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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-12 HRC Minutes Draft HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION of the City of Palm Springs Minutes from the Oct. 12, 2015 COMMISSIONERS Present at this Meeting Present FY Year-to-Date FY 2015-16 Excused Absences FY 2015-16 Unexcused Absences Dee Dee Wilson Barton Eduardo Carriazo Jilska Chandrasena Denise Chappell Janel Hunt Jack Newby Wes Rankins Suzanne Severin Deborah Sutton-Weiss Angelina Pinkney, Student Rep Kelli Martin, Student rep. X X X X X X X X X 0 0 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 The above roll call record is based on all meeting Minutes from July 13, 2015 thru Oct. 12, 2015 1. Chair Wilson Barton called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. 2. Commissioner Rankins led the flag salute. 3. Commissioner Carriazo recited the Mission Statement. 4. Commissioners Present: Wilson Barton, Carriazo, Chandrasena, Chappell, Hunt, Newby, Rankins, Severin, and Sutton-Weiss. Student Representatives Kelli Martin and Angelina Pinkney were both absent. (Angelina sent a report attached as Addendum I). 5. POSTING OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act on or before 4:30 p.m., on October 8, 2015. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS:  Hanna Ladoul, Marco La Via and Jessica Maroney spoke about their film “Diane from the Moon” for which they are seeking an endorsement from the Human Rights Commission. They described the film, set in Palm Springs, as the story of a woman in transition, fighting her way to self- acceptance. They noted that they have already received endorsements from the Los Angeles County and Palm Springs LGBT Centers and the Transgender Community Coalition. Once the film has been completed, the goal is to have it shown at festivals and bring about more acceptance. They offered press kits and scripts for review by the HRC. 7. GUEST SPEAKERS:  Commissioner Hunt introduced Jane Mills, Director of Student Services for the Palm Springs Unified School District. Ms. Mills addressed the topic of gender spectrum differences and what PSUSD is doing to serve these students. She circulated a document, “Schools in Transition,” that is being used by school administrators and counselors. The document, which contains guiding principles and ideas on how to support students in transition, is a combined effort between the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Gender Spectrum, HRC Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the National Education Association (NEA). She noted that the PSUSD has had an anti-discrimination policy in place for many years. She stated that she is aware of five high school students who are openly transgender and are actively working with their families, counselors and administrators on how to be safe, healthy and supported in the school Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 2 of 5 Meeting of Oct.12, 2015 2 environment. A significant positive step in supporting those identified on the gender spectrum is private open dialog and honest conversations. Of major concern however, is the legislation and laws that operate a school system wherein data collection, done through a system called CALPADS, becomes a problem for students who want their official school records to reflect their gender identity. Ms. Mills said that the “Schools in Transition” document offers some very creative solutions to this problem and that PSUSD is working to be proactive. Vice Chair Newby noted his frustration with the current State system. He asked if Equality California is taking any leadership role in pushing for legislation that would resolve this problem. Vice Chair Newby stated that he would contact Mark Leno, one of the leaders of legislative efforts by Equality California, to learn more about what can be done. Commissioner Rankins questioned why this would be different than adoption or marriage, when it comes to legal documents and records. Ms. Mills noted that the lack of legal documents is part of the problem – high school students rarely complete their transition before completing school. Commissioner Severin asked if there were any significant resource gaps that needed to be filled when addressing the issue of gender spectrum children in the school system. Ms. Mills replied that there will always be a gap in being able to provide enough and the right type of counseling to students.  Commissioner Sutton-Weiss introduced Thomi Clinton, President and Founder of Transgender Community Coalition and Transgender Day of Remembrance Palm Springs. Ms. Clinton opened her talk by speaking about a young transgender individual in Desert Hot Springs who she was asked to assist. Ms. Clinton introduced him to a world of transpeople which resulted in a notable positive change in the individual. She believes that there is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to individuals on the gender spectrum. She said the youth need to have connections with people who are older than them. She noted Trans Pride (held in June) where youth can interact with adults who can be helpful and supportive. Commissioner Rankins asked about the issue of personal identity for gender spectrum individuals and is concerned why it is such a problem in the schools and in jails. Ms. Clinton spoke about systemic policy discrimination concerning gender spectrum persons, the obstacles they face and the high rate of suicide. Chair Wilson Barton thanked Ms. Clinton for her time and willingness to speak before the HRC. 8. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 MEETING: The minutes from the Sept. 12, 2015 HRC meeting were unanimously approved 9-0 following a motion by Commissioner Severin and second by Commissioner Chandrasena. 9. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION / AND OR VOTE: 9.A Participation in the Palm Springs Pride Parade, 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015: Commissioner Hunt is the HRC Pride Parade Captain. Because Chair Wilson Barton will be taking a medical leave of absence during November, using her car for the parade presents some problems. Vice Chair Newby offered his two-seater car as a replacement. The Commissioners reached a consensus that Vice Chair Newby would drive his car (carrying water and some form of musical amplification system) in the parade while the rest of the Commissioners march behind. Commissioner Hunt will contact Vice Chair Newby about the details of his car for parade organizers and Chair Wilson Barton will prepare a script and provide that to Commissioner Hunt. Music will be coordinated by Commissioners Rankins and Hunt. Commissioner Severin will provide a cooler and water. There was a question about the location of the HRC banner and it was thought that it is in former Commissioner David Brown’s garage. Commissioner Hunt will speak with him about it before the parade. Chair Wilson Barton will provide Commissioner Rankins with funds to purchase the feather boas that are her gift to the marchers. 9.B Participation in the Veterans Day Parade, 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015: Commissioners Hunt and Severin will serve as Parade Captains and the format for the parade will be the same as that for the Palm Springs Pride Parade. Chair Wilson Barton asked Commissioner Hunt to make sure that Student Representative Angelina Pinkney has parade information. Commissioner Chappell noted that she might have a conflict on that day with her son’s induction into the Army. Chair Wilson Barton passed around the signup sheet for parade participation. Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 3 of 5 Meeting of Oct.12, 2015 3 9.C Participation in the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 in Ruth Hardy Park: Commissioners Sutton-Weiss and Severin have spoken with Thomi Clinton who would like the HRC to have a booth. Commissioner Chappell is able to provide a 6-foot table and two chairs and can deliver them in her van. Commissioners Hunt and Carriazo will coordinate getting HRC materials together. Commissioner Carriazo volunteered to make a trip to the City Yard to inventory HRC materials stored there and he will report back to Chair Wilson Barton. 9.D Community Service Awards to be presented on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016: Chair Wilson Barton noted that the Community Service Award Committee is comprised of Commissioners Sutton-Weiss, Rankins and Carriazo. Commissioner Sutton-Weiss will lead that committee. It was determined that Lee Bonno will upload the application online. The schedule is to have an early December deadline so that voting can take place at the December HRC Meeting – January will be press release time and February will be the presentation ceremony. Chair Wilson Barton sees the nomination process as both an outreach and City Council opportunity to get the word out about the Community Service Awards with Commissioners taking nomination packets to their outreach assignments and by having public comment at City Council meetings. Chair Wilson Barton requested Commissioners Sutton-Weiss and Rankins select an October and November City Council meeting to deliver the message about the awards. 9.E Community Outreach:  Mizell Center – Vice Chair Newby - No Update  Desert Highlands – Chair Wilson Barton - Commissioners Chappell and Chandrasena will cover for Chair Wilson Barton on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Commissioner Severin will attend the November meeting.  LGBT Center – Vice Chair Newby and Commissioners Rankins and Chappell – Vice Chair Newby announced the Center’s fundraiser, “Center Stage” coming up on Friday, Oct. 30. More information can be found at www.thecenterps.org.  Libraries – Commissioners Severin and Chandrasena – Commissioner Severin noted that she met with Julie Warren and Jeannie Kays of the Palm Springs Public Library and discussed the HRC partnering with the Library to conduct a future program. Commissioner Severin announced three upcoming programs that offer educational opportunities, they are: Wed. Oct. 21 – Book Talks with Native American Authors at 6:30 p.m.; Wed. Nov.4 – Screening of the film “Is Anybody Listening?” about our veterans; and Thurs. Nov. 12 – CalFresh Sign Up at 10:30 a.m.  Board of Education – Commissioners Sutton-Weiss and Chandrasena, Chair Wilson Barton – Chair Wilson Barton will attend in October and Commissioners Sutton-Weiss and Chandrasena will attend in November.  ONE-PS – Vice Chair Newby will be getting information on the next meeting in order to introduce himself and let the organization know about the HRC and Public Service Awards.  Palm Springs Art Museum – Commissioner Severin – The Commissioner noted that she met with Museum Marketing Director, Nancy Hunt-Weber and told her about the Commission. She also spoke about the Unity Foundation Mural and Film Project celebrating International Peace Day on September 13. The short films ended up going to the United Nations.  Desert AIDS Project – Vice Chair Newby and Commissioner Chappell – Vice Chair Newby indicated that he had a lengthy conversation with the Director of Development, Darrell Tucci, to see how the HRC and DAP might work together. Commissioner Rankins asked about DAP becoming a family health clinic. Vice Chair Newby noted that The Dock has already opened and is a federally recognized health center. 9.F Task Force Reports:  Homelessness Task Force – Commissioner Severin – Reported that she attended the Oct. 1 meeting of the Task Force and was impressed by the caliber of those who volunteered for service. The Task Force has created four subcommittees: Housing, Jobs, Addictions/Mental Health and Youth. PSPD believe that the homeless population in Palm Springs numbers approximately 200 with more than 50% of those individuals being mentally ill. Immediate challenges are lack of psych services, detox services (beds), case management, transportation and a drop in center where individuals could receive referrals to the services Human Rights Commission Minutes Page 4 of 5 Meeting of Oct.12, 2015 4 that they need. Three action items coming from that meeting were: 1) Palm Springs does have housing redevelopment money and the task is to find out what restrictions are on those funds; 2) Riverside County has a mobile clinic and City Staff will be fighting hard to have that unit located here at least as a starting point, and; 3) The City will inventory vacant buildings that might be available for housing. The homeless count will take place on Tues. Jan. 26, 2016. The next Task Force meeting will be Thurs., Nov. 12th. In summing up, Commissioner Severin noted that a model that is being discussed is that of The Village in Long Beach where 400 homeless persons are being served.  CDBG – Chair Wilson Barton – Noted that they do not meet until the winter.  Mizell Center – Vice Chair Newby – No report  Logo Committee – Commissioners Rankins, Severin and Carriazo – The Committee presented several rough drafts of possible designs – working towards a logo that would not only express Palm Springs but also the HRC (al la Mid Century Modern, palm trees, colors and shapes that represent diversity). The Committee asked for feedback from the rest of the Commissioners regarding any changes or refinements that they would like to see. Vice Chair Newby indicated that he liked the direction the logo design is going, but expressed some concerns about how the designs would be seen by others. He said he would like to see some of the other concepts that the Committee had come up with. He stated that he liked some of the elements, but was not satisfied with the way they were incorporated and expressed concern with advancing the Mid Century Modern theme. Noted that PS HRC does not really tell the public or stakeholders what it is and asked that a tag line be incorporated into the design. Commissioner Severin thanked Vice Chair Newby for his feedback and noted that the Committee would huddle over the next two meetings and come back with something in January. 9.G Public Comment at the City Council Meeting – Chair Wilson Barton and Commissioner Sutton- Weiss will alternate attending Council meetings. 9.H Commission’s Tentative Calendar: NOVEMBER 2015: Homelessness Guest Speaker(s): Well in the Desert (Commissioner Rankins) Come Back Kids (Commissioner Chappell) – Come Back Kids is a change in the proposed schedule. Commissioner Chappell explained that it is a GED program in Riverside County for individuals up to age 26 with no brick and mortar requirement. Coordinated by: Commissioners Chappell and Rankins with input from Commissioner Severin 9.I Commission’s Budget – Vice Chair Newby requested a committee put together a draft budget for next year. The budget committee will be comprised of Vice Chair Newby and Chair Wilson Barton. 9.J Update on Complaint of Discrimination – Commissioner Severin – Reported on Case #2015-8-7 a case that lent itself to mediation so both parties were contacted. The complainant was willing to move forward with mediation but the HRC has not been able to contact the responding party yet due to an address issue. If there is an opportunity to mediation, Commissioner Severin will contact staff and ask if there is another Commissioner who would like to help with the mediation. 10. ADGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NOV. 9, 2015 HRC MEETING:  Draft budget will be presented. 11. 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