REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclaim August 2021 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
In August 2016, the California State Assembly adopted House Resolution (HR) 59, designating August as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month in California.
American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month is celebrated each August to honor generations of American Muslims for their many social, cultural, and economic contributions to California, and to recognize the lasting positive impact they have made toward the advancement of our state and country. American Muslims 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.
Since 2016, the City of Santa Clara (City) has recognized August as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to affirm the City’s continued support and to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community against anti-Muslim rhetoric and attitudes, as well as to recognize their rich history, cultural traditions, and significant contributions that have strengthened the Santa Clara community.
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 has one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States with nearly 250,000 Muslims and over 80 mosques and religious centers. The San Francisco Bay Area chapter (CAIR-SFBA) is the oldest CAIR chapter 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
At the August 24, 2021 City Council meeting, the Santa Clara City Council will proclaim August 2021 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month in Santa Clara.
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>
Staff
Reviewed by: Julie Minot, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Council
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager