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Agenda Item No. 4(A) EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION AND IN MEMORY OF JOHN UMEMOTO WHEREAS, the El Cerrito Community mourns the loss of long-time Crime Prevention Committee member and dedicated volunteer, John Umemoto, who passed away on March 19, 2014; and WHEREAS, John, a 35 year resident of El Cerrito, is remembered for his many contributions to the City of El Cerrito, particularly, his service on the Crime Prevention Committee for over thirty years and as an Earth Day Site Coordinator whose projects always lasted all day, not just during the morning. On Earth Day in 2013, John led a ten member crew that pulled weeds, raked leaves and did general clean up around the Contra Costa Civic Theater; and WHEREAS, if something needed to get done, John was the first to raise his hand, whether it was staffing a booth at the City’s annual July 4th Festival, one of the Crime Prevention Committee’s outreach functions, various civic improvement projects or other special projects too innumerable to count; and WHEREAS, in addition to serving his city, John is also remembered for being an avid bicyclist and for riding his bike to work. In fact, he was one of the first civilians to ride his bicycle on National Night Out with the Police Department’s Bike Patrol Unit. He also served his community as a parent of Boy Scout Troop 104; and WHEREAS, John had a great smile and a way about him that made people feel encouraged and very comfortable talking with him. He was committed to making El Cerrito a safe place and loved this city; and WHEREAS, it was an honor to know John and to work with him over the years. The Community will continue to miss John very much. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby recognize John Umemoto for his many contributions to the City and joins with the El Cerrito Community in offering condolences and extending its deepest sympathies to Mr. Umemoto’s wife, Saliann and family and many friends on behalf of the grateful residents of El Cerrito. Dated: July 15, 2014 Janet Abelson, Mayor