2D Recognitions 2021 1018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Proclamation Honoring Frank Somerville for Speaking Out About Missing Women WHEREAS, Frank Somerville became co-anchor of KTVU FOX channel 2 in 1992 and has won three Emmy awards, including one for best on-camera news anchor. According to online news reports, Mr. Somerville also recently attempted to note disparities in media coverage between white and people of color crime victims in a tagline after covering a story of the Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito homicide case and was “suspended indefinitely” shortly thereafter; and WHEREAS, an investigation of 247 missing teens in New York and California found that 34% of white teens’ cases were covered by the media, compared to only 7% of Black teens and 14% of Latinx teens, according to a Syracuse University Study; and WHEREAS, the disparity in news coverage between missing white and people of color has a direct correlation to a disparity in their safety. While 21% of Indigenous people, mostly girls, remained missing for 30 days or longer, only 11% of white people remained missing that long, according to a Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Statewide Wyoming Report; and WHEREAS, according to a San Francisco Chronicle article updated September 26, 2021, Mr. Somerville wanted to bring context to coverage of domestic violence: “When it comes to domestic violence the numbers are off the charts”, the original tagline said, according to a copy obtained by the Chronicle. It went on to cite statistics on deaths, showing that Black women are far more likely to be killed, “but their deaths are rarely reported and almost never get the national attention”; and WHEREAS, the Oakland Branch of the NAACP held a rally and press conference in front of KTVU’s Fox Oakland offices in support of Mr. Somerville on October 2, 2021 for speaking out about missing women of color. Another rally was also held at the same location on October 12, 2021 by Restoring Justice for Indigenous Peoples and Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice to bring attention to missing Indigenous women; and WHEREAS, the Oakland Branch of the NAACP sent a letter to KTVU’s general manager calling for Mr. Somerville’s reinstatement and urging KTVU to hold a discussion on disparate coverage of missing Black, Latina, and Indigenous girls and women. The letter also stated “Instead of punishing him, KTVU should be honoring him and elevating his example”. NOW THEREFORE, the City of San Leandro City Council hereby honors Mr. Frank Somerville for speaking out about missing women of color and setting an example of strength and equity to our community and those worldwide. Pauline Russo Cutter, Mayor of San Leandro IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of San Leandro to be affixed this 18th day of October 2021.