REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution in Affirming the City’s Commitment to Stand in Solidarity with the Black Community
Report
BACKGROUND
Our country is mourning the senseless killing George Floyd that occurred in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. The actions and inactions of the police officers involved were deplorable. Police brutality and racism against the Black community has been persistent in both our past and our present. Systemic injustices, racism, and dehumanization are deeply rooted in our society and it was unquestionably unfair and unacceptable when the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Freddie Gray, Walter Scott, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Oscar Grant, and many others were taken as a result of discrimination and inequity. While these are only a few of the lives lost, amongst many more, these lives mattered and Black lives matter.
Santa Clara is a proud multiracial community, and we decided long ago that mutual understanding and respect develops a much healthier, safer, and caring community. It is important for the community to stand in solidarity with Black communities across the country.
DISCUSSION
A Resolution Affirming the City’s Commitment to Stand in Solidarity with the Black Community (Resolution) has been prepared for Council consideration (Attachment 1).
This Resolution affirms the City of Santa Clara’s commitment to condemn racial inequity in all forms and violence against the Black community by law enforcement in particular. It also affirms the City’s commitment to actively listen and learn from the Black community and encourages the greater community to stand together through peaceful exchange and discourse to enact change and move forward towards a future with more equity and inclusion.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
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>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Affirming the City’s Commitment to Stand in Solidarity with the Black Community.
Staff
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Affirming the City’s Commitment to Stand in Solidarity with the Black Community