HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-13 HRC Regular Minutes APPROVED 11.14.2022
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Special Meeting
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Virtual Zoom Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Loyola called the meeting to order at 5:30_p.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners: deHarte, Flood, Loyola, Ramoran, Shepherd, Vignolo, and Student Representative
Hanner.
*Vice Chair Shepherd was not present during roll call.
Absent: Commissioners: Cleary (Excused), Andrade (Excused)
Staff Present: Jay Virata, Director, Community & Economic Development
3. QUORUM: YES
4. MISSION STATEMENT & GOALS:
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
6. CHAIR COMMENTS:.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 12, 2022
MOTION BY: Commissioner Flood, second by Commissioner Vignolo to approve the minutes of September
12, 2022, as presented. MOTION CARRIED 5 Yes – 0 No; Absent 3.
8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. “Pillars” Public Art Project Presentation (Gary Armstrong)
Gary Armstrong, Vice Chair, Public Arts Commission, spoke about the “Pillars of Palm Springs” project
on Tahquitz Canyon Way. The current sculptures from Desert X are on loan until April 2023. Potential
artwork was presented and invited the Commission’s consideration and input. The Public Arts
Commission has funding to support the project. The goal is to continue working together and get the
Human Rights Commission’s input. Additional art project ideas were shared.
Chair Loyola thanked Gary Armstrong and commented on the presentation given.
Vice Chair Shepherd joined the meeting.
B. Reports
1. Executive Report Standing Committee (Chair Loyola, Vice Chair Shepherd) – No Report.
2. Community Relations /Budget/Personnel Report
a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Liaison (Loyola)
Chair Loyola stated the Commission received an email from an individual who was reportedly
harassed and filed the incident with the police; will bring the item up at the next PSPD LGBT
Outreach Meeting.
b. Master Calendar Liaison (Vignolo)
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Special Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2022
Page 2
Commissioner Vignolo received confirmation to continue as the Master Calendar Liaison;
upcoming events were discussed for consideration of participation: Veteran’s Day Parade,
November 11, 2022; Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2022; International
Day of Tolerance, November 16, 2022; World Aids Day, December 1, 2022 and Human Rights
Day, December 10, 2022.
The Commission will be participating in the Veteran’s Day Parade.
c. Main Street Liaison (Loyola) – No Report.
d. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs Liaison (Vignolo) – No Report.
3. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association Liaison (Andrade, Flood, Shepherd)
Commissioner Flood attended the Community Association; A Navigation Center update was provided
by Director Virata.
4. Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Report - None
a. Veterans Issues Liaison (Flood, Vignolo) –
Commissioner Flood concurred with the comments on Veteran’s Day reported earlier.
5. Youth/Education Affairs Standing Committee
a. Student Representatives (Hanner, Robles, Shepherd, Vignolo) No report.
6. Commission Development/Mediation Report
a. Mediation Liaison (Andrade, Vignolo) – No Report.
7. Equity and Social Justice Committee Update (Shepherd, Andrade)
Commissioner Ramoran reported the monthly meetings will be the first Wednesday of each month.
C. Community Service Awards (Loyola)
Director Virata along with Commissioner deHarte provided an overview of the Community Service
Awards Application process and timeline. The item will be agendized for the November meeting.
D. Promote Mediation Services (Andrade, Ramoran, Flood)
Commissioner Flood continues to work with Community Action Partnership as a Certified Mediator at
Small Claims Court in Palm Springs; opportunities to become a Certified Mediator are still available.
E. Transgender Awareness (Loyola)
Chair Loyola spoke about inviting other community organizations for public testimony. He encouraged
the Commissioners to invite other community organizations to make presentations.
The Commission discussed their role at Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, 2022.
The Commission will have a presence at the candlelight vigil as a sign of unity, acknowledging the
victims of crimes and hate.
Commissioner deHarte stated there are organizations the Commission can invite back to give them
the opportunity to share their current community work.
F. Planning for Next Year (Loyola)
Chair Loyola, stated Commissioner Andrade would like to meet in person to discuss planning.
Commissioner Vignolo agreed with Chair Loyola’s report and encouraged the Chair to consider
holding a strategic planning meeting in person with the Commission to set objectives and goals for
next year.
Chair Loyola agreed, the item will continue to be on the Agenda.
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Special Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2022
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G. Commissioner, Staff, and Student Comments
Commissioner Vignolo commented on the Human Rights Commission Webpage and the need to be
more robust and relevant.
Director Virata indicated the website is controlled by the Director of Communications. He welcomed
any recommendations and would bring those ideas forward.
Commissioner Ramoran thanked Chair Loyola for changing the meeting date in observance of
Indigenous Peoples Day; he recognized honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, Filipino American History
Month, Larry Itliong Day and the history of labor in the desert.
8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING:
The Commission and Staff Liaison discussed upcoming agenda items for next month:
• Strategic Planning
• Community Service Awards
• Website Changes
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
10. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 6:34 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting on Monday,
November 14, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., via teleconference.