CITY OF
RIVERSIDE City Council Memorandum
City of Arts & Innovation
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: FEBRUARY 13, 2024 FROM: COUNCILMEMBER CERVANTES WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR A BILATERAL CEASEFIRE AND
IMMEDIATE PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE ONGOING CONFLICT AND
HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IMPACTING GAZA AND ISRAEL
ISSUE:
The issue for the City Council consideration is discussion of a local supportive role in calling for a bilateral ceasefire and immediate peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and Israel.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution of Peace.
BACKGROUND:
On September 18, 2001, the City Council adopted a "Building a More Inclusive Riverside Community" statement consisting of a set of principles based upon the premises that (1) Riversiders should be and see themselves as respected, contributing members of the community; and (2) that all Riversiders should be bound by a common set of principles based on fairness of treatment, recognition of rights, acceptance of responsibilities, commitment to equality, and dedication to expanding opportunities for all. It further states, "a city of considerable racial, ethnic, religious, and other types of diversity, Riverside has etched a complex history. That history has included both significant efforts to achieve greater justice, equality, and understanding, as well as unfortunate periods and events that have demonstrated the need for increased commitment, ideas, and action to work toward these goals."
In support of the City of Riverside's long-standing culture and responsibility to uphold the values of inclusion, diversity, and equality, regardless of religion, race or nationality; a resolution has been drafted to support and joins other cities in calling on Congress and the Biden administration to demand: an immediate bilateral ceasefire; an immediate release of all hostages Hamas took on October 7, 2023; urgent safe passage and delivery of substantial and sufficient humanitarian aid to Gaza; and a lasting political resolution that protects the lives, health, and security of all innocent civilians.
Resolution of Peace • Page 2
The resolution further introduces and addresses the increasing reports of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Jewish and Anti-Arab incidents in Riverside and the Inland Empire; and that the City Council of the City of Riverside hereby unequivocally and without prejudice, condemns; terrorist acts; every form of avoidable, unnecessary, unlawful violence that results in the death, injury; displacement, or mortal endangerment of innocent civilians; intolerance, racism and xenophobia, including Antisemitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Jewish sentiments, rhetoric, and attacks in our region, nation and across the world.
Lastly, the resolution is in alignment with our Envision Riverside 2025 plan which states; the City of Riverside is committed to providing high-quality municipal services to ensure a safe, inclusive, and livable community; and Riverside is a city where every person is respected and cherished, where equity is essential to community well-being, where residents support one another, and where opportunities exist for all to prosper. In Riverside, everyone comes together to help the community, economy, and environment reach their fullest potential for the public good.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
1. Community Trust - In accordance with the cross-cutting threads that state the activities and actions by the City serve the public interest, benefit the City's diverse populations, and result in greater public good; the resolution would uphold the City of Riverside's commitment to building community trust by upholding the values of inclusion, diversity, and equality for all human beings.
2. Equity - In accordance with the cross-cutting threads that state; Riverside is supportive of the City's racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, identity, geographic, and other attributes of diversity and is committed to advancing the fairness of treatment, recognition of rights, and so forth. The resolution would uphold the City of Riverside's responsibility to ensure a safe, inclusive, and livable community given the rise in increasing reports of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Jewish and Anti-Arab incidents in Riverside and the Inland Empire. Further condemning all forms of; intolerance, racism and xenophobia, including Antisemitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Jewish sentiments, rhetoric, and attacks in our region, nation, and across the world.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the proposed resolution of peace and support for the humanitarian treatment of all individuals.
Prepared by: William Kester, Council Assistant
Approved by: Clarissa Cervantes, Councilmember Ward 2
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Clarissa Cervantes
Councilmember Ward 2
Attachment: Resolution of Peace