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The Solano County Board of Supervisors named June Pride Month and Gun Violence Awareness Month, recognized June 19 as Juneteenth, and honored a number of other holidays and groups with several proclamations at its Tuesday meeting. Supervisor Monica Brown presented the proclamation naming June Pride Month in Solano County. The County will raise its pride flag on Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

“Everybody needs to be treated fairly, no matter who you believe in, who you love, whatever,” she said.

Brown presented the proclamation to representatives from the Solano Pride Center, including Executive Director Will McGarvey, Stephan Clifford and Tristan McRenyolds. Clifford read the proclamation, which recognized the 1303 current elected officials across the United States who openly identify as LGBTQ+.

LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States have made, and continue to make, vital contributions to the U.S. and to the world in every aspect, including in the fields of education, law, health, business, science, research, economic development, architecture, fashion, sports, government, music, film, politics, technology, literature, and civil rights,” the proclamation reads.

McGarvey referred to 2025 as a difficult year for the movement. He noted that younger people are choosing to stay in the closet more and more, not even telling their parents their sexual orientation. McGarvey also noted public harassment in social media posts, and asked that the county change its culture to help more groups feel safe and at home.

“For queer people, it’s celebrating life in the face of death,” McGarvey said of Pride.

Supervisor Wanda Williams presented a proclamation naming June 19 as Juneteenth, which was declared a national holiday by Former President Joe Biden. The holiday celebrates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln.

“Juneteenth, sometimes referred to as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is a celebration of African American resilience, achievement, and the preservation of those historical narratives that promoted racial and personal advancement since Freedom Day,” the proclamation reads.

Supervisor Cassandra James presented the proclamation recognizing June as Gun Violence Awareness Month. James described the issue as a “personal” one, reminding the board of recent incidents in Vallejo.

“Solano County is the 5th among Bay Area counties that suffer from gun violence, so it is really important that we address this,” James said.

The proclamation also names June 6 as Gun Violence Awareness Day, calls for a culture of nonviolence and asks gun owners to store their weapons safely.

James also introduced a proclamation recognizing the Mare Island Technology Academy Mock Trial team from the 2024-2025 season.

“I am so excited,” she said. “The only mock trial team in Solano County is housed in Vallejo in my district.”

James said she hosted a youth forum at MIT while she was campaigning for her seat, and was impressed with the students. James read off the names of the team members, and thanked the judges and attorneys who volunteer to help out the team with competitions.

“We commend the students for their outstanding dedication, perseverance, and achievements this season, and we encourage the ongoing support and growth of this valuable educational program,” the resolution reads. “We further call upon the community to join us in honoring and celebrating these exceptional young leaders.”

Supervisors Brown and James jointly presented a proclamation to make June Philippine Cultural Month across the county. 21.2 percent of Vallejo’s population has Philippine heritage, the proclamation notes.

“We encourage our diverse community to explore and embrace Philippine culture, honor the contributions of Filipino Americans to our city and nation,” the resolution reads.

Supervisor John Vasquez read a proclamation naming June Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Solano County. Maddie Palmer of the Alzheimer’s Association spoke at the meeting, noting that over 7 million Americans are suffering from a form of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and 1/3 of seniors are dying with some form of Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

“This is an issue that is going to affect all of us, either yourself or someone that you know,” she said.

Finally, Chair of the Board Mitch Mashburn named June 7-15 as Invasive Species Action Week, asking residents not to take the biological advantages of California for granted.

“We are blessed to be able to live in the breadbasket of our nation,” he said. “We get fresh produce like nobody else.”

Mashburn thanked the county employees who protect agriculture in the county, which generates almost $1 billion each year for the county. He noted their work against the Golden Mussel and Glassy Winged Sharpshooter. Ed King Agricultural Commissioner, said the county monitors a battery of about 2000 traps attempting to protect the county’s boarders from both agricultural and residential bests.

“Invasive species prevention and management efforts allow for abundant agricultural production, protection of native species and ecosystems, and facilitation of food security, commerce and economic prosperity,” the proclamation reads.