So. SF leaders blast anti-Asian hate attacks

South San Francisco leaders and the chair of the City/County Association of Governments for San Mateo County (C/CAG), Marie Chuang on March 26 stood on the steps of City Hall to condemn anti-Asian hate.

“California Congresswoman Judy Chu called for Friday, March 26, 2021, to be designated as a ‘national day to speak out against AAPI hate’, and knowing that we are also nearing the end of Women’s History Month, and a high percentage of targeted hate is towards Asian-American women, we felt the time has come to say enough is enough,” said South San Francisco Councilwoman Buenaflor Nicolas, who is Filipino American.

Joining C/CAG Chair Chuang and Councilwoman Nicolas on the steps of City Hall were former five-time South San Francisco Mayor Karyl Matsumoto, who is of Japanese-American descent, and former South San Francisco Mayor and current CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Liza Normandy, who is of Chinese-Korean descent, and both of whom have experienced first-hand racism and the challenges of living in America as Asian-Americans.

The entire City Council of South San Francisco joined the speakers in a show of solidarity, including Mayor Mark Addiego, Vice Mayor Mark Nagales, Councilmember James Coleman, and Councilmember Eddie Flores, as well as San Mateo County Supervisors David Canepa and Dave Pine.

Councilwoman Nicolas spoke of her personal experiences. “One of the reasons why I ran for office in 2018 was to show a good example to my grandchildren and counter the anti-immigrant rhetoric that we constantly heard. I want to ensure that my grandchildren will grow up to be proud and comfortable of who they are – Americans who happen to be Asians,” said Nicolas. “For over a year, Asian-Americans have been fighting an additional virus of hate and bigotry and the Asian-American community has reached a crisis point that cannot be ignored any longer. These acts of hate have no place in our society.”

South San Francisco Police Sergeant Fahmida Murphy, who is of Samoan-Pakistani descent, shared with the crowd statistics from the Stop AAPI Hate coalition showing that of the nearly 4,000 anti-Asian incidents reported nationwide, 45 percent have occurred in California. Sergeant Murphy also provided safety tips and how to report an incident to the South San Francisco Police Department, noting that reports can be made anonymously on the City’s tip line at (650) 952-2244.

The speakers called for action, including gaining a better knowledge of the experiences of Asians in America. Councilwoman Nicolas concluded by saying, “if we are to win over race hatred, we must speak up and report incidences and encourage others to do the same. If you see something, say something.”

For more information on #StopAsianHate resources, visit www.ssf.net/StopAsianHate.