News Flash

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Posted on: June 21, 2022

DEI Initiatives Update - June 2022

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Colorful Hands Together

June 21, 2022

The City of Mill Valley commits to act and encourage community action towards eliminating racial disparities, both inside government and in the community. The City Council has identified Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as their top priority, and staff provides regular updates to the City Council and community on activities in Mill Valley and around Marin County on a regular basis.

City Council

  • Council 2022/2023 Priorities - Council held a Special Meeting on May 9, 2022 to review Priority Projects for the upcoming year. For the third year in a row, Council determined that DEI initiatives would remain a top priority for the City. Review the Staff Report that confirms outcomes of the special meeting.
  • Pride Month - The Mill Valley City Council declared June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. “The Mill Valley City Council declares the month of June, 2022, as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Mill Valley and urges residents to recognize the contributions made by members of the LGBTQ+ community and to actively promote the principles of equity, equality, visibility, diversity, and inclusion for all.” Read the full proclamation here.

Recreation & Arts

  • Juneteenth “Freedom Festival” - On Saturday, June 18, Mill Valley Recreation, along with the City of Mill Valley and the Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity & Empowerment (MVFREE), hosted an inaugural Juneteenth celebration called the Freedom Festival. The free event, which took place in the Downtown Plaza, honored our past through celebration of African American Independence Day and included live music, poetry, storytelling, and activities for all ages. 

Planning & Building

  • Housing Element - City Planners anticipate the release of the Draft Housing Element by the end of June with a 30-day comment period. After the public comment period, the Draft will be sent to the State’s Dept of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for their review. Planners anticipate more than one round of comments from the State, and community members will have additional opportunities to submit comments with subsequent Drafts released after HCD’s initial review. Check out the Housing Element Update for more information.
  • Community Outreach - Planners conducted community outreach and engagement in May and June on the topic of housing programs in Mill Valley. Staff met with members of the Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity and Empowerment (MVFREE), and had an outreach table at the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, as well as the Juneteenth Freedom Festival Event in the Downtown Plaza. We thank everyone that participated and shared their input. 

Library

  • Civic Minded Book Club - This book club focuses on topics such as the current global political climate, the Constitution, inequalities in the political and economic systems, the state of America and its citizens today, and alternatives for our future. On Monday, June 27 (7-8:30 pm), join us to discuss 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir by Ai Weiwei. Learn more and register.
  • World Literature Book Club - Where in the world will your next book take you? Join us as we sample a variety of contemporary and classical world literature, including works in translation. Our exploration of international literary perspectives and traditions provides a deeper understanding of other cultures and global diversity. On Tuesday, June 28, 2022 (7-8:30 pm), join us to discuss The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso. Learn more and register.

Police

Law Enforcement Working Group Update - The Mill Valley Police Department meets regularly with MVFREE, formerly MV DEI, via Zoom every 6-8 weeks. Current topics include: 

  • Bias by Proxy - A stand alone department policy has been created. We are currently in discussions regarding a Bias by Proxy Standard Operating Procedure for police officer’s response to calls that may contain bias. 
  • School Resource Officer MOU with School District - The Mill Valley Police Department is currently working on a MOU between the police department and Tamalpais High School. This would further outline the duties and responsibilities of the School Resource Officer and their role at Tamalpais High School. 
  • Community Outreach - On Saturday, June 18, Mill Valley Police joined Mill Valley Recreation, along with the City of Mill Valley and the Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity & Empowerment (MVFREE) had an outreach booth and participated in the City's Juneteenth “Freedom Festival.” 
  • Anti-Bias Training Matrix - The department is currently creating a training matrix that outlines anti-bias training and the timeline for training completion according to our updated Bias-Free Policing policy. 

Fire

  • Staff Training Program - The Southern Marin Fire Department’s DEI taskforce accomplished creating an introductory training program for all SMFD Personnel. The objective of the training is to have an open discussion about diversity, equity and inclusion and allow personnel to address questions or concerns pertaining to DEI.
  • School Career Centers - The committee chair has been put into contact with two counselors from San Mateo School District and Mill Valley School District to try to work towards getting information out to their high school students regarding the fire service. Both counselors have mentioned their desire to provide different avenues for their students who would like to follow an occupational career track in alternative to a four-year

Other Community Partners


Marin City Sausalito FC

Marin City Sausalito FC is a new youth competitive soccer club for ages 8-12 formed in partnership with Play Marin. Marin City and Sausalito have never had a soccer club; Marin City Sausalito FC hopes to change that.

Girl’s competitive soccer tryouts are June 22 & June 24 (Wed & Fri)

  • Times: 2014-2016 Birth Year: 3:30-4:30 pm/ 2011-2013 Birth Year: 4:30-6:00 pm
  • Location: MLK Field , Sausalito

GNK DINAMO ZAGREB Summer ID CLINIC in Sausalito

Clinic Highlights: Croatia’s best youth academy is coming to Sausalito

  • Learn Smart & Collective Soccer
    • Learn Technical & Tactical Ideas
    • Directed by GNK DINAMO ZAGREB Academy Coaches
  • Younger Groups: 2016-2013 (10-11:40 am)
  • Older Groups: 2012-2009 (12-2 pm)
  • CLINIC DATES: June 25-26. Registration ends June 23
  • Location: MLK Park, Sausalito

Interested? Register at: www.mcsfc.org or contact: Phone: 415-634-5321 or Email: info@mcsfc.org

Marin County Participatory Budgeting  

The County of Marin is making $2.5 million available for members of the public to decide how it is spent through a process called Participatory Budgeting. Interested?  You can also visit the PB webpage to learn more about this exciting and innovative approach to equitable governance in Marin County. 

Opening on County Youth Commission

The application period is open through July 2 for applicants aged 12 to 23 for the Marin County Youth Commission. There are 23 representatives on the commission, which acts as the political voice for young people by engaging with the Marin County Board of Supervisors and other policymakers.

Commission members collectively identify issues they are passionate about, then create and implement social justice campaigns to create positive change. Over the past year, the Youth Commission focused on education, equity, mental health, youth substance use, and LGBTQ issues in Marin.

Applicants must live or attend school in Marin and be able to attend four meetings each month. Apply here. Any questions about serving on the Youth Commission may be directed to Samantha Ramirez of the Youth Leadership Institute at sramirez@yli.org.

Learn more:

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