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Newark council reiterates 'welcoming city' stance amid immigration-enforcement concerns; lists summer events
Summary
Councilmembers reiterated past resolutions that Newark is a welcoming city and that Newark Police adhere to the California Values Act; councilmembers also highlighted upcoming community events and recent local ceremonies.
In remarks near the close of the meeting, the mayor and councilmembers addressed resident concerns about immigration enforcement and reiterated that the city has twice passed resolutions declaring Newark a welcoming community.
Mayor Michael Hamm said the council has "on 2 separate occasions issued resolutions that the city of Newark is a welcoming community that celebrates and embraces its many cultures." He said the council has reaffirmed that the Newark Police Department "adheres to the California Values Act" and that the city will not take actions that would undermine community trust or deter law-abiding residents from reporting crimes. Hamm asked the Vice Mayor to translate the remarks into Spanish.
Councilmembers also used the time for updates: the city manager reported on upcoming events including the "Groovin' at the Grove" concert series (weekly through June and July, gates opening at 4 p.m.), a city Juneteenth celebration on June 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Zimmerman Center parking lot, Big Truck Day on June 24 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., a self-defense seminar for seniors on June 26, a small-business workshop series on June 20, 23 and 30, and a sea-level-rise community outreach event on June 25 at the Newark Library.
Councilmembers praised recent community activities: Councilmember Contanzio described a recent "Fishing in Newark" event for youth as successful and thanked staff; the mayor and vice mayor attended a firefighter academy graduation, and councilmembers encouraged residents to support local businesses.
