September 13, 2021 IRC meeting

Chair Kennelly called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.



Present: Chair Kennelly, Vice Chair Paz, Commissioners Enssani, Fujii, Gaime, Mena, Obregon (5:47 p.m.), Rahimi (5:48 p.m.), Ricarte, Ruiz, Souza, Wang, Zamora.



Not present: Commissioner Khojasteh (excused).



OCEIA staff present: Director Pon, Operations and Grants Administrator Chan, Language Access Unit Supervisor Jozami, Policy and Civic Engagement Officer Noonan, Deputy Director Whipple.

 

Chair Kennelly read the land acknowledgment statement.

There was no public comment.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Approval of August 9, 2021 Full Commission Meeting Minutes

Commissioner Fujii motioned to approve the minutes from the August 9, 2021 Commission meeting. Commissioner Mena seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Language Access Survey and Follow-Up Actions (Executive Committee, Language Access Committee, OCEIA Staff)

Director Pon provided an update on the language access survey and Administrator Chan provided an update on survey response rates by language. The deadline has been extended to September 17, 2021. Chair Kennelly encouraged Commissioners to share the survey with their networks. Commissioner Souza, chair of the Language Access Committee, presented an overview of her recommendations. Chair Kennelly asked about the Board of Supervisors’ timeline and said she looks forward to discussing the recommendations at the Executive Committee meeting.



b. Anti-AAPI Hate Follow-Up Actions (Executive Committee)

Chair Kennelly presented an update on the letter, recommendations and resource guide developed by OCEIA staff and Executive Committee members. The Executive Committee suggested several edits at its last meeting, and OCEIA staff will make the edits and send the letter to City officials. Commissioner Souza asked about the “We Are More” art project. Director Pon provided an update on the campaign and her work with City agencies to secure funding. Chair Kennelly voiced support for the project.



c. DACA Follow-Up Actions (Executive Committee)

Chair Kennelly provided an update on the Executive Committee’s discussion on DACA. Commissioners requested that the next Full Commission include updates on various immigration topics, including the attempt to include a pathway to citizenship in the budget reconciliation process, the latest news on DACA, the state of asylum seekers and Afghan refugees. Chair Kennelly asked Commissioners to send suggested speakers to OCEIA staff. The Executive Committee will help plan the hearing at their next meeting. Due to the holiday, Chair Kennelly suggested rescheduling the next Full Commission meeting. OCEIA staff will poll Commissioners on their availability.

(Information/Discussion/Action)

a. Director’s Updates

Director Pon provided an update on the expansion of the Community Ambassadors Program and its assistance covering the Powell Street cable car turnaround for the Mayor’s Office. OCEIA is also provisioning for language access during the upcoming redistricting task force meetings. Director Pon encouraged Commissioners to attend the meetings in their districts.



Deputy Director Whipple provided an update on the San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative’s upcoming workshop on October 2, 2021. Commissioners are encouraged to volunteer and share the event with their networks. Vaccines are required for all volunteers and participants.



b. Quarterly LAO Complaint Report

Policy and Civic Engagement Officer Noonan presented the Language Access Ordinance quarterly complaint report.



c. Reappointment of Commissioners

Director Pon encouraged Commissioners to complete their reappointment applications.

Commissioner Zamora thanked Commissioners and OCEIA staff for the resolution in support of AB 1259 to expand post-conviction relief for immigrant defendants, which is currently sitting on the Governor’s desk. Commissioner Souza noted that SB 321, which would increase safe working conditions for domestic workers, is also on the Governor’s desk. Chair Kennelly said the Executive Committee can discuss ways to encourage the Governor to sign the bills.

Commissioner Souza introduced a resolution in support of legislation to be introduced by Supervisors Chan and Melgar that would remove the sunset provision on immigrant parent voting. Vice Chair Paz and Commissioner Obregon, who are co-sponsoring the resolution, voiced their support and provided background information. The Executive Committee will discuss the resolution at its next meeting and make a recommendation to the Full Commission for a vote. Commissioner Souza will invite a guest speaker to the Executive Committee meeting.

Chair Kennelly thanked Commissioners and OCEIA staff and adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.