According to the Associated Press, a San Jose Panda Express is in a world of trouble after allegedly discriminating against Latino employees. "Federal officials are suing a San Jose Panda Express, accusing the restaurant of making Latino workers clean toilets and perform other menial work while Asian employees stood around and watched." The suit also claims that the manager "disciplined Latino employees more harshly and more frequently than their Asian counterparts." more ›

While hate crimes against blacks, gays, and Jewish folks dropped in 2010, the California Attorney General's reports a jarring 47 increase in hate crimes committed against Latinos last year. SF Weekly reports that "hate crimes against Latinos increased from 81 in 2009 to 119 in 2010, a 46.9-percent jump." While the glaring rise in crimes committed against California Latinos cannot be explained -- "We just compile the reports, we don't really opine," said a spokesperson for the attorney general's office -- feel free to give us your thoughts in the comments. [SFW] more ›

Mission Loc@l reports that there have been three documented cases this month of Latinos being forced into a vehicle with the intent of mugging them, while walking in isolated parts of the Mission late at night. Police speculate that day laborers might be the target both because they carry cash and are often undocumented and are afraid to go to the police for fear of being deported. more ›

Latino immigrants are fuming that they're the target of racial profiling from SFPD goons. A hearing was held at City Hall on Monday, where "dozens" of non-English speakers told harrowing stories of being harassed by the fuzz "for minor violations such an open containers on the street or a tail light out, being interrogated, having their IDs taken and their cars impounded." The police defend their actions, claiming that without vehicles criminals can't commit drive-bys or perform "other acts of violence and get away quickly." Touché. On the other hand, this recent spike in traffic stops, based off of skin color or whatnot, will build little trust from the community, a community that is notoriously tight-lipped. Brava, SFPD. more ›