Daly City, CA - It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we are yet again addressing mass shootings in California. In just three days, our state has seen three devastating acts of violence from Monterey Park to Half Moon Bay, and in Oakland. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.
The act of violence targeting the Asian and Asian American community is triggering regardless of the race of the perpetrator. According to a 2022 Pew Research Center Study, 63% of Asian Adults surveyed reported that violence against Asian Americans has increased. Another 36% of those polled said they worry they might be threatened or attacked. Our community is on edge and living in fear for their safety and their loved ones. With both suspects of Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay being Asian, there are growing concerns within the Asian and Asian American community of an increase in anti-Asian hate and Sinophobic rhetoric. We are vigilant and as we work toward healing, we ask our allies for their support of the Asian and Asian American community during these challenging times. “Violence in any form, from domestic, workplace, racial and gender-based, must stop now,” stated API Caucus President and Daly City Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo. “We stand in solidarity with all those affected by these tragedies and will continue to identify ways to support victims and communities impacted.” If you or someone you know needs trauma support, we encourage you to visit and share the AAPI Equity Alliance resource directory. |
Daly City, CA - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus is
saddened and horrified at the tragic shooting in Monterey Park during what should have been the joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year. At this time of mourning, we stand with our Asian/Asian American brothers, sisters, siblings, and all families impacted. While we know that the alleged shooter during the Monterey Park incident was Asian, this incident deeply impacts the Asian/Asian American community as we have been targets of violence and hate that resulted in many deaths. Our community is still grieving from the trauma. At a time when families and our community are mourning, we are disgusted to learn that an unnamed person called one of the hospitals to say ‘they want to go and finish the job.' Anti-Asian hate, just like all other forms of hatred, violence, and discrimination, cannot be allowed to continue. “It’s a tragedy that needs to stop, hate and violence have no place in our communities. Our heart goes out to all the victims and their families. We will continue working with our local, state, and federal partners to combat anti-Asian hate in all forms and work for safer communities for all. We ask you to work with us to make this vision a reality, “ said Juslyn Manalo, President of the API Caucus, Council Member of Daly City. |
Daly City - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus condemns the hateful speech by LA City Council President Nury Martinez, Council members Kevin De Leon and Gil Cedillo, and former LA Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera.
These officials made anti-Black, anti-indigenous, anti-LGBTQ, anti-Semitic, anti-Armenian, anti-Oaxacan, and anti-Koreatown comments. As we learn more about the wide number of racial and ethnic groups disparaged by these officials, we are outraged. These statements were egregious and completely unbecoming for elected officials and leaders from the most diverse city in the state. Such speech threatens the cross racial and ethnic solidarity so many of us have struggled to build and sustain. We stand with our Black/African American, LGBTQ, Jewish, Armenian, Oaxacan, Latino/a, and Indigenous communities in calling for resignations by these LA City Council members. |
Sacramento, CA - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus is unequivocally committed to supporting the right to choose for women, transgender men and non-binary people.
We know that this SCOTUS decision unequally burdens Asian, Black, Indigenous/Pacific Islander, Latina, immigrant and people of color to find affordable and safe reproductive health care where they live. To build on Martin Luther King, Jr’s words, to make sure that the arc of history bends toward justice, we must continue the fight for women’s, transgender and non-binary people’s health at the same time that we fight AAPI Hate. |
Elk Grove, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus issued the following statement in response to the one-year anniversary of the Atlanta massacre that took place on March 16, 2021.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic massacre in Atlanta, Georgia. A total of eight people were murdered, six of whom were Asian women. This targeted attack towards the AAPI community has come as part of the ever-increasing number of anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic. According to the Stop AAPI Hate coalition, 78% of Asian American women have experienced hate in the past two years. “Racism is deeply rooted in our history and we must not forget the countless lives that have been lost because of it. Ensuring culturally-relevant education is taught in our public school systems is one of the most powerful violence prevention tools. It is our racial differences that make our communities thrive,” said Stephanie Nguyen, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Councilmember of Elk Grove. “The impact of violence against Asian American women is still felt across our nation today. We must continue to raise awareness to these issues that disproportionately affect AAPI communities, especially AAPI women. They should not have to live in fear on a daily basis. We call for change and justice to protect our community by investing in programs that uplift the AAPI community and their voices. We encourage anyone who has either seen or been a victim of these senseless attacks to please report it to the Stop AAPI Hate Center at StopAAPIHate.org.” |
Elk Grove, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement to express solidarity with the Ukrainian community.
“We strongly condemn the military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian government. The aggressive attacks against Ukrainian sovereignty threatens their human rights and democracy. We urgently call on efforts to protect and provide aid to all victims of this conflict," said Stephanie Nguyen, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Councilmember of Elk Grove. “All around the world, we see a global movement fighting for democratic freedom. We join this call for peace and protection of human rights, especially children and innocent lives who have suffered at the hands of the unnecessary war.” |
Elk Grove, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement to address the violence against Asian Pacific Islander (API) women.
“We mourn the lives of Christina Yuna Lee and Michelle Go. Their tragic deaths both occurred during a string of senseless, anti-Asian, and misogynist acts of violence. With grief and outrage, we condemn the rising violence and hate crimes directed at API women. We stand in support and solidarity with the families of Christina Yuna Lee and Michelle Go, as well as the wider API communities in the United States who have been subjected to escalating anti-Asian violence," said Stephanie Nguyen, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Councilmember of Elk Grove. According to Stop AAPI Hate, a majority of anti-Asian hate crimes have been reported by women or girls. “These tragedies highlight an increasing number of anti-Asian hate crimes that have plagued this country since the beginning of the pandemic. We demand better public safety to keep API women safe.” We call attention to current efforts that aim to create safe and accessible spaces especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. California legislators, including Senator Dave Min, recently introduced SB 1161. This bill was created to curb street discrimination and harassment on public transit systems which disproportionately targets women, especially women of color. It is a priority to protect API women and other vulnerable communities, especially during their transit journey, as most hate incidents occur in public spaces. We encourage anyone interested to support the Christina Yuna Lee Memorial Fund and Michelle Alyssa Go Memorial Fund by donating or sharing the fundraiser to help spread the word. If anyone has seen or been a victim of these senseless attacks, please report it to the Stop AAPI Hate Center. |
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After more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic and resurgence of racist and violent acts against Asian Americans, we find ourselves in a critical time for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs).
This year, the API Caucus focused on providing tools and resources for our members to combat anti-Asian hate and continued to address the diverse voices of AANHPIs across all sectors including government, corporate boards, and mass media. Check out our 2021 recap video for a summary! As the year comes to a close, we are grateful for many victories that increased AANHPI representation and promoted social and racial justice. We look forward to making our communities safer, more equitable and just for all. Thank you to all of our partners and sponsors who supported us in the work we do, see you in 2022! |
San Gabriel Valley, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement in response to Ji-Young making history as the first Asian American muppet to join the iconic children’s television show “Sesame Street.”
“The League of California Cities API Caucus celebrates and applauds Sesame Street in bringing its first Asian American character, Ji-Young, to the screen,” said API Caucus President Jason Pu. “At a time when we continue to see increased attacks on the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, Sesame Street and Ji-Young will bring positive images and representations for the AAPI community to the screen and create unique opportunities for parents and their children to learn about and discuss issues relevant to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.” Many studies show the positive impacts of understanding one’s identity, especially at a young age. The latest addition of an Asian American cast will help to promote racial diversity and curb anti-Asian hate. Watch Ji-Young’s historic debut on the “See Us Coming Together: A Sesame Street Special” segment on Thanksgiving Day on HBO Max and local PBS stations. Other Asian American celebrities and role models in attendance include: Simu Liu (actor – Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, Kim’s Convenience, etc.), Padma Lakshmi (actor and producer – Top Chef, Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, etc.), and Naomi Osaka (world’s no. 1 women’s professional tennis player). Since the beginning of the pandemic, over 10,370+ reports have been submitted to Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition dedicated to tracking and responding to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This Thanksgiving, the Caucus is grateful for many of our AAPI leaders and partners working hard to address anti-Asian hate in their communities. We encourage anyone who has either seen or been a victim of senseless attacks to please report it to the Stop AAPI Hate Center at https://stopaapihate.org/. |
Oakland, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus issued the following statement to address the Atlanta massacre.
“We are deeply saddened by the senseless attacks that took place yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia, where at least eight people were murdered, six of whom are of Asian descent,” said Sheng Thao, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Council President Pro Tempore of Oakland. This is an unimaginable tragedy for the victims, their families and the Asian American community. We stand in solidarity with all those who have suffered at the hands of senseless violence and call attention to the continued rise in anti-Asian motivated attacks. As we have previously stated, the COVID-19 virus is not the only thing that spreads during a pandemic - fear and bigotry are on the rise as well and must be stopped in their tracks. Racism doesn’t discriminate. We encourage anyone who has either seen or been a victim of these senseless attacks to please report it to the Stop AAPI Hate Center. |
Oakland, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement to oppose efforts to recall Governor Newsom.
“Our Caucus categorically stands with Governor Newsom, and strongly opposes efforts to recall the Governor,” said Sheng Thao, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Council President Pro Tempore of Oakland. “Our state has faced unprecedented challenges in the past year due to the coronavirus pandemic, wildfires, and economic downturn. In the face of these challenges, the far-right, anti-vaxxers, and pro-Trump extremists have sought to distract our road to recovery. Their misguided attempts to recall the governor poses a grave threat to our safety, health, economic recovery and it will cost Californians $100 million - money that is desperately needed to support our healthcare workers, teachers, small businesses and displaced workers from the pandemic. Instead of hyper-partisanship, our focus should be on unity, health, and safety of all Californians.” Governor Newsom has been a champion and an ally to the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community throughout his career. Amid the surge of racial violence against our community, he has taken bold actions to speak out against the attacks and signed legislation to provide $1.4 million in state funding to research and track anti-Asian hate crimes. The recall effort by pro-Trump extremists will jeopardize our community’s safety and hinder the progress we’ve made to create a more equitable community for all. Based on his track record, the governor has earned the trust of the API community, which is why over 124 API elected officials in California have spoken out against a recall. We stand united with our community to defeat any attempts to recall Governor Newsom. |
Oakland, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement to denounce a lack of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in President-elect Joe Biden's Cabinet Secretary positions.
“We are deeply dismayed that there are no AAPIs represented in President-elect Biden’s 15 Cabinet Secretary positions,” said Sheng Thao, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Council Member of Oakland. “While we applaud the President-elect for putting together ‘the most diverse cabinet in history’ that is inclusive of members of the LGBTQ, and other minority groups - it is incomplete and sets a dangerous precedent that diversity does not include AAPIs. The lack of AAPIs in his Cabinet Secretary positions mark a departure from the past four presidential administrations regardless of party affiliation. This is the first time in two decades where AAPIs are not represented at this level and is troubling as it sends the message to the fastest-growing ethnic group in America that they don't count.” AAPIs are far too often overlooked and left out of important policy discussions relating to racial equity, healthcare inequity, economic impact, and immigration reform. Although AAPIs make up 7% of the United States’ population, there is a long history of Asian Americans not appointed to top roles in the public and private sectors no matter the educational degrees or experiences that they attain. In a year where diversity, equity and inclusion are focal, it is critical that inclusion begins with having diverse leadership at the very top and one that includes AAPIs. The administration’s Cabinet Secretary positions are devoid of Asian Americans and are not one that is truly reflective of America’s rich diversity. The failure to include AAPIs continues to perpetuate systemic discrimination against Asian Americans and creates structural barriers for AAPIs to shape and influence key policies from the very top. The growing political power and participation of AAPIs in key elections prove not only the need for AAPI representation but also highlight the importance of inclusion of AAPIs in significant decision-making bodies. According to exit polls from NBC News, 2/3rds of AAPIs voted for Biden. Asian Americans played a significant role in key battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin which secured President-elect Biden’s bid to the presidency. The historical voter turnout of AAPIs in Georgia was one of the deciding factors that delivered a Democratic Senate majority for the incoming administration. The inclusion of AAPI voices should no longer be ignored or underestimated as they continue to gain influence in the political arena as the fastest-growing population and key electoral voters. |
Oakland, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement to address the recent attacks against Asian American Councilmembers.
“Violence has no place in our democracy and we adamantly condemn the use of violence to intimidate API elected officials,” said Sheng Thao, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Councilmember of Oakland, CA. “It has now happened twice. Two API women serving in office in the Bay Area have been victims of intimidation and had rocks hurled through their windows at home. In both instances, Amorence Lee, San Mateo City Councilmember and Richa Awasthi, Foster City Vice Mayor were home with their families and could have been harmed as rocks shattered their windows without regard to the occupants inside their homes. This is an act of terroism that has no place in our democracy.” “While these two attacks are actively being investigated, we urge for community cooperation to bring these terrorist actors to justice.” As we have previously stated, the COVID-19 virus is not the only thing that spreads during a pandemic - fear and bigotry are on the rise as well and must be stopped in their tracks. Racism doesn’t discriminate. We encourage anyone who has either seen or been a victim of these senseless attacks to please report it to the Stop AAPI Hate Center. |
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The demand for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) representation in public service is stronger than ever. We were faced with tremendous challenges not only with the pandemic but also anti-Asian hate crimes fueled by it. NHPIs have also experienced disproportionate COVID-19 infection and deaths in California. In a year of uncertainty and challenges, the diverse voices of the AA and NHPI communities from all sectors have never been more powerful.
The API Caucus took swift actions to address pressing issues such as the diverse representation on corporate boards, ethnic studies, affirmative action, and critical social issues through legislative actions, leadership development sessions, educational trainings and resources. Check out our recap video for a summary. In partnership with USC Sol Price School of Public Policy in Sacramento and the League of CA Cities African American Caucus, we launched an impactful educational series with experts on how we can address ongoing critical social issues such as systemic racism, housing equality, equitable opportunities, and how city policies can uplift and enhance the lives of those who are most vulnerable. We are excited to embark our journey into the next year to continue to make our communities safer, more equitable and just for all. Thank you to all of our partners and sponsors who stood by us throughout this challenging year and supported us in the work we do, see you in 2021! |
Los Angeles, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement in response to the grand jury ruling on the murder of Breonna Taylor.
“Breonna Taylor has become known around the world in the fight for racial equality. But the one thing her family needed - justice - was denied,” said David Ryu, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Council Member of Los Angeles. “This decision is a tragedy. We must continue to say ‘Black Lives Matter’ until they matter in our judicial system.” The police officers involved in the senseless murder of Breonna Taylor must be held accountable. Our current judicial system reflects a history of racism and oppression of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in this country. Unfortunately, under our current system, we know that Breonna Taylor’s grand jury decision is the latest but certainly won't be the last infliction of harm to BIPOC. We call for systemic change to root out the inherent racism that exists in our judicial system that serves the privileged and denies BIPOC and the poor. Unless that is done, the endless cycle of victimization will continue. |
Los Angeles, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issues the following statement in support of ACA 5.
“We applaud the California Legislature for passing ACA 5, which gives voters an opportunity to revisit the issue of affirmative action in our public institutions,” said David Ryu, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Councilmember of Los Angeles. “The repeal of Proposition 209 is absolutely necessary to build a just California. It is time that we live up to the ideals of equity in our state, and remove the barriers that shut people out of opportunity. Proposition 209 has had a devastating impact for women and people of color. In the past 20 years, it was estimated that these two groups have lost over $1 billion in government contracts and faced increasing obstacles to gain access to higher education, and upward mobility in their occupations. Repealing Proposition 209 not only creates equity and opportunity, it creates a better California. Numerous studies have shown that programs that promote diversity leads to increase in innovation, profitability, and productivity for both businesses and communities.” |
Los Angeles, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement in response to the senseless death of George Floyd.
“As we rise against hate crimes toward Asian Americans, we also must stand in strong solidarity with the African American community and demand justice for George Floyd and every other person of color who has been wronged by the system,” said Caucus President David Ryu, Council Member of Los Angeles. “For too long, people of color have been oppressed by systemic and ingrained racism in this country. The spectrum of racism against African Americans has been exposed in all its ugliness time and time again, from recent infliction of weaponized racism against Christian Cooper, to the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless others who have fallen victim to injustice. We as Americans are better than this and we call for justice and introspection not just with law enforcement, but how we as individuals view race, fairness, and equality. We support peaceful protest and we denounce those with ill-intentions to provoke violence and stoke fears in an attempt to overshadow peaceful demonstrators calling for change. We can and must do more as individuals and groups to fight against all forms of hatred, prejudice, and social and economic inequities when we see it. To bring real change, we must unite and take action. Willful ignorance of injustice against people of color, is willful acceptance of injustice against humanity.” |
Los Angeles, California - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement to address the rise of hate violence against Asian Americans that have been fueled by misinformation about the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“We are deeply concerned with the upsurge of racial tensions and discrimination against Asian Americans in California and throughout the country since the outbreak of COVID-19,” said David Ryu, President of League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and Council Member of Los Angeles. “Viruses are not the only thing that spread during a pandemic - fear and bigotry are on the rise as well, and must be stopped in their tracks. Members of our community are living in fear because their family, friends, and neighbors have been bullied and attacked solely based on their perceived race and ignorance surrounding the Coronavirus. This hateful discrimination is not who we are as Californians or who we are as Americans. Since Trump and his allies seem to have forgotten this, let me be absolutely clear: There is absolutely no excuse for hate, and any hate crimes must be met with unequivocal justice. I encourage anyone who has either seen or been a victim of these senseless attacks to please report it. It will help bring support and resources to the community.” |
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"This year, we made progress on all fronts with a very dedicated board. The API Caucus looks forward to serving our members and constituents with more programs and resources in 2020!"
- Annie Lam, Executive Director To view Program highlight PDF click here |
"Happy Holidays to our members, sponsors, and friends! As 2017 comes to an end, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to reflect on all that we have accomplished this year. This past year was an eventful and highly productive one for the League of CA Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus. We made progress on all fronts with a very dedicated board. We focused on our goals of policy engagement, leadership development, education, and youth empowerment. The API Caucus looks forward to serving our members and constituents with more programs and resources in 2018!"
-Annie Lam, Executive Director To view the complete summary please click here |
Sacramento- The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement on the untimely and unexpected passing of board member Mayor Ed Lee, San Francisco’s first Asian American mayor.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our board member and trailblazer Mayor Ed Lee. He was a tireless public servant who cared deeply about making our community a better place and especially improving the conditions for the underserved. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time." |
Sacramento - The League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus issued the following statement on the recent executive order to end the Deferred Action for Childhood (DACA) Arrivals program.
“We strongly condemn Trump’s heartless move to end DACA. These Dreamers are not criminals - they are required to meet strict guidelines to be admitted to the program. They are not stealing away jobs. In fact, many of them are creating jobs. There are nearly 800,000 Dreamers in the U.S., many of whom are Asian American, and deporting them could cost the U.S. economy over $400 billion, according to CNBC. Jeff Session’s comment brings back a shameful chapter of America’s history where blame is cast on immigrants for job losses and other problems by successfully using them as scapegoats. This is the type of fear-mongering that ultimately led to many appalling discriminations in America’s history. The repeal of DACA will have significant negative impacts on the Asian Pacific American community and families and our society as a whole, including economic harm to local cities and states nationwide. Let’s not let history repeat itself. We call on Trump and Congress to come together to work out a solution for Dreamers who are making positive contributions to America.” |
LEAGUE OF CITIES TRIES TO EMPOWER NEXT BATCH OF API OFFICIALS
Reporter Steve Angeles/ Balitang America: 8/19/2017 To read this article please click here |