AGENDA TITLE:
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Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 21-27, 2024, as “National Volunteers Week” (PD)
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MEETING DATE:
April 3, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Andrea Morales, Administrative Assistant
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Presentation of proclamation proclaiming the week of April 21-27, 2024, as “National Volunteers Week.”
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
National Volunteer Week is a national event to recognize and celebrate the profound impact men and women who volunteer have on their community. Our city departments have the opportunity to invite and work with the numerous volunteers who occupy the following positions:
The Public Library volunteers assist as Adult Literacy tutors, homework help tutors, Lucas Computer Learning Center coaches, and instructors. Volunteers also handle general library needs and serve on the non-profit boards Friends of the Lodi Public Library and Lodi Public Library Foundation. The Public Works Department welcomes many volunteer groups who donate time to accomplish specific projects. Volunteers work on the following projects: Coastal Cleanup, Love Lodi, Galt Adult Learning Center bi-monthly cleanups at Lodi Lake, Heritage School Earth Keeper’s Club, Master Gardner’s Downtown Lodi flower pot project, Starbucks Earth Day Cleanup at Lodi Lake, and the Storm Drain Detectives.
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department has more than 2,000 volunteers who assist with the youth sports programs. Others volunteer for various scout programs for park improvements; commissions and boards, such as the Hutchins Street Square Foundation and Lodi Arts Commission; civic groups, such as the Lodi-Tokay Rotary and Lodi Lions; nonprofits and clubs, including Tree Lodi, Bike Lodi and the Lodi Garden Club, and those who volunteer on their own through our Lodi Parks People and Adopt-a-Park programs and opportunities to serve at Hutchins Street Square/Performing Arts Theater.
The Police Cadet Program allows local youths between 16 and 24 to volunteer and gain valuable experience during their high school and college years. The Cadets participate in several special events throughout the year, including serving as decoys for the Alcohol Beverage Control Grant operations, assisting with the Parade of Lights, the Police Chief’s Gala, DUI checkpoints, and performing clerical duties in the Records Division. Many of these young people transition into a full-time career in law enforcement.
The Police Chaplaincy Program was formed in February 1994. Its members provide daily support for Lodi Police Department personnel and their families. The Chaplains also administer emergency response when needed, providing emotional support and assistance to officers in the field with death notifications and during critical and/or crisis incidents.
The Partners Foundation has operated for 31 years, providing endless hours of service to the Lodi Police Department. Partners patrol city streets, parks, and schools. They serve as additional eyes and ears for the Lodi Police Department and provide information and assistance to the community in various ways. Partners’ assignments include clerical assignments, parking enforcement, patrol assistance, special event support, abatement patrol, and the Stranger Danger education program. Partners also raise funds for vehicles donated to the City and used by the volunteers.
There are also community volunteers who serve behind the scenes on the Crime Stoppers Board, the Lodi Police Foundation Board, and the Chaplain Board of Directors. All give generously of their time and talents, and often their personal funds, toward the betterment of the Lodi Police Department and, ultimately, in service to the community.
Representatives of the Police, Library, Public Works, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Departments will be present to accept the proclamation.
STRATEGIC VISION:
Not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.
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Ricardo Garcia
Police Chief
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Jeff Berkheimer (for Andrew Keys)
Acting City Manager/Electric Utility Director