Title
Adoption of Resolution Declaring November 11 through 17 United Against Hate Week in the City of Alameda, in Conjunction with the Alameda Unified School Board and other Bay Area Cities. (City Manager 2110)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Counties, Cities, Police Departments, School Districts, and other agencies across the Bay Area are working together with their residents to embrace the strength of diversity and build inclusive and equitable communities for all. Alameda can join this effort by declaring November 11-17, 2018, United Against Hate Week in the City of Alameda.
BACKGROUND
The United Against Hate campaign was created by civic leaders in direct response to the sharp rise in expressions of hate in Bay Area communities. In Alameda, we witnessed anti-Semitic graffiti at our schools and parks, vandalism of our Mosque and Synagogue, and an increase in hate crimes and hate incidents across our island. In response, our community united together and held vigils and community gatherings, and created posters with messages of unity and inclusiveness.
At the same time, the Alameda City Council adopted a resolution that reaffirms the City of Alameda’s commitment as a Sanctuary City to the values of dignity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of ethnic or national origin, gender, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
Alameda has a century-long tradition of embracing diversity and respecting the civil and human rights of its residents, while acknowledging and understanding that many historic laws, at every level, were often at odds with progress. Since 1917, the City’s Social Service Human Relations Board has been working to create an environment that encourages and brings about mutual understanding, respect, and goodwill among groups of people in the community. Over the years the City has also co-sponsored campaigns including “Alamedans Together Against Hate,” “Pledge for a Hate Free Alameda,” “No Room for Hate in Alameda,” “Everyone Belongs Here,” and “Love Our Island.”
DISCUSSION
United Against Hate Week is a call for action to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our community. Counties, Cities, Police Departments, School Districts, and other agencies across the Bay Area are working together with their residents to embrace the strength of diversity and build inclusive and equitable communities for all. Alameda can join this effort by declaring November 11-17, 2018, United Against Hate Week in the City of Alameda.
There are many ways our community can participate. We encourage residents to create and post signs, host events, share stories, and connect with schools and civic organizations. No effort is too small, as it is the work that we do together with other Bay Area communities that will defeat hate everywhere.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City that would result from the adoption of this resolution.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
There is no impact to the Alameda Municipal Code from the adoption of this Resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of this Resolution will not result in a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from CEQA and Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution declaring November 11-17 United Against Hate Week in the City of Alameda, in conjunction with the Alameda Unified School District and other Bay Area cities.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director