Dear Resident,

I wanted to reach out to you today on two very important topics.

First, I want to provide information to you regarding the latest Ohio Department of Health order announced by Governor DeWine this week. This order makes it mandatory to wear a face covering while in public in Cuyahoga County, and therefore, Shaker Heights, unless one of the limited exceptions applies. The order went into effect on Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm.

The order requires, among other things, that individuals age 10 and older wear face coverings:

• In any indoor location that is not your own home; and
• When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of your household.

Under the order, face coverings are mandatory when in public for counties that are at a Level 3 or Level 4 under the Public Health Advisory System recently adopted by the state. Cuyahoga County is currently designated as Level 3 under this system due to the high level of exposure and spread of COVID-19 throughout the County.

As you know, when you wear a mask you protect someone else and their mask protects you. I am confident that Shaker residents will comply with this order because of our long-standing commitment to taking care of each other. It is who we are and what we do. I know it is hard, and can be uncomfortable, but this required face covering is absolutely critical in order to control the spread of the virus. I will be wearing my official Shaker Heights mask around town. I look forward to seeing you in your face covering and giving you a (socially distanced) wave.

The second topic I wanted to touch on is the announcement of a new initiative launching later this month. It is called Community Conversations. This is a series of periodic conversations that will explore race, diversity, equity and inclusion in our community and particularly as these issues intersect with the work of the City. Our goal is to create a space where members of the community, City Council, City staff and I can engage in honest and constructive dialogue around these complex topics, a space where we can listen to and learn from each other’s unique perspectives and experiences. These conversations will help to inform the work we will do as a City and community to create a more equitable, inclusive and just place to live, work, and raise children.

The topic of the first Community Conversation is Policing in Partnership with the Community. Members of SHPD and related City staff will share information about police practices and policies, and will listen and respond to questions submitted by participants.
I invite you to join the virtual conversation on Thursday, July 23 from 7-8:30 pm. Details about registration and how to participate can be found here.

I know that we are living through a stressful and uncertain time. We are grappling with decades of racial inequity in the midst of a global pandemic. I know both of these present serious issues that deeply impact all of us; but I also know that in difficult times, we are a community that rallies together. I am confident that we will rise to the challenges that this time in our history presents.

As always, be safe and healthy and remember, we are all in this together!


Warm regards,

David E. Weiss
Mayor