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Redwood City leaders this week reaffirmed the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity by proclaiming Sept. 12–21 as Welcoming Week, part of a global campaign celebrating communities that embrace immigrants and foster belonging.
Mayor Elmer Martinez Saballos read the proclamation during Monday’s council meeting, noting that 34% of Redwood City residents are immigrants.
“The city of Redwood City stands strongly in the support of inclusivity for our diverse community, honoring and protecting every individual, regardless of race, creed, color, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, orientation or identity,” he said.
The proclamation recognizes the city’s work with Redwood City Together, a nonprofit coalition that leads local efforts around inclusion and immigrant support. In 2017, Redwood City designated itself as a “Welcoming City,” highlighting its identity as a “diverse multi-ethnic community that celebrates and embraces its many cultures.”
Two young representatives from Redwood City Together accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization.
“Welcoming Week is an initiative started by Welcoming America to bring communities together to promote building inclusive, safe and equitable communities for immigrants and refugees,” said Joy Magaña, a 12th grader at Summit Prep and a youth promotora. “This is important to me because it helps people feel like they belong. It’s a chance to meet neighbors, learn about the community, and get involved in programs and activities that make the city feel like a home.”
Mercedes, a public relations intern and portfolio lead at Redwood City Together, said she has lived in the city her whole life. “I absolutely love the sense of community the city has and all the resources available to everyone,” she said.
This year’s Welcoming Week will feature a series of events, including a kickoff on Friday, Sept. 12, at Eskina Restaurant on Middlefield Road with San Mateo County District 4 Supervisor Lisa Gauthier. Other activities include an art and wellness festival and the celebration of “Welcoming Stars.”
All events are free and open to the public.
“Events like this bring people together and celebrate everything that makes our city special,” Magaña said.
wait, but the anti-camping law kicks in october 8th — seems pretty unwelcoming to me. rwc do better!