February 23, 2022 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 5:54 p.m.

Present: Chair Kennelly, Executive Committee members Khojasteh and Souza, Commissioner Wang.

Not present: Vice Chair Paz (excused).

OCEIA staff present: Director Pon, Commission Clerk Shore.

Chair Kennelly read the land acknowledgment statement.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)
a. Approval of January 26, 2022 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Khojasteh motioned to approve the January 26, 2022 Executive Committee meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Souza. The minutes were approved.

(Information/Discussion/Action)
a. Scheduling/Planning of IRC Annual Strategic Planning Retreat and Officer Elections
Director Pon noted that seven Commissioners have responded to the poll on their availability on April 11 and May 9, 2022. OCEIA staff will survey Commissioners on what they would like to accomplish this year. Director Pon will provide Commissioners with information about the election process.

b. Planning of Anti-AAPI Hate Follow-Up Hearing (Commissioner Khojasteh)
Director Pon provided an update on the hearing scheduled for March 14, 2022, which will be held on Webex. OCEIA has received responses from the City Administrator, the Office of Supervisor Mar, and the Human Rights Commission. Chair Kennelly will provide Director Pon with any confirmations she receives by Friday. Director Pon will follow up with Department heads. Director Pon discussed a documentary film by a 2020 census grantee regarding Black community members’ responses to AAPI hate, and Chair Kennelly asked her to share it with the Executive Committee. The film is still being edited. Commissioner Khojasteh will help invite City departments to the hearing, and Commissioner Souza will help invite community members. OCEIA staff will send Commissioners and community partners the multilingual flyer to share with their networks.

c. Language Access Recommendations and Follow-Up Actions (Director Pon, Commissioner Souza)
Director Pon noted that the Board of Supervisors’ language access hearing has not yet been scheduled. Director Pon suggested that she present the compliance and survey data, Chair Kennelly provide a broad view of language access, and Commissioner Souza present the Commission’s recommendations. Commissioner Souza said she can also discuss the importance of supporting language access and resources.

d. Proposed Hearing on Housing (Commissioner Souza)
Commissioner Souza asked the Executive Committee to consider potential dates for a hearing on housing. Director Pon and Commissioner Souza discussed potential dates for the hearing, and Chair Kennelly tentatively scheduled it for September.

e. Multilingual COVID-19 Communications (Commissioner Khojasteh)
Commissioner Khojasteh suggested that the Commission invite the Department of Public Health to discuss its multilingual outreach to San Francisco communities, or that the Chair and Vice Chair send a letter asking for specific ways San Franciscans are being informed of testing, vaccinations, and booster shots in their languages. Director Pon can invite the Department of Public Health or the Department of Emergency Management to provide an update at the March 14, 2022 hearing.

f. Proposed Resolution on Chartered Commission (Commissioner Souza)
Commissioner Souza provided an overview of the draft resolution. Director Pon has asked the Deputy City Attorney for information on the differences between Chartered and non-Chartered Commissions, and can invite the Deputy City Attorney to the strategic planning retreat. Commissioner Khojasteh asked about the impact on OCEIA staff, and Chair Kennelly asked about additional requirements of Commissioners. Chair Kennelly said she looks forward to hearing from the Deputy City Attorney.

g. Proposed Letter in Support of City College of San Francisco’s Cantonese Program (Commissioner Wang)
Commissioner Wang proposed writing a letter in support of City College of San Francisco’s Cantonese program, which is facing possible elimination from the budget. Director Pon noted that the Full Commission had not discussed CCSF’s budget. The Executive Committee must advance the item to the Full Commission for a vote. Alternatively, the Executive Committee could write a more general letter in support of English as a Second Language (ESL) and language learning. The Executive Committee is authorized to write letters on behalf of the Full Commission on matters that have previously been calendared and voted on. Commissioner Wang said a general letter would be acceptable.

Chair Kennelly proposed that the Executive Committee write a general letter in support of bilingual certification and language learning, specifically related to the Cantonese-speaking community in San Francisco, seconded by Commissioner Souza. The motion was approved. Chair Kennelly asked Commissioner Wang to send the letter to OCEIA staff.
 

(Information/Discussion/Action)
a. Director’s Updates
This item was deferred.

b. IRC Report
Director Pon reminded Commissioners that she previously sent them the draft IRC report and has not yet received their feedback.

c. Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
Director Pon reminded Commissioners to complete the Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700), which all Commissioners must submit by April 1 of each year. Commissioners must send the form to OCEIA staff, who will ensure that it is filed on their behalf. In response to a question from Commissioner Souza, Director Pon stated that Commissioners who are City employees need only complete one form.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Immigrant Leadership Awards Planning
Chair Kennelly said the Commission will move forward with planning the awards for June 13, 2022, and said she supported working with the same company that helped with last year’s virtual awards. Commissioner Souza asked if the awards event would be virtual or in-person. Director Pon noted that a virtual event is more cost effective. As a public meeting, it must be accessible to the public and comply with all rules regarding Commission meetings. In response to a question from Chair Kennelly, Director Pon stated that Commissioners Ricarte and Fujii are interested in continuing to chair the awards committee. Commissioner Obregon has also volunteered. Chair Kennelly noted that last year, the awards committee met before the Full Commission meeting and invited all Commissioners to join.
 

There was no new business.

Chair Kennelly adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m.