HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-08 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, June 08, 2023
Council Chambers & Hybrid
6:00 PM
Pursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the
option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety
while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to
participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and
participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if
attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and
reports are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City‐Hall/Boards‐Commissions/Human‐
Relations‐Commission.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91994548701)
Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
HRC@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the
City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject
line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to HRC@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the
Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.May 24, 2023
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Discussion of next steps on the 2023/2024 Workplan. – Smith – Discussion – 30 minutes
3.Input on next steps for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI)
lived experience report. – Discussion – Smith – 30 minutes
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
Commissioner Reports
Council Liaison Report
Staff Liaison Report
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC DOCUMENTS
Public Documents
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to hrc@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSIONRegular MeetingThursday, June 08, 2023Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andreports are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City‐Hall/Boards‐Commissions/Human‐Relations‐Commission. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91994548701)Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toHRC@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on theCity’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subjectline.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to HRC@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the
Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.May 24, 2023
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Discussion of next steps on the 2023/2024 Workplan. – Smith – Discussion – 30 minutes
3.Input on next steps for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI)
lived experience report. – Discussion – Smith – 30 minutes
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
Commissioner Reports
Council Liaison Report
Staff Liaison Report
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC DOCUMENTS
Public Documents
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to hrc@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSIONRegular MeetingThursday, June 08, 2023Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andreports are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City‐Hall/Boards‐Commissions/Human‐Relations‐Commission. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91994548701)Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toHRC@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on theCity’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subjectline.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to HRC@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALLPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThe Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.APPROVAL OF MINUTES1.May 24, 2023BUSINESS ITEMS2.Discussion of next steps on the 2023/2024 Workplan. – Smith – Discussion – 30 minutes3.Input on next steps for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI)lived experience report. – Discussion – Smith – 30 minutesCITY OFFICIAL REPORTSMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s)Commissioner ReportsCouncil Liaison ReportStaff Liaison ReportCOMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDASMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s)ADJOURNMENTPUBLIC DOCUMENTS
Public Documents
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to hrc@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
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.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING ACTION MINUTES
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
5:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Causey, Eberle, Hsieh, Kraus, Savage, Smith
Staff: Minka Van Der Zwaag, Alayna Cruz
I. ROLL CALL
II. BUSINESS
1. Welcome new commission members Katie Causey, Amy Hsieh, and Mary Kate Stimmler
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. April 27, 2023
MOTION: Commissioner Savage moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, to approve the
minutes of April 27, 2023.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
VI. BUSINESS
3. PUBLIC HEARING: Presentation of the Recommendation of the Adoption of a Draft Ordinance
Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) to Add Rental Registry Program (RRP) Ordinance. -
Action - City Staff
MOTION: Chair Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, to accept the basic
framework of the RRP as presented by staff with the following outstanding issues needing to
be addressed:
1. Fees and cost to property owners
2. Penalty structure and costs to property owners
3. Possible exemptions of fees for duplexes where one unit is owner occupied and ADU’s
4. Outlining of privacy mandates and how they will be facilitated
5. Description of tenant privacy
6. Exemption of ADU’s from the RRP
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
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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.
4. Review of Past Year – Discussion - Smith
NO ACTION TAKEN
5. Overview of Core Responsibilities, Liaisons & Buddies – Discussion - Eberle
NO ACTION TAKEN
6. Public Comment for Agenda Item Number 7
7. Development of Workplan and Divvying up of Liaison & Buddy responsibilities for the Year - Action –
Smith & Eberle
MOTION: Commissioner Causey moved, seconded by Commissioner Savage, to approve the
workplan:
Core responsibilities:
• CDBG follow-up
• HSRAP site visits in Spring 2024
• A professional Human Service Needs Assessment by a consultant in anticipation of the 2026-2027
HSRAP funding cycle.
o Assess the role of HSRAP, the goals of the grant program how impact is measured.
• Emerging Needs Grants
Continuation of Work
• Inclusion and Belonging
o AANHPI lived experience - community outreach, community interviews, listening
sessions.
o Equity work and partnering with the City on bias training for commissions and policy
language.
• FBI community education on hate crimes
o Human trafficking
o Online targeting of youth
o Community conversations
o Local businesses and hotels trained on how to intervene/de-escalate hate crimes/incidents
that are in progress.
• Climate Change
o Partnership with PAUSD student group
o What we can do to protect residents, particularly the most vulnerable, when there is
flooding, heatwaves, power-outages (more stress on the power grid, cost of transferring
to electric). Possibility of city funds to help low-income/vulnerable populations transfer
to electric and the smart meters.
• Renter protections recommendation memo to Council (by end of June)
• Holiday framework recommendation memo to Council (by end of June)
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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.
New Work
• Reinstate learning sessions
o Public Health - post-pandemic wellbeing (work, personal loss, mental health, physical
health, job loss) of residents. Day of remembrance for COVID-19.
o Lack of community and walkability in South Palo Alto and other under-resourced
communities.
Zoning
Timeline for rebuilding the Bill’s Cafe complex of businesses
New housing elements
o Seniors
Affordable housing
Elder abuse
Food security (access)
Digital divide
Affordable and reliable transportation
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
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Board/Commission Name DRAFT ONLY
2023-2024 Workplan
Staff Liaison: Minka van der Zwaag, Human Services Manager
Lead Department: Community Services
About the Commission
This workplan covers portions of Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 (June 1, 2023 – March 30, 2024) for the Human Relations
Commission (HRC). The Commission is composed of 7 members who are residents of Palo Alto . Terms are for 3 years .
See Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Sections 2.16 and 2.22. For more information about the HRC please visit our
webpage at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/hrc
Current Commissioners
• Kaloma Smith (Chair)
• Adriana Eberle (Vice Chair)
• Katie Causey
• Amy Hsieh
• Michelle Kraus
• Daryl Savage
• Mary Kate Stimmler
Mission Statement
HRC Mission: To promote the just and fair treatment of all people in Palo Alto, particularly our most vulnerable populations. By
promoting awareness of issues and enabling conversations that enhance inclusion, the HRC strives to create a community where
civility, respect and responsible actions are the norm.
HRC Jurisdiction: Muni Code 2.22.050
(a) The Human Relations Commission has the discretion to act with respect to any human relations matter when the commission
finds that any person or group does not benefit fully from public or private opportunities or resources in the community or is
unfairly or differently treated due to factors of concern to the commission.
(1) Public or private opportunities or resources in the community include, but are not limited to, those as sociated with
ownership and rental of housing, employment, education and governmental services and benefits.
(2) Factors of concern to the commission include, but are not limited to, socioeconomic class or status, physical condition o r
handicap, married or unmarried state, emotional condition, intellectual ability, age, sex, sexual preference, gender identity, race,
cultural characteristics, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship, and religious, conscientious or philosophical belief.
(b) The commission shall conduct such studies and undertake such responsibilities as the council may direct.
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Prior Year
Accomplishments
Goal #1 - Public Safety: Recommended to bring the FBI and community resources to Palo Alto to do community education on
hate crimes. In addition, made a recommendation to City Council to increase public awareness and marketing on how to report a
hate crime and hate incidents (March 2022). Hosted a Community Listening Session with City Manager Ed Shikada on key
qualities of the next police chief and community priorities for the Palo Alto Police Department (March 2022). HRC members
participated in the Police Chief interview panel and reported back to the full Commission (August 2022). Presentation on Hate
Crimes by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Civil Rights Unit (September 2022). Presentation by Palo Alto Police Chief
Andrew Binder on his goals and visions for the Police Department and update on current issues (November 2022).
Goal #2 - Belonging: Joined the Public Art Commission in the selection process for the King Artist Residency at King Plaza to
promote culture, identity, belonging, mental health and resilience in Palo Alto, with the special focus on amplifying voices of
Latinx and BIPOC community members and mental health service providers (March 2022). Approval of HRC support of Multifaith
Peace Picnic and Prayer Services on September 11, 2022, on King Plaza (August 2022). Created a draft Framework on Process
for City Recognition of Events, Individuals, and Celebrations to develop recommendations to City Council, in response to the
referral from the City Council on Recognizing Key Dates to Advance Race and Equity (September 2022). Formation of an ad-hoc
committee for the Council Referral to researc h the lived experience of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders
(AANHPI), and circulation of the AANHPI Lived Experience Survey (February 2023).
Goal #3 - Public Health: Recommendations passed in response to the City Council referral to th e Commission on ways to
improve implementation of current City renter protections (November 2022).
Goal #4 - Core Responsibilities: A subcommittee of HRC commissioners and city staff served as the review committee for the
Emerging Needs Fund. In 2022, a total of 5 grants totaling $46,031 was approve d (February, June, & September 2022).
Reviewed and made funding recommendations to the Finance Committee for 9 grants totaling $665,459 as part of the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding program for Fiscal Year 2022-23 (March 2022). Recommended to Adopt
Amendments to the Community Block Grant (CDBG) Citizen Participation Plan (May 2022). Completed site visits with 16 Human
Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) Fiscal Year 2022-23 grantees (August 2022). Hosted a listening session with
current Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) grantees and past applicants to review the HSRAP application
process and procedures (October 2022). Review of the 2022 Human Services Needs Assessment Survey results, and
recommendations on the draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) Priority of Needs
(October 2022).
Goal #5 - Climate Change: Presentation of the draft framework on Climate Impact on Vulnerable Communities in Palo Alto by
the Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition. Formation of an ad-hoc subcommittee to work with the Palo Alto Student Climate
Coalition to aid in the research phase of the framework (January 2023).
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PROJECT/GOAL 1:
Core Responsibilities
Funding Programs - Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emerging Needs Fund. Continue
to review and give input to funding decisions. Priority during this workplan cycle includes a professional Human Services Needs Assessment by a consultant in
anticipation of the 2026-2027 HSRAP funding cycle. The Needs Assessment will assess the current human service needs of the Palo Alto community, the role of
the program, the goals of the program, and how program impact is measured.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
The funding programs provide human
services organizations with essential
monetary support to serve vulnerable and
underserved residents of Palo Alto.
Ongoing Adhoc HRC subcommittee and staff time
for the funding decisions. Funds needed for
the hiring of a consultant to complete a
Human Services Needs Assessment.
Moderate level of staff and adhoc
subcommittee time.
Results of Human Services Needs
Assessment will provide the HRC, staff
and Council with updated and vital
information on current human needs in
the community, concrete suggestions for
changes/additions to the HSRAP priority
of needs, application and/or review
process, and increased ways in which to
measure the effectiveness of the City’s
funding investment in Human Services
organizations.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
The Human Services Needs Assessment is a high priority to ensure the HSRAP grant
program is serving the Palo Alto community to the best of its ability.
Continue to provide funding recommendations for CDBG and the Emerging Needs
Fund as needed.
N/A
PROJECT/GOAL 2:
Inclusion and Belonging
Inclusion & Belonging - Explore ways in which the Commission can continue to positively affect the sense of inclusion and belonging in the community. Projects
include:
• The continuation of the AANHPI lived experience survey and the beginning of community outreach, interviews, and listening sessions.
• Equity work through partnering with the City on creating policy language and bias training for commissions.
• Other projects as identified.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
All individuals who live, work or worship
in Palo Alto have the right to feel included
and valued as members of the
community.
Spring-Fall 2023 Adhoc HRC subcommittee and staff time
Moderate level of staff and adhoc
subcommittee time.
AANHPI Project – After review of the
survey, demographics and interview
data, the creation of a series of a report
and series of recommendations for
Council consideration for increased
understanding and increased and
possible action to improve a sense of
inclusion and belonging in the AANHPI
community.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Compile and report on the results of the AANHPI Survey and continue gathering
perspectives from the community through outreach, interviews and listening sessions.
Begin work on partnering with the City to provide bias training for commission and to
create equitable policy language and bias training for commissions.
-AANHPI Survey -
Council Referral May
2022
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PROJECT/GOAL 3:
Public Safety
Public Safety - Explore and implement avenues to decrease incidences of crimes in the community. Areas of priority include:
• Hate Crimes
• Human trafficking.
• Online targeting of youth.
• Community conversations.
• Training for local businesses and hotels on how to recognize and de-escalate hate crimes and incidents.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
All individuals who live, work or worship
in Palo Alto have the right to do so
without fear of verbal or physical abuse
or attack.
Summer-Fall 2023 Adhoc subcommittee and staff time. Space
and marketing for educational
programming.
Moderate level of staff and adhoc
subcommittee time.
Measures may include: How many
people attend educational programming,
specific actions taken by members of the
public to combat hate crimes, and the
increased reporting of hate crimes.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Continue partnering with the FBI Civil Rights Unit to create programming that will be used
in educational programming.
Begin analysis and consideration of any actions beyond the Community meeting with
the FBI.
Council Referral
May 2022
PROJECT/GOAL 4:
Climate Change
Climate Change - Explore ways in which climate change may disproportionately affect specific populations in the community, especially in the wake of recent
flooding, extreme weather conditions, and power-outages. Areas of priority include:
• Possibility of City funds to help low-income and vulnerable populations transfer to electric and smart meters.
• Continue partnership with the Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition research on the Climate Impact on Vulnerable Communities.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
Climate change is a priority for the Sate
of California and the City of Palo Alto.
Climate awareness and changes in
habits help everyone thrive and special
attention should be paid to vulnerable
populations.
Project began in Spring 2023 and will
continue to Fall 2023.
Adhoc subcommittee to work alongside
student committee.
Lower level of staff and adhoc
subcommittee time.
A series of recommendations to be
presented to the Council which will
inform them of the issues that face low
income and vulnerable members of the
community that are caused or affected
by Climate Change.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Completion and analysis of information presented by the community/student committee. N/A
2
Packet Pg. 10
PROJECT/GOAL 5:
Learning Sessions
Learning Sessions - Engage in learning sessions to gain more understanding on the following topics:
• Public Health - Post-pandemic wellbeing (work, personal loss, mental health, physical health, job loss) of residents. A day of remembrance for those that
lost their life to COVID-19 and their loved ones.
• The lack of community and walkability in South Palo Alto and other under-resourced communities with a focus on zoning, new housing elements, and a
timeline for the rebuilding of the complex of business at 3163 Middlefield Road.
• Issues faced by seniors including affordable housing, elder abuse, food security and access, the digital divide, and affordable and reliable transportation.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
Listening sessions are utilized by the
HRC to explore an issue with the help of
subject matter experts in order to 1)
Become informed on the topic(s); 2)
Explore whether there is a role for the
HRC in addressing/recommending any
action.
During the term covered by this workplan Staff and HRC commissioner time
Lower level of staff and adhoc
subcommittee time.
HRC discussions, deliberations, actions
and recommendation are all well served
by the review of information presented
by subject matter experts.
N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Priority level of the individual Listening Sessions will be determined by the HRC at their
June, 8, 2023 meeting.
N/A
PROJECT/GOAL 6:
Emerging Needs
Emerging Needs - The HRC will identify emerging issues in the community, prioritize those that need further attention and bring any major initiatives, including
those that involve significant staff time to the Council for approval. The Commission will also be responsive to future refer rals by the Council.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW /
COUNCIL-APPROVED
The HRC has the discretion to act with
respect to any human relations matter when
the commission finds that any person or
group does not benefit fully from public or
private opportunities or resources in the
community, or is unfairly or differently treated
due to factors of concern to the
commission.
Ongoing TBD TBD N/A
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Lower priority N/A
2
Packet Pg. 11
From:Aram James
To:Figueroa, Eric; DuJuan Green; Tannock, Julie; Jethroe Moore; Foley, Michael; Michael Gennaco; Reifschneider,
James; Wagner, April; Council, City; Human Relations Commission; Josh Becker;
Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Sean Allen; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen; Shikada, Ed; Rebecca
Eisenberg; Binder, Andrew; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; Perron, Zachary; Jay Boyarsky; chuck jagoda; Angie
Evans; Javier Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg
Subject:Chesa Boudin: Why I’m not running for office in 2024
Date:Wednesday, May 31, 2023 11:46:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/chesa-boudin-district-attorney-uc-berkeley-18127707.php
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 12
From:Aram James
To:Shana Segal; Don Austin; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission; Council, City;
Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Angie Evans
Subject:Palo Alto Unified under investigation by federal civil rights office
Date:Wednesday, May 31, 2023 9:35:57 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 13
From:Aram James
To:Roberta Ahlquist; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Greg Tanaka; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Human
Relations Commission; Sean Allen; Linda Jolley; Sean S. Reinhart; Cecilia Taylor; bnash@menlopark.gov; Josh
Becker; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Planning Commission; Council, City; Supervisor Susan
Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; chuck jagoda; Javier Ortega
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - RV dwellers could soon get a lot
Date:Wednesday, May 31, 2023 9:30:17 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
FYI: our neighbors in San Jose ( RV lot proposal, Mercury News, May 31,2023)
RV dwellers could soon get a lot
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=068eb7f8-cc6d-49ab-83ff-
d3d696b1f425&appcode=SAN252&eguid=697e2882-27c5-43fd-ae9a-e25aef98a330&pnum=2#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 14
From:Aram James
To:Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Josh Becker; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission; Council, City; Sean Allen;
Reifschneider, James; Human Relations Commission; Vara Ramakrishnan; Betsy Nash; Binder, Andrew; Cecilia
Taylor; Vara Ramakrishnan; alisa mallari tu; Joe Simitian; Wagner, April;
Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov
Subject:San Francisco rolls out new team to address homelessness
Date:Wednesday, May 31, 2023 9:19:50 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
Check out this video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/rKMFZevUOqM
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 15
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Reifschneider, James; Shikada, Ed; Human Relations Commission; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore;
Wagner, April; Josh Becker; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca
Eisenberg; Joe Simitian
Subject:San Francisco steps up emergency effort to bring Tenderloin back from brink
Date:Wednesday, May 31, 2023 9:16:10 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/rCFI5jJdpEo
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 16
From:Aram James
To:Barberini, Christopher; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Perron, Zachary; Wagner, April; Sean Allen;
Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission; Michael Gennaco; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg;
Javier Ortega; Council, City; ladoris cordell; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; Enberg, Nicholas
Cc:Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; Foley, Michael; Vara Ramakrishnan
Subject:The Tortured Bond of Alice Sebold and the Man Wrongfully Convicted of Her Rape | The New Yorker
Date:Tuesday, May 30, 2023 5:59:50 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi Chuck,
FYI: a chilling and most sobering read —5 million dollars does not
come close to righting the wrong in this case and so many other
mistaken ID cases that occur daily. Checkout also the book:
Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/05/29/the-tortured-
bond-of-alice-sebold-and-the-man-wrongfully-convicted-of-her-rape
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 17
From:Diana Darcy
To:Human Relations Commission
Cc:Diana Darcy
Subject:Proposed Rental Registry Ordinance feedback
Date:Tuesday, May 30, 2023 1:46:29 PM
You don't often get email from ddarcy66@gmail.com. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
I am writing to provide feedback about the proposed Rental Registry Ordinance. I was
unable to attend the recent meeting where this was discussed.
It seems to me that requiring landlords to pay a registration fee would discourage them from
renting their properties at a time when we need as many housing units as possible.
I don’t see the reason the city needs to have this information. If the city has a valid reason
for needing this information, it should cover the costs of collecting it; not put that cost on
the landlord.
Even if the city has a valid reason for tracking rental units, I don’t see any justification for
knowing the security deposit, monthly rent, or all the other details of the rental laid out in
the proposed form.
Especially for those of us renting an ADU on our property, it could be a security concern to
publicize tenancy dates and other information.
Thank you,
Diana Darcy
1032 Harker Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
ddarcy66@gmail.com
--
Diana Darcy
ddarcy66@gmail.com
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Packet Pg. 18
From:Thomas Luke
Subject:Resident Survey
Date:Tuesday, May 30, 2023 5:02:41 AM
You don't often get email from thomasluke921@gmail.com. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
My name is Thomas Luke, I hope you offer resident surveying, Planning and measurements
for the proposed new building? I need you to work on my site. Please advise if you're
available for the service?
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 19
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Jeff Rosen; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Barberini, Christopher; Foley, Michael;
Council, City; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission; Jay Boyarsky;
Tannock, Julie; Figueroa, Eric; Lee, Craig; Afanasiev, Alex; Joe Simitian; Molly; Stump, Molly; Shikada, Ed;
Rebecca Eisenberg
Subject:10Investigates: DA says assistant police chief made "unlawful" traffic s...
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 10:39:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/1wxDVFwKfdU
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 20
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Perron, Zachary; Reifschneider, James; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Wagner, April; Dave Price;
Diana Diamond; Sue Dremann; Human Relations Commission; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Greg
Tanaka; Bains, Paul; peaceandjusticecenter@gmail.com; Joe Simitian; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; Braden
Cartwright; Emily Mibach; editor@paweekly.com; Gennady Sheyner; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen
Cc:Angie Evans; Shana Segal; Josh Becker; Council, City; Molly; Shikada, Ed; Cindy Chavez; Roberta Ahlquist
Subject:Do you want Zack Perron as Palo Alto’s next Assistant Police Chief?
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 8:18:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Tell Police Palo Alto Chief Andrew Binder that selecting Zack Perron as Palo Alto’s next
assist police chief is unacceptable.
https://padailypost.com/2019/05/22/cops-use-of-n-word-led-to-investigation-that-never-
became-public/
Shared via the Google app
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 21
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Roberta Ahlquist
Cc:Aram James; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Donald A. Barr; paul bundy;
Joyce Beattie; Cherrill Spencer; Marni Barnes; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; Donna Bender; Sally Clark; Liz Cane;
Sunita de Tourreil; Winter Dellenbach; Jolinda Decad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Gerry jurgensen; Emer Martin; EPA
Today; Eugenia (Genie) Njolito; klara ernyes; Fred Balin; friendsofgrannies@grannies.com; SILKE GURLICH; Paul
George @ PPJC; Gerry Gras; Sandy Perry-HCA; Human Relations Commission; Helen Young; HRW Silicon Valley;
Iza Predmdore; Ralph Nader; Jacqueline W Stewart; Virginia Lea; Lenny S. via Mobilize; Nicki Newby; Nextdoor
University South; Barby and Vic Ulmer; Pooja Oysgelt; Rosalinda Quintanar; Uygur, Serkan
Subject:UNA doc on housing at Rinconada June 1, 7 pm
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 7:34:13 PM
[You don't often get email from h.etzko@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at
https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
>
> Hi Roberta
>
> Regrets. New York for a week that day. 65 th high school reunion events.
>
> Best
> Henry
Www.triplehelix.net
Ps click on above to view new THI digs
Happy to host “Low income” meet from 1 September
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On May 29, 2023, at 4:33 PM, Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu> wrote:
>>
>>
>> join us to discuss the housing crisis.
>>
>> Roberta
>>
>> <UNAFFinLibs-ADecentHome2023.pdf>
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 22
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Roberta Ahlquist
Cc:Aram James; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Donald A. Barr; paul bundy;
Joyce Beattie; Cherrill Spencer; Marni Barnes; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; Donna Bender; Sally Clark; Liz Cane;
Sunita de Tourreil; Winter Dellenbach; Jolinda Decad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Gerry jurgensen; Emer Martin; EPA
Today; Eugenia (Genie) Njolito; klara ernyes; Fred Balin; friendsofgrannies@grannies.com; SILKE GURLICH; Paul
George @ PPJC; Gerry Gras; Sandy Perry-HCA; Human Relations Commission; Helen Young; HRW Silicon Valley;
Iza Predmdore; Ralph Nader; Jacqueline W Stewart; Virginia Lea; Lenny S. via Mobilize; Nicki Newby; Nextdoor
University South; Barby and Vic Ulmer; Pooja Oysgelt; Rosalinda Quintanar; Uygur, Serkan
Subject:Re: UNA doc on housing at Rinconada June 1, 7 pm
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 6:33:49 PM
[You don't often get email from h.etzko@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at
https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
Hi Roberta
Regrets. New York for a week that day. 65 th high school reunion events.
Best
Henry
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 29, 2023, at 4:33 PM, Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu> wrote:
>
>
> join us to discuss the housing crisis.
>
> Roberta
>
> <UNAFFinLibs-ADecentHome2023.pdf>
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 23
From:Roberta Ahlquist
To:Aram James; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Donald A. Barr; paul bundy;
Joyce Beattie; Cherrill Spencer; Marni Barnes; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; Donna Bender; Sally Clark; Liz Cane;
Sunita de Tourreil; Winter Dellenbach; Jolinda Decad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Henry Etzkowitz; Gerry jurgensen;
Emer Martin; EPA Today; Eugenia (Genie) Njolito; klara ernyes; Fred Balin; friendsofgrannies@grannies.com;
SILKE GURLICH; Paul George @ PPJC; Gerry Gras; Sandy Perry-HCA; Human Relations Commission; Helen
Young; HRW Silicon Valley; Iza Predmdore; Ralph Nader; Jacqueline W Stewart; Virginia Lea; Lenny S. via
Mobilize; Nicki Newby; Nextdoor University South; Barby and Vic Ulmer; Pooja Oysgelt; Rosalinda Quintanar;
Uygur, Serkan
Subject:UNA doc on housing at Rinconada June 1, 7 pm
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 4:34:27 PM
Attachments:UNAFFinLibs-ADecentHome2023.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
join us to discuss the housing crisis.
Roberta
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 24
From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency; dennis burns; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen;
Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Vara Ramakrishnan; alisa mallari tu; GRP-City Council;
citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Cecilia Taylor; Human Relations Commission; cromero@cityofepa.org; Lee, Craig;
dcombs@menlopark.org; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James
Subject:UPDATE: Sinzae Reed"s Killer Avoids Murder Charges
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 4:26:39 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
>
>
> https://youtu.be/mwxA9lv8SSo
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 25
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission; Council, City; Reifschneider, James;
Wagner, April; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Shana Segal; Supervisor Susan
Ellenberg; Binder, Andrew; Josh Becker; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Enberg,
Nicholas; Shikada, Ed; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega
Subject:UPDATE: Sinzae Reed"s Killer Avoids Murder Charges
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 4:22:09 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/mwxA9lv8SSo
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 26
From:Michelle Kraus
To:michellekraus@yahoo.com
Cc:owenbyrd@gmail.com
Subject:Join Us for Josh Becker"s CA Senate 2024v Campaign Kickoff - June 3rd at 3 - 5 pm
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 10:36:18 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Friends,
Please forgive me for this blast. The Memorial Day holiday and the CA State Convention complicated
this announcement for CA State Senator Josh Becker.
Owen Byrd and I are hosting State Senator Josh Becker’s re-election kickoff event in Palo Alto on
Saturday, June 3rd, 3:00pm - 5:00pm.
Josh has done an amazing job in Sacramento, particularly spearheading environmental legislation.
He has made our voices heard.
You can RSVP here and let me know if you have any questions or need help. If you are a student or a
senior, please give what you can and please attend.
Michelle
Dr. Michelle Kraus
michellekraus@yahoo.comg
650-218-5540
DETAILS:When: Saturday June 3rdWhere: Palo Alto. Address Available Upon RSVPTime: 3pm - 5pm Suggested Contribution Levels:Host: $5500Co-Host: $2500Champion: $1000Friend: $500Supporter: $250Activist: $100 Josh Becker is a public policy innovator working at the intersection of communityactivism, technology, and social justice.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 27
Josh is a 28-year resident of Menlo Park, where he lives with his rockstar wife Jonnaand their two children, Leo, and Aaron.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 28
From:Peter O"Riordan
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Feedback on proposed Palo Alto Rental Registry
Date:Monday, May 29, 2023 10:19:47 AM
You don't often get email from oriordanmeister@gmail.com. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
I was not able to attend the meeting where the proposed Rental Registry Ordinance was
discussed so I am providing some feedback via email.
I do not understand what reason the city has for gathering this information at all.
Requiring landlords to pay a registration fee would seem to discourage renting at a time when
we need as many housing units as possible. If the city has a valid reason for needing this
information, it should pay for collecting it; not put that cost on the landlord.
Even if the city has a valid reason for tracking rental units, I don’t see any justification for
knowing the security deposit, monthly rent, or all the other details of the rental laid out in the
proposed form.
Peter O'Riordan
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 29
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Sheriff Transparency; Council, City; Reifschneider,
James; Wagner, April; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg; Shikada,
Ed; ladoris cordell; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; Rob Baker; Enberg, Nicholas; Julie Lythcott-Haims;
Human Relations Commission; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; dennis
burns; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; Josh Becker; Cecilia Taylor; EPA Today; Gennady Sheyner; Dave Price; Greg
Tanaka
Subject:SFPD uses these weed-related terms to unjustly search black people
Date:Sunday, May 28, 2023 11:19:42 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/police-stop-pot-black-weed-17731894.php
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 30
From:Aram James
To:Lee, Craig; cromero@cityofepa.org; Diana Diamond; Gennady Sheyner; Sue Dremann; Jason Green; Binder,
Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Foley, Michael;
Tannock, Julie; Figueroa, Eric; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; GRP-City Council;
citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Barberini, Christopher
Subject:Corrupt Deputy SNAPS After Noticing He"s Being Filmed - YouTube
Date:Sunday, May 28, 2023 1:26:50 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
>
>>>
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eejHXlmITio
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 31
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Javier Ortega; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Council, City; Sheriff Transparency; DuJuan Green;
dennis burns; Kevin Jensen; Reifschneider, James; Michael Gennaco; Wagner, April; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen;
Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; Shikada, Ed; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; Enberg, Nicholas;
Human Relations Commission; Perron, Zachary; Angie Evans; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Julie Lythcott-Haims;
Cindy Chavez; Josh Becker; Cecilia Taylor; Shikada, Ed; EPA Today; Rob Baker
Subject:Corrupt Deputy SNAPS After Noticing He"s Being Filmed - YouTube
Date:Sunday, May 28, 2023 1:22:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com>
Date: May 28, 2023 at 12:17:28 PM PDT
To: Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>, Jethroe Moore <moore2j@att.net>
Subject: Corrupt Deputy SNAPS After Noticing He's Being Filmed -
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eejHXlmITio
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 32
From:Aram James
To:editor@paweekly.com; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Sue Dremann; Jason Green; Gennady Sheyner; Jocelyn
Dong; Binder, Andrew; Barberini, Christopher; Tannock, Julie; cromero@cityofepa.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org;
ramona@sanjosespotlight.com; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Bains, Paul;
peaceandjusticecenter@gmail.com; Josh Becker; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - Reparations are a financial quandary for Democrats
Date:Sunday, May 28, 2023 11:45:02 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
>
> FYI: Only 18 percent of white people support reparations while 77 percent of Black adults favor reparations. I’m
guessing the same grim statistics would show that only about 18 percent of Black people trust or support our police
while 80 percent of white folks, or more, support the police (mostly the direct descendants of slave catchers). Except
Palo Alto city council member Greg Tanaka I’ve never been able to get the remainder of the city council or our city
manager to even say the word reparations. It is time our city manager Ed Shikada and our Mayor Lydia Kou put
reparations on an upcoming city council agenda for a study session to include local black leaders and academics to
study this critical matter.
>
> Aram James
>
>
>
> Reparations are a financial quandary for Democrats
> https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=b9e2598a-5ae0-48d6-a6ad-
46d666943be3&appcode=SAN252&eguid=6e82d23e-8325-4fbb-9fc1-b642a354b026&pnum=36#
>
> For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 33
From:Aram James
To:Burt, Patrick; Greer Stone; Lauing, Ed; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Council, City; Josh
Becker; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Shikada, Ed; Lewis. james; Binder, Andrew; Michael
Gennaco; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Anna Griffin; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell;
chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; Cecilia Taylor; Betsy Nash; Human Relations Commission; Wagner,
April; Perron, Zachary; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; Cindy Chavez; Reifschneider, James; Tina Boales; dennis
burns; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Rob Baker; Enberg, Nicholas
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - Reparations are a financial quandary for Democrats
Date:Sunday, May 28, 2023 11:27:51 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
FYI: Only 18 percent of white people support reparations while 77 percent of Black adults favor reparations. I’m
guessing the same grim statistics would show that only about 18 percent of Black people trust or support our police
while 80 percent of white folks, or more, support the police (mostly the direct descendants of slave catchers). Except
Palo Alto city council member Greg Tanaka I’ve never been able to get the remainder of the city council or our city
manager to even say the word reparations. It is time our city manager Ed Shikada and our Mayor Lydia Kou put
reparations on an upcoming city council agenda for a study session to include local black leaders and academics to
study this critical matter.
Aram James
Reparations are a financial quandary for Democrats
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=b9e2598a-5ae0-48d6-a6ad-
46d666943be3&appcode=SAN252&eguid=6e82d23e-8325-4fbb-9fc1-b642a354b026&pnum=36#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Aram James
To:Greg Tanaka; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; editor@paweekly.com; Human Relations
Commission; Josh Becker; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - What California can learn from Stockton Syndrome
Date:Sunday, May 28, 2023 9:20:59 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article on the The Mercury News e-edition app and thought you’d be
interested.
What California can learn from Stockton Syndrome
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=9a2aeb99-fd87-4d5f-b2e5-
f88584bae3b0&appcode=SAN252&eguid=6e82d23e-8325-4fbb-9fc1-b642a354b026&pnum=30#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Aram James
To:Rebecca Eisenberg; Council, City; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission;
Planning Commission; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Joe Simitian; Cindy Chavez; Supervisor
Susan Ellenberg; Javier Ortega; alisa mallari tu; Vara Ramakrishnan; Cecilia Taylor; Betsy Nash;
dcombs@menlopark.org; citycouncil@mountainview.gov
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - California water proposal has dark, hidden currents
Date:Sunday, May 28, 2023 9:13:48 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article on the The Mercury News e-edition app and thought you’d be
interested.
California water proposal has dark, hidden currents
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=a54f905f-9e0d-4059-a700-
c41c8531107a&appcode=SAN252&eguid=6e82d23e-8325-4fbb-9fc1-b642a354b026&pnum=27#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Sheriff Transparency; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Council,
City; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael; Tannock, Julie; Council, City; Josh Becker;
Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Jeff Rosen; Shikada, Ed; Rebecca Eisenberg; Human Relations
Commission; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; alisa mallari tu; Jay Boyarsky; Enberg, Nicholas; Perron, Zachary; Kevin
Jensen
Subject:2 Alameda County sheriff"s deputies, juvenile detention officer face cri...
Date:Saturday, May 27, 2023 12:19:28 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/S-jUkZLV-kU
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; Rob Baker; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Josh
Becker; Binder, Andrew
Subject:Mississippi police shoot 11-year-old boy after his call to 911 - YouTube
Date:Thursday, May 25, 2023 1:56:27 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com>
Date: May 25, 2023 at 1:17:56 PM PDT
To: Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>, Jethroe Moore <moore2j@att.net>
Subject: Mississippi police shoot 11-year-old boy after his call to 911 -
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Yb0F2keEQk
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Shikada, Ed; Human Relations
Commission; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Council, City; EPA Today; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael; Joe
Simitian; Javier Ortega; Rebecca Eisenberg; Jeff Rosen; Josh Becker; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky;
Enberg, Nicholas; Julie Lythcott-Haims; chuck jagoda; Shikada, Ed; Angie Evans;
Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cecilia Taylor; dennis burns
Subject:Mississippi police shoot 11-year-old boy after his call to 911
Date:Thursday, May 25, 2023 1:31:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/4Yb0F2keEQk
Sent from my iPhone
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May 25, 2023
Hi friends,
For those of you who missed the livestream event earlier today, the Biden-Harris
Administration released the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. It
is the most ambitious and comprehensive U.S. Government-led effort to combat
antisemitism in American history.
This whole-of-society strategy includes over 100 new actions the Administration will take
to raise awareness of antisemitism and its threat to American democracy, protect Jewish
institutions and communities, reverse the normalization of antisemitism, and build cross-
community solidarity to fight antisemitism. It also makes over 100 calls on Congress, state
and local governments, the private sector, and civil society to take steps to counter
antisemitism.
To read a fact sheet summarizing the strategy, click here. To read the full strategy, click
here. Please join us at 3PM TODAY for an in-depth briefing of the strategy with
Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt.
From:Michelle Kraus
To:Human Relations Commission
Cc:Van Der Zwaag, Minka
Subject:FW: INVITE: Briefing with Ambassador Lipstadt TODAY at 3PM on the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism
Date:Thursday, May 25, 2023 10:15:07 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Fyi – please read and share with my fellow Commissioners. Thank you. Michelle
From: Shelley Greenspan, White House Jewish Liaison <partnerships@who.eop.gov>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 9:36 AM
To: Michelle@krausx.com
Subject: INVITE: Briefing with Ambassador Lipstadt TODAY at 3PM on the National Strategy to
Counter Antisemitism
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You are cordially invited to
A Pre-Shavuot Briefing
for the American Jewish Community
with Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism
Date: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM EST
RSVP HERE
_______________________
We encourage you to share the strategy with your communities, print it out for Shavuot
reading, and look forward to working with you on our shared efforts to counter
antisemitism.
Shelley Greenspan
Liaison to the American Jewish Community
Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe
Office of Public Engagement · 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue · Washington, DC 20504-0001 · USA · 202-
456-1111
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From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker;
Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Council, City; Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Michael
Gennaco; Human Relations Commission; Barberini, Christopher; Foley, Michael; Tannock, Julie; Enberg, Nicholas;
Joe Simitian; Javier Ortega; Rebecca Eisenberg; Jeff Rosen
Subject:The Worst Cop of the Week (May 15 - 21, 2023)
Date:Thursday, May 25, 2023 12:05:53 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/mvdxsnmdaBc
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Aram James
To:Shikada, Ed; Lauing, Ed; Josh Becker; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Kaloma Smith; Council, City;
Human Relations Commission; Sean Allen; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew; Jethroe Moore; Joe Simitian;
Jeff Rosen; Michael Gennaco; Wagner, April; Burt, Patrick; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov
Subject:Fwd: Celebrate Shavuot with IJV"s Online Chavurah! (May 25th)
Date:Wednesday, May 24, 2023 11:32:25 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Rabbi Lucia Pizarro, IJV" <communications@ijvcanada.org>
Date: May 24, 2023 at 12:55:16 PM PDT
To: Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>
Subject: Celebrate Shavuot with IJV's Online Chavurah! (May 25th)
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Click here to attend IJV's Shavuot study session
Dear Aram,
I want to warmly invite you to join IJV’s Online Chavurah for a
Shavuot study session on Thursday, May 25 at 7 pm Eastern
Time.
Shavuot is a Biblical harvest festival celebrating the ripening of the
first fruits. Jews also celebrate Shavuot as the holiday of receiving
Torah on Mt. Sinai, and typically mark the occasion by engaging in
all night communal learning. While we won't be staying up all
night together here, we might be staying up a bit later than usual
:).
You must register in advance to attend this event on Zoom.
What do we celebrate on Shavuot?
Shavuot in the Bible is exclusively an agricultural holiday. Nowhere
in the Bible is Shavuot linked to the giving of the Torah at Mount
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Register here
Sinai. Why, then, do we celebrate the “giving of the Torah at
Sinai” on Shavuot?
We will explore a lesser known Jewish text called the Book of
Jubilees that could provide us with some clues as to how Shavuot
became the festival of the giving of the Torah at Sinai.
If time permits (on Shavuot we are supposed to stay up all night
studying!), we will also explore what exactly was given at Mount
Sinai according to the Torah and according to the rabbis (hint: not
the Torah).
Come prepared with plenty of fluids and food in case the session
ends up being two hours or more (we will NOT stay up all night!)
We look forward to celebrating Shavuot with you!
About IJV's Online Chavurah
IJV’s Online Chavurah is a non-Zionist space where we can build
connections with like-minded people. All viewpoints are valuable,
and we encourage participants to share their own unique thoughts
and experiences. This is not a group meant to debate differences
in opinion but to share and support each other’s learning. IJV’s
Online Chavurah does not presuppose any theology nor any
particular knowledge about anything other than one’s own life. It
uses a group format to explore Jewish text, liturgy and theology,
providing time for participants to discover new meaning in old
writings.
Donate to IJV or become a member!
Rabbi Lucia Pizarro,
IJV Hamilton
Jewish Liberation Theology Institute
communications@ijvcanada.org
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PO Box 30087 RPO Woodbine Heights
1500 Woodbine Avenue
Toronto, ON M4C 5J2
Canada
Unsubscribe from this list
View in your browser
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From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Wagner, April; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Barberini,
Christopher; Foley, Michael; Michael Gennaco; Council, City; Shana Segal; Angie Evans; Josh Becker; Joe
Simitian; Cindy Chavez; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Shikada, Ed; Rebecca Eisenberg; Jeff Rosen; chuck jagoda;
ladoris cordell; Human Relations Commission; Enberg, Nicholas; Jay Boyarsky; Javier Ortega; Cecilia Taylor;
dennis burns
Subject:Deputy union sues over investigation into Sheriff"s Department gangs, order to show tattoos - Los Angeles Times
Date:Wednesday, May 24, 2023 7:22:47 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
FYI:
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-05-22/deputy-union-sues-over-investigation-into-sheriffs-
department-gangs-order-to-show-gang-tattoos
Sent from my iPhone
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From:herb
To:Human Relations Commission; Council, City; Clerk, City
Cc:City Attorney
Subject:May 24, 2023 Human Relations Committee Agenda Posting
Date:Wednesday, May 24, 2023 5:49:59 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
MAY 24, 2023 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AGENDA POSTING
I relied upon the agenda for the May 24, 2023 Human RelationsCommission regular meeting posted on the City Clerk's "Agendasand Minutes" online page that described the meeting as aregular meeting that required 72 hours advance notice and thatsaid the meeting would be held at the Council Chambers at 5:00p. m.
When nobody else was in the Chambers for the HRC meeting, Iused the phone in the City Hall lobby to speak to the CityClerk's office and learned that the 5:00 p. m. meeting was atMitchell Park Community Center after I specifically asked theperson in the City Clerk's office to check the Agendas andMinutes online page.
I checked that online page again and the meeting was stillnoticed as being held in the Council Chambers, so I printed outa copy of that agenda at that time.
I then checked the agenda from the Human Relations Commissiononline site that previously was not available, and that versionof the agenda was now available and described the meeting as aspecial meeting requiring only 24 hours advance notice and alsoas a Retreat Agenda instead of a regular meeting of theCommission.
If current law requires agenda posting for all Boards andCommissions both online and at the official Brown Act noticinglocation on the outside of the City Hall plaza elevator, theCommision agenda and the revised agenda with the correctposting should have been posted in that location, but they werenot.
Herb Borock
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From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission;
Wagner, April; Michael Gennaco; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen; Shikada, Ed; ladoris cordell; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck
jagoda; Shana Segal; Council, City; Enberg, Nicholas; Perron, Zachary; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; Barberini,
Christopher; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; Jay Boyarsky; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cecilia Taylor; Cindy
Chavez; dennis burns; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green
Subject:95 year old tasered to death
Date:Wednesday, May 24, 2023 3:56:10 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-65696475.amp
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Angie Evans
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Rent Registry
Date:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10:31:45 PM
You don't often get email from angiebevans@gmail.com. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto Human Relations Commissioners,
My family rents a home in Palo Alto. We've lived here for 8-9 years now and love our life
here. Our kids are able to go to great schools that meet their needs and will help them thrive. I
have a Duveneck kid and an SI kid entering Escondido. As renters, it was incredibly hard for
us to commit to the 5 years at Escondido that are required for all Spanish Immersion parents.
It's deeply unfair that predictability isn't something afforded to tenants - even the most
financially stable.
I'm writing in support of a robust rent registry, collecting data on all housing types and many
components of rent and rental fees. I'm a firm believer in the fact that tenant protections
prevent displacement - but that's not the reason you should support a robust rent registry. You
cannot measure what you don't define. In my day job I work on homeless data and see how
important data collection is in helping to create the right policy solutions. You can always
reduce data collection later if you find that something isn't useful in developing a baseline -
but it's incredibly difficult to add to a rental database where all the values are null.
Thanks so much for making this a priority. I'm always happy to talk more about this, as this is
an area I've worked on locally for many years.
Best,
Angie Evans
Crescent Park Mom
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From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Sean Allen; Reifschneider, James; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen;
dennis burns; Council, City; Michael Gennaco; Human Relations Commission; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael
Subject:When will they learn
Date:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 6:48:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.wcax.com/2023/05/22/2-vermont-troopers-cited-criminal-charges-use-of-force-incident/?
outputType=amp
Sent from my iPhone
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Dear Aram,
I’m a member of IJV’s national steering committee and I’m
currently on a delegation to Palestine with the Centre for Jewish
Nonviolence (CJNV). There are close to 40 Jews from across the
From:Aram James
To:Lauing, Ed; Josh Becker; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Council, City; Human Relations Commission; Binder,
Andrew; Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Shikada, Ed; Joe
Simitian; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; chuck jagoda; Enberg, Nicholas; Perron, Zachary; Angie Evans; Javier
Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Perron, Zachary; Cindy Chavez; Cecilia Taylor; Sheriff Transparency; dennis
burns; Kevin Jensen
Subject:ShI witnessed fascism descend on Jerusalem
Date:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 6:01:28 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
FYI:
FYI:
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US, Canada, and the UK on the delegation and we have all come
to join in solidarity with the Palestinian people living under
occupation. We are currently in occupied East Jerusalem/Al-Quds,
where we have been for the last week. On May 18th, we witnessed
the Jerusalem Day Flag March, a yearly event where tens of
thousands of far-right Israeli Jews descend upon the old city of
Jerusalem in a horrific display of ethnocentrism, nationalism, and
colonialism.
I spent the day with one of CJNV’s movement partners, Khalil,
from Grassroots Al-Quds. The day of the march begins with
what is called ‘sterilization’, where police violently clear Palestinian
residents from public space in order to make way for the march.
This removal begins at Damascus gate, which is not only an
entrance to the old city, but also one of the few spaces where the
Palestinian community is able to gather together and socialize. At
this gate, 20 Palestinians were brutally murdered by the Zionist
Irgun militia in a barrel bomb attack 1947. Despite its painful
history, it is still a place for children to play, friends to meet for
coffee, and teens to make TikTok videos. But today the square is
filled with young men waving Israeli flags.
We walked into the old city from the gate and watched as all the
Palestinian businesses closed up their shops for the day. Despite
their entire livelihood coming from these stores, the threat of
settlers destroying their goods and storefront and terrorizing the
shopkeepers is enough to prompt them to sacrifice their livelihood
for a day. These closings also meant that any of the Palestinians
stuck in their quarters were unable to buy anything they might
need during the day. The few Israeli businesses in the Muslim
quarter remained open. They sold water and snacks all day while
blaring nationalist music in Hebrew, benefitting greatly from the
closure of all Palestinian businesses. Even before the march
officially started, young settlers were running through the Arab
quarter of the old city, saying chants like “may your village burn”
and waving Israeli flags in the faces of those Palestinians cordoned
off by the army.
Yet, Khalil was not fazed by this. It is his everyday reality. He took
us to the neighbourhood where he grew up. Yet again, all the
businesses were closed, but every person we passed stopped to
greet and hug Khalil. They spoke about the day and rumours of
what was expected. Khalil’s friends greeted us, a visibly Jewish
group, with love and kindness and shared stories of growing up in
the neighbourhood.
A short while later, we came upon some young Israeli settlers
running through the street and attempting to destroy Palestinian
businesses (with police escorts). They bashed in metal shop doors
and pushed over everything they could. We watched as they threw
stones into the one shop that was open, breaking the glass door
and the clay tiles below, all the while shouting insults in Hebrew.
The shop owner was furious and went to chase after the boys, but
two of his friends stopped him. The police who had safely allowed
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the boys to destroy his shop would surely arrest him for any sort
of self-defence. The young boys took this opportunity to come
back and mock the shop wonder, asking in Hebrew if everything
was alright and if he had a problem. Their raucous laughter
echoed through the street as Israeli police and army escorted
them away from us.
We left the old city to check on how the members of the
neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem were managing. Many of the
residents were on the street, arguing and resisting as the police
and border guards forced them further and further out of their
own street. Despite having very little movement on a regular day,
today Palestinians could not even walk on their own streets. We as
internationals however were able to walk right through the police
cordons. No one questioned our movements. We reached a second
barricade and went through again with ease, but this time, Khalil
was unable to walk through with us. His darker skin was enough
for the police to decide he was an undesirable. We continued on to
witness the march, walking freely in between all the checkpoints
that prevented those who lived there from passing. We walked
back to Damascus gate, now filled with thousands upon thousands
of settlers. The few Palestinians left in the area were pushed,
harassed, and had things thrown at them as the police and army
looked on. At one point, Israel’s fascist Minister of National
Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, came out to greet the crowd with an
escort of over 20 soldiers. He was greeted with chants of “here
comes our next Prime Minister”.
Surrounded by armed guards and fervent settlers, I was struck by
how safe I felt. My white skin, Ashkenazi features, and English
tongue allowed me to avoid the anger of the settlers and all of the
armed guards. I walked in and out of the march, in and out of the
old city, and in and out of East Jerusalem with ease, while Khalil,
who’s family has lived here long before Israel even existed, was
forced to remain at our hotel until the police decided otherwise.
I’m too young to have lived through South African apartheid or
Jim Crow segregation. These are things of the past that I learned
about in history books. But in the three days I’ve spent in
Jerusalem/Al-Quds, I’ve seen with my own eyes what it means to
live under apartheid.
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(CJNV delegates and Iraeli activists from All That's Left
collective attempt to block people from accessing the far-
right flag march in Jersualem. Photo: Emily Glick)
In Canada we have systemic racism, but most Canadians who
exhibit racist behaviour would be ashamed to be called a racist. In
Israel, this settler-colonial racism is a point of pride. It is
celebrated by Israelis. It is admired by police forces from around
the world. At times I need to pinch myself to remind myself that I
am not in a science-fiction movie, but in an actual, modern day
country. A country specifically created in my name. Apartheid is
not history, it is the lived reality of every Palestinian seeking to
hold on to their homeland. It is an extensive and intricate system
of policies, practices, surveillance and brutal repression that is
practiced every minute of every day. It is the uncertainty
Palestinians feel in whether their water, electricity, and roads will
be cut off tomorrow. It is the banning of the Palestinian flag in the
very place it should be flown the most.
My first night here, I broke down in tears. My heart ached for the
things I had seen that day. I thought of my Palestinian comrades
in Toronto; how proud they are of their culture. How much they
wished for nothing more than to return to their homeland. I wept
for the people of Palestine. I wept for the cruelty of Jewish
supremacy and the ways my religion, which has always taught me
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the importance of Tikkun Olam (“repairing the world”), has been
weaponized for this brutal land theft. I wept for those who have
lost their lives and lives of loved ones for this project. I have never
imagined that I could witness such injustice with my own eyes.
But this is the reality that the Palestinian people face every day.
Palestinians talk about existence as resistance. I felt this concept
so strongly in my travels with Khalil. Everywhere we went,
Palestinians gathered to laugh, chat, and drink the best coffee I’ve
ever experienced. There was dancing and singing and children
playing in the street. These moments of joy and community were
interspersed with tense aggression between the community and
the settlers seeking to harass them, but even the small children
could instantly move from extreme trauma back to their soccer
game.
In a place where the government is doing everything it can to
separate Palestinians from their homes, they remain. Glass panes
are repaired. Graffiti is painted over. Life continues on. Because it
must. Palestinian culture has a value of sumud, or steadfastness.
This is a value that Palestinians live every moment, both here and
in the diaspora. There is no other way but to remain steadfast. I
am in awe of the Palestinian people and how strongly they resist
this daily injustice. The way they find joy and community in a
world that literally does not want them to exist is truly awe
inspiring. They believe a free Palestine will come, and that hope
and sumud inspires me to fight even stronger back home.
Thanks for reading my dispatch from occupied Palestine. To learn
more about the situation on the ground, I would encourage you to
check out the work of Grassroots Al-Quds and the CJNV. And if
you want to make sure that my organization, IJV, can continue to
take a stand against Israeli fascism and apartheid, please consider
making a donation today.
In solidarity,
Anna Lippman,
Member of IJV's national steering
committee
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Donate to IJV or become a member!
communications@ijvcanada.org
PO Box 30087 RPO Woodbine Heights
1500 Woodbine Avenue
Toronto, ON M4C 5J2
Canada
Unsubscribe from this list
View in your browser
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From:mark weiss
To:Aram James
Cc:Rebecca Eisenberg; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Josh Becker; Greg
Zlotnick; Drekmeier, Peter; Paul Rogers; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Summa, Doria
Subject:Re: From The Mercury News e-edition - Huge dam project dealt another setback
Date:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 11:25:34 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
Kudos to Rebecca Eisenberg.
I spoke with her this morning. She says she and Peter Drekmeier overlap on this issue and that Peter has been
successful in stopping or taking down several dams.
She reported she met Palo Altan Greg Zlotnick, one of my oldest friends, at a regional water meeting and they’re
working on a budding alliance.
I still find frustrating that local current or recent leadership like Dubois and Filseth tried to undermine Rebecca’s
ascendance by their unfair and misleading support of a series of ads run by her opponent in the local rag.
Also, Mr. Rogers of the Mercury who can be unpredictable, and in my opinion, took out Zlotnick— it’s good that he
is covering this fairly.
The mercury called Zlotnick a carpet bagger because he worked in Sacramento before he ran for the water board.
But in fact he was an insider— his mother worked closely with Rebecca Morgan and Zlotnick also worked for
Rebecca Morgan. Zlotnick and I edited the Gunn Oracle of Palo Alto back in 1981 and ‘82. We were bar mitzvahed
together, more or less, at the same time with Rabbi Sidney Axelrod, in ‘77. (I actually know Gary Kremen slightly
because he was my neighbor for a few years in Barron Park, and a group of us would have coffee. He credits me for
a campaign tip that was actually attributable to Bern King.)
Anyhow, my belief on democracy is vigorous debate in all these issues is in our favor, but let’s play fair.
Speak truth to power with love,
Mark Weiss
PS I’m on my way to the 1 o’clock meeting of the board and will say something —probably plugging Malcolm P
Harris and his suggestion that Stanford could give 8,000 acres to Muwekma Ohlone…water angle implicit in that. I
spoke to a meeting that Peter pointed me towards a couple years ago in SF City Hall about 250 years of potable
water in Palo Alto. Maybe I’ll just reprise that. I.e., our tree, near a creek, but NOT near the ocean— we all learn
from our mistakes.
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 23, 2023, at 10:10 AM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article on the The Mercury News e-edition app and thought you’d be
interested.
>
> Huge dam project dealt another setback
> https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=f85998e0-a3b9-4fa4-8ba8-
d5c10d558a13&appcode=SAN252&eguid=b9452dc6-805c-4e53-a429-92becf899f14&pnum=2#
>
> For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 58
From:Aram James
To:Rebecca Eisenberg; Council, City; Human Relations Commission; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - Lee urges an overhaul of Supreme Court
Date:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10:16:10 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article on the The Mercury News e-edition app and thought you’d be
interested.
Lee urges an overhaul of Supreme Court
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=f3c047a2-0353-4ff1-939e-
c8dee138ee34&appcode=SAN252&eguid=b9452dc6-805c-4e53-a429-92becf899f14&pnum=47#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 59
From:Aram James
To:Rebecca Eisenberg; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Mark Weiss; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Josh
Becker
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - Huge dam project dealt another setback
Date:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10:10:45 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article on the The Mercury News e-edition app and thought you’d be
interested.
Huge dam project dealt another setback
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=f85998e0-a3b9-4fa4-8ba8-
d5c10d558a13&appcode=SAN252&eguid=b9452dc6-805c-4e53-a429-92becf899f14&pnum=2#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 60
From:mark weiss
To:Jasmina Bojic; Drekmeier, Peter; Len Siegel
Cc:Roberta Ahlquist; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Aram James; Donald A.
Barr; Joyce Beattie; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; chuck jagoda; Cherrill Spencer; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Human
Relations Commission; Gardener, Liz; Gerry jurgensen; Sunita de Tourreil; Winter Dellenbach; Rebecca
Eisenberg; Henry Etzkowitz; EPA Today; Emer Martin; Fred Balin; Paul George @ PPJC; HRW Silicon Valley
Subject:Re: Protest the Mahan - Trump Homelessness Plan Tuesday May 16
Date:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 9:05:41 AM
Attachments:original.20230523
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Not to dominate the rap, Jack but I want to mention that I am promoting free concerts on three
consecutive days at Lytton Plaza, Friday June 9 at 7pm to sunset; Saturday, June 10, noon to 3
pm and Sunday, June 11 at 2 pm.
Part of the purpose of the run of shows, loosely called “Re:Set Lytton Plaza” is two honor two
activist groups: Bay Area Action, which organized Earth Day nearby— under Ross Stores,
now West Elm and Salesforce formerly also Technology Crossover Ventures — I think the
building is owned by John McNellis — Peter Drekmeier et al ; and A3M led by Lenny Siegal,
later mayor of Mountain View. They rallied and made music there to protest the Vietnam War
and influence Stanford’s role.
Bands are: Freddy Jones Band, Larry Ochs Gerald Cleaver, Stanford’s Cien Mil Mangos, Jim
Campilongo Ben Davis Duo.
See:
Earthwise welcomes Cien Mil Mangos, Larry
Ochs Gerald Cleaver
eventbrite.com
I’ve also started doing a type of land acknowledge meant where I reference from the
microphone Malcolm P Harris, PALO ALTO, and his suggestion to Stanford could give 1000
acres to Muwekma Ohlone.
Mark Weiss
Dba Earthwise
(650) 305-0701
Cc: Drekmeier, Siegel
Sent from my iPhone
On May 23, 2023, at 5:16 AM, Jasmina Bojic <jasmina@unaff.org> wrote:
Thank you, Roberta!
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 61
Also, we have FREE screening of a very important UNAFF film next week about
affordable housing. Please join us and share the info with your lists:
THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023 at 7:00PM - UNAFF in Libraries
@Rinconada Library
1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto, Embarcadero Room
(FREE and open to the public)
A DECENT HOME
(US, 86 min)
Director: Sara Terry
Producers: Alysa Nahmias, Gretched Landau
[DOWNLOAD FLYER]
Best regards,
Jasmina
www.unaff.org
On 5/15/2023 2:34 PM, Roberta Ahlquist wrote:
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <perrysandy@aol.com>
Date: Mon, May 15, 2023 at 8:03 AM
Subject: Protest the Mahan - Trump Homelessness Plan Tuesday
May 16
To:
PLEASE send emails if you cannot attend.
r
DUMP THE TRUMP - MAHAN HOMELESSNESS
PLAN!
Please join Affordable Housing Network and people from dozens ofcommunity organizations to speak out AGAINST cutting Measure Eaffordable housing funds at the San Jose City Council meeting on Tuesday,May 16. The budget hearing will begin at City Hall (200 E. Santa Clara Street)at 2:00 PM. If you cannot attend in person, you will be able to testify by Zoomat https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/88957084529
Almost every San Jose organization representing tenants, unhoused people,and people of conscience will be rallying to protest the Mahan plan at 12noon in front of City Hall.
Mayor Mahan is calling for a draconian diversion of “uncommitted Measure Eresources” to his other priorities: moving unhoused people out of sight,increased police staffing, and establishing “no-encampment zones”.
He is proposing drastically reducing the 75% share of Measure E fundsallocated to affordable housing by City Council in 2022. There would be nocity funds at all for the preservation plan that the City Council just decided tocreate – or for any other new affordable housing projects not already funded.
But defunding housing will only make homelessness get worse in San Jose– because interim housing and shelters only work when there is permanent
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 62
affordable housing to move into afterward. The last time City affordable fundswere cut, when redevelopment was ended in 2011, homelessness in SanJose exploded.
In his budget message, Mayor Mahan promoted the punishment-based
“Haven for Hope” shelter founded by Donald Trump’s notorious Interagency
Council on Homelessness director, Robert Marbut. Marbut, like Trump, is
well-known for opposing the evidence-based “Housing First” approach to
ending homelessness used by HUD, the State of California, and by cities all
across the country. Marbut claims that homelessness is not a housing
problem but a behavioral problem best addressed by punishment to make
people work harder. He calls his approach the “Velvet Hammer”.
Without permanent affordable housing, the only way the Mayor can “end
encampments” is with Marbut-style detention centers. If unhoused people
ever decide to leave those centers, Mahan promises to send out police
officers to bring them back, by enforcing his edict that “we should expect
unhoused residents to accept alternatives to unmanaged encampments when
offered”.
Affordable Housing Network believes that the City Council’s 2022 Measure E
allocation of 75% to affordable housing and 25% to homelessness prevention
and services is the proper balance between permanent housing and interim
solutions.
SAVE MEASURE E HOUSING FUNDS!
DUMP THE TRUMP - MAHAN HOMELESSNESS PLAN!
Rally: 12 Noon Tuesday May 16 at San Jose City Hall, 200East Santa Clara StreetTestify: 2 PM in City Council Chambers
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 63
From:Jasmina Bojic
To:Roberta Ahlquist; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Aram James; Donald A.
Barr; Joyce Beattie; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; chuck jagoda; Cherrill Spencer; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Human
Relations Commission; Gardener, Liz; Gerry jurgensen; Sunita de Tourreil; Winter Dellenbach; Rebecca
Eisenberg; Henry Etzkowitz; EPA Today; Emer Martin; mark weiss; Fred Balin; Paul George @ PPJC; HRW Silicon
Valley
Subject:Re: Fwd: Protest the Mahan - Trump Homelessness Plan Tuesday May 16
Date:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 5:18:13 AM
You don't often get email from jasmina@unaff.org. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Thank you, Roberta!
Also, we have FREE screening of a very important UNAFF film next week about affordable
housing. Please join us and share the info with your lists:
THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023 at 7:00PM - UNAFF in Libraries
@Rinconada Library
1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto, Embarcadero Room
(FREE and open to the public)
A DECENT HOME
(US, 86 min)
Director: Sara Terry
Producers: Alysa Nahmias, Gretched Landau
[DOWNLOAD FLYER]
Best regards,
Jasmina
www.unaff.org
On 5/15/2023 2:34 PM, Roberta Ahlquist wrote:
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <perrysandy@aol.com>
Date: Mon, May 15, 2023 at 8:03 AM
Subject: Protest the Mahan - Trump Homelessness Plan Tuesday May 16
To:
PLEASE send emails if you cannot attend.
r
DUMP THE TRUMP - MAHAN HOMELESSNESS PLAN!
Please join Affordable Housing Network and people from dozens of communityorganizations to speak out AGAINST cutting Measure E affordable housing funds at theSan Jose City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 16. The budget hearing will begin at CityHall (200 E. Santa Clara Street) at 2:00 PM. If you cannot attend in person, you will be ableto testify by Zoom at https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/88957084529
Almost every San Jose organization representing tenants, unhoused people, and people ofconscience will be rallying to protest the Mahan plan at 12 noon in front of City Hall.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 64
Mayor Mahan is calling for a draconian diversion of “uncommitted Measure E resources” tohis other priorities: moving unhoused people out of sight, increased police staffing, andestablishing “no-encampment zones”.
He is proposing drastically reducing the 75% share of Measure E funds allocated toaffordable housing by City Council in 2022. There would be no city funds at all for thepreservation plan that the City Council just decided to create – or for any other newaffordable housing projects not already funded.
But defunding housing will only make homelessness get worse in San Jose – becauseinterim housing and shelters only work when there is permanent affordable housing tomove into afterward. The last time City affordable funds were cut, when redevelopment wasended in 2011, homelessness in San Jose exploded.
In his budget message, Mayor Mahan promoted the punishment-based “Haven for Hope”
shelter founded by Donald Trump’s notorious Interagency Council on Homelessness
director, Robert Marbut. Marbut, like Trump, is well-known for opposing the evidence-based
“Housing First” approach to ending homelessness used by HUD, the State of California,
and by cities all across the country. Marbut claims that homelessness is not a housing
problem but a behavioral problem best addressed by punishment to make people work
harder. He calls his approach the “Velvet Hammer”.
Without permanent affordable housing, the only way the Mayor can “end encampments” is
with Marbut-style detention centers. If unhoused people ever decide to leave those centers,
Mahan promises to send out police officers to bring them back, by enforcing his edict that
“we should expect unhoused residents to accept alternatives to unmanaged encampments
when offered”.
Affordable Housing Network believes that the City Council’s 2022 Measure E allocation of
75% to affordable housing and 25% to homelessness prevention and services is the proper
balance between permanent housing and interim solutions.
SAVE MEASURE E HOUSING FUNDS!
DUMP THE TRUMP - MAHAN HOMELESSNESS PLAN!
Rally: 12 Noon Tuesday May 16 at San Jose City Hall, 200 East SantaClara StreetTestify: 2 PM in City Council Chambers
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 65
From:Aram James
To:Shikada, Ed; Veenker, Vicki; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Greg Tanaka; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Josh Becker; Human
Relations Commission; Binder, Andrew; Wagner, April; Michael Gennaco; Reifschneider, James; Council, City; Jeff
Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; Rob Baker; Enberg,
Nicholas; Perron, Zachary; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; EPA Today
Subject:Secret no more: Santa Clara County supervisors order counsel to reveal tort settlements of $1M or more
Date:Monday, May 22, 2023 11:34:13 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/05/22/secret-no-more-santa-clara-county-
supervisors-order-counsel-to-reveal-tort-settlements-of-1m-or-more
Shared via the Google app
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 66
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Council, City; Human Relations Commission; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Binder, Andrew;
Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Josh Becker; Joe Simitian; Shikada, Ed; Michael Gennaco; Rebecca
Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; Enberg, Nicholas; Sheriff Transparency; dennis burns;
Kevin Jensen; Jay Boyarsky; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg;
DuJuan Green; Cindy Chavez; Cecilia Taylor; Shikada, Ed; Bains, Paul
Subject:NAACP WARNING DO NOT TRAVEL TO FLORIDA IF YOU ARE BLACK, BROWN LGBTQ
Date:Monday, May 22, 2023 11:00:40 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/22/naacp-florida-travel-advisory-00098153
Shared via the Google app
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 67
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission;
Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Javier Ortega; Council, City; Planning Commission; ParkRec Commission;
Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian
Subject:Warning to Black, Brown, LGBTQ people and others NOT to travel to Florida
Date:Monday, May 22, 2023 10:09:15 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://enewspaper.latimes.com/infinity/latimes/default.aspx?pubid=50435180-e58e-48b5-8e0c-236bf740270e
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 68
From:Aram James
To:Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Council, City; Human Relations Commission; Josh Becker; Reifschneider, James;
Michael Gennaco; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; Javier Ortega; Wagner, April; Jeff
Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; ladoris cordell; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Angie Evans; Dave Price
Subject:State readies mental health courts
Date:Monday, May 22, 2023 9:53:11 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://enewspaper.latimes.com/infinity/latimes/default.aspx?pubid=50435180-e58e-48b5-8e0c-236bf740270e
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 69
From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency; Perron, Zachary; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Binder,
Andrew
Subject:LA sheriff"s deputy accused of abusing 5-year-old son
Date:Monday, May 22, 2023 12:26:37 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4dFCNPUFmc
LA sheriff's deputy accused of abusing 5-year-old son
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 70
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Council, City; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Jeff Rosen; Rob Baker; Jay Boyarsky; Molly; Sean
Allen; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew; Josh Becker; Michael
Gennaco; Joe Simitian; Shikada, Ed; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Barberini, Christopher; Tannock, Julie; Foley,
Michael; Javier Ortega
Subject:Judge issues landmark ruling against Contra Costa County D.A."s office o...
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 8:38:40 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/dh6GiDfsQM0
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 71
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission;
Reifschneider, James; Michael Gennaco; Wagner, April; Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Joe Simitian; Figueroa, Eric;
Foley, Michael; Tannock, Julie; Lee, Craig; cromero@cityofepa.org; Rob Baker; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Jeff
Rosen; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky
Subject:What to know about California"s approval of recommendations for historic reparations
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 8:30:21 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/californias-approval-recommendations-historic-reparations/story?id=99253083
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 72
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission; Council, City;
Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Michael Gennaco; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jeff Rosen;
Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; chuck jagoda; Enberg, Nicholas; Wagner,
April; Barberini, Christopher; Figueroa, Eric; wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com
Subject:In New York, prison guards who brutalize guards rarely get fired
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 8:12:31 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/05/19/new-york-prison-corrections-officer-abuse-
prisoners
Shared via the Google app
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 73
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission; Sean Allen; Binder, Andrew;
Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Josh Becker; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; ladoris cordell;
Shikada, Ed; Shana Segal; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Enberg, Nicholas; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric
Subject:Prevalence of white supremacists in law enforcement demands drastic change | Reuters
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 7:13:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/prevalence-white-supremacists-law-enforcement-demands-drastic-
change-2022-05-12/
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 74
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Josh Becker; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission;
Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Council, City; Joe Simitian
Subject:Boise Police deputy chief sued for alleged role in racist text messages ...
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 1:11:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/RdQGsE2U-1I
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 75
From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen; Human Relations Commission
Subject:Antioch Police Chief Steven Ford addresses racist text scandal
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 1:10:10 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/X3GrJTdSbfc
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 76
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Foley, Michael; Michael Gennaco; Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew; Jethroe
Moore; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Josh Becker; Council, City; Shikada, Ed;
Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Burt, Patrick; Joe Simitian; Shikada, Ed; Jeff Rosen; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal;
Jay Boyarsky; chuck jagoda; DuJuan Green; Enberg, Nicholas
Subject:Antioch Police Chief Steven Ford addresses racist text scandal
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 1:09:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/X3GrJTdSbfc
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 77
From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency
Cc:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Binder, Andrew; Human Relations
Commission
Subject:Robert Jonsen’s first 100 days in office report
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 12:06:44 PM
Attachments:Attachment-237237.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
________________________________
http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=4&ID=237237
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 78
From:Aram James
To:Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Josh Becker; Human Relations
Commission
Subject:NAACP ISSUES A TRAVEL WARNING IN FLORIDA THE STATE HAS BECOME HOSTILE TO BLACK AMERICANS
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 10:56:22 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4013835-naacp-issues-travel-warning-in-florida-the-state-has-become-
hostile-to-black-americans/amp/
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 79
From:Aram James
To:Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Josh Becker; Council, City; Binder, Andrew;
Reifschneider, James; Michael Gennaco; ladoris cordell; EPA Today; Gennady Sheyner; Bains, Paul; dennis burns;
Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; Sheriff Transparency; Lewis. james; Joe Simitian; Cindy Chavez; Supervisor Susan
Ellenberg; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Shikada, Ed; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; Angie Evans;
Vara Ramakrishnan; alisa mallari tu
Subject:NAACP ISSUES TRAVEL WARNING IN FLORIDA THE STATE HAS BECOME HOSTILE TO BLACK AMERICANS
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 10:54:15 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4013835-naacp-issues-travel-warning-in-florida-the-state-has-become-
hostile-to-black-americans/amp/
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 80
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission; Sean Allen; Binder, Andrew; Wagner,
April; Reifschneider, James; Michael Gennaco; Josh Becker; Jeff Rosen
Subject:Los Angeles Times - eNewspaper
Date:Sunday, May 21, 2023 10:40:30 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://enewspaper.latimes.com/infinity/latimes/default.aspx?pubid=50435180-e58e-48b5-8e0c-236bf740270e
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 81
From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency; Perron, Zachary; Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen;
Barberini, Christopher; Tannock, Julie; Human Relations Commission; Josh Becker; Michael Gennaco; Michael
Gennaco; Enberg, Nicholas; Lee, Craig; cromero@cityofepa.org; dennis burns; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; Joe
Simitian; Rebecca Eisenberg; Jeff Rosen; Shikada, Ed; ladoris cordell; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky;
Julie Lythcott-Haims; Council, City; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; Cecilia Taylor; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy
Chavez
Subject:Los Angeles sheriff orders deputies to show tattoos, be interviewed about alleged gangs - YouTube
Date:Saturday, May 20, 2023 6:20:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com>
Date: May 20, 2023 at 3:25:00 PM PDT
To: Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>, Jethroe Moore <moore2j@att.net>
Subject: Los Angeles sheriff orders deputies to show tattoos, be interviewed
about alleged gangs - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YEVwe2hDjY
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 82
From:Jethroe Moore
To:abjpd1@gmail.com; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Josh Becker; Human
Relations Commission; Council, City; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael; Tannock, Julie; Sean Allen; Jeff Rosen;
Barberini, Christopher; Shikada, Ed; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Angie Evans; Jay Boyarsky
Subject:Re: DC officer arrested for tipping off Proud Boys leader about his arrest - YouTube
Date:Saturday, May 20, 2023 12:52:09 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/prevalence-white-supremacists-law-enforcement-
demands-drastic-change-2022-05-12/
There is a problem and we keep arming and training these folks
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android
On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 3:49 PM, Jethroe Moore
<moore2j@att.net> wrote:
What is needed is an op ed piece nothing long, we need to vet all officers. Much like the
LA Sheriff's Department is doing searching for tattoos etc.
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android
On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 2:36 PM, Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqd909z8Hmw
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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From:Jethroe Moore
To:abjpd1@gmail.com; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Josh Becker; Human
Relations Commission; Council, City; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael; Tannock, Julie; Sean Allen; Jeff Rosen;
Barberini, Christopher; Shikada, Ed; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Angie Evans; Jay Boyarsky
Subject:Re: DC officer arrested for tipping off Proud Boys leader about his arrest - YouTube
Date:Saturday, May 20, 2023 12:50:02 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
What is needed is an op ed piece nothing long, we need to vet all officers. Much like the LA
Sheriff's Department is doing searching for tattoos etc.
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android
On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 2:36 PM, Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqd909z8Hmw
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 84
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Josh Becker; Human Relations
Commission; Council, City; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael; Tannock, Julie; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Jeff
Rosen; Barberini, Christopher; Shikada, Ed; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Angie Evans; Jay
Boyarsky
Subject:DC officer arrested for tipping off Proud Boys leader about his arrest - YouTube
Date:Saturday, May 20, 2023 11:36:50 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqd909z8Hmw
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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Packet Pg. 85
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Michael
Gennaco; Josh Becker; Joe Simitian; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; Shikada, Ed; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Enberg, Nicholas;
Perron, Zachary; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; Cecilia Taylor; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; Council, City; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; dennis burns; Tina
Boales; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; Cindy Chavez
Subject:Judge finds Contra Costa DA’s filing practices are racist, dismisses gang charges in murder case
Date:Friday, May 19, 2023 5:12:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links.
eastbaytimes.com
Judge finds Contra Costa DA’s filing practices are
racist, dismisses gang charges in murder case
Nate Gartrell
6–8 minutes
MARTINEZ — In a first-of-its kind ruling statewide, a judge on Friday dismissed gang charges against four
Bay Area men under the Racial Justice Act, ruling that Contra Costa prosecutors have disproportionately
targeted Black people with enhancements that open the door for sentences of life in prison without parole.
It is a case already under heavy scrutiny because two of the defendants were directly referenced in racist and
braggadocios text messages sent by Antioch police officers who investigated their alleged crimes. The texts
— part of a much larger scandal involving racism, alleged civil rights violations, and dozens of impugned
officers — made light of injuring the men during their arrests and referred to Black people in explicitly racist
ways.
Earlier this week, county prosecutors formally conceded that the racist texts by Antioch officers constituted a
separate violation of the Racial Justice Act, and said they’ll debate the appropriate legal remedy before a
judge at a later date.
Contra Costa Judge David Goldstein’s Friday ruling did not take into consideration any of the racist texts.
Rather, Goldstein looked solely at filing practices of the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, dating back
a decade and found ample evidence of a “significant statistical disparity” showing Black people are more
often targeted with special circumstances gang charges. It is a ruling that calls into question dozens of other
criminal cases over the past 10 years, involving some of the most serious charges on the books.
In making his decision, Goldstein relied on data that both prosecutors and defense attorneys largely agreed
upon, which showed that Black people were either 8 percent or 6 percent more likely to be charged with
special circumstance gang enhancements than people who weren’t Black. A data pool of 89 defendants — 48
of whom were Black — showed that Black people faced such enhancements 62 percent of the time, compared
to roughly 53 percent for the non-Black defendants. County prosecutors urged Goldstein to use a 91-
defendant data pool, which eased the margins but still showed a clear racial disparity, Goldstein said.
“I assure everyone that I don’t take this decision lightly in any way,” Goldstein said in court Friday.
Goldstein threw out special circumstances enhancements against four men — Eric Windom, Terryon Pugh,
Keyshawn McGee, and Trent Allen, — who are accused of fatally shooting a man to benefit an Oakland gang.
His ruling does not affect the underlying murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy counts.
Friday marks the second time that prosecutors in Contra Costa County have made California history by
violating the Racial Justice Act, a new state law intended to weed out racism in the superior courts. Last
October, Judge Clare Maier ruled that a county prosecutor used “racially coded language” that “evoked racial
stereotypes of African American men” during a two-defendant murder trial and threw out murder convictions
for both men.
Maier’s ruling dealt specifically with a portion of the act that refers to a prosecution’s statements during trial,
while Goldstein’s ruling cited a different subsection that covers an entire DA office’s charging practices.
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Packet Pg. 86
Evan Kuluk, a lawyer with the county’s Alternate Defender’s Office, was an attorney of record in both cases.
In a written statement to this newspaper, Kuluk noted that Goldstein found the Contra Costa DA’s office has
no best practice guidelines in place to identify implicit bias in the way criminal cases are filed.
“The impact of today’s ruling is an acknowledgement that racial bias infects every stage of the criminal legal
process,” Kuluk said.
For many defense attorneys in Contra Costa, Friday’s ruling was a seen as a vindication after years of calling
on Contra Costa prosecutors to audit their own filing decisions. Diana Becton — the first woman and first
Black person ever to serve as Contra Costa DA — partnered with the Vera Institute in 2019 in a project
intended to identify implicit bias in the way cases are prosecuted, but has yet to release the underlying data
publicly.
Chief Public Defender Ellen McDonnell said Goldstein’s ruling “drives home the unfair charging practices
that too often result from the role of implicit bias in our legal system.”
“Testimony in this case demonstrates that the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office does not have policies,
procedures, or guidelines for imposing life without parole enhancements, which causes implicit bias to
influence charging decisions,” McDonnell said in an email to reporters. “This has a disparate and damaging
impact on Black people and leads to the dramatic overrepresentation of black people in our county’s criminal
legal system.”
An hour after Goldstein’s ruling, demonstrators took to the streets of Martinez to protest the Antioch Police
Department in a march that started downtown and ended at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, a few feet from
where a Black Lives Matter mural was defaced in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020. Participants
included several plaintiffs in a recently filed civil suit intended to secure federal oversight of the Antioch
police department, as well as Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe, who has called for all the officers who sent racist
texts to be fired.
The racist texts were discovered after the FBI seized phones of several officers amid an ongoing criminal
investigation into more than a dozen current and former law enforcement officials who worked in Antioch
and Pittsburg. With the criminal probe still looming, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a
policies and practices investigation into the Antioch police department last week, saying that internal data
suggested “concerning” civil rights abuses. On top of all that, an Antioch officer was recently fired and placed
under criminal investigation for allegedly beating a man during an arrest last year.
“As the city of Antioch continues to grapple with the reality that its police department is plagued with deep
institutional racism, I will continue to focus on ensuring that this issue is not conveniently swept under the
rug,” Thorpe said in a statement to reporters Friday. “Under my watch that will not happen.”
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Packet Pg. 87
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Michael
Gennaco; Josh Becker; Joe Simitian; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; Shikada, Ed; chuck jagoda; Shana Segal; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Enberg, Nicholas;
Perron, Zachary; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; Cecilia Taylor; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; Council, City; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; dennis burns; Tina
Boales; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; Cindy Chavez
Subject:Judge finds Contra Costa DA’s filing practices are racist, dismisses gang charges in murder case
Date:Friday, May 19, 2023 5:12:49 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links.
eastbaytimes.com
Judge finds Contra Costa DA’s filing practices are
racist, dismisses gang charges in murder case
Nate Gartrell
6–8 minutes
MARTINEZ — In a first-of-its kind ruling statewide, a judge on Friday dismissed gang charges against four
Bay Area men under the Racial Justice Act, ruling that Contra Costa prosecutors have disproportionately
targeted Black people with enhancements that open the door for sentences of life in prison without parole.
It is a case already under heavy scrutiny because two of the defendants were directly referenced in racist and
braggadocios text messages sent by Antioch police officers who investigated their alleged crimes. The texts
— part of a much larger scandal involving racism, alleged civil rights violations, and dozens of impugned
officers — made light of injuring the men during their arrests and referred to Black people in explicitly racist
ways.
Earlier this week, county prosecutors formally conceded that the racist texts by Antioch officers constituted a
separate violation of the Racial Justice Act, and said they’ll debate the appropriate legal remedy before a
judge at a later date.
Contra Costa Judge David Goldstein’s Friday ruling did not take into consideration any of the racist texts.
Rather, Goldstein looked solely at filing practices of the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, dating back
a decade and found ample evidence of a “significant statistical disparity” showing Black people are more
often targeted with special circumstances gang charges. It is a ruling that calls into question dozens of other
criminal cases over the past 10 years, involving some of the most serious charges on the books.
In making his decision, Goldstein relied on data that both prosecutors and defense attorneys largely agreed
upon, which showed that Black people were either 8 percent or 6 percent more likely to be charged with
special circumstance gang enhancements than people who weren’t Black. A data pool of 89 defendants — 48
of whom were Black — showed that Black people faced such enhancements 62 percent of the time, compared
to roughly 53 percent for the non-Black defendants. County prosecutors urged Goldstein to use a 91-
defendant data pool, which eased the margins but still showed a clear racial disparity, Goldstein said.
“I assure everyone that I don’t take this decision lightly in any way,” Goldstein said in court Friday.
Goldstein threw out special circumstances enhancements against four men — Eric Windom, Terryon Pugh,
Keyshawn McGee, and Trent Allen, — who are accused of fatally shooting a man to benefit an Oakland gang.
His ruling does not affect the underlying murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy counts.
Friday marks the second time that prosecutors in Contra Costa County have made California history by
violating the Racial Justice Act, a new state law intended to weed out racism in the superior courts. Last
October, Judge Clare Maier ruled that a county prosecutor used “racially coded language” that “evoked racial
stereotypes of African American men” during a two-defendant murder trial and threw out murder convictions
for both men.
Maier’s ruling dealt specifically with a portion of the act that refers to a prosecution’s statements during trial,
while Goldstein’s ruling cited a different subsection that covers an entire DA office’s charging practices.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 88
Evan Kuluk, a lawyer with the county’s Alternate Defender’s Office, was an attorney of record in both cases.
In a written statement to this newspaper, Kuluk noted that Goldstein found the Contra Costa DA’s office has
no best practice guidelines in place to identify implicit bias in the way criminal cases are filed.
“The impact of today’s ruling is an acknowledgement that racial bias infects every stage of the criminal legal
process,” Kuluk said.
For many defense attorneys in Contra Costa, Friday’s ruling was a seen as a vindication after years of calling
on Contra Costa prosecutors to audit their own filing decisions. Diana Becton — the first woman and first
Black person ever to serve as Contra Costa DA — partnered with the Vera Institute in 2019 in a project
intended to identify implicit bias in the way cases are prosecuted, but has yet to release the underlying data
publicly.
Chief Public Defender Ellen McDonnell said Goldstein’s ruling “drives home the unfair charging practices
that too often result from the role of implicit bias in our legal system.”
“Testimony in this case demonstrates that the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office does not have policies,
procedures, or guidelines for imposing life without parole enhancements, which causes implicit bias to
influence charging decisions,” McDonnell said in an email to reporters. “This has a disparate and damaging
impact on Black people and leads to the dramatic overrepresentation of black people in our county’s criminal
legal system.”
An hour after Goldstein’s ruling, demonstrators took to the streets of Martinez to protest the Antioch Police
Department in a march that started downtown and ended at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, a few feet from
where a Black Lives Matter mural was defaced in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020. Participants
included several plaintiffs in a recently filed civil suit intended to secure federal oversight of the Antioch
police department, as well as Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe, who has called for all the officers who sent racist
texts to be fired.
The racist texts were discovered after the FBI seized phones of several officers amid an ongoing criminal
investigation into more than a dozen current and former law enforcement officials who worked in Antioch
and Pittsburg. With the criminal probe still looming, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a
policies and practices investigation into the Antioch police department last week, saying that internal data
suggested “concerning” civil rights abuses. On top of all that, an Antioch officer was recently fired and placed
under criminal investigation for allegedly beating a man during an arrest last year.
“As the city of Antioch continues to grapple with the reality that its police department is plagued with deep
institutional racism, I will continue to focus on ensuring that this issue is not conveniently swept under the
rug,” Thorpe said in a statement to reporters Friday. “Under my watch that will not happen.”
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RJAimplementation" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to
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To view this discussion on the web visit
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{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 89
From:Aram James
To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Veenker, Vicki; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Council, City; Human Relations Commission; Binder, Andrew;
Wagner, April; Michael Gennaco; Josh Becker; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; Shikada, Ed; Shana
Segal; Jay Boyarsky; Enberg, Nicholas; chuck jagoda; Perron, Zachary; Javier Ortega; Angie Evans; Cecilia Taylor; Supervisor Susan
Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen; Barberini, Christopher; Perron, Zachary; Tina Boales; Diana
Diamond; Gennady Sheyner; EPA Today; Betsy Nash; Vara Ramakrishnan
Subject:Why are we giving police more resources when we know they don"t keep us safe
Date:Friday, May 19, 2023 4:39:28 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
Dear Aram,
Congress is set to pass bills that will not make our communities any safer. The "Invest
To Protect" Act would give police officers resources to expand their forces when we know
that will not make our communities safer1. "Invest to Protect" and other bills aimed at
expanding the number of police officers send a message to the public that we need more
policing when we know that isn't true. Funding for more police has already been boosted at
the state and local levels. Providing additional federal funding would be used by police to
criminalize further and incarcerate members of our communities.
We must tell our legislators we don't need to give police more money to recruit officers
to threaten our community members with incarceration.
We do not need more policing. We need Congress to focus on funding real solutions and
policies to keep our communities safe, including investments in community-led solutions in
education, housing, health care, economic opportunity, and youth programs.
We call on lawmakers to say “No” to the" Invest To Protect" Act.
We've seen police departments across the country expand their budgets.2 We also know
different legislative solutions would be more successful — and far less harmful — in keeping
our communities safe. We do not need Congress to pass legislation giving law enforcement
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more money to expand police forces.
Since the murder of George Floyd in 2020, there has been no congressional action
aimed at reforming our flawed policing system. Instead, Congress has consistently
prioritized law enforcement over our communities' well-being, sending a clear message that
lawmakers are willing to stand with the police at the expense of Black people.
Make sure your voice is heard! Sign now to tell your congressional representative to
oppose the Invest to Protect Act.
Until Justice Is Real,
Sakira Cook
Vice President of Campaigns, Policy and Government Affairs
Color Of Change
References:
1. Cortez Masto, C. (2023, March 30). S.1144 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Invest to
protect act of 2023. Congress.gov. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/396246?
t=8&akid=56908%2E1456029%2ED2Bwro
2. Beck, B. (2022, April 14). We analyzed 29 years of police spending in hundreds of
cities. Slate Magazine. https://act.colorofchange.org/go/396247?
t=10&akid=56908%2E1456029%2ED2Bwro
Color Of Change is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks
and our allies, and win real social and political change.
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