HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-13 HRC Regular Meeting Agenda
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
www.palmspringsca.gov
AGENDA
Mission Statement
Palm Springs is an inclusive world-class city dedicated to providing excellent and
responsive public services to enhance the quality of life for current and future
generations.
Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, this meeting will be conducted by teleconference and there
will be no in-person public access to the meeting location.
● To view/listen/participate in the meeting live, please use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84998085073?pwd=cUtyS3R2Tk0rUFdUa1FjWUxxSU1rdz09
or call (669) 900-6833 Zoom Meeting ID 849 9808 5073, Passcode: 991739
● Written public comment may also be submitted to cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov. Transmittal
prior to the meeting is required. Any correspondence received during or after the meeting will
be distributed to the Board/Commission as soon as practicable and retained for the official
record.
● The meeting will be recorded and the audio file will be available from the Office of the City
Clerk and will be posted on the City’s YouTube channel, as soon as practicable.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ron deHarte
2. ROLL CALL: Board Members: Hugo Loyola, David Vignolo, Oliver Cleary, Kalina
Robles, Terrie Andrade, Glenn Flood, Edwin Ramoran, Vice Chair Donna
Shepherd, and Chair Ron deHarte
Student Representative Ella Cash and Lilly Hanner
3. MISSION STATEMENT & GOALS:
"The Mission of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is to promote and protect the
diversity of our community and to improve human relations through education and community
awareness."
Monday
September 13, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Agenda Human Rights Commission September 13, 2021
Human Rights Commission Goals:
● To develop community education programs;
● To investigate and mediate instances of discrimination of groups or individuals;
● To bring persons and groups together in common support of human rights issues;
● To acquire the fiscal and human resources necessary to support and accomplish the work of the
Commission;
● To provide management and coordination for the Commission;
● To promote diversity through the appointment of candidates to all city boards and commissions
to proportionately reflect the diversity of the population of the City of Palm Springs;
● The Commission and each Committee shall develop goals and objectives annually, for adoption
by the commission;
● The Commission shall work closely with the Mayor, City Council, and City Cabinet and with all
other City Commissions and Boards in joint endeavors that support the Commission's mission
statement and City's goals and objectives.
4. QUORUM:
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: This time has been set aside for members of the public to address the
Human Rights Commission on agenda items; and items of general interest within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the Commission. Three (3) minutes is allowed for each speaker. Although
the Commission values your comments, pursuant to the Brown Act, it generally cannot take any
action on items not listed on the posted agenda. Commissioners will not enter into discussion with
speakers, but during Commission Comments, may refer the matter t o staff for report and
recommendation at a future Commission meeting.
6. CHAIR COMMENTS:
A. Recognition of Service
B Standing Committee Meeting Notice Requirement
7. RECOGNITION:
A. Hispanic Heritage Month – Celebrated September 15 to October 15
B. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 12, 2021
9. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Reports
Executive Report (Chair deHarte, Vice Chair Shepherd, Loyola)
Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee
a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte)
b. Master Calendar (Ramoran)
c. Main Street (deHarte)
d. Finance (Vignolo)
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (Vignolo)
Regular Meeting Agenda Human Rights Commission September 13, 2021
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood, Shepherd)
Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood, Vignolo)
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Shepherd, Cash, Hanner)
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
a. Mediation (Andrade, Vignolo)
b. Retreat (Shepherd, deHarte)
B. Committee Assignments
a. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission
Update (Ramoran)
b. Street naming update (Ramoran, Shepherd)
C. Consideration of Submitting Priorities/Areas of Focus for the City Council Visioning Session
D. Commissioner, Staff, and Student Comments
E. Topical Newsworthy Items
10. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING:
11. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
12. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission will adjourn to special joint meeting with the Palm Springs
City Council on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Pursuant to G.C. Section 54957.5(b)(2) the designated office for inspection of records in connection with the meeting is the
Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.
It is the intention of the City of Palm Springs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as
an attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is
normally provided, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Office of the
City Clerk, (760) 323-8204, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if
accommodation is feasible.
Regular Meeting Agenda Human Rights Commission September 13, 2021
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Jay Virata, Director of Community & Economic Development, of the City of Palm Springs, California, hereby
certify this Agenda was posted at City Hall before 6:00 p.m., September 9, 2021, and posted on the City’s website as required
by established policies and procedures.
/S/ Jay Virata
Jay Virata
Community & Economic Development
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, July 12, 2021
Virtual Zoom Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting was called to order at 5:31PM by Chair deHarte.
2. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Andrade, Flood, Loyola, Ramoran, Robles, Shepherd, deHarte, Student Representative Cash
Absent: Student Representative Hanner and Cleary
Also present: City Manager Justin Clifton, Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director
3. MISSION STATEMENT & GOALS: The mission statement was read out loud among the Commission.
4. QUORUM: YES.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
• Mr. O’Conner – Spoke about homelessness ; asked what the City Council and the Commission are doing around
the issue; would like to help be involved to solving the problems the community is facing.
• Rene Brown – Commented on the limited parking spaces in the underground parking facility for Downtown
workers; feels this is a form discrimination against the working class.
6. CHAIR COMMENTS:
• Chair deHarte announced Vice Chair Chappell’s term ended in June after serving six years on the Commission; she
will be missed.
7. RECOGNITION
A. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
• Gustavo Araiza, Palm Springs Police Department gave a presentation on law enforcements role with identifying
and investigating allegations of human trafficking. Law enforcement works very closely with the Riverside County
Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce.
8. APPROVAL OF MINTUES: JUNE 14, 2021
MOTION BY: COMMISSIONER FLOOD, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ANDRADE TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS
PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. UPDATE FROM CITY COUNCIL REGARDING HOMELESSNESS – JAY VIRATA, DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
• Chair deHarte announced this item is being tabled for a future meeting at an unknown date.
10. UPDATE ON THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE – JUSTIN CLIFTON, CITY MANAGER
Human Rights Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2021
Page 2
• City Manager Clifton reported the City Council made formal appointments to the new Equity and Social Justice
Committee. The eight members were identified and included two Human Rights Commissioners Ramoran and
Shepherd. They are looking forward to hiring a trained facilitator with specialized expertise in the area of equity and
social justice including strategic planning, group discussion, facilitation and decision making. The Committee was
established to be a 9-month condensed expeditious and efficient team that will generate a list of topics/interests
and advance recommendations to City Council. They are targeting to schedule the first meeting by September. He
welcomed any suggestions of qualified facilitator as they are in the recruitment proce ss. City Manager Clifton
responded to Commissioner comments and inquiries.
• City Manager Clifton additionally reported City Council is now targeting a September date to discuss the Bogert
Statue and Section 14 apology. They are close to identifying a dat e and will follow-up soon.
11. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
• Chair deHarte opened the floor for committee updates.
Executive Committee (deHarte, Chappell)
• Chair deHarte encouraged new Commissioners to review the Standing Committees; the Executive
Committee’s rotating Commissioner position is now open; Commissioner Loyola volunteered to serve for the
next quarter (July-September).
• Chair deHarte commented on the City’s Human Rights Municipality Index rating. The Human Rights
Commission has not been involved since the City started submitting the survey. Preliminary questioning was
made to the City Manager, it is something that comes out of City Managers Guidance from Human Resources
within City Hall. The Commission will request to the City Manager when the survey comes up again, that
they be invited to participate.
Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee
a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte) – No report.
b. Master Calendar (Ramoran) – No report.
c. Main Street (deHarte) No Report.
d. Finance (deHarte, Chappell) No Report.
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs – No Report.
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Flood, Shepherd) No Report.
b. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood, Shepherd)
• Commissioner Flood attended the association picnic on Saturday, June 19 at James O. Jessie Park; it was
well attended.
• Commissioner Shepherd requested a phone call be scheduled with Chair deHarte to talk about their
involvement with the Association.
• Chair deHarte requested Director Virata email an updated Commission Roster to the full Commission.
Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood) No Report.
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Chappell, Cash)
• Student Representative Cash reported her efforts to increase student representative interest to serve on
the Commission. Intends to reach out to Janel Hunt, Assistant Principal for help recruiting students.
• The Commission discussed ways to help increase student recruitment.
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
a. Mediation (Andrade) – No Report.
b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) – No Report.
Human Rights Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2021
Page 3
B. Committee Assignments
a. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission Update
• Commissioner Ramoran reported on July 20, 2021 the Sustainability Commission will be addressing the
approved draft ordinance the Commission forwarded.
b. Street naming update
• Commissioner Ramoran and Commissioner Shepherd will be scheduling meetings to address street
naming after August 12th; they welcome any recommendations.
• Chair deHarte clarified this item is a request from City Council.
• Chair deHarte recommended the Committee set a meeting with Assistant Planner Director David
Newell to get some guidance.
C. General Plan Vision and Priorities Update
• Director Virata reported there is no information available yet regarding the Commission’s comments,
any impact on the new draft General Plan, particularly because it is not yet complete. A general plan
workshop was identified tomorrow for anyone who is interested in participating. The workshop
registration information, flyer and draft housing element was provided to the Commission.
• Commissioner Ramoran commented on attending a workshop on June 17, 2021 at Demuth Community
Center. He was concerned about the low attendance. Feels the City needs to do more outreach in the
smaller communities.
• Chair deHarte in response to Commissioner Ramoran’s comments indicated that they could certainly
help give guidance in this particular case to the Planning Department and helping them with outreach.
Had the Planning Department reached out and invited the Commission to work with them they would
have been able to appoint Commission Ramoran early on who has the outreach expertise they might
not have to really help them organize their outreach efforts. The comments shared today will help
them identify what those next steps should be for their work in the community.
D. 2021-2022 Chair and Vice Chair Selection Update
• Chair deHarte and Director Virata discussed the annual Chair and Vice Chair selection process. The
floor was opened for nominations/interest to serve as Vice Chair and/or Chair.
• Commissioner Shepherd self-nominated for Vice Chair; Commissioner Ramoran second the
nomination; Commissioner Shepherd accepted the nomination.
• Commissioner Shepherd nominated Ron DeHarte for Chair; Commissioner Ramoran second the
nomination. Chair deHarte accepted the nomination.
• CHAIR DEHARTE CALLED A VOTE BY A SHOW OF HANDS IN FAVOR OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR SLATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22. VOTE CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
E. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
• Commissioner Andrade offered the Commissions assistance to both Mayor and Director Virata
regarding a role around homelessness; Director Virata confirmed Commissioner Andrade is on the
email distribution list regarding homeless
• Commissioner Ramoran thanked Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Shepherd; welcomed the new
Commissioners and commented on the Marilyn Monroe statue and advertisements from PS Resorts;
would like the Commission to look at the history of misogyny.
• Commissioner Vignolo welcomed the new Commissions; and inquired about committee assignments.
• Commissioner Vignolo would like to see the Commission recognize Hispanic Heritage Month
• Chair deHarte requested the new Commissioners give a brief introduction/background.
F. Topical Newsworthy Items – None.
Human Rights Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2021
Page 4
12. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING: The following items were proposed for the next Agenda item.
1. Hispanic Heritage Month Recognition
• Student Representative Cash received confirmation she is likely to continue to serve as student representative
for another annual term if she desires. Vice Chair Shepherd will coordinate.
• Commissioner Vignolo inquired on the Commissions participation at community outreach/education events.
Will be joining Commissioner Ramoran and Student Representative Hanner on the Master Calendar
Committee.
• Chair deHarte, stated new Commissioner Orientation has not been scheduled yet; will work with Director Virata
on scheduling a date.
• Chair deHarte and Director Virata reported they are awaiting guidance from City Council on when in-person
meetings will resume. Currently Commission business is only conducted via Zoom, in accordance Brown Act
Regulations.
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS: NONE.
14. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 6:55PM to an adjourned regular meeting on Monday, September
13, 2021 at 5:30P.M. via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant
Proclamation
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th - October 15th, 2021
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage1 Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich
cultural traditions and honor the heritage, contributions and significant achievements of
people with roots from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America
including indigenous, Brazilian and other non-Spanish speaking people; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs recognizes the unique diversity, and rich histories
of the Palm Springs’ Hispanic and Latino2 culture. We acknowledge the countless
contributions that Hispanic Americans make every day to our culture and to our city; and
WHEREAS, The day of September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of
the 1821 declaration of independence from Spain for five Latin American countries
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and
Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th,
respectively; and
WHEREAS, By the 1920s, in Palm Springs, the original Mexican American pioneer
families came to work in agriculture, the railroad and construction. Their arrival was the
beginning of a new life in a new country and they were instrumental in supporting the
growing Palm Springs Village resort destination; and
WHEREAS, Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority group in the country, the largest
and fastest growing minority community in Palm Springs, and represent 26.8% of our
entire population with over 12,800 residents.3 Since 1910 as families left Mexico during
the Mexican Revolution,4 many generations of Hispanic Americans have consistently
helped make our city and our community strong and prosperous. They contribute to our
community in countless ways including having positive economic, social and political
impacts; and
1 inclusive of gender-expansive and gender non-conforming individuals
2 Many Latino Americans trace their roots to the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas - including the
Arawaks, the Aztecs, the Incas, the Maya, and the Tainos, some trace their roots to the Spanish explorers, or to the
Africans who were brought as slaves to the New World.
3 According to recent data from the Census Bureau. (total population counts 47,897)
4 1910-1920
WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans embody the best of our American values, including
commitment to faith, family, and to our country. Brave Hispanic Americans protect us
and have served proudly and bravely in all branches of our nation’s military since 1861.5
Hispanic Americans work in industries that are essential to the continuous growth and
prosperity of our economy including construction and manufacturing, retail, food and
hospitality, healthcare and social services, transportation and warehousing, and
residential and commercial services among many others; and
WHEREAS, Most students graduating from college in Palm Springs are Hispanic or
Latino with a large number of degrees awarded to licensed practical and vocational
nurse training, nurse assistant and patient care assistant, medical assistant, and home
health aide; and
WHEREAS, We are proud of the Mexican heritage that includes Indian and Spanish
blood and centuries of hope and sacrifice. Diverse Mexican -American, Chicano, Latino,
Spanish, Latinx or Hispanic cultures are essential to defining the unique culture
represented by community members residing within the City of Palm Springs.
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved we, the undersigned members of the Palm Springs
City Council, do hereby proclaim September 15th to October 15th, 2021, as Hispanic
Heritage Month in Palm Springs and encourage all residents to c elebrate the rich
culture, heritage, diversity, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans, and go
forward every day recognizing their contributions in the great City of Palm Springs.
BE IT RESOLVED, this celebration serves as an opportunity to dispel ignorance,
prejudice, and fear through education about multiculturalism and the resilience and
history of the countless contributions of Hispanic and Latino -identified communities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The City of Palm Springs encourages and promotes
strong and inclusive communities and is committed to recognizing and celebrating
efforts to bring people together for a greater good.
Resources
EBSCO
https://www.ebsco.com/blogs/ebscopost/top-resources-national-hispanic-heritage-month
National Hispanic Heritage Month (.gov)
5 https://www.army.mil/hispanics/history.html
https://hispanicheritagemonth.gov
U.S. Census Bureau
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/palmspringscitycalifornia,US/RHI725219#RHI725219
Hugo Loyola (917) 804-7528 hugoloyola@mac.com
Commissioner, Human Rights | Palm Springs California.
[NAME] BOARD /COMMISSION / COMMITTEE FY 2021-22 PRIORITY MATRIX
Board / Commission / Committee Name
Brief Description of Board / Commission / Committee Charge
Significant Recent Accomplishments
Provide a brief list of accomplishments from the last few years that you are most proud of.
BOARD / COMMISSION / COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
FY 2021-2022 Ongoing Priorities/Areas of Focus
Identify those priorities related to the ongoing work of the group. Be specific about what you want to accomplish in the 2022 timeframe. Consider things that the
group must continue to do because of state or local mandates, stated goals, or the need to prevent harm or detrimental impacts. Please list in order of priority.
Priority Rationale Measure(s) of Success
1.
2.
2022 New Priorities/Areas of Focus
List any new or emerging topics that may be critical for the group to address in 2022.
Priority Rationale Measure of Success
1.
2.
Activities that Could Be Deferred, Referred, or Eliminated
List any current group activities that can or should be deferred to a later time, referred to another organization, or eliminated to make room for priorities.
OTHER CRITICAL FACTORS FOR SUCCESS
Critical Organizational Changes Needed
List any organizational changes that will be needed to advance the identified priorities. This could include items such as increased staffing, organizational
realignments, and new funding or funding mechanisms.
Process Improvements
List any process improvements that you would suggest that will contribute to the successful implementation of priorities. This could include items such as
improving lines of communication with Council, improving how work gets done, and developing new procedures.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION FY 2021-22 PRIORITY MATRIX
Board / Commission / Committee Name
Sustainability Commission
Brief Description of Board / Commission / Committee Charge
Provide the City with advice and recommendations related to natural resource conservation; energy and water efficiency; waste management and recycling; and
other natural resource management issues. Also, provide input on community education and project finance options.
Significant Recent Accomplishments
Provide a brief list of accomplishments from the last few years that you are most proud of.
Food Ware Ordinance, Leaf Blower Ordinance and Implementation, GHG Inventory Update, Sustainability Scholarship Program
BOARD / COMMISSION / COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
FY 2021-2022 Ongoing Priorities/Areas of Focus
Identify those priorities related to the ongoing work of the group. Be specific about what you want to accomplish in the 2022 timeframe. Consider things that the
group must continue to do because of state or local mandates, stated goals, or the need to prevent harm or detrimental impacts. Please list in order of priority.
Priority Rationale Measure(s) of Success
1. Implement Food Ware Ordinance City Code Polystyrene food ware and plastic straws are
eliminated
Full compliance with on-site reusables at full-
service, dine-in restaurants
2. Implement SB 1383 Requirements State Mandate All requirements are in place by end of 2022.
2022 New Priorities/Areas of Focus
List any new or emerging topics that may be critical for the group to address in 2022.
Priority Rationale Measure of Success
1. Night Sky Guidance and Incentives Economic Development, Habitat Protection, Light
Pollution Reduction
Issue Guidance, establish incentive program
2.
Activities that Could Be Deferred, Referred, or Eliminated
List any current group activities that can or should be deferred to a later time, referred to another organization, or eliminated to make room for priorities.
Community Garden (move to Parks & Recreation)
OTHER CRITICAL FACTORS FOR SUCCESS
Critical Organizational Changes Needed
List any organizational changes that will be needed to advance the identified priorities. This could include items such as increased staffing, organizational
realignments, and new funding or funding mechanisms.
City-wide integration of Sustainability Topics – matrixed staffing, early review, etc.
Funding for reusable food ware pilot (Approximately $250,000)
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION FY 2021-22 PRIORITY MATRIX
Process Improvements
List any process improvements that you would suggest that will contribute to the successful implementation of priorities. This could include items such as
improving lines of communication with Council, improving how work gets done, and developing new procedures.
Improve regularity of engagement with Council Liaisons