HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC Minutes FEB-APR 2018
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 12, 2018
Palm Springs City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Council Chamber
Present Present FY 2017/2018 FY 2017/2018
This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absences
Jilska Chandrasena X 7
Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 7
Sam Ciraulo X 6 1
Ron deHarte, Chair X 7
Jim Gross X 6 1
David Morgan X 7
Nicki Randolph X 7
Zjarvre Crawford, Student Rep, Not Present
Other Staff Present:
Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director
Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison
Annie Rodriguez, Housing Program Assistant/Staff Liaison Assistant
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
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 ed ucation and community
awareness”
Chair deHarte proceeded to Agenda item no. 4.
3. ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by Chair deHarte during item no. 5.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
5. PROGRAM:
Chair deHarte addressed the audience and welcomed everyone present to support the honorees. A
special recognition was made for guests Mayor Moon, Councilmember s Holstege, Middleton and Kors,
musical guest Ted Fox and accompanying guitarist Joe Muster. Roll call followed. The full commission
was present.
Chair deHarte presented a video introduction and purpose of the Palm Springs Human Rights
Commission.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2018
Page 2
[Music Playing] The program proceeded with an opening song by Ted Fox, and accompanying Guitarist
Joe Musser.
Chair deHarte spoke about the role and performance the Human Rights Commission has had since
established 25 years ago; highlighting areas of previous and current focus and emphasizing prestigious
nationwide Community Service Award winners. Chair deHarte introduced the honorees as “not the do
nothing kind of people, they are the heart of our community” and invited the Commissioners to the lectern
starting with Commissioner Chandrasena.
The following Community Service Awards were presented:
Commissioner Chandrasena introduced a biography of the first Community Service Award to honor Chris
O’Hanlon, Founder of the Senior Advocates of the Desert, a nonprofit social service organization
dedicated exclusively to helping low-income seniors obtain government benefits and emergency financial
assistance, through no fault of their own. Mr. O’Hanlon thanked the Human Rights Commission and Staff
Liaison Mr. Cook. A brief acceptance speech followed.
Commissioner Ciraulo introduced a biography of the second Community Service Award to honor the
Metropolitan Community Church of the Coachella Valley (MCCCV), for their radical call to acceptance and
celebration of human diversity through advocacy for equality, human rights and social justice. The award
was received by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw. Rev. Crawshaw asked that the members of the church present
in the audience register their presence by putting their hands up, as the award was an organizational
award. Rev. Crawshaw thanked the Human Rights Commission and provided an acceptance speech.
Commissioner Randolph introduced a biography of the third award recipient to honor L ucy Debardelaben
and Gail Christian, active humanitarians recognizing women through music and raising awareness of the
diversity and talent of world class musicians who traditionally struggle for recognition and employment.
The award was received by both Ms. Debardelaben and Ms. Christian. Both Ms. Christian and Ms.
Debardelaben thanked the Human Rights Commission and provided an acceptance speech. Special
gratitude was given to the City Council and Councilmember Kors for making the Conversation on Race
event possible the week prior.
Commissioner Morgan introduced a biography of the fourth Community Service Award to honor Brad
Fuhr, Founder and Publisher of the Gay Desert Guide who has promoted awareness and supported
countless nonprofit organizations, community programs and fund raisers which enhanced the quality of
the life of residents of Palm Springs such as youth housing, access to health services, and a variety of
social service programs. Mr. Fuhr thanked Mayor Moon, City Council and the Human Rights Commission;
and presented an acceptance speech.
Commissioner Gross introduced a biography of the fifth Community Service Award to honor Goldie
Jacoby, a Holocaust survivor who makes it her mission to bring her life stories to schools, cultural
institutions and art museums advocating for social justice and human rights. Ms. Jacoby thanked the
Human Rights Commission and provided an acceptance speech.
Vice Chair Chappell introduced a biography the sixth Community Service Award to honor of Officer Mike
Radford, Founder of the California Highway Patrol Toys for Tots Program. Officer Radford is recognized
for making a difference in the lives of children and families in the Coachella Valley. Officer Radford
thanked the Human Rights Commission and presented an acceptance speech.
Chair deHarte introduced a biography of the seventh Community Service Award to honor Ruth Debra,
community organizer of equal rights movement and lifelong advocate of civil rights, peace and justice
movements. Ms. Debra thanked the Human Rights Commission and presented an acceptance speech.
Chair deHarte announced that the program was moving into the closing song and thanked Mayor Moon
and the Councilmembers Holstege, Kors and Middleton for being present.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2018
Page 3
Mayor Moon thanked the audience on behalf of the City Council for being present for the recognition of
the wonderful leaders in the community who forward human rights for everyone regardless of a ge, gender,
and sexual orientation. He stated that everyone in Palm Springs is equal and is proud to be a part of an
incredibly diverse community. Appreciation was given to the Human Rights Commission for all their
efforts and work on maintaining and supporting Human Rights in the City including the Community Service
Awards Program. Mayor Moon addressed and congratulated all the Community Service Award Honorees
in his closing statement.
[Music Playing] Ted Fox and accompanying Guitarist Joe Musser proceeded with the Closing Song.
Chair deHarte thanked Ted Fox and Joe Musser for joining them and concluded the program with closing
remarks regarding protection of human rights. Chair deHarte thanked the honorees on behalf of the
Commission for contributing to the advancement of human rights in their own way. He also thanked the
audience for joining the Commission in supporting the honorees. Special recognition was given to Staff
Liaison Mr. Cook and Assistant to the Liaison Ms. Rodriguez for keeping the Commission going strong.
6. ADJOURMENT: The Human Rights Commission adjourned at 4:11 p.m. to a Regular Meeting, Monday,
March 12, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., Palm Springs City Hall, Large Conference Room, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon
Way, Palm Springs, CA.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie J. Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, March 12, 2018
Palm Springs City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Council Chamber
Present Present FY 2017/2018 FY 2017/2018
This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absences
Jilska Chandrasena X 8
Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 8
Sam Ciraulo 6 2
Ron deHarte, Chair X 8
Jim Gross X 7 1
David Morgan X 8
Nicki Randolph X 8
Zjarvre Crawford, Student Rep, Not Present
Other Staff Present:
Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director
Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 3:00P.M.
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 ed ucation and community
awareness”
3. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Chandrasena not present during roll call, arrived late. Commissioner
Ciraulo not present, excused absence.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Geoff Gilbert, Palm Springs Citizen, stated his concerns regarding a timeline of events with the City’s
Vacation Rental Compliance Department. Mr. Gilbert and his wife report feeling discriminated against
and given unequal treatment.
Commissioner Chandrasena arrived at 3:06 p.m.
Paul Hinrichson, Palm Springs Citizen, reported to represent smoke-free Palm Springs advocates looking
to bring smoke-free policies to the City. Mr. Hinrichson noted that secondhand smoke and thirdhand
smoke limits people’s ability to fully participate in public areas of the City due to the health hazards caused
from it. He hopes to get the conversation started on how the Commission can provide endorsement and
support to fight this form of discrimination.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2018
Page 2
Suzanne Severn, Palm Springs Citizen, Ms. Severn reported to represent the Harvey Milk Diversity
Breakfast Coalition and wanted to invite the Commission to their upcoming Harvey Milk Diversity
Breakfast program held on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 9:30am to 11:30am at the Palm Springs Convention
Center. The programs flyer was distributed to the Commissioners and further details of the event shared.
5. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
Commissioner Morgan – Thanked members of the audience for being present for the meeting and
submitting their public comments.
Chair deHarte – Announced there being two open Commissioner seats. Interviews are scheduled for
March 28. After that date, the Commission should be getting news of the new candidates.
6. GUEST SPEAKER: Senior Advocates of the Desert – Chris O’Hanlon, Executive Director
Chair deHarte introduced guest speaker Chris O’Hanlon, Executive Director of Senior Advocates of the
Desert. Mr. O’Hanlon was invited to speak by the Senior and Dependent Adult Bill of Rights
Subcommittee as a key stakeholder from the community to share the challenges they are aware of in the
senior population in Palm Springs and the greater Palm Springs area.
Mr. O’Hanlon gave his presentation describing the framework and support services Senior Advocates of
the Desert provides. Handouts and sample applications were shared with the Commission surrounding
senior safety nets and resources that many seniors are not aware of and have not applied for. Mr.
O’hanlon finished his presentation by sharing success stories with the Commission. Comments and
questions from the Commissioners and Staff Liaison were presented and discussed.
Chair deHarte thanked Mr. O’Hanlon on behalf of the Commission for his presentation and raising the
level of awareness that the connection to services for the senior community is lacking.
7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR VOTE:
A. Master Calendar – Commissioner Chandrasena – The next events are the ONE-PS Picnic &
Community Expo and the March of our Lives held on March 24, 2018.
Sign-ups for the ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo was taken during the meeting. Commissioner
Gross, Morgan, Chandrasena, Vice Chair Chappell and Chair deHarte confirmed participation.
Commissioner Randolph was confirmed tentatively due to knee surgery. Details of coverage, set-
up/wrap-up, and materials to be included was discussed among the Commission and Staff Liaison.
The Community Outreach and Marketing Subcommittee will be getting together to determine what
materials are needed for the events as they see appropriate and will be coordinating with the Staff
Liaison.
Commissioner Chandrasena initiated the conversation of participating at the Harvey Milk Diversity
Breakfast. This led to a discussion among the Commissioners and Staff Liaison surrounding past
participation; sponsorship and alternative considerations; budget, expenditures and Commission
donations; and forming a financial subcommittee. It was agreed among the Commissioners to
proceed with tradition of the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast table sponsorship for the current year.
Vote on the expenditure of $650.00 for a table sponsorship at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
on Friday, May 18, 2018, 9:30 a.m., Palm Springs Convention Center
MOTION: By Commissioner Morgan, second by Commissioner Chandrasena to sponsor a table at
the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, in the amount of $680.00 and if any Commissioner feels any
kind of obligation to donate $65.00 for their self -back to the Commission.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2018
Page 3
Motion carries, 5/1 (Commissioner deHarte Abstained)
B. Subcommittees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
Internal:
Community Service Awards – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
Vice Chair Chappell – The program was excellent. The PowerPoint presentation and the
musicians playing music was a nice touch.
Chair deHarte – Thanked all the Commissioners for participating. It was a great showing
from the Commission. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from City Council, the
audience and individuals and organizations that were recognized this year.
Community Outreach & Marketing – Commissioners Chandrasena, Gross, Morgan and Randolph
Commissioner Morgan – Community outreach has been occurring to hear the concerns of
residents through table talks at 10 different locations. Table talks will be completed probably
next month. After that, a report will be prepared on what the comments were fr om the citizens
of Palm Springs.
Commissioner Chandrasena – I’ve been working with OneFuture Coachella Valley and
disconnected youth. It’s a group powered by very young people that is transforming business
and civic engagement.
Commissioner Randolph – Mentioned the subcommittee’s efforts to connect at a one-on-one
level to hear community concerns. She shared their experience doing outreach at The Well
in the Desert’s lunch program.
Student Representatives – Commissioners Morgan, Randolph and Student Representative Crawford
Commissioner Morgan – Suggested that a solution to have some sort of guidelines be
developed to ensure student representation is being attended at the meetings.
Chair deHarte – Identifying a solution is the task that’s been given to the subcommittee. The
Commission is waiting to hear your strategy.
Further conversation carried among the Commission regarding the development of some sort
of program before the new school year and putting together a timeline to present for April’s
meeting. It was agreed that Commissioners Chandrasena, Ciraulo, Morgan and Vice Chair
Chappell will be the new Student Representative subcommittee. Commissioner Randolph
voluntarily resigned from the Subcommittee with suggestion to organize a Finance
Subcommittee that she and the two new Commissioners can be a part of.
Senior and Dependent Adult Bill of Rights – Chair deHarte, Commissioners Gross and Ciraulo
Commissioner Gross – Our subcommittee met via conference call. Commissioner Ciraulo
and deHarte reported on what they had learned from their meeting with Councilmember Kors
and Ms. Foat, Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center. The outcome that I agreed to take
on was having Mizell Senior Center and 5 other service agencies come together in one place
to begin some interconnection for seniors. Tentative timeline set for May.
Chair deHarte discussed the following 3 points that the subcommittee would be tackling over
the next 60-90 days:
1. Commissioner Gross will be taking the lead on creating the resource fair with Mizell
Senior Center to help increase the connection between community and resources.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2018
Page 4
2. Commissioner Ciraulo is tasked with coordinating with our City Council
Representatives to meet with high-level key stakeholders from different fields that
they’ve identified in the community to learn their concerns.
3. Chair deHarte will be bringing in 3-4 key individuals within the community to brief the
Commission itself on core issues. Senior Advocates of the Desert was the start of
that. Office on Aging will be presenting in April and Jewish Family Services in May.
Chair deHarte further reported that once all 3 tasks were completed, the Commission will
begin to evaluate the core issues that have been identified. Then determine in what capacity
that City can provide and get involved in. The possibility of the Commission bringing forward
a Bill of Rights policy for City Council or recommending Ombudsman services was proposed.
External:
Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association – Commissioner Chandrasena
Commissioner Chandrasena – I attend the Gospel Fest hosted by the United Methodist
Church. I also attended the Annual Awards Gala held at the Palm Springs Hilton. The
Commission took part in the Black History Parade on February 24, 2018. The next Desert
Highland Gateway Estates Community Association meeting will be April 10, 2018. Meetings
are held every other month. I received a thank you letter for participating on Saturday’s
event.
Homelessness Task Force – Commissioner Ciraulo (not present)
Mr. Cook – The new City Council Homeless Standing Subcommittee will be meeting in April
and that information will be going out shortly. The final report for the Point-in-time-Count held
on January 26, 2018 won’t be received until May 2018.
Main Street Palm Springs – Chair deHarte
Chair deHarte – No human rights issues were brought forward at the meeting.
Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) – Commissioner Gross
Commissioner Gross – ONE-PS is going through an extensive law and structure revision that
doesn’t apply a lot to the Commission. If you have any questions in that area please let me
know. To bring awareness at the neighborhood level, I will be suggesting to ONE-PS that
presentations like we received today be arranged for ONE-PS Brown Bag Lunch Sessions.
PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee – Chair deHarte
Chair deHarte – We had 2 incidences occur last month. One was a verbal hate-speech
attack on two gentlemen that were walking in Little Tuscany. The other was hate-graffiti
writing on a flag outside of one of the residents homes in Little Tuscany. The PD Sargent in
charge of Crimes against Persons is updating us on a monthly on the activities. We’re
continuing to look and follow-up on fastest graffiti solutions. There will be a Town Hall meeting
with the Palm Springs Police Chief Reyes on April 3, 2018 from 5:00p.m to 7:00p.m.
Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring questions/concerns.
C. Topical Newsworthy Items –
Commissioner Randolph – Students from Cathedral City High School will have a student walk-out
demonstration tomorrow. The students are 16 years old and seem passionate to participate. I’m
very proud of them.
Commissioner Gross – Safe Schools Desert City had a wonderful youth summit this past weekend.
Chair deHarte was there as well to receive an award. It was my pleasure being on the scholarships
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Regular Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2018
Page 5
committee. It was wonderful to offer 19 scholarship and awards to deserving LGBT kids across
almost 20 high schools.
Commissioner Chandrasena – It has been a wonderful experience working with our team of
Commissioners on our table topics. I’m thankful the four of us are able to meet. We don’t’ always
agree but we come out of the meetings happy that we are moving forward.
Chair deHarte – Hats off to the Palm Springs Unified School District for supporting the students in
their right to protest. The youth summit was an impressive group of 200 students participating this
year. There is great promise with the horizon of youth as they start to vote and make changes.
Chair deHarte - We have a representative that sits on the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Citizen’s Advisory Committee. That committee along with Mr. Cook came together a couple
of weeks ago to review grant submissions for the CDBG program funding of $403,000. The
Committee makes recommendations to the City Council for funding direction. It now goes forward
to City Council and it is in their hands.
Mr. Cook – I received incredible feedback from the Com munity Service Award Program. The idea
of less is quality and that was very apparent; Many recipients were appreciative It made quite an
impact of all those involved.
8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING:
The following item was brought forward by Commissioner Randolph and agreed to by the Commission to
be added:
1. HRC Finance Subcommittee
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Cook announced that Ms. Annie Rodriguez, Housing Program Assistant and Assistant to the Staff
Liaison has extended her maternity leave for the next 6 months and he will be the point of contact.
10: ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 4:26 P.M. to a Regular Meeting, Monday, April 9, 2018, at
3:00 P.M. in the Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way,
Palm Springs, California.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie J. Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, April 9, 2018
Palm Springs City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Council Chamber
Present Present FY 2017/2018 FY 2017/2018
This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absences
Terri Andrade 0
Jilska Chandrasena X 9
Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 9
Sam Ciraulo X 7 2
Ron deHarte, Chair X 9
Jim Gross X 8 1
Ryan Miccio X 1
David Morgan X 9
Nicki Randolph X 9
Zjarvre Crawford, Student Rep, Not Present
Other Staff Present:
Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director
Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 3:02P.M.
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 ed ucation and community
awareness”
3. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Miccio and Commissioner Andrade are two newly sworn Commissioners for
the Human Rights Commission. Commissioner Andrade arrived late due to being sworn in.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Tamika Foots-Rachal, Regional Manager for the State Council of Developmental Disabilities , informed of
a new Select Committee established by Governor Brown to address systemic issues for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. She further shared a handout of upcoming training
opportunities. Commissioners needing technical assistance regarding the impacts to people with
disabilities were encouraged to contact Ms. Foots-Rachal directly or any of her staff.
Robert Heinbaught, Palm Springs, commented in favor of the County Ordinance 838.1 - Tobacco Retail
License Permit. Mr. Heinbaught shared the steps that have been taken to move the Tobacco Retail
License Permit forward in Palm Springs. A designated Commissioner to assist with the protection of
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Regular Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2018
Page 2
minors from the Tobacco Industry and a Commission letter of support was requested to help bring it
before City Council.
5. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
Commissioner Miccio – Shared his background experience and interest on serving on the Commission.
Commissioner Andrade arrived at 3:11 p.m.
Commissioner Andrade – Shared her background experience and interest on serving on the Commission.
Commissioner Gross – Commented on the ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo having a good showing
with a lot of interesting tables. A good number of survey responses were received. He thanked all
Commissioners who supported it.
Commissioner Randolph – Suggested the Commission put the Palm Springs smoking issues/policies on
the Agenda for next month.
Vice Chair Chappell – Commented on the ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo. Thought having surveys
was a good way to get interest and tell people about the Human Rights Commission.
Chair deHarte – Acknowledged the student organized event, March for our Live’s held on March 24 th,
2018, as being the most moving and powerful gatherings that he’s witnessed in Palm Springs. He would
like to recognize the student organizers at a future point.
6. GUEST SPEAKER: Riverside County Office on Aging
Chair deHarte introduced guest speaker Steven Geist from Riverside County Office on Aging. Mr. Geist
was invited to speak as a key stakeholder to provide top level briefing that examines the primary facets
and challenges impacting seniors in Palm Springs.
Mr. Geist gave his presentation sharing his background experience and described the analyzed
reports/studies and services provided by Riverside County Office on Aging. A needs assessment handout
that developed into their 4-year annual plan (2016-2020) was presented in detail of the identified key
issues for seniors. A handout that described the income, benefits and cost of living for elders was also
discussed and shared. Comments and questions from the Commissioners and Staff Liaison were
presented and discussed.
Chair deHarte thanked Mr. Geist for his presentation on behalf of the Commission.
7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR VOTE:
A. Master Calendar – Commissioner Chandrasena
Commissioner Chandrasena – All parades are finished. We have our Desert Highland Gateway
Estates Community Association Meeting tomorrow. That meeting is held every other month.
B. Subcommittees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
Internal:
CDBG Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Chair deHarte
Chair deHarte – Our role is finished. City Council approved the CDBG allocations last week
as recommended by the Committee. This item will not be addressed further until next year.
Community Outreach & Marketing – Commissioners Chandrasena, Gross, Morgan and Randolph
Commissioner Morgan – The Subcommittee will be meeting afterwards to discuss table talk
scheduling and marketing material that will be presented at our next regular Commission
meeting. Commissioner Morgan brought-up the suggestion of having Instagram as their
social media outlet to promote themselves and would like to have it as an voting item for next
month’s agenda.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2018
Page 3
A brief conversation followed among the Commission and Staff Liaison. Mr. Cook will be
looking into what the City Policy is regarding utilizing social media outlets.
Student Representatives – Vice Chair Chappell, Commissioners Chandrasena, Ciraulo, and Morgan
Vice Chair Chappell – Commissioner Ciraulo and I have shared our strategy ideas with the
subcommittee. Commissioner Morgan has an appointment tomorrow with Dr. Anne Kalisek,
Executive Director of Student Support Service in Palm Springs Unified School District and will
provide the subcommittee with an update of that meeting. Our concern is that we want to
keep our purpose but see representation from various walks not just streamlined to a
particular student or a particular group. An application process has been discussed.
Senior and Dependent Adult Bill of Rights – Chair deHarte, Commissioners Gross and Ciraulo
Commissioner Gross – Great cooperation from Mizell Senior Center. Ms. Susan Spencer ,
Director of Falls Prevention Program at Mizell Senior Center and I are the point people for
pulling this town hall together. A list of agencies confirmed and details of the Town Hall /Fair
Event held on Monday, May 14, 2018 from 8:30 to 12:00pm was shar ed. A hardcopy of the
list will be provided to Mr. Cook for distribution to the rest of the Commission.
Comments and questions among the Commissioners were presented and discussed
regarding the Town Hall/Fair Event.
Chair deHarte – Jewish Family Services was invited and will be the presenting to the
Commission in May and possibly another guest speaker will be invited in June. After speaker
invitations are wrapped-up, the Commission will assemble and determine if a policy
suggestion or a Bill of Rights will be submitted to City Council.
External:
Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association – Commissioner Chandrasena
Confirmation of attendance to the next Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community
Association meeting held on April 10, 2018 was not confirmed during the meeting due to
conflict scheduling and will be discussed afterwards with the Community Outreach and
Marketing Subcommittee.
Homelessness Task Force – Commissioner Ciraulo
Mr. Cook - The next Homelessness Task Force Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2018 at
4:00p.m. The meeting Agenda is going through the approval process and will be release d Tuesday or
Wednesday.
Commissioner Ciraulo – I will not be able to attend the meeting. If anyone would like to
represent the Commission at the meeting or if you would like to be the permanent
Commissioner representing I’m happy to step aside.
Commissioner Andrade – Volunteered to be the Human Rights Commission representative at
the Homelessness Task Force.
Main Street Palm Springs – Chair deHarte -
Chair deHarte – No human rights related issues came up.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2018
Page 4
Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) – Commissioner Gross
Commissioner Gross – Reported the picnic and the Human Rights Commission table being
very successful with a substantially big turn-out. The March for our Lives occurred in the first
hour and a half then dovetailed nicely. More people are aware of the Commission and I’m
glad we were there. The sun was our enemy this year.
Chair deHarte – Requested that Commissioner Gross write a one to two paragraph
summarization of his report that includes his key suggestions for next year with the pop -up
tent being priority. The summary is to be provided to Mr. Cook so that it may be brought -up
during next year’s planning.
PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee – Chair deHarte
Chair deHarte – The Town Hall meeting with Palm Springs Police Chief Reyes took place. It
was well attended by City officials and 50+ Community members. Good dialogue on
community concerns. A wonderful reduction in crime statistics across the board, year over
year was reported. The Chief, the Police Department, Community collaborations and the
ONE-PS neighborhoods attributed a lot of that improvement. The next Town Hall meeting
we’re sponsoring will be in April 2019.
C. HRC Finance Subcommittee
Commissioner Randolph and Commissioner Miccio volunteered to be on the HRC Finance
Subcommittee to manage the HRC Annual Budget.
A discussion ensued among the Commission and Staff Liaison regarding but not limited to the
following: budget expenditures and allocations, sponsorships, annual budget process and
challenges, donations and marketing materials. Commissioners were encouraged to provide their
input to the subcommittee regarding the budget. It was agreed that the subcommittee will be
addressing the budget for 2019 with a proposed budget of $2,000.
D. Topical Newsworthy Items
Vice Chair Chappell – I’m happy to see that we have two new Commissioners on board with us.
Pink Human Rights Commission shirts that are available and I can show you how to get them if
you’re interested.
Commissioner Chandrasena comm ented on a training opportunity. However, it was confirmed that
the details and content of the event was not yet available for the Commission to consider
participating. She further announced that she will be working with the Marketing and Outreach
Subcommittee on putting flyers together for next year’s ONE-PS Picnic and Community Expo that
identifies organizations working with elder population and disconnected youth.
Community & Economic Development Director, Mr. Virata – Provided an update on the City’s
affordable housing in response to Commissioner Randolph inquiry. Comments and questions were
presented and discussed.
Commissioner Randolph – Commented on her personal experience with the challenges of health
care coverages.
This led to further comments among the Commissioners surrounding health care, people in crisis
who can’t get help, loop holes and public guardianship.
Mr. Cook – The City Council will have an ad-hoc budget subcommittee meeting/town hall at
9:00p.m. at the Council Chambers. The City Council will hold their second informal community
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Regular Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2018
Page 5
forum conversation on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 form 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. at the Palm Springs
Convention Center. A copy of the press release surrounding both events was distributed to all
Commission members.
At the result of a strawpoll gathered by Chair deHarte, the Commission will be recognizing the
student organizers of the March for our Lives event before the school year is out.
8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING:
The following items were brought forward and briefly discussed by Commissioners and agreed to by the
Commission to be added:
1. Discussion on Smoking Regulations in Palm Springs for the Commissions June meeting
(Brought forward by Commissioner Randolph)
2. Social Media (Brought forward by Commissioner Morgan)
3. Changing meeting time (Brought forward by Chair deHarte)
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS: - None Reported.
10: ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 4:42 P.M. to a Regular Meeting, Monday, May 14, 2018,
at 3:00 P.M. in the Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon
Way, Palm Springs, California.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie J. Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant