PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Charing Sherpa, Member of the Public, on Intro 100 and Losar Alternate Side Parking Holiday
4:43:04
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103 sec
Charing Sherpa, a New Yorker of Himalayan descent, testified in support of Intro 100, which would designate Losar (Tibetan New Year) as an alternate side parking holiday. She emphasized the importance of cultural recognition and religious equality for the Himalayan community in New York City.
- Sherpa highlighted the challenges faced by her community during Losar celebrations, including the dilemma of paying for parking or risking tickets on an auspicious day.
- She drew parallels between Losar and other recognized religious holidays like Hanukkah and Christmas, advocating for equal treatment.
- Sherpa also briefly mentioned her support for Intro 276, relating to driver issues, at the beginning of her testimony.
Charing Sherpa
4:43:04
Good afternoon, Before I begin, as a daughter of a driver, I want to signal my support for intro 276.
4:43:12
My name is Charing Sherpa, and I'm a born and raised New Yorker and part of over 60,000 Himalayans in New York City who celebrate LOSAAR.
4:43:20
I urge city council to follow chairwoman Brooks Powers and council member Julie Wong's example, and support intro 100, which would designate the LOSAAR Festival as an alternate side parking holiday.
4:43:31
Ensuring religious equality alongside Hanukkah, Christmas, and Eve.
4:43:36
Growing up, I went to New York City Public Schools, Anderson Elementary in Middle, and Stuyvesant High School.
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There, I learned about various cultural holidays alongside my friends, which enriched us all.
4:43:46
Through all my parents worked hard to make sure every LUSR was special earnestly believing that how we celebrated impacted our luck for the year.
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They prepared for weeks to give us the finest clothes, foods, and so they could avoid spending money on LUSR.
4:44:01
As that's inauspicious.
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Spending money on Losar means a whole year of financial losses.
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Yet, they still had to feed the meter because a parking ticket would be inauspicious as well.
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It's frustrating that despite their efforts, city regulations force us into a lose lose situation every year.
4:44:21
This lack of recognition feels like a dismissal of my identity and of my community.
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I believe in the city's potential and her leadership.
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This committee has recognized all other cultural holidays, setting a precedence for inclusivity.
4:44:34
I hope you continue that tradition.
4:44:36
Please support intro 100 Recognizing Lazar would allow us to celebrate freely, affirming that our traditions matter, that we matter.
4:44:45
Thank you for your time,