HumanRelations Highlights 2007 0531

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Human Relations Committee May 31, 2007 Page 2 comnnmity workshops on diversity and discrimination; and provided multi-cultural programs and services throughout City departments, among numerous other actions. Councilmember Gregory suggested the information be added to the City's website. Councilmember Souza suggested the chronology be forwarded to the Human Services Commission for their information. The City Manager agreed those actions will be taken once the information is reported to the full City Council (through these highlights) and the information will be added to the City Council handbook. Mayor Santos suggested census data be added; staff will work on adding that information. 2. Discussion Regarding Friendship City Affiliation with Yangchun, China Mayor Santos reported that he has been in discussions for more than a year with members of the San Leandro Chinese residential and business communities about the opportunity to develop cultural and potentially even economic ties with China. Arlene Lum and Steven Leung, representing the Asian Business Council of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce and the Asian Chinese Community Association of San Leandro, presented their recommendation (Powerpoint attached) that San Leandro establish a Friendship City relationship with Yangchun, China. The presentation pointed out that there are 38,000 Chinese businesses in the Bay Area, with Chinese businesses doubling their growth rate between 1997 and 2002. More and more Chinese businesses are moving into San Leandro and many are Chamber of Commerce members. Ms. Lum and Mr. Leung explained that the San Leandro Chinese community feels that establishment of a Friendship City with China will provide an opportunity for cultural exchanges and provide the San Leandro business community a chance to see the economic opportunities in China. Because there are no direct links between San Leandro and any particular city in China, Ms. Lum and Mr. Leung suggest that a Friendship City affiliation would be more appropriate than San Leandro's traditional Sister City affiliations. Yangchun officials have approached Alameda County Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker, asking that she help them fmd a city with which to affiliate. The Supervisor is suggesting San Leandro because of our growing Asian population. Ms. Lum and Mr. Leung presented the Committee with petitions with over 500 signatures of residents of San Leandro and surrounding communities supporting the recommendation to establish a Friendship City relationship with Yangchun. A sample page of the petitions is attached.