La Mesa backs anti-racism bills

The La Mesa City Council has voiced support for several bills that aim to combat racism against Asian Americans, amid a surge in California hate crimes.

The 4-1 vote during Tuesday’s public meeting was largely symbolic, as the state Legislature has ultimate say, and included a debate about the role government should play policing hate speech.

The city’s resolution was introduced by Vice Mayor Jack Shu, who ditched his normal buttoned-up attire for a black T-shirt that read, “It’s an honor just to be Asian.”

“This issue of harassment and hate throughout this country, throughout this state, and in Southern California and here in La Mesa exists, and we need to give recognition for that,” Shu said. “These three bills are some positive actions that we need to take, other than just talking about it.”

The proposals — AB-2549, SB-1161 and AB-2448 — would generally require state officials to improve how they track hate speech.

One proposal would require a public relations campaign about street harassment, casting it as a public health threat. Another bill demands mass transit operators conduct surveys of how often riders feel unsafe, and the third would make businesses hang signs telling customers how to report hate speech, among other changes.

The first proposal was co-introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Akilah Weber, who until recently was part of La Mesa’s council.

Weber was replaced by Councilmember Laura Lothian, who on Tuesday questioned whether these bills could lead to a future where the government has too much power over what people say.

“It seems to me this is going to protect some people, but not other people,” Lothian said. “You end up with a government that controls your speech.”

Lothian was overruled by her four colleagues, including Councilmember Bill Baber, who said he cast his “yes” vote in honor of his Filipina stepmother.

blake.nelson@sduniontribune.com