HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2021-040 N.C.S. 4/05/2021
Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S. Page 1
Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC
ISLANDER COMMUNITIES AND DENOUNCING ANTI-ASIAN RACISM, DISCRIMINATION,
INTIMIDATION, THREATS AND VIOLENCE
WHEREAS, on February 27, 2017, the City of Petaluma adopted Resolution No. 2017-032 N.C.S. addressing
discrimination based on sexual orientation, religious beliefs, immigration status, gender, race, disability,
economic status, ethnicity, and national origin, “to safeguard the equal and inalienable right and inherent dignity
of all people that is the foundation of the relationship between a government and the people;” and
WHEREAS, in adopting Resolution No. 2017-032 N.C.S. “the City Council of the City of Petaluma, on
behalf of the entire Petaluma community, recognized the rights, freedom, and dignity of all people are under threat
and that children and families face potentially devastating and permanent harm” and resolved that “[t]he City of
Petaluma stands in support of individuals, organizations, and governing authorities and agencies who are taking
action to ensure all community members in the City of Petaluma and all visitors are safe here, and that their
human, constitutional and other rights and freedoms are respected;” and
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2021, the Santa Rosa Junior College District Board of Trustees adopted Resolution
Number 7-21 in Support of Solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander Communities and Denouncing
Anti-Asian Racism/Violence, and requested that other Sonoma County jurisdictions and organizations consider
adopting a similar position; and
WHEREAS, according to 2010 US Census data, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community
members comprise at least 4.6% of the City of Petaluma population; and
WHEREAS, AAPI community members have been part of the rich ethnic diversity of the City of Petaluma
and Sonoma County and have contributed greatly to the economic and cultural vibrancy of the region; and
WHEREAS, the AAPI population has faced historical and structural racism in both Sonoma County and in
the United States; and
WHEREAS, the recent epidemic of COVID-19 has been falsely blamed on AAPI individuals and mis-
characterized as the “China Flu;” and
WHEREAS, the number of AAPI hate crimes has increased in the United States and in local communities in
San Francisco, Oakland and the greater Bay Area, with 3,795 incidents of anti-Asian discrimination being
documented, including 1,691 reports originating in California from 3/19/2020 to 2/28/2021 according to the 2020-
2021 National Report by Stop AAPI Hate, a national organization comprised of the Asian Pacific Policy and
Planning Council, Chinese for Affirmative Action, and Asian American Studies Department of San Francisco
State University; and
WHEREAS, City Council members, the City Manager, department heads, and staff members within the City
of Petaluma have expressed their commitment to solidarity with AAPI colleagues and community members in
denouncing racism, discrimination, intimidation, threats and violence directed at AAPI community members.
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Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S. Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Petaluma as follows:
1. The City of Petaluma joins the Sonoma County Junior College District Board of Trustees and Asian
Political and International Studies Association (APISA) in condemning acts of racism, discrimination,
intimidation, threats and violence directed at AAPI community members and stands in solidarity with
AAPI students, employees, and community members; and
2. The City Council of the City of Petaluma calls for open and respectful dialogue that promotes awareness
and understanding of the diverse history and culture of the AAPI community, including historic
discrimination against AAPI community members in the U.S., California, Sonoma County, and Petaluma,
and the many important and lasting contributions of AAPI community members to the Nation, the state,
the region, and to the Petaluma community.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 5th day of April
2021, by the following vote:
Approved as to
form:
__________________________
City Attorney
AYES: Mayor Barrett; Vice Mayor Barnacle; Fischer; Healy; King; McDonnell; Pocekay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST: ______________________________________________
City Clerk
______________________________________________
Mayor
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