Commission on Human Rights Meeting

Date: April 27, 2021

Time: 5:30 - 11:59 p.m.

Registration Required: No

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Agenda

First District: Howard Sapper (Officer-at-Large), Will Shonbrun
Second District: Elizabeth Escalante, Isai Garcia, Iliana Madrigal
Third District: Katrina Phillips (Vice Chair), Isabel Lopez
Fourth District: Paulina Lopez, Lannie Medina, Rosa Reynoza
Fifth District: Jerry Threet (Chair), Lyndsey Burcina, Mickale Jones
Staff: Tracy Cunha, Deputy Clerk

The April 27, 2021 Commission on Human Rights Meeting will be facilitated virtually through Zoom. Participate by computer, table, or smartphone application:
Go to: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/96087590803?pwd=L2craVYrVUZCWk4xOURvKzFQUkQ5dz09 Passcode: 265614

Participate by phone:
Dial +1 (669) 900 9128
Webinar ID: 960 8759 0803
Passcode: 265614

CALL TO ORDER – MISSION STATEMENT – INTRODUCTIONS – THREET (5 MIN)
APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 27, 2021 AGENDA – THREET (3 MIN)
Due to Brown Act requirements, only changing the order of, or deletion of items may be considered. New items may not be added unless imperative for emergency circumstances.
APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 23, 2021 MINUTES – THREET (3 MIN)
OPENINGS & APPOINTMENTS – THREET/CUNHA (5 MIN)
1.Oath of Office presented to Howard Sapper (reappointment), representing First District Supervisor Susan Gorin
2.Openings – One in the First District and One in the Third District
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS – THREET (5 MIN)
Public comment is limited to two minutes per topic
REGULAR CALENDAR – Discussion and possible action on items below

Community Service Spotlight – Phillips/Guest Speaker (25 Min)
Jennifer Petruska of Pet Rescue and Reunification will share information about the services provided by volunteers in this program during an emergency and how to prepare in advance for such events as they relate to pets.
- Resolution recognizing Jennifer Petruska and the Pet Rescue and Reunification program as honorary human rights champions
Opportunity to Participate in Community Service Project Benefiting Latinx Women and Victims of Domestic Abuse– Threet/Guest Speaker (15 Min)
Maria Carrillo student Tanna Curtis will speak to the commissioners about a potential collaboration on an educational campaign aimed at the Latinx community and those suffering from domestic violence.
Translation Services at Commission Meetings – Threet (5 Min)
Commissioners to discuss the possibility of securing Spanish translation services at future public meetings. Staff determined the anticipated cost would amount to a minimum of $150 per meeting ($75/hr with a two-hour minimum).
Junior Commissioner Project – Threet/Staff (10 Min)
Chair Threet and Staff to outline needs and timeline surrounding assembling a youth mentorship cohort to run concurrent with the 2021-2022 school year.
Ad Hoc Committee Focus Areas – Threet (45 Min)
Commissioners to provide descriptions of ad hoc committee projects and goals for the full Commission’s consideration.
Special Meeting for Hearing on Analy and El Molino High School Merger – Threet (7 Min)
Chair Threet to lead a discussion on the logistics involved with scheduling this special meeting and determination if the Commission would like to move forward with it.
June Elections for FY2021-2022 – Threet (7 Min)
In preparation of the nomination and election period that begins at the May 25 meeting and concludes at the June 22 meeting, Chair Threet will read Article III, Section 3 of the Commission's bylaws — the qualifications and duties of the Chair, Vice Chair, and Officer(s)-at-Large.
Verdict in the George Floyd Murder Case – Threet (10 Min)
Commissioners to briefly share thoughts on their reaction to the verdict.

ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING — THREET (2 MIN)

ADJOURNMENT

Instructions for the Public

In accordance with AB 361, Governor Newsom’s March 4, 2020 State of Emergency due to COVID19 pandemic, Sonoma County Public Health Officer’s Recommendation for Teleconference Meetings, and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Resolution 21-0399, the Commission on the Status of Women meetings will be held virtually.

Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361) on September 16, 2021, which amends the Ralph M.Brown Act to provide additional provisions that allow meetings of legislative bodies to continue to be conducted via teleconference. This Resolution makes the findings to confirm the current conditions allow teleconference meetings pursuant to AB 361 for the Board of Supervisors and on behalf of all of the commissions and committees created by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to Government Code section54952(b). This will allow members of the public to safely observe and participate in local government meetings during the continued pandemic.

The following are key provisions of the Executive Order with the substantive changes from the prior order identified in bold below:

Allows public agencies to hold public meetings via teleconference and to make the meeting accessible electronically or telephonically to all member of the public seeking to attend and address the Board.
The requirement that each teleconference location be publicly accessible is suspended.
The requirement to post agendas at all teleconference locations and notice each location where the member is calling in from is suspended.
The requirement that at least a quorum be present in the boundaries of the jurisdiction is suspended.
Notice must still be given 72 hours in advance for regular meeting and 24 hours in advance for special meetings.
Local Agencies may hold meetings via teleconferencing and allow the public to observe and address the meeting telephonically or otherwise electronically. (NOTE: the prior order required at least one physical location be open for the public to observe and address the meeting. A physical location for observing the meeting is no longer required.)
If meeting is held telephonically or otherwise electronically, agencies must implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable modification or accommodations from individuals with disabilities, consistent with the ADA. The procedure must be advertised each time notice of the meeting is given.
Agencies are encouraged to use sound discretion and to make reasonable efforts to adhere to the Brown Act as closely as possible.

Agendas and Materials

Agendas and Materials: Agendas and most supporting materials are available on the Commission’s website.

Due to legal, copyright, privacy or policy considerations, not all materials are posted online.

NOTE: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, materials that are not posted will be available directly from the Commission at chr@sonoma-county.org

Disabled Accommodation

If you have a disability which requires an accommodation, an alternative format, or requires another person to assist you while attending this meeting, please contact the Deputy Clerk at (707) 565-1851, as soon as possible to ensure arrangements for accommodation.

Approval of the Consent Calendar

The Consent Calendar includes routine financial and administrative actions that are usually approved by a single majority vote. There will be no discussion on these items prior to voting on the motion unless Commission Members request specific items be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar.

Public Comment

Any member of the audience desiring to address the Commission on a matter on the agenda:

Members of the public are invited to join this meeting via Zoom teleconferencing. In order that all interested parties have an opportunity to speak, please be brief and limit your comments to the subject under discussion. Each person is usually granted 3 minutes to speak; time limitations are at the discretion of the Chair.

While members of the public are welcome to address the Commission, under the Brown Act, Commission members may not deliberate or take action on items not on the agenda, and generally may only listen.

Commitment to Civil Engagement

All are encouraged to engage in respectful dialog that supports freedom of speech and values diversity of opinion. Commissioners, Staff, and the public are encouraged to:

Create an atmosphere of respect and civility where Commissioners, County Staff, and the Public are free to express their ideas within the time and content parameters established by the Brown Act and CHR’s standard Parliamentary procedures (Robert’s Rules of Order);
Establish and maintain a cordial and respectful atmosphere during discussions;
Foster meaningful dialogue free of attacks of a personal nature and/or attacks based on age, (dis)ability, class, education level, gender, gender identity, occupation, race and/or ethnicity, sexual orientation;
Listen with an open mind to all information, including dissenting points of view, regarding issues presented to the Commission;
Recognize it is sometimes difficult to speak at meetings, and out of respect for each person's perspective, allow speakers to have their say without comment or body gestures, including booing, whistling or clapping.