How to Address Hate and Bias

Along with fellow community members, I am horrified by the recent acts of violence against Asian Americans, including the mass shootings in Atlanta, Georgia that killed eight people – including six Asian women.

I stand against racism and xenophobia. Hate has no place in this country.

As part of our Human Services program, Issaquah provides grant funding to CISC, or the Chinese Information and Service Center. This organization serves the Chinese immigrant community and immigrants from Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa and other parts of Asia.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of connecting with CISC leaders, and simply listened. They reflected on the long history of anti-Asian racism in our country. There has also been a rising number of hate and bias incidents reported in our region during the COVID-19 crisis. Many in our Asian community are hurting and feel unsafe.

Here in Issaquah, kindness is our strength. We are welcoming and inclusive, but more work needs to be done. Here’s what we can all do to help:

Listen: The Issaquah Equity and Inclusion Community Group is hosting a listening session with Asian American and Pacific Islander community members at 7 p.m. March 31. Register online.
Recognize: Hate or bias can take place anywhere, and our community members may face these incidents in everyday life, from grocery store trips to visits to local parks. When you witness hate or bias, recognize it.
Take action: Speak up if you hear, see or read stigmatizing or harassing comments or misinformation. Learn how to safely intervene if you witness hate or bias. It can be as simple as deescalating a situation with distraction. Learn more about an upcoming training.
Report: Learn more about how to anonymously report hate and bias incidents. Meanwhile, if community members are in danger, call 911.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Need Help?

Our work continues in planning for a local vaccination site, so that when more vaccines are available, we’ll be ready. Until then, we remain focused on assisting the most vulnerable in our community.

To find your phase for eligibility, visit findyourphasewa.org. If you are eligible, you can use the confirmation page to show your eligibility when you go to get vaccinated. The confirmation page, however, is NOT an appointment. You will still need to make an appointment with a vaccine provider.

Here is a new and improved online tool to find current vaccine appointments. If you need help finding a ride to and from vaccine appointments, please fill out this form.

The City of Issaquah is partnering with Eastside Fire and Rescue to offer limited mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics to eligible residents who are not physically able to travel outside of their home. Appointments are dependent on available vaccine supply.

If you are eligible for this mobile clinic, or need special assistance, please call us at 425-837-3300. We are here to help.

Join Us: Recovery Task Force Engagement

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, the City of Issaquah anticipates it will receive $8.6 million in federal funds that must be spent through 2024. Under the act, cities are authorized to use federal funds to:

Respond to the COVID-19 pandemic
Cover costs incurred as a result of the public health emergency
Replace lost, delayed or decreased revenues due to COVID-19
Address the negative economic impacts of the pandemic
Make necessary investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure

During its April 6 virtual meeting, the Issaquah Recovery Task Force will discuss guiding principles to help inform how our City spends these funds. We want to hear from you! Please join us, or send me an email.

There will be more opportunities to stay engaged in the months to come. Subscribe to updates online under the “Community” category.

What's Ahead: City Council Agenda

Here is a highlight of some items on the City Council's upcoming agenda:

April 5 City Council Meeting

Public hearing on a purchase and sale agreement in support of our innovative Transit Oriented Development project
Adoption of an electric vehicle charging ordinance
Discussion concerning nonprofit relief grant funding

More information is available online. Agendas are typically posted a few days before each meeting.

Yours in Service,

Mayor Mary Lou Pauly

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P.O. Box 1307

Issaquah, WA 98027

425-837-3000
issaquahwa.gov

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