Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2021.01.25 @5001 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 Monday, January 25, 2021 5:00 p.m. Call to Order Meeting called to order at 5:01 p.m. by Chair Nicolas Roll Call COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Jeff Azzopardi, Gladys Balmas, Norm Faria, Mike Futrell, Cheska Ibasan, Vanessa McGovern, Hermes Monzon, Patricia Murray, Mark Nagales, Flor Nicolas, Kayla Powers, Bobby Vaughn ABSENT: Edith Arias, Liliana Rivera Alternate: Andrea Fernandez Welcome/Introductions Chair Flor Nicolas welcomed the Commissioners to the meeting and provided welcoming comments. Consent Calendar 1. Approval of the meeting minutes of December 2, 2020. Moved by Mike Futrell seconded by Norm Faria to approve the minutes of the December 2, 2021 meeting as submitted. Motion passed with no opposition. New Business 2. Meeting Overview and Overview of Phase II Kym Dorman provided an overview of the meeting goals, stating the Commission will review the accomplishments form Phase I and provide an overview of Phase II. Commissioners will review draft goals, strategies and action steps and identify recommendations. Myra Jolivet led a grounding exercise with the Commission. Commissioners discussed if they learned in school about historical contribution of non- whites or people of color to our communities and history. 3. Update on City’s Activities for Black History Monday (February) Leslie Arroyo, Communications Director, reviewed the City’s activities celebrating Black History month including several virtual events. Kayla Powers suggested action steps in addition to the celebratory measures. 4. Summary of Newly Enacted State Laws Relevant to Racial and Social Equity 2 Myra Jolivet reviewed recent State laws relevant to race and social equity. Under mental health and public health, there are more reporting requirements and to address racism as public health crisis. Law enforcement, investigation into police shootings, de- militarizing police uniforms. Economic Development, publicly held companies to have one person of minority on board of directors and data collection requirements relating to pay by race. 5. Review Organized Goals, Strategies and Action Steps to Advance Racial and Social Equity Kym Dorman reviewed the organized format of the goals, strategies and action steps as recommended by the Commission and noted the meeting each strategy would be discussed. a. Update on Creating a Response Team for Mental Health Crises, Substance Use and Homelessness on Creating a Response Team for Community Navigator Program Mike Futrell provided an update on Strategy 2.1; Mental Health Response Team. He noted that the program was established as a 2-year pilot program to provide a full-time mental health clinician on-site in South San Francisco to respond with law enforcement to assist individuals in mental health crisis. He noted that other cities have joined in the partnership. Stanford University will be setting goals, metrics, collect data and report out of effectiveness. In addition to responding to mental health crisis, the clinician will also be able to conduct follow-ups with individuals, collaborate with the outreach services and provide mental health related training to first responders. Mr. Futrell reviewed the schedule to get staff on board and conduct training with goal of team ready in July 2021. Commissioner questions:  Did staff review past data to determined what hours/days the clinician is most needed? Mike Futrell responded yes, reviewed past data to determine and will continue to evaluate.  What is the timeline to get to the CAHOOTS model? Mike Futrell is targeting 6 months of operation to get to the CAHOOTS model, but will transition sooner if able to. Clinician would be able to call 911 when respond if need back-up.  Impressed with the speed of getting this project approved. Does the Stanford team has experience evaluating these programs and what part of institution? Mike Futrell responded the Gardner Center at Stanford will be evaluating the program.  Noted this was a high priority with the Commission and City agreed and wanted to move quickly with this new program. Valerie Sommer provided an overview on Strategy 3.1; create community navigator program. The program brings resources and support for low-income residents. Initially established as a one-year pilot program to maintain open dialogue between community members and bilingual, bicultural city staff. Program goal to reduce language and literacy barriers and help residents access resources. She reviewed the implementation actions with timeline. Commissioner questions:  Can we form a baseline of services used today to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 the program. i. Small Group Discussion and Report Out  Nayeli Bernal reported on the small-group discussion on strategy 2.1; ensure respect for person, reduction in total number of 911 calls, proactively work to reduce calls for service; anti-bias training and clinician training. Outcome; change in culture that the community can see and reduced calls for service.  Myra Jolivet reported on small group discussion on strategy 2.1; ensure clinician staff is reflective of the community they service (persons of color); understand types of calls to make sure the correct person is responding (language, race).  Cheska Ibasan reported on small group discussion on strategy 2.1; ensure persons hired are persons of color; ensure people hired understand their role is to deescalate the situation; have knowledge of local community. Kayla Powers added that training should be culturally relevant; there needs to be an accountability structure; and response to issues.  Nayeli Bernal reported on the small-group discussion on strategy 3.1; importance of partnering with school district; help community understand safety net; track whether persons are more engaged and using programs more; access locations where we know people have need.  Myra Jolivet reported on small group discussion on strategy 3.1;.noted the importance of findings navigators that are community members that have trust; digital divide needs to be considered; evaluation and assessment.  Cheska Ibasan reported on small group discussion on strategy 3.1; establish a connection with school district (specific team or individual); increase access and do not ask for documentation. ii. Public comment  Alicia Santamaria thanked the Commission for their work.  Amanda commended the City and Commission for being open and honest. She noted that it is important to connect with residents that speak other languages.  Olga Perez thanked the team for the work preparing for this meeting. She noted the need for a community center in the Old Town community. iii. Commissioners Discussion  Pat Murray thanked the City and consultant for the work preparing for this meeting.  Flor Nicolas noted City efforts to have someone that can represent SSF’s diverse community speak to the Council on strategy 2.1.  Vanessa McGovern suggested access to free interpretive services for residents trying to access services. She also suggested ongoing open communication with public comments at meetings to hear from the community and obtain feedback. 6. Next Steps Kym Dorman thanked Kayla Powers for her efforts to draft a draft Vision statement. Kym Dorman suggested forming a workgroup to prepare a Vision statement. Kayla Powers 4 noted she is open to comments and changes on the Vision statement. Commissioner Pat Murray, Kayla Powers and Gladys Balmas agreed to serve on a workgroup to craft a Vision statement. Kym Dorman reviewed meeting topics for upcoming Commission meetings. The next Commission meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2021. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.