REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Denouncing Anti-Asian Hate
Report
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
On June 9, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 997-20 Denouncing Xenophobia and Anti-Asian Sentiment Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Affirming City of Sunnyvale Support of and Commitment to the Well-Being and Safety of Asian American Communities (See Attachment No. 2).
San Francisco State University's Asian American Studies Department and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) civil rights groups launched the online reporting center Stop AAPI Hate (stopaapihate.org) to collect and track incidents of anti-AAPI hate violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying in California and nationwide. Since its launch on March 19, 2019 there have been nearly 3,800 incidents reported nationwide.
The recent spike in attacks against Asians in the Bay Area is alarming. A recent mass shooting at several Atlanta-area massage parlors has contributed to fears in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
The City wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the safety and well-being of AAPI community members and supporting victims of hate incidents. The City denounces xenophobia and all forms of hate and bigotry. This stance aligns with the City’s Statement on Our Values and Public Service adopted by Council in 2017 (See Attachment No. 3).
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 2 Community Vision, Goal IV Safe and Healthy Community:
To maintain Sunnyvale’s traditional high level of public health and safety, so all residents, employees and visitors feel safe at all times and in all places in the City.
General Plan, Chapter 6 Safety and Noise, Goal SN-3 Safe and Secure City:
Ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community by providing effective public safety response and prevention and education services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" with 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
None
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, Sunnyvale Public Library and Department of Public Safety. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt a Resolution denouncing anti-Asian hate.
2. Adopt a Resolution denouncing anti-Asian hate, with modifications.
3. Do not adopt a Resolution denouncing anti-Asian hate.
4. Take another action as directed by Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Adopt a Resolution denouncing anti-Asian hate.
Staff
Prepared by: Jaqui Guzmán, Deputy City Manager
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Resolution
2. Resolution No. 997-20
3. Statement on Our City Values and Public Service