Tri-Valley residents and officials alike are publicly condemning rising occurrences of anti-Asian violence seen throughout the country, issuing statements and holding rallies in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

In an effort to stop Asian hate, a small protest was held in downtown Pleasanton on Monday evening, which will be followed by a second, larger rally in Livermore this weekend -- events organized by local residents Heather Bolig Richey and Kellie Essary.

The next protest against AAPI violence and hate is scheduled to be held Sunday, from 1-1:30 p.m. at Stockmen's Park, 29 S. Livermore Ave., in downtown Livermore.

In addition to individual residents, officials throughout the Tri-Valley have come out in condemnation of the rise in violence against AAPI residents recorded across the Bay Area and United States, which last week resulted in the killing of eight people -- six of whom were Asian women -- at spas around Atlanta.

Elected representatives of AAPI heritage joined together to issue a statement "to express our concerns regarding the growing attacks against the AAPI community over the past 12 months."

"We condemn the escalating harassment and violence against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, including the most recent March 16, 2021 killing of eight people in Atlanta, six of whom were Asian American women," the 14 local leaders wrote, adding:

"Mocking racist references to COVID-19 have inflamed anti-AAPI sentiments. The reporting center Stop AAPI Hate has chronicled more than 3,800 hate incidents against Asian Americans since the start of the pandemic a year ago. We must take action to stem this violence against our community members.

"We stand in solidarity with our AAPI community and allies engaged in anti-racist action. We express our deepest sympathy to the families of the most recent victims and our support to the AAPI community in the Tri-Valley. We are with you, and we are here for you. We call upon everyone in our community to take a stand against hate and bigotry."

The public letter was signed by council members Dave Fong (Danville), Sherry Hu (Dublin), Shawn Kumagai (Dublin), Sridhar Verose (San Ramon) and Sabina Zafar (San Ramon); school board members Catherine Kuo (Dublin), Susanna Wong Ordway (San Ramon Valley) and Kristie Wang (Livermore Valley); community college board members Hal Gin (Chabot-Las Positas), Andy Li (Contra Costa) and Ed Maduli (Chabot-Las Positas); and special district board members Arun Goel (DSRSD), Michelle Lee (SRVFPD) and Olivia Sanwong (Zone 7).

The city of Pleasanton has been among the other public agencies to release statements in recent days showing support for Asian American residents and denouncing acts of hate and violence against them.

"The city of Pleasanton condemns any acts of violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander community, and opposes all forms of racism and discrimination now and at all times. We are a city that continues to strive for equity, inclusion, and diversity throughout our community," city officials said in a statement.

Pleasanton itself hasn't recorded any hate crimes over the past year, according to Pleasanton police Sgt. Marty Billdt, who said that "fortunately, we haven't had anything specific that has been reported as a hate crime or had the elements to support one."