This week the San Rafael Public Library launched “Book to Action,” a community-wide program from the California Center for the Book to Read/Discuss/Act during the months of March-June. Supervising Librarian Jill Harris and Librarians Bonnie Groshong and Margaret Stawowy have been leading the effort, with support from many other library staff. This series is centered around The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, as well as the themes brought...
On Thursday October 1, Lorenzo Jones, who previously helped the City with the #8cantwait task force meetings, facilitated a community conversation with 12 members of the community. City employees Cristine Alilovich, Talia Smith, and Iman Kayani also participated in the meeting. The purpose of the discussion was to hear feedback from those who have expressed...
On Monday evening, City Attorney Rob Epstein provided the City Council and the community with a description of an event that recently occurred involving a high-risk traffic stop. Watch the video: Transcript of Mr. Epstein’s comments: I am going to offer some remarks on an incident that occurred last month. It was an incident involving...
On August 17, 2020, the San Rafael Police Department brought proposed changes to the Use of Force Policy (Policy 300 of the Police Procedural Manual) to the City Council. The City Council voted unanimously to accept these changes. Here are a few highlights of the changes: Police Chief Diana Bishop wrote her first Chief’s Preface to the Police Procedural Manual This preface...
The San Rafael Library has curated a list of recommended books, websites, movies, podcasts, and videos that explore issues surrounding race and social equity. Communities across the U.S. are finally waking up to systemic racism against BIPOC, and in particular anti-Black racism. More than ever, white people and other allies are showing up, listening and...
At the June 15, 2020 City Council meeting, City Manager Jim Schutz and Chief of Police Diana Bishop made comments about racial justice. Watch this video to see their full remarks. Full transcript: City Manager Jim Schutz Thank you Mayor and Council. As you know, this is the time on our agenda when I typically...
From your Mayor & City Council We stand with everyone in our community and across the nation against systemic racism. Enough is enough. Our communities are demanding change that is deserved and past due. It’s time for all leaders to listen and do more to support our black community. And we won’t stop there. We...
