Government 101 Graduates Gain Perspective on City Politics

Participants of the second San Ramon Government 101 graduating class received recognition and applause at the City Council meeting Tuesday for investing time and energy in becoming better informed citizens.

The goal for the course was to give residents the opportunity to learn about city government and its operations. The class ran from Feb. 22 to March 29 and consisted of six two-and-a-half hour classes and one three-hour city tour.

"I am very pleased and feel very satisfied that so many people within the community took advantage of the course we provided," said City Clerk Patricia Edwards, adding that there were 10 more participants this year.

Of the 35 graduates, 20 were present at the meeting to accept their certificates from Deputy City Clerk Renee Beck and share why the course was worthwhile.

Graduate Saul Arnold said he spoke for the entire class in saying that students had a wonderful time.

"We learned a lot about the city and all the people that work for the city and found out that volunteering is a big part that makes the city of San Ramon grow and do good things," he said. "We all want to participate in the future in the various activities in the city."

The classes included presentations by the city manager, city attorney and city clerk's department as well as from administrative services, parks and community services, public services, engineering services, police services, economic development and planning and community development.

Even Patty Hoyt, already a very involved in city politics, said the course "absolutely" helped her gain more knowledge.

Mayor Abram Wilson and council members also weighed in by providing background on how they became involved in city government and information of the various liaison committees they worked with.

"We work for you and the only way that we can find out what you need and how we can serve you is for you to understand the workings of the city so that when you come and have concerns, you have the basis," Wilson said.

The class inspired student, Michael Pirie to think seriously about more active participation in San Ramon.

"A lot of people up here have aspirations to become involved in city government and I myself do too as well," he said. "I encourage everybody, no matter what your age, to be involved and show that you care—it helps build community and make it that much stronger. This class is a step in that direction."

Wilson echoed Pirie's sentiments and encouraged other citizens to sign up for the next class starting in the fall.

"This is why we have such a great city, because of residents like these here who care about, give up some time to find out how the city runs so they can participate," the mayor said.