Race and Equity Framework

The City of Signal Hill seeks to identify, understand, and address current issues surrounding racial justice, systemic inequities, and structural racism within our community. Recent events have illuminated that certain public practices and policies have created inequities and wide disparities in opportunities related to education, employment, housing, health care, public safety, and wealth for Black people and other persons of color. 

The City of Signal Hill seeks to engage the community and dialogue on various aspects of race and equity as part of an evolving effort to address systemic racism and bias in the policies and practices of municipal government.

This page will be dedicated to documenting and memorializing the City’s journey through this process and will be updated regularly.

Race and Equity Framework

At the July 28, 2020 City Council meeting, the Signal Hill City Council approved a draft Race and Equity Framework and authorized efforts to procure support for development, facilitation, and implementation activities. The City also approved becoming a member of the Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE). Please see the proposed draft of the Race and Equity Framework (PDF) as it was presented to City Council. You can also view the related staff report from the July 28 meeting here (PDF). 

Diversity Coalition Committee

As part of the Race and Equity Framework, City Council committed to the formation of a Diversity Coalition Committee (DCC). The DCC shall examine the City’s current policies and engage the community on various aspects of race and equity as part of an evolving effort to address systemic racism and bias in the policies and practices of municipal government. The proposed goals of the DCC are focused on three specific areas: education, facilitation, and continuous improvement. Although the recruitment period is now closed, all residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in DCC meetings. For more information on meeting dates, please visit the DCC webpage.

City Council Passes Resolution Standing Up for Equality and Against Systemic Racism

During the July 14, 2020 City Council meeting, the Signal Hill City Council unanimously voted to adopt a formal resolution titled Standing Up for Equality and Against Systemic Racism. You can view the resolution here (PDF).

The Obama Foundation Mayor’s Pledge

Signal Hill Mayor Robert D. Copeland, with the support of the Signal Hill City Council, signed the Obama Foundation Mayor’s Pledge. The pledge calls on local mayors to commit to the following actions:

1. Review police use of force policies.

2. Engage communities by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in your review.

3. Report the findings of your review to your community and seek feedback.

4. Reform the community’s police use of force policies.

City Council, SHPD, and City staff will be using this pledge as part of its framework for review of policing policies as we move forward.

Campaign Zero and 8 Can’t Wait

City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn and Chief of Police Christopher Nunley gave a joint presentation on the Campaign Zero and its 8 Can’t Wait framework at the June 23, 2020 City Council meeting. You can watch that presentation here. This presentation is for informational purposes only. Campaign Zero’s agenda calls on local, state, and federal lawmakers to adopt data-driven policy solutions to effectively reduce use of force by police. City Council, SHPD, and City staff will also be including this framework as part of its review of policing policies.

Statement from Mayor Robert D. Copeland

Signal Hill Mayor Robert D. Copeland released a statement regarding the death of George Floyd and addressing systemic racism and inequality. You can read that statement here (PDF).

Statement from SHPD Chief Christopher M. Nunley

As Chief of Police, I, like many of you, was shocked and disturbed when I saw the video of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The actions, and inactions of the officers involved, and the lack of compassion on display tarnishes the badge of police officers nationwide, and is completely inconsistent with our training and the oath we all take when assuming our positions. While I believe that Law Enforcement in Southern California has made many positive changes during my career, this tragedy is a stark reminder that there is much work left to be done. The Signal Hill Police Department is committed to the philosophy of community oriented policing and partnering with our citizens in order to provide a safer environment for all. It is with that mindset, that I am looking forward to working with our community and our City Council as we consider the path forward for law enforcement within the City of Signal Hill.