REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Joining United Against Hate Week and Proclaiming November 14-20, 2021 as United Against Hate Week
Report
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
The City of Sunnyvale has a long history of promoting an inclusive community environment. Sunnyvale takes pride in the incredible diversity of people who form the rich fabric of our City. We embrace our community of many backgrounds and beliefs, and pride ourselves in our openness and acceptance for all. In February 2017, former Mayor Glenn Hendricks and the entire Sunnyvale City Council adopted a Statement of our City Values. The Statement affirms our commitment to ethical service delivery to meet the needs and protect all community members regardless of race, religion, ancestry, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. Recently, the City Council revised the Statement to make explicit that Sunnyvale welcomes refugees.
The City strongly condemns hate, violence and bigotry in all its forms. There has been a disturbing uptick in hate crimes and incidents in the Bay Area and throughout the United States. The draft resolution reaffirms the City’s commitment to the well-being and safety of all its diverse communities, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC); Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+) and all others.
In response to the recent rise in hate crimes and incidents, we must work together to create community-centered solutions that stop this violence in all communities. Staff recommends joining the growing number of communities participating in United Against Hate Week (UAHW) in solidarity with BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQ+ and other diverse communities. UAHW calls on all constituents and leaders to join in condemning racist, homophobic, and harassing attacks, in all forms; speaking out against such attacks; defending and protecting those targeted; and seeking out and punishing those who commit hate crimes against any members of our community.
If the Resolution is adopted, staff plans to launch a social media campaign to increase awareness about United Against Hate Week. The Library will also curate a book and film list to help engage the community on the issue.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 2 Community Vision, Goal IV Safe and Healthy Community:
To maintain Sunnyvale’s traditional high level of public health and safety, so all residents, employees and visitors feel safe at all times and in all places in the City.
General Plan, Chapter 6 Safety and Noise, Goal SN-3 Safe and Secure City:
Ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community by providing effective public safety response and prevention and education services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" with 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
None.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, Sunnyvale Public Library and Department of Public Safety. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution joining United Against Hate Week and proclaiming November 14-20, 2021 as United Against Hate Week.
Staff
Prepared by: Jaqui Guzmán, Deputy City Manager
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Resolution
2. Statement on Our City Values and Public Service