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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2021.02.17 @4001 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, February 17, 2021 4:00 p.m. Call to Order Meeting called to order at 4:01 p.m. by Chair Nicolas Roll Call COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Edith Arias, Jeff Azzopardi, Norm Faria, Mike Futrell, Cheska Ibasan (4:06 pm), Hermes Monzon (4:05 pm), Patricia Murray, Mark Nagales, Flor Nicolas, Kayla Powers, Bobby Vaughn ABSENT: Gladys Balmas, Vanessa McGovern, Liliana Rivera Alternate Absent: 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 January 25, 2021 Moved by Mike Futrell seconded by Norm Faria to approve the minutes of the January 25, 2021 meeting as submitted. Motion passed with no opposition. New Business 2. Meeting Overview Kym Dorman provided an overview of the meeting goals and overview of the agenda items. Sharron Watts guided the Commission in a reflection question of black history month, discussing how black people have changed history. Kayla Powers discussed the campaign for universal public education, the 14th amendment and the civil rights movement which led to immigration act. She noted that black women have been at the forefront of women’s rights movements. Flor Nicolas noted her admiration for Nelson Mandela, Desmund Tutu, Maya Angelo and Ruby Bridges. Bobby Vaughn commented on all the great Jazz contributors and how it influenced music. Norm Faria commented on the Black Panthers, the track athletes that raised their arm at the Olympics, and the civil rights activist that walked the front lines. Jeff Azzopardi reflected on Hank Aaron, Muhammad Ali and other athletes that faced great adversity. Hermes Monzon commented on black community in Peru and their music and food contributions. 3. Overview of Equity and Inclusion Liaison 2 Sharron Watts provided an overview of Strategy 1.1: establish a dedicated staff position to provide accountability, advance equity initiatives and monitor equity outcomes. She reviewed the draft actions for Strategy 1.1, noting that the DEI training will be starting this month for staff. Police department will also be participating in implicit bias training. Sharron Watts reviewed the draft key responsibility for the new position; including developing and implementing a citywide Racial Equity Action plan, foster community engagement and track progress. She noted that the position is proposed as a staff pilot position. Leah Lockhart, Human Resources Director, discussed formation of the position. Mike Futrell stated that the position would be in the City Manager’s office and have a seat at key meetings. The position needs to be considered by the City Council as well as budget authorization. Mike Futrell requested Commission input on the key responsibilities for the position. 4. Overview of Expanding Educational Resources for Priority Populations Kym Dorman reviewed strategy 3.3, expand educational resources to address structural inequities, which includes enrichment programs and leadership development, supporting low-income and students of color during and after distance-learning and implement universal preschool and or pre-k. She reviewed draft actions to address the strategy Cheska Ibasan and Ethan Mizzi presented the Youth Action Plan. They reviewed several recommendations including: accessible mental health resources, accessible reproduction health resources, review academic curriculum for all courses to implement anti-racist education, provide college and career counseling as well as tutoring, make after school childcare and after school recreation programs free for all and expand municipal Wi-Fi access. Commission discussion:  Mark Nagales thanked the Youth Advisory Council members for the presentation.  Mike Futrell noted that the city is working on expanding city Wi-Fi infrastructure and the Council authorized distribution of laptops and hotspots. He also noted the Council School subcommittee can meet with School Board to discuss further.  Edith Arias thanked the Youth Councilmembers for their presentation and appreciated the diverse youth membership. She would like to see expanded youth volunteer opportunities.  Cheska Ibasan noted Youth Council members could attend other Committee and Commission meetings to provide input on projects. She also commented on the allocation of CDBG grant funds.  Pat Murray commented that the School district is partnering with CORA in student leadership class. She also noted the District is also working to form a Youth Advisory Commission to advise the Board. 5. Overview of Strengthening Community Cohesion Through Community Engagement Sharron Watts provided an overview of strategy 2.2 to strengthen community cohesion through community engagement efforts to build cross-cultural trust especially with residents of color and low-income residents. She reviewed draft action steps including targeting CERT offerings in specific neighborhoods (Old Town), creating a teen CERT program and expanding workplace CERT training. 6. Discuss Considerations to Ensure Strategies Promote Racial and Social Equity i. Small Group Discussion and Report Out 3  Myra Jolivet reported that her group prioritized city-wide action plan, track progress and fostering community engagement for strategy 1.1. The group also commented on need for buy in from department heads to ensure the position can work comfortably and be successful. For strategy 3.3, they commented on mentorship/job pipeline and convert YAC to Commission. Commissioners also noted need for affordable childcare and affordable after school programs. For strategy 2.2, group noted need to address language barriers, expand promotores and include relationship brokers to build relationships and partnerships.  Sharron Watts reported that her group prioritized the action plan for strategy 1.1, occur across departments, implement accountability, and establish a baseline (what is missing, what is needed). For strategy 3.3, the group commented on strengthening homeowners and renters associations, importance of building trust, need to build-out relationships, ensure equal representation on CERT community-wide. Group commented on strategy 2.2, ensure youth voice at the table (convert to Commission), address financial need with scholarships for higher education (community-based fund and Chamber of Commerce).  Kym Dorman reported that her group commented on strategy 1.1, with priorities on infusing DEI and anti-racism, fostering community engagement and share data/track progress. Steps for first year; connect with community navigators and look across city and across departments. For strategy 3.3, prioritized leveraging the navigator program, enrichment programs, regular meetings between City and SSUSD and other organizations to work collaboratively, convert YAC to Commission, expand preschool. For strategy 2.2, identify additional work beyond CERT. ii. Public Comment None. iii. Commissioners Discussion  Kayla Powers noted the position needs to have a vision, convince people of that vision and interact with community. Position needs a high-level skill set.  Flor Nicolas agreed the position is important for the City.  Edith Arias noted need to engage members of the public that are being impacted to share their needs.  Bobby Vaughn expressed excitement for new position and engagement with youth. Need to be sensitive that they need to be given and voice and influence.  Norm Faria noted that we need to keep in mind the senior population in addition to the youth. 7. Next Steps Kym Dorman reviewed meeting topics for upcoming Commission meetings including community based public safety approaches and community safety advisory board. The next Commission meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2021. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.