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Saint Helena council adopts community values statement after public comments
Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted a statement affirming the dignity and inclusion of all residents and committing to open dialogue. Public commenters urged explicit naming of groups they said face hate or exclusion.
The Saint Helena City Council voted unanimously on March 11 to adopt a "Statement of Community Values" aimed at affirming the dignity and inclusion of all residents. The council passed the measure after public comment urging stronger, more explicit language recognizing historically marginalized groups.
The statement, dated March 11, 2025 and signed by Mayor Paul Jamieson Doring, says the city is "committed to ensuring that St. Helena remains a welcoming and supportive place where all residents feel safe, valued, respected, and included in community life." The text affirms rights tied to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Public comment: Jenny Ocone, executive director of Up Valley Family Centers, thanked the council and urged the statement be strengthened by "explicitly naming support for groups that have been the target of hateful rhetoric, including immigrants, LGBTQ plus, and BIPOC community members." Lorraine Stewart, a longtime local volunteer, told the council she supports the statement and urged members to acknowledge "the realities of others," citing experience with workforce and farmworker housing and local nonprofits.
Council discussion and vote: Mayor Paul Jamieson Doring and Vice Mayor Michelle Deasy said they had worked on a text they characterized as unifying and focused on human dignity. Councilmember Merrick moved to adopt the statement; Councilmember Spataro seconded. Roll-call votes were recorded as Yes from Barrick, Spatarotto, Vice Mayor Deasy and Mayor Doring; the motion passed unanimously.
Ending: Councilmembers urged residents to review the text and the council noted a complementary 2017 immigration-related statement remains in force. The adopted statement will be part of the city record and staff said the document will be shared with the public.
