City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
Week of the Young Child - April 11 – 17, 2026
WHEREAS, children’s cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and language and literacy development are built on a foundation of children’s positive interactions with adults, peers, and their environment; and
WHEREAS, quality early childhood education promotes the intellectual, emotional, and physical development of children, which in turn lays the foundation for children's success in school and later life; and
WHEREAS, young children need developmentally appropriate, accessible, and available early care and education settings; and
WHEREAS, high–quality early childhood education depends on high–quality early childhood educators who ensure that children, supported by families, have the early experiences they need for a strong foundation; and
WHEREAS, public policies and programs that support early learning for all young children are crucial to their futures, and those who contribute significantly to the lives of young children in our community deserve our recognition and gratitude; and WHEREAS, San Rafael is a strong, safe community that supports families raising caring, capable children and appreciates the many organizations and individuals who help ensure access to high-quality childcare programs for our young people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATE COLIN, Mayor of San Rafael, hereby proclaim April 11 through 17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child.
Kate Colin
Mayor
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month April 1 - 30, 2025
WHEREAS, Southwest Asia and North Africa are broad, inclusive terms reflecting the diverse cultures, histories, and communities of the region. While this commemorative month has also been known as Arab American Heritage Month, "SWANA" more fully recognizes the many identities, languages, and traditions across the region; and WHEREAS, in the nineteenth century, Southwest Asian and North African individuals, families, and communities began a notable migration to the United States, from counties in the Middle East and North Africa, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Yemen, Tunisia, Algeria, the Gulf countries, and Libya, with approximately 200,000 living in the United States by 1924; and
WHEREAS, these early SWANA immigrants brought with them resilient family values, a strong work ethic, a dedication to education, and a rich diversity of faiths and creeds, making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of society in America —including medicine, law, business, education, technology, and government—which have strengthened our democracy; and
WHEREAS, with approximately 3.7 million Southwest Asians and North Africans currently living in the United States, with more than 533,000 residing in California alone, the community is as diverse as its origins, each group contributing its own rich histories, cultural traditions, and perspectives that enhance our collective social fabric; and WHEREAS, Arab individuals and communities continue to endure the challenges of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, as well as prejudice, hostility, bigotry, and persecution based on religious beliefs, dress, and cultural practices, and the City of San Rafael unequivocally condemns such actions while urging its residents to embrace, learn from, share with, and celebrate the varied uniqueness of the SWANA community; and
WHEREAS, April is recognized as Southwest Asian and North African Heritage Month, we take time to honor SWANA in our community, state, and nation, and abroad as part of the world diaspora, and recognize their role in the development of America and the continued influence SWANA Americans have in all aspects of life; and
WHEREAS, Southwest Asian and North African Heritage Month provides a platform for learning about and celebrating the cultural, artistic, historical, and social achievements of Southwest Asian and North African Americans, reinforcing the understanding that their diverse narratives and contributions are integral to the past, present, and future of our nation.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael, encourage all community members to engage with opportunities to learn about and support our as Southwest Asian and North African American neighbors, friends, and businesses, and to celebrate the achievements and contributions from the Arab community, and to encourage each of us to commit to supporting religious and cultural freedoms. ___________
Kate Colin
Mayor