HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-14 HRC Regular Meeting Agenda
5:30 PM Regular Meeting
Monday
December 14, 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/84164720699?pwd=ZUk5V2c1SUVLQUEvQjlrcnVpcXR2QT09
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 (Washington D.C)
Meeting ID: 841 6472 0699
Passcode: 109623
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
Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 14, 2020
Page 2
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: 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: November 9, 2020
6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
7. 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)
c. Main Street (deHarte)
d. Finance
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell)
i. Community Service Awards Slate
b. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood, Shepherd)
Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood)
Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 14, 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
4:00 p.m. on Thursday December 10, 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 Com mission 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
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Chappell, Signoret and Cash)
Executive Committee (deHarte, Vice Chair)
a. International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3
b. Human Rights Day – December 10
c. International Migrant Day – December 18
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
a. Mediation (Andrade)
b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte)
B. General Plan Update – Vote on Unified Response to Planning Department on Proposed
Vision & Priority Statements
C. Topical Newsworthy Items
8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING:
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
10. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission will adjourn to an adjourned regular meeting Monday,
January 11, 2021 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 speci al assistance beyond what is normally 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 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.
FY 2020/2021
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 9, 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 5:30 P.M.
2. MISSION STATEMENT: The Mission Statement was read aloud by Commissioner Flood.
3. QUORUM:
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: October 13, 2020
MOTION: By Commission Shepherd, second by Commissioner Ramoran to approve the minutes as presented.
Motion carried. 5 YES| 0 NO | 1 ABSTAINED.
6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
Commissioner Ramoran - Commented on last month’s Proclamations, wished everyone a happy Palm Springs Pride;
honored all veterans on Veterans Day; and acknowledged we are on the indigenous land of Sec -he of the Agua
Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Commissioner Andrade – Echoed the comments to honor all veterans.
Commissioner Flood – Echoed the comments to honor all veterans and wished all families, caretakers and survivors
well.
Vice Chair Chappell – Commented on attending downtown during Pride Weekend. Concurred with honoring
COMMISSIONER JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Terri Andrade X X E X
Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X X X X
Ron deHarte, Chair X X X X
Glenn Flood X X X X
Peter Owen X X X R
Edwin Ramoran X X X X
Donna Shepherd X X X X
Solange Signoret, Student Rep. X U U
Ella Cash, Student Rep. X
Human Rights Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2020
Page 2
veterans and noted the parade celebration will be missed. Thanked Commissioner Ramoran for his work to
encompass culture.
Student Representative Cash – Echoed the Veterans Day comments.
Chair deHarte – Gave kudos to the City who will be hosting a drive-through appreciation event on Veterans Day in
front of City Hall and drive-through appreciation luncheon for all veterans at the Convention Center Parking Lot.
Reminded residents and interested parties to apply on the City’s website for the City’s Equity and Social Justice
Committee. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 1.
7. PRESENTATIONS / GUEST SPEAKERS:
A. General Plan Update, Assistant Planning Director David Newell
David Newell, Assistant Planning Director – Provided a PowerPoint Presentation overview of the General Plan and
the limited updating process required by the State. Residents can obtain more information at PSGeneralPlan.com.
Introduced the proposed Vision and Priority Statements related to diversity and inclusivity. At the request of the
City Council, the Human Rights Commission is to provide comment on the proposed revisions.
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 – The Committee is moving forward organizing their Town Hall Meeting; is being
planned for some time between March and April 2021.
b. Master Calendar
i. Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2020 at Palm Springs City Hall
Commissioner Ramoran – The Transgender Health & Wellness Center will be hosting the Transgender
Day of Remembrance, November 20 at City Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This will be a drive-through
event.
Commissioner Ramoran and Andrade volunteered to attend and will coordinate how to represent the
Commission.
c. Main Street (deHarte) – No Report.
d. Finance
Chair deHarte asked if anyone had any interest in serving on the Budget Committee. He welcomed
Vice Chair Chappell to join him. A report will be given at the next meeting.
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs – No Report.
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell)
Vice Chair Chappell - Introduced the Community Service Awards Nomination Application. Application
deadline is December 3rd. Everyone is invited to submit nominations.
Chair deHarte - The February 8, 2021 ceremony will likely be a virtual program. Applications are
available on the City’s website and on the Human Rights Commission webpage. The subcommittee
will present recommended honorees for the Commission’s review and vote in the December
meeting.
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Mr. Virata – Confirmed the list of past honorees has been updated and is available on the City
Website.
b. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood)
Commissioner Flood – Heard positive feedback on the Voting Assistance Center set-up in the area.
Senior/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood) –
Commissioner Flood – Nothing additional to report. The Local American Legion is struggling but will have
outdoor dining.
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Chappell, Signoret and Cash)
Student Representative Ella Cash – Shared an experience she and her family had with a Palm Springs
Police Officer, while celebrating following the results of the Election. She expressed some concerns and
noted that the officer approached their vehicle without a mask.
Commissioner Shepherd – Indicated that the incident is something that they should report to the Police
Department and apologized for the experience.
Chair deHarte – Echoed Commissioner Shepherds comments and thanked her for sharing her
experience. The Commission will follow-up after the meeting to get more details to speak with the Police
Department to raise awareness.
Executive Committee (deHarte, Chappell, Owen)
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
a. Mediation (Andrade)
Mr. Virata – Received information from Community Action Partnership of Riverside County’s Mediation
Program. Mr. Virata will forward the information received about training costs and specifics and report
back to the Commission.
b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) – No Report.
B. Committee Assignments
C. Renaming of Streets Update (Ramoran & Owen)
Chair deHarte – Announced Commissioner Owen has submitted his resignation from The Human
Rights Commission.
Commissioner Ramoran – Encouraged other Commissioners to join the subcommittee.
D. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission Update
(Ramoran)
Commissioner Ramoran – Is working directly with Commissioner Baker from the Sustainability
Commission and meeting on Fridays, topics of discussion include but are not limited to: impact between
condominiums and apartments, designating smoking areas, economic impact, and awareness
campaign. They believe it might not be something enacted until the COVID -19 Pandemic is under
control and/or potentially after 2021.
E. Topical Newsworthy Items
Commission Shepherd – Inquired if there is something the Commission can do to address recent events
discussed at today’s meeting and campaign etiquette seen during the election.
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Chair deHarte – Concerns brought forward is not new for elections. The Equity and Social Justice
Committee hopes to bring a higher level of awareness and discussion in the community.
Mr. Virata indicated he would inquire with the City Clerk, City Attorney, and the Police Chief to see if they
can speak at a future Commission meeting regarding items discussed.
Commissioner Shepherd volunteered to join the Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community
Association Committee. Chair deHarte encouraged the Committee to communicate regularly to ensure
representation each meeting.
Commissioner Ramoran – Commented on several reasons to celebrate that included both the local and
national election results.
Commissioner Shepherd – Expressed concern about speeding in the Desert Highland Neighborhood. Mr.
Virata suggested contacting Marcus Fuller, Assistant City Manager.
Chair deHarte – Appreciated comments made. Encouraged ideas be-brought forward for the Commission
to take action. Noted that Student Representative Cash and her family has the right to file a formal
Complaint to the Human Rights Commission to go forward and raise the awareness with the Palm Springs
Police Department
Vice Chair Chappell – Provided comments on the Community Service Awards Nomination. The purpose
of the award is to recognize community activists.
9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING:
The following Agenda items were proposed:
Community Service Awards – Review of recommended honorees
Commission Budget
Presentation on Guidelines and Fair Practices during an election
General Plan Update – Vote on unified response
The Commission will have a Study Session on December 7, 2020 at 4:00p.m. to discuss the General Plan. The
Comment form is to be emailed by Mr. Virata prior to the meeting. The Commission will vote on a response at the
regular December 14, 2020 meeting.
Chair deHarte – Thanked Student Representative Cash for sharing her experience and welcomed her to do so in the
future.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 7:03 P.M. to a Regular Meeting, Monday, December 14, 2020 at 5:30
P.M. via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant
HRC Comments on 2040 General Plan Vision and Priorities
General Plan Vision
Palm Springs is a vibrant, diverse and inclusive desert resort community where year-round and seasonal
residents and visitors enjoy a relaxing and positive experience featuring safe neighborhoods, arts,
culture, creativity and an exciting social environment.
The City values equity its indigenous and cultural heritage, architectural, historical, cultural, and natural
resources and balances resident priorities with economic and sustainable growth.
We celebrate our diversity. We are an equitable, inclusive community with a high quality of life for all
residents, regardless of income level, race, ethnicity, gender, ability or age. We recognize that all
persons have a right to access physical, social and digital infrastructure across all planning objectives.
The City provides responsive, friendly, respectful, and efficient public services allowing for inclusion of
people with disabilities and full community participation for all our residents and businesses.
Comments on “General Plan Priorities”
1. Support Palm Springs as a premier desert resort community. Strengthen and promote those
things that make Palm Springs a one-of-a kind resort destination, including its natural resources,
eco-tourism, its pedestrian-oriented shopping and entertainment districts, its unique architecture,
cultural diversity and identity, the convenience of its airport and convention center, and its wide
array of lodging and recreational facilities.
Added Priority #1b. Foster and enhance opportunities for open space retention and expansion that
allows safe neighborhood access throughout Palm Springs and its adjacent areas. Open spaces
with safe access are accessible for all regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race,
native language, culture, abilities, and disabilities. Where possible, open space includes passive and
active forms of recreation for all to enjoy.
2. Continue to advance Palm Springs’ role as a sustainability leader. Promote the sustainable
and affordable use of materials, energy, land, water, air and other natural resources to enhance the
long-term livability of our community for all residents regardless of socio-economic position.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and proactively anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate
change. Reduce wastes going to landfill through source reduction, reuse, recycling and other
methods.
3. Diversify and strengthen the City’s economy and promote education and innovation.
Develop and encourage new businesses, employment and education opportunities that will
maintain a stable sustainable, livable, resilient and diverse economy and workforce. Promote
businesses that will provide a living wage. Invest in improving accessible public and private
infrastructure for a digital future for all. Promote employment opportunities in renewable
energy and other green businesses.
4. Maintain and enhance a diverse range of retail, dining and entertainment opportunities for
local, regional, and tourist markets. Encourage diverse and appealing shopping opportunities for
residents, tourists, and the regional market that will generate sales tax revenues, attract customers
from neighboring communities, and enrich the quality of the life for those living in and visiting Palm
Springs.
Suggested revision of 4 –
Maintain, encourage, and enhance a diverse and appealing range of retail shopping, dining and
entertainment opportunities to generate sales tax revenues and enrich the quality of the life for
those living in and visiting Palm Springs. Consumer.
5. Provide for a broad range of affordable, healthy, high-quality housing opportunities
for all residents. Encourage development of resource efficient housing units at a range of
densities for all life stages and affordable to all economic levels.
ADD -
5b - Identify solutions to complement development programs and facilitate efforts to
reduce rent burden and housing instability. Strive to achieve inclusionary housing
development to create opportunities for low-income earners, young people, and seniors.
6. Create, maintain and enhance unique places and facilities that foster community interaction and
engagement. Facilitate access to and improve parks and other open spaces, community facilities,
arts and cultural centers and landmarks in order to promote the City’s rich history, offer visual
interest, and support lively activity. Ensure community facilities provide services and amenities for
all inhabitants to be able to fully enjoy and contribute to city life. that meet the needs of families in
Palm Springs.
7. Encourage the creative mixing of land uses to promote vibrant and walkable neighborhoods
and commercial areas accessible to all. Combine residential, retail, office, and other land uses
within commercial and other key locations, to create active, inclusive, full-service neighborhoods
that are less dependent on the automobile.
#7b. Nurture retail opportunities for residents in all neighborhoods. With a commitment to
inclusivity, strengthen and promote equitable and convenient access to the basic ingredients of
healthy, productive lives through a variety of retail opportunities that serve the needs of daily lives
in close proximity to all residential neighborhoods.
8. Preserve and uphold the distinct architecture and unique visual and aesthetic form in buildings
and neighborhoods that distinguish Palm Springs from other cities. Promote the identification of
unique culturally diverse neighborhoods while investing in priority neighborhoods that have a
greater need because of historic disinvestment. Encourage new and characteristically different
neighborhood types to develop. Recognize the importance of adaptive reuse for architecturally and
historically significant resources.
9. Provide a circulation system that accommodates the smooth safe flow of vehicular traffic and
public transportation, encourages safe bicycle and pedestrian movement, and presents
attractively landscaped corridors. As the City develops, safe and complete streets with transit will
be necessary to ensure a safe and functioning network of circulation corridors and intersections,
protecting residential neighborhoods from commercial traffic to the extent possible. The streets will
be attractively developed, designed with adequate parking and maintained to encourage bicycles,
pedestrians, and alternative forms of transportation. Trails, bikeways, and other forms of circulation
linkages through the city and into surrounding areas must also be developed and maintained.
10. Enhance both visual and physical access to the City's surrounding mountains, washes,
open space, and other scenic and natural resources. The indigenous heritage and Unparalleled
natural resources in and near Palm Springs add value to the City’s quality of life and are an
important contributor to the City’s image as a destination resort.