AAPI violence, variants and vaccines, vaccination frustration, child care, new budgets, and the 2011 Nisqually earthquake, and more…

View this in your browser.

afgadfgadg

February 25, 2021

API violence

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’m sure many of you shared my disgust and sadness at seeing news stories of increasing violence and racist attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  These recent attacks have apparently been triggered by a belief in the assertion that people of Asian descent are responsible for spreading the coronavirus. 

My colleague, Council Chair Claudia Balducci, issued a powerful statement at the start of Tuesday’s Council meeting.  I’m reprinting it here:

Like many, I have watched with anger and sorrow the increase in violence toward Asian and Pacific Islander Americans across the nation and locally in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, this is not new; our nation’s history is replete with similar targeting and violence. I stand with my colleagues on the county council against this virulent type of racism, intolerance and xenophobia and remain committed to working with the community to make a more just and equitable county where everyone is safe.”  And, see this Seattle Times article: Attacks on Asian Americans demand new solutions .

In today’s edition, we’re looking at the rising number of COVID-19 variants and what they mean for vaccines, frustration with trying to find a vaccination appointment, child care issues and more.

As always, I would like to hear from you. You can call me at 206-477-1004 or you can reach me by email at jeanne.kohl-welles@kingcounty.gov. 

All the best and I hope you are staying safe.