HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 Human Relations Commission Action MinutesADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access
City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code
section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING ACTION MINUTES
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Eberle, Causey, Hsieh, Kraus, Savage, Stimmler
Absent: Smith
Staff: Minka Van Der Zwaag, Alayna Cruz
I. ROLL CALL
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
III. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS
IV. BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Discussion and consideration of recommendations from the ad‐hoc subcommittees
reviewing community input from the Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions on
Local Experiences of Islamophobia/Anti‐Arab Hate and Anti‐Semitism. – Chair Eberle –
Action
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Stimmler, that the HRC recommends
that the City Council direct staff to implement training increasing religious tolerance and decreasing
discrimination based on ethnicity and nationality as part of its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
(DEIB) training for city employees, boards and commissions.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Stimmler, that the HRC recommends
that the City Council direct staff to implement a social media campaign on the “Palo Alto Way”
highlighting the City’s Equity Mission Statement. This campaign would highlight City’s resources such as
the “Know Your Neighbors” grants.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Commissioner Hsieh moved, seconded by Commissioner Savage, that the HRC recommends
that the City Council direct staff to consider adding more major holidays of the faith communities
represented in Palo Alto to the community calendars.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Stimmler, that the HRC recommends
that the City Council direct the City Attorney to look into the legality of sponsoring religious holiday
ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access
City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code
section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
celebrations. This recommendation might be added to the work that the City is already doing regarding the
holiday framework the HRC previously recommended.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Commissioner Stimmler moved, seconded by Commissioner Hsieh, that the HRC recommends
City Council to direct city staff to research the formation of an interfaith community advisory group to
build bridges within the Palo Alto community, including schools and libraries. The interfaith community
advisory group would include a liaison from the HRC.
VOTE: 5-1 (1 absent)
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Causey, that the HRC recommends that
the City Council direct staff to designate a member of the Palo Alto police department to serve as the
liaison and point of contact for issues faced by faith-based communities.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Savage, that the HRC recommends City
Council direct staff to work with the HRC to convene a meeting to discuss hate crimes in 2024 with
representatives of law enforcement, city leadership, and experts in the field.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.