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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-13 HRC Regular Meeting Agenda Palm Springs City Hall Large Conference Room Monday January 13, 2020, 3:00 p.m. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA www.palmspringsca.gov AGENDA Terrie Andrade Ron deHarte, Chair Denise Chappell, Vice Chair Harold Ames Glenn Flood Nicki Randolph Staff Liaison Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator City of Palm Springs 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. Please silence electronic devices. 1. CALL TO ORDER: 2. MISSION STATEMENT: "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." 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. 3. QUORUM: 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Any person who wishes to speak on a topic within the City’s jurisdiction during this portion of the agenda must file a “Speaker Card” with the Staff Liaison BEFORE that portion of the agenda is called. [Three (3) minutes per 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 Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda Monday, January 13, 2020 Page 2 speakers, but during Commission Comments, may refer the matter to staff for report and recommendation at a future Commission meeting. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 9th 6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS: 7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte) b. Master Calendar c. Main Street (deHarte) d. Finance (Randolph) e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs Cultural Affairs Committee a. Film Screening (Randolph, Andrade) b. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell, Ames) c. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood) Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee a. Veterans issues (Flood) Youth/Education Affairs Committee a. Student Representatives (Chappell) Executive Committee a. World Day of Social Justice b. Announcement of 2020 Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell, Andrade) Commission Development/Mediation Committee a. Mediation (Andrade) b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) C. Topical Newsworthy Items 8. ACTION ITEMS: A. Harvey Milk Sponsorship B. Black History Month Table 9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING: 10. ANNONCEMENTS: • 2020 Homeless Point-in-Time Count, Wednesday, January 29, 2020 Palm Springs City Hall – Council Chamber 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM Street-Based and 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Service-Based 11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission will adjourn to an adjourned regular meeting Monday, February 10, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA. Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda Monday, January 13, 2020 Page 3 AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING I, Dale E. Cook, Jr., Community Development Administrator, City of Palm Springs, California, certify this Agenda was posted on or before 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2020, as required by established policies and procedures. Pursuant to the Government Code Section 54957.5, the designated office for inspection of public records in connection with the public meeting of the Human Rights Commission is the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, at 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California. Dale E Cook, Jr., Community Development Administrator Community & Economic Development The Human Rights Commission regular meetings are aired on the City's PSCTV Channel 17 following the meeting on every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. and every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. 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 provi ded, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Department of Community & Economic Development, (760) 323- 8321, TDD (760) 864-9527, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible. Pursuant to G.C. Section 54957.5 the designated office for inspection of public records in connection with the meeting is the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California. Human Rights Commission CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA MINUTES Regular Meeting December 9, 2019 Palm Springs City Hall, Large Conference Room 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Present Present FY 2019/2020 FY 2019/2020 This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absences Terri Andrade X 4 Harold Ames X 3 Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 4 1 Ron deHarte, Chair X 5 Glenn Flood X 5 Nicki Randolph X 4 1 Other Staff Present: Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 3:01PM 2. MISSION STATEMENT: Commissioner Ames: "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." 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. 3. QUORUM: Mr. Cook announced that a quorum was present. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 9, 2019 Page 2 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: October 14th , November 18th MOTION: By Commissioner Flood, Second by Commissioner Randolph to approve the minutes of October 14th and November 18th as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS: Commissioner Andrade commented on attending the Board and Commissions Training on Monday, December 2, 2019 along with Commissioner Flood. Commissioner Randolph commented on not being able to view the presentation online using the information that was emailed to her. Chair deHarte requested that the link to the video presentation be emailed to all Commissioners on ce available and thanked Commissioner Andrade and Flood for attending. He encouraged everyone who was not able to attend the training to check it out as time allows. Chair deHarte also welcomed back Mr. Cook, HRC Staff Liaison. 7. GUEST SPEAKER: Palm Springs Unified School District, Tony Signoret, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent Chair deHarte – Introduced guest speaker Tony Signoret and with him Palm Springs Unified School District Board Member, Mr. Tim Wood. Mr. Wood spoke about the Equality California Institute report on all 343 school districts’ LGBTQ Policies and Programs. The report is available for public viewing at safesupportiveschools.org. Mr. Signoret provided each Commissioner with handouts of what programs Palm Springs Unified School District has in progress. The following items were mentioned and discussed: California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA), Boo 2 Bulling, Additional Prevention Support, Board Policies & Administrative Regulation and suggested ways the Human Rights Commission can provide support. In the matter of a Teacher being bullied inquiry, Mr. Signoret indicated LGBTQ issues are top priority and they would not discriminate over that. Without getting into particulars about the allegation, he reassured the Commission that is not reflective of who they are as a district, nor philosophy, nor what they are trying to cultivate within their students. A question and answer period ensued between the Commission and guest speakers. Vice Chair Chappell spoke about the Commissions recruitment efforts to get the two Student Representative vacancies filled and encouraged Mr. Signoret and Mr. Wood in getting their support to get students to apply. Chair deHarte indicated that they were running short on time and requested a follow-up email be provided to the Commission to share the Districts success and challenges of implementing the School Success and Opportunity Act, Seth’s Law and the FAIR Education Act; He thanked Mr. Signoret and Mr. Wood for their presentation. 8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell Chair deHarte – Opened the floor for Committee Reports and reported a new Master Calendar, 2020 Calendar Schedule and Commissioner Roster was updated by Staff Liaison and provided to Commissioners. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 9, 2019 Page 3 Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel C ommittee a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte) – No Report b. Master Calendar – Reported earlier as being updated and distributed by Chair deHarte under Agenda item 8.A. c. Main Street (deHarte) – No Report d. Finance (Randolph) – Report was given after Agenda Item. C. e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs – No Report Cultural Affairs Committee a. Film Screening (Randolph, Andrade) Commissioner Randolph reported that the subcommittee continues to work on searching for a film She has asked the Palm Springs International Film Festival Community Liaison to meet with her for guidance and support in finding the correct film. Once a film gets identified, they will inform the full Commission. b. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell, Ames) - No Report c. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood) – No Report Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee a. Veterans issues (Flood) – No Report Youth/Education Affairs Committee a. Student Representatives (Chappell) – No Report Executive Committee a. (deHarte, Chappell, Andrade) – No Report Commission Development/Mediation Committee a. Mediation (Andrade) – No Report b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) – No Report B. 2020 Calendar - Reported earlier as being updated and distributed by Chair deHarte under Agenda item 8A. C. Human Rights Day Commissioner Andrade – Indicated that tomorrow, December 10 is the 71st anniversary of Human Rights Day and recapped the proclamation that was presented last year and shared a quote regarding Human Rights. She reached out to Councilmember Holstege last week to request if she could make mention of Human Rights Day during Council Comments and was gracious enough to do it. A clip of Councilmember Holstege’ s comments at the December 4th, City Council regarding Human Rights Day was presented during this time. Chair deHarte provided clarification regarding the proclamation process in response to Commissioner Andrade’s inquiry and confirmed that a proclamation would be needed annually for a very specific day/purpose if the Commission choose to do a formal acknowledgment. (Finance Committee) Commissioner Randolph – Requested they jump back to the Finance Committee and gave her report regarding budget for the FY 2019-20. The budget currently reflects $2,000. The proceeds from the film screening of $1,123.95 have not yet rolled over but will be. Would like the subcommittee to be ahead of the game and order bracelets for the next parade event if no Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 9, 2019 Page 4 one objects. She also remarked on having the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Sponsorship as an Agenda item for future discussion to determine their sponsorship amount Chair deHarte asked if there was any subcommittee updates from Agenda Item 8A because he was not calling them out individually. (Master Calendar - Black History Parade) Commissioner Andrade announced that she obtained the application to participate in the Black History Parade and is not due until February. She suggested having an agenda item for the next meeting to discuss having a table or informational booth. It was noted that a non -food booth was $200. Vice Chair Chappell commented on the Commissions presence at the parades and asked that Commissioner’s think of ideas of how to go about their ongoing challenge with parade presence. Chair deHarte gathered commitments to march in the Black Histo ry Parade held on February 29, 2020. Four Commissioners indicated commitment to March. It was indicated that mobility should not something that prevents them from presence and possible alternative solutions were identified. Commissioner Randolph asked the Commission to consider being more assertive in their presence and think of a possible float with music and no one would have to walk. She also reminded everyone that when Commissioner Morgan was there he had the idea of getting t- shirts with all different things on the back, all kinds of people, for identify purposes; former Commissioner Miccio had suggested that they march with other groups. Chair deHarte will be submitting the application to march in the Black History Parade in the absence of not having a calendar chairperson. He also recommended that they really look at the 2021 parade season and potentially doing one larger decorated activity that can cover all three parades not just Black History Parade. Chair Randolph indicated that she would put it on their marketing subcommittee for discussion. Chair deHarte in response to Commissioner Randolph’s inquiry stated that all Commission vacant positions are being advertised. They are in transition with City Council and they are not going to appoint their subcommittees until January. They can expect that interview process will get back going in the first of the year. He noted that the Commission should operate in full force whether they have two extra seats or zero extra seats. D. Topical Newsworthy Items The meeting proceeded to Agenda Item 9. 9. ACTION ITEMS: A. Community Service Awards Slate Chair deHarte presented the Commission with a handout of the suggested slate of honorees recommended by the Community Service Awards Subcommittee. He asked that the Commissioners do not verbalize the handout but it is not a public item that they are disclosing and the entities have not yet been contacted.. The Subcommittee is recognizing 7 individuals and one group in their suggested slate. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 9, 2019 Page 5 MOTION: By Commissioner Ames, second by Commissioner Andrade to accept the slate as presented for the Community Services Awards on February 1 0, 2020. MOTION PASSED. 5 - 1 (ABSTENTION – COMMISSIONER RANDOLPH). DISCUSSION: NONE. Chair deHarte indicated that they will be in contact with the candidates and as long as they accept they go forward and come back at the January Commission meeting and let the Commission and the Public know who’s accepted and who the slate is for 2020. 10. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING: 1. Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Sponsorship 2. Black History Parade and Town Fair Booth Participation (Topical Newsworthy Items) Vice Chair Chappell indicated that they had passed over Agenda Item 8.D. Topical Newsworthy Items. Chair deHarte apologized and opened the floor for Topical Newsworthy Items. Vice Chair Chappell gave the following announcements: The Annual Desert Ability Festival will be held on Saturday, December 14 th from 9AM – 2:30PM at the Palm Desert Civic Park. The free event is available to participants of any age and with any level of ability. 11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 3:56 p.m. to an adjourned Regular Meeting, Monday, January 13, 2020, at 3:00 P.M. in the Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA. Respectfully submitted, Annie Rodriguez Housing Program Assistant City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission to Present Annual Community Service Awards Feb. 10 The City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is scheduled to present its annual Community Service Awards on Monday, Feb. 10. The awards will be presented to seven individuals and one organization to acknowledge their outstanding contribution to promote and protect human rights, social progress, better standards of life and equality for all individuals. The 3 p.m. ceremony is free to attend and wi ll be held in the City Council Chamber at Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. The public is invited. Recipients for 2020 are: Joy Brown Meredith is recognized for her leadership and civic involvement. She first joined the board of Main Street Palm Springs in 1992 and has served on the board ever since. She believed the City needed an organization to strengthen the downtown business community and through the years she has provided the leadership that established the organization as a pivotal voice in the community. A downtown business owner for 32 years, Joy has operated with a philosophy that it's all about helping yourself, your family, your community, and the world through furthering love and peace. She created Crystal Fantasy as a sort of a community center for kind people where they embrace all religions, races, and sexual orientations. Joy has helped make Palm Springs a city like no place else. Brothers of the Desert is an organization is recognized for lifting and amplifying the voice of the historically disenfranchised and under -represented black community. Brothers of the Desert builds interpersonal relationships by nurturing, supporting and connecting black gay men in Coachella Valley through philanthropy, volunteerism, mentor ship, education, advocacy and social networking. Their work includes supporting a scholarship fund, hosting social gatherings to build community, supporting like -minded local organizations. They are also recognized for engaging the community by organizing a wellness summit called Living Your Best Black Gay Life. Ginny Foat is recognized for serving the community and the City of Palm Springs through her role as a 13-year councilmember and as executive director of the Mizell Senior Center. While on city council, she was often a staunch voice for residents and neighborhoods and was instrumental in the establishment of ONE -PS as a conduit for grass roots, neighborhood concerns. She has been an advocate for the rights of under -served and/or under-represented people including homelessness in the Coachella Valley. She was also very active in creating the City’s animal shelter. Her involvement in LGBTQ causes and organizations stretches back to the 1970s. She also was active in the campaigns against the Briggs I nitiative and Proposition 8, and she previously served as co-chair of the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV/AIDS Services, executive director of Caring for Children and Families with AIDS and as regional director of the YWCA. Rabbi David Lazar is recognized for his work to help Palm Springs be a more inclusive and welcoming community that embraces all individuals. He serves as the spiritual leader of Or Hamidbar. As a Jewish educator in a variety of frameworks, he promotes inclusive Jewish practice and interfaith dialogue. Rabbi Lazar was among the earliest international LGBTQ advocates, performing the first gay wedding in Israel in 2001, years before same -sex marriage was legal there. His non-profit service includes the Israel AIDS Task Force, the Jerusalem Open House, and the Rabbinical Assembly. Lazar is active in the community and has served with the Transgender Community Coalition and the steering committee of the Raina Chessman Fund, which is designed to help support transgender persons facing various life crises that might otherwise result in potentially tragic outcomes. He received the Yakir Hakehila Award for community appreciation by the Agudah: Israel LGBT Task Force in 2005 and was named Heterosexual of the Year by QX, Sweden’s national LGBTW magazine, in 2012. Katherine V. Forrest is recognized as a seasoned storyteller who has presented lesbian and gay lives with a forthright dignity over a span of more than three decades. She is the groundbreaking author of Curious Wine, the Kate Delaf ield mystery series and the Daughters science-fiction series. She’s also known as a prolific editor with anthology and non-fiction credits in her own name as well as the editor of hundreds of novels. Dozens of lesbian writers count her among their mentors. Through her prominence at Naiad Press, she has helped carve out plenty of space on the shelves for lesbian fiction, championing coming-out stories and other forms of narrative that increase visibility and make overt the innuendo that marks so much of our literary history. She is widely credited as a founding mother of lesbian fiction writing. Her numerous awards and honors include five Lambda Literary Awards, the Golden Crown Literary Society’s Trailblazer Award, a Lifetime Achievement from the Publishin g Triangle, the Pioneer Award from the Lambda Literary Foundation, and a profile in USA Today. Chief Bryan Reyes is recognized for increasing the community presence, visibility and communication from the police department. He appreciates the vital role community trust and partnerships play in policing. He is constantly striving to present the department as a collaborative and supportive partner for all community members. Under his leadership, the department is actively involved in our communities, and they engage and partner with civic groups and individual citizens to achieve a shared goal of creating a safer and better Palm Springs for all. In his three years as chief he is particularly recognized for combating extremism, bigotry and hatred and for his commitment to police training and installing an accepting and welcoming organizational culture for all. Ron Oden is the first African American and the first openly gay man to hold the office of Mayor of Palm Springs, California. Oden began his career in community and political involvement in 1990 when he moved to Palm Springs and began teaching as an adjunct Sociology instructor at College of the Desert. Oden also worked at Desert Career College, Chapman University and has served as pastoral care consultant at the Betty Ford Center. Concern about educational and social issues led Oden to enter local politics. In 199 5 he was elected to Palm Springs City Council only five years after he arrived in the city. While on the council he advocated for social causes. In 2003, he was elected Mayor of Palm Springs. His election was significant because of both his race and his sexual orientation. Oden was the first openly gay African American elected to lead a California city. Although blacks comprise only 3% of the city’s population, the gay and lesbian population, an estimated 30 % of the total, is proportionately one of the l argest of any California city. As a City Councilmember and as Mayor Oden worked tirelessly to promote respect for diversity through organizations such as the Palm Springs Human Rights Task Force, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, and the Palm Spr ings branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Oden was also noted for his support of community organizations such as United Way of the Desert, Shelter from the Storm, and Coachella Valley Counseling. Brian Wanzek, known as Bella da Ball, is the ultimate community volunteer. Brian has served the community for over twenty years by volunteering, entertaining and helping to raise funds for many organizations, groups and charitable events. He’s recognized for helping others and bringing the community together. Bella has a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, has been recognized by Safe Schools Desert Cities as Champion for Youth for LBGT Youth in the Desert and the Herb Lazenby Community Service Award from AIDS Assistance Program. Other awards include being recognized with the Outstanding Community Service Leader award from the Desert Business Association, being named the inaugural Community Sweetheart at the 25th Festival of Lights Parade for the City of Palm Springs, and the P.S. I Love You award from the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. About the Commission Established in 1992, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is a nine-member commission of volunteer citizens, appointed by the city council for three-year terms. The commission’s mission is to promote and protect the diversity of our community and to improve human relations through education and community awareness. It meets at 3 p.m. on the second Monday each month at Palm Springs City Hall. Meetings are always open to the public and anyone with a human rights issue or question is invited to participate and speak during public comments during each meeting.