HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-14 HRC Regular Minutes APPROVED 4.11.2022
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 14, 2022
Virtual Zoom Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ron deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners: Andrade, deHarte, Flood, Loyola, Ramoran, Robles, Shepherd, Vignolo and
Student Representative Hanner
Absent: Commissioner: Cleary
Staff Present: Jay Virata, Director, Community & Economic Development
3. MISSION STATEMENT & GOALS: The Commission proceeded with the order of the agenda.
4. QUORUM: YES.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: NONE.
6. CHAIR COMMENTS: Chair deHarte announced a public hearing will be conducted on February 24, 2022
to receive public input on the redistricting of City Council districts and adoption of new district boundaries.
He invited the public to participate in the public hearing.
7. PROGRAM
Welcome – Ron deHarte, Chair
Presentation of Community Service Awards
• Ann Sheffer
• Vincent Corrales
• Jimmy Boegle
• Vaccinate Inland Empire (VAXIE)
• Chad Gardner
• The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation
• Nikki Stone
• Dean Lavine
Chair deHarte welcomed guests and city staff colleagues. He acknowledged the contributions of the Agua
Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; shared a video presentation about the Human Rights Commission;
discussed the role of the Commission; and spoke about the Community Services Awards and the
accomplishments of the honorees being honored.
Vice Chair Shepherd recognized Ann Sheffer; spoke about her accomplishments and presented her with
the Community Service Award. Ms. Sheffer expressed her appreciation and spoke about the activities and
accomplishments of the Public Arts Commission under her leadership and recognized her Commission
colleagues, City Council and members of the public who have supported the work of the Public Arts
Commission.
Commissioner Loyola introduced and recognized Vincent Corrales for his contributions to the community
and presented him with the Community Service Award for 2022. Mr. Corrales spoke about his work feeding
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 14, 2022
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the homeless and other members of the community; thanked volunteers who helped him and the Human
Rights Commission for the award.
Commissioner Flood introduced Jimmy Boegle; recognized him for his commitment to the community and
presented him with the Community Service Award for 2022. Mr. Boegle expressed his appreciation for the
award; spoke about the challenges of the pandemic and thanked his husband and readers for their support.
Commissioner Vignolo introduced the Vaccinate Inland Empire (VAXIE) to help vulnerable populations
access COVID-19 information and services and presented the group's founders, Rhea Hoffman and Calista
Vassios with the Community Service Award for 2022. Ms. Hoffman and Ms. Vassios thanked the
Commission for the recognition and the award.
Commissioner Ramoran acknowledged The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation for establishing the
Coachella Valley Equity Collaborative Foundation addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by maximizing
resources and preventing overlap in services and presented the Community Service Award for 2022 to the
President of the Board of Directors Karen Borja. Ms. Borja expressed her appreciation for the award and
addressed the services provided by the district and foundation.
Commissioner Andrade introduced Nikki Stone and presented her with the Community Service Award for
2022 for her volunteerism and selfless service to the community. Ms. Stone expressed her appreciation for
the honor and recognition; spoke about volunteers being the soul and heart of the community and discussed
the benefits of volunteering.
Student Representative Lily Hanner introduced Chad Gardner and presented him with the Community
Service Award for 2022 for positively impacting the community through numerous non -profit charitable
organizations and his philanthropic support. Mr. Gardner thanked the Commission for the recognition and
honor.
Commissioner Robles introduced and presented the Community Service Award for 2022 to Dean Lavine
for his contributions to the community. Chair deHarte accepted the award on behalf of Mr. Dean Lavine
who was not present to accept the award. However, Mr. Lavine joined the meeting shortly after and thanked
the Commission for the recognition and honor.
Chair deHarte spoke about Human Rights advocacy; noted every person has dignity and value as well as
human rights which must be protected; thanked those participating in the meeting and congratulated the
honorees for their service.
8. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 6:26 pm to an adjourned regular meeting on Monday,
March 14, 2022 at 5:30 p.m., via teleconference.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Annie Rodriguez
Annie Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant