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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHR Proclamations City of San Rafael Proclamation In Recognition of WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS WEEK 2025 WHEREAS, the risk of wildfire in the City of San Rafael, Marin County, the State of California, and many areas of North America is a significant concern to community members, elected leadership, and Fire Department personnel; and WHEREAS, following the devastation of the Los Angeles firestorms, and with wildfire risk increasing statewide, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency on March 1st to fast-track critical projects protecting communities from wildfire; and WHEREAS, Marin County voters agreed to take action to address the growing threat of wildfire with the passage of Measure C in 2020, which supports the San Rafael Wildfire Prevention and Protection Action Plan so staff and residents can continue to make significant strides to reduce community risk; and WHEREAS, the City remains committed to implementing a whole community approach to address the risks associated with wildfires, including strategic vegetation management, ignition reduction, evacuation improvements, reliable emergency alerting, public education, and providing resources to residents; and WHEREAS, addressing wildfire risk requires year-round resident action to create effective defensible space focusing on zone zero, or the immediate first five feet that surround structures, to best protect lives, prevent ignitions of structures, and maintain critical housing for community members; and WHEREAS, this year’s preparedness week theme “Building a Fire-Ready Future: Strengthening Our Defenses, Together”, underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and agencies to prepare for and defend against wildfire threats. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby proclaim May 4-10, 2025, as Wildfire Preparedness week 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 4 - 10, 2025 WHEREAS, since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated annually during the first week of May to honor individuals who serve as federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees; and WHEREAS, this week serves as an opportunity to educate community members about the vital work public servants perform and the numerous ways government services enhance the lives of Americans at all levels, from local communities to the federal government, improve public perception and morale among government workers, and inspire a new generation to consider careers in public service; and WHEREAS, the City honors our public employees for their dedication and service to ensure the safety of our residents, improve and preserve public assets, preserve and strengthen our neighborhoods, economic vitality, and quality of life for our residents by the:  Police Department responding to 44,473 total incidents in 2024, of which 35,942 were calls for service (initiated by residents); and maintaining an average police response time of 5 minutes and 39 seconds for serious crimes (priority 1 offenses);  Fire Department responding to 7,315 emergency medical service calls and 3,280 fire incident calls in 2024;  Public Works Department maintaining 331 lane miles of pavement, 33 City buildings, and 9 parks restrooms;  Library Division maintaining a collection of 90,289 items; with a total circulation of approximately 295,986;  Recreation and Childcare Division hosting programs, classes and enrichment opportunities attended by 39,572 participants in 2024;  City Clerk's Office processing over 1,200 official records, supporting 14 legislative bodies, responding to 289 public records requests, and managing election filings — all in the spirit of transparency, service, and public trust;  Community & Economic Development department’s Planning and Permitting Division processing over 2,000 building permits, reviewing more than 2,600 plans, and conducting more than 8,000 building and code enforcement inspections annually;  Community & Economic Development department’s Housing Division supporting housing development and provides information to landlords and renters;  Parking Division supporting economic development and providing efficient parking solutions;  Sustainability Division developing plans to address sea level rise and climate change;  Digital Services, Human Resources & Risk Management, and City Attorney’s Office providing technology, human resources, and legal support for over 400 employees; and  Finance Department ensuring the ongoing the financial health and resources of the City, in order to provide services and deliver capital projects to the San Rafael community. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby proclaim May 4 - 10, 2025, as Public Service Recognition Week, and encourages all citizens to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of government employees at all levels — federal, state, county, tribal, and here in the City of San Rafael. Kate Colin Mayor City of San Rafael Proclamation in Recognition of NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2025 WHEREAS, the Congress and the President of the United States have designated May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day, and May 11 to 17, 2025, 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 from harm; 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 residents to observe the week of May 11 to May 17, 2025, as National Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and observances in which everyone 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; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we call upon all residents of San Rafael to recognize Thursday, 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 City of San Rafael Proclamation in Recognition of CELEBRATE OLDER AMERICANS MONTH 2025 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; and WHEREAS, 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 groups like the Age-Friendly Community Partnership to support ageism trainings and activities, and the San Rafael Goldenaires, to enhance recreation, social inclusion, and community connections; and WHEREAS, The work of the Age Friendly San Rafael Community Partnership and the San Rafeal Goldenaires 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 2025 is Flip the Script on Aging, focusing on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This year, join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby proclaim the month of May as Older Americans Month in San Rafael and urge every resident to recognize the contributions of our older community members, 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 JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH May 1 - 31, 2025 WHEREAS, May is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month to honor the Jewish American experience -- a story of faith, fortitude, and progress connected to key tenets of American identity, including the right of freedom of religion for all; and WHEREAS, throughout American history, generations of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution have sought the promise of freedom and opportunity to start life anew in America; and WHEREAS, the Jewish American community is diverse, with individuals connecting to their Jewish identity through various means, including culture, ethnicity, religion, and shared values, each bringing unique perspectives shaped by their histories and backgrounds; and WHEREAS, there are an estimated 7.5 million Jewish Americans, with California being home to the second largest Jewish American population in the United States, with thriving communities throughout the state; and WHEREAS, Jewish Americans have made enduring contributions across various fields, including science, arts, law, business, and public service, enriching the nation's development and diversity; and WHEREAS, as we celebrate these accomplishments, we also recognize that members of the Jewish American communities continue to face antisemitism and discrimination; the City of San Rafael unequivocally condemns such acts and urges all community members to embrace, learn from, and collaborate with Jewish residents, celebrating both our differences and shared values, and supports the need for education and culturally competent policies that acknowledge and address the experiences and challenges faced by Jewish Americans in all facets of society; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby proclaim May 1-31, 2025, 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 confront antisemitism and all forms of hate, support local education about the diversity within the Jewish community, and celebrate Jewish Americans who have woven the fabric of our country and community. Kate Colin Mayor City of San Rafael Proclamation in Recognition of ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAI’IAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH May 1 - 31, 2025 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, during AANHPI Heritage Month we recognize trailblazers such Representative Dalip Singh Saund, who in 1957 became the first Asian American to serve in Congress and Representative Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress; and WHEREAS, these communities encompass a vast array of cultures, languages, and traditions, contributing richly to the nation's diversity; and WHEREAS, the national theme for 2025, as announced by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience” which honors the enduring contributions of AANHPI leaders, individuals, and groups who have laid a foundation for future generations to thrive, highlighting their strength, endurance, and ability to overcome adversity; and WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael encourages all residents to learn more about the rich heritage of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, to stand against racism and xenophobia, and to support the next generations of AANHPI individuals both locally and nationally. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael proclaim May 1-May 31, 2025, as Asian American, Native Hawai’ian, and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) 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