PROCLAMATION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
PROCLAIMING MAY 2024 AS ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER
HERITAGE MONTH IN COTATI
WHEREAS, the month of May marks the national celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States and we take this time to honor our rich history, cultural diversity, achievement and contributions; and
WHEREAS, the City works to recognize, celebrate and support its ethnically diverse populations; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islanders currently comprise 2.3% of Cotati’s population according to the July 1, 2023 US Census estimate; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islanders have contributed to the economic well-being and culture of Sonoma County for over 150 years; and
WHEREAS, 60% of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) residents in Sonoma County are immigrants; and,
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County API population’s Human Development Index is below the average for APIs across the entire state; and,
WHEREAS, API cultural mores and traditions tend to keep API families and individuals from seeking any needed economic, social, health or psychological help; and WHEREAS, Sonoma County’s Youth Truth survey data from our schools indicate that results for the API youth show that as a whole, they generally report higher rates of stress and have fewer ways to cope than the general population; and WHEREAS, the continued resiliency and determination of APIs prevail today in the face of continued anti-Asian hate, barriers to economic justice, health equity, scapegoating and exclusion; and
WHEREAS, the API population of Sonoma County contribute greatly to the vibrancy and diversity of our region; and
WHEREAS, organizations such as the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of the North Bay continue to strive to address gaps in communication, in data gathering and in outreach; and
WHEREAS, we must all find alternate, effective ways to reach the hidden, silent API communities to support mental and economic health.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED on this day of May 14, 2024, by the City Council of the City of Cotati that we call upon the City, non-profits, businesses, educational institutions and all API communities to partner and elevate voices; and BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the City, in recognition of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, hereby proclaim the month of May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in City of Cotati.
Approved:_____________________________
Mayor