The Arcata City Council is poised to address two significant issues at its meeting on September 15, 2023. The council will consider sending a letter to CalPERS, the agency responsible for managing pensions for public employees, urging it to divest from companies that profit from human rights violations in Gaza. Additionally, the council will deliberate a resolution demanding immediate humanitarian access for Palestinians.
Divestment Letter Urges Action Against Human Rights Violations
A draft letter, initiated by councilmember Sarah Schaefer, expresses profound concern regarding CalPERS’ investments in companies deemed complicit in ongoing human rights abuses in Gaza. The letter articulates the council’s stance against investments that facilitate famine and war profiteering, emphasizing the importance of socially responsible investment policies.
The document highlights Arcata’s existing investment preferences, which exclude corporations involved in fossil fuel extraction, tobacco, and nuclear weapons. It also references CalPERS’ current divestment policies relating to tobacco, firearms, and coal. In a historical context, the letter draws parallels between present circumstances in Gaza and past international actions against South Africa’s apartheid regime. It calls upon CalPERS to take similar measures and divest from companies enabling human rights abuses in Gaza and other regions impacted by state violence.
CalPERS manages the pensions and health benefits for approximately 1.5 million public sector employees. Although no formal public outreach has taken place regarding the divestment letter, community members have voiced their concerns, urging the council to take a stand against companies facilitating human rights violations in Gaza, Sudan, and beyond.
Humanitarian Aid Resolution to Address Urgent Needs
In addition to the divestment initiative, the council will consider a resolution that calls on the President of the United States and Congress to take diplomatic and operational steps to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access for Palestinians. Proposed by councilmember Stacy Atkins-Salazar, this resolution references warnings from the United Nations about an impending widespread famine in the region.
The resolution advocates for enhanced U.S. funding for humanitarian operations aimed at alleviating the suffering of Palestinians. It calls for all parties involved to facilitate humanitarian operations, protect aid workers and their infrastructure, and expand access routes for delivering aid.
Prior to this, the Eureka City Council approved a similar letter urging CalPERS to divest from assets that support what they termed “Israeli apartheid and genocide.” The meeting agenda for Arcata’s council was released on September 15, and public participation is expected as community members continue to express their views on these pressing issues.
The Arcata City Council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on September 15, 2023. Members of the public are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives on these important resolutions.
