File #: 23-158    Version: 1 Name: Proclamation Recognizing Steven Taylor and the Sanctity of Every Human Life 2023
Type: Presentation Status: Received
In control: City Council
Meeting Date: 4/17/2023 Final action: 4/17/2023
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: Proclamation Recognizing Steven Taylor and the Sanctity of Every Human Life

Title

Proclamation Recognizing Steven Taylor and the Sanctity of Every Human Life

 

 

Body

A Day Recognizing Steven Taylor and the Sanctity of Every Human Life

 

WHEREAS, on April 18, 2020, Steven Taylor was fatally shot by a former employee of the San Leandro Police Department at the Hesperian Boulevard Walmart in San Leandro; and

 

WHEREAS, Steven Taylor was an African American Male, 33 years of age, graduate of San Leandro High School, who was a son, grandson and father, and who was unhoused at the time he was fatally shot; and

 

WHEREAS, according to contacts Steven Taylor had with the San Leandro Police Department, Steven Taylor had a history of suffering mental health crises in San Leandro before his death; and

 

WHEREAS, people with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than other civilians approached or stopped by law enforcement, according to a study released by the Treatment Advocacy Center; and

 

WHEREAS, according to national studies, African Americans are more likely to experience fatal encounters with the police than any other ethnic population; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of San Leandro recognizes the sanctity of every human life and supports policies for de-escalation tactics and verbal persuasion to save the lives of all persons; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of San Leandro continues to be deeply saddened by the loss of Steven Taylor on April 18, 2020; and 

 

WHEREAS,  the Steven Taylor Sanctity of Life Park will be a public space intended to bolster community understanding, healing, reconciliation, and awareness of belonging among San Leandro visitors and residents. 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Juan González, Mayor of the City of San Leandro, do hereby proclaim April 18, 2023, as “A Day Recognizing Steven Taylor and the Sanctity of Every Human Life” in the City of San Leandro as a day to honor Steven Taylor’s life and other lives lost to violence, including people of color. 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of San Leandro to be affixed this 17th day of April 2022.