City condemns racism, violence against Asians

Rialto leaders this week condemned racism and acts of violence against the Asian community, joining cities, counties and states that have recently done the same.

Approved unanimously and without discussion by the City Council Tuesday, April 13, the two-page declaration comes about nine months after the San Bernardino County city declared racism a public health crisis.

“The City of Rialto is proud to be a diverse community,” the latest resolution reads, “and stands by its Asian community members to help end the hate.”

Hate crimes against Asian Americans in the 16 largest U.S. cities jumped 149% in 2020, according to an analysis by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino. The first spike in hate crimes occurred around this time last year amid an increase in coronavirus cases and negative stereotyping of Asian people related to the pandemic, according to the report.

“This increase in racism,” Rialto’s resolution reads, “is leaving a traumatic impact on Asian Americans and it is critical to acknowledge and condemn the targeting of hate, particularly for the next generation of Asian Americans to move forward.

“And the City of Rialto in rejection of such violent acts stands in support and solidarity with our Asian community and stress that all levels of government should stand united in combating intolerance, discrimination and hate against those of varying ethnicities, religious beliefs and backgrounds.”

Protests against hate crimes targeting Asian Americans have been held in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

On April 5, Montclair, where about 10.5% of the city’s population identifies as Asian American-Pacific Islander, adopted a similar resolution condemning hate crimes against that community.