HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamations
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
Celebrating Older Americans Month 2024
WHEREAS, May is Older Americans Month, a time for us to recognize and honor San Rafael older
adults and their immense influence on every facet of American society; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael is home to more than 15,000 residents aged 60 or older, and more than
1,000 residents aged 90 or older, all of whom contribute their strength, wisdom, and experience to our
community; and
WHEREAS, older San Rafael Residents enrich our families, communities, and economy through diverse
life experiences, cultures, and contributions. We all benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and
backgrounds are welcomed, included, and supported. The City of San Rafael recognizes the importance
of creating a community that supports and provides the services that older residents need to thrive and
live independently for as long as possible, and
WHEREAS, an objective of the City of San Rafael is to continue to implement the Age-Friendly Strategic
Plan, including working with the Age-Friendly Community Partnership to support ageism trainings and
activities to address social isolation. The work of the Age Friendly San Rafael Community Partnership
helps the City to stay in front of these demographic shifts and continue to ensure older adults in our
community are included, supported, and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, the theme of Older Americans Month 2024 is Powered by Connection, which emphasizes
the profound impact of meaningful interactions and social connection on the well-being and health of
older adults in our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATE COLIN, Mayor of San Rafael, do hereby proclaim the month of May as
Older Americans Month in San Rafael. I urge every resident to recognize the contributions of our older
citizens, help to create an inclusive and connected society, and join efforts to support older Americans’
choices about how they age in their communities.
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation In Recognition of
Wildfire Preparedness Month 2024
WHEREAS, the risk of wildfire in the City of San Rafael, Marin County, the State of
California, and now in many areas of North America is a significant concern to community
members, City, State, and Federal leaders and Fire Department personnel; and
WHEREAS, the voters of Marin County agreed to take action to address the growing threat
of wildfire with the passage of Measure C in 2020 and establishment of the joint powers
authority known as the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority; and
WHEREAS, the funds from Measure C are used to directly support the San Rafael Wildfire
Prevention and Protection Action Plan and annual MWPA workplan, and together staff and
residents have made significant strides to reduce community risk; and
WHEREAS, addressing wildfire risk requires year-round resident action to create effective
defensible space with a “house out approach” to protect lives and prevent ignitions of
structures and maintain critical housing for community members; and
WHEREAS, Wildfire Preparedness month is an opportunity to emphasize individual action
and collaboration to reduce community risk: and
WHEREAS, An informed and active community is a proactive and prepared community, and
community organizations such as Firewise Communities, Neighborhood Response Groups,
and the Community Emergency Response Team make San Rafael more resilient; and
WHEREAS, and given the climate, drought conditions, and other factors, hazard mitigation
and community preparedness efforts are now required year-round to ensure community
safety and resiliency.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kate Colin, Mayor of San Rafael, do hereby proclaim the month
of May 2024 as Wildfire Preparedness Month and in doing so, urge all residents and
community members to take adaptive wildfire preparation steps to reduce our
community’s risk profile and achieve safety related to wildfire.
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK
May 5 - 11, 2024
WHEREAS, Since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated on the
first week of May, beginning on the first Sunday of the month, to
highlight and to honor those who have chosen public service through
work as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees;
and
WHEREAS, this week is a time to educate citizens about the work public servants do
and the many ways government services make life better for the
American people, at the local level up to the federal level, it is also a time
to connect and educate citizens nationwide to the work of their
government and to improve the perception and morale of government
workers and other public servants; and
WHEREAS, Public Service Recognition Week is intended to foster pride among
public servants and help inspire a new generation of public servants; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael supports and encourages employees to continue
building new partnerships with other public agencies, associations,
community organizations, and private corporations in order to continue
providing efficient and excellent service to our community; and
WHEREAS, the City honors our public employees for their dedication and service
and acknowledges and appreciates the work they do to ensure the safety
of our citizens, improve and preserve public assets, preserve and sustain
our neighborhoods and economic vitality, and support and strengthen
the quality of life for our residents.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael
hereby proclaim May 5-11, 2024, as Public Service Recognition Week, and encourages all
citizens to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of government employees at all
levels — federal, state, county and here in the City of San Rafael.
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAI’IAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
May 1 - 31, 2024
WHEREAS, First commemorated in 1987 as a week and expanded in 1990 to a full
month, Asian American, Native Hawai’ian and Pacific Islander
(AANHPI) Heritage Month recognizes, celebrates, and increases
awareness of the rich history, contributions, and accomplishments of
Asian Americans, Native Hawai’ians, and Pacific Island Americans; and
WHEREAS, the month of May was chosen to coincide with two milestones in
Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival of the first Japanese
immigrants in America on May 7, 1843, and Chinese workers’ role in
building the transcontinental railroad, completed May 10, 1869; and
WHEREAS, there are over 20 million people identifying as Asian Americans, Native
Hawai’ians, or Pacific Islanders in the United States, from over 20
different countries of origin or ethnicities, AANHPI Heritage Month
celebrates the individual journey of all AANHPI citizens and immigrants
in the United States and their unique life experiences, traditions, and
cultures; and
WHEREAS, the national theme for 2024 is “Advancing Leaders Through
Innovation,” which pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who
have shaped AANHPI history and continue to influence in all areas of
industry, as AANHPI leaders have made lasting contributions to
economic prosperity, technological advancements, and social and
political change through ingenuity and creativity while navigating
significant cultural and systemic barriers; and
WHEREAS, the City encourages everyone to learn more about Asian American,
Native Hawai’ian, and Pacific Islander heritage, work to combat racism
and xenophobia, and support the next generations of AANHPI
community members near and far, as we celebrate and learn during this
month.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael
proclaim May 1-May 31, 2024, as Asian American, Native Hawai’ian, and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month, and do hereby reaffirm our shared values of compassion, equity, inclusion,
and celebrating diversity and the impacts that AANHPI have had locally and nationally.
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
May 1 - 31, 2024
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have been an important part of the American story and have
greatly contributed to all areas of American life and culture since our nation’s
earliest days; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Americans connect to their Jewish identity in a variety of ways, such as
culturally, ethnically, religiously, and by following Jewish ethics and values;
and with varied and rich histories, countries of origin, specific ethnicities, and
a range of religious practices, each bringing a unique perspective to the
community from their lived experiences and background; and
WHEREAS, Jewish people and communities continue to be faced with prejudice,
discrimination, and confront hostility, bigotry, and antisemitism, the City of
San Rafael adamantly condemns these actions and asks community members
to embrace, learn from, and collaborate with our Jewish community members,
and celebrate differences and similarities to our individual selves; and
WHEREAS, There is a need for education and policies that are culturally competent when
describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Jewish in all aspects
of American society, including discourse and policy; and
WHEREAS, May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month by Presidential
Proclamation, the Jewish American experience is a story of faith, fortitude, and
progress and one that is connected to key tenets of American identity, including
our Nation’ s commitment to freedom of religion and conscience.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby
proclaim May 1-31, 2024, as Jewish American Heritage Month in recognition and appreciation of the
achievements and contributions made by members of the Jewish community and calls upon all
residents to celebrate Jewish Americans who have woven the fabric of our country and community,
and support opportunities to learn more about Jewish American history and culture.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that San Rafael will continue efforts to confront
antisemitism and other forms of hate impacting the Jewish community, support local education about
the diversity of our Jewish American community, and integrate Jewish American culture into future
programs, activities, and ceremonies throughout the year.
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2024
WHEREAS, in the nineteenth century, Arab individuals, families, and communities began
a noted migration to the United States, from counties including Lebanon, Syria,
Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Yemen, Tunisia, Algeria, the Gulf
countries, and Libya, with approximately 200,000 Arabs living in the United
States by 1924; and
WHEREAS, they brought to America resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication
to education, diversity in faith and creed, and valuable contributions to
virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, business,
education, technology, and government, that have added strength to our great
democracy; and
WHEREAS, with approximately 3.7 million Arabs and Arab Americans living in the United
States, Arabs are diverse with their unique countries of origin, own rich
histories, cultures, traditions, and perspectives that they share with neighbors
and friends, along with their entrepreneurial spirit and community leadership;
and
WHEREAS, Arab people and communities continue to feel the pressures and traumas of
ongoing strife in the Middle East and are faced with prejudice, hostility,
bigotry, and persecution for religious beliefs, dress, and practices, the City of
San Rafael condemns those actions and asks of community members to
embrace, learn from, share with, and celebrate the varied uniqueness of the
Arab community; and
WHEREAS, April is recognized as Arab American Heritage Month by Presidential
Proclamation, we take time now to honor Arab Americans in our community,
state, and nation, and Arabs abroad as part of the world diaspora, and
recognize their role in the development of America and the continued influence
Arab Americans have in all aspects of life; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael, ask
community members to engage in opportunities to learn more about and support our Arab American
neighbors, friends, and businesses, and to celebrate the achievements and contributions from the Arab
community, and to encourage each of us to commit to supporting religious and cultural freedoms.
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2024
WHEREAS, The Congress and President of the United States have designated May 15,
2024, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day, and May 12th to 18th, 2024 as National
Police Week; and
WHEREAS, the members of the San Rafael Police Department play an essential role in
safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all those residing in or visiting San
Rafael; and
WHEREAS, it is important that all residents know and understand the duties,
responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency, and
that members of the Police Department recognize their duty to serve the
people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence
and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak
against oppression; and
WHEREAS, the men and women of the San Rafael Police Department unceasingly provide
a vital public service.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael
call upon all patriotic, civic and educational organizations to observe the week of May 12th to the
18th, 2024 as National Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and observances in which all of our
people may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their
faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, have rendered a dedicated service to their
communities and, in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation
for preserving the rights and security of all residents.
FURTHERMORE, we call upon all residents of San Rafael to recognize Monday, May 15, as Peace
Officers' Memorial Day in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous
deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in
the performance of duty and let us recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes.
Kate Colin
Mayor