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Residents ask St. Helena council to adopt statement supporting marginalized communities; council agrees to agendize
Summary
Public commenters urged the City Council to issue a statement affirming support for historically marginalized communities; councilmembers indicated they would place a draft statement on a future agenda and asked proponents to work with staff.
Several community members on the public‑comment portion of the St. Helena City Council meeting urged the council to adopt a public statement affirming support and protection for historically marginalized communities, similar to a resolution passed by the Napa County Board of Supervisors.
Lorraine Stewart, who said she attended with representatives from Up Valley Family Centers and the Community Leaders Coalition, read portions of the county “Statement on Valuing, Supporting, and Protecting Historically Marginalized Communities” and asked the council to “consider agendizing a statement of values” for the city. Jenny Oconee, executive director of Up Valley Family Centers, and Michelle Groupy, director of the Community Leaders Coalition, spoke in support and described community education and legal resource programs that serve immigrant families and other vulnerable groups.
Mayor Doreen and other councilmembers expressed support for considering a city statement. Councilmember Camillo suggested the proponents either work with staff or with two council members and bring a draft back for an upcoming meeting. The mayor said staff can agendaize the item and encouraged proponents to help draft a version “with our own flavor,” since the statement would come from the city council.
No formal vote took place; councilmembers indicated they would agendize a draft statement for a future meeting and work with proponents and staff on wording and legal review.
