HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2303-1142 Policy & Services Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: May 9, 2023
Report #:2303-1142
TITLE
Race and Equity Quarterly Update
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Policy and Services Committee accept this update on the City’s
recent race and equity work.
BACKGROUND
As part of the City’s ongoing Race and Equity work, the City Council adopted a list of
assignments1 in November 2020 and most of the assignments have been completed. This
quarterly update report includes progress on the remaining three November 2020 assignments,
as well as other efforts since October 2022 (time of the last quarterly update report at Policy
and Services Committee).
Previous quarterly updates to the Policy and Services Committee include:
•October 11, 2022 Update2
•June 14, 2022 Update3 (CMR #14497)
•February 8, 2022 Update (CMR #13997)
•September 2021 Update (CMR #13568)
•June 2021 Update (CMR #12342)
•March 2021 Update (CMR 12053)
1 Action Minutes: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/city-
council-agendas-minutes/2020/november-16-2020-city-council-meeting-action-minutes.pdf (pages 4 and 5) and
CMR 11754
2 October 11 update: https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=52107
3 CMR 14497: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/policy-and-services-committee/2022/20220614/20220614ppsr-reports-added-updated.pdf
ANALYSIS
Staff continues to actively move forward with the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
In addition to the City Council actions in November 2020, the City has been actively engaged in
many community initiatives, conversations, and events related to race, equity, and culture.
These updates are provided at the end of this memo. The City issued a blog update in July 2022
to share information about updates included in the June 2022 update report. Staff will continue
to share information about race and equity efforts through the City’s communications channels
and will update the Race and Equity webpage at www.cityofpaloalto.org/raceandequity.
Update on Work Assignments
The table below provides the remaining three assignments from the original 17 assignments
given by the City Council in November 2020 pertaining to the City’s Race and Equity efforts. The
status updates provided below outline the most recent action and anticipated upcoming work.
The 14 assignments already completed are listed with detail in the June 2022 report in
Attachment A. There are further updates below the table, especially for Assignment C and
Completed Assignment D (related to mental health response programs).
C Starting after the full
implementation of the Records
Management System (RMS) and
the first data collection period,
direct Staff to resume annual
data collection and analysis of
police contact data similar to the
previous Stop Data reports;
Partially Complete: The Police Department
collects stop data demographics as of January
2022 and submits the data to the California
Department of Justice (DOJ) per the
requirements of Racial and Identity Profiling Act
(RIPA). With a deadline of April 1, the City
submitted the final 2022 RIPA data submission
to the DOJ on March 28, 2023. See the detailed
update below the table which includes a link to
the City’s RIPA webpage4 as well as timelines on
data availability.
K Return in the fall of 2021 with
parameters, proposals, and
strategies prior to engaging in
Palo Alto Peace Officers’
Association (PAPOA)
negotiations;
Completed. The contract with the PAPOA was
adopted by the City Council on April 17, 2023
(meeting agenda5, item 11).
L Direct Staff, in coordination with
the City’s overall diversity and
inclusion efforts, to conduct a
workforce demographic
Ongoing: Staff is working with Ivy Planning
Group to conduct focus groups and interviews
as part of assessment work. Staff also continues
4https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/papdripa
5 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=1115 (Item 11)
assessment as baseline
information and to pursue an
employee assessment to
measure City workforce culture;
to work on a workforce demographic report (as
a snapshot in time).
Further Details
Assignment C: Starting after the full implementation of the RMS and the first data collection
period, direct Staff to resume annual data collection and analysis of police contact data similar
to the previous Stop Data reports
Pursuant to the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) of 2015, California law enforcement
agencies were required to begin collecting specific information regarding certain types of police
contacts (i.e., detentions, contacts during which a subject is searched). Palo Alto Police
Department began collecting and submitting this data to the California Department of Justice in
calendar year 2022. In compliance with the April 1, 2023 deadline, the Department submitted
its final 2022 data to CA DOJ on March 28.
On March 31, the Department launched a webpage6, which includes information about RIPA,
the Department’s reporting obligations and, eventually will include access to the Department’s
data (once it is processed by CA DOJ and uploaded to the City’s website). In addition, Chief
Binder published a community blog7 announcing PAPD’s 2022 RIPA submission, as well as the
Department’s development of an interactive RIPA data dashboard. The Department anticipates
the launch of the dashboard and release of raw data by mid-May.
In addition to publishing the raw data and the data dashboard, the Department is working with
the City Manager’s Office to identify and retain a qualified independent data analyst to review
the Department’s 2022 RIPA data as an additional resource to analyze the data. Staff is hopeful
that an analyst team can be retained soon, with forward progress towards a written report
within calendar year 2023 or early 2024.
Update on Alternative Response Mental Health Programs (linked to Completed Assignment D):
TRUST (Trusted Response Urgent Support Team) Program through Santa Clara County: On April
3, the City Council approved acceptance of the Congressional earmark championed by
Congresswoman Eshoo for non-law enforcement response to mental health needs in Palo Alto,
Mountain View, and Los Altos. The City Council concurrently approved a contract for
Momentum for Health to provide the services, which will include outreach to service providers
and the broader community to ensure awareness and maximize the effective use of this
6 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/papdripa
7 https://medium.com/paloaltoconnect/a-message-from-police-chief-andrew-binder-april-edition-b8ddbb78d059
invaluable service. This program is modeled after the CAHOOTS alternative response program
in Eugene, Oregon and is intended to help with lower acuity situations (lower-level crisis
situations).
Other Citywide Race and Equity/Diversity Updates
Upcoming Independent Police Auditor (IPA) Report
Police Department Use of Force Reports
Human Relations Commission
The Human Relations Commission is currently working on a referral from City Council aimed at
gaining insight into the lived experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific
Islanders (AANHPI) in Palo Alto. They have created a survey that has been translated into
simplified and traditional Chinese. Leading up to and during AANHPI Heritage month in May,
they will be actively reaching out to the AANHPI community, including those who live, work,
visit, worship or go to school in Palo Alto, to complete the survey and/or hear their stories. The
information collected in the survey will be used in a report back to the City Council. For more
information, please go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/AANHPIsurvey or email
AANHPI@cityofpaloalto.org.
•The Children’s Theatre will be hosting an ASL interpreted performance of INTO THE
WOODS on May 13 at 7p.m. Tickets are available online at
cityofpaloalto.org/childrenstheatre. If cost is a barrier for participation/attendance,
families may contact info@fopact.org to request access to a limited number of
scholarship tickets.
•Magical Series Sensory and Spectrum Friendly Story Acting, Dance and Music Therapy
classes were offered at the Children’s Theatre in the Winter quarter, with full rosters
and waiting lists, and will continue in Spring/Summer 2023. Participation is open to
participants based on developmental age (versus chronological age), and participants
are encouraged to bring a parent or 1:1 support. If families have questions about our
Magical Series programs, they can reach out childrens.theatre@cityofpaloalto.org.
•April 18, 2023 at 3:30 PST - the Children’s Theatre, in collaboration with the Friends of
Palo Alto Children’s Theatre and The Breath Project, participated in a free discussion
panel on the topic of slavery reparations. For more information, email
thebreathproject2020@gmail.com or marieke.gaboury@cityofpaloalto.org. This panel
discussion is part of a multi-year project to create a live theatrical, educational, work of
theatre that tackles this controversial and complex issue.
The Palo Alto Art Center featured a series of works by artist Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle focuses on the
history of Allensworth, the first all-Black town in California, in the exhibition Under Water that
was on view through April 8. The Art Center hosted a virtual conversation with the artist and art
historian Bridget R. Cooks, Ph.D. on Friday, March 17, a recording of which is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbMQx_yHQxs
MWA Insights just released a whitepaper focused on diversity internship programs, featuring
lessons learned from Working Together, the diversity internship program created by the Art
Center and Junior Museum & Zoo and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Public Art
Rituals of Resilience, culminated in a temporary
sculptural artwork called Te Veo, Te Escucho, Te Honro (I see you, I hear you, I honor you),
which was installed on King Plaza in February. The sculpture symbolizes the lived experiences
and stories collected primarily from the Latinx and BIPOC communities as well as mental health
professionals about their lives during the pandemic. A public opening celebration with the artist
took place on February 24 and featured live music and information tables for Allcove and Palo
Alto Libraries. The sculpture will temporarily remain on view on King Plaza for approximately
nine months.
Rayos Magos at the February Public Opening Ceremony in King Plaza (photo credit: Public Art Program)
Library
All We Can
Save, anthology of essays on climate change by diverse voices); AAPI Month; and Summer
Reading for a Cause (June 1-August 1) theme is “Share Your Story,” and the Library will have
plenty of events and opportunities for diverse voices and discussions.
May Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month Events:
•May 7: Shibori Workshop
•May 13: Author Event: Kyla Zhao
•May 17: Craft: Chinese Calligraphy
•May 17: Button Making Pop-up for Teens!
•May 20: Author Event: Nicole Chen
•May 20: Family Hula Demonstrations
•May 24: Family Craft: Learn Calligraphy!
•May 27: Author Event: Natasha Yim
•Adults:
•Weekly The ESL Conversation Group meets virtually to discuss a different topic in
English.
•Monthly Stay Woke Book Club: Read and discussed When Stars are Scattered
(February), and Afterlives (March)
•March 4: East Palo Alto Community Archivists Presentation: EPA Community
Archives organizers shared their project and their work documenting the East
Palo Alto community. The Archive recently opened in October 2022 and
collected stories, newspapers, photographs and artifacts to tell the story of our
neighbor, East Palo Alto in this community archive.
•UNAFF Documentary Viewing of The Price of Conflict (February) and Fair Play
(March)
•Kids:
•February: Climate Artivism for Kids; 4-week series led by teen group, Cloud
Project, to teach impact of plastic waste to kids 5-10.
•Teens:
•Artivism for Teens: New monthly program art/craft program for teens
•Celebrating Cultures:
•Lunar New Year Celebration (January 28): Over 500 attendees came out to
celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at the Art Center. Activities included crafts,
performances and a taekwondo presentation. The Library also hosted two family
storytimes, including a new quarterly Bilingual Mandarin Storytime.
•Black History Month:
o February 15: Little Ones Storytime: Celebrate Black History Month!
o February 16: Teen Movie Night: The Black Panther
o February 17: Family Craft: Paint a Rainbow, inspired craft by Alma
Woodsey Thomas
o February 21: Family Storytime: Celebrate Black History Month!
o Librarians also wrote up blogposts and book lists
•Norooz New Year Celebration (March 11): Nearly 400 attendees came out to
learn about and celebrate the Persian New Year at the Art Center. Activities
included crafts, performances and a storytime. Librarians also wrote up
blogposts and book lists.
•Women’s History Month:
o March 13: Crack the Code! Women in WWII
o March 15: Riot GRRRL! Women’s History Month Pop-Up for Teens!
o March 23: Family Storytime: Celebrate Women’s History Month
o March 23: Women’s History Month Family Craft: Rocketships
o March 31: Family Storytime: Celebrate Women’s History Month
o Librarians also wrote up blogposts and book lists
Recent medium.com Palo Alto Connect community updates featuring race and equity events,
resources and more included:
•Black History Month
•Women’s History Month: https://medium.com/paloaltoconnect/celebrate-womens-
history-month-in-palo-alto-2cd7d27545ef
Council also adopted their 2023 calendar which included the list of Council meetings and
committee meetings this year. The calendar also included a list of dates of significance
throughout the year. The calendar is an iterative process and staff will endeavor to bring a
calendar to Council annually for adoption.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The work described within this report is being accomplished within current budgets unless
otherwise noted.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Community engagement is an integral part of Palo Alto’s race and equity work. Engaging the
community at large to provide feedback for the City’s Race and Equity strategy has been a
priority throughout this process as shown in the Framework. The City continues to engage the
community through a series of Race and Equity conversations. Updates on the City’s ongoing
efforts can be found on the Race and Equity webpage on the City website
(www.cityofpaloalto.org/raceandequity). Staff is also planning an updated Community blog
with the information contained within this report. The blog will be posted on the City’s Medium
page at: https://medium.com/paloaltoconnect.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Not a project.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: R&E Assignments Completed
APPROVED BY:
Chantal Cotton Gaines, Deputy City Manager
1
Attachment A – R&E Assignments Completed as of the February 2022 Quarterly Report
(This information was attached to the June 2022 R&E Updates Report
Assignment Work Assignment Status
A
Adoption of the mission statement as a
guiding statement of the City’s commitment
to make equity a foundational principle in
adopted by City Council on November 16,
2020.
B
Expedite implementation of the new
police records management system (RMS)
with quarterly reports to Council, and to
return with the necessary agreements for
the records management system allowing
for Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA)
implementation;
Completed. A detailed update is included
below these tables.
D
Work with Santa Clara County on
implementation of participation in the
Santa Clara County Psychiatric Emergency
Response Team (PERT) program and the
Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT)
program and to return to the City Council
with any necessary agreements for program
participation;
Completed. An update on this item is
included below these tables. Staff
continues to work on alternative service
programs through partnership with Santa
Clara County.
E
Develop/update a policy on the timing of
records release related to investigations that
qualify for public disclosure under SB 1421
and AB 748;
procedures and workflow related to the
release of records associated with
investigations that qualify for public
F
Amend and expand the current Independent
Police Auditor’s (IPA) scope of services to
include all administrative use of force reports
where a baton, chemical agent, TASER, less-
lethal projectile, canine, or a firearm is used,
and all cases where the subject’s injuries
necessitate any treatment beyond minor
medical treatment in the field;
contract amendment with the IPA on June
14, 2021 which includes this language as
part of the expanded scope of services.
The first report to include this expanded
scope will be the next IPA report. The
August 30 report was written at the same
time the contract scope was amended
thus it did not include the expanded
scope. The staff cover memo for the
August report contained the summary of
G
Maintain an every six (6) months schedule
for IPA reports to City Council containing
reviews ready at the time of the report; and
for the IPA to provide an audit workplan to
the City Council for approval;
contract amendment with the IPA on June
14, 2021 which includes this language as
part of the expanded scope of services.
Attachment A - Completed Assignments
2
Assignment Work Assignment Status
started in August 2021.
The most recent IPA reports were
published on March 22 and August 30,
2021, as informational memos. The staff
cover memo for the August report
contained the summary of IPA contract
amendment items.
H
Include use of force information to the
regular Supplemental Report submitted to
the City Council as a cover memorandum
to each IPA report;
Completed. The use of force (UOF)
information for Dec. 2020-Dec. 2021 as
an annual report of a full calendar year of
data will be released with the next IPA
report in February 2022. This information
will be shared for the year 2022 in early
2023. The report includes all uses of force
similar to the June 2020 report. The use
of force (UOF) information for Jan. 1,
2015 – June 1, 2020 is available online
(https://tinyurl.com/4kwwy6xb).
I
Refer the police reform legislative priority
thoughts and input to the Policy and Services
Committee who will be discussing the City’s
legislative priorities in December 2020;
been completed; it was included in the
City Council-adopted legislative guidelines
(CMR #11968:
https://tinyurl.com/evzjwhpw) in
February 2021. Staff and the legislative
advocates continue to track bills. The City
weighed in on several police reform bills
J
Refer all race and equity work to the Policy
and Services Committee for citywide
diversity and inclusion practice areas and
policing practice areas;
receiving quarterly updates and discussion
items related to the City Council Social
Justice priority and Race and Equity.
Staff is working to get supplemental help
to assist the City with developing a race
and equity roadmap, training, and staff
M
Policy and Services CEDAW
recommendation: Direct Staff to proceed
with a community summit on gender equity
issues and next steps in Palo Alto;
Women and Girls took place on June 12,
2021 with keynote speaker Lori Nishura
Mackenzie. Information online at:
3
Assignment Work Assignment Status
Women-Girls. Potential additional steps
and other recommendations are included
N
If the County does not assign a resource to
Palo Alto in the next six months, refer to
Policy and Services Committee the
exploration of the feasibility of a CAHOOTS-
PERT resource to the City of Palo Alto.
O
Amend the contract to require the
Independent Police Auditor (IPA) to meet
with the City Council in open session twice a
year with each report;
contract amendment with the IPA on June
14, 2021 which includes this language as
part of the expanded scope of services.
The first of these meetings with the IPA
will occur on September 13, 2021.
P
Refer to the Policy and Services Committee
consideration of the Independent Police
Auditor (IPA) oversight of internal complaints
regarding misconduct related to harassment,
discrimination, or retaliation resulting in city
investigation of uniformed officers.
Committee fulfilled this City Council
referral and had this discussion at the
April 13, 2021 meeting. The staff report is
online as well as the action minutes. The
Committee voted to recommend the City
Council direct Staff and IPA to include
harassment, retaliation and discrimination
claims within the IPA scope; and research
best practices to balance the needs of
transparency and public oversight while
preserving the anonymity of
complainants, witnesses and the subject.
The City Council approved a contract
amendment with the IPA on June 14, 2021
which includes this language as part of the
Q
Direct Staff to work with IT to streamline
publishing police policy updates to the City
website on a quarterly basis.
a solution to streamline the redaction
process to make quarterly updates. The