HomeMy Public PortalAboutR2020-116 RESOLUTION R2020-116
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NAPA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING THAT
DISCRIMINATION AND SYSTEMIC RACISM IS A PUBLIC
HEALTH CRISIS THAT RESULTS IN DISPARITIES IN
FAMILY STABILITY, HEALTH AND MENTAL WELLNESS,
EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, CRIMINAL JUSTICE
EXPERIENCE, AND HOUSING
WHEREAS, discrimination and systemic racism manifests in distinct ways across
many social intersections, including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, class,
disability, immigration status, and age; and
WHEREAS, the adverse impacts of discrimination and systemic racism are well
documented and these impacts accelerate aging and disproportionately burden Black
and other minority populations with diseases, such as heart disease and cancer; and
WHEREAS, the Napa community is not immune to these adverse impacts, and
members of marginalized communities here are more likely to experience economic
insecurity, experience language barriers in accessing health care, and have higher
drop-out rates among other issues; and
WHEREAS, Black and other marginalized communities, including Indigenous
people, women, Latinx, LGBTQ+, immigrants, and people with disabilities, are also
more likely to be subjected to unjust treatment in the criminal justice system especially
where training is inadequate and supervisors are not committed to equal treatment of all
persons; and
WHEREAS, as public officials, it is the City Council's duty to use its legal and
moral authority to protect all members of the Napa community, to foster a community
free of fear, intimidation and violence — a community in which people are not targeted
or hurt unnecessarily by law enforcement or vigilantes and to provide equal protection
under the law; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to create additional pathways where all are
comfortable and feel secure in accessing government services and assistance, making
reports of misconduct and/or criminal activity; and
WHEREAS, the adverse impacts of discrimination and systemic racism on health
are well-documented; and
WHEREAS, the magnitude of these issues, which affect a large number of
people, threatens health over the long-term, and requires the adoption of largescale
solutions, constitute a public health crisis; and
R2020-116 Pagel of September 15,2020
WHEREAS, on August 18, 2020, the City of Napa Police Chief detailed
recommendations that include updated defensive tactics training, additional cultural and
ethnicity awareness training, continued and expanded community engagement
programs for the Police Department, and the establishment of a Community Police
Advisory Committee to review Police Department policies and procedures; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has directed the creation of a multi-year, multi-
phase training program for employees of the City to address diversity, equity and
inclusion; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager will endeavor to create and strengthen
partnerships with other government entities, non-profit agencies and community groups
and to seek and obtain regular feedback from employees and community members to
identify areas of discrimination or systemic racism that may exist within the City
government; and
WHEREAS, the City of Napa will view all future policy decisions with an equity
lens to ensure our marginalized communities including Black, Latinx, women, LGBTQ+,
Indigenous people and other populations and potential impacts to them are considered;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council is acting to affirm its commitment to serving all
members of the community and helping to erase barriers to quality education,
healthcare, safe housing, food security, and employment opportunities to allow for a
healthy and successful life for each citizen; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered all information related to this matter,
as presented at the public meetings of the City Council identified herein, including any
supporting reports by City Staff, and any information provided during public meetings.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Napa,
as follows:
1. The City Council hereby finds that the facts set forth in the recitals to this
Resolution are true and correct, and establish the factual basis for the City
Council's adoption of this Resolution.
2. The City Manager is hereby directed to seek and obtain regular input from
the public to identify potential areas of discrimination or systemic racism that
may exist within the City government, focusing on City employment, training
and development, and housing programs. The City Manager will obtain
guidance on the resolution of such issues, present Council with future action
recommendations, and work to strengthen and establishing partnerships
with other community agencies to determine opportunities to make impactful
use of City resources.
R2020-116 Page 2 of 3 September 15,2020
3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City
Council of the City of Napa at a public meeting of said City Council held on the 15th day
of September, 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: Gentry, Alessio, Luros, Sedgley, Techel
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: it /`r
Tif at
Carran
City Clerk
Approved as to form:
Michael W. Barrett
City Attorney
R2020-116 Page 3 of 3 September 15,2020