Press Release - EG Officials Stand with the AAPI Community

City Council to Consider Measures to Support AAPI Community and Assist Victims

In September 2016, the Elk Grove City Council originally proclaimed Elk Grove a "No Place for Hate" city. Today, Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and members of the Elk Grove City Council, in partnership with elected officials and community organizations serving the Elk Grove community, re-affirmed the City's stance against hate violence, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

Tonight, the Elk Grove City Council will consider adoption of aresolutioncondemning and combating the recent surge in hate attacks against Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI). The resolution supports legislative bills and resources promoting the Stop AAPI Hate movement. The Stop AAPI Hate reporting center, which was started on March 19, 2020, tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans Pacific Islanders in the United States. To report a hate incident visitwww.stopaapihate.org.

"Violence against one of us, damages all of us," said Elk Grove Mayor, Bobbie Singh-Allen. "To combat the fear and offer support to our AAPI residents, I am introducing a buddy program in partnership with the Police Department and local community organizations that reinforces our commitment to the community and reminds them that they are not alone."

Several area non-profit organizations are offering a new "buddy" service to help members of the AAPI community feel safe and secure. The Elk Grove Police Department is providing a hotline number to connect members of the AAPI community with participating non-profits. Residents who want the assistance of a buddy can call (916) 691-5246.

"The Elk Grove Police Department stands in unity with the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Together, we can ensure everyone feels safe and welcome in Elk Grove," said Elk Grove Police Chief Timothy Albright.

Two bills are currently being proposed in the California Legislature that provide new ways to combat hate crimes statewide,AB 886(Bonta) andAB 266(Cooper).

"All communities deserve to be seen, valued, and protected," said Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland). "We must take strong and decisive action to confront this ongoing unacceptable rise in racist and xenophobic attacks on members of the API community and the larger increase in hate crimes. My AB 886 will fund community-based organizations that facilitate culturally competent mental health services for victims of hate violence and restorative justice programs. AB 886 would also expand the eligibility for victims of hate violence to access victim compensation funds and not be denied solely because the victim did not file a police report," Bonta said.

"As we continue to see increased hate crimes against our AAPI communities throughout the country and our state, it underscores the need to expedite and pass my bill, AB 266, which will ensure perpetrators of hate crimes serve their full sentences and remain behind bars," said Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove). "AB 266 will send an important message to those who seek to harm our communities that California will not tolerate hate under any circumstances," added Cooper.

Elk Grove remains one of the region's most diverse cities. In 2015, Wallethub ranked Elk Grove the 7th most racial and ethnically diverse mid-size city in the U.S. More than 30% of Elk Grove's population identifies as AAPI.Learn more about Elk Grove's demographics.

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