United Against Hate

United Against Hate: Strengthening Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The City of Petaluma is unwavering in its commitment to uphold the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This commitment is not just in words but in decisive actions and resolutions that we, as a community, have taken over the years. Key resolutions like 2017-032 N.C.S., supporting the rights of our community members, and 2021-040 N.C.S., standing in solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander communities against racism, are testaments to our dedication.

Our community's prompt and united response to recent antisemitic incidents further exemplifies our resolve to combat hate speech, racism, and extremism. The hateful actions targeting our Jewish, LGBTQAI+, and BIPOC communities have been met with strong opposition and a reinforcement of our communal values.

Rabbi Bochner of B’Nai Israel Center and Rabbi Bush from Chabad Petaluma have both expressed their commitment to education and outreach as a response to these acts. Their message is clear: light and love are stronger than darkness and hate. The City Council and community members have echoed this sentiment, demonstrating Petaluma's resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

Petaluma takes pride in its diverse heritage, including a Jewish community that dates back over 160 years, a vibrant LGBTQAI+ community, and a significant Hispanic or Latin American population. This diversity is a cornerstone of our community's identity. To protect and celebrate this diversity, initiatives like the Petaluma Safe Space program have been launched, offering refuge to those experiencing hate-related incidents.

In response to the recent hate speech and acts of extremism, the City Council, on October 16, 2023, introduced resolution 2023-162 N.C.S. condemning these actions and reaffirming its support for the human rights of all Petalumans. This resolution builds on our previous commitments and further strengthens our stance against hate in any form. Mayor Kevin McDonnell has emphasized that the City's dedication to protecting the rights and freedoms of Petalumans remains as strong as ever.

As we continue our journey towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming city, we invite all Petalumans to engage in community-building activities. Let's take this opportunity to get to know our neighbors better, look out for those in need, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Petaluma a vibrant and wonderful place to live.