Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-08 HRC Regular Minutes Approved 6.14.2021FY 2020/2021 Human Rights Commission CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 0 MINUTES Regular Meeting Monday, February 8, 2021 Virtual Zoom Meeting X = Present E = Excused Absence U = Unexcused Absence R = Resigned Other Staff Present: Mayor Holstege Councilmembers Kors, Woods and Garner Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M. 2. QUORUM: Present. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: • Captain Scott Grazer, Third Vice President, Palm Springs American Legion - Introduced Lee C. Wilson Jr. a 12- year combat Veteran from the U.S. Marine Corps (1981-1993). He served 2-years in the Peace Corps and currently teaches at Cathedral City High School since 1997 and volunteers his time at the American Legion as historian. • Councilmember Kors - Extended his congratulations to all the honorees. It was great to see so many people including past honorees coming out to support the Human Rights Commission’s work. • David Vignolo - Requested that the Chair report on the Commission’s vacant seats update/recruitment process in the next upcoming meeting for the community. 4. RECOGNITION: Black History Month • Commissioner Andrade in the commemoration of February being Black History Month in the United States, a brief timeline of highlighted achievements and events from all periods of African -American history in local and U.S. history was recognized. • Chair deHarte gave special appreciation to Jarvis Crawford and the Board of Directors of the Palm Springs Black History Committee. They organized a Caravan through the local African American history event on February 27, 2021. More information can be found at www.palmspringsblackhistory.org . He further recognized the first Chair and founding members of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, Ron Oden and highlighted his achievements. 5. PROGRAM: Ron deHarte, Chair • Chair deHarte – Started the virtual program presentation and announced a welcome from Mayor Holstege. Welcome – Christy Holstege, Mayor COMMISSIONER JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Terri Andrade X X E X E X X Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X X X X X X X Ron deHarte, Chair X X X X X X X Glenn Flood X X X X X X X Edwin Ramoran X X X X X X X Donna Shepherd X X X X U E X Ella Cash, Student Rep. X X X X Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 8, 2021 Page 2 • Mayor Holstege – Welcomed everyone to the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Annual Community Service Awards and noted the 100 people on Zoom showing support to the recipients. She thanked each honoree who she knew personally, for changing the face of the city and doing incredible work for the community. Mayor Holstege urged everyone to continue to support the Human Rights Commi ssion and get involved in Human Rights here in Palm Springs. • Chair deHarte - special recognition was given to Councilmembers Kors and Garner, as guests in attendance. Also recognized were members of the Commission, Student Representative and Staff members Virata and Rodriguez. Chair deHarte stated the Human Rights Commission would like to acknowledge that the land they live on and work in is original homelands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who have stewarded the land throughout generations and will continue for all future generations. Marking the 28th Anniversary of the Commission, a short video presentation followed. Performance – Miss Claudette Bradley, piano • [Music Playing] The program proceeded with a performance on the piano by Miss Claudette Bradley playing from the Palm Springs American Legion Owen Kaufman Post 519. It was noted that the Girl Scouts of America to the American Legion donated the Steinway Piano in 1948. Presentation of Community Service Awards – • Chair deHarte spoke on the role of the Human Rights Commission since it was established 28 years ago, highlighting areas of the Commission’s focus over the years. The 2021 Community Service Awards honorees were introduced as extraordinary individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in the community and are the heart of the community. • Commissioner Ramoran introduced the first Community Service Award by sharing a biography of honoree FIND Food Bank. FIND Food Bank is recognized for their extraordinary effort to address food insecurity and provide individuals and families with healthy nutritious food resources, strengthening stability and quality of lives. FIND Food Bank is serving 190,000 individuals monthly since COVID 19 pandemic. FIND Food bank is the only honoree to be recognized twice by the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. Debbie Espinoza, President of Find Food Bank provided an acceptance speech and accepted the award via virtual plaque hand off. • Chair deHarte announced guest Councilmember Woods joining the program today. • Student Representative Cash introduced second honoree, Young Justice Advocates, Arali Galvez, Hina Marie Malik and Jazlina Morgan. The three young adults organized a peaceful protest in Palm Springs Ruth Hardy Park to speak out against the killings of George Floyd and racial inequality. Their youth-driven movement empowers many as they continue working towards raising awareness of systemic inequality; giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves and organizing events including Juneteenth celebration. Arali Galvez, Hina Marie Malik and Jazlina Morgan each provided an acceptance speech and accepted the award via virtual plaque hand off. • Commissioner Shepherd introduced a biography of third honoree David Powell, who is recognized for making a difference in helping others and enhancing the Palm Springs community experience through volunteerism. He serves on numerous committees and volunteers at dozens of events /organizations. He is the first to roll up his sleeves and volunteer while encouraging others to be involved and engaged in community se rvice. David Powell provided an acceptance speech and accepted the award via virtual plaque hand off. • Vice Chair Chappell introduced award recipient Jane Garrison, President and Founder of Save Oswit Canyon, is recognized for her leadership and environmental movement efforts to preserving natural resources. Her ambition inspired hundreds of volunteers and supporters. Her determination forever saved Oswit Canyon for future generations by enhancing the quality of life as a protected open space for wildlife and accessible open space for local residents and visitors. Jane Garrison provided an acceptance speech and accepted the award via virtual plaque hand off. • Commissioner Flood presented a biography of fifth award recipient Lee C. Wilson Jr. and thanked Captain Grazer for introducing an excellent background of Mr. Wilson during public comment. Lee C. Wilson Jr. is recognized for his commitment and efforts in the community, education, military and honoring fallen military service men and service women who fought for the Country’s rights and freedom. He created the Fallen Heroes Project banners displayed prominently at the Palm Springs Air Museum, commemorating the sacrifice of 27 local individuals serving in conflicts where the United States has deployed troops. Lee C. Wilson Jr. provided an acceptance speech and accepted the award via virtual plaque hand off. • Commissioner Andrade introduced a biography of the last Community Service Award recognizing singer and humanitarian Keisha D. Mimms. Keisha has been giving back to the communities in the Coachella Valley since 2004. Her passion and commitment to entertain by participating in virtual concerts and fundraising events for others welfare, and willingness to help has inspired many and strengthened the community. When Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 8, 2021 Page 3 not on stage she is mentoring students. She created the Kiesha D Scholarship Fund for underserved minority students who are interested in pursuing an education in music and performing arts. Keisha D. Mimms provided an acceptance speech and accepted the award via virtual plaque hand off. Performance – [Music Playing] Miss Claudette Bradley, proceeded performing with the closing song. • Chair deHarte - Concluded the program with closing remarks on protecting human rights and ensuring fundamental rights are realized for all. On behalf of the Commission, Chair deHarte thanked all of the Honorees and the audience for their support. Special thanks was given to Staff Liaison Virata and assistant Rodriguez for their service to the Commission throughout the year. The awards program concluded and the meeting proceeded with the next agenda item. 6. ACTION ITEM: Support of City Council to uphold Universal Human Rights Standards • Chair deHarte - Presented the following two draft resolutions supporting and implementing international human rights locally: 1) In support of Council Action of January 26, 2021 2) Mandating Public Funds Not Be Used To Support Enterprises Benefitting From a Country that Disregards Human Rights And Violates International Humanitarian Laws. Background information to the proposed resolutions was referenced in their Agenda packet. The floor was opened for discussion. The following comments and motions were made: DISCUSSION: • Commissioner Flood spoke In support of the resolution. • MOTION: BY COMMISSIONER ANDRADE, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER SHEPHERD IN SUPPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION OF JANUARY 26, 2021. THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ENCOURAGES THE INTEGRATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS PRINCIPLES OF THE DIGNITY AND EQUALITY INTO LOCAL POLICY AND SUPPORT THE PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL ACTION ON JANUARY 26, 2021 TO NOT FINANCIALLY SUPPORT AN ENTITY THAT PROFITS FROM A COUNTRY CONDEMNED FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AND VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN LAW. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. DISCUSSION: • Chair deHarte in response to Commissioner Ramoran’s inquiry, clarified the action being taken with supporting City Council action of January 26, 2021. In addition, the Human Rights Commission is taking action with endorsing and submitting a specific recommendation to City Council to incorporate the human rights principles and to not use public funds to support enterprises benefiting from a country that disregards human rights and violates international humanitarian laws. Council has not yet discussed recommendation • Commissioner Ramoran commented being in favor of the draft resolution to uphold universal recognition of human rights. He would like to see the same the urgency be given to uphold local impact of human rights and identified Section 14 and putting that on the forefront when thinking about the urgency of things in Palm Springs. • Chair deHarte thanked Commissioner Ramoran for his comments. He identified that the City established the Equity and Social Justice Committee that Commissioner Ramoran and another member of the Commission will serve on. The Commission expects that he will be the voice and contribute on that committee to raise the issues with all our neighborhoods and look forward to action coming down the road. He further reaffirmed the purpose of the second resolution and the use of public funds. • MOTION: BY VICE CHAIR CHAPPELL, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER FLOOD TO CALL ON THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL TO MANDATE PUBLIC FUNDS NOT BE USED TO SUPPORT ENTERPRISES BENEFITING FROM COUNTRIES THE DISREGARD HUMAN RIGHTS AND VIOLATE INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAWS. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 7. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned in memory of the 100 Palm Springs City Residents who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. The Commission sends their condolences to all the families and friends who knew them. The Commission adjourned at 7:00 P.M. to a Regular Meeting on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 5:30 P.M. via teleconference. Respectfully submitted, /S/ Annie Rodriguez Annie Rodriguez, Housing Program Assistant