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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4.4 - City Proclamations for the Month of March (2)STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL Page 1 of 3 Agenda Item 4.4 DATE:March 2, 2021 TO:Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM:Linda Smith, City Manager SUBJECT:City Proclamations for the Month of March Prepared by: Cierra Fabrigas, Executive Aide EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will consider the following proclamations for the month of March in the City of Dublin: American Red Cross Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Irish-American Heritage Month, March for Meals, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Women’s History Month. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the proclamations. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. DESCRIPTION: The City Council will consider the following proclamations for the month of March: 1. American Red Cross Month Every eight minutes, the American Red Cross brings help and hope to people in need. Each year, the President of the United States proclaims March “Red Cross Month.” During this time, the American Red Cross encourages people to honor and celebrate the everyday heroes who help fulfill its mission. 2. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the disabled community by demonstrating how people with developmental disabilities live normal lives and encouraging the public to learn how they can help people with developmental disabilities achieve their dreams. 113 Page 2 of 3 This year’s campaign #DDawareness2021 seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all the facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still face in connecting to the communities in which they live. 3. Irish-American Heritage Month Congress designated March as Irish-American Heritage Month in 1991 and the President issues an annual proclamation commemorating the occasion. The City of Dublin celebrates Irish-American Heritage Month each year through festivities surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. Due to COVID-19, this year’s events will be held March 13-March 20 and will feature both virtual and reservation-based events. 4. March for Meals Meals on Wheels America has been serving warm and nutritious meals to seniors for nearly 50 years. Meals on Wheels programs have come together each March since 2002 to celebrate this proven collaboration of local community organizations, businesses, all levels of government, and compassionate individuals to ensure that our seniors are not forgotten. Meals on Wheels of Alameda County has continued to serve seniors throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic. 5. National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month As COVID-19 gripped the country, colorectal cancer screenings plummeted. This year, as part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA) is asking allies everywhere to join their mission to end colorectal cancer by dressing in blue on Friday, March 5, 2021. Dress in Blue Day 2021 is a way to bring awareness to this disease and support the work the CCA is doing as well as honor all who are impacted by colorectal cancer. 6. Women’s History Month The theme for 2021 National Women’s History Month captures the spirit of these challenging times. Since most women’s suffrage centennial celebrations were curtailed in 2020, the National Women’s History Alliance is extending the annual theme to 2021 to honor “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: None. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: The City Council Agenda was posted. ATTACHMENTS: 1) American Red Cross Month 2) Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 114 Page 3 of 3 3) Irish-American Heritage Month 4) March for Meals 5) National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 6) Women’s History Month 115 A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA “American Red Cross Month – March 2021” WHEREAS, the American Red Cross, founded in 1898, is a leading voluntary agency chartered and authorized by Congress to act in times of need, and provides compassionate assistance to people afflicted by personal, local, or national disasters; and WHEREAS, each year, the President of the United States proclaims March as “Red Cross Month” providing an opportunity to honor and celebrate the everyday heroes who help fulfill the American Red Cross mission; and WHEREAS, due to the coronavirus pandemic, families continue to depend on the American Red Cross every day for emergency support, including supplying blood products for patients in need of transfusions due to surgery, cancer treatments, or trauma; and WHEREAS, the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter has helped 530 families with temporary housing, clothing, food, and mental health counseling during 260 local disasters last year alone; and WHEREAS,people have counted on the American Red Cross for the information and skills they need to be safe at home, work, school, and at play, and last year the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter trained 28,900 people in lifesaving CPR, First Aid, and water safety; and WHEREAS, American Red Cross staff deployed with the U.S. Military to provide emergency communications, counseling, financial assistance, and a caring presence to 1,300 local military families; and WHEREAS, American Red Cross Blood Services supports Bay Area hospitals, providing them with more than 74,228 units of red cells, platelets, and plasma annually to patients in need. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby proclaim March 2021 as American Red Cross Month in the City of Dublin and thanks the American Red Cross for their invaluable work and efforts not only in our community, but around the country. DATED: March 2, 2021 Mayor Melissa Hernandez Vice Mayor Shawn Kumagai Councilmember Sherry Hu Councilmember Jean Josey Councilmember Michael McCorriston 116 A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – March 2021” WHEREAS, in 1987 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the month of March as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,” callingupon Americans to provide the encouragement and opportunities necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential; and WHEREAS, each March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners work together to create a social media campaign that highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities; and WHEREAS, the campaign for 2021 is #DDawareness2021; and WHEREAS, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, and acknowledge the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin’s mission promotes and supports a high quality of life, ensures a safe and secure environment, fosters new opportunities, provides equity across all programs, and champions a culture of diversity and inclusion. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby proclaim March 2021 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the City of Dublin and urges every citizen to increase awareness about developmental disabilities and support inclusion and equity for all. DATED: March 2, 2021 Mayor Melissa Hernandez Vice Mayor Shawn Kumagai Councilmember Sherry Hu Councilmember Jean Josey Councilmember Michael McCorriston 117 A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA “Irish-American Heritage Month – March 2021” WHEREAS, Irish-American Heritage Month marks a time to celebrate the contributions that Irish Americans have made to the United States; and WHEREAS, the first recorded celebration of Irish Americans dates back to 1762 with the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. The parade became an annual event which was initially organized by military units but after the War of 1812, Irish fraternal societies took over the event; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin annually celebrates Irish-American Heritage through activities including St. Patrick’s Day festivities and events surrounding Irish Heritage; and WHEREAS, due to COVID-19, this year’s events will be held Saturday, March 13 through Saturday, March 20 and will feature both virtual and reservation-based events throughout the City of Dublin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby proclaim March 2021 as Irish-American Heritage Month in the City of Dublin and encourages citizens to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Irish Americans to the City of Dublin and the rich Irish-American Heritage of our community. DATED: March 2, 2021 Mayor Melissa Hernandez Vice Mayor Shawn Kumagai Councilmember Sherry Hu Councilmember Jean Josey Councilmember Michael McCorriston 118 A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA “March for Meals Month – March 2021” WHEREAS, on March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older; and WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels America established the March for Meals campaign in March 2002 to recognize the historic month and the importance of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs, and to raise awareness about the escalating problem of senior hunger in America; and WHEREAS, the 2021 observance of March for Meals celebrates 19 years of the collaboration of local community organizations, businesses, government agencies, and compassionate individuals in supporting Meals on Wheels programs that deliver vital and critical services by donating, volunteering, and raising awareness about senior hunger and isolation; and WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs, both Congregate and Home-Delivered in Dublin, have served our communities admirably for more than 40 years in California, and for 49 years in Dublin; and WHEREAS, volunteers for Meals on Wheels programs in Dublin are the backbone of the program and they not only deliver essential meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities who are at significant risk of hunger and isolation, but also demonstrate care for and attention to their welfare; and WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels of Alameda County has delivered warmth and joy to 3,200 senior neighbors this last holiday season; and WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs in Dublin provide nutritious meals to seniors throughout the city that help them maintain their health and independence, thereby preventing unnecessary falls, hospitalizations, and premature institutionalization. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby proclaim March 2021 as March for Meals Month in the City of Dublin and urges every citizen to take this month to honor our Meals on Wheels of Alameda County programs, the seniors they serve, and the volunteers who care for them. Our recognition of, and involvement in, the national 2021 March for Meals campaign can enrich our entire community and help combat senior hunger and isolation in America. DATED: March 2, 2021 Mayor Melissa Hernandez Vice Mayor Shawn Kumagai Councilmember Sherry Hu Councilmember Jean Josey Councilmember Michael McCorriston 119 A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA “National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – March 2021” WHEREAS, in an effort to increase public awareness and raise funds for research and treatment, President Bill Clinton proclaimed the month of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented because colorectal cancer screening allows doctors to find and remove hidden growths before they become cancer; and WHEREAS, according to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States, and currently there is no cure; and WHEREAS, due to COVID-19, the number of colonoscopies declined nearly 90% by mid-April 2020 compared to the same period the previous year; 1.7 million Americans missed their colonoscopy, and 18,800 colorectal cancer diagnoses have been delayed or missed all together; and WHEREAS,Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to offer education on the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection and screening. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby proclaim March 2021 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Dublin and encourages citizens to raise awareness about colonoscopies and this important life-saving measure. DATED: March 2, 2021 Mayor Melissa Hernandez Vice Mayor Shawn Kumagai Councilmember Sherry Hu Councilmember Jean Josey Councilmember Michael McCorriston 120 A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA “National Women’s History Month – March 2021” WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of life in the City of Dublin and the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home; and WHEREAS, due to COVID-19, most of the 2020 women’s suffrage centennial celebrations were curtailed; and WHEREAS, the National Women’s History Alliance is extending the annual theme for 2021 to “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced”; and WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and WHEREAS, American women have served our country courageously in the military; and WHEREAS, despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the literature, teaching, and study of American history. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby proclaim March 2021as National Women’s History Month in the City of Dublin to recognize women for their invaluable work and their role not only in our community but around the country. DATED: March 2, 2021 Mayor Melissa Hernandez Vice Mayor Shawn Kumagai Councilmember Sherry Hu Councilmember Jean Josey Councilmember Michael McCorriston 121