TITLE:
title
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND DECLARING JUNE 19 OF EACH YEAR AS A PAID CITY HOLIDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH
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DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE, HUMAN RESOURCES
PRESENTED BY: KASAMA LEE, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
CONTACT INFORMATION: KASAMA LEE, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER (714) 754-5169
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2023-XX declaring Juneteenth as a City holiday (Attachment I).
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BACKGROUND:
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 to free more than three million enslaved people in the Confederate states, but Texas was considered a safe haven for slaveholders until federal troops arrived more than two years later on June 19, 1865 bringing news of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War.
In 2003, California’s legislature passed a resolution recognizing Juneteenth as a day to honor and reflect on the significant contribution and advances made by African Americans in our state, to commemorate the strength and determination of African Americans throughout their history. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. On September 29, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1655 which adds Juneteenth to the list of paid state holidays.
As such, it is recommended to recognize and declare June 19 of each year as a paid City holiday in observance of Juneteenth. City offices will be closed and citizens and employees are encouraged to reflect and take part in celebrating the holiday.
ANALYSIS:
At the June 7, 2022 City Council Meeting, the City issued a Proclamation proclaiming June 19, 2022 as Juneteenth in the City of Costa Mesa and urging all citizens to become more aware of the significance of the celebration in African American history and the heritage of our nation and City.
As noted in the proclamation, Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, and a pride-filled day during which we develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the African American experience and their achievements across the City, the state and the nation.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City may choose not to recognize and declare June 19 as a paid City holiday in observance of Juneteenth.
FISCAL REVIEW:
The costs associated with implementing this additional holiday and providing alternative leave benefits for safety employees that are unable to take the holiday due to 24/7 operational requirements are estimated at $133,113.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this report and resolution, and has approved them as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
The item is administrative in nature.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution recognizing and declaring June 19 of each year as a paid City holiday in observance of Juneteenth (Attachment I).