Yorba Linda City Council takes stand against racism; approves projects for federal funding

 

The Yorba Linda City Council – described by Mayor Peggy Huang as “the most diverse of city councils” – has voted unanimously to adopt a strongly worded resolution condemning hate and racism.

The resolution is modeled after one adopted last month by the Orange County Board of Supervisors that acknowledges “the grave harm of racism,” repudiates “those who perpetuate acts of racism” and commits “to work in our role as a county government to eradicate racism.”

Each of the city's council members expressed support for a motion by Huang for a resolution denouncing hate and racism. Three of the five members are women, two White and one Asian-American, and two members are men, both Hispanic.

At the April 6 meeting, Huang said she wanted Yorba Linda to be a model in uniting, not dividing, people. She noted recent acts of hate toward Asian-Americans, as she told of one resident whose family dates to “the railroad days” being asked, “Where do you come from?”

Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Rodriguez said the city should repudiate racism “in any form,” and he stated it is “good to see outrage at unprecedented levels.” He also said “anger and outrage” should be made “productive.”

Rodriguez also noted the “painful” experiences of his boyhood, with his name Carlos Antonio Rodriguez. He said he was often told to “go back to Mexico,” even though he's Puerto Rican.

Gene Hernandez, a 34-year law enforcement veteran, including his eight years as Chino's police chief, said, “Kids aren't born racist, they learn from the adults in their life.” He likened racism to ignorance. As for racism in his youth, he said, “I gave as good as I got...but that was just me.”

Councilwoman Tara Campbell cited “solidarity and unity” in denouncing “hate and racism in any form,” while Councilwoman Beth Haney said she agreed “with my council colleagues to support the resolution wholeheartedly.”

In the last completed census, based on the 2010 population, Yorba Linda's racial makeup was 48,246 or 75.1% White (65.7% non-Hispanic White and 9.4% White Hispanic); 10,030 or 15.6% Asian; and 9,220 or 14.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Others: 835 or 1.3% African-American, 230 or 0.4% Native American, 85 or 0.1% Pacific Islander. Also, 2,256 or 3.5% from other races and 2,552 or 4.0% from two or more races.

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At the same April 6 meeting, the council approved projects for an application for federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the Housing and Urban Development Department, a program proposed by native son President Richard Nixon.

Funding for the coming fiscal year ($258,530) would go to rehabilitation grants to homeowners ($90,000); senior nutrition program ($38,779); Americans with Disabilities Act improvements ($78,045); remainder to cover administration costs ($51,706 split evenly by city and county).

The city has received close to $5 million from the program since 2003.