August 26, 2020 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.



Present: Chair Kennelly, Vice Chair Paz, Commissioners Khojasteh, Radwan.



Not Present: Commissioner Rahimi (excused)



Staff Present: Director Pon, Commission Clerk Shore, Administrative Programs Coordinator Alvarez, Office Manager Chan.

 

There was no public comment. 

(Information/Discussion/Action) 

a. Approval of July 22, 2020 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes 

Vice Chair Paz motioned to approve the Executive Committee meeting minutes from July 22, 2020. Commissioner Khojasteh seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

(Information/Discussion/Action) 

a. Follow-Up Actions on Full Commission Hearing on Impact of COVID-19 on Immigrants in San Francisco

The Commission submitted its letter of recommendations to the Mayor’s Office, Board of Supervisors, and Economic Recovery Task Force based on the testimony it received from community members at its June 8, 2020 special hearing. In response to a question from Commissioner Khojasteh, Director Pon said she would inform Commissioners of other opportunities to advocate on behalf of immigrant communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.



Chair Kennelly encouraged Commissioners to attend the virtual launch of Radiate Consulting Bay Area on September 2, 2020.



Chair Kennelly asked Commissioners for suggestions of additional follow-up actions based on the Commission’s special hearing. Commissioner Radwan discussed the importance of access to technology for distance learning. Chair Kennelly highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide for older adults facing social isolation. San Francisco Board of Education Vice President Gabriela López spoke at the Commission’s August 10, 2020 meeting and Commissioners discussed inviting her again to provide an update. Vice Chair Paz suggested inviting representatives from SFUSD and the Department on Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF). Director Pon recommended inviting SFUSD staff who are implementing distance learning, as well as representatives from DCYF, the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), and Digital Equity Initiative Manager Alex Banh.



b. Follow-Up Actions on Proposed Resolution on Assistance for Vulnerable Immigrants  

The Commission’s resolution was transmitted to the Board of Supervisors. Community partners have also shared their concerns with the Board. 



c. Supervisor Walton’s Resolution Declaring War on Racism, Enacted July 10, 2020 (Director Pon)

Director Pon provided an overview of Supervisor Walton’s resolution declaring war on racism, which urges all City and County entities, including the Human Rights Commission and the Immigrant Rights Commission, to search for ways to promote community education and awareness of the evils of racism and the need to reject racism. Director Pon suggested that this could take the form of a special joint hearing, a statement, or specific recommendations as the Commission did following its hearing with the Economic Recovery Task Force.



Commissioners asked how to obtain more information and discussed potential actions the Commission could take, including hosting a joint hearing with the Human Rights Commission. Director Pon suggested that the Commission begin by inviting the director of the Office of Racial Equity and a Commissioner from the Human Rights Commission to its next meeting. Chair Kennelly agreed.



d. Prosecution of Unaccompanied Minors (Commissioner Khojasteh) 

Commissioner Khojasteh provided an update on preliminary conversations he has had with stakeholders regarding the prosecution of unaccompanied minors. Commissioner Radwan offered to work with Commissioner Khojasteh and Vice Chair Paz offered his support. Chair Kennelly asked Commissioner Khojasteh to continue to update the Executive Committee.

(Information/Discussion/Action) 

a. Director’s Updates

Director Pon provided an update on OCEIA’s move to 1155 Market Street, and thanked Office Manager Melissa Chan for her work coordinating the move.



Director Pon provided an update on San Francisco’s self-response rate in the 2020 census. On Friday, the San Francisco Complete Count Committee will sponsor two bus caravans throughout the city to encourage people to participate in the census. Commissioners are welcome to join the caravans.



Commissioner Khojasteh and Vice Chair Paz noted reports of fraudulent attempts by people posing as census workers to ask people for their social security numbers. Census workers will not ask anyone for their social security number.



Chair Kennelly asked if there are other ways Commissioners can help encourage people to fill out the census. Director Pon encouraged Commissioners to reach out to their networks, including faith communities, to take the action and complete their census surveys, and help those who need assistance by September 30.

(Information/Discussion/Action) 

a. Tracking of Commission Deliverables and Results (Commissioner Radwan) 

Commissioner Radwan discussed how to measure the Commission’s impact. Chair Kennelly has volunteered to work with Commissioner Radwan on how to determine measurements of success. They will report back to the Executive Committee at its next meeting.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

There was no new business.

Chair Kennelly thanked OCEIA staff and adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m.