May 16, 2022
The City of Mill Valley commits to act and encourage community action towards eliminating racial disparities, both inside government and in the community. The City Council has identified Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as their top priority, and staff provides regular updates to the City Council and community on activities in Mill Valley and around Marin County on a regular basis.
City Council
Digital Marin Strategic Plan - At their meeting on May 2, 2022, the City Council unanimously approved the adoption of a Resolution of Support for the Digital Marin Strategic Plan. The plan identifies issues with accessibility of digital information and services, especially by BIPOC residents living in underserved communities, older adults, and people with disabilities. The plan identifies a number of strategies and actions to coordinate and expand digital infrastructure and services in Marin to meet their specific needs.
Planning & Building
- One Hamilton Open House - Thank you to all the community members that attended the May 3 Hamilton Open House. The event provided community members an opportunity to share input on preliminary design features, massing and site planning work, including relocation of public parking and restrooms currently located on site. Stay tuned for next steps and visit the project website here.
- Housing Element Update - Join us for a Housing Advisory Committee meeting via Zoom, on May 17th at 6:30 pm. This meeting will focus on reviewing housing programs of interest from the community and further discussing those housing programs that should be included as part of the Housing Element Update. Register here.
Recreation & Arts
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee Update - At their May 4, 2022 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission received a JEDI Committee Update from Arts and Recreation Director Sean McGrew. He shared that the committee recently discussed the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration (11 am - 3 pm on June 19) and how to increase access and reduce barriers to entry for the scholarship program. McGrew noted that staff has made the scholarship program information easier to find on the City website. The group discussed the application process and ways to eliminate or lessen barriers that place a time and resource burden on applicants.
Library
Port Chicago Presentation (In case you missed it) - The recording of First Wednesday: What Happened at Port Chicago? with Rangers Tory Starling and Eric Stearns is posted on the Mill Valley Library’s YuoTube channel. The 1944 disaster at Port Chicago Naval Magazine, in Contra Costa County, killed 320 men, injured hundreds more, and resulted in the largest mutiny trial in U.S. Naval history. It was WWII's worst home front disaster. View the presentation by National Park Services Rangers Eric Stearns and Tory Starling about this little-known tragedy in early civil rights history; a story of the brave men who stood up to injustice.
Police
Community engagement - The Police Department continues to meet with community members to further develop a Bias by Proxy policy, and discuss current RIPA data.
Other Community Partners
Marin City CDC announces their Summer Youth Empowerment Program - “Our summer program is geared towards empowering youth, ages 12-18, with the skills they will need to be successful in today's career field. This summer program offers a stipend to students for participating. they will spend their hours between courses taught in the MCCDC building and working internships within the community.” Learn more and request information here.
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