AGENDA TITLE:
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Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 19-25, 2026, as National Volunteers Week in Lodi (PD)
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MEETING DATE:
4/15/2026
PREPARED BY:
Andrea Morales, Administrative Assistant
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Mayor Ramon Yepez will present a proclamation proclaiming the week of April 19-25, 2026, as National Volunteers Week.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
During National Volunteer Week, we recognize and celebrate the profound impact that volunteers have on their communities. Our city departments invite and work with numerous volunteers who occupy the following positions:
• The Public Library volunteers assist as Adult Literacy tutors, homework 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 the Lodi Public Library Foundation, in addition to the city mayor-appointed Lodi Public Library Board of Trustees.
• The Public Works Department welcomes many volunteer groups who donate their time to accomplish specific projects, such as the Coastal Cleanup, Love Lodi, bi-monthly cleanups at Lodi Lake for the Galt Adult Learning Center, Heritage School's Earth Keeper’s Club, the Master Gardener’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 its youth and adult sports programs i.e. Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports. Others volunteer for various programs for park improvements; boards, committees, commissions and foundations, such as the Hutchins Street Square Foundation, Lodi Parks and Recreation Commission, Lodi Youth Commission, Lodi Senior Citizens Commission and Lodi Arts Commission; civic groups, such as the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi, Lodi’s Rotary Clubs and Lodi Lions; nonprofits and clubs, including Tree Lodi, and the Lodi Garden Club. There are also those who volunteer on their own through our Lodi Parks People and Adopt-a-Park programs and those who serve at the Hutchins Street Square Performing Arts Theatre.
• The Lodi City Employees Association volunteers have, on their own, participated in many community events throughout Lodi including alley clean ups and beautification efforts for the Lodi House Thrift Boutique and Lodi House-Hope for Women & Children during Love Lodi Day; made upgrades to the benches in the Amphitheatre at Lodi Lake; provided ABC compliance at the Chamber’s annual Street Faire; built an interactive learning tree at the Lodi Library; and supported the San Joaquin Hospice Tree of Lights.
• The Lodi Fire Department Chaplain program consists of two volunteers who use their time to assist residents of our community who have experienced the death or serious injury of a loved one. They are available to respond 24 hours a day, every day. Chaplains who answer that call are available to talk with, pray for, and minister to those in need.
• The Lodi Animal Shelter has 20 volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to the care and well-being of animals in need. These individuals provide essential support through fostering, socialization, cleaning, feeding, walking, administrative assistance, and countless other acts of kindness. Their dedication directly improves the lives of homeless, abandoned, and neglected animals, offering them comfort, companionship, and a second chance at life. They play a critical role in our community by promoting humane education, responsible pet ownership, and adoption advocacy.
• The Police Cadet Program engages local youth between the ages of 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, 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, including during death notifications and critical and/or crisis incidents.
• The Partners Foundation has been operating for 32 years and has contributed numerous 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, providing information and assistance to the community in various ways. Partners’ assignments include clerical tasks, 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 share time and talents generously, and often their personal funds, toward the betterment of the Lodi Police Department and, ultimately, in service to the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.