HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-16 e-packet@4:00Wednesday, September 16, 2020
4:00 PM
City of South San Francisco
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
Teleconference Meeting
The South San Francisco Commission on Racial and Social
Equity
Regular Meeting Agenda
September 16, 2020The South San Francisco
Commission on Racial and Social
Equity
Regular Meeting Agenda
THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS N-25-20 AND N-29-20 ALLOWING FOR DEVIATION OF
TELECONFERENCE RULES REQUIRED BY THE BROWN ACT & PURSUANT TO THE ORDER
OF THE HEALTH OFFICER OF SAN MATEO COUNTY DATED MARCH 31, 2020 AS THIS
MEETING IS NECESSARY SO THAT THE CITY CAN CONDUCT NECESSARY BUSINESS AND
IS PERMITTED UNDER THE ORDER AS AN ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION.
The purpose of conducting the meeting as described in this notice is to provide the safest environment for staff
and the public while allowing for public participation.
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The Commission will meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month 4.00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
2020 Meeting Calendar:
September 16
October 7
October 21
November 4
November 18
December 2
December 16
Page 2 City of South San Francisco Printed on 12/23/2020
September 16, 2020The South San Francisco
Commission on Racial and Social
Equity
Regular Meeting Agenda
Chair:
Buenaflor Nicolas
Commission Members:
Edith Arias
Jeff Azzopardi
Gladys Balmas
Norm Faria
Andrea Fernandez (Alternate)
Mike Futrell
Cheska Ibasan
Vanessa McGovern
Hermes Monzon
Patricia Murray
Mark Nagales
Kayla Powers
Liliana Rivera
Bobby Vaughn
Staff Support:
Lisa Costa Sanders
Ashley Crociani
Katie Donner
Christina Fernandez
Leah Lockhart
Marie Patea
Sharon Ranals
Questions: [email protected]
Page 3 City of South San Francisco Printed on 12/23/2020
September 16, 2020The South San Francisco
Commission on Racial and Social
Equity
Regular Meeting Agenda
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the meeting minutes of September 2, 20201.
NEW BUSINESS
Overview of Today’s Aims2.
Review Local Context of Inequities Related to Education
a.Review Data Regarding Racial Inequity Relating to Education
b.SSFUSD Presentation
c.City Presentation on City Services Related to Education
d.Commissioner Questions and Answers
3.
Review and Discuss Example Approaches4.
Identification of Approaches for Further Investigation and Discussion During Phase 15.
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
Page 4 City of South San Francisco Printed on 12/23/2020
City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:20-661 Agenda Date:9/16/2020
Version:1 Item #:1.
Approval of the meeting minutes of September 2, 2020
City of South San Francisco Printed on 12/23/2020Page 1 of 1
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1
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
MAYOR’S COMMISSION ON
RACIAL AND SOCIAL EQUITY
Meeting held at: Teleconference meeting
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
4:00 p.m.
Call to Order Meeting called to order at 4:03 p.m. by Chair Nicolas
Roll Call COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Edith Arias, Jeff Azzopardi, Gladys
Balmas (4:18 pm), Norm Faria, Mike Futrell, Cheska Ibasan (4:26 pm),
Vanessa McGovern, Hermes Monzon, Patricia Murray (4:18pm), Mark
Nagales, Flor Nicolas, Kayla Powers, Liliana Rivera, Bobby Vaughn
ALTERNATE PRESENT: Andrea Fernandez
ABSENT: None
Welcome/Introductions
Chair Flor Nicolas welcomed the Commissioners to the meeting. Chair Nicolas noted the meeting
time will be extended to accommodate public comments.
Consent Calendar
1. Approval of the meeting minutes of August 19, 2020.
Moved by Mark Nagales, seconded by Mike Futrell to approve the minutes of the
August 19, 2020 meeting as submitted. Motion passed 11 in favor, 0 opposed.
*the following changes were requested by Commissioner Gladys after minutes were approved:
Srija is Deputy Director of San Mateo Health.
The San Mateo Health System does not manage the Health Plan of San Mateo. Health
Partners with HPSM
Note that Commissioners Balmas, Ibasan, and Murray arrived after vote.
New Business
2. Key Takeaways from Last Commission Meeting and Overview of Today’s Aims
Chair Nicolas reviewed the goals for this meeting. Chair Nicolas noted the Council
adopted a Resolution stating the City’s commitment to racial and social equity.
Kym Dorman provided an update on progress since the last m eeting on the two items
recommended by the Commission for investigation during Phase 1.
3. Review Local Context of Inequities Related to Racial Inequities, Racism,
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Community Safety and Policing
a. Core Functions of Police Department and Key Data
Kym Dorman provided an overview of data relating to racial inequities in criminal
justice. She provided the demographics of the police department and the city,
reviewed the police departments hiring and training practices. She reviewed officer
investigations, traffic stops and arrest data. Kym Dorman indicated that the police
department complies with all 8 Can’t Wait policies (with exceptions in rare instances).
She reviewed the police departments community policing programs.
b. Presentation of Best and Promising Practices for Police Departments Related
to Use of Force, Officer Training, and Interactions with Community Members
Paige Kruza provided a summary of best and promising practices to reduce racial
disproportionalities/inequities and address structural/institutional racism, increase
transparency and accountability, address bias, build community trust, and positive
relationships, and expand community-based safety approaches. Paige also
explained that “procedural justice” focuses on the elements necessary for people to
feel like they are treated fairly (being treated respectfully, having their side of the
story heard, understanding that an authority figure has good motivations/intentions,
and having the reason or process for a decision clearly explained.)
c. Guest Speaker: Change SSF
Cesar Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Studies at San Francisco
State University, speaking on behalf of Change SSF. He provided comments on
fundamental strategy to change budget priorities to increase investment into
community-based strategies that maximize well-being. Include delinking policing from
community programs, specifically mental health, drug abuse and homeless. He
referenced the APHA policy statement to reduce contact between police and public.
He reviewed several areas to focus on with alternative approaches as follows:
Alternatives to treat people with mental illness, include developing mental
health center that are voluntary and utilize teams of professional civilians
trained to respond to people in a mental health crisis.
Alternatives to homelessness and housing including team of trained civilians
to respond to homeless persons, drop-in centers and emergency shelters with
optional support, housing first strategies, income supplements to keep people
housed and homeless prevention.
Alternatives to gang taskforce including early childhood education, community
centers, community-based transformative justice to resolve conflicts and
issues, Peacebuilders/Cure violence and employment opportunities with living
wage.
Alternatives to police in schools.
He discussed police accountability.
d. Presentation on Procedural Justice in Policing (discussed above)
e. Commissioner Questions and Answers
Andrea Fernandez asked if there is data on police complaints deemed
wrongdoings. What is the misconception that defunding the police leads to less
safer communities? Cesar Rodriguez discussed the formation of the thin blue line
3
out of the Los Angeles Police Department and discussed crimes that are reported,
investigated and cleared. He noted that the majority of law enforcement calls is
non-criminal calls and traffic stops.
Liliana Rivera asked about data of complaints and process to submit a police
brutality complaint. She referenced a lawsuit claiming retaliation. Police Chief Jeff
Azzopardi noted that complaints can be submitted by phone, in person or email.
He stated that the police department has no issue dealing with internal issues and
actions.
Kayla Powers asked about complaints data and if its fully representative of actual
experience, fear of retaliation. Any examples of alternatives to submit complaints
to police department, like an independent body.
4. Review and Discuss Example Approaches
Paige Kruza reviewed example approaches to make meaningful change to reducing
racial inequities in community safety and policing.
Andrea Fernandez asked for respect for one another.
Mike Futrell thanked Cesar Fernandez for the presentation and noted there is
a lot of common ground with approaches.
Cheska Ibasan supported a community safety advisory board.
Edith Arias supported programs reviewed by Cesar Fernandez.
Hermes Monzon noted past negative experience with police department. He
participated in the Hispanic police academy which changed his outlook on the
department to view them with respect. He noted that if youth have negative
interactions with the police, it can effect them in the future. Would like
approaches and programs to engage youth and the community for better
connection with police department.
Bobby Vaughn asked about community police model (collaborating with the
community) and best practice to reduce contact between police and public.
He also asked about hiring practices for balance of ethnicity. He supports
approach 5 if it’s a citizen board that can receive complaints.
Pat Murray agrees with implicit bias training for everyone and would
appreciate the opportunity for the community to be better connected with the
police would be beneficial.
Vanessa McGovern agrees with approach 3, strengthen community cohesion
and approach 5 community safety board should have teeth to make change.
Gladys Balmas agrees with approach 3 to strengthen community, need to
rebuild trust and approach 4 to utilize data to make recommendations though
approach 5, an advisory board.
Liliana Rivera suggested approach 1 without police, including mental health
separate from police department, and prioritize advisory board with firing
power. Do not see a need for approach 6. Need a misconduct process that is
separate, with a citizen panel.
Kayla Powers agrees with approach 5, advisory board, and approach 2 to
reduce escalation for minor offenses.
Mark Nagales noted need to trust and partnership with the community. Would
also like to have data inform approaches and solutions.
Flor Nicolas suggested starting with homeowners associations to get to know
each other and be engaged. Also noted CERT volunteers get to know each
4
other and encouraged more volunteer opportunities, agrees with approach 3.
Also supports approach 5.
Mike Futrell noted they are working with the County to start a pilot program
with mental health professionals working with the police department. When
responding to 911 call, will need to be assisted with an officer. During non-
emergency calls, could work with individuals independently including
homeless persons.
Bobby Vaughn noted that data is important and would like to see in context
with similar jurisdictions. Would like links from Cesar Rodriguez presentation.
Would like to hear public comment before able to prioritize approaches.
Jeff Azzopardi would like to hear more on best approaches to connect with
the community and establish relationships.
5. Identification of 1-2 approaches for Further Investigation & Discussion in Phase I
Liliana Rivera emphasized approach 1, including alternatives to gang task force
and school involvement.
Pat Murray stated the School District is currently evaluating policing in schools.
Norm Faria asked what other cities are using community safety advisory board
and what is the effectiveness of these boards.
Gladys Balmas would like additional data and advocated approach 4.
Mark Nagales also supported approach 4 to inform approaches.
Commissioners voted to advance approach #1 – 11 Commissioners voted in
favor
Commissioners voted to advance approach #3 – 6 Commissioners voted in favor
Commissioners voted to advance approach #4 – 5 Commissioners voted in favor
Commissioners voted to advance approach #5 – 9 Commissioners voted in favor
Public Comments
Victoria, strongly agrees with data being accessible to the community and understand how the
data is gathered. She expressed respect for police but noted some issues can be improved.
She has seen benefits from implicit bias training.
Eddy Holman expressed concern with lack of accountability with police and would like to see
civilian oversight board. He lacks trust in Council to hold police accountable.
Doug, lifelong SSF resident and has seen a lot of change in the city. Strong support for police
department. Participated in citizen police academy. Do not believe there is systematic racism.
Patricia, educational training in law enforcement phycology, consider cultural competency
training. Should have annual officer psychological evaluation for fitness to serve.
GH to create long lasting change, need to forgive each other. She has seen positive
interactions with police department and need to react based on data and not bias.
Gustavo Lopez, instructor at San Francisco State University in the Public Health department.
The current state of policing is killing black people and people of color. We have the largest
social movement right now and need to address racism and power.
Andrea Sims noted other data sources and rely more on teachers and counselors.
Luis De Paz Fernandez need to focus on how can we utilize other experts in the field and
other services to assist the community, especially mental health.
5
Russell Lee need to listen to people’s experiences.
Tasso Mav encourage the Commission to remain objective and focus on goals. Need to
compare data to similar jurisdictions.
Marcela appreciated data provided by Cesar Rodriguez and looking for others to provide
services. Need to hold police accountable. Concern with police in schools. Racism is real.
Kanani Cortez implicit bias training is useful, but not enough data to show change in attitude.
Advocate for citizen oversight board with firing powers and want to see police accountability.
Olga Perez circumstances in old town that do not provide opportunities for everyone.
Commissioner comments
Liliana Rivera a child was killed by the Police and it needs to be discussed.
Chair Nicolas agreed the death of a child is a tragedy and encourage everyone to read the
investigation report. They can request the report via email from [email protected].
Public Comment resumed
Patricia suggested a police wellness program.
Cesar Rodriguez expressed concern with reactions to a woman of color speaking up.
Alan stated that data is not just numbers and need to listen to community members.
Victoria need to be open to hearing experiences and foster good communication.
Sam Avila need to listen to stories and past actions.
Commissioner comments
Galdys Balmas, noted that there is a lot of pain in community members’ comments. Cannot
change the past and need to work on solutions moving forward to ensure past actions are not
repeated.
Pat Murray joined Commission to see change and want to be part of the change. Concern
with name calling, want to be able to move forward. Appreciated Cesar Rodriguez
presentation.
Mike Futrell, Commissioners need to be objective and consider decisions for the entire
community.
Flor Nicolas, we are here to prevent tragedies from happening again. Request everyone have
an open mind. Thanked Cesar Rodriguez.
Andrea Fernandez need to listen to different perspectives and experiences.
Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:20-662 Agenda Date:9/16/2020
Version:1 Item #:2.
Overview of Today’s Aims
City of South San Francisco Printed on 12/23/2020Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:20-663 Agenda Date:9/16/2020
Version:1 Item #:3.
Review Local Context of Inequities Related to Education
a.Review Data Regarding Racial Inequity Relating to Education
b.SSFUSD Presentation
c.City Presentation on City Services Related to Education
d.Commissioner Questions and Answers
City of South San Francisco Printed on 12/23/2020Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:20-664 Agenda Date:9/16/2020
Version:1 Item #:4.
Review and Discuss Example Approaches
City of South San Francisco Printed on 12/23/2020Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™
City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:20-665 Agenda Date:9/16/2020
Version:1 Item #:5.
Identification of Approaches for Further Investigation and Discussion During Phase 1
City of South San Francisco Printed on 12/23/2020Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™