March 23, 2022 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Vice Chair Paz called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.

Present: Chair Kennelly (5:38 p.m.), Vice Chair Paz, Commissioners Khojasteh, Souza.

OCEIA staff present: Director Pon, Commission Clerk Shore, Operations and Grants Administrator Chan.

Vice Chair Paz read the land acknowledgment statement. Chair Kennelly facilitated the remainder of the meeting.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)
a. Approval of February 23, 2022 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Khojasteh motioned to approve the February 23, 2022 Executive Committee meeting minutes. Vice Chair Paz seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

(Information/Discussion/Action)
a. Planning of IRC Annual Strategic Planning Retreat and Officer Elections
Director Pon provided an update on the strategic planning retreat and officer elections.

b. Follow-Up Actions on Anti-AAPI Hate Hearing (Commissioner Khojasteh)
Chair Kennelly thanked Commissioner Khojasteh for scheduling the follow-up hearing on anti-AAPI hate. Commissioner Khojasteh suggested that the Commission ask for written updates from City departments that did not attend the hearing. Vice Chair Paz suggested that the Commission invite Director Davis, who has organized efforts to combat AAPI hate for the Mayor’s Office and was unable to join the hearing. OCEIA staff will ask speakers for their written notes and Director Pon will follow up with City departments that did not attend.

c. Language Access Recommendations and Follow-Up Actions (Director Pon, Commissioner Souza)
Director Pon provided an update on language access recommendations. Director Pon and Commissioner Souza discussed suggested edits to the IRC report. Vice Chair Paz and Chair Kennelly discussed how best to advocate for resources.

d. Multilingual COVID-19 Communications (Commissioner Khojasteh)
OCEIA staff invited the Department of Public Health to present on multilingual COVID-19 communications at the Commission’s March hearing. They were unavailable but can be invited for a future hearing. Vice Chair Paz discussed his ongoing work with DPH and UCSF on COVID-19 response. He recommended a smaller presentation, rather than a full hearing on the matter. Director Pon noted that the Commission could also broaden the topic to health disparities in immigrant communities. She recommended that the Commission use the upcoming retreat to plan and prioritize its activities. Commissioner Souza discussed planning for an upcoming hearing on housing, tentatively planned for September. She can provide an update at the next meeting.

e. Proposed Resolution on Chartered Commission (Commissioner Souza)
The Deputy City Attorney will provide information on Charter Commissions at the upcoming strategic planning retreat.

f. Proposed Letter in Support of City College of San Francisco’s Cantonese Program (Commissioner Wang)
OCEIA staff sent the Executive Committee sample letters shared by Commissioner Wang. Chair Kennelly said the Executive Committee could draft the letter and submit it to OCEIA staff for edits and said she would take the lead.

(Information/Discussion/Action)
a. Director’s Updates
Director Pon provided an update on OCEIA’s work, including grant opportunities for community-based organizations. Commissioners may not discuss or influence grants.

b. IRC Report
This item was heard out of order. Director Pon thanked Commissioner Souza for her suggested edits to the report. The report does not include policy issues but can include broad support for immigrant communities.

c. Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
All Commissioners must file their Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) by April 1, 2022.

a. Immigrant Leadership Awards Planning
Chair Kennelly asked if the awards committee had scheduled any meetings. Director Pon stated that OCEIA staff will prepare materials. Vice Chair Paz suggested recognizing the Ukrainian community and inviting the Ukrainian ambassador to the awards event. The Commission is not political, but can support humanitarian efforts.

There was no new business.

Chair Kennelly adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.