PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER (AAPI) COMMUNITY IN THE CITY OF COTATI AND PROCLAIMING MAY 2025 AS AAPI HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, the month of May marks the national celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States and we take this time to honor our rich history, cultural diversity, achievement and contributions; and
WHEREAS, AAPI residents have long enriched and continue to contribute to the City of Cotati’s and Sonoma County’s vitality, economic prosperity, cultural richness, and social fabric,
driven by values of family, community, and the belief in the American Dream; and
WHEREAS, AAPI organizing and advocacy efforts are actively growing and expanding, strengthening civic engagement and community leadership within Sonoma County (such as mitigating marginalization of our youth and recognizing the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable) and the diverse AAPI community welcomes opportunities to share stories and culture which promote pride, understanding, visibility and representation; and
WHEREAS, the AAPI community continues to face systemic barriers accessing government resources, support, and representation, as well as ongoing experiences of discrimination and language barriers that can hinder full civic participation and economic mobility, and our nation’s current climate has heightened fears and vulnerabilities among AAPI residents, leading many to retreat into isolated communities for perceived safety, reinforcing the need for greater outreach, inclusion, and proactive engagement; and
WHEREAS, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (April 30, 1975) marks a significant moment to acknowledge the forced displacement and trauma experienced by Southeast Asian refugees, including the Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, and Hmong communities in Sonoma County, whose ongoing struggles remain largely unacknowledged; and
WHEREAS, the City deeply values the human rights and dignity of all residents and strives to protect our residents against acts of hate; and
WHEREAS, the City Councils Strategic Goals include promoting and equitable, compassionate, and health community that honors diversity as a source of strength.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the City Council of the City of Cotati formally recognizes and honors the contributions of the AAPI community, will work to dispel misconceptions and educate our residents about the significant contributions of the AAPI community to support the efforts to end discrimination.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the City will actively seek opportunities to collaborate with AAPI communities, including encouraging all elected officials in Sonoma County to attend and actively listen and engage at AAPI events, advance equity and health in our City and ensure that all City operations are inclusive and equitable.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the City, in recognition of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, hereby proclaim the month of May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Cotati.