COUNTY OF SONOMA COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS MINUTES APRIL 27, 2010 Human Resources Training Room 575 Administration Drive, Suite 117C, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Victor Amstadter, Lucy Andrews, Patricia Boyd, Mario Castillo, Dale Geist, Elizabeth McCarthy, Evelina Molina, Judy Rice (Chair), Chris Rohde (Vice-Chair) Art Warmoth (Officer-at-Large), Roger Jack Young, Ann Zimmer COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Nadine Jaillet GUESTS PRESENT: I. CALL TO ORDER - INTRODUCTIONS: Rice called the meeting to order at 5:34 PM. Commissioners introduced themselves giving their name and district. Rice read the Commission Mission Statement, following the suggestion to do so made at the March meeting. II. III. CONSENT ITEMS: Zimmer motioned to approve the April 27, 2010 Agenda, seconded by Andrews. All were in favor. Zimmer motioned to approve the March 27, 2010 Draft Minutes, seconded by Molina. All were in favor. PUBLIC COMMENT: Richard Coshnear, Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County Michelle Crawford, Attorney Miguel Garcia Jr., private citizen Gloribell Cruz, Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County Nick Bonner, private citizen Alfredo Sanchez, private citizen Steve Fabian, American Civil Liberties Union Sonoma County Chapter Mei Nakano, Japanese American Citizens League Raquel Gomez, Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County Rue Furtch, private citizen
IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS: McCarthy acknowledged Reverend Coffee s passing earlier in the month. Rohde pointed out that emailing to a quorum of Commissioners is in violation of the Brown Act. V. OPENINGS AND APPOINTMENTS: Rice announced there are three vacancies, one in the 2 nd District and two in the 4 th District. VI. VII. SUPERVISOR COMMUNICATION UPDATES: None. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation by Sharon Dawson on Issues Related to the Deaf Community Boyd introduced Dr. Sharon Dawson, deaf advocate and Deaf Services Coordinator for Disability Services and Legal Center (DSLC) in Santa Rosa. Dawson began by pointing out that it has been twenty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed, yet the county is not up to the minimum standards. Dawson relayed that the deaf community has expressed concern because of not having communication access to the police department. Some deaf persons in this county are being denied access to interpreters, TTY, video phones, video remote interpreting, and captioned telephones; technology that can be made available. To be in compliance with the ADA the communication gap between the deaf community and those who provide services needs to be bridged. Many in the deaf community graduate with a 3 rd or 4 th grade education, and do not understand their Miranda rights, so may need a sign language interpreter, a legal interpreter, and an advocate. County staff and personnel at the Sheriff s department, jail, and other city and county departments need to be trained in use of TTY technology. There is a constant battle to provide training for these public services. As a solution Dawson proposes to have an open forum between the deaf and the Sheriff s Department, facilitated by the Commission on Human Rights, and asked for a letter of support from the Commission for these forums. Part of the proposal also includes providing on-going workshops and trainings. Rice asked if there is any current training being given. Dawson said there is, but not on use of the technology. Rice asked if Dawson had the personnel to accomplish the trainings. Dawson said yes, herself and the Deaf Counseling Advocacy & Referral Agency (DCARA) organization. Rice asked Dawson to provide a syllabus before the May Commission meeting, and Dawson agreed to. A vote on how and if the Commission would like to proceed to help will be on the May Commission Agenda. Castillo thanked Dawson for sharing the deaf community s experience. Warmoth commented that this strikes him as an issue the Commission ought to take up. CHR Commission Minutes Page 2
Zimmer asked what other agencies would be supporting the proposed trainings. Dawson answered DSLC possibly collaborating with DCARA. Presentation by Equity Action: Laurie Lippin, Ph.D., co-founder of Equity Action, a Sonoma County based business specializing in cultural competency, diversity training, and team building to corporate America, the Federal government, and nonprofit organizations nationally, presented information on Unraveling Whiteness, an experiential training based on the book Understanding Whiteness Unraveling Racism. Rice has heard good reports about this workshop, feels it would be a revealing and building experience for Commissioners, and recommended it. Up to 45 persons can attend the workshop for the reasonable price of $3000. If approved, the workshop should be done before fiscal year end, June 30. Boyd participated in this workshop and gave testimony that it helped her to understand white privilege, and also recommended it. McCarthy asked if past workshops had been done to fulfill a legal requirement or an affirmative action requirement. Lippin answered that they had been voluntarily invited in as a team building exercise, not for compliance, and participants were not forced to attend. Zimmer asked Commissioners to think of public agencies other than law enforcement, such as social service agencies and health agencies, that may have more public contact and need to be sensitized. Rice asked all Commissioners to come to the May Commission meeting with a list of suggested participants other than Commissioners. Molina would like law enforcement to be given a priority invitation. Young motioned to approve the Commission participating in the Unraveling Whiteness workshop. Warmoth seconded. Nine were in favor, two were opposed, motioned carried. Rice will discuss dates with Lippin, and will email a list of proposed dates to Jaillet to forward to Commissioners for date availability feedback. At 7:10 Rice allowed a ten minute recess. Meeting resumed at 7:20 PM. Draft Proposal for Submission to the Board of Supervisors: Rice expressed that the goal at this meeting is to determine the reaction of all Commissioners to this proposal, and to make amendments before it is presented to the Board of Supervisors for adoption and action. Rice introduced Geist, the main author, with contributors Molina, Castillo, Rohde, Rice, and Warmoth. Geist remarked that the Resolution specifically targets procedures that are currently being used or have been used in the past by the Sheriff s Department to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing Federal immigration laws. The proposal is a specific recommendation for a specific problem and does not attempt to address racial profiling and racism in general, issues that are appropriate for the Commission to address in other ways, and may be a first step CHR Commission Minutes Page 3
in the process for other proposals and other resolutions. It is not intended to be legislation, as that is the Board of Supervisors role, but is a policy recommendation that hopefully can be turned into a strong piece of legislation. Geist asked to avoid discussing specific legalese. The Commission has heard from the Public Defender, Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County, Sheriff Cogbill, Chief Freitas, ICE, and members of the community including immigrants, non-immigrants, Latinos, Whites, Asians, Blacks; most are asking for the same thing. The Commission is in a position to help and is being asked for that help. The prevailing opinion was that in an effort to apprehend criminals Sheriff s Department procedures are casting too wide of a net and, in some instances, honest people have had their human rights and civil rights violated by some of the procedures the Sheriff Department is currently using to assist ICE, which in turn produces a climate of distrust and fear of the Sheriff and other County offices. The United States Supreme Court has consistently held that non citizens on U.S. soil are entitled to constitutional protection. This document does not address Sheriff s Department activities that are not funded by the County. The proposal needs to include an enforcement mechanism, or make it clear to the Board of Supervisors that there needs to be an enforcement mechanism in the ordinance when it is written. Rice asked for all Commissioners to study the proposal and submit their comments to Jaillet within two weeks by Friday, May 7. Jaillet will then forward Commissioner comments to Geist who will incorporate and rework the proposal into a second draft. Zimmer asked if the resolution would be presented to the Board of Supervisors if it is approved. Rice said yes, eventually, it takes between four and six weeks to get on the Board calendar. Several Commissioners including McCarthy, Warmoth, Zimmer, and Castillo wished to amend and vote on page one of the draft proposal, and revise the background piece during the month. Proposal document changes are as follows: 1. Warmoth motioned to amend the third paragraph under Be It Hereby Resolved That to read: County resources, including human resources, technology, facilities, equipment, and funds, shall not be used in assisting in the enforcement of Federal immigration law. Geist seconded. All were in favor. 2. McCarthy motioned to amend the last paragraph under Be It Hereby Resolved That to read: We further recommend that the Board of Supervisors consider, review, and adopt procedure policies and ordinances pursuant to the above recommendations. Young seconded. All were in favor. 3. Zimmer motioned to replace the word Required after Except when (1) to: Mandated. Young seconded. One abstained, the motion passed. Molina motioned for the resolution as amended above to be approved and presented to the Board of Supervisors as amended, and to authorize the ad hoc CHR Commission Minutes Page 4
committee to make any changes to the supporting document by May 7, 2010. Zimmer seconded. All were in favor. Molina presented a lawsuit filed in federal court today addressing the issue of secrecy around implementation of Secure Communities and wishes it to be part of the record. A copy is attached. Consideration of Questionnaire / Survey on Immigration Issues: Rice pointed out that this questionnaire survey is a first draft and details, for example administering, are premature. Discussion ensued. Amstadter asked the purpose of the survey. The assumption is that the more data that is gathered on prevailing opinions, the better equipped one is to look at legislation and on-going issues. Geist believes Supervisor Brown wishes to gather as much data as possible to bring to a national discussion of reform of immigration policies. Warmoth and Molina want to go ahead with the project, and volunteered to pilot survey persons at the Cinco de Mayo celebration while tabling. Andrews pointed out the importance for uniformity and clearly defined questions to avoid anecdotal responses. In view of the current atmosphere there is much distrust in the community, and any questioning can create a sense of fear. The Commission does not want to be perceived as asking questions on behalf of the Sheriff s Department, therefore Molina suggested employing partnerships with other agencies. Warmoth motioned for he and Molina to create a short questionnaire/survey to be conducted at the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Warmoth and Molina have full responsibility, accountability, and power to create the questions, although input from all Commissioners is asked for. Zimmer seconded. Seven were in favor. Motion passed. Rice asked for the final questions to be submitted to the Officers before they are used. Young motioned to continue putting forth time and energy working on the draft immigration survey information proposal with the idea of submitting it to the Board of Supervisors for County implementation. Molina seconded. Motion passed. Review of Commission By-Laws: Rohde reviewed Article III Organization, Section 2. Commissioner Role and Duties paragraph B. Conduct. Rice announced that the duties and qualifications for Officer will be read at the May Commission meeting, then nominations and elections will take place. Anybody can nominate, and one can nominate themselves. Officers elected at the May meeting will take office effectively July 1, 2010. This will allow the month of June for smooth transitions. CHR Commission Minutes Page 5
Revised Nomenclature for Activity Reports: Warmoth motioned to approve reorganizing the nomenclature for Activity Reports as listed below. Zimmer seconded. All were in favor. Cultural Diversity Awareness - Warmoth o Process and Content Issues (Dialog/Forum) o Humanizing the Immigrant Experience (Youth Stories) County of Family Unity / Family Integrity - Geist o Forum o Committee for Immigrant Rights Liaison Drivers License & Vehicle Impound Policy Issues - Amstadter Purchase of Language Software: Warmoth motioned to use funds up to $700 to purchase the Rosetta Stone for Commissioners to learn Spanish. Zimmer seconded. Geist pointed out the need to purchase a multi-user software license agreement. All were in favor but one. Motioned passed. Rice asked Jaillet to purchase the software. Roseland Cinco de Mayo Celebration 2010: Warmoth motioned to purchase a table reservation for $70. Young seconded. All were in favor. Immigrant Rights March May 1, 2010: May 1 is the International Day of the Worker. Participating groups in the march are the Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County, the United Farm Workers, and a coalition of other groups. The purpose of the march is to raise awareness of workers and immigrant issues. Discussion ensued around the Commission authorizing a Commissioner(s) to speak publicly at the march on behalf of the Commission if they are invited to do so. Rice feels it is important to do nothing to jeopardize the Commission s overall credibility in the community. Geist pointed out that having an information table, such as at the Cinco de Mayo event, is a different context than speaking at a march. Geist also expressed concern about the credibility of the Commission becoming endangered if it takes a more activist role. Warmoth explained that the Cinco de Mayo event celebrates culture rather than politics. Rohde pointed out that anyone can attend an event and identify themselves as an individual Commissioner, however in the past when Commissioners spoke on behalf of the Commission at public events, they spoke from a prepared speech or a PowerPoint that had been approved in advance by the Commission, and was not freelance. Molina motioned to have an information table and Commission t-shirts available at the May 1, 2010 International Day of the Worker march, at Juliard Park, Santa Rosa. Zimmer seconded. All were in favor but one. After much discussion there were no further motions. CHR Commission Minutes Page 6
VIII. OLD BUSINESS: Fiscal Year Budget Expenditures: Warmoth reported on the Officer s t-shirt order decision. Three hundred youth sized t-shirts and 155 adult sized t-shirts were ordered for $2242.68. Molina motioned to approve the $65 meal expense incurred at the March 8, 2010 work group session. Geist seconded. All were in favor but one. Motion passed. After the approval to spend $3000 for the Unraveling Whiteness workshop approximately $3000 is remaining in the fiscal year 2009-2010 budget. Rice asked all Commissioners to send their recommendations for projects that will utilize the remaining budget this fiscal year to Jaillet by May 7, 2010. Disability and Legal Services Center (DSLC): Zimmer reported the film event will be called the First Annual Sonoma County Human Dignity Film Festival and will be played at the Rialto on November 10, 2010, 5:30-10PM. Zimmer clarified that there is no financial obligation required from the Commission as co-sponsor. Zimmer motioned that the Commission on Human Rights formally agrees to co-sponsor the First Annual Sonoma County Human Dignity Film Festival. Molina seconded. All were in favor with one abstaining. Web Streaming of Commission Meetings: Boyd left a message with the Santa Rosa Junior College and is waiting to hear back. Media Outreach with KBBF General Manager: Molina motioned to broadcast on radio station KBBF for one hour a month on various topics and use it as a platform for education. Geist seconded. All were in favor with one abstaining. Molina confirmed that she has no relationship with station KBBF, but is affiliated with station KPFA. Warmoth reported that he and Georgina Warmoth have been listening to KBBF and have found it to be mostly educational with very little political information. Elsie Allen High School Lobo Community Fair: Boyd motioned to participate in the Elsie Allen High School Lobo Community Fair, staffing an information table. Zimmer seconded. All were in favor. Santa Rosa Rose Parade: No Commission action, not participating. Commission Forum Proposal Crisis in the Latino Community: Tabled for the May Commission meeting. Attendance Report Distribution: The attendance report was distributed. CHR Commission Minutes Page 7
Correspondence: The April mailbag was electronically distributed on April 26, 2010. IX. ACTIVITY REPORTS: Strengthening the Commission (Rice): Boyd is resigning as Volunteer Coordinator. New Volunteer Coordinator is tabled for the May Commission meeting. Outreach to the Public: Events (Rohde): Human Rights Awards no report. CHR Website (Warmoth): CHR Newsletter (Rice): Rice will begin a second Newsletter soon. Media Coordination (Boyd): Boyd asked for clarity on the duties and projects that Media Coordinator entails. Rice asked Molina and Boyd to work together on this. Partnerships with Organizations & Agencies: Human Rights Organizations: Elder Abuse (Andrews): Andrews reported the April 8, 2010 forum was very well attended with over fifty elders. The next forum will be on May 17, 2010 at the Lodge at Paulin Creek in Santa Rosa. Immigrant Issues: County of Family Unity/Family Integrity Ad Hoc (Geist) No further report. Drivers License & Vehicle Impound Policy Issues Ad Hoc (Amstadter) Amstadter, McCarthy, and Rice met with Supervisor Carrillo. Amstadter reported that Carrillo feels talking to Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not productive and instead suggested addressing Senators and Representatives. Amstadter has two proposals to modify or stop the towing and storing of vehicles: 1) if a vehicle is legally parked, not causing obstruction of community safety, cite the person, leave it legally parked, and call for someone to move it; 2) tow the vehicle and have it picked up as soon as possible without storing. Amstadter has drafted a letter to the Board of Supervisors on this which he will forward to Jaillet for distribution for the May Commission meeting. CHR Commission Minutes Page 8
Humanizing the Immigrant Experience Ad Hoc (Warmoth) Warmoth, Zimmer, and McCarthy are working on a retreat proposal that would give the Commission opportunity to reflect on internal processes and how issues are approached. The group will meet at 4:45 PM before the May Commission meeting to work on the retreat proposal for formal presentation at the June Commission meeting. Warmoth asked for this to be placed on the June Agenda as a business item rather than an activity report. Rohde asked if the proposed retreat could be incorporated into the strategic planning meeting. Rohde and Rice asked Jaillet to place Strategic Planning on the May Agenda. Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County (CIRSC) (Geist): Family Justice Center (Boyd): Family Violence Prevention Council (Boyd): Human Trafficking (Rice): Cinco de Mayo Committee SR (Warmoth): Discussed earlier under New Business, no further report. Race Equality Week and Festival (Boyd): Junior Commission (Rice): Andrews reported the committee is working on how to get youth involved in the process. Windsor Oaks Academy is sponsoring a youth empowerment and leadership conference, Creating Our Future Leaders, on May 12 in Santa Rosa. Andrews would like to have Junior Commission information available at the conference to create interest and answer questions. An information table at the event is available at no charge. Rice will provide Andrews with the Junior Commission information. X. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT COMMISSION MEETING: Presentation by representative from the Spectrum Group Northern California Andrews Vote to proceed with Commission assistance to Sharon Dawson to set up ongoing workshops and trainings - Rice Unraveling Whiteness suggested non-commission participants Rice CHR Commission Minutes Page 9
Nomination and election of 2010-2011 Commission Officers Rice Remaining 2009-2010 budget expenditure Rice Commission forum proposal Crisis in the Latino Community Molina / Castillo Strategic Planning for 2010-2011 Rice XI. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT: Dan Walsh, Santa Rosa Junior College Instructor XII. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 5:30 PM at Human Resources Training. XIII. ADJOURNMENT: Rice adjourned the meeting at 10:05 PM. CHR Commission Minutes Page 10