Date: April 3, 2001
To: Board of Supervisors
Subject: Establishing The Children's Memorial Flag In San Diego County
Summary:
This action will allow the County of San Diego to join other communities and states in participating annually in flying the Children's Memorial Flag.
This action will provide a Deputy on every Grossmont Union High School District campus within the Sheriff's jurisdiction through the remainder of the school year.
Thousands of children in the United States needlessly die each year from acts of violence. The Children's Memorial Flag was initiated to increase public attention for the issue of violence against children. The flag originated in Alameda County, but has spread throughout the State and Nation with the help of the Child Welfare League of America. Cities, counties and states fly the flag on the fourth Friday of April, and whenever a child or teen dies from a senseless act of violence.
Recommendations:
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB:
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to fly the Children's Memorial Flag at the County Administration Center and regional County facilities on the fourth Friday of April, and whenever a child or teen dies from a senseless act of violence.
Fiscal Impact:
The cost to the County for purchasing the flags ranges from $70-$110 per flag and can be absorbed by the Health and Human Services Agency.
BACKGROUND:
The flag originated in Alameda County, but has spread throughout the Nation through the efforts of the Child Welfare League of America in promoting public awareness. More than 30 states, including California, along with several cities and counties participate in flying the Children's Memorial Flag. The flag depicts linked silhouettes of children, with one missing from the chain.
The recent tragedies at Santana High School in Santee and Granite Hills High School in El Cajon reminds us how precious life is, and how quickly it can be lost. At Santana, two teenagers were murdered and eleven other teens, along with two adults were injured in the attack. Even more tragic is that it was another teenager that took their lives and caused this suffering. Thankfully, there were no lives lost at Granite Hills. The Children's Memorial Flag will serve as a reminder of how important it is that we listen to our children and help them when they are in pain.
This action will allow the County of San Diego to join other communities and states in participating in flying the Children's Memorial Flag. I urge your support.
Sincerely,
Thousands of children in the United States needlessly die each year from acts of violence. The Children's Memorial Flag was initiated to increase public attention for the issue of violence against children. The public awareness is part of a national effort to reduce child mortality. The flag is flown over public buildings on the fourth Friday of April, and whenever a child or teen dies from a senseless act of violence.
DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District
