CITY OF SAN MATEO
RESOLUTION NO. ____ (2024)
APPROVING THE USE OF CITY FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SOJOURN TO THE PAST TRAINING
(NOT TO EXCEED $6,000)
WHEREAS, San Mateo Police Department staff recently participated in the Sojourn to the Past historical civil rights training and the experience was invaluable in providing historical context to inform and sensitize their approach to modern-day policing, promoting empathy, reducing bias, and fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, the Police Department intends to have additional staff participate in the training and would like to include two community members; and
WHEREAS, including community members in the Sojourn along with law enforcement staff will be beneficial as it creates a space for shared learning, healing, and dialogue between diverse groups. This shared experience will foster understanding and unity, empowering community members to advocate for change in their own neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, this action would serve the public interest in that it will encourage collaboration between individuals and community members that may not typically interact, helping to build public trust, reduce tension, and strengthen community bonds.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY RESOLVES that:
1. This action is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5)).
2. The Chief of Police (or his designee) is authorized to approve a payment not to exceed $6,000 for two community members to participate in the Sojourn to the Past training.