in the Bay Area of California;
and
WHEREAS, racism against the Asian and Pacific Islander community has been
exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, as a community, we should all stand against racism, prejudice, and
hate crimes against any member of our community, as this runs counter to our shared
democratic values, and as such behavior against one diminishes all of us; and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2021, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, a nearly-
blind and gentle elderly Thai man, died from injuries resulting from an attack while he
was walking in the City of San Francisco, in what is deemed as a hate crime; and
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WHEREAS, on January 31, 2021, three elderly Asian Americans were assaulted
in the City of Oakland's Chinatown District, including a 91-year-old Asian man who
sustained serious injuries, such as lacerations, abrasions, and a contusion to the left
thumb, in what is deemed a hate crime; and
WHEREAS, about 31% of Asian Americans report having been subject to
discrimination since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Pew
Research Center report; and
WHEREAS, Cupertino is blessed to be a multiracial community,and we decided {
long ago that mutual understanding and respect develops a much healthier, safer, and
caring community; and
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Resolution No. 21-022
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WHEREAS,it is important to acknowledge that the Asian and Pacific Islander
community is made up of people from various socioeconomic backgrounds, and many face
significant financial struggles; and
WHEREAS, in Santa Clara County, one of the first minority-majority counties in a
the nation, Asians have been the largest racial group since 2014, and currently, Asians
make up nearly 38% of the county's population; and
WHEREAS, in the City of Cupertino, Asians make up 64%of the City's
population; and
WHEREAS, it is important for the community as a whole to stand in solidarity
with the Asian and Pacific Islander communities across the country.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby affirm
its commitment to stand in solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander community
and resolves as follows:
1. The City of Cupertino denounces hate crimes, hateful rhetoric, and hateful acts,
and does not tolerate discrimination, xenophobia, or harassment; and
2. The City of Cupertino will oppose any attempts to undermine the safety,security,
and rights of members of our community and will work proactively to ensure the
rights and privileges of everyone in the City—regardless of race;and
3. The City of Cupertino will promote safety,a sense of security,and equal protection
of constitutional and human rights, leading by example through equitable
treatment of;all by City officials and departments;and
4. The City of Cupertino encourages the community to stand together in affirming
its commitment to the safety and well-being of the Asian and Pacific Islander
community in Cupertino, California, and our country.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Cupertino this 161"day of March, 2021, by the following vote:
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Vote Members of the City Council
AYES: Paul, Chao, Moore, Wei, Willey
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SIGNED:
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Darcy Pau ayor Date
City of Cupertino
ATTEST:
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Kirsten Squarcia, Ci Clerk Date
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