Santiago-Santiago launched a national campaign to raise awareness of anti-Asian violence and discrimination.

In Mira Mesa, local leaders gathered on Monday to condemn hate crimes against Asian Americans and expressed support for the “yellow whistle movement.” Organizers said the work began last month in New York City, with yellow whistles as “Self-protection and unity“, people can use to ask for help.

Lilly Cheng, director of the Chinese Cultural Center of San Diego State University, together with others whistled to restaurant customers.

Cheng said: “Asian Americans are usually very quiet, very silent-almost invisible.” “We want to use yellow (this is a very loud color) and whistle (this is a loud tool).

“Now, we are screaming, speaking out loud. That’s a sign.”

In recent months, many videotapes have appeared in communities across the United States that show attacks against Asian Americans (usually the elderly).

A 2021 report from the Center for Hate and Extremism Research in San Bernardino, California, found that 15 cities and counties in the United States have reported anti-Asian hate crimes to the police Increased by 169% in the first quarter of this year Compared with the same period last year. According to the report, some of the most reported cities in the United States have become “reliable indicators” of trends in the past decade.

The report also described an increase in hate crimes in Los Angeles and San Francisco compared to a year ago. The report shows that San Diego recorded only one hate crime incident in the first quarter of 2021.

A Del Mar resident living in Asia spoke to FOX 5 on the condition of anonymity. She said that she “didn’t see anyone they picked here.”

The lady said: “I am more comfortable here than there.”

But local leaders said there are still concerns, because hate crimes are often not reported for various reasons.

Earlier this year, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was the first Filipino-American to hold the highest office in the city. He said the issue was “deeply personal” and joined a group of local leaders. , To provide resources for Asian companies.

District Attorney Summer Stephen (Stephan) also urged residents to use the Hate Crimes Hotline at 619-515-8805 or to report crimes through the following methods: This online form.

“We usually remain silent,” said Ron Joe of the Asia Pacific Islander-America Department of Public Affairs. “We can no longer remain silent.”