From one lost to AAPI violence, comes Vicha Ratanapakdee Way.
Updated: Feb 5, 2022
A police call at 9:30AM on January 28, 2021, raises the first call for help for 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Thai immigrant fallen to the horrific subsequent and tremendous rise in AAPI violence. Moments earlier, as the merely 19-year-old Antoine Watson shoves him to the ground in a insensible attack against the community. The absence of remorse plagues the case as Watson walks away from the scene as if nothing had happened, and the plead of not guilty in court. Despite the camera footage, a plead of not guilty. Despite the walking away and lack of respect, a plead of not guilty.
A swift response from the leaders of San Francisco, as words from Mayor London Breed, District Attorney Chesa Boudin, and Police Chief Bill Scott declare the city's no-tolerance for violence with the prosecution of offenders to the fullest extent of the law. A good sign. A TEMPORARY good sign. The month of March brings remarks from Chesa Boudin with regards to the incident as simply a "temper tantrum." Justified anger of Ratanapakdee's family expresses outrage against Boudin. Ratanapakdee, a person immigrating to the USA, to care for their grandchildren, known for their hour-long walks, blown to the ground in mere seconds.
The only path to the absence of justice for Ratanapakdee's family engulfs them just as darkness would a deep, endless tunnel. Though, in the deep, endless tunnel presents a little light. A sparkle. A speck. A light of honor.
Catherine Stefani, San Francisco Supervisor, introducing a simple resolution of July 29, to remember. To not forget, but emblazen the start of a big rise in AAPI violence who many have lost their lives to. A resolution that wants to rename Sonora Lane of the Anza Vista Neighborhood to Vicha Ratanapakdee Way. A small action for the long remembrance of one who fell to AAPI violence. A small light in the dark tunnel. A small justice for the unfinished case. But, a revolutionary step for the recognition and prevention of AAPI violence.
A street name itself can be the source of awareness to those who don't know about the incident. A street name can raise curiosity for many to look further into the problems and missteps of the incident. A simple change of a street name can help towards the cause of AAPI violence. Each action helps.
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