COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: David W. Rowlands, City Manager
DATE: October 20, 2026
SUBJECT: Proclamation Proclaiming October 24, 2026, as “World Polio Day” The City Council will present a Proclamation proclaiming October 24, 2026, as “World Polio Day” in the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
In 1985 Rotary International (Rotary) initiated the PolioPlus program aimed at eradicating polio in the world. At that time poliovirus was present in 125 countries, paralyzing an estimated 1,000 children per day. In 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative joined forces with Rotary.
Rotary International and the Rotary Clubs of the Santa Maria Valley and Nipomo have been engaged in a 38-year campaign to eradicate Polio worldwide. When Rotary began its mission to eradicate polio more than 350,000 children in 125 countries were stricken with polio every year, and nearly 1,000 people were affected by the crippling disease every day. Public Awareness, advocacy, and funding remain crucial to Rotary and its partners, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF.
Proclamation Requested by: Frank Ortiz – Rotary Club of Santa Maria Breakfast Attachment(s): Proclamation