Here it is the beginning of 2009 and so many things to reflect on. Let us enter the New Year strengthening our resolve and commitment to a better Richmond and move forward in unity! I want to share a few thoughts as we enter the new year. . .

First of all, I want to invite Richmond residents to come to my "Meet-with-the-Mayor" meeting this Friday, January 9th, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm to continue discussions on how we can best utilize Measure T funds for this year.

Although we have had so many accomplishments over the past year (passing Measure T being one of our great accomplishments!), there have been some tragic incidents that have occurred in recent weeks that need mentioning at this moment in time.

Just a couple weeks ago, an outrageous sexual assault and hate crime was committed against a lesbian member of our community here in Richmond. There has since been a huge outpouring of community support for this survivor. While all suspects have been apprehended, the lingering impact of this horrific crime remains. While we are so grateful that crime was down overall in Richmond from 2007 to 2008, it is important to note that one category of crime that showed a small increase was rape, and this is totally unacceptable.

I also want to mention the tragic death of Laura Casey, a long-time Richmond resident and 30-year bicyclist who was tragically killed after being struck on her bicycle by two hit-and-run drivers. The first driver has found the courage to turn herself in and I ask that the second driver come forward and do the same.

Finally, please take a moment to read my guest commentary published in the CC Times today regarding our pressing school crisis here in West County (Gayle McLaughlin: Unity is the Way Forward for Saving our Schools)

A Better Richmond is Possible!

Sincerely, Mayor McLaughlin

As we enter a new era signaling positive change on the national level as well as on the local level with our new City Council, I’d like to invite you all to January 27 City Council meeting, at which some very special events will be taking place:

1. I will be delivering my annual State of the City address, sharing with you some of the highlights of the past year, our on-going challenges and prospects for even greater community empowerment in 2009.

2. In 2008 we were pleased to see a significant reduction in violent crime in Richmond, and while the entire community—dozens of organizations, businesses and non-profits; thousands of caring residents; all city staff--can take credit for moving the City in a positive direction, I will be presenting a proclamation thanking and recognizing some of the key players involved in this welcome result.

3. Finally, I will be presenting the 2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. Richmond Community Leadership and Service Awards to several local activists from community groups that have done outstanding work this past year in the area of promoting environmental justice.

It will be a time to celebrate some of the wonderful efforts that so many committed and caring people are engaged in to build a better, more peaceful and healthier Richmond!

What: Richmond City Council meeting When: Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 7:00 pm Where: City Council chambers, 450 Civic Center Plaza (rear entrance)

See you there—

Sincerely, Mayor McLaughlin

P. S. Reminder: Since I am currently in Albuquerque, New Mexico, attending a national Smart Growth conference, Meet-with-the-Mayor on Friday, Jan. 23 will be cancelled and will resume again on Friday, Jan. 30.