Wild scene in Fremont
'Hinduphobia' proclamations triggers contention inside/outside Fremont council chambers; Call me 'Madame DA' or else!
CITY NEWS
FREMONT
—DISHARMONY—A Fremont proclamation "condemning Hinduphobia” was issued by Mayor Lily Mei on Tuesday night, but the act triggered confrontations outside between Hindus opposing a state senate bill ending caste-related discrimination and Dalits, a low-ranking caste group that’s supports the legislation.
—Several public speakers who support state Sen. Aisha Wahab’s SB 403 said they were pushed outside the council chambers and blocked from entering the room by opponents of the bill.
—“Some guy pushed me very hard,” said a public speaker. “They are hurting us everywhere. We are not safe.”
—Two weeks ago, some of the same opponents of the bill urged the Fremont City Council to issue a proclamation opposing “Hinduphobia.” Many speakers rebuked SB 403, saying it targets Hindus. Wahab has said the bill is about workers rights and civil rights.
—But following Tuesday night’s proclamation most public speakers mostly avoided any reference to SB 403. However, at the end of the council meeting, public comment was allowed to resume.
—Several Dalits said the city failed to consult them before adding the proclamation to the council agenda. Some demanded the city issue a future proclamation supporting their group and cause.
—The proclamation did not specifically mention SB 403, Mei said, and that city leaders do not vote of state legislation.
—Fremont Councilmember Jenny Kassan, though, noted that city proclamations are “solely the purview of the mayor.” Kassan said she hopes the mayor creates proclamations for all groups, in particular, the Dalits.
OAKLAND
—LONG NIGHT—Oakland’s discussion of a proposal to phase-out its eviction moratorium through Sept. 1 was still going on as the clock neared midnight. I’ll have the rundown tomorrow.
DUBLIN/SAN LEANDRO
—STATE OF THE CITIES—Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez will deliver the state of the city at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon later today. Meanwhile, San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez III is scheduled to submit his first state of the city address on Apr. 25, 6 p.m., at the San Leandro Senior Community Center.
