A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2026 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual assault is widespread and impacts every person in Pismo Beach; and
WHEREAS, Lumina Alliance provides essential, lifesaving services for survivors of sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence, their children, and families throughout San Luis Obispo County including Pismo Beach; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death, with consequences that can cross generations and last a lifetime; national data shows that more than one in three women and more than one in six men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes, meaning tens of thousands of San Luis Obispo County residents may be impacted by intimate partner violence over the course of their lives; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to focus on the individualized needs of domestic violence survivors; and WHEREAS, the marginalization of certain groups in society, including undocumented individuals, transgender individuals, and those living with disabilities, increases their vulnerability to domestic violence; and WHEREAS, Lumina Alliance continues to provide no-cost services to those affected by domestic violence with a 24-hr crisis line, advocacy, therapy, transitional and emergency housing, and prevention education, with the help of dedicated volunteers and professionals; and WHEREAS, Lumina Alliance served 1,126 clients and provided 16,307 services this year, while responding to growing community need, including a 27% surge in crisis line calls, from 2,800 to more than 3,500; housing placements also increased from 210 to 224 individuals served, with children accounting for nearly half of those housed, including 106 young people who found safe shelter through our programs; and WHEREAS, Lumina Alliance works to create a safe, thriving, and equitable community for all; and WHEREAS, the City of Pismo Beach strongly supports the efforts of Lumina Alliance, how every segment of our society can work together to address domestic violence, and how to help survivors connect with services.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach hereby recognizes the important work done by domestic violence programs and proclaims October to be National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Pismo Beach.
Dated this 20th day of October, 2026
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Ed Waage, Mayor
Council Agenda 10-20-2026 4.A-1