HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-09 HRC Regular Session Agenda
5:30 PM Regular Meeting
Monday
November 9, 2020
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
www.palmspringsca.gov
AGENDA
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/89942291279?pwd=VXhnQndra3NzTUpKeW1JUTBWRkoyZz09
Meeting ID: 899 4229 1279
Passcode: 089021
Or Call: 669 900 6833 US (San Jose); 346 248 7799 US (Houston); 253 215 8782 US
(Tacoma); 312 626 6799 US (Chicago); 929 436 2866 US (New York); 301 715
8592 US (Germantown)
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.
Ron deHarte, Chair Denise Chappell, Vice Chair Terrie Andrade
Glenn Flood Edwin Ramoran Donna Shepherd
Student Representatives: Solange Signoret Ella Cash
Staff Liaison
Jay Virata, Director
Community & Economic Development
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."
Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda
Monday, November 9, 2020
Page 2
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: 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 to staff for report and recommendation at a
future Commission meeting.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 13, 2020
6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
7. PRESENTATIONS / GUEST SPEAKERS:
A. General Plan Update, Assistant Planning Director David Newell
8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee
a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte)
b. Master Calendar (Ramoran)
i. Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2020 at Palm Springs City Hall
c. Main Street (deHarte)
d. Finance
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell)
b. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood)
Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda
Monday, November 9, 2020
Page 2
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Jay Virata, Director, Community & Economic Development, City of Palm Springs, California, certify this Agenda was posted on or before 6:00
p.m. on Thursday November 5, 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.
/s/ Jay Virata
Jay Virata, Director
Community & Economic Development
Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood)
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Chappell, Signoret and Cash)
Executive Committee (deHarte, Vice Chair, Owen)
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
a. Mediation (Andrade)
b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte)
B. Committee Assignments
C. Renaming of Streets Update (Ramoran & Owen)
D. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission
Update (Ramoran)
D. Topical Newsworthy Items
9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING:
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission will adjourn to an adjourned regular meeting Monday,
December 14, 2020 5:30 p.m. via teleconference.
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 norm ally provided, 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 particul ar 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.
FY 2020/2021
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Virtual Zoom Meeting
X = Present
E = Excused Absence
U = Unexcused Absence
R = Resigned
Other Staff Present:
Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M.
2. MISSION STATEMENT:
3. QUORUM:
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: September 14, 2020
MOTION: By Vice Chair Chappell, Second by Commissioner Flood to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
carried unanimously.
6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
Vice Chair Chappell – Announced Ella Cash submitted a Student Representative Application and is attending the
Commission’s meeting today as a visitor.
Commissioner Ramoran – Welcomed Ella Cash and expressed being excited for their meeting and proud that the
Commission did not meet yesterday because they voted to observe Indigenous People’s Day.
Chair deHarte – Commented on Indigenous People’s Day being observed by the Commission and shared words of
celebration and respect towards the contributions of all indigenous people and recognized the Agua Caliente Band
of Cahuilla Indians.
COMMISSIONER JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Terri Andrade X X E
Harold Ames X X R
Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X X X
Ron deHarte, Chair X X X
Glenn Flood X X X
Peter Owen X X X
Edwin Ramoran X X X
Donna Shepherd X X X
Solange Signoret, Student Rep. X U
Human Rights Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 2
7. PRESENTATIONS / GUEST SPEAKERS
Chair deHarte – Announced that after listening to the rules and guidelines presented by the City Clerk, they would
gather additional interests and decide on 2 final candidates to serve on the Equity & Social Justice Committee.
A. Equity & Social Justice Committee, City Clerk - Anthony Mejia
Anthony Mejia, Palm Springs City Clerk gave a PowerPoint presentation on the voting locations/options within
Palm Springs and Riverside County. He encouraged the Commission to share the City’s webpage,
www.votepalmsprings.com with their network of people. Additionally, Mr. Mejia informed the Commission that
Councilmember Garner and Mayor Pro Tem Holstege are the Councilmember Liaisons for the Equity & Social
Justice Committee. Recently they approved a draft application for people to apply to serve on the committee. The
recruitment process and requirements for service on the committee was discussed (no experience required).
No additional Commissioner interest came forth. Commissioners Ramoran and Shepherd remain as the only two
Commissioners who raised their hand to be a part of the Committee.
Chair deHarte – Thanked Mr. Mejia and the City for always having a voting box available from the County Registrar
at City Hall.
B. Mental Illness Awareness Week, Harold Ames - No action or discussion, Commissioner Ames not present.
8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee
a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte) –
Chair deHarte – Reported that the Advisory Group met last month and spent time re -defining its
commitment to the mission and purpose . The working purpose was read aloud.
.
b. Master Calendar -
Commissioner Ramoran – Appreciated having a calendar in the Agenda material that referenced the
dates of awareness they observe. He will look at inclusive ways they can enact the days of
awareness/observance as he works through the Master Calendar.
Chair deHarte – Indicated Commissioner Ramoran was off to a great start. Suggestions can be
brought back to the full Commission and they will have a discussion and adopt anything that they
would change onto the calendar.
c. Main Street (deHarte) – No report updates.
d. Finance (Ames) - No report updates.
Chair deHarte – Reported that they will be review the budget at a future commission meeting at the
request of Commissioner Ames during the Executive Committee meeting; and will be looking for
another committee member who could join the Finance Subcommittee and step in as Chair going
forward.
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs – No report updates.
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell, Ames)
Vice Chair Chappell – Identified that the Executive Committee should start thinking of the Community
Service Awards and getting the nomination applications out in November.
Human Rights Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 3
Chair deHarte – Indicated that it was great timing and the Executive Committee will have the
application available on the next Agenda for the Commission to approve and that will start the
process for collecting nominations.
b. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood) – No report updates.
Senior/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood) –
Commissioner Flood – The American Legion is open and serving food under the County and CDC
guidelines.
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Chappell)
Vice Chair Chappell – Reported that they received an application for Student Representative from Palm
Springs High School senior Ella Cash. Her background and her responses provided in her candidate
statement and during her interview was shared with the Commission.
Ella Cash- introduced herself and further shared recent activities she has participated in since submitting
her application.
Chair deHarte – Welcomed Ella Cash and her interest in serving on the Human Rights Commission. He
indicated that the Commission has the opportunity to bring on another student Commissioner and
opened the floor for a motion
MOTION BY: Vice Chair Chappell, Second by Commissioner Flood, to bring on Ella Cash as Student
Representative for the Human Rights Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Committee
a. International Migrant Day (need to approve recognition of the day December 18, 2020)
Chair deHarte indicated community members at their last meeting requested for the Commission to
support and recognize International Migrants Day on December 18th; and therefore the item is now
before the Commission. A statement about International Migrants Day and its observance was shared.
The floor opened for a motion.
MOTION BY Commissioner Ramoran, Second by Vice Chair Chappell to recognize International Migrants
Day as a date of awareness by the Human Rights Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Ramoran to add the date to their December Calendar.
Chair deHarte – In response to public inquiry, indicated that recognition means increasing awareness
and putting information on the City’s Human Rights Commission Webpage. However, suggestions or
ideas on how to provide recognition may be brought forward to the Commission.
b. Filipino American History Month and Larry Itliong Day Proclamation
Chair deHarte - Thanked Commissioner Ramoran for bringing this item and statement forward; and
invited him to share an overview of the intent, purpose and the reasoning behind bringing the
proclamation forward so that the Commission can hopefully support and endorse the proclamation to
move onto City Council.
Commissioner Ramoran – Showed a draft version of the Proclamation he was working on for the
largest Asian American Pacific Islander Group in Palm Springs as well as Coachella Valley. He further
presented highlights for recognizing Filipino American History Month and highlights for recognizing
Larry Itliong.
Human Rights Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 4
Minor conversation ensued regarding being able to help elevate awareness, and educating the
community and youth.
MOTION BY: Commissioner Ramoran, Second by Commissioner Owen in recognizing and proclaiming
Filipno American History Month and Larry Itliong Day in the City of Palm Springs, recommending
adoption for the City Council by the Human Rights Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Dates of Awareness
Chair deHarte – Identified the following dates of awareness they wanted to acknowledge and have
previously acknowledged:
i. October 1 – International Day of Older Persons
ii. October 10 World Homeless Day
iii. October 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
It was stated that next month they would have the November awareness dates being shared with the
Community by different Commissioners who will read a little background on each of those days and the
importance of them.
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
a. Mediation (Andrade) No report/action update.
b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) – No report/action update.
B. Committee Assignments
a. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Ordinance – HRC Liaison to work with Sustainability
Commission in drafting ordinance
Chair deHarte – Stated that the Sustainability Commission has come to the Commission at the request
of the City Council that the Human Rights Commission work with them to craft an Clean Indoor Air and
Health Protection Ordinance that is in the works to go forward to City Council. A recap of a previous
similar request the Human Rights Commission had participated with the Sustainability Commission was
shared. The floor was open for Commissioner interest to service as the HRC Liaison
Commissioner Ramoran volunteered to serve as HRC Liaison. Chair deHarte will follow-up and connect
Commissioner Ramoran with the contact from Sustainability Commission that has been in contact with
him.
Chair deHarte – Stated that everyone should have received the 5 page document with the correct
Committee Structure and Subcommittee background with explanations. It was requested that
Commissioners and Student Representatives send Chair deHarte their interest on the committees they
would like to serve. Their goal is to fill available slots and have two Commissioners on each
subcommittee. No questions brought forward by Commissioners regarding the document.
C. Renaming of Streets
a. Staff Update
Mr. Virata – Reported that that renaming of Crosley Road and Golf club Drive to Lawrence Crossley
Road was approved at the City Council’s August 6th meeting. It will not take effect until January 1, 2021.
There will be dual signage on those streets for 5 years until the transition is complete. A overview
process and effects for renaming of streets through the Planning Commission was explained for the
Commission.
Chair deHarte – Indicated that the letter they received from the City Manager’s office in March included
Lawrence Crossley Road which Mr. Virata has reported already being addressed by City Council.
Therefore, Martin Luther King Jr., Harvey Milk and Barack Obama are left to the subcommittee
Human Rights Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 5
(Commissioner Ramoran and Owen) to suggest/explore which streets could be renamed and put
together a suggested path forward.
D. Topical Newsworthy Items
Commissioner Ramoran – Welcomed Ella Cash.
Commissioner Owen – Welcomed Ella Cash.
Commissioner Shepherd – Welcomed Ella Cash and encouraged everyone to vote.
Vice Chair Chappell – Welcomed Ella Cash.
Mr. Virata in response to Chair inquiry stated that the mediation flyer in their agenda packet would be
addressed at the next meeting.
Chair deHarte – Announced that Commissioner Ames has resigned from the Human Rights Commission.
His seat is open and that is why they are seeking another leader for the Finance Committee. They
wished Commissioner Ames well in all of his endeavors and is welcomed back if his circumstances
change down the road.
9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING:
The following Agenda items were proposed:
1. Community Service Awards
2. General Plan Update
Chair deHarte - Requested that Mr. Virata send the General Plan document to the Commission for review to see if
they have an interest and passion to combine human rights work with the Planning Department.
Chair deHarte – Announced the need to appoint a new person to serve on the Executive Committee for the next
quarter (3 months). It is a rotating commitment and they meet one time a month in front of regular scheduled
meetings.
Commissioner Owen volunteered to serve on the Executive Committee for the next 3 months.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 6:28 P.M. to an adjourned Regular Meeting, Monday, November 9th
via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant
Palm Springs Human Rights Commission
Community Service Awards
2020-2021
Community Service Awards recognize individuals and organizations for "Promoting Universal
Human Rights Closer to Home”.
GENERAL CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUAL AW ARDEES:
- Although an individual recipient need not reside in the City of Palm Springs, the work for
which he/she is being honored should be for the benefit of the residents of Palm Springs
and/or the entire Coachella Valley.
- In general, the award should be used to recognize people volunteering their time to an
activity promoting universal human rights, however . . .
- An award may be given to a person going above and beyond their job responsibilities to
promote universal human rights.
- In general, no individual should receive more than one award --- even if they have
continued to deserve it. Past Honorees can be found on the Human Rights Commission’s
webpage at https://www.palmspringsca.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=77149
- Current Human Rights Commissioners are NOT eligible to receive an award.
GENERAL CRITERIA FOR ORGANIZATIONS:
- Both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations are eligible for the community service
award.
- Although an organization awardee does not need to be based in the Coachella Valley, the
activity f or which they are being recognized should affect the residents of the Coachella
Valley.
- The CEO/Executive Director/President/Chairman of an organization being given an award
may accept the award on behalf of the organization, but it is the organization that is being
recognized.
Following is a nomination form to be filled-out and submitted to Jay Virata, Staff Liaison to the
Palm Springs Human Rights Commission by Thursday, December 3, 2020. Mr. Virata’ s
email address at Jay.Virata@palmspringsca.gov. A Human Rights Subcommittee will
review all the nominations and submit its list of recommended award recipients at the
Monday, December 14, 2020 Human Rights Commission meeting. The Commission will vote at
that time whether to accept or reject the recommendations.
This year’s Community Service Awards will be presented at the February 08, 2021 commission
meeting in the City Council Chamber at Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon
Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264. The public is encouraged to attend the presentations.
Palm Springs Human Rights Commission
Community Service Awards
Nomination Form
Name of individual or organization/group being nominated:
Nominee’s address:
Nominee’s phone number:
Nominee’s email address:
Nominee’s W ebsite address (if applicable)
If it is an organization or group being nominated please list the contact person:
Name and contact information of nominator, and list association (if any) of nominator with
nominee.
Please list why you think the nominee is deserving of the award (i.e., has “promoted
universal human rights closer to home”.) OK to attach additional pages and/or information.
Deadline for nominations is December 3, 2020.
Please email your nominations to:
Jay Virata at Jay.Virata@palmspringsca.gov
Awards will be presented on February 08, 2021.