November 17, 2020 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.



Present: Chair Kennelly, Commissioners Khojasteh, Rahimi.



Not present: Vice Chair Paz (excused), Commissioner Radwan.



Staff present: Director Pon, Commission Clerk Shore, Office Manager Chan.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Approval of October 28, 2020 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

Commissioner Khojasteh motioned to approve the minutes from October 28, 2020. Commissioner Rahimi seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Special January 2021 Immigration Hearing

Chair Kennelly discussed planning for the January 11, 2021 special immigration hearing. Following the hearing, the Commission will release its recommendations. Commissioners discussed the timing of the recommendations and how the Commission’s role differs from the role of advocates. Director Pon suggested that the Commission use the hearing to document the impact of immigration policies on Bay Area immigrants. Commissioners can begin writing recommendations before the hearing, and then add the first-person testimony. Commissioner Rahimi offered to work with Commissioner Khojasteh on an outline in advance of the hearing. Chair Kennelly said Commissioners will take an active role in drafting the report. Director Pon will send Commissioners the Commission’s 2010 report. Chair Kennelly discussed inviting speakers to the hearing. Director Pon suggested that OCEIA invite its deferred action grantees. OCEIA staff will plan for language access services and draft an event plan. Commissioners discussed holding the hearing from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring testimony by elected officials, community-based organizations, and community members. Commissioners will help invite speakers and community members.



b. IRC Strategic Planning Retreat and Elections

Director Pon stated that the Executive Committee can plan for the February 8, 2020 retreat at its next meeting. OCEIA staff will resend the minutes from the last retreat. Chair Kennelly rescheduled the December 23, 2020 Executive Committee meeting to December 16, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Khojasteh scheduled the next racial equity working group for November 23, 2020. Commission Clerk Shore will poll Commissioners on possible times. The Full Commission meeting scheduled for December 14, 2020 will include a presentation by Director Rodriguez. Chair Kennelly suggested that the Commission hold a virtual public reception immediately following the Full Commission meeting on December 14, 2020. Chair Kennelly asked Director Pon if the Executive Committee needed to vote to move the officer elections to February. Director Pon said another vote was not necessary since the Executive Committee already voted to hold elections at its 2021 retreat.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Director’s Updates

Director Pon deferred this item.



b. IRC Report

Director Pon deferred this item.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

Commissioner Khojasteh asked about Commissioners’ reappointment hearings. The hearings are tentatively planned for January, so Commissioners are encouraged to reapply by early December. OCEIA staff will resend Commissioners the online application.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

Chair Kennelly asked if OCEIA staff could design a holiday greeting the Commission can send to Consulates. Director Pon agreed.

 

Chair Kennelly adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.