San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee

Transcription

1 San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee Milton Marks Auditorium 455 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA Wednesday, April 26, :30pm 72 Hour Meeting Agenda Call to Order and Roll Call Roll call by Chair, Cindy Wu. Members: Alysabeth Alexander, Angela Alioto, Keith Baraka, London Breed, David Campos, Malia Cohen, Petra DeJesus, Bevan Dufty, Mark Farrell, Sandra Lee Fewer, Peter Gallotta, Pratima Gupta, Frances Hsieh, Tom Hsieh, Mary Jung, Jane Kim, Leah LaCroix, Rafael Mandelman, Eric Mar, Sophie Maxwell, Rachel Norton, Aaron Peskin, Cindy Wu, and Norman Yee. Ex-Officio Members: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein; U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi; U.S. House Representative Jackie Speier; Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma; State Senator Scott Wiener; Assemblymember Phil Ting and Assemblymember David Chiu. 2. Approval of Meeting Agenda (Discussion and possible action) Discussion and possible action regarding the approval of this agenda. 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes (Discussion and possible action) Approval of the minutes of the DCCC s meeting of March 22, 2017 ( minutes attached). 4. General Public Comment (1 minute per speaker) The DCCC will take public comment on all items on the agenda and, in addition, other matters germane to party business but not on the agenda. 5. Presentations from Organizations Involved in Resistance Activities and Discussion of Adopting an Action Plan for the SFDCCC (Maxwell) (Discussion and possible action) Presentations by: Indivisible SF, Bay Resistance, Organizing for Action, Democracy Action 6. Proposed Bylaws Amendment on Financial Disclosures for Chartered Clubs (DeJesus) (Discussion and possible action) (Bylaws amendment, needing 2/3 vote) 7. Proposed Update to Policies & Procedures Manual on Financial Disclosures for Chartered Clubs (DeJesus) (Discussion and possible action) 8. Resolution on DCCC Financial Disclosures (DeJesus) (Discussion and possible action) 9. Resolution on U.S. Military Action in Syria (DeJesus, Gallotta, Gupta, F. Hsieh) (Discussion and possible action) 10. Resolution on Leveling the Playing Field for All California Hospitals (Alexander) (Discussion and possible action) [WITHDRAWN] 1

2 11. Resolution Requesting California Meet its Legal Obligations to Families in Dependency Courts (Cohen) (Discussion and possible action) 12. Resolution to Support Passage of AB 14 (Baraka) ( Discussion and possible action) 13. Reports (Discussion and possible action) DCCC member reports, including discussion and possible actions, to offer updates on work assignments and discuss ongoing objectives. a) Chair (Wu) b) Finance (DeJesus) c) Voter Registration (Baraka) d) Club Chartering (Gupta) e) Outreach (LaCroix) f) Treasurer (Alexander) g) Executive Director (Mehis) h) CDP Region 6 Update (Kelly) 14. New Business (Discussion and possible action) The DCCC is unable to discuss or take action on items not on this agenda when those discussions pertain to matters within the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The limited exception is to discuss and take action in deciding whether to calendar such items for a future meeting. 15. Adjournment Agenda Item Information For more information concerning agendas, minutes, and meeting information, and materials relating to agenda items: visit the DCCC website at or DCCC Corresponding Secretary Peter Gallotta at info@sfdemocrats.org; or write to the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee at 645 Harrison St., No. 200; San Francisco, CA Other related materials received by the DCCC after the posting of the agenda are available for public inspection at the meeting time and location listed at the beginning of this agenda. Meeting Procedures Each member of the public will be allotted the same maximum number of minutes to speak as set by the Chair. Disability Access The Milton Marks Auditorium and the State Office Building at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco are wheelchair accessible. To seek a disability related accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact DCCC Corresponding Secretary Peter Gallotta at info@sfdemocrats.org; or write to the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee at 645 Harrison St., No. 200; San Francisco, CA Requests must be received at least 48 hours before the meeting. The nearest accessible BART station is Civic Center (Market/Grove/Hyde Streets). Accessible MUNI Metro lines are the F, J, K, L, M, N, T (exit at Civic Center or Van Ness Stations). MUNI bus lines also serving the area are the 5, 6, 9, 19, 21, 47, 49, 71, and 71L. For more information about MUNI accessible services, call (415) There is accessible parking in the vicinity of the California State Building at 2

3 Civic Center Plaza and adjacent to Davies Hall and the War Memorial Complex. In order to assist the City s efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to perfumes and various other chemical based scented products. Please help the City to accommodate these individuals. Know Your Rights Under The Sunshine Ordinance Government s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils, and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review. For information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance (Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code) or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact by mail Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco CA 94102; phone at (415) ; fax at (415) ; or by at sotf@sfgov.org. Citizens may obtain a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the Internet, at Cell Phones, Pagers and Similar SoundProducing Electronic Devices The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar soundproducing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar soundproducing electronic devices Note: Several members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (who may comprise a majority of one or more Board committees) currently also serve as members of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC). The law is not clear as to whether the open meeting requirements of state and local law apply to DCCC meetings attended by these Board members. Out of an abundance of caution, Board members and the DCCC have agreed to comply with these open meeting laws. 3

4 San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee City College of San Francisco Multi-Use Building, Room Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, CA Wednesday, March 22, :30 p.m. Draft Meeting Minutes Call to Order and Roll Call Meeting called to order at 6:38 pm Announcements about meeting procedures by Chair Wu. Roll call by Recording Secretary F. Hsieh. Members Present: Alysabeth Alexander, Angela Alioto, Keith Baraka, David Campos (proxy: Petra DeJesus), Malia Cohen (6:46 pm), Petra DeJesus (7:01 pm), Bevan Dufty, Sandra Lee Fewer (proxy: Jason Chommanard), Peter Gallotta, Pratima Gupta (7:01 pm), Frances Hsieh, Tom Hsieh (6:50 pm), Mary Jung, Jane Kim (proxy: Alaina Fuata), Leah LaCroix, Rafael Mandelman (proxy: Peter Gallotta until 8:34 pm), Eric Mar (proxy: Hene Kelly), Sophie Maxwell, Rachel Norton, Aaron Peskin (proxy: Lee Hepner), Cindy Wu, Norman Yee Ex-Officio Members: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (proxy: Megan Levitan, 6:48 pm), U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier (proxy: Brian Perkins), Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma (proxy: Kat Anderson), State Senator Scott Wiener (proxy: Matthew Rothschild), Assemblymember Phil Ting (proxy: Jason Wong, 6:47 pm), Assemblymember David Chiu (proxy: Jen Kwart) Members Excused: U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Members Absent: London Breed, Mark Farrell 2. Approval of Meeting Agenda (Discussion and possible action) Chair Wu mentioned that there was an addition to the agenda, item 11, which would require approval at 2/3rds threshold. Member Speier moved to add this item and approve the agenda, seconded by Member Mar, approved by acclamation. 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes (Discussion and possible action) Requested amendments - change header to Meeting Minutes. Member Ma had a question on page 5 about T. Hsieh volunteering for ad hoc committee, Member F. Hsieh verified that he did not volunteer for the ad hoc committee, but for bylaws committee, of which he is already a member. Motion by Member Maxwell to approve minutes as amended, seconded by Member LaCroix. The item was approved by acclamation. Member Yee welcomed everyone to the westside and to District 7. Having these meetings in the districts helps get new people engaged. Thanked organizers. 4

5 4. General Public Comment (1 minute per speaker) The DCCC will take public comment on all items on the agenda and, in addition, other matters germane to party business but not on the agenda. Chair Wu announced that there would be a separate time for the public to submit questions for item 5. Sandra Lowe, member of CTA and DNC member elected in July From Sonoma County, she introduced herself and welcomed people to reach out to her and share concerns/issues at smarchele@yahoo.com, Susan Pfeiffer (FDR & PFA) - Democracy Action invites everyone to celebrate the 7th Anniversary of ADA at a special phone bank on Thursday, 3/23 at 11 Grove, noon-4 pm, calling Nevada. There will be a Sunday phone bank making calls for Georgia and Kansas special elections. Steven Jaffe (D6 Democratic Club) - introduced himself as new chair of D6 Dems; urged support for Kimberly Ellis to fix the fiasco of the democratic party and what went wrong. Brandon Harami (AD19 ADEM delegate) - highlighted money in party; support for Ellis who will reform party. Danelle Morton - Join the Tax March, April 15, demand POTUS to release his taxes, asked for support, volunteers and endorsement. Rafael Trujillo (AD17 ADEM delegate) supports transparency measure. Reid Chalker (SF Berniecrats and AD17 ADEM delegate) - supports all resolutions, particularly single-payer. Martin Yeung (UDC) - update on March activities. Alec Bash - supporting open source funding resolution, supporting Susan Pfeiffer. Jonathan Lyens (FDR Democratic Club) - Invited people to 3/30 Disability and Police forum, 6:00 pm at the Arc, th Street. Trevor Martin (SF Berniecrats) - supporting financial transparency resolution, supporting divesting from border wall and DAPL. Stephanie Engelsen - Huddle Up - Glen Park grassroots organization, how to work together to shift back to 50 state strategy. Prudence Hull - also from Huddle up. Hilary Crosby (outgoing officer, CADEM) - please support Kimberly Ellis, donate to Dem2018 donation program. Amy Beinart - BHDC - Executive Committee supports resolutions and bylaws change. Shaun Haines - SF BCM - Saturday membership meeting, all welcome; supports Kim Ellis. Xavier Aubuchon-Mendoza (AD19 ADEM delegate & LDC) - end the divisiveness in Democratic Party; wants to encourage Feinstein to have townhall. Public comment closed at 7:08 Member Speier announced their Saturday townhall at Balboa HS was already at capacity and invited people to a future Townhall on 4/2 at the San Mateo conference center, Take Back America 5. Candidates for California Democratic Party Chair Candidates (Discussion) Kimberly Ellis and Eric Bauman will join the SF DCCC and discuss their candidacy for California Democratic Party Chair. We will aim for no more than 25 minutes of question and answer per candidate. 5

6 informational item only; speakers first, then discussion and audience questions Kimberly Ellis won the coin flip and ceded the first speaking slot to Eric Bauman. Eric Bauman introduced self; Member Alioto thanked Bauman for his work as former VC of party; Member Maxwell asked about his position on big money and thoughts about other problems, Bauman responded that best solution was federally or publically funded public elections to counteract extraordinary influence by corporations, Citizens United is part of the problem, and dark money PACs, we could regain control of DC through CA; Member Baraka asked for more detail about his questionnaire answer regarding complicated tasks, Bauman spoke about brokering peace and mediating between old guard and up and comers, and he stopped out of district appointments; Member Mar asked what he would do to make the party whole and look at needs of seniors and people with disabilities, Bauman responded that the convention is often not accessible, will continue to be a voice for the fastest growing group in the City, have to prioritize all these issues; Member Cohen asked if he supported Measure HH in LA, Bauman responded yes and he supports getting people into homes, it is his pet issue; Member Cohen asked about LACDP strategy for winning elections and how do we grow it, Bauman responded that the party must connect with voters, too much time has been spent with data, it s important to find resonant issues and use technology, but needs human connection; Member DeJesus asked for clarification about ADA access issues, how he hasn t fixed this issue as Vice Chair; Bauman responded that you must blow it up and shut it down; Member LaCroix asked whether he supported lowering the voting age, and whether he would include in platform, Bauman responded that 16 & 17 year olds have the capacity, civic education is degrading and election day used to be a holiday, young people must be incorporated in campaigns and planning, he supports youth voting; Member Gallotta asked he would implement a progressive platform and hold people accountable, Bauman responded that this was an ongoing problem, and a sign that you have read platform, balancing differences between SF/LA and Fresno, the platform should be part of endorsement process, and the center for progress and action, creating space for activist and legislative leaders. Eric Bauman concluded his portion at 7:40 pm. Kim Ellis Introduction self. Member DeJesus asked her opinion about corporate money and whether she had taken any, Ellis responded that corporate influence was one of the reasons people are fleeing the party, because democrats accept money from same sources as republicans and voters don t see differences, we need to live our values and actually pass campaign finance reform, rebuild fundraising base through individual and small donors, she has disclosed all donors on her website, and has not taken big-oil, big-pharma, or tobacco money; Member Mar asked how would you involve/work for seniors and people with disabilities, Ellis responded that she would open up space at decision making tables, bring structural changes to party, add more buckets, open the party up to year olds, and include folks in the planning process; Member Wiener felt this was a doom and gloom vision of party and wanted to know what was her criticism of current leadership, Ellis responded that we need to think about the long game, what good is it that California has a super-majority if we cannot pass issues on the party platform - single payer, fracking, etc., we can t rest on laurels; Member Cohen asked what she was hearing from new delegates, Ellis has visited 40 out of 58 counties, purple counties have felt abandoned, California has blue coasts, but we must invest in purple and red counties and value every county, perhaps instituting an adopt a county program and invest resources and build out infrastructure; Member Baraka asked how Emerge changed the landscape, Ellis explained that CADEMS did not want to invest in women, and that led to the creation of 6

7 Emerge, a program that meets people where they are, grooming diverse women to take a seat at the table, especially since there has been a loss of women in legislature; Member Gallotta stated that the party chair has a lot of power to wield, what are the structural reforms you are planning to make the party more democratic, Ellis spoke of getting rid of the super-delegate system, of not having automatic endorsement for incumbents - they should defend their votes and have accountability/scorecard system, expand delegate pool with new membership categories - including young people, college students, flattening hierarchy, wants to open process of appointing committee members, and spread the power of the Chair, she spoke of her difference in vision and leadership style, bottom up vs. top down; Member Alioto pointed out that there was a fine line between holding people accountable and shaming them, Ellis responded that she did not want to call out people, but hold up and promote the platform, it s up to constituents to hold elected officials to their votes, the chair is not a booster for candidates, but a referee. Ellis finished at 8:10 pm There were no questions submitted by audience members. 6. Resolution: In Support of the Gender Recognition Act of 2017 (Gupta) (Discussion and possible action) Member Gupta - gave background and made motion to support, seconded by Member Alioto Members Baraka and Gallotta requested to be added as cosponsors. Resolution was passed by acclamation. 7. Resolution: Supporting California as a Sanctuary State (F. Hsieh and Alioto) (Discussion and possible action) Member F. Hsieh gave background on the resolution and update on 3 bills. Member Alioto spoke to the history of Sanctuary in SF and the current situation and how people are living in fear. Member Alioto made a motion to support, seconded by Member Baraka. Member Alexander informed that SEIU just filed an amicus brief to protect workers and add to protections. Resolution passed by acclamation, with abstentions from Members Feinstein and Speier. 8. Resolution: Promote a Healthy California through Single Payer Healthcare (Alexander and Gallotta) (Discussion and possible action) Member Gallotta introduced the resolution and thanked Hene Kelly for bringing forward the measure. Member Alexander spoke about her addition to recognize the need to build out public healthcare system, and prepare workers to transition. Member DeJesus liked that it included the undocumented and asked to be added as cosponsor; Member Kim expressed her strong support, she authored a similar resolution at the SF Board of Supervisors, and thanked CNA; Member Mar stated that single payer has been part of the CA democratic party platform for 12 years at least, and is reaffirmed at every convention. Member Mar moved to support resolution, second by Member Gupta. Resolution passed acclamation, with abstention by Member Feinstein. 9. Proposed Bylaws Amendment (DeJesus) (Discussion and possible action) (bylaws amendment, needing 2/3 vote) withdrawn by sponsor 7

8 10. Proposed Policies and Procedures Amendments (DeJesus) (Discussion and possible action) Member DeJesus reviewed the recommendations proposed by the Adhoc Committee, revised version included all the requested actions, including consequences, separated out DCCC; This resolution has support from D6 Democratic Club, Potrero Hill Democratic Club, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, and Bernal Heights Democratic Club. Member Yee, appreciated the committee s work, and supported taking the DCCC separately because DCCC is not a club; Member T. Hsieh asked why item 9 was withdrawn, Member DeJesus responded that it was redundant, and the committee recommended that changes should be in the Policy and Procedures Manual; Member T.Hsieh expressed concern that section 6.1 didn t address amended reports, and asked how the committee came to $25,000 as a threshold in section 6.2; Member DeJesus agreed to add language, including any amended reports submitted after the date, and explained that the committee tried to strike a balance between getting good information and not having burdensome requirements, the intent was to leave out small clubs, but catch large clubs; Member T. Hsieh felt that many clubs raise a lot of money and such a change should not be tailored toward any one club, but to be fair and transparent, the threshold should be lowered to $2,000 because that s the FPPC threshold for filing, then rather than penalize, this measure would create more sunshine and encourage all clubs to come forward; Member DeJesus didn t want to burden clubs, wanted to make existing information more transparent, $25,000 seemed fair sum to set as trigger; Member Wu suggested having a pilot program at the higher number and perhaps lower in time; Member F. Hsieh stressed the original task of the committee to address exposing dark money by adding transparency without overly burdening clubs; Member Baraka supported need to shine a light, opposed to execution and felt there was a missed opportunity to use what the Ethics Commission already has, rather than duplicate; Member F. Hsieh read response from Ethics Commission stating that they did not regulate requirements by the DCCC; Member Speier recommended an amendment to Section 6.2, line 2 to clarify language to say, and cumulative donation is in excess of $25,000 ; Club President Jaffe reiterated that passing this resolution was about making a statement, it may be duplicative on purpose; Member Gupta corrected claim by Member T.Hsieh that there are 35 chartered clubs, not 80 and 7 are not current; Member T. Hsieh felt that details matter and we should get this amendment right, because it affected chartered clubs: Member T. Hsieh made a motion to amend the resolution by lowering the threshold of $25,000 to $2,000 and include in-kind contributions as part of the trigger, seconded by Member Mar. Member LaCroix was asked to clarify proper procedure and whether it was proper to motion for amendments or to bring forward a separate resolution; Member DeJesus felt this amendment was out of order because it would set up a new filing system; Member Ma felt that Section 6.4 was vague and lacked clarification, wanted to know who was the determiner for violations; Member DeJesus stated that the DCCC was the determining body, and this fell under existing powers; Member Ma pointed out that there was a conflict between the Policy and Procedures Manual with bylaws Article IX, Section 8; Chair Wu felt there was some concern about consistency; Member T. Hsieh asked for a point of order on his amendment; Member LaCroix clarified comments could only be made on the amendment motion or the entire matter could be sent back to committee; Members Jung wanted to make sure there was a date certain for adhoc and this should be added to April agenda; Members LaCroix, and DeJesus suggested sending this matter back to the adhoc committee; Member Jung suggested the committee should deal with both the Bylaws and Policy and Procedures Manual; Member T. Hsieh agreed to withdraw his motion if he was added to the adhoc committee. 8

9 Member T. Hsieh and Member Mar were added to the adhoc committee. 11. Resolution: Protect Our Democracy with Public Source Voting Systems (Jung and Mandelman) (Discussion and possible action, needing 2/3 vote) Baraka moved to approve by acclamation. Resolution passed by acclamation, with abstention by Member Feinstein. 12. Reports (Discussion and possible action) DCCC member reports, including discussion and possible actions, to offer updates on work assignments and discuss ongoing objectives. a) Chair (Wu) - Reminded attendees about the upcoming DCCC fundraiser, and reminded members to pay their dues and register for the convention; Member Mar stated that there would be a convention training in April; Member Gallotta has also been appointed as corresponding secretary; Member Jung expressed support for Hene Kelly for Region 6 Director, announced that the Asian Pacific Democratic Club is working on rechartering, announced an upcoming form on 3/29 regarding the 14th amendment, also requested adjournment in memory of Natalie Berg. b) Finance (DeJesus) - Distributed fundraiser info, and asked members to lockdown sponsors and send their confirmations to Member DeJesus. The fundraiser has a goal of raising $100,000. Member Ma requested financial report in the future. c) Voter Registration (Baraka) - March event was cancelled due to knee surgery; he has want to involve clubs in voter registration efforts; recognized Susan Pfeiffer for Wednesday voter registration; reminded members that the DCCC would be at Sunday Streets on April 9, partnering with Potrero Hill Democratic Club and Black Young Democrats and invited people to join; He hopes to have party sponsored voter registration events every 2 weeks. d) Club Chartering (Gupta) - Inactive clubs are now listed on the website and heard from other clubs and asked for clarification on whether these should be considered new charters or recharter. Member Gupta made a motion to recharter the Raoul Wallenberg Democratic Club, seconded by Member Mar and passed by acclamation ; Next leadership circle will feature a training by Angela Calvillo on Roberts Rules and running a smooth meeting, date to be finalized in July pending her schedule; The internship program and application is now live on the website, the stipend program has been extended to high school students, proposal for DCCC to fund internship program; Everyone agreed to raise or donate $250 to fund internship program rather than throw another fundraiser; Checks are preferred so that the fund can be easily distinguished, by noting it is for the internship program, please submit donations by May 1st. e) Outreach (LaCroix) - Invited people to participate in April 8th event, and invited Armand Domalewski to give more details - the event is an community outreach and awareness event to increase applications for the California Earned Income Tax Credit, this event is a Community cash walk in the Ingleside and is asking DCCC to co-sponsor and secure volunteers; Member F. Hsieh suggested reaching out to ACCE and CPA; Member Mar suggested reaching out to D11 Democratic Club; Chair Wu stated it was too late to endorse, but we could help publicize. f) Treasurer (Alexander) - reviewed income statement, most of the current generated by breakfast in December and there have been limited online donations; Member Ma requested 9

10 written reports in the future. g) Executive Director (Mehis) - Member DeJesus was the first to donate to internship program with a $250 check, ED Mehis will come pick up any and all checks; Thanked SFYD for voter registration support at Mission Sunday Streets; 2 banners are now being printed; Thanked to Members Gupta and Baraka for coming out to Oakland for voter registration, the next event is on the 29th at Paramount Theater h) CDP Region 6 Update (Kelly) - April 28th is the deadline to register online for convention, afterwards it must be done in person at the convention; Training for new and old delegates for Region 6 will be combined with San Mateo, and will review what to expect, no date yet set and don t run against Hene Kelly for Region New Business (Discussion and possible action) The DCCC is unable to discuss or take action on items not on this agenda when those discussions pertain to matters within the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The limited exception is to discuss and take action in deciding whether to calendar such items for a future meeting. Member Maxwell wanted a future discussion about what the SFDCCC is going to do to support or lead in the Resist movement. Member Mar San Mateo DCCC and Speier s office are having a fair on April 2nd, perhaps that type of event could be discussed next month. 14. Adjournment Member Jung requested adjournment in memory of Natalie Berg - many were mentored by her, everything she did was about giving, the best way to honor her was by being her and living a life of service, mindfulness, and love. Member Wiener stated she had beautiful service earlier today, she was elegant and was dedicated to education and City College, the Westfield Mall rotunda was saved due to her efforts. Member Mar said she was a longtime member and officer of RWDC, and despite being on opposite sides, Natalie always stood up for her right to speak. Member Dufty said she had high expectations of Jewish people in public life, she stood against anti-semitism, and was an elegant and effective politician. Member Speier motioned to adjourn, seconded by Member Jung. Meeting was adjourned in memory of Natalie Berg at 9:43 pm Agenda Item Information For more information concerning agendas, minutes, and meeting information, and materials relating to agenda items: visit the DCCC website at or DCCC Correspondence Secretary Bevan Dufty at info@sfdemocrats.org; or write to the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee at 645 Harrison St., No. 200; San Francisco, CA Other related materials received by the DCCC after the posting of the agenda are available for public inspection at the meeting time and location listed at the beginning of this agenda. Meeting Procedures Each member of the public will be allotted the same maximum number of minutes to speak as set by the Chair. 10

11 Disability Access The Milton Marks Auditorium and the State Office Building at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco are wheelchair accessible. To seek a disability related accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact DCCC Correspondence Secretary Bevan Dufty at info@sfdemocrats.org; or write to the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee at 645 Harrison St., No. 200; San Francisco, CA Requests must be received at least 48 hours before the meeting. The nearest accessible BART station is Civic Center (Market/Grove/Hyde Streets). Accessible MUNI Metro lines are the F, J, K, L, M, N, T (exit at Civic Center or Van Ness Stations). MUNI bus lines also serving the area are the 5, 6, 9, 19, 21, 47, 49, 71, and 71L. For more information about MUNI accessible services, call (415) There is accessible parking in the vicinity of the California State Building at Civic Center Plaza and adjacent to Davies Hall and the War Memorial Complex. In order to assist the City s efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to perfumes and various other chemical based scented products. Please help the City to accommodate these individuals. Know Your Rights Under The Sunshine Ordinance Government s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils, and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review. For information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance (Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code) or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact by mail Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco CA 94102; phone at (415) ; fax at (415) ; or by at sotf@sfgov.org. Citizens may obtain a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the Internet, at Cell Phones, Pagers and Similar SoundProducing Electronic Devices The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar soundproducing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar soundproducing electronic devices Note: Several members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (who may comprise a majority of one or more Board committees) currently also serve as members of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC). The law is not clear as to whether the open meeting requirements of state and local law apply to DCCC meetings attended by these Board members. Out of an abundance of caution, Board members and the DCCC have agreed to comply with these open meeting laws. 11

12 Proposed Bylaws Amendment on Financial Disclosures for Chartered Clubs (Sponsor: DeJesus) Article IX of the By-Laws of the SFDCCC ( By-Laws ) is amended as follows: The first sentence of Article IX, Section 8 of the By-Laws is amended to read: (1) The SFDCCC may, by a two-thirds vote, suspend or revoke the charter of any chartered club at any time only for the following causes: Violation of Article IX, Sections 2 or 9 of these By-Laws or inactivity. Article IX, Section 9 is added the By-Laws: (2) Section 9. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY CLUBS (a) Every SFDCCC club chartered under this Article IX shall submit a written financial disclosure statement to the Executive Director of the SFDCCC on January 30 th and July 31 st of each year for the immediately preceding 6 months. Such financial disclosure statement shall disclose ( including member dues in excess of $99.99 per membership) the source and amount of each contribution of money or the fair market value of any property or services contributed in kind for the immediately preceding 6 months. The financial disclosure statement requirement of this Section shall be deemed satisfied if the financial disclosure statement club submits true and correct copies of any financial disclosures required to be made by and submitted to the California Fair Political Practices Commission and/or the San Francisco Ethics Commission. (b) In the event any SFDCCC-chartered club fails to file any financial disclosure statement required by subdivision 9(a) or in the event the information in any such filed financial disclosure statement is materially false or omits to include a disclosure which omission makes the filed financial disclosure statement materially false or misleading, the SFDCCC may take such further action against the filing club as the SFDCCC deems necessary and/or appropriate including, without limitation, a suspension or revocation of that club s charter pursuant to Section 8 of Article IX of these By-Laws. 12

13 Proposed Update to Policies & Procedures Manual on Financial Disclosures for Chartered Clubs (Sponsor: DeJesus) The following is added to Article V of the SFDCCC Policies & Procedures Manual: In the event a SFDCCC-chartered club which is required to file a financial disclosure statement with the California Fair Political Practice Commission and/or the San Francisco Ethics Commission fails to file a true and correct copy of such financial disclosure statement with the Executive Director of the SFDCCC or files a financial disclosure statement with the Executive Director of the SFDCCC which is materially false, the following action(s) shall be taken: (1) Within 15 days of the date such omitted required financial disclosure statement or false or misleading financial disclosure statement was due to be filed by the non-compliant club, the Executive Director of the SFDCCC shall send a written communication to the non-compliant club informing it of its failure to timely file its required financial disclosure statement with the SFDCCC and provide the club 15 calendar days to file an omitted financial disclosure statement or file an amended financial disclosure statement replacing a false or misleading financial disclosure statement; (2) If the non-compliant club does not file an omitted required financial disclosure statement or amended required financial disclosure statement replacing a false or misleading financial disclosure statement within 15 days of being given the notice set forth in subsection (1), the Executive Director of the SFDCCC shall send a written communication to the non-compliant club notifying it that its SFDCCC charter is temporarily suspended and provide the club 15 calendar days to file an omitted financial disclosure statement or file an amended financial disclosure statement replacing a false or misleading financial disclosure statement; (3) If a non-compliant club given notice under subsection (2) above fails to file an omitted required financial disclosure statement or file an amended required financial disclosure statement replacing a false or misleading financial disclosure statement within 15 days of being given the notice set forth in subsection (2), the Executive Director of the SFDCCC shall notify the Committee which may take such further action against the non-compliant club it deems reasonable, necessary and proper under the circumstances including, without limitation, a revocation of the club s SFDCCC charter pursuant to Article IX, Section 2 of the By-Laws. The Executive Director shall forthwith place a link to the San Francisco Ethics Commission on home page of the Internet website of the SFDCCC. 13

14 Resolution on DCCC Financial Disclosures (Sponsor: DeJesus) WHEREAS, financial transparency is a core value of the DCCC; WHEREAS, in furtherance of that core value, the DCCC has amended Article IX its By-Laws and Policy and Article V of its Procedures & Policies Manual to require DCCC-chartered clubs to submit regular disclosures of the source of their revenue and the nature of their expenditures; IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED : THAT the DCCC shall immediately make continuing public disclosure on its Internet web site of the same financial information required be disclosed by DCCC-chartered clubs by Article IX of the By-Laws and Article V of the Procedures & Policies Manual. 14

15 Resolution on U.S. Military Action in Syria (Sponsors: DeJesus, Gallotta, F. Hsieh, Gupta) Whereas, the ill-conceived, illegal and illegitimate war in Iraq and the futility of the now fifteen-year "war on terror" have demonstrated that the route to peace and national security does not lie in undertaking "just one more invasion;" and Whereas, Representative Barbara Lee has introduced H.R. 1473, a bipartisan bill to block additional U.S. forces from being sent into Syria by prohibiting the Department of Defense from funding any attempt by the administration to expand our presence in Syria by putting U.S. combat boots on the ground, Be it resolved, that the San Francisco Democratic Party supports humanitarian and diplomatic actions to address the harm being brought upon the Syrian people, such as accepting more refugees into the United States, and Be it further resolved, that the San Francisco Democratic Party supports H.R and urges Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Jackie Speier to sign on as co-sponsors and Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris to carry forward similar legislation in the Senate to prevent further U.S. military action in Syria. 15

16 Resolution Requesting California Meet its Legal Obligations to Families in Dependency Courts (Sponsor: Cohen) WHEREAS, California law (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 317 et seq) requires the State to fund court-appointed counsel services so that all children and parents receive effective assistance of counsel, but all fifty-eight counties are seriously underfunded; some are in greater crisis than others, all carrying excessive caseloads, some as high at 300/attorney; and WHEREAS, Prior to agreeing to further appropriations to dependency counsel, the Governor directed the Judicial Council to develop a funding methodology and to reallocate funds among counties as some were in greater crisis than others; and the now the completed funding methodology demonstrates a shortfall of $88.2 million statewide, which if appropriated would bring caseloads down to 141/attorney, 41 cases higher than the standard of 100 per attorney recommended by the American Bar Association; and WHEREAS, the families impacted by inadequate counsel services are disproportionately families in poverty and of color (6.5 percent of California s general population is African American/Black, yet 22 percent of our foster youth are African American/Black; Latinos comprise 38 percent of California s 1 population and 50 percent of foster youth ) and national research demonstrates that providing trained, effective and competent counsel with reasonable caseloads is clearly linked to increased party 2 engagement, improved case planning, expedited permanency and cost savings to state government, and trained, effective and competent counsel with reasonable caseloads decreases unnecessary reentry into foster care, increases timeliness and durability of reunification and improved permanency for children, reduces intergenerational abuse (the cycle and the pipeline to the delinquency and criminal courts can be stopped), and assist in keeping families together in the community where they can have access to services and family/community support; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee urges the California State Legislature and the Governor to meet California's legal obligations to California families and appropriate and approve sufficient funds to reduce caseloads for children and parents and provide effective legal representation for children and parents appearing in dependency courts statewide. There are hardly more consequential acts the government can take than deciding whether to remove a child from the home and terminate familial rights. It is imperative that the courts get these decisions right. Yet California continues to place children and families at risk of losing these fundamental interests without adequate protections. The state must fulfill its legal obligations by increasing funding for dependency counsel and ensuring that children and parents receive the representation that they 3 deserve. 1 Webster, D., et al. Child Welfare Services Reports for California, U.C. Berkeley Center for Social Services Research (Jun. 2016); Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT Data Center (Jul. 2016) ; California Census Data: 2 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families; January 17, 2017; 3 Soaring Caseloads, Flat Funding Crush Dependency System; May 28, 2015; 16

17 Resolution to Support Passage of Assembly Bill 14 in the California State Assembly (Sponsor: Baraka) WHEREAS The 2016 Democratic Party Platform unequivocally supports robust campaign finance reform, including ending undisclosed, unaccountable contributions and contributors; and WHEREAS campaign finance reform is largely a federal issue and controlling Supreme Court precedent allows limitless undisclosed contributions and invented the assertion that money is speech; and WHEREAS elections in the City and County of San Francisco and the State of California are relying on increasingly large amounts of donor money; and BE IT RESOLVED The San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee officially adopts a position of support for Assembly Bill 14 and strenuously recommends the State Assembly and State Senate (for its companion bill) pass the measure, and Governor Brown sign it into law. Sunlight is the best disinfectant and Assembly Bill 14 will limit special interest influence in our elections by disclosing the largest contributors to state and local ballot and independent expenditure committees by ending the secret system that has allowed such committees to live in the shadows for too long. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the San Francisco DCCC will transmit passage of this resolution to the Democratic Party of California, the Office of the Governor, California s Congressional Delegation, and to all members of the California legislature. 17