The City Council used the opening portion of its Sept. 25 meeting to issue proclamations and recognize local volunteers. Mayor Michael Hanna presented a proclamation declaring Hunger Action Month and invited representatives from local food organizations to accept it. Linda Lou, identified as executive director of Tri City Valley Volunteers, and Debbie Rodriguez, executive director of the Viola Blythe community organization, spoke briefly about local food insecurity and increasing service demand.

Mayor Hanna also proclaimed Sept. 25 National Preparedness Month in Newark and invited members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to the dais. Rich Martinez, who presented on behalf of CERT, encouraged residents to prepare a 72–96 hour emergency kit, sign up for alert systems and consider taking CERT training. He presented challenge coins to council members and invited residents to a CERT Academy scheduled Oct. 2 at the senior center.

David Libby, a long-serving CERT member and coordinator, was honored with a proclamation noting 24 years of service, deployments to support Cal Fire during the CZU fires, and work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Libby said he planned to remain involved as he steps down from his coordinator role. The council also introduced new city employee Eros Lope and acknowledged Newark Days volunteers.

Those recognitions were ceremonial; no council action beyond proclamations was required.