January 7, 2021 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Vice Chair Paz called the meeting to order.

Present: Vice Chair Paz, Commissioners Khojasteh (5:53 pm), Radwan, Rahimi.

Not Present: Chair Kennelly (excused).

OCEIA Staff Present: Director Pon, Commission Clerk Shore, Office Manager Chan, Deputy Director Whipple.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Approval of December 16, 2020 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Commissioner Radwan motioned to approve the minutes from the December 16, 2020 Executive Committee meeting. Commissioner Rahimi seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Special January 2021 Immigration Hearing

Director Pon provided an update on the special immigration hearing. OCEIA staff invited speakers and conducted outreach in multiple languages, and will recirculate the invitation to Commissioners. Director Pon and Vice Chair Paz asked Commissioners to share the invitation with their networks.



b. IRC Strategic Planning Retreat and Elections

Director Pon asked Commissioners to provide input on the draft pre-retreat survey so OCEIA staff can send the final version to Commissioners. She suggested the virtual retreat last no more than three hours, based on previous Commission virtual events. Officer elections will be conducted by roll-call vote. In previous years, an officer slate of the current Chair and Vice Chair have been nominated and Commissioners should inform OCEIA staff if they would like to continue serving in their positions. Commissioners can nominate candidates in advance in writing to OCEIA staff, or during the meeting. Director Pon will update Commissioners on the rules for the virtual meeting and email Commissioners to ask for nominations.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Director’s Updates Director Pon provided an update on OCEIA’s budget preparation for the next fiscal year. OCEIA staff is working on the annual Language Access report and the quarterly complaints report will be presented during the Full Commission hearing. Director Pon discussed the importance of language access and the amendments proposed by Supervisor Walton to strengthen the Language Access Ordinance. Commissioner Radwan asked if more complaints have been received through the new complaint form. Director Pon noted that City departments must still forward the complaints to OCEIA as the compliance office and there was an increase in the last year.



b. IRC Report

Director Pon will edit the IRC report and send it to the Executive Committee for their input.

Vice Chair Paz asked Director Pon for an update on Commissioners’ reappointment hearings. Commissioners Enssani, Gaime, Khojasteh, Radwan, and Ruiz have reapplied for their seats. The Rules Committee is attempting to schedule the hearing after Proposition C is certified by the California Secretary of State. The Commission has two Board-appointed vacant seats reserved for immigrants to the United States. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply. Commissioners who were appointed by the Mayor are also up for reappointment. Vice Chair Paz said that he and Chair Kennelly would like to be invited to the reappointment hearing.

Director Pon stated that Vice Chair Paz will present a statement at the Full Commission meeting to congratulate former Immigrant Rights Commissioner Melba Maldonado on her retirement this year from her position as executive director of La Raza Community Resource Center.



Cities for Action has drafted a vision document on immigration policy recommendations for the Biden administration. Director Pon will send the document to the Executive Committee and with the permission of the Mayor’s Office, the Commission can sign onto the document.



Commissioner Khojasteh asked about speakers for the Full Commission hearing. OCEIA staff sent the Executive Committee the list of confirmed speakers and Director Pon, Commission Clerk Shore and Deputy Director Whipple provided updates on newly confirmed speakers. Commissioner Rahimi and Vice Chair Paz offered to help invite speakers.

Vice Chair Paz adjourned the meeting at 6:19 p.m.