May 27, 2020 IRC Executive Committee meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 5:46 p.m.



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



Staff Present: OCEIA Director Pon, Clerk Shore, Office Manager Chan, Deputy Director Whipple, SFGovTV Media Production Specialist Frias, Media Production Supervisor Phillips, Planning Department Senior Community Development Specialist Yen.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)  

a. Approval of February 25, 2020 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

Vice Chair Paz motioned to approve the February 25, 2020 Executive Committee minutes. Commissioner Rahimi seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Full Commission Hearing on Impact of COVID-19 on Immigrants in San Francisco (OCEIA Deputy Director Richard Whipple, Planning Department Senior Community Development Specialists Aaron Yen and Andre Torrey)

OCEIA Deputy Director Richard Whipple and Planning Department Senior Community Development Specialist Aaron Yen presented an overview of the Economic Recovery Task Force and asked if the Task Force could partner with the Commission on its June 8, 2020 hearing on the impact of COVID-19 on immigrants. Chair Kennelly asked if the Task Force had partnered with other Commissions. Senior Community Development Specialist Yen said the Task Force has not established formal partnerships with other Commissions.

Vice Chair Paz voiced his support of the partnership, and noted the importance of bringing different voices to the table, including representatives of smaller immigrant communities. Director Pon expressed her support for the joint hearing. Commissioner Rahimi agreed, and asked if it should be staggered over several sessions. He proposed that the Commission listen to community testimony and draft recommendations for the Mayor’s Office, Board of Supervisors and other City departments. Deputy Director Whipple suggested that the agenda include an introduction to the Task Force and City relief efforts. Director Pon suggested that small business owners be included. Deputy Director Whipple stated that one of the three staff support groups is focused on businesses. Director Pon asked the Executive Committee to make a motion and vote.

Chair Kennelly motioned for the Commission’s June 8, 2020 meeting to be a hearing on the impact of COVID-19 on immigrants in San Francisco. Commissioner Rahimi seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.

Chair Kennelly asked Commissioners to send their recommendations of potential speakers to OCEIA staff.

b. Statement on Supreme Court Decision on DACA

Director Pon stated that OCEIA staff has drafted a statement on DACA in advance of the Supreme Court decision, and as discussed at previous Commission meetings. Director Pon will edit the statement and send it to the Executive Committee for their review. OCEIA will lead a rapid response call on the day the Supreme Court announces its decision.

c. Resolution in Support of Board of Supervisors Charter Amendment 200452 [Requirements for Commission Membership] (Commissioner Rahimi)

Commissioner Rahimi proposed that the Commission release a resolution in support of Supervisor Walton’s Charter Amendment 200452, which would allow noncitizens to serve on City boards and commissions. Director Pon said the matter must be calendared and voted on by the Full Commission. In response to a request from Chair Kennelly, OCEIA staff will provide a copy of Supervisor Walton’s Charter Amendment. Commissioner Rahimi said he would write the draft resolution.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Director’s Updates

Since the Shelter-in-Place order, OCEIA staff members have been working remotely and in the field, helping with food distribution programs and serving as Disaster Service Workers. Director Pon provided an overview of the City’s budget projections and its impact on OCEIA. She also provided an update on census response rates in San Francisco. The Complete Count Committee has asked the Commission Chair and Vice Chair to participate in its steering committee. Director Pon stated that OCEIA will be moving its offices to 1155 Market Street in late summer.

b. Form 700, Ethics and Sunshine Trainings

Director Pon and Commission Clerk Shore provided an update on the number of Commissioners who have not completed their required Form 700 and mandatory trainings. OCEIA staff have sent Commissioners multiple reminders. Commissioners must turn in their completed forms by June 1, 2020. 

 

c. 2020 Immigrant Leadership Awards Paused Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Director Pon stated that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, an in-person awards ceremony is not recommended. The Commission may decide to plan virtual awards or pivot to other activities.

Director Pon recommended that the Commission consider how it will pivot its planned activities and post-COVID-19 work. Vice Chair Paz suggested that the Commission maintain a manageable agenda focused on economic recovery for immigrant communities and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Follow-Up Action: Special Hearing on DACA

The Commission will release a statement and participate in OCEIA’s rapid response meeting following the Supreme Court decision. Director Pon and Vice Chair Paz discussed rapid response planning. Chair Kennelly requested that the statement on DACA be added to the agenda for the June 8, 2020 Full Commission meeting.

b. Proposal for Information Request Letter to Office of Controller (Commissioner Monge)

The Commission will ask Commissioner Monge for an update.

c. Proposal to Draft Letter to Businesses on Controller’s List

This item was raised during public comments at a previous meeting by a member of the public. Director Pon stated that sending a letter to businesses suspected of doing business with ICE is not within the purview of OCEIA or the Commission, since 1) neither OCEIA nor the Commission has seen an actual list, and 2) the Mayor and the City Attorney have not investigated nor taken a position on this issue.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

There was no new business.

Chair Kennelly thanked OCEIA staff and SFGovTV media production supervisor Phillips and specialist Frias for their help. She adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m.