March 24, 2021 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 5:44 p.m.

Present: Chair Kennelly, Vice Chair Paz, Commissioner Rahimi. Not present: Commissioner Khojasteh (excused).

OCEIA staff present: Director Pon, Commission Clerk Shore, Operations and Grants Administrator Chan, Deputy Director Whipple.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Approval of February 24, 2020 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

This item was heard out of order due to technical difficulties. Vice Chair Paz motioned to approve the February 24, 2021 meeting minutes. Chair Kennelly seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Follow Up Actions from Special January 2021 Immigration Hearing: Research into Tenderloin Arrests (Commissioner Khojasteh)

This item was deferred.



b. Special Hearing on AAPI Hate (Commissioner Khojasteh)

This item was heard out of order. Director Pon met with the Human Rights Commission and discussed holding a joint hearing on anti-Asian hate. Director Pon asked if the Commission would like to issue a statement on the subject. Vice Chair Paz suggested that the Commission participate in the event organized by Stand Together SF. Director Pon can invite Commissioner Wang to join the Stand Together SF meetings.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Language Access Committee: Planning for April and May Hearings (Chair Kennelly)

The Language Access Committee met on March 15, 2021 to plan for the April and May hearings on language access. OCEIA staff are inviting speakers from Chinese for Affirmative Action to present the history and current state of the Language Access Ordinance at the April 12, 2021 hearing. Chair Kennelly asked about the role of the Immigrant Rights Commission in the Language Access Ordinance. Director Pon reviewed the section of the LAO pertaining to IRC responsibilities.  Chair Kennelly will ask Commissioner Monge about inviting the Language Access Network to an upcoming Language Access Committee planning meeting.



b. Awards Committee: Planning for June Awards Event (Chair Kennelly)

Chair Kennelly provided an overview of the virtual Immigrant Leadership Awards, which will take place on June 14, 2021. Commission Clerk Shore sent Awards Committee Co-Chairs Fujii and Ricarte the draft online nominations form. The next Awards Committee planning meeting is March 29, 2021. Chair Kennelly suggested inviting Awards Committee Co-Chairs Fujii and Ricarte to the next Executive Committee meeting.



c. Racial Equity Committee (Commissioner Khojasteh)

Director Pon noted that the Office of City Administrator is moving into the second phase of its racial equity plan. Vice Chair Paz will ask Commissioner Khojasteh about his agenda items.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Director’s Updates

Director Pon discussed the budget committee hearing, and OCEIA’s work on public safety, language access, and immigrant assistance. OCEIA staff will turn in Commissioners’ Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700s) to the Office of the City Administrator. OCEIA staff have scheduled the oaths of office for the new and reappointed Commissioners, and will schedule an orientation for new Commissioners. Chair Kennelly and Vice Chair Paz are invited to attend the swearing in ceremonies and to participate in the orientation.

There was no old business.

There was no new business.

Chair Kennelly adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.