November 9, 2020 IRC meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.



Present: Chair Kennelly, Vice Chair Paz, Commissioners Enssani (5:42 p.m.), Fujii, Gaime, Khojasteh (5:47 p.m.), Monge, Radwan, Ricarte, Ruiz, Wang.



Not present: Commissioner Rahimi



Staff present: Director Pon, Office Manager Chan, Spanish Language Specialist Cosenza, Language Access Unit Supervisor Jozami, Commission Clerk Shore, Deputy Director Whipple.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Approval of October 19, 2020 Full Commission Meeting Minutes

Commissioner Radwan motioned to approve the minutes from the October 19, 2020 Full Commission meeting. Commissioner Fujii seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Update on ICE Resolution Follow-Ups (Commissioner Khojasteh and Director Pon)

Director Pon provided an update on the resolution condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was released on November 3, 2020. Chair Kennelly scheduled the hearing for January 11, 2021, and discussed speakers to invite. Director Pon suggested broadening the scope of the hearing to include comprehensive immigration reform, the COVID-19 recovery for immigrant communities, keeping families together, and enforcement issues. The Commission can use the testimony to develop local, state, and federal recommendations. Chair Kennelly suggested that the Executive Committee begin planning the hearing and report back to the Full Commission at its next meeting.



b. Update on Racial Equity Working Group (Commissioner Khojasteh)

Commissioner Khojasteh provided an update on the racial equity working group. The next working group meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2020.



c. Planning, Priorities and Retreat Scheduling (Chair Kennelly)

Chair Kennelly tentatively scheduled the retreat for the afternoon of February 8, 2020. After the Executive Committee finalizes the date, Clerk Shore can poll Commissioners on their availability.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Director’s Updates

Director Pon provided an update on OCEIA’s staffing vacancies and OCEIA’s efforts to close remaining 2020 census operations.



b. IRC Applications and Reappointment Hearings

Commissioners whose terms expired in 2020 should submit their applications to reapply for their seats. OCEIA staff has sent Commissioners the applications forms and instructions. The reappointment hearings are tentatively planned for January 2021. There are several vacancies on the Commission and community members are welcome to apply. Chair Kennelly noted that the passage of Proposition C means Commissioners no longer have to be registered voters. She encouraged Commissioners to reach out to community members to encourage them to apply.



Director Pon thanked Deputy Director Whipple and asked him to provide an update on the Economic Recovery Task Force. Deputy Director Whipple stated that the Task Force report included input from the Immigrant Rights Commission. OCEIA’s Language Access Unit is currently translating the report. Director Pon thanked Language Access Unit Supervisor Jozami and her team, and Vice Chair Paz thanked Deputy Director Whipple for his leadership.

There was no old business.

Vice Chair Paz and Chair Kennelly recognized Commissioner Khojasteh for his leadership. Commissioner Gaime discussed the importance of addressing divisions over the next four years, and ensuring that non-immigrants not feel isolated. Chair Kennelly asked Commissioner Gaime to develop the idea further and email her and OCEIA staff. Chair Kennelly suggested that the topic be added to the retreat agenda.

Chair Kennelly noted that the regular December 14, 2020 Commission meeting will be followed by a virtual public gathering with no program or agenda. She adjourned the meeting at 6:26 p.m.