REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month is celebrated each August to acknowledge and promote awareness of the many invaluable contributions of American Muslims across the country. Muslim Americans have long been a part of the history of the United States and have contributed to the production of wealth and construction in our country.
The San Francisco Bay Area has one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States with nearly 250,000 Muslims and over 80 mosques and religious centers. Santa Clara is home to numerous Muslim community, philanthropic, civil rights, and humanitarian organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Muslim Community Association (MCA), Helping Hand for Relief and Development, Khalil Center, Islamic Circle of North America, and Muslim American Society.
The San Francisco Bay Area chapter is the oldest CAIR chapter (CAIR-SFBA) in the country. CAIR-SFBA was established in 1994 as a unique kind of Muslim organization that would work to uphold civil rights of American Muslims, foster a better understanding of the Islamic faith and its followers, and help find avenues for Muslims to integrate more fully into the broader society. CAIR-SFBA now serves the area’s nearly 250,000 Muslims residing in the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties.
DISCUSSION
In honor of Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month, the Mayor has signed a proclamation proclaiming the month of August as Muslim Awareness and Appreciation Month in Santa Clara.
Sameena Usman, Government Relations Coordinator for CAIR-SFBA, will give a brief presentation on Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month and accept the proclamation on behalf of CAIR-SFBA.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Genevieve Yip, Staff Analyst I
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager