Press Release: For immediate release
Contact Information:
Lea Berhane, Director of Fund Development & Marketing
(650) 591-9623 x142
lea.berhane@star-vista.org
StarVista Stands Against Racism and Xenophobia
Local Nonprofit StarVista Calls on Our Community to Come Together to End All Forms of Discrimination and Violence
San Carlos, CA June 4, 2020 – StarVista, a San Mateo County nonprofit that delivers high impact services through counseling, skill development, and crisis prevention, stands against racism and xenophobia.
The outrage of our national community regarding George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis is real and legitimate. George Floyd, Jamar Clark, Philando Castile, Dreasjon “Sean” Reed, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Botham Jean, Trayvon Martin, Ezell Ford, Michael Brown, Michelle Shirley, Redel Jones, Kenney Watkins, Stephon Clark, Laquan McDonald, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, represent countless other injustices against people of color throughout the United States.
StarVista cannot stand by silently. StarVista believes Black lives matter. StarVista strives to address systemic injustices that are the result of social, economic, health, and housing inequities. It is why StarVista has always targeted their efforts to supporting the most vulnerable in our communities. StarVista partners with San Mateo County law enforcement officials in providing critical services to vulnerable populations, serving more than 41,000 people every year.
San Mateo County Sheriff and StarVista Board Member Carlos Bolanos stands with StarVista’s efforts to provide safety and support to all communities. StarVista is hopeful to learn that the policies and training in San Mateo explicitly prohibit the neck restraint used on Mr. Floyd. To ensure compliance with policy and procedures, their Professional Standards Bureau is tasked with internal audits for equipment, personnel, training, use of force incidents, and investigating allegations of misconduct. Additionally, their Training Unit oversees and ensures compliance with the California Peace Officer Standards and Training and the Standards for Training Corrections.
“As an organization we recognize the impact egregious behavior has on the relationships with the communities we serve and understand this can be the catalyst for the erosion of trust,” says Bolanos.
The voices of leaders like San Mateo County Sherriff Carlos Bolanos and San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen M. Wagstaffe stated below give StarVista greater hope in continuing to serve the local community.
“As a society, we must bring an end to bigotry and racism in our country, and it is the solemn responsibility of all government leaders and every member of the criminal justice system to achieve this goal,” said San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen M. Wagstaffe in a statement on the county website.
StarVista offers its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of George Floyd at this unthinkable time. StarVista is committed to using its platform to break down the barriers that divide us, to provide a safe space, to give access to all experiencing life issues, including the effects of social injustice, and access to the support they need at all stages of life.
StarVista is outraged about the murder of another Black person by a police officer. They believe our community must work harder than ever to bring people together, to give support that helps and heals, to stay connected, and to strengthen our community ties to end all forms of discrimination and violence. The legacy they leave for the next generation and countless lives depend on how we respond to this today.
About StarVista:
StarVista is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 that delivers high impact services through counseling, skill development, and crisis prevention to children, youth, adults, and families to residents of San Mateo County. For over 50 years, StarVista has helped the community make positive changes in their lives by providing them with the support and tools to build their skills and enhance their strengths