(8)AR 010411 In God We Trust Designation

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STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. 08 DATE: JANUARY 4, 2011 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND Cl . FROM: ROD FOSTER, CITY MANAGER PREPARED BY: EILEEN C. GOMEZ, CITY CLERK SUBJECT: IN GOD WE TRUST DESIGNATION RECOMMENDED ACTION It is recommended that the City Council consider displaying the national motto — In God We Trust — in a prominent place in the City Council Chambers. GOAL STATEMENT The proposed action will support the City's goal to honor Colton's history and heritage. BACKGROUND At the December 21, 2010 Council Meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Toro announced that he received a report on a nationwide program asking cities throughout the United States to display the national motto in their council chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Toro requested that this item be scheduled for consideration at a future Council Meeting and that the Council consider whether to participate in this program and display the national motto — In God We Trust — in the City Council Chambers. ISSUES/ANALYSIS On July 30, 1956, the United States Congress voted to approve — In God We Trust — as the national motto. This motto is engraved above the entrance to the United States Senate Chamber and above the Speaker's dais in the House of Representatives. The words have been printed on US currency since 1864. In July 2006, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution "to commemorate, celebrate, and reaffirm the national motto of the United States on the 50th anniversary of its formal adoption."