This passed September 9, 2003 and survived a repeal campaign.

RESOLUTION NO. 62,216--N.S.

DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO SEND A LETTER TO PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH, SENATORS BARBARA BOXER AND DIANE FE1NSTEIN, AND REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA LEE CALLING ON THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO UNDERTAKE A FULL, FAIR, AND EXPEDITIOUS INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF RACHEL CORRIE, AND URGING THE ADOPTION OF HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 111, WHICH EXPRESSES THE SAME INTENT

WHEREAS, the Peace and Justice Commission is required to advise the Berkeley City Council and Berkeley Unified School District on all matters related to the City's role in issues of peace and social justice, including, but not limited to issues of ending the arms race, abolishing nuclear weapons, support for human rights and self-determination throughout the world, and the reallocation of our national resources so that money now spent on war is spent on fulfilling human needs and the promotion of peace (Berkeley Municipal Code 3.68.070A); and

WHEREAS, the Peace and Justice Commission shall act as a liaison between community groups organizing around issues of peace and social justice and City government (Berkeley Municipal Code 3.68.070H); and

WHEREAS, in a two-month period, three volunteers working with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) in the West Bank and Gaza have been killed or injured (Rachel Corrie of Olympia, Washington, Brian Avery of New Mexico, and Torn Hurndall of Britain); and

WHEREAS, these people were working non-violently to oppose destruction of homes, restriction of movement of the people of Palestine or protecting children; and

WHEREAS, the City of Berkeley supports peace and justice and opposes the senseless killing of innocent civilians including Palestinians, Israelis and others; and

WHEREAS, numerous residents of Berkeley have actively participated with the International Solidarity Movement, risking their safety and standing up for the principles of peace and justice, and have spoken before the Peace and Justice Commission; and

WHEREAS, United States House Concurrent Resolution 111 calls for a full and independent investigation into the death of Rachel Corrie.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Berkeley directs the City Manager to send a letter to President George Bush, Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, and Representative Barbara Lee calling on the United States Government to undertake a full, fair, and expeditious investigation into the death of Rachel Come, and urging the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 111, which expresses the same intent.