Latest news with #Vang
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sacramento police must apologize for harming a California state senator
The Sacramento Police Department wrongfully detained a California Senator after she was the victim of a traffic accident, claiming she was showing 'objective signs of intoxication.' Yet Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, maintained her innocence. And with the release of a toxicology report on Friday by the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office, her name and record have officially been cleared. Now, the Sacramento Police Department and its chief, Kathy Lester, owe the legislator a public apology. Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang released a strong statement on Friday in support of Cervantes and also urged the city's police department to publicly apologize. 'As a public institution, we must take responsibility when harm is caused, especially to someone who has dedicated their life to public service,' Vang wrote in a statement. 'A sincere apology is the first step toward accountability and rebuilding trust with our community.' Unfortunately, Cervantes is unlikely to receive an apology. I know this because I also deserved an apology after the Sacramento Police Department handcuffed and attempted to detain me while I was reporting on a protest inside City Council chambers last March, despite my First Amendment and state-given rights to be present inside the room. Not only did an apology never come from the police, but it took more than six months before any representative from the department would even sit down with someone from The Bee to discuss it privately. Even then, police officials only wanted to meet with my editor, not with me. So this incident is deeply unsurprising. The Sacramento Police Department has a history of abusing its power. From the 2018 killing of an unarmed Stephon Clark, to their behavior at the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 for which they are being sued, to Cervantes' detention on May 19 of this year, how are Sacramentans expected to hold any trust in their police? 'If this can happen to a State Senator, imagine how many everyday residents have been harmed similarly, many of whom we may never hear about,' Vang said. 'We must hold our public servants, especially law enforcement officers, to a higher standard. They are entrusted with the safety and well-being of our communities.' Perhaps the worst and most degrading aspect of this is that it's not inconceivable that Cervantes' ethnicity and gender had something to do with the police's suspicions that day, even though she was the victim of a sideswipe and in the hospital being checked for injury when the detention occurred. She was a victim and yet she was treated as a suspect. Still, Chief Lester will be holding out her hand for millions more in her department's budget next year at the next council meeting on June 10, just as the city tries to climb out of its $44 million deficit — and every other department has willingly offered cuts. Every child knows that when you are in the wrong, you apologize. There can be no reasonable excuse or delay from the SPD now.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Election results: Voters deciding next Ward 6 city councilor in northeast Salem
This story will be updated at 8 p.m. with initial election results. Voters in northeast Salem are deciding who will represent them in the Ward 6 position on the Salem City Council. Mai Vang, Logan Lor and Deanna Garcia are competing for the seat, which is unpaid and nonpartisan, and includes neighborhoods near Interstate 5, Lancaster Drive, Center Street and Sunnyview Road. Salem has been without a Ward 6 councilor since January when former Councilor Julie Hoy was sworn in as mayor. The winner will serve out the remainder of Hoy's term, which was set to expire at the end of 2026. For races to finish an unexpired term, the candidate with the most votes wins outright. Vang is a Salem family law attorney who graduated from Willamette University College of Law. She said she is focused on issues like the city budget, affordable housing, safety and livability, and economic development. As of May 14, Vang's campaign had raised $31,160, according to Oregon Secretary of State's Office finance records. Garcia is an operations and policy analyst for the Oregon Department of Transportation and chair of the North Lancaster Neighborhood Association. Garcia said she is focused on public safety, homelessness, livability and the budget and said she's watched services and livability in Ward 6 fail to keep pace with population growth. As of April 24, her campaign reported raising $57,172, according to Oregon Secretary of State's Office finance records. Lor has worked as an Oregon Department of Corrections officer for 27 years. He is focused on jobs, livability and collaboration and said he wants to bring his perspective as a blue-collar worker and father to the council. "We need to change the policies at City Hall, because what the systemic social-economic disparity has done is create the northeast into a poverty area in Salem," Lor said. Lor ran unsuccessfully for Ward 6 in 2014. He was criticized in the weeks before the election by Marion County Democrats for his "anti-LGBTQ social media posts" and was told he was not eligible for endorsement. In the Facebook post, Lor said gay rights were not equivalent to civil rights. He had no reported financial activity for donations to his campaign on the Secretary of State's Office website. For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@ call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Election results for Salem City Council Ward 6 race in 2025
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Do Sacramento city leaders care about kids? We're about to find out
I have spoken to many people in Sacramento who lead youth service programs, and they all say the same thing: When elected leaders in the city of Sacramento face tough budget cycles, as they are now, the first cuts are often to programs for kids who badly need job training, after-school programs and other resources. It took the city three tries in six years for the city to create a funding stream for kids. In 2020, Measure G failed because too many influencers, including former Mayor Darrell Steinberg, didn't want to lock up 2.5 percent of the city's general fund for kids. In 2022, Measure L passed by a wide margin, in part, because instead of a specific general fund carve-out for youth funding, it requires the city to spend the equivalent of 40 percent of the city's cannabis tax money on kids. This was a pivotal moment in the city's history. Creating a fund to help our communities should never go understated. Measure L based on its own wording was not to replace 'baseline' funding for ongoing city services. Yet funding for parks and youth services in the city's regular 'general fund' budget is undeniably on the increase, that baseline steadily eroding. As one example, Sacramento voters approved a full cent sales tax in 2018, Measure U, on a sales pitch that this new money would expand economic development and youth services going forward. In last year's budget for Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment, the city dedicated more than $46.1 million in Measure U sales tax dollars for various purposes. This year's staff proposal is to plummet Measure U support for these needs by $20 million. Funds for the Community Enrichment Division would decrease by a third, from $1.8 million to $1.2 million. The examples go on. But with a $44 million budget deficit facing the city right now, advocates remain fearful that youth services will be cut to balance city books. Leaders in youth services are worried that the budget cuts will take away funding from programs catered to young adults across all city departments. On Tuesday, the council and mayor had their first debate over the proposed budget and the cuts to follow. Everything from skate parks to police was discussed as an avenue for cuts. As the council looks for ways to create a new budget. youth services leaders find themselves in a position where they again advocating for these vital programs. Councilmember Mai Vang emphasized the stakes involved by invoking a simple phrase: 'It's all about our priorities. We don't have a budget deficit, we have a values deficit,' Vang said. She's right. The city's leaders are going to demonstrate their values in the budget process. Do they value kids or not? By way of the Sacramento Children's Fund, the city will give out $46 million in grants over the next five years for youth services. The city uses general fund money to cover Measure L services and the total must come out to 40% of the annual estimated cannabis business tax revenue. Vang champions supporting the city's youth, particularly with programs. It's a fairly simple idea for her. 'If we really care about moving upstream and taking care of our families, we have to invest. It also means looking at our budget and imagining what that could look like and the majority of that funding goes to police right now.' Vang's point to cut police funding could be a way to ensure that Measure L funds are not changed. It's not like the police are hurting for funds. Over four years, the Sacramento Police budget has increased by more than $50 million, coming to a total of $247 million and it's proposed to increase by $8 million in the next budget. The police department is a good start to look at where cuts could be made so measure L and other vital city resources can stay. The city wholeheartedly supported Measure L to be funded, not reduced. The Sacramento Bee's opinion team is hard at work sifting through the chaos so you don't have to. Get our weekly Bee Opinionated newsletter straight to your inbox and we'll help you cut through the drone of the news cycle. Youth programs are a direct investment in the future. Lowering funding or taking away positions that ensure these programs exist prevent our young adults from achieving their highest potential. Budget cuts are never easy, but the city council has a moment to change the way these tough decisions are made. Back in 2022, voters made a huge statement by passing Measure L, which said our youth matter and should be prioritized. During this budget-cut season, the council has the opportunity to do the same. The baseline for the measure L is 23.2 million, which could easily be reached by staff salary. There is more money in the budget that can go towards helping our young people. Our city depends on their success. 'Our youth is 1/3 of our city but they are 100 percent of our future,' Vang said. Let's hope the rest of the council feels that way come June 10 when the budget is voted on.
San Francisco Chronicle
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
California man led $38M catalytic converter theft ring, lived lavishly off stolen parts
A Northern California man who spent millions on luxury homes, Teslas and personal watercraft was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in federal prison for running a nationwide catalytic converter theft ring that prosecutors say netted $38 million. According to court documents, Tou Sue Vang, 33, used proceeds from the illicit sale of thousands of catalytic converters to bankroll a lavish lifestyle, including the $1.2 million cash purchase of a five-acre multi-home compound in Rio Linda, another property in Sacramento, and over a dozen vehicles — among them two Teslas and two Sea-Doo watercraft. Federal authorities say Vang was the ringleader of a group that trafficked stolen catalytic converters from California to New Jersey, where a metal refinery extracted and sold their precious metals. 'This defendant led a network of criminals that hurt thousands of innocent car owners,' said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. Vang, his brother Andrew Vang, and their mother Monica Moua admitted to buying the stolen parts from local thieves — known in court documents as 'cutters' — and shipping them to DG Auto, a New Jersey company run by brothers Navin and Tinu Khanna, who have also been charged in the case. Some shipments weighed more than 1,000 pounds and contained high-value converters, such as those from the Toyota Prius. Authorities say the family operated out of homes and storage units, without a valid business license, using falsified shipping manifests and bank withdrawals to launder profits. 'This takedown is the first of its kind in the nation,' FBI Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel said. 'The group is tied to an estimated $38 million in losses.'
Business Journals
23-04-2025
- Business Journals
Vinai honored on best new restaurant in the world list by Condé Nast
By submitting your information you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and User Agreement . Join the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal to unlock even more insights! Minneapolis Hmong restaurant Vinai has been ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of 2025's best new restaurants in the world. Minneapolis Hmong restaurant Vinai has been ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of 2025's best new restaurants in the world. Chef Yia Vang opened Vinai last July. Vang also is known for his restaurant Union Hmong Kitchen on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Condé Nast Traveler praised not only the restaurant's authentic Hmong cuisine, but also the inclusive community Vang has created, one that encourages exploring new cuisines and cultures. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events The list is part of Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List, which features hospitality openings from the past year — in addition to restaurants, the list includes best new cruise ships and hotels. Besides Vinai, the magazine spotlights 32 restaurants from around the globe, including seven from the United States. All honorees on the Hot List were independently decided upon by Condé Nast Traveler editors. Vinai was recently a James Beard Award semifinalist for title of Best New Restaurant, as well as an Eater pick for Best New Restaurant in America last year. The Hmong restaurant is located in northeast Minneapolis at 1300 N.E. Second St., the former Dangerous Man Brewing space.
