Supervisors expected to denounce anti-Asian racism

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors are expected to pass a resolution denouncing racist attacks against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders.

This resolution comes after reports regarding attacks on elderly Asians in the Bay Area. In one instance, an older man was knocked to the ground and required hospitalization.

On Tuesday, the Woodland City Council unanimously passed a resolution support “equal treatment.” During their meeting, they heard the stories of local residents who had been subject to racist attacks. Additionally, the Woodland School Board is expected to pass a similar resolution Thursday.

“While I support this resolution it makes me sick that we are supporting this tonight,” said Councilman Rich Lansburgh during the Tuesday night Zoom meeting. “In our culture, we have people who try to divide us. We’re all Americans. Let’s act like one people. As Americans, this needs to stop. I’ve received a lot of comments from people who endorse this item and I don’t hesitate to endorse it. And for those people who think it’s funny to do this or get a kick out of it, there’s a special place in Hell for you. I hope you enjoy it.”

The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association stated that attacks against APIA have increased since the outbreak of the coronavirus early last year, even in Yolo County.

“Local incidences in Yolo County of school bullying and unprovoked attacks on APIA innocent victims, businesses and seniors validates the growing concern that this is beginning to be a national trend,” the statement noted.

They highlighted antiAsian sentiment spread by former President Donald Trump, in which he referred to the virus as the “China virus,” or the “Kong Flu.” In a letter commending the board on their resolution, the APAPA cites 2,800 reported attacks have been recorded against Asian and Pacific Islanders in America.

The resolution, which will likely pass at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, states that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have “made our county and our nation more secure throughout its history and during the COVID-19 pandemic with an estimated 2 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders serving on the front lines of this crisis as healthcare providers, as first responders, and in other essential roles.”

The county, in the resolution, states that it will “condemn and combat” racism, xenophobia and intolerance.