Behind a remarkable resolution passed by the Santa Rosa City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 2, behind the “Whereas” and the five “Resolved’s,” lies a story – a story unique to a single person whom I know and so respect, and at the same time a story that belongs to millions of Americans. It is “a” story. But really it is “The” story of America – the millions who risked so much to get to these shores, struggled to survive, then thrived, then gave back to their communities.
Ernesto Olivares came to California with his family, from Mexico at age three. His father, a former “Bracero,” worked in the prune orchards of the Sacramento Valley. The entire family, including Ernesto’s “Abuelita” worked as migrant farmworkers.
Ernesto knew he too wanted more and signed up for the police academy after graduating from Junior College, but wanted more. He was hired by the Santa Rosa Police Department, subsequently rising to the senior executive ranks. He retired following a rewarding 30-year career. He ran for and was elected to the city council. He was then elected Mayor of the City of Santa Rosa, the first Latino mayor in its history. Ernesto is a proud father and grandfather. He now serves as the Executive Director of the California Cities Violence Prevention Network (CCVPN), of which I am the board chair. In fact, I know Ernesto very well, having worked with him since 2007 to prevent violence and to help build vital communities that don’t produce violence in 13 cities in California.
RESOLUTION NO. RES-2017-015
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA TO DECLARE ITSELF AN INDIVISIBLE CITY AND SAFEGUARD THE CIVIL RIGHTS, SAFETY AND DIGNITY OF ALL SANTA ROSA RESIDENTS
To read more of Jack Calhoun's article and the Resolution in its entirety, please click here.
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