October 27, 2021 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 5:43 p.m.

Present: Chair Kennelly, Executive Committee members Khojasteh, Rahimi; Commissioners Obregon, Souza, Zamora.

Not present: Vice Chair Paz (excused)

OCEIA Staff present: Director Pon, Commission Clerk Shore, Operations and Grants Administrator Chan, Deputy Director Whipple

Chair Kennelly read the land acknowledgment statement.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Approval of September 22, 2021 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

Commissioner Khojasteh motioned to approve the September 22, 2021 Executive Committee meeting minutes. Commissioner Rahimi seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Resolution in Support of SF Access to Paid Time Off for Domestic Workers (Commissioner Souza)

Commissioner Souza introduced a resolution supporting Supervisor Ronen’s proposed legislation to create a system to allow domestic workers in San Francisco to access paid time off. Commissioners Khojasteh, Rahimi, Obregon and Chair Kennelly requested to be added as cosponsors of the resolution. Director Pon recommended that the Commission support the legislation introduced by Supervisor Ronen. Commissioner Souza will share additional information with the Executive Committee, and invite speakers to discuss the item at the next Full Commission meeting. Chair Kennelly motioned to approve the resolution and send it to the Full Commission for a vote. Commissioner Khojasteh seconded the motion, and the motion was approved.



b. Follow-Up Actions from October 18, 2021 Special Hearing (Commissioner Obregon)

Commissioner Obregon provided an overview of the main themes raised by speakers at the October 18, 2021 special hearing. These included the need for services, limited capacity of nonprofit organizations, and requests for additional resources to serve newcomers, refugees, and asylum seekers. She volunteered to lead the working group’s research into the City’s investments in these communities. Director Pon discussed the City’s decentralized funding processes and OCEIA’s role. Commissioner Obregon will contact OCEIA staff to schedule a meeting.



c. Language Access Follow-Up Actions

Director Pon provided an update on the planned amendments to the Language Access Ordinance. President Walton’s office has incorporated the recommendations from the Immigrant Rights Commission special hearing on language access. Commission Clerk Shore provided an update on the language access survey.



d. Anti-AAPI Hate Follow-Up Actions

Director Pon noted that the Full Commission had not yet voted to send the letter, recommendations and resource guide to City departments. Chair Kennelly asked OCEIA staff to add the vote to the next Full Commission meeting agenda, along with a general motion to authorize the Executive Committee to develop and execute follow-up actions on future hearings.



e. Rescheduling of November Executive Committee Meeting

Chair Kennelly rescheduled the November Executive Committee meeting to December 1, 2021. She asked OCEIA staff to poll Commissioners on their availability for a strategic planning retreat on January 10, 2022 and February 14, 2022.

(Information/Discussion)

a. Director’s Updates

This item was deferred.



b. Reappointment of Commissioners

Director Pon thanked Commissioners for submitting their applications for reappointment. OCEIA staff will confirm with Commissioners when the hearing is scheduled.

Chair Kennelly will follow up on the letter regarding Haitian migrants.

There was no new business.

Chair Kennelly adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m.