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2024-02-08 Human Relations Commission Agenda Packet
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, February 08, 2024 Council Chambers & Hybrid 6:00 PM Human Relations Commission 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. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o n 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.January 11, 2024 BUSINESS ITEMS 2.Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024‐25 Community Development Block Grant Funding Allocations and Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2024‐25 Annual Action Plan. – Staff – Action (40 minutes) 3.Identification of ad‐hoc subcommittees that will further discuss the recommendations from the Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions on local experiences of Islamophobia and Anti‐Semitism. ‐ Smith – Action (20 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 INFORMATIONAL REPORT PUBLIC DOCUMENTS Public Letters 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, February 08, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMHuman Relations Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube 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.January 11, 2024 BUSINESS ITEMS 2.Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024‐25 Community Development Block Grant Funding Allocations and Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2024‐25 Annual Action Plan. – Staff – Action (40 minutes) 3.Identification of ad‐hoc subcommittees that will further discuss the recommendations from the Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions on local experiences of Islamophobia and Anti‐Semitism. ‐ Smith – Action (20 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 INFORMATIONAL REPORT PUBLIC DOCUMENTS Public Letters 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, February 08, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMHuman Relations Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube 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.January 11, 2024BUSINESS ITEMS2.Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024‐25 Community Development Block Grant FundingAllocations and Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2024‐25 Annual Action Plan. – Staff – Action (40 minutes)3.Identification of ad‐hoc subcommittees that will further discuss the recommendationsfrom the Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions on local experiences ofIslamophobia and Anti‐Semitism. ‐ Smith – Action (20 minutes)CITY 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)ADJOURNMENTINFORMATIONAL REPORTPUBLIC DOCUMENTS Public Letters 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, February 08, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMHuman Relations Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube 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.January 11, 2024BUSINESS ITEMS2.Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024‐25 Community Development Block Grant FundingAllocations and Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2024‐25 Annual Action Plan. – Staff – Action (40 minutes)3.Identification of ad‐hoc subcommittees that will further discuss the recommendationsfrom the Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions on local experiences ofIslamophobia and Anti‐Semitism. ‐ Smith – Action (20 minutes)CITY 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)ADJOURNMENTINFORMATIONAL REPORTPUBLIC DOCUMENTS Public Letters 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. DRAFT HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING ACTION MINUTES Thursday, January 11, 2024 6:00 PM Commissioners Present: Eberle, Causey, Kraus, Savage, Smith, Stimmler Absent: Hsieh Staff: Minka Van Der Zwaag, Alayna Cruz I. ROLL CALL II. PUBLIC COMMENT III. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. December 6, 2023 MOTION: Commissioner Kraus moved, seconded by Vice Chair Eberle, to approve the minutes of December 6, 2023. MOTION PASSED: 6-0 (1 absent) V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. Introduction to City’s Equity and Inclusion Manager, Kojo Pierce. – Discussion NO ACTION TAKEN 3. Voices of Our Community (Listening Session): Local Jewish Experiences in the Face of Rising Anti‐Semitism. – Discussion NO ACTION TAKEN 4. Election of Human Relations Chair and Vice Chair. ‐ Action NOMINATIONS: Commissioner Kraus nominated Commissioner Eberle for the Chair for a term ending January 2025. NOMINATION FOR COMMISSIONER Eberle: PASSED 6-0 (1 absent) 1 Packet Pg. 5 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. NOMINATIONS: Commissioner Savage nominated Commissioner Kraus for the Vice Chair for a term ending January 2025. Commissioner Eberle nominated Commissioner Smith for the Vice Chair for a term ending January 2025 NOMINATION FOR COMMISSIONER Eberle: FAILED 2-4 (1 absent) NOMINATION FOR COMMISSIONER Kraus: PASSED 4-2 (1 absent) VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. 1 Packet Pg. 6 Page 1 of 11 Human Relations Commission Staff Report From: Clare Campbell, Manager of Long Range Planning Division Meeting Date: February 8, 2024 Report #: 2312-2389 TITLE Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Funding Allocations and Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Action Plan RECOMMENDATION Staff and the Human Relations Commission Selection Committee recommend that the Human Relations Commission (HRC): 1. Provide funding recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program; 2. Provide direction on a funding contingency plan if the City CDBG Program allocation amount is less than or greater than the staff estimated amount; and 3. Recommend City Council approve the draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Action Plan (Attachment B), amended as needed to reflect the HRC’s funding recommendations. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On January 17, 2024, the HRC Selection Committee1 made funding recommendations for the CDBG Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 funding cycle and CDBG CARES Act (CDBG-CV) reallocated funds. Additionally, the Selection Committee recommended a contingency plan to accommodate the actual CDBG allocation amount if those funds fell short or exceeded the staff estimated amount. The City is anticipating receiving formal notification from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) of the City’s CDBG funding allocations in early March. The HRC is asked to consider the Selection Committee’s recommendations and provide feedback and formal recommendations for FY 2024-25 CDBG funding for City Council review that is anticipated in April. The City is preparing for its second year of a two-year CDBG funding cycle for FY 2024-25. The City released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on October 2, 2023, requesting applications for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 funding cycle. During this application cycle, the NOFA specified that funding would be available for projects in the CDBG Economic Development, Public Facilities and Improvements, and Housing Rehabilitation categories. The City received a total of two new CDBG 1 The HRC Selection Committee was comprised of HRC Chair Adriana Eberle and Commissioner Katie Causey. 2 Packet Pg. 7 Page 2 of 11 applications in these categories. The NOFA noted that new CDBG Public Services category applications were not eligible for funding in this second-year funding cycle, as two-year applications for the Public Services category were already received last fiscal year. However, the NOFA specified that the City could receive new CDBG-CV applications in the Public Services category. Consequently, the City received two new CDBG-CV Public Services applications, one of which was determined to be eligible for funding. Staff prepared draft CDBG and CDBG-CV funding allocation recommendations for 12 projects/activities, which included the carry-over CDBG Public Services applications from FY 2023-24 and new applications, totaling approximately $1.2 million (see summary in Table 3). It is not possible to fund all applications at the requested amounts due to the limitations of available funds. However, the proposed recommendations do: •Allocate all available CDBG and CDBG-CV program funds; •Are consistent with the City’s CDBG Consolidated Plan; •Are consistent with the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element goals and programs as they pertain to CDBG; and •Would result in funding key services and projects that benefit many low and very low- income Palo Alto residents. BACKGROUND The CDBG program, administered by HUD, provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate- income persons. The HUD regulations require all CDBG-funded activities to meet one of the three national objectives: 1. Benefit low-and very-low-income persons; 2. Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3. Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency or posing a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community. Palo Alto's CDBG program has primarily been focused on meeting the first objective of benefiting low-and very-low-income persons. For general information on the CDBG program, please visit: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg-entitlement/. 2 Packet Pg. 8 Page 3 of 11 Consolidated Plan & Annual Action Plan Projects funded through the City by the CDBG program must be consistent with the goals (Attachment C) outlined in the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan2, a 5-year strategic plan of action that addresses priority housing and community development needs. HUD requires the submittal of an Annual Action Plan (AAP) that identifies the specific programs and projects to be funded to implement strategies identified in the Consolidated Plan. Following the City Council's final approval of funding allocations, the specific programs and projects will be reported to HUD in the FY 2024-25 AAP. Annual Action Plan Application Review and Allocation Process CDBG funding applications were made available on October 2, 2023. A notice of CDBG funding availability was published in the Daily Post on October 2, 2023, with completed applications due November 17, 2023. The City hosted a pre-proposal conference on October 26, 2023. Additionally, staff provided technical assistance to applicants during the open application time window regarding program regulations and project eligibility questions. Per HUD's regulations and the City's adopted "Citizen Participation Plan3" the City must ensure adequate citizen participation in the CDBG funding process. Prior to the submission of the AAP to HUD, the City must hold two public hearings: one hearing, followed by a 30-day circulation and public comment period, followed by one more public hearing. The HRC meeting on February 8, 2024, will serve as the first public hearing, and the City Council meeting, targeted for April 15, 2024, will serve as the second public hearing. HRC Selection Committee Review On January 17, 2024, staff and the Selection Committee met to review and recommend funding allocations. The recommendations are listed in Table 3 and reflected in Attachment A. Additionally, the Selection Committee recommended the following funding contingency plan to account for any excess or shortfall in the actual funding (when compared to the staff's estimated funding): A. If more funds are received than estimated: 1.Ensure funding caps are met for Public Services and Planning & Administration categories; 2.Increase funding for LifeMoves to make the allocation half of their requested amount for FY 2024-2025; 3.Retain the currently recommended funding for Project Sentinel; 2 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/3/planning-amp- development-services/cdbg-general-information/plans-and-reports/consolidated-plans/2020-2025-palo-alto- consolidated-plan-2020-21-aap-minor-amend1.pdf 3 Adopted Citizen Participation Plan 2022: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp- development-services/cdbg-general-information/plans-and-reports/amended-citizen-participation-plan-2022- approved-by-city-council-9-12-22-final.pdf 2 Packet Pg. 9 Page 4 of 11 4.With remaining funds, increase funding proportionate to the current share of recommended funding for all other Public Services applications that are not fully funded; and 5.Allocate any remaining un-capped funds to the Public Facilities project(s). B. If less funds are received than estimated: 1.Ensure funding caps are met for Public Services and Planning & Administration categories; 2.Decrease funding across each of the Public Services applications proportionate to the overall decrease in funding; 3.If possible, maintain full funding for both Housing Rehabilitation projects and the Economic Development project; and 4.Decrease un-capped funds from the Public Facilities project(s). ANALYSIS This section provides a description of the CDBG and CDBG-CV funds available for allocation and recommendations for the FY2024-25 funding cycle. The final funding recommendations will be documented in the AAP that will be submitted to HUD. Funds Available for Allocation in FY 2024-25 HUD has not yet determined the final CDBG federal appropriations for FY2024-25. For budgeting purposes for the allocation process, staff estimated that the City would receive $510,000, which is a decrease of approximately 0.8 percent from last year’s grant amount. The City is anticipating receiving formal notification from HUD of the City’s CDBG funding allocations in early March. As noted in Table 1, the estimated available funds include several sources, including a notable amount from unspent funds. These unspent funds are generally attributed to projects not spending all the allocated funds or projects that did not move forward. In addition to regular CDBG funds, there are remaining CDBG CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funds to be allocated. These funds are only available to certain projects that can demonstrate their assistance would be for eligible residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDBG-CV funds are more challenging to allocate to eligible projects now since the wind down of the pandemic. Program Income Program Income (PI) comes from Palo Alto Housing Corporation (Alta Housing) for loan repayments and rental income in excess of expenses on specific properties acquired or rehabilitated with CDBG funds. Cities are required to estimate anticipated program income for the activity budget for the upcoming year. In past years, PI was estimated around $100,000, but due to consistent declines, staff reduced the estimated PI for FY 2024-25 to $60,000. 2 Packet Pg. 10 Page 5 of 11 Table 1. FY 2024-25 CDBG and CDBG-CV Estimated Funds Available CDBG Funds Available Available for Funding FY 2024-25 Entitlement Grant (Estimated)$510,000.00 Program Income in FY 2024-25 (Estimated) $60,000.00 Prior Year Unspent Funds $552,415.01 FY 2021-22 ($171,843.05) 1 FY 2022-23 ($376,736.96) 2 FY 2023-24 ($ 3,835.00) 3 Estimated Total CDBG Funds Available for Allocation $1,122,415.01 CDBG-CV Funds Available Available for Funding Unspent Canceled Project: LifeMoves-COVID-19 Testing $34,200.50 Unspent Planning & Administration funds $85,278.24 Estimated Total CDBG-CV Funds Available for Allocation $119,478.74 1 The City has unspent CDBG funds from FY 2021-22 totaling $191,018.05 available for reprogramming. Of this amount, $19,175 was reallocated to the FY 2022-23 program budget due to lower-than-expected program income in FY 2023-24 ($100,000-Program Income was anticipated; $80,825-Actual amount was received); resulting in $171,843.05 funds to reprogram. 2 Funding for an affordable housing project (Mitchell Park Place) was no longer needed by the project and declined by the developer. 3 Due to a lower-than-expected program income (PI), adjustments in the FY 2023-24 Planning & Administration budget were made to meet the 20% Cap. The original budget was $122,848, now updated to $119,013, staying within the cap and leaving a $3,835 surplus for program year FY 2024-25. CDBG Funding Categories and Funding Caps The CDBG program has five primary activity areas in which to allocate funds: Public Services, Economic Development, Housing Rehabilitation, Public Facilities & Improvement, and Planning & Administration. Federal regulations cap the amount that can be spent on Public Services and Planning & Administration as follows (Table 2): •Public Services (15% Cap) - The amount of any CDBG funds that may be obligated toward Public Services during a program year is capped at 15% of the sum of the grant allocation plus the total amount of program income received during the prior program year. •Planning & Administration (20% Cap) - The amount of any CDBG funds that may be obligated toward Planning & Administration during a program year is capped at 20% of the sum of the grant allocation plus the total amount of program income received during the current program year. 2 Packet Pg. 11 Page 6 of 11 The remaining CDBG-CV funds, $119,478.74, can fund any eligible project and does not have a cap for eligible projects, Planning & Administration excluded. The total CDBG-CV grant allocation ($746,413.00) that HUD awarded the City is subject to the 20% Planning & Administration cap of $149,228.60. The City's total allocated funding for CDBG-CV Planning & Administration is below the Cap amount. As noted in Table 3, the recommendation is for the majority of these CV funds ($110,000) to be allocated to one project and the remainder to be used for Planning & Administration purposes. Table 2. FY 2024-25 Breakdown of Capped/Un-Capped Estimated Funds CDBG Amount Estimated Public Services 15% Maximum 15% x [anticipated grant allocation ($510,000) + prior year FY 2023-24 program income ($80,825)] $88,623.75 Estimated Planning and Administration 20% Maximum 20% x [estimated grant allocation ($510,000) + current year FY 2024-25 program income ($60,000)] $114,000.00 Estimated Un-capped Funds $919,791.26 Estimated Total Available for CDBG Allocation $1,122,415.01 CDBG-CV Estimated Public Services (No CAP)$88,623.75 Estimated Planning and Administration 20% Maximum 20% x CDBG-CV grant allocation ($746,413.00) $149,228.60 Application Descriptions and Recommended Funding Allocations The City received multiple new applications in the recent NOFA. Staff utilized the goals in the Consolidated Plan, goals and programs in the Housing Element, and the criteria for funding consideration (Attachment D) to review the applications. Staff determined that one application from Pearl Transit Corp,4 requesting $60,000 in CDBG-CV funding, was not an eligible CDBG-CV activity; the Pearl Transit Corp application did not have a scope of activities that clearly showed how the activities would either prevent, prepare for, or respond to coronavirus. Pearl Transit Corp could consider applying for funds under the CDBG Public Services category in a future fiscal year. Staff and the Selection Committee recommend funding all the other applications received. Aside from the CDBG Planning & Administration funding, there are six projects recommended for funding that are carry-overs from FY 2023-24; the majority of these are Public Service activities. In total, there are 10 projects recommended for CDBG funding and 2 projects recommended for CDBG-CV funding. 4 Pearl Transit Corp requested funding to provide no-cost dentures to low-income persons. 2 Packet Pg. 12 Page 7 of 11 The CDBG and CDBG-CV applications for FY 2024-25 are described below and are listed in Table 3. Attachment A includes more detailed information on each application, such as the potential risks of each application/program and mid-year performance reporting notes. Note that the goals/numbers of beneficiaries are associated with the requested funding amount specified in the respective submitted applications. It is anticipated that the goals/number of beneficiaries will be adjusted based on the City Council-approved funding allocations; an increase or decrease in funding could result in a corresponding change in goals. The HRC may recommend different funding allocations for the Council to consider. Public Services (15% Cap) 1.Alta Housing (PAHC Management and Services Corporation) - Requested $24,343/Recommend $14,000. Alta Housing’s Resident Support Services program project activities include case management and counseling services to residents at the Barker Hotel (25 units) and at Alma Place (106 units). Goal: assist 131 individuals. 2.Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County - Requested $10,000/Recommend $10,000. Catholic Charities’ Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) project activities include regular contact with Palo Alto Residential Care Facilities to observe and monitor conditions of care and handle and resolve issues regarding residents' rights, unmet needs, allegations of abuse, and complaints effectively, thus promoting resident well-being. Goal: assist 50 individuals. 3.LifeMoves - Requested $69,919/Recommend $30,123. LifeMoves project activities include case management services to Opportunity Services Center and Hotel De Zink clients in locating housing and/or employment and be connected to benefits. Additionally, activities include provision of services at the Opportunity Services Center, such as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, benefits enrollment assistance, transportation vouchers, and referrals for medical and dental care for residents of Palo Alto and surrounding areas who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Goal: assist 27 individuals. 4.Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) - Requested $28,127/Recommend $16,500. Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) project activities assist very low-income Palo Alto residents with disabilities and their families with their housing search for affordable, accessible housing. Goal: assist 25 individuals. 5.Project Sentinel – Requested $36,393/Recommend $18,000. Project Sentinel’s project activities include fair housing counseling and investigative services for Palo Alto residents through casework, increase knowledge of fair housing laws and individual counseling on the fair housing laws to improve understanding of residents' and housing providers' rights or obligations. Goal: assist 12 individuals. 2 Packet Pg. 13 Page 8 of 11 Economic Development (No Cap) 6.WeeCare/Upwards [new application] - Requested $120,000/Recommend $120,000. WeeCare/Upwards is a for-profit organization, is eligible to receive CDBG funds, and meets the national objection: LMCSV & matrix code: 18B Economic Development: Technical Assistance. WeeCare/Upwards project activities would support their specific BOOST program for low-income Family Child Care Home (FCCH) providers in Palo Alto. The BOOST program provides specialized technical assistance and business support for income qualifying FCCH’s. Training includes the utilization of the Child Management System (CCMS), aimed at helping providers create work plans, set goals, enhance capacity, and generate revenue to achieve service and operational objectives. The BOOST program addresses various aspects such as family matching, children's program enrollment, tuition collection, weekly curriculum, licensing regulations, program expansion, and staff recruitment. The intent is to assist small businesses in implementing best practices for organizational growth and sustainability, ultimately supporting low to moderate-income families served by FCCH. Goal: assist 15 microenterprises (FCCH providers). Housing Rehabilitation (No Cap) 7.Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) - Requested $73,585/Recommend $73,585. RTP project activities preserve affordable housing by transforming homes at no cost to the service recipient. The majority of the low-income homeowners served will be elderly seniors and/or people with disabilities, who are physically and financially unable to maintain safe living conditions for themselves and their families. Project activities provide home safety repairs, mobility, and accessibility improvements for low-income households in Palo Alto, with the primary consideration being the correction of safety hazards. Funding would include covering the costs of home repair, such as construction materials and payment of subcontractors. Goal: assist 5 households. 8.Community Work Group/Abode [new application] - Requested $404,800/Recommend $404,800. Community Work Group/Abode’s project activities include rehabilitating rental housing units in Alma Garden, an affordable multi-family housing complex for extremely low- income households, to address existing health and safety concerns. Specifically, funds will be spent on a project manager, bathroom upgrades, exterior repairs, and electrical and water utility upgrades. All units will remain affordable to extremely low-income households. Goal: assist 10 households. Public Facilities and Improvements (No Cap) 9.Public Facility Project(s) [new] – Recommend $321,407.01. The City is exploring project options with the various City departments needing funding for vital public facilities projects. The project(s) activities would include upgrades and or renovations, including but not limited to street or infrastructure, recreation facilities, homeless facilities, and accessibility improvements. Goal: assist TBD. 2 Packet Pg. 14 Page 9 of 11 Planning & Administration (20% Cap) 10.City of Palo Alto for CDBG Administration - Recommended $114,000 As of November 2021, the City has been primarily relying on consultant services to administer the CDBG program. The City retains a CDBG consultant, Michael Baker International, for full program management with oversight by staff from Long Range Planning. With the use of consultants, a sufficient CDBG budget must be set aside to cover the program administration, and therefore, all available Planning & Administration funds are recommended to be allocated to the City for CDBG Administration. Of the CDBG funds allocated to the City for Program & Administration, approximately $4,000 per Fiscal Year is used for liability insurance and is reimbursed by HUD. Liability insurance covers administrator fees, paid insurance claims, audit fees, broker and consultant fees, umbrella insurance, property loss, and special liability. Rates are determined through an actuarial study completed by an outside consultant, Bickmore, based upon CDBG activity levels and outstanding liability. Public Services CDBG-CV (No Cap) 11.MOVE Mountain View - MOVE Mountain View Safe Parking [new application] - Requested/Recommended $110,000. MOVE Mountain View (MOVE MV) project activities expand current services offered through the Safe Parking Program to include services establishing a housing partnership with community owners and landlords. Rather than solely referring clients to existing housing opportunities, MOVE MV is prepared to forge direct connections with owners and landlords by facilitating client sponsorship in rental placement. Beneficiaries include vehicle dwellers and other homeless persons in Palo Alto that are mainly in the LMI bracket: Families with and without children, single adults, veterans, and persons with mental health and chronic health issues. Funding would be used for salary and benefits for the Move MV staff Case Manager/Housing Specialist. Goal: assist 150 individuals. Planning & Administration CDBG-CV (20% Cap) 12.Planning & Administration – CV - Recommended $9,478.74. Staff recommends using the remaining CDBG-CV fund balance of $9.378.74 for Planning & Administration, given the already recommended full funding of the MOVE Mountain View application. 2 Packet Pg. 15 Page 10 of 11 Table 3: Fiscal Year 2024-25 CDBG and CDBG-CV Budget Applicant Agency Requested Funding Recommended Allocation CDBG Applicants Public Services (15% Cap = $88,623.75) Alta Housing - SRO Resident Supportive Services $24,343 $14,000 Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County – Long Term Care Ombudsman Program $10,000 $10,000 LifeMoves – Case Management $69,919 $30,123 .Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) – Case Management $28,127 $16,500 Project Sentinel – Fair Housing Services $36,393 $18,000 Subtotal $88,623 Economic Development (No Cap) WeeCare / Upwards $120,000 $120,000 Subtotal $120,000 Housing Rehabilitation (No Cap) Rebuilding Together Peninsula – Safe at Home $73,585 $73,585 Community Work Group/Abode – Alma Garden $404,800 $404,800 Subtotal $478,385 Public Facilities & Improvements (No Cap) Public Facility Project(s) N/A $321,407.01 Subtotal $321,407.01 Planning & Administration (20% Cap = $114,000) City of Palo Alto Administration N/A $114,000 Subtotal $114,000 Grand Total for CDBG Budget $1,122,415.01 CDBG-CV Applicants Public Services CDBG-CV MOVE Mountain View - Safe Parking Program $110,000.00 $110,000.00 Planning & Administration CDBG-CV Planning and Administration – CV N/A $9,478.74 Grand Total for CDBG-CV Budget $119,478.74 2 Packet Pg. 16 Page 11 of 11 Contingency Plan The Selection Committee recommended a contingency plan for funding adjustments to respond to the forthcoming specific HUD CDBG FY 2024-25 allocation. The details of this plan are listed on pages 3-4 of this report. The HRC can support the Selection Committee’s recommendation or provide additional direction on a contingency plan. Once the City receives the CDBG grant amount, staff will follow the contingency plan to adjust funding allocations and forward the draft AAP to the Council for review and approval. TIMELINE HRC recommendations will be incorporated into the draft FY 2024-25 AAP that is forwarded to City Council. The draft AAP will be circulated for a 30-day public review and comment period. Upon conclusion of the public review period, staff will present the HRC's funding recommendations, public comments, and the draft FY 2024-25 AAP to the City Council, tentatively scheduled for April 2024. Subsequently, the FY 2024-25 AAP adopted by City Council will be submitted to HUD by the deadline, which is typically in May. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT City staff costs for CDBG administration are covered by the City’s General Fund. CDBG funds allocated to Planning and Administration are used for program consultant services, as well as liability insurance. As HUD provides CDBG and CDBG-CV funding, there is no resource impact associated with the HRC making recommendations to City Council for FY 2024-25 funding allocations. The exception would be if the HRC recommended a reduction in the amount of funds allocated to Planning & Administration. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: HRC Selection Committee FY 2024-25 CDBG and CDBG-CV Funding Allocation Recommendations Attachment B: Draft CDBG FY 2024-25 Annual Action Plan, dated February 1, 2024 Attachment C: 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan Goals Summary Attachment D: Criteria for Funding Consideration 2 Packet Pg. 17 ATTACHMENT A – FY 2024-25 CDGB and CDBG-CV Funding Allocation Recommendations City of Palo Alto FY 2024-25 CDGB and CDBG-CV Funding Allocation Recommendations Funding Applications Received (FY2024-25) - Project Descriptions, Estimated Goals, Recommendations and Risks Project #Agency/Organization Project Description Awarded PENDING 2023 Awarded 2024 Recommendation 2024 Beneficiaries Recommended Past Performance (FY 2022-2023 or most recent FY) Notes: Public Services Individuals 1 Alta Housing (PAHC Management and Services Corporation) Alta Housing’s Resident Support Services program project activities include case management and counseling services to residents at the Barker Hotel (25 units) and at Alma Place (106 units). Funding would support a SRO Service Coordinator services to assist residents with managing daily living skills, maintaining their mental and physical health, one-on-one support counseling, and crisis intervention. $14,000.00 $14,000.00 131 Alta Housing exceeded their FY 2022-23 goal for 131 LMI individuals assisted. The SRO Resident Support Program assisted 148 residents living at Alma Place and Barker Hotel. 2 Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County Catholic Charities' Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) project activities include regular contact with Palo Alto Residential Care Facilities to observe and monitor conditions of care and handle and resolve issues regarding residents' rights, unmet needs, allegations of abuse, and complaints effectively, thus promoting resident well-being. Funding would support Program services. $10,000.00 $10,000.00 50 Catholic Charities exceeded their FY 2022-23 goal of 50 LMI elderly individuals assisted. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, assisted 62 mostly LMI elderly residents at their Palo Alto long-term care facilities. 3 LifeMoves LifeMoves project activities include case management services to Opportunity Services Center and Hotel De Zink clients in locating housing and/or employment and be connected to benefits. Additionally, activities include provision of services at the Opportunity Services Center, such as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, benefits enrollment assistance, transportation vouchers, and referrals for medical and dental care for residents of Palo Alto and surrounding areas who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. $23,636.00 $30,123.00 27 LifeMoves exceeded their FY 2022-23 goal of 64 LMI and or homeless individuals. LifeMoves case management services, at their Opportunity Services Center, included assistance with housing and job searches, referrals, and mentoring to 49 homeless and/or very low-income Palo Alto residents. 4 Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) project activities assist very low income Palo Alto residents with disabilities and their families with their housing search for affordable, accessible housing. Funding would support the Housing and Emergency Services for Persons with Disabilities Program and case management services. The Program provides education & training on all aspects of how to conduct a housing search to transition from homelessness, health care facilities, or unstable, temporary housing into safe, long-term community-based housing. It includes group workshops, one-on-one service training, and access to IL (Independent Living) services, including emergency food assistance, security deposits/rent (as funding allows), information & referral to ensure the long-term sustainability of housing. $16,500.00 $16,500.00 25 SVILC exceeded their FY 2022-23 goal of 24 LMI individuals. SVILC's case management and housing search education and training efforts assisted 24 Palo Alto residents. 5 Project Sentinel Project Sentinel’s project activities include fair housing counseling and investigative services for Palo Alto residents through casework, increase knowledge of fair housing laws and individual counseling on the fair housing laws to improve understanding of residents' and housing providers' rights or obligations. Funding would provide operating expenses for these fair housing services. $18,000.00 $18,000.00 12 Project Sentinel exceeded their FY 2022-23 goal of 15 LMI individuals. Case managers actually served 22 LMI individuals and 12 Palo Alto family households as well as provided fair housing education and outreach efforts to 821 Palo Alto residents. Subtotal $82,136 $88,623.00 245 Economic Development Microenterprises 6 WeeCare / Upwards WeeCare/Upwards is a for-profit organization, is eligible to receive CDBG funds, and meets the national objection: LMCSV & matrix code: 18B Economic Development: Technical Assistance. WeeCare/Upwards project activities would support their specific BOOST program for low-income Family Child Care Home (FCCH) providers in Palo Alto. The BOOST program provides specialized technical assistance and business support for income qualifying FCCH’s. Training includes the utilization of the Child Management System (CCMS), aimed at helping providers create work plans, set goals, enhance capacity, and generate revenue to achieve service and operational objectives. The BOOST program addresses various aspects such as family matching, children's program enrollment, tuition collection, weekly curriculum, licensing regulations, program expansion, and staff recruitment. The intent is to assist small businesses in implementing best practices for organizational growth and sustainability, ultimately supporting low to moderate-income families served by FCCH. $114,000 $120,000.00 15 Low-Med Risk. This economic development activity offers business improvement services to childcare microenterprises. Job creation/retention is a HUD requirement. Funding is for program staff administration. WeeCare's FY 2023-24 goal was to serve 19 childcare microenterprises. The program will potentially create 2 jobs, as noted in the application. Their FY 2023-24 program just kicked off. Thus far, WeeCare is on track to meeting its programmatic goals, as they have initiated operations and launched a marketing and outreach campaign, have assisted 6 childcare microenterprise businesses to be registered for the BOOST program, and 2 childcare businesses are collaborating to create several teacher- assistant jobs. Upwards FY 2024-25 application reflects a cost increase from the prior year showing a decrease in beneficiaries from the prior year. Explanation when contacted: The costs to run the program have increased. Like most industries, everything is more expensive, so naturally, the budgeted program costs have increased slightly. That being said, Upwards’ (WeeCare name rebranded as Upwards) goal is always to increase the number of providers supported, which they are also working hard to do this program year despite increased costs throughout the industry. *Note: The ConPlan estimates 115 jobs would have been created over a 5 year period. Subtotal $114,000 $120,000.00 15 Housing Rehabilitation Households 7 Rebuilding Together Peninsula RTP project activities preserve affordable housing by transforming homes through critical repairs and accessibility modifications at no cost to the service recipient. The majority of the low-income homeowners served will be elderly seniors and/or people with disabilities, who are physically and financially unable to maintain safe living conditions for themselves and their families. Project activities provide home safety repairs, mobility, and accessibility improvements for low-income households in Palo Alto, with the primary consideration being the correction of safety hazards. Funding would include covering the costs of home repair, such as construction materials and payment of subcontractors. $73,585 $73,585.00 5 Low-Medium Risk. RTP did reach their contracted FY 2022-23 goal of 4 LMI owner- occupied housing rehab cases. RTP completed 5 rehabbed units. It should be noted, over the past 2-3 program years RTP has struggled to spend their annual allocation because of the lack of program participation. However, RTP is currently working on several cases this fall and winter that should spend the remainder of their FY2022-23 funds as well as spend a portion of their FY 2023-24 funds. 2 Packet Pg. 18 ATTACHMENT A – FY 2024-25 CDGB and CDBG-CV Funding Allocation Recommendations 8 Community Work Group/Abode Community Work Group/Abode project activities include rehabilitating rental housing units in Alma Garden, an affordable multi-family housing complex for extremely low income households, to address existing health and safety concerns. Funding would be spent on a project manager, bathroom upgrades, exterior repairs, and electrical and water utility upgrades. N/A $404,800.00 10 Med Risk. This is a new applicant. The City, in the past, provided funding for the acquisition of Alma Gardens. 1) The applicant has stated, working capital may be needed, but should be able to proceed if reimbursement could be accelerated. 2) Under the City recommendation Alma Garden has agreed to included a project manager. This has been integrated into their application budget. 3) The application requires a detailed budget be submitted for specific units to be rehabbed prior to Council approval. 4) This organization is going through restructuring. Subtotal $478,385.00 15 Public Facilities & Improvements 9 Public Facility Project(s) The City is exploring project options with the various City departments needing funding for vital public facilities projects. The project(s) activities would include upgrades and or renovations, including but not limited to street or infrastructure, recreation facilities, homeless facilities, and accessibility improvements. $321,407.01 TBD The City is exploring project options with the various City departments needing funding for vital public facilities projects. Subtotal $321,407.01 Planning and Administration 10 City Admin Funding for the City's CDBG program planning and administration needs for CDBG projects.$119,013 $114,000.00 2023 Notes: Due to a lower-than-expected program income (PI), adjustments in the FY2023-24 Planning & Administration budget were made to meet the 20% Cap. The original budget was $122,848, now updated to $119,013, staying within the cap Subtotal $119,013 $114,000.00 CDBG Total Funds Allocated $1,122,415.01 Program Income (PI) prior year (PY 2023-24)$80,825.00 Program Income (PI) anticipated for (PY 2024-25)$60,000.00 HUD Allocation anticipated for (PY 2024-25)$510,000.00 Prior Years' unspent Funds $552,415.01 CDBG CITY TOTAL ESTIMATED $1,122,415.01 anticipated PY2024 Program Income + anticipated HUD Allcocation + Prior Year unspent Funds CDBG Funding Categories CDBG Total Allocations Capped/Un-Capped Estimated Funds Public Services (15% cap) PS $88,623.00 $88,623.75 cap amount: Total Subject to PS CAP (Entitlement Grant + PRIOR year (PY 2023) Program income) Economic Development $120,000.00 $919,791 Un-capped Funds. $919,792.01 Total Allocated Un-capped Funds. Housing Rehabilitation $478,385.00 Public Facilities & Improvements $321,407.01 Planning and Administration (20% cap) PA $114,000.00 $114,000.00 cap amount: Total Subject to PA CAP (Entitlement Grant + anticipated PY2024 Program income) CDBG Total Funds Allocated $1,122,415.01 $1,122,415.01 Total Funds CDBG-CV FUNDING: Funding Applications Received (FY2024-25) - Project Descriptions, Estimated Goals, Recommendations and Risks Project #Agency/Organization Project Description Awarded PENDING 2023 Awarded 2024 Recommendation 2023 Beneficiaries Recommend Application Notes: 1 MOVE Mountain View - MOVE Mountain View Safe Parking MOVE Mountain View (MOVE MV) project activities expand current services offered through the Safe Parking Program to include services establishing a housing partnership with community owners and landlords. Rather than solely referring clients to existing housing opportunities, MOVE MV is prepared to forge direct connections with owners and landlords by facilitating client sponsorship in rental placement. Beneficiaries include vehicle dwellers and other homeless persons in Palo Alto that are mainly in the LMI bracket: Families with and without children, single adults, veterans, and persons with mental health and chronic health issues. Funding would be used for salary and benefits for the Move MV staff Case Manager/Housing Specialist. $160,300 $110,000.00 150 Low Risk: 2024 Will expand upon services of the current contract. 2 Pearl Transit Corp Funding to provide dental services to low-income adults in Palo Alto. Specifically, Pearl Transit partnered with Oracle Dental to provide no-cost, custom, full and partial denture units that replace missing teeth. Funding would be used for personnel costs, repairs and maintenance materials, agency insurance costs, building lease and utility costs, supplies, program marketing and administrative services. N/A $0.00 N/A: 2500 Application Received. HUD Rep determined not an eligible COVID-19 impact activity. 3 City Admin - CV Funding for the City's CDBG program planning and administration needs for CDBG-CV projects.$9,478.74 TOTAL CDBG-CV Funds Allocated $119,478.74 150 Unspent Canceled LifeMoves-CV project $34,200.50 Unspent Planning & Administration funds.$85,278.24 CDBG-CV CITY TOTAL ESTIMATED $119,478.74 CDBG-CV Funding Categories CDBG-CV Total Allocations Capped/Un-Capped Estimated Funds CDBG-CV Public Services Project (No Cap) PS $110,000.00 CDBG-CV Planning and Administration (20% cap) PA $9,478.74 $149,282.60 cap amount:Total Subject to PA CAP (CDBG-CV Grant: 746,413.00) $73,482.50 Total Funded Amount to CDBG-CV PA = Total Spent ($64,003.76) + Recommendation ($9,478.74) CDBG-CV Total Funds Allocated $119,478.74 2 Packet Pg. 19 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 DRAFT (February 1, 2024) ADMINISTERED BY: PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 2 Packet Pg. 20 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 1 Table of Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................. 2 AP-05 Executive Summary - 91.200(c), 91.220(b) ................................................................. 2 The Process ............................................................................................................................................................... 6 PR-05 Lead and Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b) ................................................................ 6 AP-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l) ............................................................... 8 AP-12 Participation - 91.401, 91.105, 91.200(c) ................................................................ 16 Expected Resources ................................................................................................................................................ 20 AP-15 Expected Resources - 91.420(b), 91.220(c)(1,2) ......................................................... 20 Annual Goals and Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 24 AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives - 91.420, 91.220(c)(3)&(e) ............................................... 24 AP-35 Projects - 91.420, 91.220(d) ................................................................................ 27 AP-38 Project Summary ............................................................................................. 28 AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.420, 91.220(f) ............................................................. 35 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing -91.420, 91.220(j) ...................................................... 36 AP-85 Other Actions - 91.420, 91.220(k) ......................................................................... 39 Program Specific Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 42 AP-90 Program Specific Requirements - 91.420, 91.220(l)(1,2,4) ............................................ 42 Appendices ............................................................................................................................................................. 44 APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................... 44 Public Comments ................................................................................................. 44 APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................... 45 Public Hearing Notifications ..................................................................................... 45 APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................... 46 CDBG Application Forms ......................................................................................... 46 2 Packet Pg. 21 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 2 Executive Summary AP-05 Executive Summary - 91.200(c), 91.220(b) 1. Introduction The City of Palo Alto (City) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Annual Action Plan (AAP) contains the City’s plan to carry out housing and community development activities funded by Federal formula grant funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The City operates on a two-year grant funding cycle for CDBG public service grants and a one-year cycle for CDBG capital housing rehabilitation and public facilities and improvement projects. This Action Plan covers the fifth and final year of the City’s five-year 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan which was adopted by the Palo Alto City Council on June 15, 2020. The Planning and Development Services Department is the lead agency for the Consolidated Plan and subsequent 5 Annual Action Plans for the City’s CDBG program. HUD requires entitlement jurisdictions to submit an annual Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) that describes the distribution of federal entitlement grant funds over the Consolidated Plan’s five-year planning period identifying how funding allocations help meet the goals covered in the Consolidated Plan. The City is anticipating receiving formal notification from HUD of the City’s CDBG funding allocations in early March 2024. In the interim, the City estimates the availability of $1,122,415.01 in FY 2024-25 CDBG funds for eligible projects, programs, and activities as follows: • $510,000 estimate of FY 2024-25 CDBG federal appropriations; • $552,415.01 will be reprogrammed from FY 2021-22, FY 2022-23, and FY 2023-24 unspent funds; and • $60,000 in anticipated program income. The City also has the opportunity to reprogram $119,478.74 in CDBG CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funds. The City’s FY 2024-25 AAP covers the time period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, (HUD Program Year 2024). The FY 2024-25 AAP contains both accomplishments from the previous program year and outcomes the City expects to achieve in the coming year. All of the projects, programs, and activities in the FY 2024- 25 AAP reflect the goals in the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan. They also principally benefit City residents that have extremely low, low and moderate- incomes and/or populations that have special needs, such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless. 2 Packet Pg. 22 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 3 Fiscal Year 2024-25 CDBG and CDBG-CV Budget Summary Table Applicant Agency Recommended Allocation Public Services (15% Cap = $88,623.75) Alta Housing - SRO Resident Support Services $14,000 Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County – Long Term Care Ombudsman Program $10,000 LifeMoves – Case Management $30,123 Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) – Case Management $16,500 Project Sentinel – Fair Housing Services $18,000 Subtotal $88,623 Economic Development (No Cap) WeeCare/Upwards $120,000 Subtotal $120,000 Housing Rehabilitation (No Cap) Rebuilding Together Peninsula – Safe at Home $73,585 Community Work Group/Abode – Alma Garden $404,800 Subtotal $478,385 Public Facilities & Improvements (No Cap) Public Facility Project(s) $321,407.01 Subtotal $321,407.01 Planning & Administration (20% Cap = $114,000) City of Palo Alto Administration $114,000 Subtotal $114,000 Grand Total for CDBG Budget $1,122,415.01 Public Services CDBG-CV MOVE Mountain View - Safe Parking Program $110,000.00 Planning & Administration CDBG-CV (20% Cap) Planning and Administration $9,478.74 Grand Total for CDBG-CV Budget $119,478.74 2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan This could be a restatement of items or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to another location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs assessment, the housing market analysis or the strategic plan 2 Packet Pg. 23 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 4 The City is part of the San Francisco Metropolitan Bay Area, located 35 miles south of San Francisco and 14 miles north of San José. The City is located within the County of Santa Clara, borders San Mateo County, and encompasses an area of approximately 26 square miles, one-third of which consists of open space. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 ACS Census, the City's total resident population is 66,021 and has a density of 2,745 persons per square mile. Between 2020 and 2021 the City’s median household income grew from $174,003 to $194,782, a 11.9% increase. According to the U.S. Census data, 6.1% of all residents within the City had incomes below the federal poverty level. The City has the most educated residents in the country and is one of the most expensive cities to live in. According to the 2020 Palo Alto Business & Economic Activity Report in 2020, the City has between 4,100 and 7,000 for-profit and non for profit businesses and 92,000 to 114,000 employees. Additionally, according to the 2023 Point in Time (PIT) homeless count, there were 187 unsheltered homeless individuals and 19 sheltered. The 2022 PIT homeless count revealed there were 263 unsheltered homeless individuals and 11 sheltered homeless individuals in Palo Alto in 2022. This reflects an overall estimated 24.5% decrease in homelessness in Palo Alto. The FY 2024-25 Annual Action Plan provides a summary of how the City will utilize its CDBG allocation to meet the needs of the City’s lower-incomes and special needs populations. In FY 2023-24, the City received $514,242 from the federal CDBG program and also had $80,825 in program income. In FY 2024-25, the City estimates the availability of a total of $1,122,415.01 in CDBG funds. This higher amount is largely due to projects identified in past AAPs that were cancelled and previously unspent funds. The City also reprogram $119,478.74 CDBG-CV funds. 3. Evaluation of past performance An evaluation of past performance helps City leaders allocate funds to priority activities, as well as select projects that are more aligned with its priority needs and goals. The City is responsible for ensuring compliance with all rules and regulations associated with the CDBG entitlement grant program. Prior Annual Action Plans (AAPs) and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPERs) provide many details about the accomplishment goals, projects, and programs completed by the City and its subrecipients. A review of the FY 2022-23 CAPER reveals that 310 persons and/or employers were assisted. Specifically: • LMI elderly were assisted: 62 • Residents that received counseling services: 148 • Homeless individuals received shelter: 49 • Individual that received housing complaint services: 22 • Persons with disabilities receiving assistance: 24 • LMI homeowners receiving home improvements: 5 • Workforce development program assistance: 0 2 Packet Pg. 24 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 5 The City evaluates the performance of subrecipients on a quarterly basis. Subrecipients submit required quarterly progress reports that include client data, performance objectives, and data on outcome measures. Prior to the start of the program year, subrecipients and the City collaboratively develop program objectives, ensuring that they are aligned with the City's overall goals and strategies. The City then utilizes the quarterly reports to review progress toward achievement of annual goals. 4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process The City solicited input throughout the development of the FY 2024-25 Annual Action Plan (AAP). As required by HUD, the City provides multiple opportunities for public review and comment on the AAP, as well as any substantial amendments. Per the City’s adopted Citizen Participation Plan, the City holds a 30- day public review comment period for the AAP. The City also publishes the required notification of upcoming public hearings and the 30-day public review comment period in a local newspaper of general circulation, on the City’s CDBG webpage, and via email blasts to stakeholders. The City will be holding two advertised public hearings on the AAP, currently scheduled for February 8, 2024, and April 15, 2024. The AAP 30-day public review period is scheduled for March 13, 2024, through April 12, 2024. 5. Summary of public comments This could be a brief narrative summary or reference an attached document from the Citizen Participation section of the Con Plan. Public comments will be reported here. 6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them The City accepts and responds to all submitted public comments. As noted above, all public comments will be reported and addressed as part of the final FY 2024-25 Annual Action Plan. 7. Summary No further discussion 2 Packet Pg. 25 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 6 The Process PR-05 Lead and Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b) 1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source. Agency Role Name Department/Agency Lead Agency PALO ALTO CDBG Administrator PALO ALTO Department of Planning & Development Services Table 1 – Responsible Agencies Narrative The City is the Lead and Responsible Agency for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) entitlement programs in Palo Alto. The Department of Planning and Development Services (PDS) is responsible for administering the City’s CDBG program. The City joined the HOME Consortium in 2015 and receives federal HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds through the County. Entitlement jurisdictions receive entitlement funding (i.e., non-competitive, formula funds) from HUD. HUD requires the City to submit a five-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan to HUD listing priorities and strategies for the use of its federal funds. The Consolidated Plan helps local jurisdictions to assess their affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions. As a part of the Consolidated Plan process for 2020-2025, the City collaborated with the County of Santa Clara (County) as the Urban County (representing the cities of Campbell, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, and Saratoga); the cities of Cupertino, Gilroy, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San José, and Santa Clara; and the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) to identify and prioritize housing and community development needs across the region, and to develop strategies to meet those needs. The FY 2024-25 AAP represents the fifth year of CDBG funding of the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan. 2 Packet Pg. 26 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 7 Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information Clare Campbell, Manager of Long Range Planning City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and Development Services 250 Hamilton Avenue, 5th Floor Palo Alto, CA 94301 E-mail: clare.campbell@cityofpaloalto.org Phone: (650) 617-3191 2 Packet Pg. 27 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 8 AP-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l) 1. Introduction The Annual Action Plan is a one-year plan that describes the eligible projects, programs, and activities to be undertaken with funds expected during FY 2024-25 and their relationship to the priority housing, homeless, and community development needs outlined in the 2020-25 Consolidated Plan. Consultation with the City and region’s social services, Human Relations Commission (HRC), Santa Clara Housing Coordinators group, City Departments, and City Council occurred in the development of the AAP. Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l)). The projects, programs, and activities identified in the Annual Action Plan were shaped through a detailed collaborative process. The City CDBG program administrators performed technical assistance, as well as interviewed and monitored subrecipients. They also conducted consultations with the City’s Public Works, Planning, Housing, and Economic Development staff. During Fiscal Year 2024-25, the City will continue to work with and consult with city departments, non-profit organizations that provide programs and services for low-income households, private industry, homeless providers, and housing development groups. The City supports the development of affordable housing opportunities both regionally and within the City. City staff provides weekly technical assistance to awarded public service subrecipients and new CDBG applicants, as well as attends monthly Santa Clara County Continuum of Care and Housing Coordinators meetings. Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness. The Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing is the administrator of the regional Continuum of Care (CoC). The City’s Office of Human Services Manager is in contact with the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing and Destination Home regarding issues of homelessness in the community. The Santa Clara County CoC is a group comprising of stakeholders throughout the County, including governmental agencies, homeless service and shelter providers, homeless population, housing advocates, affordable housing developers, and various private parties, including businesses and foundations. City staff continues to attend monthly CoC Housing Coordinator meetings. The CoC plans and prepares important reports supported by its CDBG entitlements and cities. Reports adopted by the CoC strive to improve conditions for the homeless, record data related to homelessness, develop a system for volunteer assistance that help identify gaps in homeless services, establish funding priorities, and pursue a systematic approach to addressing homelessness. 2 Packet Pg. 28 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 9 The CoC is governed by the CoC Board, which takes a systems-change approach to preventing and ending homelessness. This same CoC Board is comprised of the same individuals who serve on the Destination: Home (Destination Home) Leadership Board. Destination Home is a public-private partnership that is committed to collective impact strategies to end chronic homelessness. Regional efforts of the CoC include the development of The Community Plan to End Homelessness, which identifies strategies to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness in the County, including chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth. The plan also addresses the needs of persons at risk of homelessness. The new community plan to end homelessness can be viewed at Reports and Publications - Office of Supportive Housing - County of Santa Clara (sccgov.org). As part of the development of the 2020-25 Consolidated Plan, the City directly consulted both the CoC and County Office of Supportive Housing for their expertise and experience in identifying community needs. Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction’s area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS The City is not an ESG entitlement jurisdiction and therefore does not receive ESG funds. However, the City does administer federal grant programs that help homeless and low-income families in Santa Clara County. The City uses its CDBG-CV funds to support safe parking lots that house non-sheltered homeless persons and families. Annually the City funds its homeless shelter for its supportive case management services. Over the last several years the City has developed funding and building plans for its new Homekey Shelter. Homekey Palo Alto is a planned modular interim housing shelter with the capacity to serve over 200 individuals annually with on-site support services. This project will be constructed by 2025. The City provides local funds for the County to conduct its annual Point in Time (PIT) count, an annual regional collaborative effort to count and survey sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness. The data from the County of Santa Clara PIT count is used to plan, fund, and implement actions for reducing chronic homelessness and circumstances that bring about homelessness. For 2023, the PIT count was conducted on January 26, 2023. The CoC reported there were 275 persons placed in transitional housing, 1,480 persons sheltered, and 5,904 persons unsheltered. There were 187 unsheltered homeless individuals and 19 sheltered in the City of Palo Alto. The City’s 2022 PIT homeless count was 263 unsheltered homeless individuals and 11 sheltered homeless individuals. This reflects an overall estimated 24.5% decrease in homelessness in Palo Alto. The Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Services takes the role of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) administration. The County, and its consultant Bitfocus, work jointly to operate and 2 Packet Pg. 29 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 10 oversee HMIS. Both software and HMIS system administration are now provided by Bitfocus. Funding for HMIS in Santa Clara County comes from HUD, the County of Santa Clara, and the City of San Jose. The County’s HMIS is used by many City service providers across the region to record information and report outcomes. 2. Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and consultations 2 Packet Pg. 30 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 11 Agencies, groups, organizations who participated 1 Agency/Group/Organization REBUILDING TOGETHER PENINSULA Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Affordable Housing Preservation Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 2 Agency/Group/Organization SILICON VALLEY INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing Services-Elderly Persons Services-Persons with Disabilities What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Non-Homeless Special Needs Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 3 Agency/Group/Organization PROJECT SENTINEL Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing Fair Housing and mediation services What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Fair Housing Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 4 Agency/Group/Organization ALTA HOUSING Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing 2 Packet Pg. 31 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 12 What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Non-Homeless Special Needs Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 5 Agency/Group/Organization LIFEMOVES Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs – Veterans Strengthening Neighborhoods – Public Facilities Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 6 Agency/Group/Organization CATHOLIC CHARITIES Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Non-Homeless Special Needs Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 7 Agency/Group/Organization WEECARE/UPWARDS Agency/Group/Organization Type Business and Civic Leaders What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Economic Development 2 Packet Pg. 32 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 13 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 8 Agency/Group/Organization COMMUNINITY WORK GROUP/ABODE Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Affordable Housing Preservation Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 9 Agency/Group/Organization MOVE MOUNTAIN VIEW Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Attended pre-application workshop. Stakeholder communications and application submission and project selection. 10 Agency/Group/Organization PEARL TRANSIT CORP. Agency/Group/Organization Type Business and Civic Leaders What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Non-Homeless Special Needs 2 Packet Pg. 33 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 14 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Stakeholder communications and application submission and project not selected. Table 2 - Agencies, groups, organizations who participated Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting There were no gaps in the consultation process. Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Continuum of Care Regional Continuum of Care Council Identifies housing inventory count to facilitate the provision of housing services to those experiencing homelessness. Housing Element City of Palo Alto Identifies barriers to affordable housing, such as land- use controls, inefficiencies of the development review process, and strategies to alleviate such barriers. 2019 & 2020 STD/HIV Annual Report Santa Clare County This report provides a summary of findings for Santa Clara County HIV surveillance data. SCCHA Moving to Work Annual Plan Santa Clara County Housing Authority Addresses housing authority updates and strategies pertaining to public housing and vouchers. Regional Housing Need Plan for San Francisco Bay A Association of Bay Area Governments This plan analyzes the total regional housing need for the County and all of the Bay Area. This effort aligns with the Strategic Plan's goal to assist in the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Community Plan to End Homelessness in Santa Clara Destination: Home The Community Plan to End Homelessness in the County is a five-year plan to guide governmental actors, nonprofits, and other community members as they make decisions about funding, programs, priorities and needs. This effort aligns with the Strategic Plan's goal to support activities to end homelessness. 2 Packet Pg. 34 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 15 Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Palo Alto's Infrastructure: Catching Up, Keeping U City of Palo Alto Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Plan. Accessibility Summary This plan details recommendations for infrastructure maintenance and replace, as well as identifies potential sources of funding. This effort aligns with the Strategic Plan's goal to support activities that strengthen neighborhoods through the provision of community services and public improvements. City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2030) City of Palo Alto This plan is the primary tool for guiding future development in Palo Alto. It provides a guide for long- term choices and goals for the City future. This effort aligns with the Strategic Plan's goal to support activities that strengthen neighborhoods through the provision of community services and public improvements. Table 2 - Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Narrative No additional content needed. 2 Packet Pg. 35 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 16 AP-12 Participation - 91.401, 91.105, 91.200(c) 1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting The Planning and Development Services Department is the lead agency for overseeing the development of the Consolidated Plan and Action Plan. Per the City’s adopted Citizen Participation Plan, the City is to allow a 30-day public review and comment period for the Action Plan. The City has published notifications of upcoming public hearings and the 30-day public review comment period in the local newspaper of general circulation, on its CDBG webpage and via email blasts. The City will hold two advertised public hearings on February 8, 2024, and April 15, 2024. The Action Plan 30-day public review period will be March 13, 2024, through April 12, 2024. The City has not received any public comments to date. (Any comments to be inserted here once public hearings are held) Citizen Participation Outreach Sort Or der Mode of Outr each Target of Outre ach Summary of response/atte ndance Summary of comments re ceived Summary of com ments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) 1 Newspaper Ad & Internet Outreach Non- targeted/broad community Email Blast to interested organizations, persons Accepting NOFA application between October 3 – November 17, 2023. 4 new applications were received; 5 applications were received in Program Year 1 and applied to Year 2 of two two-year funding cycle All comments accepted URL expired applications period CLOSED. 2 Packet Pg. 36 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 17 Sort Or der Mode of Outr each Target of Outre ach Summary of response/atte ndance Summary of comments re ceived Summary of com ments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) 2 Consultation Listing Social Service, City Departments, Area Housing developers Pre-Application Conference on October 26, 2023 Application description, stakeholder consultation All comments accepted https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/rec/share/OE nSZX1HwWN6fKv2PHYowUmyEheUO0GEkAA 3_grogQrkP0mzJnEB9x4C6eVDipHo.zOLaGzG CkZuWtPSE https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/p ublic/v/1/planning-amp-development- services/cdbg-general-information/plans- and-reports/action-plans/py-2024-25-pre- proposal-conf-pres-10-26-23.pdf 3 Newspaper Ad Non- targeted/broad community Notice of Human Relations Commission & City Council Public Hearings announcing FY2024-25 CDBG Funding Allocations, published in the Daily Post on January 24, 2024. Not completed to date All comments will be accepted https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departm ents/Planning-Development- Services/Housing-Policies- Projects/Community-Development- Block-Grant 2 Packet Pg. 37 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 18 Sort Or der Mode of Outr each Target of Outre ach Summary of response/atte ndance Summary of comments re ceived Summary of com ments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) 4 Public Hearing Non- targeted/broad community HRC met on Feb 8, 2024, to discuss: FY2024- 25 Applications and AAP activities Not completed to date All comments will be accepted https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City- Hall/Boards-Commissions/Human- Relations-Commission 5 Newspaper Ad Non- targeted/broad community Notice of City Council Public Hearing announcing FY2024-25 CDBG Funding Allocations, published in the Daily Post on March 13, 2024. Not completed to date All comments will be accepted 6 Public Hearing Non- targeted/broad community The City Council held its second public hearing on April 15, 2024, to discuss Draft AAP. Council members recommended approval Not completed to date All comments will be accepted 2 Packet Pg. 38 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 19 Sort Or der Mode of Outr each Target of Outre ach Summary of response/atte ndance Summary of comments re ceived Summary of com ments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) 7 Internet Outreach Non- targeted/broad community Webpage postings for both hearings To be completed All comments will be accepted https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments /Planning-Development-Services/Housing- Policies-Projects/Community-Development- Block-Grant 8 Internet Outreach Non- targeted/broad community Email Blast to interested organizations, persons 2 Email Blast were sent January 24 and March 13, 2024, to all documented contacts, interested agencies and individuals. To be completed All comments will be accepted Table 3 – Citizen Participation Outreach 2 Packet Pg. 39 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 20 Expected Resources AP-15 Expected Resources - 91.420(b), 91.220(c)(1,2) Introduction In FY 2024-25, the City will allocate a total of $1,122,415.01 CDBG funds to eligible activities that address the needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. The total (estimated) allocated CDBG funds is the sum of $510,000 FY 2024-25 Entitlement Grant (estimated), $60,000 FY 2024-25 Program Income (estimated), and $552,415.01 prior years unspent funds that are to be reallocated. In FY 2024-25, the City will reallocate a total of $119,478.74 CDBG CV funds to eligible activities that will prevent and respond to the spread of coronavirus. The total reallocated CDBG-CV funds is the sum $34,200.50 unspent funds from the canceled LifeMoves-COVID-19 Testing Project and $85,278.24 unspent funds from Planning & Administration funds. It should be noted that while the HUD CDBG allocations are critical, the allocations are not sufficient to overcome barriers and address all needs that low- income individuals and families face in attaining self-sufficiency. The City efforts include leveraging local county, regional, state and federal funds estimating $5.3 million, that align with goals outlined in the Consolidated Plan. The City will continue to leverage additional resources, as described below, to provide support and services to the communities' populations in need. The following section discusses the anticipated resources available for community development activities during the remaining year of the City’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan. 2 Packet Pg. 40 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 21 Anticipated Resources Progra m Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 5 Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan $ Narrative Description Annual Allocation : $ Program Income: $ Prior Year Resources: $ Total: $ CDBG public - federal Acquisition Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services 510,000 60,000 552,415.01 CDBG $119,478.74 CDBG-CV 1,122,415.01 1,122,415.01 This is the 4th year of the 2020-2025 ConPlan. CDBG funds will be used for public services that benefit low income and special needs households, economic development, housing rehabilitation through preservation of owner-occupied homes, and public facilities & improvement projects. A total of $552,415.01 was prior years’ resources were reprogrammed. The following projects required a substantial amendment: PY 2021-22 Downtown Streets Inc. - Workforce Development Program project $133,068.07, PY 2022-23 Mitchell Park Place project $356,330. All prior years’ resources were reallocated to PY2024 Public Facilities & Improvement Projects and partially to housing rehabilitation projects. Table 4 - Expected Resources – Priority Table 2 Packet Pg. 41 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 22 Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied The City joined the Santa Clara County's HOME Consortium in 2015 and does not receive federal HOME funds on an entitlement basis from HUD. The HOME Consortia consists of the cities of Cupertino, Gilroy, Palo Alto, and the Urban County. HOME funds can be used to fund eligible affordable housing projects for acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation. Starting in FY 2015- 16 developers of affordable housing projects were eligible to competitively apply through an annual RFP process directly to the County for HOME funds to help subsidize affordable housing projects in Palo Alto. Applications are directly submitted through the County's request for proposal process for available HOME funds. Certain nonprofit organizations known as Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) may also apply for funding from California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for housing projects located within Palo Alto. The City has only received one HOME grant from 1992 HOME funding for the Barker Hotel project. Proceeds from HOME loan repayments are deposited into a HOME Program Income Fund and used in accordance with the HOME program regulations. In addition, the County will only fund a project that has the local support of the City. If the City receives HOME dollars from its participation in the HOME consortium, the required 25% matching funds will be provided from the City’s Affordable Housing Fund, which is comprised of two sub- funds: the Commercial Housing Fund and the Residential Housing Fund. To date, no projects within the City have been funded through the HOME Consortium. Moving forward, the City plans to increase outreach to developers in the City to provide additional information on the HOME Consortium and available funding. Other State and Federal Grant Programs In addition to the CDBG entitlement dollars, the federal government has several other funding programs for community development and affordable housing activities. These include Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Section 202, Section 811, the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program (AHP), and others. It should be noted that in most cases, the City would not be the applicant for these funding sources as many of these programs offer assistance to affordable housing developers rather than local jurisdictions. The projects funded leverage private, HSPAP, and County funds estimated 1.6 million to support their programs. In September 2022, multiple State bills were signed, including SB 6 (Middle-Class Housing Act) and AB 2011 to advance housing development progress. These two bills streamline the regulatory process and ensure that workers building homes are being paid a fair wage. The bill helps 2 Packet Pg. 42 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 23 generate new housing units plus general thousands of jobs. The California Housing Accelerator provided funding for shovel-ready projects in 2022 whose financing was stalled because of the difficulty in receiving tax credits. The City will continue to track and look for opportunities to leverage State resources for the City. If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan The City has no surplus public land. Discussion Local Housing and Community Development Sources. Other local resources that support housing and community development programs include: • Palo Alto Commercial Housing Fund provides assistance for the development of below market rate (BMR) housing units which are, in part, funded by mitigation fees obtained from commercial and industrial development projects. • ADA coordinator and city-wide ADA capital improvement listing. • Housing Element Update provides the city with detailed housing priorities and needs. • Rebuilding Together Peninsula assists 4-6 low-to moderate income homeowners with home improvements. 2 Packet Pg. 43 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 24 Annual Goals and Objectives AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives - 91.420, 91.220(c)(3)&(e) Goals Summary Information Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 1 Affordable Housing 2020 2025 Affordable Housing Affordable Housing CDBG: $478,385 Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 5 Households Rehabilitating rental housing units for extremely low income households: 10 2 Homelessness 2020 2025 Homeless Homelessness CDBG: $30,123 CDBG-CV: $110,000 Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing CDBG Benefit: 158 Persons Assisted CDBG-CV Benefit: 150 Persons Assisted 3 Strengthen Neighborhoods 2020 2025 Non-Homeless Special Needs Non-Housing Community Development Community Services and Public Improvements CDBG: $361,907.01 Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: TBD Persons Assisted Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 75 Persons Assisted 2 Packet Pg. 44 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 25 Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 4 Fair Housing 2020 2025 Non-Housing Community Development Fair Housing CDBG: $18,000 Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 12 Persons Assisted 5 Economic Development 2015 2020 Non-Housing Community Development Economic Development CDBG: $120,000 Jobs created/retained: 0 Jobs Businesses assisted: 15 Businesses Assisted Table 5 – Goals Summary 2 Packet Pg. 45 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 26 Goal Descriptions The goal of the City of Palo Alto, with funding from CDBG, is to increase self-sufficiency, housing opportunities and economic opportunity for lower-income residents and individuals so that they can achieve a higher quality of life. In 2020, the City has established the following goals as a guide for allocating CDBG funding during the 5 year consolidated planning period: 1 Goal Name Affordable Housing Goal Description Assist in the creation and preservation of affordable housing for low income and special needs households. 2 Goal Name Homelessness Goal Description Prevent and end homelessness, such as funding affordable housing opportunities, resource centers for homeless individuals, and support for tenants of single-room occupancy units 3 Goal Name Strengthen Neighborhoods Goal Description Provide community services and public improvements to benefit low-income and special needs households. This includes assisting those with disabilities to transition from unstable housing to permanent housing, supporting residents of long- term care facilities, and supporting individuals experiencing domestic violence. 4 Goal Name Fair Housing Goal Description Promote fair housing choice by funding fair housing organizations to provide fair housing services, such as education, tenant-landlord mediation, and testing. 5 Goal Name Economic Development Goal Description Support economic development activities that promote employment growth and help lower-income people secure and maintain jobs. This includes funding nonprofits working toward developing the skills of low-income and homeless individuals. 2 Packet Pg. 46 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 27 AP-35 Projects - 91.420, 91.220(d) Introduction The Consolidated Plan goals represent high priority needs for the City of Palo Alto (City) and serve as the basis for the strategic actions the City will use to meet these needs. The projects, listed in no particular order are: # Project Name CDBG and CDBG-CV 1 2024 Alta Housing SRO Resident Support Services 2 2024 Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County: Long Term Care Ombudsman Program 3 2024 LifeMoves: Case Management 4 2024 Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC): Case Management 5 2024 Project Sentinel – Fair Housing Services 6 2024 WeeCare/Upwards 7 2024 Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP)– Safe at Home 8 2024 Community Work Group/Abode – Alma Garden 9 2024 Public Facility Projects(s) 10 2024 Planning & Administration 11 2024-CV MOVE Mountain View – MOVE Mountain View Safe Parking Program 12 2024-CV Planning & Administration CDBG-CV Table 6 – Project Information CDBG Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs The City awards CDBG funding to projects and programs that will primarily benefit low-income, homeless and special needs households. The City operates on a two-year grant funding cycle for CDBG public service grants and a one-year cycle for CDBG capital housing rehabilitation and public facilities and improvement projects. Projects are only considered for funding within the Consolidated Plan period if they address the goals discussed. 2 Packet Pg. 47 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 28 AP-38 Project Summary Project Summary Information 2 Packet Pg. 48 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 29 1 Project Name 2024 Alta Housing SRO Resident Support Services Program Target Area Citywide Goals Supported Homelessness Needs Addressed Homelessness Funding CDBG: $14,000 Description SRO Resident Support Services Program. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 05O, Mental Health Services CDBG National Objective: LMC Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Case management and support counseling services will be provided to an estimated 131 residents of Barker Hotel and Alma Place. Location Description 439 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301 735 Alma Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 Planned Activities Alta Housing’s Resident Support Services program project activities include case management and counseling services to residents at the Barker Hotel (25 units) and at Alma Place (106 units). Funding would support a SRO Service Coordinator services to assist residents with managing daily living skills, maintaining their mental and physical health, one-on-one support counseling, and crisis intervention. 2 Project Name 2024 Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County: Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Target Area Citywide Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods Needs Addressed Community Services Funding CDBG: $10,000 Description Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 05A, Senior Services CDBG National Objective: LMC Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities The program will provide advocacy and complaint investigation for 50 elderly residents of long-term care facilities in Palo Alto. Location Description Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities throughout the City. Planned Activities Catholic Charities' Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) project activities include regular contact with Palo Alto Residential Care Facilities to observe and monitor conditions of care and handle and resolve issues regarding residents' rights, unmet needs, allegations of abuse, and complaints effectively, thus promoting resident well-being. Funding would support Program services. 3 Project Name 2024 LifeMoves: Case Management Target Area Citywide Goals Supported Homelessness Needs Addressed Homelessness 2 Packet Pg. 49 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 30 Funding CDBG: $30,123 Description Opportunity Services Center/Hotel De Zink Eligible Activity (Matrix Code):- 03T, Operating Costs of Homeless/AIDS Patients Programs CDBG National Objective: LMC Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 27 unduplicated individuals (homeless and/or very low-income individuals per year) will receive case management services, including assistance with housing/job searches, referrals and mentoring at the Opportunity Services Center and Hotel De Zink. Location Description 33 Encina Way, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Planned Activities LifeMoves project activities include case management services to Opportunity Services Center and Hotel De Zink clients in locating housing and/or employment and be connected to benefits. Additionally, activities include provision of services at the Opportunity Services Center, such as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, benefits enrollment assistance, transportation vouchers, and referrals for medical and dental care for residents of Palo Alto and surrounding areas who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 4 Project Name 2024 Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC): Case Management Target Area Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements Funding CDBG: $16,500 Description Case Management. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 05B, Handicapped Services CDBG National Objective: LMC Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 25 unduplicated Palo Alto residents will benefit from one-on-one housing assistance. Location Description Citywide Planned Activities Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) project activities assist very low income Palo Alto residents with disabilities and their families with their housing search for affordable, accessible housing. Funding would support the Housing and Emergency Services for Persons with Disabilities Program and case management services. The Program provides education & training on all aspects of how to conduct a housing search to transition from homelessness, health care facilities, or unstable, temporary housing into safe, long-term community-based housing. It includes group workshops, one-on-one service training, and access to IL (Independent Living) services, including emergency food assistance, security deposits/rent (as funding allows), information & referral to ensure the long-term sustainability of housing. 2 Packet Pg. 50 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 31 5 Project Name 2024 Project Sentinel – Fair Housing Services Target Area Citywide Goals Supported Fair Housing Needs Addressed Fair Housing Funding CDBG: $18,000 Description Fair Housing Services. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): O5J, Fair Housing Activities CDBG National Objective: LMC 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2) Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 12 unduplicated low and moderate income individuals will be provided with fair housing services of complaint counseling, investigation, and where appropriate enforcement referral. Location Description Citywide Planned Activities Project Sentinel’s project activities include fair housing counseling and investigative services for Palo Alto residents through casework, increase knowledge of fair housing laws and individual counseling on the fair housing laws to improve understanding of residents' and housing providers' rights or obligations. Funding would provide operating expenses for these fair housing services. 6 Project Name 2024 WeeCare/Upwards Target Area Citywide Goals Supported Economic Development Needs Addressed Economic Development Funding CDBG: $120,000 Description WeeCare/Upwards assists Family Childcare Home microenterprise businesses and will provide business improvement services to such businesses in the City. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 18B Economic Development-Technical Assistance. CDBG National Objective LMCSV Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 15 daycare microenterprises will benefit from this project. Plus, the possibility of new full-time jobs will be created by WeeCare/Upwards. Location Description Citywide 2 Packet Pg. 51 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 32 Planned Activities WeeCare/Upwards is a for-profit organization, is eligible to receive CDBG funds, and meets the national objection: LMCSV & matrix code: 18B Economic Development: Technical Assistance. WeeCare/Upwards project activities would support their specific BOOST program for low- income Family Child Care Home (FCCH) providers in Palo Alto. The BOOST program provides specialized technical assistance and business support for income qualifying FCCH’s. Training includes the utilization of the Child Management System (CCMS), aimed at helping providers create work plans, set goals, enhance capacity, and generate revenue to achieve service and operational objectives. The BOOST program addresses various aspects such as family matching, children's program enrollment, tuition collection, weekly curriculum, licensing regulations, program expansion, and staff recruitment. The intent is to assist small businesses in implementing best practices for organizational growth and sustainability, in an effort to support low to moderate-income families served by FCCH. 7 Project Name 2024 Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP)– Safe at Home Target Area Citywide Goals Supported Affordable Housing Needs Addressed Affordable Housing Funding CDBG: $73,585 Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 14A National Objective LMH 24 CFR 570.202(a)(1) Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 5 LMI households will benefit from home improvements. Location Description Citywide Planned Activities RTP project activities preserve affordable housing by transforming homes at no cost to the service recipient. The majority of the low- income homeowners served will be elderly seniors and/or people with disabilities, who are physically and financially unable to maintain safe living conditions for themselves and their families. Project activities provide home safety repairs, mobility, and accessibility improvements for low-income households in Palo Alto, with the primary consideration being the correction of safety hazards. Funding would include covering the costs of home repair, such as construction materials and payment of subcontractors. 8 Project Name 2024 Community Work Group/Abode – Alma Garden Target Area 2024 Alma Garden Apartments 2507-2533 Alma Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Goals Supported Affordable Housing Needs Addressed Affordable Housing Funding CDBG: $404,800 2 Packet Pg. 52 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 33 Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 14A National Objective LMH 24 CFR 570.202(a)(1) Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 10 LMI households will benefit from apartment unit improvements. Location Description Citywide Planned Activities Community Work Group/Abode project activities include rehabilitating rental housing units in Alma Garden, an affordable multi-family housing complex for extremely low income households, to address existing health and safety concerns. Funding would be spent on a project manager, bathroom upgrades, exterior repairs, and electrical and water utility upgrades. 9 Project Name 2024 Public Facility Project(s) Target Area Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements Funding CDBG: $321,407.01 Description The City will fund one or more eligible public facility projects considered most consistent with the consolidated plan. The project(s) to be considered are: upgrades and or renovations, including but not limited to street or infrastructure, recreation facilities, homeless facilities, and accessibility improvements. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 03K, Street Improvements National Objective LMC Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities TBD. Location Description TBD. Planned Activities Plan, design and construct one or more public improvement projects. The project(s) activities would include upgrades and or renovations, including but not limited to street or infrastructure, recreation facilities, homeless facilities, and accessibility improvements. 10 Project Name 2024 Planning & Administration Target Area Citywide Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements Funding CDBG: $114,000 Description Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 21A, General Program Administration Planning and Administration: CDBG Citation: 570.206(a) Target Date 6/30/2025 2 Packet Pg. 53 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 34 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities The City will provide general administrative support to the CDBG program. Location Description Citywide Planned Activities Administer the administrative costs for the overall management, coordination, and evaluation of the CDBG program, and the project delivery costs associated with bringing projects to completion. 11 Project Name 2024-CV MOVE Mountain View – MOVE Mountain View Safe Parking Program Target Area Goals Supported Homelessness Needs Addressed Homelessness Funding CDBG: $110,000 Description Multiple Safe Parking Lots in Palo Alto helping assist participants to provide sponsored rental placement. Eligible Activity (Matrix Code): 03T, Operating Costs of Homeless/AIDS Patients Program. National Objective LMC Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 150 beneficiaries will be assisted through the safe parking program. MOVE Mountain View (MOVE MV) project activities expand current services offered through the Safe Parking Program to include services establishing a housing partnership with community owners and landlords. Rather than solely referring clients to existing housing opportunities, MOVE MV is prepared to forge direct connections with owners and landlords by facilitating client sponsorship in rental placement. Beneficiaries include vehicle dwellers and other homeless persons in Palo Alto that are in the LMI bracket: Families with and without children, single adults, veterans, and persons with mental health and chronic health issues. Funding is used for salary and benefits for the Move MV staff Case Manager/Housing Specialist. Location Description Citywide Planned Activities 12 Project Name 2024-CV Planning & Administration CDBG-CV Target Area Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements Funding CDBG: $9,478.74 Description Planning and Administration: CDBG Citation: 570.206(a) Target Date 6/30/2025 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities The City will provide general administrative support to the CDBG – CV program. Location Description Citywide 2 Packet Pg. 54 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 35 Planned Activities Administer the administrative costs for the overall management, coordination, and evaluation of the CDBG-CV program, and the project delivery costs associated with bringing projects to completion. AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.420, 91.220(f) Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed. The City allocates CDBG funds to benefit low-moderate income (LMI) households and does not have any designated target areas. Instead, the City focuses CDBG funds on public services, housing preservation, economic development-business assistance, and capital improvements across the City as a whole. Geographic Distribution Target Area Percentage of Funds Citywide 100% Table 7 - Geographic Distribution Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically This question is not applicable to Palo Alto’s program. Discussion See discussion above. 2 Packet Pg. 55 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 36 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing -91.420, 91.220(j) Introduction The City of Palo Alto is committed to providing equitable opportunities to all residents of Palo Alto in order to expand access to housing and increase housing mobility. The City will take action to overcome patterns of segregation, address disparities in housing needs and access to opportunity, and foster inclusive communities. The City’s Housing Element contains a listing of actions established to reduce the barriers to affordable housing, including but not limited to racial inequities, high housing and land costs, regulatory constraints, and public resistance. Currently the City is experiencing a constrained housing supply market, so when housing developments produce housing units that are considered “relatively” affordable, higher- income buyers and renters outbid lower-income households. Subsequently, a home’s final sale or rental price may exceed the projected sales or rental costs. Public subsidies are often needed to guarantee affordable homes for low- and moderate-income households. The City wants to ensure adequate planning is undertaken to provide its “fair share” of affordable and market-rate housing, demonstrating a strategy for removing barriers to increase housing production that addresses today’s housing shortage. To address the requirements of AB 686, the City participated in the 2020-2025 Santa Clara County Consolidated Plan (ConPlan). The County’s ConPlan identifies eight housing goals for the County and each of its participating jurisdictions, including Palo Alto. Additionally, the ConPlan identifies regional and local barriers to fair housing around the region, with heavy emphasis on racial and economic disparity, land use and zoning, and lack of assistance and resources. Programs were identified to reduce barriers in the City, including adjusting zoning amendments to expand affordable and alternative housing opportunities and increasing accessibility to information. Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment. Palo Alto is addressing the barriers to affordable housing through: • Density Bonus Ordinance: The City recently updated its Density Bonus Ordinance, which lowered the eligibility requirements to qualify for a higher density bonus percentage up to 80% and provided more exceptions to applicable zoning and development standards. One significant update is if a 100% affordable development is located within half a mile of a major transit stop, the City cannot impose any density limits and is entitled to a maximum height increase of three additional stories or 33 feet. • Remove Density requirements in certain zoning districts. • Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Program: Established in 1974, the City’s BMR requires developers to provide a certain percentage of units as BMR in every approved project of three units or more. The program originally required that for developments on sites of less than five acres, the developer must provide 15 percent of the total housing units as BMR housing units. If 2 Packet Pg. 56 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 37 the site was larger than five acres, the developer was required to provide 20 percent of the units as BMR housing. The City of Palo Alto has historically used in-lieu fees and development impact fees charged on new, market-rate housing and/or commercial development to finance 100% affordable developments. The City updated its Commercial and Residential Impact Fee Nexus Studies and adopted two ordinances making changes to its BMR program and adopted a new fee structure. The ordinances became effective on June 19, 2017. • Fair Housing: Protect tenants from displacement through more robust tenant protections and better access to legal services. The City annually provides CDBG funding to Project Sentinel, a non- profit entity that provides expertise in fair housing law and tenant-landlord disputes. Program services include information, referrals, community outreach, and education. In addition, Project Sentinel resolves fair housing complaints via investigation, mediation, education and outreach to both property owners and tenants about fair housing policies. • Fair Housing: Increase access to lending opportunities for residents of historically low-income communities of color. • Housing Incentive Program (HIP): Effective May 2, 2019, the HIP was enacted as an alternative to the State Density Bonus law and provides development incentives including no housing density restrictions, increased floor area ratios and increased lot coverage. The HIP is available to specific areas of the City where higher-density development is encouraged. • Affordable Housing (AH) Combining District: In 2018, the City Council adopted the Affordable Housing Combining District to provide flexible development standards beyond the State Density Bonus Law to allow 100% affordable housing projects located in a commercially zoned area. • Workforce Housing (WH) Combining District: The City Council also adopted in 2018 the Workforce Housing Combining District to encourage the development of housing within half-mile of major fixed rail transit by modifying flexible development standards for the public facilities (PF) zoning district. • The average Palo Alto home, as of February 1, 2023, costs about 8 times the national average home price, and the monthly rent is about 2.5 times the national average. • Title 18 (Zoning) Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units: The City recently updated amended its Ordinance Title 18, which included “the development of a single-family home, ADU, and/or a JADU on a lot that allows for single-family development shall not be considered a multifamily development pursuant to PAMC Section 18.04.030, nor shall they require Architectural Review pursuant to other sections of Chapter 18. In addition to addressing the square footage height restrictions, 18.09.040 • The City Amended Chapter 9.68 (Rental Housing Stabilization) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to reduce the Minimum Time Period Required for renters to qualify for just cause eviction protection 2 Packet Pg. 57 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 38 in Palo Alto. Discussion Please see above. 2 Packet Pg. 58 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 39 AP-85 Other Actions - 91.420, 91.220(k) Introduction The following provides a description of today's obstacles and or barriers to meeting LMI or underserved populations, including vulnerable populations, housing preservation needs, lead-paint issues, increased earning capacity for LMI households, city delivery structure for supporting needed services, and regional approaches to serving and helping the homeless populations. Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs The City collaborative works with social service providers, affordable housing developers, housing preservation entities, fair housing and homeless assistance agencies to address obstacles to permanent housing for all residents. To address this, the City supplements its CDBG funding with other resources and funds, such as: • Support social services entities including Alta Housing and Catholic Charities that provide needed supportive services for extremely low-income and or elderly residents. • In FY 2022-23, the City’s Human Service Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) provided $622,377 from the General Fund in support of human services. The HSRAP funds, in conjunction with the CDBG public service funds, are distributed to local non-profit agencies. • Support low income persons with disabilities. Provide CDBG funds to Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) with case management needs. • Support the city’s homeless population through CDBG awards and other funding sources to: LifeMoves Shelter and proposed Homekey Palo Alto shelter development project. • The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara (HACSC) administers the federal Section 8 program countywide. The program provides rental subsidies and develops affordable housing for low-income households, seniors and persons with disabilities living within the County. • Continue to locally support, through General City Funds, the Downtown Streets Team to reduce homelessness through a “work first” model. Downtown Streets Team uses its community connections to provide training and job opportunities to homeless people, specifically in the downtown area. Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing The City will foster and maintain affordable housing by continuing the following programs and ordinances: • Support low income homeowners through annual CDBG allocations for housing rehabilitation. Provide CDBG funds to Rebuilding Together Peninsula to preserve existing affordable housing stock. The City is also planning an affordable housing rehabilitation and replacement project, Buena Vista Mobile Home Park that will benefit approximately 270 residents. • Support Community Work Group (Abode) with CDBG funds to preserve 10 affordable housing 2 Packet Pg. 59 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 40 units. • Annual CDBG allocations to Rebuilding Together Peninsula to preserve existing affordable housing stock. • A Business Tax was approved in late 2022 to fund affordable housing, public safety, homeless services, rail crossing safety, and general city services. • The Below Market Rate Emergency Fund, which provides funding on an ongoing basis for loans to BMR owners for special assessment loans and for rehabilitation and preservation of the City’s stock of BMR ownership units. • Apply to both the State of California HOME program, and the County’s HOME Consortium to fund supported affordable housing projects. • The Commercial Housing Fund and Residential Housing Fund are used by the City to assist new housing development or the acquisition, rehabilitation, or the preservation of existing housing for affordable housing. • The Density Bonus Ordinance regulations allow for bonuses of 20 to 35 percent, depending on the amount and type of affordable housing provided. • The City’s participation in the County's HOME Consortium will allow developers of affordable housing projects to be eligible to competitively apply through an annual RFP process directly to the County for HOME funds to help subsidize affordable housing projects in Palo Alto, including acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation. • The City is collaborating with Santa Clara County and Eden Housing in the development of Michell Park Place, a new affordable housing development project providing 50 affordable units located in one of the City’s LMI census tracts. Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards The City’s housing and CDBG staff provides technical assistance, information, and referrals to property owners, developers, and non-profit organizations rehabilitating older housing about lead-based paint (LBP) hazards. Any house to be rehabilitated with City financial assistance is required to be inspected for the existence of LBP and LBP hazards. The City will provide financial assistance for the abatement of LBP hazards in units rehabilitated with City funding. The City also requires that contractors be trained and certified in an effort to decrease the risk of potential use of LBP in new units. All development and rehabilitation projects must be evaluated according to HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule 24 CFR Part 35. Rebuilding Together Peninsula, through its housing rehabilitation program, ensures each rehab includes lead-based paint assessment and mitigation on impacted areas for each housing case. Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families The City, in its continuing effort to reduce poverty, will prioritize funding agencies that provide direct assistance to the homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless. In FY 2024-25, these programs will include the following: • LifeMoves provides basic necessities for persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming 2 Packet Pg. 60 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 41 homeless. The Opportunity Services Center is a comprehensive, one-stop, multi-service, day drop- in center that provides critical services for homeless Palo Alto residents. Specifically, the facility provides showers, laundry, clothing, snacks, case management, and shelter/housing referral services. • Homekey Palo Alto, although not CDBG funded, is supported by the City and other state and federal resources to build a new interim housing shelter that will serve over 200 individuals annually. This new facility includes 88 rooms with interior shows and restrooms. • Alta Housing provides counseling and supportive case management services for low-income residents of single-room occupancy facilities to help them maintain housing stability. Activities include financial counseling, health maintenance, information, and referral, problem-solving, employment assistance, crisis intervention, and case management. • WeeCare provides business services and best management practices for small daycare businesses in the City. Many of which provide childcare for LMI families. • Buena Vista Mobile Home Park development project, although not CDBG funded, is supported by the City to replace, and increase the number of residential units in the development. Plus improve neighborhood amenities include walking trails, bulk trash removal, new water/sewer infrastructure. Actions planned to develop institutional structure The administration of the City’s CDBG program requires collaboration between several departments including the finance department, administration, and Planning and Development Services Department staff. The Planning and Development Services Department assigns critical staff to manage project development, subrecipient contracting and technical assistance, consultant management, collaboration with public works department staff, and fund draws and activity spending. The Finance Department assists in the process by reconciling CDBG and City budget accounts and draw approvals. The Human Relations Commission and Council hold public hearings and recommend recommendations and final approvals of annual CDBG project activities and projects. The City strives to improve intergovernmental and private sector cooperation to synergize efforts and resources and develop new revenues for community service needs and affordable housing production. Collaborative efforts include: • Regular meetings between entitlement jurisdictions at the CDBG Housing Coordinators meetings and Regional Housing Working Group. • Joint jurisdiction Request for Proposals and project review committees. • Collaborations between the City’s housing and public works departments. • Coordination on project management for projects funded by multiple jurisdictions. • HOME Consortium meetings between member jurisdictions for affordable housing projects. Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social 2 Packet Pg. 61 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 42 service agencies. The City benefits from a strong jurisdiction and region-wide network of housing and community development partners, such as the County and the Continuum of Care. To improve intergovernmental and private sector cooperation, the City will continue to participate with other local jurisdictions and developers in sharing information and resources. In FY 2024-25, the City will award CDBG fund to the Alma Garden project for the preservation of 10 residential very low income rental units. The City is collaborating with Santa Clara County and Eden Housing in the development of Michell Park Place, a new affordable housing development project providing 50 affordable units located in one of the City’s LMI census tracts. In addition to the actions listed above, the City will continue to coordinate with the City’s Human Relations Commission on funding efforts to comprehensively address community needs. Discussion Please see discussions above. Program Specific Requirements AP-90 Program Specific Requirements - 91.420, 91.220(l)(1,2,4) Introduction Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1) Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be completed. Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1) Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out. 1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 60,000 2 Packet Pg. 62 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 43 2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0 3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0 4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan 0 5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0 Total Program Income: 60,000 Other CDBG Requirements 1. The amount of urgent need activities 0 2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00% Discussion Please see the discussion above. 2 Packet Pg. 63 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 44 Appendices APPENDIX A Public Comments 2 Packet Pg. 64 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 45 APPENDIX B Public Hearing Notifications 2 Packet Pg. 65 FY2024-25 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DRAFT Page | 46 APPENDIX C CDBG Application Forms 2 Packet Pg. 66 ATTACHMENT C – 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan Goals Summary City of Palo Alto 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan Goals Summary Goal No. 1: Affordable Housing •Assist in the creation and preservation of affordable housing for low income and special needs households. Goal No. 2: Homelessness •Prevent and end homelessness, such as funding affordable housing opportunities, resource centers for homeless individuals, and support for tenants of single-room occupancy units. Goal No. 3: Strengthen Neighborhoods •Provide community services and public improvements to benefit low-income and special needs households. This includes assisting those with disabilities to transition from unstable housing to permanent housing, supporting residents of long-term care facilities, and supporting individuals experiencing domestic violence. Goal No. 4: Fair Housing •Promote fair housing choice by funding fair housing organizations to provide fair housing services, such as education, tenant-landlord mediation, and testing. Goal No. 5: Economic Development •Support economic development activities that promote employment growth and help lower-income people secure and maintain jobs. This includes funding nonprofits working toward developing the skills of low-income and homeless individuals. 2 Packet Pg. 67 ATTACHMENT D – Criteria for Funding Consideration Criteria for Funding Consideration •Is the program/ project a HUD eligible activity? •Does it meet CDBG regulatory requirements? •Does it serve low-income or presumed benefit population (seniors, homeless, disabled, abused, etc.)? •Does it demonstrate project or program readiness? •Does the agency have the administrative capacity to carry out the proposal? •Is it consistent with the funding priorities, goals and strategies of the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan? •How many Palo Alto residents will be served? •Does the proposal increase the services provided or the number of clients served? •Are the services duplicated by other agencies? •What is the agency’s previous performance experience and what is the anticipated performance? •Are other funding sources available? Could the program/ project be achieved with less funding? •Is there collaboration with other local agencies? 2 Packet Pg. 68 From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Fighting for Democracy: A Journey Guided by the NAACP’s Enduring Legacy Date:Thursday, February 1, 2024 11:57:05 AM You don't often get email from jethroe@sanjosesiliconvalleynaacp.ccsend.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Unashamedly Black, Unapologetically Beautiful!!!! The Oldest, Largest And Strongest Civil Rights Organization In The United States. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 69 Today marks the first day of Black History Month. Every year in February, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and enduring spirit of the Black community throughout time. But this annual observance is more than a chronological account of our past. It’s a time to celebrate the resilience and brilliance of our people — the stories and moments that empower us to imagine and build toward a more just and inclusive society. At the NAACP, we believe that truly honoring the rich tapestry of Black history and culture is a year-long commitment. Every day, we are inspired by the indelible mark Black people leave on the world in more areas than one. As we move forward, let’s do so with a shared vision of progress and unity that respects the sacrifices and upholds the contributions our ancestors made. From then until now: We’ve advocated and agitated. We’ve created art that’s sparked action and inspired generations, and we’ve innovated in ways that have changed lives. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 70 And to top it all off: We’ve made it all look easy. Let us use this month as an opportunity to pause in celebration of US — Our culture. Our community. Our history. For Culture, Rain or Shine if raining we will be inside February2, 2024, in the presence of San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, and with the steadfast commitment of the San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP, we proudly hoist the Pan-African flag—a beacon of unity, liberation, and pride— for all the sons and daughters of the African diaspora. Our theme, "A Vote for Democracy," is a potent reminder {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 71 of the sovereignty vested in each ballot, and the transformation that can unfold within our society through civic engagement. The voice of the people, expressed through voting, stands as a clarion call for progress and sustenance of democracy. We are also graced by the wisdom of San Francisco Inspector General Terry Wiley, whose insights as keynote speaker will no doubt enrich our understanding and heighten our commitment to the cause of equality and justice. In a world where the worth of Black women is too often questioned, we unite to declare that their dignity is inviolate, their contributions invaluable. As we stand shoulder to shoulder, let us echo together the affirming mantra, #SayHerName, to ensure that the stories of Black women are heard, their courage revered, and their lives celebrated. It is a profound reflection of our resolve, especially as we appreciate the resilience of leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and scholars such as Dr. Claudine Gay, who surmount challenges with grace and fortitude. Further, on February 6th, we will convene within the SJECCD District Office Board Room, for a critical town hall event. Here, the findings of the "2023 Silicon Valley Pain Index" will be scrutinized, as we collectively endeavor to understand and surmount the entrenched systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. The panel of luminaries, including Dr. William Armaline, Chuck Cantrell, Carmen Brammer, Ruth Silver-Taube Esq, Scott Myers-Lipton, and Beatriz Chaidez, will guide us through a rich mosaic of voices and expertise. Each is tasked with a piece of the puzzle that, when assembled, will reveal a clearer path toward social equity and transformational justice. Let this flag raising symbolize our unwavering commitment to advocacy, our undying spirit of community, and our relentless pursuit of justice for all descended from Africans. As this banner ascends, may our collective hopes and our unyielding strength soar with it. Thank you for joining us in this seminal celebration. Welcome to Black History Month, a herald of our ongoing journey towards a more just and equitable society. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 72 ODE TO ALKEBULAN ALKEBU-LAN – THE ANCIENT NAME OF AFRICA. THE MOTHER OF MANKIND, THE GARDEN OF EDEN. BY RECLAIMING THE STOLEN LEGACY OF INDIGENOUS ORIGINS, I HONOR MY AFRICAN ANCESTORS AND CALL OUT THEIR NAMES. THE COUNTLESS NAMES WE KEEP ON OUR LIPS, SO THAT THEY NEVER DIE. WE CALL OUT THE NAMES, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, THOSE WHO WERE KIDNAPPED AND STOLEN FROM THEIR HOMELAND. ALL WHO DIED AND ALL THAT SURVIVED THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE – THE MIDDLE PASSAGE, I HONOR YOU. FROM THE WEST INDIES TO THE SHORES OF “THE NEW WORLD”, FROM CAN- SEE-TO-CAN’T SEE. I HONOR THE ANCESTORS. FROM SUFFERING TO PEACE, WE SAY ÁSE. I STAND TALL ON THE SHOULDERS OF MY WEST AFRICAN HERITAGE – FROM THE SUB-SAHARAN TO THE BANKS OF {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 73 THE NILE RIVER AND THE CARIBBEAN, WE SURVIVED. WE REMEMBER THE AFRICAN DIASPORA AND RECOGNIZE THE POWER OF OUR PEOPLE. IN THE MIDST OF THE STORMS, WE CONTINUE TO OVERCOME – AN ODE TO ALKEBULAN, A HOMAGE TO ALL THAT WE WERE, ARE, AND WILL BE – ÁSE. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 74 Democrats allocate $35 million for outreach, but overlook Black press in bid for diverse voter support By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire @StacyBrownMedia In what the Democratic Party is calling a bid to secure control of the U.S. House in the upcoming November elections, the Democratic {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 75 Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has announced a $35 million investment in a comprehensive outreach initiative targeting Latino, Black, Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian voters. “Power the People” aims to persuade, organize, welcome, educate and reach voters from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Despite the significant allocation, a notable omission from the Democratic strategy is the exclusion of the Black Press of America, a move that continues to raise eyebrows given the pressing need to engage African-American voters effectively. The Democratic Party, including the DCCC, the Democratic National Committee, and the Biden-Harris re- election campaign, has thus far ignored criticism for overlooking the influential Black Press. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 76 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 77 Fighting for Democracy: A Journey Guided by the NAACP’s Enduring Legacy By Congresswoman Barbara Lee In the words of W. E. B. Du Bois, a trailblazer in the founding of the NAACP, “The power of the ballot we need in sheer self-defense—else what shall save us from a second slavery? Freedom, too, the long-sought, we still seek—the freedom of life and limb, the freedom to work and think, the freedom to love and aspire.” These profound sentiments have been a guiding force throughout my journey, one that has taken me from an elected official in the California State Legislature to a member of Congress proudly representing the 12th Congressional District, to my current candidacy {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 78 for the U.S. Senate. The NAACP’s commitment to justice and equality has been a constant influence, shaping my perspective on democracy and inspiring me to champion these principles at every stage of my career. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 79 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 80 WORLD COURT TELLS ISRAEL TO PREVENT ACTS OF GENOCIDE IN GAZA BY STEPHANIE VAN DEN BERG, REUTERS, BASSAM MASOUD, REUTERS, NIDAL AL-MUGHRABI The World Court ordered Israel on Friday to prevent acts of genocide against the Palestinians and do more to help civilians, although it stopped short of ordering a ceasefire as requested by South Africa. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 81 While the ruling denied Palestinian hopes of a binding order to halt the war in Gaza, it also represented a legal setback for Israel, which had hoped to throw out a case brought under the genocide convention established in the ashes of the Holocaust. The court found that Palestinians were protected under the convention, and that there was a case to be heard about whether their rights were being denied in a war that the court said was causing grievous humanitarian harm. It also called for Palestinian armed groups to release hostages captured in the Oct. 7 attacks that precipitated the conflict. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 82 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 83 What Does DeSantis' Exit Mean for Black People? That the Republican Party is More Screwed Up Than it is Racist Ivory Toldso Director, Education Innovation and Research at NAACP, Professor, Howard University, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Negro Education It's not a celebration. No confetti flying, no champagne corks popping. But let's not sugarcoat it either – Ron DeSantis bowing out of the 2024 race feels like a sigh of relief, the kind you take after dodging a rogue shopping cart in the supermarket parking lot. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 84 He styled himself as Trump without the baggage, a Teflon Don without the Twitter meltdowns. More than just empty rhetoric and dog whistles, he was a politician who got things done, whether you agreed with those things or not. And for some, that made him even more dangerous than the orange-headed carnival barker. See, Trump, for all his self-serving bluster and conspiracy theories, was mostly bad at governing. He was a reality TV star playing dress-up in the Oval Office, more interested in retweets than results. DeSantis, on the other hand, was a cold, calculating ideologue who actually turned his hateful rhetoric into legislation. From silencing Black voices in history to building discriminatory playgrounds for LGBTQ+ kids, he weaponized policy like a loaded gun pointed at the heart of progress. READ MORE In a notable celebration of Black excellence and creativity, the NAACP proudly presents the nominees for the 55th NAACP Image Awards. This year’s list of nominees shines a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of individuals who have captivated audiences {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 85 and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, music scene, literature, and beyond. We are delighted to share this news with you and invite you to join us in celebrating the extraordinary talent that graces our community. Here are some highlights from the nominations:Netflix and Amazon lead the pack with 55 and 27 nominations, respectively. Colman Domino, Ayo Edebiri, Victoria Monét, and Usher received multiple nominations across different categories. RCA Records, HarperCollins Publisher, and Penguin Random House have demonstrated their exceptional contributions to the music and literary industries. Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, Keke Palmer, and Usher have been nominated for Entertainer of the Year. The winners of the 55th NAACP Image Awards will be revealed during a two-hour LIVE TV special airing on March 16, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. Don’t miss this exciting event where we honor the incredible talent and achievements of our community. Visit naacpimageawards.net NOW to cast your vote! Voting closes on February 24, 2024, at 9:00 PM. Non-televised Image Awards categories will be recognized from March 11-14, which will be streamed via naacpimageawards.net. For the latest updates and information, please follow us on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards. We hope you will join us in celebrating the nominees and the transformative power of their work. Together, we can continue to uplift, empower, and inspire positive change through the power of art and storytelling. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 86 Having water filters for our communities is a racial justice issue. While the @EPA created a plan to remove lead from pipes in the next 10 years, we need free filters to ensure we're safe. Submit a public comment by February 5: https://bit.ly/3kEp8Qg {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 87 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 88 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 89 Prisoners in the US are part of a hidden workforce linked to hundreds of popular food brands In a sweeping two-year investigation, The Associated Press found goods linked to prisoners wind up in the supply chains of everything from Frosted Flakes cereal and Ball Park hot dogs to Gold Medal flour and Coca-Cola By ROBIN McDOWELL and MARGIE MASON - ANGOLA, La. (AP) — A hidden path to America’s dinner tables begins here, at an unlikely source – a former Southern slave plantation that is now the country’s largest maximum- security prison. Unmarked trucks packed with prison-raised cattle roll out of the Louisiana State {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 90 Penitentiary, where men are sentenced to hard labor and forced to work, for pennies an hour or sometimes nothing at all. After rumbling down a country road to an auction house, the cows are bought by a local rancher and then followed by The Associated Press another 600 miles to a Texas slaughterhouse that feeds into the supply chains of giants like McDonald’s, Walmart and Cargill. Intricate, invisible webs, just like this one, link some of the world’s largest food companies and most popular brands to jobs performed by U.S. prisoners nationwide, according to a sweeping two-year AP investigation into prison labor that tied hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of agricultural products to goods sold on the open market. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 91 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 92 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 93 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 94 END SLAVERY IN CALIFORNIA (ACA 8) Contrary to popular belief, slavery was not abolished by the 13th amendment. Hundreds of thousands of people are still living in involuntary servitude due to an “exception clause” that allows free labor for punishment of a crime. The exception clause enabled the modern re-enslavement of Black people, who’ve been overcriminalized by our nation’s criminal legal system for centuries. Last year, over 65% of incarcerated people reported being forced to work in prison, doing vital jobs like firefighting and paving roads while governments and private companies generate and save, collectively, at least one billion dollars each year from their labor. In 2022, incarcerated workers made up 43% of the state’s fire fighters, but even after some were released from prison – they were barred from serving as firefighters. In the land of the free, forced labor is never acceptable. Prison labor is inherently coercive and exploitative. ACA 8 will seek to amend the state constitution to prohibit slavery in any form. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 95 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 96 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 97 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 98 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 99 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 100 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 101 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 102 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 103 ‘A Love Letter to Black Families’ More than 100 years in the making, a new book stewarded by Emory professor Karida Brown and artist Charly Palmer celebrates Black creativity and furthers the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. By Susan M. Carini 04GA W.E.B. Du Bois scholar and professor of sociology at Emory, Brown envisioned a book that would salute and update “The Brownies’ Book: A Monthly Magazine for Children of the Sun,” the first periodical for Black children, which Du Bois debuted in 1920. Though produced for only a year and a half, its effect was profound. Nothing remotely similar would appear until {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 104 Ebony Jr. in 1973. The magazine’s pages, according to the New York Times, were filled with “a panoply of Black figures staking a claim in the history of a country that would rather not acknowledge them.” For the first time, young readers could embrace Black role models and have an outlet for self-expression. In Black AF History, Michael Harriot presents a more accurate version of American history. Combining unapologetically provocative storytelling with meticulous research based on primary sources as well as the work of pioneering Black historians, scholars, and journalists, Harriot {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 105 removes the white sugarcoating from the American story, placing Black people squarely at the center. With incisive wit, Harriot speaks hilarious truth to oppressive power, subverting conventional historical narratives with little-known stories about the experiences of Black Americans. From the African Americans who arrived before 1619 to the unenslavable bandit who inspired America’s first police force, this long overdue corrective provides a revealing look into our past that is as urgent as it is necessary. For too long, we have refused to acknowledge that Americanhistory is white history. Not this one. This history is Black {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 106 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 107 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 108 Shows: March 1 & 2 @8pm, March 3, 2024 @ 3 pm Mexican Heritage Plaza | 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116 Tickets: $40/$45 (at the door) $35 Students/Seniors/Groups of 10 or more Contact SJMAG at 408.272.9924 Purchase tickets at eventbrite at http://bit.ly/shakinthemessouttamisery Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery” is a vivid portrait of the members of a tight knit {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 109 community of Black women... It is the story of a young black girl’s coming of age in the South in the 1960s. Daughter began her journey to womanhood guided by these very diverse, nontraditional, older black women. She shares how her Big Mamas prepared her for womanhood. Daughter relives her vivid memories of growing up- recalling the rituals, the faith healings, the stories, and the lessons she learned about survival, healing, deep faith and mystery. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 110 Website History Events Youth {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 111 Drop Us A Line Address: 205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112 Telephone: +1 (408) 898-6985 San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP | 1313 N Milpitas Blvd #163, Milpitas, CA 95035 Unsubscribe hrc@cityofpaloalto.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by jethroe@sanjosesiliconvalleynaacp.ccsend.com powered by Try email marketing for free today! {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 112 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; DuJuan Green; Friends of Cubberley; Gennady Sheyner; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jay Boyarsky; Jean Gage; Jeff Moore; Jeff Rosen; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Lewis james; Michelle; Bains, Paul; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins; Roberta Ahlquist; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Sheriff Transparency; Shikada, Ed; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Susan Hayase; Vara Ramakrishnan; Vicki Veenker; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; William Ross; Zelkha, Mila; Foley, Michael; sean james; walter wilson Subject:California lawmakers introduce first-in-nation slavery reparations package Date:Wednesday, January 31, 2024 5:37:00 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. California lawmakers introduce first-in-nation slavery reparations package https://m.facebook.com/story.php? story_fbid=pfbid0fWD2eVtU2rbQJkzQ5yx3MovN79yCMNQuiJs5uR3HHQDyMRV8yPTM3ZjGqMEv7YC8l&id=100051178785010 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 113 From:Eden Housing To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Join Us 2/28 for the Groundbreaking of Mitchell Park Place Date:Wednesday, January 31, 2024 9:01:09 AM You don't often get email from devadmin@edenhousing.org. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. logo {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 114 image of ... We invite you to join us at the MITCHELL PARK PLACE Groundbreaking Celebration We are excited to start construction on Mitchell Park Place, a mixed- use development that will provide office space for AbilityPath as well as 50 new affordable homes, including 25 for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The abundant {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 115 resources in the area surrounding the project site make it an ideal location for housing for members of the IDD community and will enable residents to lead independent lives. Nearby amenities include the Mitchell Park Community Center and Library, Magical Bridge Playground, cafes, grocery stores, and retail. This all-electric building is designed with sustainability in mind, with solar panels on the roof, low-flow water fixtures, drought-tolerant planting, and dedicated bike parking. The property also includes amenities for its residents such as a computer learning center, community room, laundry facilities, and an outdoor courtyard with planters for growing fruits and vegetables. Please join us as we celebrate this milestone with our partners. THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDING PARTNERS County of Santa Clara City of Palo Alto Santa Clara County Housing Authority Local Housing Trust Fund and the California Department of Housing and Community Development U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Century Housing Corporation Wells Fargo Bank, National Association California Tax Credit Allocation Committee Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: 525 E Charleston Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94306 Refreshments will be served after the speaking program. We ask that you RSVP by Wednesday, February 21st. RSVP {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 116 Eden Housing 22645 Grand Street Hayward, CA 94541 United States If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 117 From:Aram James To:Cindy Chavez; Council, City; D Martell; Dennis Upton; DuJuan Green; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Kaloma Smith; Lydia Kou; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Robert. Jonsen; Roberta Ahlquist; Sally Lieber; Sean Allen; Supervisor Otto Lee; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; dennis burns Subject:Re: Sally Lieber for BOS Date:Monday, January 29, 2024 6:13:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Mon, Jan 29, 2024 at 11:03 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 118 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 119 From:Lori Meyers To:Kaloma Smith; michellekraus@yahoo.com; adriana@eberlaw.com; Human Relations Commission; Van Der Zwaag, Minka Cc:Rabbi David Booth; Sarith Subject:Nazi symbol found outside of Peers Park on Sunday January 28 Date:Monday, January 29, 2024 1:17:54 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from meyers.lk@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission, Thank you for all you do to keep Palo Alto a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive place. In case you haven't yet heard, there was a Nazi symbol found on the sidewalk near Peers Park last night. It is being investigated as a hate crime. Sadly, this isn't the first. There have been multiple recent incidents of Nazi symbols locally, including the Nazi symbol outside of Starbucks on El Camino in October, as well as the man carrying a swastika outside of Palo Alto HS soon after. Over the past three months, multiple Nazi symbols have also been found in schools in Los Altos and in cities across the Bay Area. These are all part of the nearly 400% increase in antisemitic incidents in the US just since October 7. When the Jewish community met with you several weeks ago, we shared many specific incidents that showcase the rise in antisemitism right here in Palo Alto, and the lack of security and inclusion we feel in our own City. We also recommended next steps based on the Mayor's Guide for Implementing the US National Strategy for Antisemitism. Antisemitism education for the City staff is one of the first and most important steps of beginning to combat antisemitism. We hope that you consider this urgent need for antisemitism education - and integrating it into city DEI efforts - as you prepare for your next meeting and begin to make recommendations to the City Council. We look forward to hearing your recommendations at the meeting next week, and to partnering with you to move forward. Warmly, Lori {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 120 From:Uzma Minhas To:Stone, Greer Cc:Human Relations Commission; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Tanaka, Greg; Veenker, Vicki Subject:Re: Letter Regarding Video/Photography Harassment Date:Sunday, January 28, 2024 6:38:10 PM Attachments:Video_Photography Harassment Letter (2).pdf Some people who received this message don't often get email from uzmaminhas@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Copying council members and HRC On Sun, Jan 28, 2024 at 5:59 PM Uzma Minhas <uzmaminhas@gmail.com> wrote: Mayor Stone, Please see the attached letter. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 121 Mayor Stone, We are writing to address acts of racist intimidation and harassment that occurred during the city council meeting on January 22,2024.Throughout the duration of the council meeting,two different women took videos and photographs of pro-ceasefire speakers.Stanford students of color,particularly visibly Muslim women,were the main targets of this photography.The women in question took pictures directly of students'faces while they were seated in the audience,as well as captured extensive video footage of students while they were speaking to the council.On all occasions,photography and videography involved the women getting extremely close to the students both while they were seated and while they were giving public comment.On multiple occasions the women stood from their seats,approached the podium,and captured extensive,up close video footage of pro-ceasefire speakers. The incidents described above are blatant examples of racist harrassment and intimidation,as the two white women solely photographed and recorded speakers of color,particularly Muslim women.White speakers or speakers who shared their political viewpoint were not recorded or photographed.Speakers who were victims of the harassment and intimidation reported fears of being doxed by the two women,and expressed that they felt extremely uncomfortable and distracted while sitting in the chamber and while giving their public comments to the council. When addressing the room during public comment,you stated that the city council chamber was a “safe space”.We would appreciate it if you could clarify your rules for a safe space.As Palo Alto residents we expect a safe,harassment free,and intimidation free environment when we come to speak before the council.We believe it is the bare minimum that the council provides a space to give public comment without fear of racial targeting,harassment,and intimidation. Signed, Susan Elmasry Nourhan Hesham Michelle Higgins Fariha Hilaly Jessica Koehler Mare Lucas Emer Martin Briana McDowell Uzma Minhas Deborahlise Mota Lubna Qureishi Noel Sandborn {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 122 Thomas Tayeri {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 123 From:Aram James To:Jeff Moore; Jeff Rosen; Josh Becker; KEVIN JENSEN; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins; Reifschneider, James; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Sean Allen Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; District1@bos.sccgov.org; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; GRP-City Clerk; GRP-City Council; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian; Joe Simitian; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Linda Jolley; Palo Alto Free Press; Roberta Ahlquist; Sally Lieber; Shikada, Ed; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Perron, Zachary; Zelkha, Mila; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; ladoris cordell; Foley, Michael Subject:21 bodycam videos caught the NYPD wrongly arresting Black kids on Halloween. Why can’t the public see the footage? - ProPublica Date:Saturday, January 27, 2024 11:22:41 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 21 bodycam videos caught the NYPD wrongly arresting Black kids on Halloween. Why can’t the public see the footage? - ProPublica https://apple.news/ACzeG681BTuianmf1INOQmA {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 124 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Binder, Andrew; Cecilia Taylor; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; David S. Norris; Dennis Upton; Dennis Upton; Don Austin; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Friends of Cubberley; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Linda Jolley; Michelle; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Raymond Goins; Roberta Ahlquist; Rosen, Jeff; Salem Ajluni; Sameena Usman; Sean Allen; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vicki Veenker; Zelkha, Mila; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Foley, Michael Subject:Re: Against Imperialism in Palestine and Beyond Date:Friday, January 26, 2024 5:26:14 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Fri, Jan 26, 2024 at 5:15 PM Silicon Valley DSA <info@siliconvalleydsa.org> wrote: Dear Aram , This is Laksh from Silicon Valley's Democratic Socialists of America chapter. Over the past several months, I've had the honor to meet and work in solidarity with you, Palestinian allies, followers of all faiths, and working people from all walks of life, as we have demanded an end to the U.S. and Israel's genocidal campaign against Palestine. We have had some successes recently with the Santa Clara County Democratic Party supporting a strong ceasefire resolution. Working with allies, we also pressured San Jose's City Councilmembers to unanimously call for a cessation of hostilities, though not as urgently as we demanded. And in November, we supported efforts to flip Congressman Ro Khanna, who hesitated for far too long on supporting a ceasefire. Despite strong public support, most of our politicians are spineless, bought off by military and settler-colonial interests, and openly fear calling for peace. As socialists, we organize {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 125 every day to defeat these warmongers, because we know liberating the international working class means standing against imperialism everywhere. I am writing to you today because SVDSA is in this struggle for the long haul. We are committed to forming a permanent International Solidarity Working Group, and we hope you will join us. Fill out this form to plug in and get involved. Amidst this period of exceptional suffering, I have seen a beautiful silver lining: the people's unprecedented support and understanding of the plight of Palestinians. I have faith especially in our younger generation — who clearly see the atrocities being committed despite the mainstream media's mythological pro-Israel propaganda. This is a time for hope. But we have to meet the moment. That means sticking together, staying involved, organizing, mobilizing, and building towards our goal for a free Palestine and prosperity for all. In the short term, our group remains focused on ending the genocide. But we cannot stop there. The Palestinian people deserve reparations and liberation, and we will work with our allies in the BDS and anti-apartheid movement towards these ends. As the U.S. escalates its attacks and once again destabilizes Yemen, we must also look more broadly towards ending the West's long-standing destruction in Southwest Asia and beyond. We truly believe Palestine is freeing us, and we want you to be a part of this movement to stand against the US war machine! Fill out this form and join us as we push the warmongers out of power. I look forward to seeing you as we organize — behind the scenes and on the streets! In Solidarity, Laksh On behalf of Silicon Valley DSA's Palestine Solidarity Group Instagram | Twitter | Facebook {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 126 Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Silicon Valley DSA, please click here. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 127 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Baker, Rob; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; D Martell; Dave Price; David S. Norris; Dennis Upton; District1@bos.sccgov.org; Don Austin; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Emily Mibach; Friends of Cubberley; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Lydia Kou; Michelle; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan; Vicki Veenker; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Zelkha, Mila; cindy.chavez@os.sccgov.org; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; dennis burns; dennis.burns@cityofpaloalto.org; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; walter wilson; yolanda Subject:Breaking news on the crisis in Gaza Date:Friday, January 26, 2024 5:02:10 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. View in Browser BREAKING NEWS: ACT NOW » Aram: Today, in the monumental case about Israel’s alleged breaches of the Genocide Convention, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered provisional measures that could help protect the Palestinian people in the occupied Gaza Strip from further suffering and irreparable harm. Amnesty International has already warned of the risk of genocide in Gaza. The ruling issued by the ICJ ordered six provisional measures including for the Israeli government to refrain from acts under the Genocide Convention, prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to genocide, and take immediate and effective measures to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Crucially, the Court also ordered the Israeli government to preserve evidence of genocide and to submit a report to the Court, within one month, of all measures taken in line with its order. This decision offers a glimmer of hope for the more than 2 million Palestinian civilians suffering in Gaza. However, the ICJ ruling alone cannot put an end to the atrocities and devastation Gazans are experiencing — we {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 128 need your voice to amplify our efforts now. This ruling should be a wake- up call to the Biden administration to uphold its responsibility to prevent genocide and stop sending weapons to Israel or risk complicity. With each hour that we wait for leadership to do the right thing, more women, children, and entire families are killed. More than one million people have already signed Amnesty's global petition demanding an arms embargo and a ceasefire to end the bloodshed in Gaza, but we noticed your name is missing. Will you take action today? ADD YOUR NAME TO DEMAND A CEASEFIRE NOW The U.S. must take action toward a ceasefire today. Our latest research and investigations have uncovered horrific violations including: The torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance, and mass {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 129 detention of thousands of Palestinian men and boys and a number of women and girls at the hands of Israeli forces.1 Sickening images, videos, and accounts verified by Amnesty’s Crisis Evidence Lab show detainees stripped of their clothes, beaten, interrogated, deliberately humiliated, and held in inhumane conditions.2 The use of U.S.-made weapons in deadly and unlawful Israeli military strikes on homes full of civilians. Amnesty identified such weapons in two recent attacks that killed a total of 43 civilians, including 19 children. In both cases, survivors told Amnesty there had been no warning of an imminent strike.3 The fact that in just over three months, the death toll in Gaza has passed 25,000 and at least 85% of Gaza’s population is internally displaced.4 The unlawful siege is inflicting unfathomable levels of suffering that's putting Palestinians in Gaza at risk. Aram — our voices are vitally important right now. Since the escalation of this crisis, the Amnesty community has shown up for people at risk. Urge your members of Congress to call for an arms embargo and a ceasefire. Your action today could help end human rights violations and save lives. A ceasefire is the most crucial means to prevent further death, destruction and attacks on civilians. LET'S PUT AN END TO THE SUFFERING Thank you for never giving up on human rights, Elizabeth Rghebi Amnesty International USA P.S. Amnesty findings have been cited in legislation demanding accountability from the Biden administration. The international community is looking to Amnesty to investigate attacks and shine a light on violations. Our campaigns are bringing millions of people to act for human rights together. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 130 We need you with us. Donate to sustain our work to protect civilians. [1] https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/un-human-rights-office-opt-disturbing- reports-north-gaza-mass-detentions-ill-treatment-and-enforced-disappearances-possibly-thousands- palestinians [2] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/12/urgently-investigate-inhumane-treatment-and- enforced-disappearance-of-palestinians-detainees-from-gaza/ [3] https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/israel-opt-us-made-munitions-killed-43-civilians-in-two- documented-israeli-air-strikes-in-gaza-new-investigation/ [4] https://www.amnestyusa.org/aiusa-toolkit-occupied-palestinian-territories-and-israel/ DONATE NOW © 2024 Amnesty International USA 311 W 43rd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036 | 1-800-AMNESTY Please don't reply to this email. You can send questions to aimember@aiusa.org. We’re so happy you’re here to hear about the most important updates on human rights! If necessary, you can opt to receive fewer emails or unsubscribe here. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 131 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angel, David; Wagner, April; Baker, Rob; Binder, Andrew; Bryan Gobin; Cait James; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; David S. Norris; Don Austin; Donna Wallach; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Enberg, Nicholas; Friends of Cubberley; GRP-City Council; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Marina Lopez; Megan James; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Palo Alto Free Press; Reifschneider, James; Roberta Ahlquist; Rosen, Jeff; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Tim James; Vara Ramakrishnan; Vicki Veenker; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; Zelkha, Mila; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; ladoris cordell; Foley, Michael; yolanda Subject:Watch "South Africa"s President Unveils Powerful Response to ICJ Ruling!" on YouTube Date:Friday, January 26, 2024 2:28:00 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. #southafrica #israel #palestine #africanews #benjaminnetanyahu South Africa's President Unveils Powerful Response to ICJ Ruling! - This is His Message to the World Following the World Court's directive for Israel to take measures to prevent genocide during its conflict with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa addresses the court's decision. Notably, the ruling did not explicitly call for an immediate ceasefire. https://youtu.be/Qi23d_lWxjQ?si=012ubuW9yXBImF-m {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 132 From:Uzma Minhas To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Re: Dec 6th Listening Session Follow-up Date:Wednesday, January 24, 2024 11:45:52 AM You don't often get email from uzmaminhas@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello HRC, I wanted to follow up on my below email as it's been seven days and I haven't heard back. Best, Uzma On Wed, Jan 17, 2024 at 12:29 PM Uzma Minhas <uzmaminhas@gmail.com> wrote: Dear HRC Chair Eberle and HRC Commission. I hope this email finds you well. Congratulations to Chair Eberle on becoming the new chair! I wanted to express my gratitude for the Dec 6 listening session organized by the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission focusing on Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian Voices. It was a valuable opportunity to share insights and perspectives, and I appreciate the Commission's commitment to fostering an inclusive community. I am writing to discuss the importance of incorporating anti-Palestinian racism into the Commission's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The presentation we shared during the session outlined specific asks, and I am eager to understand when and how the Commission plans to implement these recommendations. Additionally, as we approach the month of Ramadan in March, I believe it would be opportune for the HRC to sponsor events such as an "iftar" dinner and an Eid celebration at the end of the month. Additionally, with April being Arab American Heritage Month, I propose collaboration on events that amplify Arab and Palestinian voices. Given the urgency of addressing issues related to anti-Palestinian racism, I feel compelled to highlight the unfortunate occurrence of misinformation and racism during the community meeting on Jan 11. I believe it is crucial for us to take swift action to counteract these narratives. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further and provide additional insights on combating anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 133 In conclusion, the Human Relations Commission plays a vital role in ensuring that all voices are heard, and I am confident that Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians should not be excluded from this narrative. Your commitment to inclusivity aligns with the Commission's mission, and I look forward to collaborating on initiatives that promote understanding, respect, and unity within our community as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know when we can meet to discuss initiatives. Ideally, as soon as next week or even this week would work for our community. Best regards, Uzma {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 134 From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Why America May Go To Hell The final sermon of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a sermon he was never able to deliver. Date:Wednesday, January 24, 2024 10:29:49 AM You don't often get email from moore2j-att.net@shared1.ccsend.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Unashamedly Black, Unapologetically Beautiful!!!! The Oldest, Largest And Strongest Civil Rights Organization In The United States. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 135 Greetings Beautiful Sisters/Brothers; Queens/Kings! We have the power to do amazing things, esteemed members of the community, and distinguished guests As we stand beneath the broad expanse of sky, the same sky that shelters diverse dreams and aspirations within our San Jose community, let us come together in harmony and respect to commemorate an auspicious moment in our calendar year. Welcome to the arrival of Black History Month, a time when we not only reflect on the past to honor the legacies of our ancestors but also look forward with hope and determination to the vistas of a brighter future. February2, 2024, in the presence of San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, and with the steadfast commitment of the San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP, we proudly hoist the {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 136 Pan-African flag—a beacon of unity, liberation, and pride—for all the sons and daughters of the African diaspora. Our theme, "A Vote for Democracy," is a potent reminder of the sovereignty vested in each ballot, and the transformation that can unfold within our society through civic engagement. The voice of the people, expressed through voting, stands as a clarion call for progress and sustenance of democracy. We are also graced by the wisdom of San Francisco Inspector General Terry Wiley, whose insights as keynote speaker will no doubt enrich our understanding and heighten our commitment to the cause of equality and justice. In a world where the worth of Black women is too often questioned, we unite to declare that their dignity is inviolate, their contributions invaluable. As we stand shoulder to shoulder, let us echo together the affirming mantra, #SayHerName, to ensure that the stories of Black women are heard, their courage revered, and their lives celebrated. It is a profound reflection of our resolve, especially as we appreciate the resilience of leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and scholars such as Dr. Claudine Gay, who surmount challenges with grace and fortitude. Further, on February 6th, we will convene within the SJECCD District Office Board Room, for a critical town hall event. Here, the findings of the "2023 Silicon Valley Pain Index" will be scrutinized, as we collectively endeavor to understand and surmount the entrenched systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. The panel of luminaries, including Dr. William Armaline, Chuck Cantrell, Carmen Brammer, Ruth Silver-Taube Esq, Scott Myers-Lipton, and Beatriz Chaidez, will guide us through a rich mosaic of voices and expertise. Each is tasked with a piece of the puzzle that, when assembled, will reveal a clearer path toward social equity and transformational justice. Let this flag raising symbolize our unwavering commitment to advocacy, our undying spirit of community, and our relentless pursuit of justice for all descended from Africans. As this banner ascends, may our collective hopes and our unyielding strength soar with it. Thank you for joining us in this seminal celebration. Welcome to Black History Month, a herald of our ongoing journey towards a more just and equitable society. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 137 WASHINGTON — NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement mourning the passing of Dexter Scott King: "The NAACP mourns alongside the King family and the larger civil rights community as we grapple with the loss of the endearing Dexter Scott King. Dexter dedicated his life to shepherding his father's profound legacy, and through doing so, he has left all of us with a tremendous torch to carry in his own legacy. For nearly two decades Dexter served as Chairman of The King Center and maintained the fundamental philosophy of nonviolence in order to promote social change through his community engagement and education efforts. Leading with litigation and scholarship, Dexter's contributions to the world remind us to commit to non-violence in order to gain cultural and societal transformation. We thank him for his dedicated service and lifelong resiliency in upholding his father's legacy by advocating for the uplift of the Black community. He will be remembered by all {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 138 who bore witness to his leadership. Our sincerest condolences are with the King family and all in mourning during this time." {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 139 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 140 Why suspended Sacramento NAACP president says she used county funds to pay her own business SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Suspended Sacramento NAACP President Betty Williams says she wasn’t aware she may have broken the terms of a contract with Sacramento County involving its pandemic-era meal kit program. Williams was suspended in October after the national NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson sent her a letter, accusing her of engaging in possible “financial impropriety.” Now KCRA 3 Investigates has learned Williams’ former contract with Sacramento County is also facing scrutiny. The county said the Department of Human Assistance has {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 141 commissioned a fiscal monitoring engagement because of “inconsistencies in invoicing and record keeping.” In response to a public records request, the county sent KCRA 3 financial statements from over the past two years for its so-called “Dine-In” program. The program paid local restaurants to deliver meal kits to families hardest hit during the pandemic. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 142 ‘THE BOOK OF CLARENCE’ IS A GANGSTER EPIC OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS BY JOSIAH R. DANIELS Director Jeymes Samuel’s newest movie, The Book of Clarence, is not just a biblical epic but a Black biblical epic. As a proud Black person and Bible fanatic, I knew I’d need to see it. Typically, I’m troubled when Black people are cast in movies or plays depicting historical figures when the historical figures they play were never raced as Black. I’m especially troubled by this kind of casting when the piece is set during a period of acute anti-Black racism but that issue is never centered or sung about. I’m specifically thinking of Lin- {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 143 Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. Conversely, when Black people are cast to play fictional roles that previously featured white actors, that’s cool with me: Morgan Freeman as “Red” in Shawshank Redemption; Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman in The Batman. Seeing characters who remind us of ourselves invites us into the story and encourages us to gain a deeper understanding of humanity. A barrier to experiencing such an encounter is when you never see anyone in the story who resembles you. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 144 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 145 Gaza: South Africa Calls In the Law A ruling from the International Court of Justice could save Palestinian lives. REED BRODY For three months, as Israel rained death and destruction on Gaza in response to Hamas’ criminal attacks of October 7, the law has seemed absent. Attempts at the UN Security Council to call for a humanitarian cease-fire have been met with a United States veto. The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), so quick to indict Vladimir Putin for atrocities in Ukraine, appears, despite his strong warnings to both Hamas and Israel, reluctant actually to hold Israeli officials accountable for war crimes. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 146 So South Africa’s December 29 application instituting proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged genocidal actions, and putting international law center stage, came as a surprise to our brutish world. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 147 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 148 FAITH COMMUNITIES CAN BUILD A MOVEMENT FOR CEASE-FIRE BY WESLEY GRANBERG-MICHAELSON More than 100 days after Hamas’ brutal killing spree on Oct. 7, the Israeli Defense Force has callously killed more than 23,000 Palestinians. That means 1 out of every 100 people living in Gaza have died, and an estimated 1 in 40 have been wounded. The U.N. estimates that 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, including the families of those originally driven from their homes in 1948. Many people in Gaza have little access to food, water, and medical supplies; humanitarian experts say it is the most extreme example of food deprivation in warfare in “generations.” In recent military conflicts, there is no precedent for the IDF’s destruction in Gaza. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 149 The carnage must stop. An immediate, permanent cease-fire is imperative, not only to combat the starvation of the criminally besieged people of Gaza, but also to liberate a political, military, and diplomatic landscape starved of courageous vision for a different future. The prevailing public narratives we have used to justify military strategies amid diplomatic fantasies are being exposed as meaningless: Unfettered Israeli military power can never impose a lasting solution nor quench Palestinian aspirations for sovereignty and justice. Likewise, Palestinian armed factions can never defeat Israel’s military power, backed by the unequivocal support of the U.S. These exclusionary self-vindicating visions dominate in a completely zero-sum game. Escalating violence wantonly kills, intensifying the compulsion to eradicate the human dignity of the “other.” In short, there is no military solution to the raging warfare spilling over our screens and tearing our hearts asunder. READ MORE Bill Ackman's {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 150 celebrity academic wife Neri Oxman's dissertation is marred by plagiarism Katherine Long and Jack Newsham The billionaire hedge fund manager and major Harvard donor Bill Ackman seized on revelations that Harvard's president, Claudine Gay, had plagiarized some passages in her academic work to underscore his calls for her removalfollowing what he perceived as her mishandling of large protests against Israel's bombardment of Gaza on Harvard's campus. An analysis by Business Insider found a similar pattern of plagiarism by Ackman's wife, Neri Oxman, who became a tenured professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2017. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 151 East Palo Alto For Reparations invites you to celebrate and commemorate the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr! EPA4Reparations MLK 2024 Reparations Listening/Session At the East Palo Alto Government Center (City Hall), Community Room. 2415 University Ave, EPA, CA 94303 Saturday, January 20, 2024, 2pm-5pm -Discuss MLK's views on Reparations for African Americans, Descendants of Emancipated Americans. -Learn About the Latest Reparations Bills for African Americans in California and how to support them! -Learn about Genealogy and how to trace your African American ancestors! {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 152 Refreshments will be served., This session is open to the public. It's a new year and it's time to get active for lineage based repair and advocacy! {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 153 Each year we bring together hundreds of community residents, dynamic Bay Area youths, local faith-based organizations, civic leaders, and local business owners dedicated to fulfilling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s goal of equality and social justice for all. RSVP Sponsor Donate To mail donations, you can send them to: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rally Committee P.O. Box 14993, Oakland, CA 94614 All donations are tax deductible. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 154 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 155 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 156 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 157 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 158 Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) Internships The 2024 OakDOT Summer Internship application is now open! Applications are due February 11th Click here to apply College and Graduate Student Internship Program The Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) student intern team is expanding! Successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain experience working in a fast-paced, progressive transportation department and develop the skills needed for a career in multimodal, mobility-focused transportation planning or public administration. Interns may join one of the following work programs: Bicycle and Pedestrian Program: Planning, Data, & Design {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 159 Complete Streets Paving & Sidewalks Major Projects Division Parking & Mobility Division Planning & Project Development Right of Way Management Survey Traffic Engineering See Team Descriptions and desired qualifications. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 160 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 161 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 162 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 163 During the 55th NAACP Image Awards — which airs on March 16, 2024 — we will honor the hard work and dedication of an outstanding NAACP member along with Black Hollywood’s most talented actors, writers, and musicians. Which of your fellow advocates should take the stage? The deadline for nominations is January 26, 2024, so get yours submitted today. We’re looking for NAACP members, 26 years old or older, who have demonstrated a fierce commitment to activism and staunch leadership in the fight for equity and justice over the past year. Whether it's through organizing protests, lobbying for policy change, or creating impactful art and media, there are countless ways our activists make a difference. Let’s uplift these outstanding members and recognize their dedicated advocacy and achievements on a national stage alongside other NAACP Image Awards winners. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 164 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 165 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 166 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 167 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 168 King: A Life by Jonathan Eig is a comprehensive and meticulously researched biography delving into the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., the eminent leader of the American civil rights movement. Eig’s work draws upon extensive sources, including recently declassified FBI files, to construct a multifaceted and intricate portrayal of King as a man of remarkable moral fortitude and political acumen. Nevertheless, the author does not avoid examining King’s imperfections, such as his struggles with infidelity and depression, thereby humanizing the iconic figure. Eig commences the book by illuminating King’s formative years in Atlanta, Georgia, where he grew up in a {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 169 middle-class family and received an education within the confines of the city’s segregated school system. Despite these adversities, King exhibited exceptional intellectual prowess and innate leadership qualities, rapidly ascending the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) ranks, the organization he spearheaded during the apex of the civil rights movement. In Radical Reparations, this conversation shifter, social justice pioneer, change agent, and inventor of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, which redefined the global conversation on racism and social justice, offers a {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 170 unifying and unconventional framework for achieving holistic and comprehensive healing of African American communities. Hunter reimagines reparations through a profound new lens as he defines seven types of compensation: political, intellectual, legal, economic, spatial, social, and spiritual, using analysis of historical documents, comparative international cases, and speculative parables. Profound and revolutionary, trenchant and timely, Radical Reparations provides a compellingly and provocatively reframing of reparations' past, present, and future, offering a unifying way forward for us all. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 171 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 172 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 173 Register at https://sdpconference.info/2024-conference/ The 2024 conference will be convened at the Palmer House Hotel, Monday, February 19 – Thursday, February 22, 2024, in Chicago, IL. The Annual Clergy and Lay Leadership Conference through the power of prophetic preaching, informed teaching and social activism, clergy and laity work together on behalf of the disenfranchised, vulnerable, and those most marginalized in the world. The 2024 Conference will include… Opening conference worship service at the Palmer House hotel Renowned African American preachers, theologians, and activists Informed teaching and educational opportunities through various breakout sessions including Connecting the Dots: Racism, Ecojustice and the Wealth Gap General Secretary's Luncheon & Ella Jo Baker Awards {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 174 “Beautiful Are The Feet” Honoree Signature Event “Where Legacy Meets Future: ReImagine, ReThink, and ReInvent” {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 175 Website History Events Youth {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 176 Drop Us A Line Address: 205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112 Telephone: +1 (408) 898-6985 San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP | 1313 N Milpitas Blvd #163, Milpitas, CA 95035 Unsubscribe hrc@cityofpaloalto.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by moore2j@att.net powered by Try email marketing for free today! {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 177 From:Aram James To:Council, City; Dennis Upton; Ed Lauing; Friends of Cubberley; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; Jax Ajluni; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Gardener, Liz; Salem Ajluni; Shana Segal; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Zelkha, Mila; citycouncil@mountainview.gov Subject:Re: Greer Stone, Time for a call for a cease-fire now? Date:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 11:34:15 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Tue, Jan 23, 2024 at 12:02 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: 21 soldiers killed in biggest single Israeli loss during Gaza combat, Israeli military says Hey Greer Stone( newly elected Palo Alto city mayor) How bout a cease-fire now? Aram P.S. Hey Greer, Give me a call so we can discuss an immediate call for a cease-fire. 415-370-5056 https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/01/23/middleeast/gaza-israeli-soldiers-deaths-intl- hnk/index.html {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 178 From:Aram James To:Dennis Upton; Ed Lauing; Friends of Cubberley; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; Jax Ajluni; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Gardener, Liz; Michelle; Palo Alto Free Press; Salem Ajluni; Shana Segal; Vara Ramakrishnan; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Zelkha, Mila; dennis burns; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov Subject:Greer Stone, Time for a call for a cease-fire now? Date:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 12:02:45 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 21 soldiers killed in biggest single Israeli loss during Gaza combat, Israeli military says Hey Greer Stone( newly elected Palo Alto city mayor) How bout a cease-fire now? Aram P.S. Hey Greer, Give me a call so we can discuss an immediate call for a cease-fire. 415-370-5056 https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/01/23/middleeast/gaza-israeli-soldiers-deaths-intl- hnk/index.html {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 179 From:Aram James To:Council, City; DuJuan Green; GRP-City Council; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Lewis james; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Zelkha, Mila; citycouncil@mountainview.gov Subject:Will you donate to help expose Joe Biden’s support for genocide in Gaza? Date:Saturday, January 20, 2024 4:42:43 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 180 Last Sunday, Joe Biden issued a statement marking 100 days of Israel’s war in Gaza. His statement made zero mention of the 24,000 Palestinians killed by Israel, 60,000 injured, or 10,000 missing and likely buried under rubble — the vast majority women and children. And Biden certainly didn’t mention that most of the bombs used to level Gaza were U.S.-made, according to expert analysis of bomb fragments. What’s worse is that so little U.S. news coverage acknowledges the true scale of horror faced by Palestinian civilians. In fact, we’ve seen reporters who challenged the U.S.-backed Israeli siege of Gaza canceled, fired, or otherwise sidelined, including former MSNBC host (and my former colleague) Mehdi Hasan. That’s why The Intercept is so desperately needed right now: to ensure that the massive scale of suffering in Gaza is not erased and the Biden administration is held accountable for its role as the principal arms dealer and enabler during Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza. As a nonprofit news outlet, we depend on the support of readers like you to make this reporting possible. Will you make a donation to The Intercept to help power our ongoing coverage of the war in Gaza? If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: DONATE $15 → DONATE $25 → DONATE $50 → DONATE $100 → DONATE ANOTHER AMOUNT → From the very beginning of Israel’s barbaric war of annihilation in Gaza, Biden has made sure that his “great, great friend” Benjamin Netanyahu would have a virtually unlimited supply of U.S. weapons, the full support of America’s extensive intelligence and targeting capabilities, and the political backing of Washington with no “red lines.” Biden and company ensured that Israel’s lies, no matter how grand or obscene, would be embraced and promoted from the podium at the State Department and White House every single day. Over the past 100 days, the administration has watched the carnage wrought on the people of Gaza, yet officials admit that they have “taken great pains to avoid calling for a ceasefire.” {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 181 However, as opposition to the war on Gaza has grown among Biden’s political base in the U.S., he has scrambled to distance himself from the indiscriminate killing of civilians he is actively facilitating. And far too many U.S. news outlets have played along, running with stories planted by the administration about how Biden is “losing patience” with Netanyahu, how Antony Blinken is concerned about the mounting pile of Palestinian corpses, how the White House seeks no wider regional war. What absolute nonsense. There is no need for media outlets to serve as conveyor belts for the administration’s disingenuous posturing. Biden’s actions are the only evidence that matters. The Intercept’s coverage of the war in Gaza and the U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel is needed now more than ever, and as co-founder, I’m asking you to help support this work by making a donation today. STAND WITH THE INTERCEPT → Thank you, Jeremy Scahill Co-founder The Intercept’s fiscal sponsor is First Look Institute, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization (tax ID number 80-0951255). The Intercept’s mailing address is: P.O. Box 27442 Washington, DC 20038 The Intercept is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to holding the powerful accountable through fearless, adversarial journalism. Our in-depth investigations and unflinching analysis focus on surveillance, war, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media and more. Email is an important way for us to communicate with The Intercept’s readers, but if you’d like to stop hearing from us, click here to unsubscribe from all communications. Protecting freedom of the press has never been more important. Contribute now to support our independent journalism. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 182 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 183 From:Roberta Ahlquist To:Liz Cane; Liz Gardner; Aram James; Ann Berlak; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Representative Anna G. Eshoo; paul bundy; Steve Beckley; Donna Bender; Marni Barnes; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; Kate Bliss; Tatiana Bliss; EPA Today; Cherrill Spencer; Chuck Jagoda; Meryl M. Courtice; Koichi Miyashita; Debbie Mytels; Henry Etzkowitz; Rebecca Eisenberg; Emer Martin; Eugenia (Genie) Njolito; Lotus Yee Fong WILPFUSA; Montana Free Press; Gerry Gras; Paul George @ PPJC; Gerry jurgensen; SILKE GURLICH; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Sandy Perry-HCA; Human Relations Commission; Helen Young; Iza Predmdore; Joe Simitian; Jasmina Bojic; Bojana; Jacqueline W Stewart; Pastor Kaloma Smith; linda lopez-otero; Lenny S. via Mobilize; Menlo Steve; Rosalinda Quintanar; Robin; sandra weiss; Trudy Reagan; Lea, Virginia; Wendy Peikes; Yolanda xxx; Lyle Zaman Subject:Fwd: Thank you for standing up for Yemen! Date:Friday, January 19, 2024 2:08:44 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: CODEPINK <info@codepink.org> Date: Thu, Jan 18, 2024 at 12:39 PM Subject: Thank you for standing up for Yemen! To: roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu> roberta -- Thank you for signing the petition to the Biden Administration demanding the US stops bombing Yemen and removes the designation of the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist! Please visit our Palestine page for our latest actions on Gaza. Please pass this petition on to a friend, we need as many signatures as possible! Here's the full petition: Biden: Hands off Yemen! Take the Houthis in Yemen OFF the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list! We, the undersigned, are asking that the Biden administration STOP bombing Yemen and take the Houthis in Yemen off the Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) list. Going back to this designation is reverting to a bad Trump-era policy. This decision will have disastrous outcomes in the region. Both Yemen and the US are obligated by the UN’s Genocide Convention to prevent and punish genocide, which is the goal of Yemen's blockade of commercial shipping to Israel. Instead of the US using its power to stop the genocide in Gaza, it's punishing Yemen for fulfilling these obligations. Biden removed the Houthis from the terrorist list in 2021 in an attempt to reverse Trump’s bad Yemen policy – now your Administration has added the Houthis back on the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list. This will block aid agencies from distributing much needed aid to Houthi controlled areas, which is 70% of the Yemeni population – 22 MILLION PEOPLE! This policy will only kill innocent Yemenis and is a huge escalation towards a regional conflict! The Biden administration's bombing of Yemen while doing nothing to reach a ceasefire in Gaza sets a dangerous precedent that the US supports genocide. The designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization will only worsen the conditions in Yemen and puts up roadblocks to ending the war that has devastated the country. We, the undersigned, call on you to stop bombing Yemen, and to take the Houthis in Yemen off the SDGT list! {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 184 Your friends can sign here: http://www.codepink.org/yemen2024?recruiter_id=784425 Toward peace, Nour and the entire CODEPINK team -=-=- To unsubscribe click here. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 185 From:Aram James To:Angel, David; Baker, Rob; Council, City; David S. Norris; Don Austin; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Kou, Lydia; Roberta Ahlquist; Rosen, Jeff; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Supervisor Otto Lee; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Zelkha, Mila Subject:Holocaust Survivor Marione Ingram Decries Climate of Censorship After Her Hamburg Talks Are Canceled Date:Thursday, January 18, 2024 9:57:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Holocaust Survivor Marione Ingram Decries Climate of Censorship After Her Hamburg Talks Are Canceled https://www.democracynow.org/2024/1/18/gaza_israel_palestine_solidarity_censorship {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 186 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Cecilia Taylor; Council, City; Damon Silver; Dave Price; David S. Norris; Don Austin; DuJuan Green; GRP-City Clerk; GRP-City Council; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Linda Jolley; Michelle; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; O"Neal, Molly; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Raymond Goins; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Stump, Molly; Tanaka, Greg; Vara Ramakrishnan; Zelkha, Mila; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric Subject:Israel-Hamas cease-fire gets council support Date:Thursday, January 18, 2024 9:23:42 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Israel-Hamas cease-fire gets council support Israel-Hamas cease-fire gets council support https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=84476718-1fac- 4d58-985a-789505872da5&appcode=SAN252&eguid=c1f57d42-bdba-4511-b77d- 923712abf4e2&pnum=4# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 187 From:Office of Supervisor Susan Ellenberg To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Special Edition - 2023 Year in Review Date:Thursday, January 18, 2024 9:17:18 AM You don't often get email from supervisor.ellenberg@bos.sccgov.org. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Greetings D4 residents & friends - As we settle into the new year,I’m taking this moment to lookback and reflect on theachievements of my office andthe County in 2023. Throughcollaboration, hard work, anda vision that includes thesafety and wellbeing of ALLour residents, we have madestrides to ensure that SantaClara County is an evengreater place to live. Thesesuccesses would not bepossible without our Countyemployees, communitypartners, and all of you –residents who make up thefabric of our County and careabout the direction in which {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 188 we are moving. I find it impossible to talkabout accomplishments of2023 without starting with ourChildren's Agenda. Last year Ipushed for the creation ofmore childcare facilities and anexpanded childcare workforce,and we focused on growinginvestments in our youth. Isuccessfully advocated for a$15 million allocation forgrants to re-open, expand orcreate new childcarefacilities. This wasaccompanied by $10 million ingrants to crate paidapprenticeships programs inpartnership with First 5 SantaClara County, and $13 million(public and private dollars)for grants to support thecreation and expansion ofwellness centers on campusesacross the county. These one-time funding blocks will put inplace infrastructure thatbetter supports not only ouryouth, but the hard-workingparents who need childcareassistance. This expansion wasalso seen with the fulloperationalization of theOffice of Family andChildren’s Policy as well asfurther growth of the BlackInfant Health Program (BIH).The Office of Family andChildren’s Policy focuses ongrowing childcare services,affording youth a voice inpolicy implementation, andoperationalizing the County’schildren's budget to ensurethat the needs and wellbeingof children and youth are at {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 189 the forefront of every policy &funding decision the Countyconsiders. As for the BlackInfant Health Program, therewas a major focus on perinatalequity work groups that assistin providing culturallyappropriate services andinformation to the community. Another area in which theCounty made great strides is inexpansion of access to MentalHealth Services. To assistthose struggling withsubstance use disorders, threebeds were added at the CampRecovery Center for Youth aswell as three additional bedsat the Parisi House on the Hillfor Social Detox. TheRenovated Mission StreetRecovery Station opened, andwe launched a DUI DiversionPilot in partnership with SanJose Police Department. The988 Call Center responsetimes have improved and wecreated a TRUST Line toprovide non-lawenforcement-involved crisissupport. The new 77 inpatientpsychiatric facility forchildren, adolescents and,adults at Valley Medical Centeris under construction. Overall,the County has now added131 total beds to our carefacilities since the publichealth emergency was declared in 2022. Speaking of newdevelopments, the Office ofSupportive Housing hasworked nonstop creating new {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 190 housing solutions for thecommunity. One of the biggestsuccesses has been theimplementation of thevoter-passed 2016 Measure Abond. Since its approval in2016 Measure A hassupported the creation of5,127 new apartments, 689units renovated, and 56housing developments across10 cities. Another greathousing success story hasbeen the Heading Homecampaign in partnership withDestination: Home. Within a24-month period, HeadingHome housed 1,407 familieswith children (2,637childrenand 2,051 adults) with anadditional 1,990 families withchildren served through theHomelessness PreventionSystem. These initiatives,along with $11.1 millionreceived in HUD, havefacilitated the opening ofmyriad new housing developments. Some notable new developments include: Agrihood (Completed; 165 units) El Camino Real (Received Funding; 129 units) 1020 Terra Bella (Received Funding; 106 units) 96 West El Camino (Received Funding; 79 units) Kooser Apartments (Received Funding; 191 units) {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 191 Bascom Affordable Housing (Completed; 79 units) Orchard Gardens (Began Construction; 93 units) Santa Teresa Multifamily (Received Funding; 49 units) Project Homekey at Bella Vista(Funded Transitional Housing; 64 units) Mesa Terrace (Completed; 46 units) 525 Noth Capitol (Received Funding; 160 units) The Magnolias (Began Construction; 66 units) Another major policy priorityof mine is reforming ourCriminal Justice System. Twokey points in the reformationprocess are 1) creatingAlternatives to Incarceration(ATI) when it is safely possibleto do so and 2) ensuring thatreentry services are readilyavailable for a successfultransition back intocommunity following a periodof incarceration. Relative toATI, we secured $1.5 millionfor community-basedviolence prevention programsin high impact areas andconducted workgroups with120 stakeholders whorecommended 37 strategiesfor implementation. We alsoshifted the focus of jails onrehabilitation through multipleavenues such as the CollegeCollaborative Program led bythe Sheriff's office that brings {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 192 community college classes topeople in custody, $45K ininventory grants to the CANative Garden Foundation toestablish an ecological landmanagement workforcetraining program in ElmwoodJail, and an investigation to theuse of chemical agents in jailsand the development ofalternative methods. We alsomade great steps towardassisting our reentrypopulation. A $4 millionGuaranteed Income PilotProgram that is the first in thenation will provide support forthose returning fromincarceration. The Office ofDiversion and Reentry Servicesalso launched a SmallBusiness Incubator Programfor Justice-Involved Individualsand graduated a cohort of 14new entrepreneurs. Wereceived some assistance fromthe state as Senator AishaWahab led a $500,000initiative for Faith-BasedReentry Resource Centers toprovide tutoring, counseling,and extracurricular activitiesfor children whose parents are incarcerated. To top it all off, I was alwaysexcited for the nextCommunity Event or CivicLeadership opportunity withwhich I was presented. I spokeat the Annual Conference ofthe California Assocation ofPublic Hospitals on CalAIMpayment reforms and theimpact it has on our localgovernment. I hostedquarterly informational {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 193 meetings for our County’sState Legislative Delegationand was elected 2nd VicePresident of the CaliforniaState Association of Counties.Community events filled upour calendar as well, including: Silicon Valley Pride Parade Santa Clara Parde ofChampions Rose White & Blue Parade Bunnies and Bonnets Parade Viva Calle AACI Health Fair Juneteenth Celebration Sheriff Clause festival at LutherBurbank Annual Teacher Recognition atthe County Office ofEducation Nepali New Year Women’s Leadership & PolicySummit hosted by Supervisor Chavez Thank you again for thecontributions you – theresidents of D4 and SantaClara County - have providedthis year. I look forward tocontinuing our work in 2024and growing a safer and morewelcoming community foreveryone in Santa Clara County. Warmly, Susan Warmly, {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 194 Susan Ellenberg Board President Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 4 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 195 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 196 70 West Hedding East Wing, 10th Floor San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 299-5040 Email Supervisor Ellenberg District 4 Website Unsubscribe from future messages. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 197 From:Uzma Minhas To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Dec 6th Listening Session Follow-up Date:Wednesday, January 17, 2024 12:29:40 PM You don't often get email from uzmaminhas@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 HRC Chair Eberle and HRC Commission. I hope this email finds you well. Congratulations to Chair Eberle on becoming the new chair! I wanted to express my gratitude for the Dec 6 listening session organized by the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission focusing on Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian Voices. It was a valuable opportunity to share insights and perspectives, and I appreciate the Commission's commitment to fostering an inclusive community. I am writing to discuss the importance of incorporating anti-Palestinian racism into the Commission's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The presentation we shared during the session outlined specific asks, and I am eager to understand when and how the Commission plans to implement these recommendations. Additionally, as we approach the month of Ramadan in March, I believe it would be opportune for the HRC to sponsor events such as an "iftar" dinner and an Eid celebration at the end of the month. Additionally, with April being Arab American Heritage Month, I propose collaboration on events that amplify Arab and Palestinian voices. Given the urgency of addressing issues related to anti-Palestinian racism, I feel compelled to highlight the unfortunate occurrence of misinformation and racism during the community meeting on Jan 11. I believe it is crucial for us to take swift action to counteract these narratives. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further and provide additional insights on combating anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia. In conclusion, the Human Relations Commission plays a vital role in ensuring that all voices are heard, and I am confident that Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians should not be excluded from this narrative. Your commitment to inclusivity aligns with the Commission's mission, and I look forward to collaborating on initiatives that promote understanding, respect, and unity within our community as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know when we can meet to {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 198 discuss initiatives. Ideally, as soon as next week or even this week would work for our community. Best regards, Uzma {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 199 From:Roberta Ahlquist To:linda lopez-otero; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Ann Berlak; Anne Hudson; Muhammad Ahmed Khan; Lyle Zaman Subject:Fwd: South Africa vs. Israel Date:Tuesday, January 16, 2024 3:42:35 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 200 Add your voice now! URGENT! South Africa is suing Israel before the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Within days, the judges could order an immediate ceasefire – but Israel is trying to prevent this. Let's increase pressure to stop the war by urging world leaders to support this push to end the bloodshed. Let's end this horror now! ADD YOUR VOICE NOW! Dear friends, The South African government just urged the International Court of Justice to {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 201 order an immediate ceasefire for Gaza, alleging Israel is committing genocide. But Netanyahu's government looks set to fight tooth and nail to delay a decision. As millions of innocent people trapped in Palestine hold their breath, hoping for a quick verdict, we have an urgent mission: persuade our governments to support South Africa’s push to end the bloodshed. Wherever you are, whatever your political views, if in the next 24 hours, we, citizens of the world, unite to unleash a cascade of national support to halt the bombing over Gaza, we have a chance to help stop what an expert UN Panel warned could be a “a genocide in the making”. It might be the last one. Add your voice now! Israel denies atrocity crimes against the Palestinians, saying its actions are necessary to defeat Hamas after its ruthless attack on October 7th. But there is a rising global fear that Israel’s brutal onslaught on Gaza constitutes major war crimes and even a risk of genocide. Over 23,000 Palestinians have already been killed, including reports of at least 10,000 children dead. Now South Africa has brought a ground-breaking case to the ICJ arguing for the court to stop the war. The lawsuit, spanning 84 heartrending pages, accuses Israel of genocide, and cries out for immediate intervention. Every line screams with urgency: stop the killing, end the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza. We can't let these words fall on deaf ears. If our nations stand together, filing declarations of support for South Africa’s request to bring an end to this war, we can face down Israel’s attempt to discredit the case, and try to hasten the court’s decision to order an end of the suffering. Every second counts. Let’s be the voice that Gaza desperately needs. Add your voice now! We've fought for human rights worldwide – from Sudan to Myanmar to Ukraine. Our united voices have overpowered military might before. Let’s rally again for Gaza. Let humanity, peace, compassion, and justice prevail. With unwavering determination, Fadi, Ruth, Patri, John, Will, Abdelrahman, Bieta, Mo, and the Avaaz team {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 202 P.S. As a global campaigning organization and civic movement, Avaaz relies on expert determination on whether any given situation amounts to genocide. To date, that determination has not been made with respect to Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, human rights organisations like Amnesty International have reported on “the staggering scale of the death and destruction” in Gaza, as well as “an appalling spike in dehumanizing and racist rhetoric against Palestinians by certain Israeli government and military officials.” In November 2023 UN experts warned of a “grave risk of genocide” for the Palestinian people. Dozens of states have supported South Africa’s detailed submission. More information: Gaza: UN experts call on international community to prevent genocide against the Palestinian people (OHCHR) UN experts say ceasefire needed as Palestinians at 'grave risk of genocide' (Reuters) ICJ hearing is vital (Amnesty International) South Africa tells top UN court Israel is committing genocide in Gaza as landmark case begins (AP) Scholars in International Law and Genocide Studies support South African Submission (TWAILR) Avaaz is a 70-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 17 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You became a member of the Avaaz movement and started receiving these emails when you signed "Stop the rape epidemic " on 2014-06-05 using the email address abjpd1@gmail.com. To ensure that Avaaz messages reach your inbox, please add avaaz@avaaz.org to your address book. To change your email address, language settings, or other personal information, contact us, or simply go here to unsubscribe. To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact . Avaaz.org 27 Union Square West {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 203 Suite 500 New York, NY 10003 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 204 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angel, David; Baker, Rob; Binder, Andrew; Council, City; Dave Price; Ed Lauing; GRP-City Council; Human Relations Commission; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Jose Valle; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Linda Jolley; Raymond Goins; Roberta Ahlquist; Rose Lynn; Rosen, Jeff; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Shikada, Ed; Vara Ramakrishnan; Vicki Veenker; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Zelkha, Mila; dennis burns; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; ladoris cordell; walter wilson Subject:South Africa vs. Israel Date:Monday, January 15, 2024 11:26:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Add your voice now! {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 205 URGENT! South Africa is suing Israel before the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Within days, the judges could order an immediate ceasefire – but Israel is trying to prevent this. Let's increase pressure to stop the war by urging world leaders to support this push to end the bloodshed. Let's end this horror now! ADD YOUR VOICE NOW! Dear friends, The South African government just urged the International Court of Justice to order an immediate ceasefire for Gaza, alleging Israel is committing genocide. But Netanyahu's government looks set to fight tooth and nail to delay a decision. As millions of innocent people trapped in Palestine hold their breath, hoping for a quick verdict, we have an urgent mission: persuade our governments to support South Africa’s push to end the bloodshed. Wherever you are, whatever your political views, if in the next 24 hours, we, citizens of the world, unite to unleash a cascade of national support to halt the bombing over Gaza, we have a chance to help stop what an expert UN Panel warned could be a “a genocide in the making”. It might be the last one. Add your voice now! Israel denies atrocity crimes against the Palestinians, saying its actions are necessary to defeat Hamas after its ruthless attack on October 7th. But there is a rising global fear that Israel’s brutal onslaught on Gaza constitutes major war crimes and even a risk of genocide. Over 23,000 Palestinians have already been killed, including reports of at least 10,000 children dead. Now South Africa has brought a ground-breaking case to the ICJ arguing for the court to stop the war. The lawsuit, spanning 84 heartrending pages, accuses Israel of genocide, and cries out for immediate intervention. Every line screams with urgency: stop the killing, end the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza. We can't let these words fall on deaf ears. If our nations stand together, filing declarations of support for South Africa’s request to bring an end to this war, we can face down Israel’s attempt to discredit the case, and try to hasten the court’s decision to order an end of the suffering. Every second counts. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 206 Let’s be the voice that Gaza desperately needs. Add your voice now! We've fought for human rights worldwide – from Sudan to Myanmar to Ukraine. Our united voices have overpowered military might before. Let’s rally again for Gaza. Let humanity, peace, compassion, and justice prevail. With unwavering determination, Fadi, Ruth, Patri, John, Will, Abdelrahman, Bieta, Mo, and the Avaaz team P.S. As a global campaigning organization and civic movement, Avaaz relies on expert determination on whether any given situation amounts to genocide. To date, that determination has not been made with respect to Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, human rights organisations like Amnesty International have reported on “the staggering scale of the death and destruction” in Gaza, as well as “an appalling spike in dehumanizing and racist rhetoric against Palestinians by certain Israeli government and military officials.” In November 2023 UN experts warned of a “grave risk of genocide” for the Palestinian people. Dozens of states have supported South Africa’s detailed submission. More information: Gaza: UN experts call on international community to prevent genocide against the Palestinian people (OHCHR) UN experts say ceasefire needed as Palestinians at 'grave risk of genocide' (Reuters) ICJ hearing is vital (Amnesty International) South Africa tells top UN court Israel is committing genocide in Gaza as landmark case begins (AP) Scholars in International Law and Genocide Studies support South African Submission (TWAILR) Avaaz is a 70-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 17 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 207 You became a member of the Avaaz movement and started receiving these emails when you signed "Stop the rape epidemic " on 2014-06-05 using the email address abjpd1@gmail.com. To ensure that Avaaz messages reach your inbox, please add avaaz@avaaz.org to your address book. To change your email address, language settings, or other personal information, contact us, or simply go here to unsubscribe. To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact . Avaaz.org 27 Union Square West Suite 500 New York, NY 10003 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 208 From:Aram James To:Angel, David; Binder, Andrew; Bryan Gobin; Cait James; Council, City; Damon Silver; Dave Price; David S. Norris; Don Austin; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; Friends of Cubberley; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jethroe Moore II; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Kou, Lydia; Marina Lopez; Mata, Anthony; Michelle; Roberta Ahlquist; Rosen, Jeff; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Shikada, Ed; Vara Ramakrishnan; Zelkha, Mila; alisa mallari tu; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric Subject:IN GENOCIDE CASE AGAINST ISRAEL AT THE HAGUE, THE U.S. IS THE UNNAMED CO-CONSPIRATOR Date:Sunday, January 14, 2024 4:49:30 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. IN GENOCIDE CASE AGAINST ISRAEL ATTHE HAGUE, THE U.S. IS THE UNNAMEDCO-CONSPIRATOR https://theintercept.com/2024/01/11/israel-genocide-hague-south-africa/ {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 209 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; D Martell; Dennis Upton; Ed Lauing; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; Friends of Cubberley; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Michelle; Bains, Paul; Roberta Ahlquist; Rose Lynn; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; ladoris cordell; Foley, Michael Subject:Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in D.C. march to demand cease-fire in Gaza Date:Sunday, January 14, 2024 4:12:38 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in D.C. march to demand cease-fire in Gaza https://www.npr.org/2024/01/13/1224641296/gaza-dc-march-ceasefire-israel-protest {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 210 From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Why America May Go To Hell The final sermon of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a sermon he was never able to deliver. Date:Saturday, January 13, 2024 6:52:01 AM You don't often get email from moore2j+att.net@ccsend.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Unashamedly Black, Unapologetically Beautiful!!!! The Oldest, Largest And Strongest Civil Rights Organization In The United States. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 211 BENEATH THE NINTH STATION TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR, TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET AT LIBERTY THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD. Why America May Go To Hell The final sermon of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a sermon he was never able to deliver. Why America May Go to Hell My dear friends, my dear friend James Lawson, and all of these dedicated and distinguished ministers of the Gospel assembled here tonight, to all of the sanitation {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 212 workers and their families, and to all of my brothers and sisters, I need not pause to say how very delighted I am to be in Memphis tonight, to see you here in such large and enthusiastic numbers. If you will judge anything here in this struggle, you’re commanding that this city will respect the dignity of labor. So often we overlook the worth and significance of those who are not in professional jobs, or those who are not in the so-called big jobs. But let me say to you tonight, that whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity, and is for the building of humanity, it has dignity, and it has worth. One day our society must come to see this. One day our society will come to respect the sanitation worker if it is to survive. For the person who picks up our garbage, in the final analysis, is as significant as the physician. All labor has worth. You are doing another thing. You are reminding, not only Memphis, but you are reminding the nation that it is a crime for people to live in this rich nation and receive starvation wages. I need not remind you that this is the plight of our people all over America. The vast majority of Negroes in our country are still perishing on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. My friends, we are living as a people in a literal depression. Now you know when there is vast unemployment and underemployment in the black community, they call it a social problem. When there is vast unemployment and underemployment in the white community they call it a depression. But we find ourselves living in a literal depression all over this country as a people. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 213 The annual remembrance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a time of profound reflection and celebration, not just within the United States but globally. Rev. Dr. King, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., has become synonymous with the struggle for civil rights and equality, where his legacy continues to influence a plethora of events such as grace luncheons, newspaper articles, peaceful marches, commemorative train rides, and community service projects. These events frequently evoke the sentiments of Rev. Dr. King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. It serves as a thematic touchstone that encapsulates his vision for a nation free of prejudice and injustice. This phrase has become an emblem of Dr. King's aspirations and is often celebrated in a manner akin to the film concept of living a singular event repeatedly, ingraining its significance across generations. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 214 However, Rev. Dr. King's believes evolved over time, and his later works indicate a shift towards more radical ideas, reflecting deeper frustrations with the pace of societal change, economic inequalities, and the Vietnam War. His "Give Us the Ballot" address represented a clarion call for voting rights, emphasizing the ballot as a means to fundamentally alter the political landscape. Yet, it is often overshadowed by his more frequently cited speeches. Moreover, the "Why America May Go to Hell" speech represents the poignant evolution of Dr. King's thoughts. Though he never got to deliver it, due to his assassination, this speech signified a dire warning about America's moral and social trajectory. Rev. Dr. King's burgeoning radicalism included a commitment to address issues such as systemic poverty and opposition to the Vietnam War, topics that challenged the status quo at an even deeper level than his earlier speeches did. The teaching and remembrance of Rev. Dr. King's complete body of work, especially his trajectory towards more radical ideas, invite an important question: Why is there reluctance or fear to embrace the full breadth of his message? This hesitancy could stem from various reasons, including discomfort with confronting historical and present realities of racism and economic disparities, the political implications of teaching about civil disobedience and systemic change, or the unsettling nature of his later condemnations of American policy. By not fully engaging with the totality of Rev. Dr. King's legacy, there is a potential loss in understanding the complexities of his philosophy and the scope of his vision, which was not solely about racial harmony but also about justice in its multiple facets—economic, political, and beyond. The transformative potential of Rev. Dr. King's later works is a necessary discourse for a society grappling with many of the same issues he addressed over fifty years ago. Celebrating Rev. Dr. King's legacy in a holistic manner could inspire deeper societal introspection and a more robust dialogue about the issues that continue to plague modern society. It could lead to a greater appreciation for the need for fundamental change and the courage to pursue it, much like Rev. Dr. King did in his lifetime. Rev. Jethroe Moore II, President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 215 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 216 Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. giving his “Give Us the Ballot” speech during the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom demonstration in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on May 17, 1957. Photo credit: © Keystone Press Agency/ZUMA Wire OPINIONMLK Jr. — From ‘Give Us the Ballot’ to ‘Why America May Go to Hell’ WHOWHATWHY STAFF 01/16/23 In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we asked our editors to reflect on their favorite quotes from King and how they resonate today. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we asked our staff to reflect on their favorite quotes from King and how they resonate today. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 217 This dearth of positive leadership from the federal government is not confined to one particular political party. Both political parties have betrayed the cause of justice. … These men so often have a high blood pressure of words and an anemia of deeds. — From Give Us the Ballot, delivered May 17, 1957 Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous Give Us the Ballot speech at the Lincoln Memorial in 1957 on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education. He passionately argued that protecting and expanding voting rights were key to fighting the injustices of segregation, inequality in education, lynching, and the many other consequences of America’s “long night of human captivity.” He said, in part: Give us the ballot, and we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights. Give us the ballot, and we will no longer plead to the federal government for passage of an anti-lynching law; we will by the power of our vote write the law on the statute books of the South and bring an end to the dastardly acts of the hooded perpetrators of violence. Give us the ballot, and we will transform the salient misdeeds of bloodthirsty mobs into the calculated good deeds of orderly citizens. Give us the ballot, and we will fill our legislative halls with men of goodwill and send to the sacred halls of Congress men who will not sign a “Southern Manifesto” because of their devotion to the manifesto of justice. Give us the ballot, and we will place judges on the benches of the South who will do justly and love mercy, and we will place at the head of the southern states governors who have felt not only the tang of the human, but the glow of the Divine. Give us the ballot, and we will quietly and nonviolently, without rancor or bitterness, implement the Supreme Court’s decision of May seventeenth, 1954. LISTEN {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 218 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 219 A new year has dawned, and we are once again coming up on another Dr. Martin Luther King holiday. I’ve always had mixed feelings about the holiday. I fully believe that he deserved the holiday. I watched happily as President Reagan reluctantly signed it into law. I wonder what Dr. King himself would think about what it has become. Instead of a holiday celebrating a great American and his accomplishments, too many people see it as just another day off. Others point to it as proof that America has put its racist past behind it, and we should never talk about it again. As for Dr. King himself, he was always this larger-than- life figure. Growing up there were three things you could find in any Black household, a picture of Jesus, a picture of JFk and picture of Martin Luther King. Dad was in the Army so, first 10 years of my life we lived in Army quarters. There was no segregation there. My parents being products of the Jim crow south, did everything they could to shield us from that ugly aspect of American society. However, they did talk about Dr. King. They spoke about how great he was, how they admired what he was doing, and how he was going to make life better for everyone. I was 6 when JFK was assassinated, they sent us home from school. I was 11 when Dr. King was assassinated. We were kept home. Even though Long Branch was relatively quiet, Asbury Park was burning. The conversation changed then. We weren’t supposed to be in grown folks’ business, but we heard them. They were angry, they were sad, and they were in shock. They wondered how to explain that this beacon of hope had his flame snuffed out and why. I wonder what he would think of what he has become. He is forever frozen in Americas collective memory in that moment of time when he gave his most famous speech. A speech that is cherry picked for quotes to use out of context to bludgeon us into silence whenever we speak up. How many times have you been told, this not what Dr. King died for, or Dr. King didn’t give his life for this? He didn’t give up his life, it was taken. He didn’t die for anything, he was murdered. They began building the myth the day he died. The Dr. King, that was loved by all. Pictures of Dr. King walking with men and women of all races and creeds were everywhere, as where pictures of him smiling while LBJ signed historical civil right legislation. The smiling sanitized Dr. King that is pushed forward to make white people comfortable. Gone was the man who at the time of his death was the most hated man in America, born was the symbol of reconciliation that they could show the rest of the world, without them having to actually do something to fulfill his vision. Everything else he said and did was pushed into a back closet of the American consciousness. I didn’t get to know the real Dr. King until I did my own reading of his speeches and books on my own as an adult. The radical Dr. King, who spoke out against the Vietnam war. A stance that cost him dearly in loss of support from clergy and liberal elites. He supported calls for education reform, healthcare reform and criminal justice reform. Dr. King spoke about wealth, inequality, and poverty. He was a strong supporter of workers’ rights and unions. He was in Memphis in support of sanitation workers who were striking when he was shot down. I’ve rediscovered the man my parents and their friend spoke so highly of and whose death hit so hard. So, on this Martin Luther King holiday, listen to the I have a dream speech in its entirety. It is wonderful. But don’t stop there, seek out his other speeches and works. Don’t just think of it as another day off. Use it to inspire you to do your part to move this country forward. I think that is what the real Dr. king would want the day to be about. James Staten 1st Vice President {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 220 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 221 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 222 Martin Luther King at Riverside Church on April 4, 1967 (Photo: John C. Goodwin, Courtesy of Riverside Church) Ban the War Criminals from King Day Celebrations Margaret Kimberley, BAR Executive Editor and Senior Columnist 10 Jan 2024 Most Martin Luther King birthday celebrations are tawdry displays of political cynicism and cooptation. The people must recapture the day from war criminals and their Black misleadership puppets The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. His birthday became an official federal holiday in 1983 and predictably the understanding of the significance of his work is worse due to the designation of this supposed honor. King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, was one of the most public attacks on the liberation movement. His death was followed by decades-long imprisonment of other liberation fighters, the mass incarceration system, and the creation of a buffer class for the purposes of cooptation. All of these issues should be the subject of remembrance and discussion instead of the maudlin exercises that we are subjected to every January. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 223 Growing up in the Southern State of Louisiana Monroe, my relatives and ancestors were no strangers to the days of cotton picking and slavery. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a beacon of light in an era that was very dark. He gave hope to those in bondage and a sense of peace to those in the storms. His ability to shift the atmosphere from violence, inequality, and poverty to one of peace, equality and prosperity meant that people like me and my family could have a brighter future. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was not able to see his dream manifest in reality, the vision he saw in his mind ultimately paved a way for all of us. He not only opened doors for me and my family but for generations to come. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 224 He was an example of who God called us to be. His background in ministry and ability to be steadfast despite what he endured is commendable. His ability to respond to hate with love was like no other that era had seen. Rev. Martin Luther King’s dedication and commitment to change the world and the lives of colored people was inspiring to say the least. Martin Luther King enabled me and many like me to dream and hope that one day we would be equal and have the same opportunities as white people. Rev. Martin Luther King’s dream planted a seed in me. I too decided to follow in his shadows and be a voice for the voiceless. Rev. Martin Luther King inspired me to be a pillar in my community to not only help but serve those of color and in poverty. Many voices have since spoken out and the changes that have taken place show us Martin Luther King did not die in vain, His voice was heard. I am proud to be working alongside like minded individuals fighting for the freedom Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of. Rose Lynn Legal Redress committee {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 225 East Palo Alto For Reparations invites you to celebrate and commemorate the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr! EPA4Reparations MLK 2024 Reparations Listening/Session At the East Palo Alto Government Center (City Hall), Community Room. 2415 University Ave, EPA, CA 94303 Saturday, January 20, 2024, 2pm-5pm -Discuss MLK's views on Reparations for African Americans, Descendants of Emancipated Americans. -Learn About the Latest Reparations Bills for African Americans in California and how to support them! -Learn about Genealogy and how to trace your African American ancestors! Refreshments will be served., This session is open to the public. It's a new year and it's time to get active for lineage based repair and advocacy! Lessons I’ve Learned from Dr. King William Armaline Professor, Sociology, SJSU Criminal Justice Chair, NAACP of SJ/SV 01/10/24 Speaking personally, I take several lessons from the words, actions, and legacies of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. that guide me as a scholar, teacher, and political actor. There are any number of scholars who are expert in his writings and philosophy—so I’ll spare any extensive analysis here. That being said, these are the things that have guided me most from the teachings of Dr. King: {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 226 1) Our greatest freedom fighters are often disparaged as criminals, terrorists, and trouble makers by the powerful, are treated as such by the police state, and are constructed as such in much of mainstream culture. This is the obvious history of Dr. King who was ruthlessly targeted by the FBI’s COINTEL program, and demonized by political and religious moderates of his time. Justice often requires remaining resolute in the face of state repression and the doubts of “serious people.” 2) Whether Dr. King at the moment he simultaneously pushed for an end to materialism (i.e., capitalism) and militarism (U.S. empire and the war in Vietnam) in addition to racial segregation, or Malcolm X after parting ways with the Nation of Islam and engaging in the international, anti-colonial human rights movement, these freedom fighters are often assassinated at the point at which they (and more importantly, the social movements they help to lead and represent) become most threatening to the hegemonic status quo. 3) As a lesson delivered to me, and many other students and colleagues at SJSU via Farm Labor Organizing Committee [FLOC] founder, Baldemar Velasquez (who was mentored by Dr. King)—Dr. King often told his mentees in the civil rights movement to “always go after their money” when thinking about strategies and tactics. In other words, Dr. King was what we would call in sociology, a materialist (like Marx and others on the left). He understood that racism and capitalism are connected through exploitive relations of race and class that are together necessary to produce concentrated power and wealth into the hands of a small, powerful class of people. 4) Finally, I take from Dr. King the fact that the greatest, most inspirational courage, and the driving forces behind any successful social movement from below come from those directly struggling under the boot of the powerful. This is demonstrated daily in the unbelievable resilience of Palestinians—medical workers, civil volunteers, and journalists in particular—under Israeli apartheid and the unthinkable horrors unleashed on them through bombardment, siege, and settlement in in the occupied territories in recent months as acts of ethnic cleansing and collective punishment for the October 7th attacks by Hamas. It was equally demonstrated by everyday people in the American south who faced state and vigilante violence to demand an end to Jim Crow segregation. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Dr. King decried political and religious moderates—Black and White—for attempting to silence the protests of those who would disrupt the American social order. He writes: I wish you had commended the Negro demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer, and their amazing discipline in the midst of inhuman provocation. One day the South will recognize its true heroes. They will be the James Merediths, courageously and with a majestic sense of purpose facing jeering and hostile mobs and the agonizing loneliness that characterizes the life of the pioneer. They will be old, oppressed, battered Negro women, symbolized in a seventy-two-year-old woman of Montgomery, Alabama, who rose up with a sense of dignity and with her people to decided not to ride the segregated buses, and responded to one who inquired about her tiredness with ungrammatical profundity, “My feets is tired, by my soul is rested.” This same inspirational courage can be found in Palestinians demanding an end to apartheid, young people around the world pressing for climate justice, migrants fighting for their rights to asylum, and those organizing a resurgent, multi-racial labor movement in the U.S. for which there is little doubt Dr. King would support. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 227 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 228 Conversations andReflections: The AfricanAmerican Experience inSanta Clara County Jan 18, 20245:30 pm - 7:00 pmLos Altos History Museum51 So. San Antonio RoadLos Altos, CA 94022 We are pleased to present a panel discussion with renowned historians Jan Batiste Adkins, author of African Americans of San Jose and Santa Clara County, and Kathy Cotton, producer of the documentary “A Place at the Table” for the Silicon Valley Black Project. They will be joined by Dr. Perlita Dicochea, chair of the Museum’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. About the Program The panelists will share insights on strategies used by African Americans to overcome discrimination in Santa Clara County, particularly in areas including housing, job opportunities, and community building. They will spotlight leaders that have made significant contributions to their respective fields, even in the face of intentional obstacles to advancement, offering a source of reflection and inspiration. Refreshments will be served.Registration is required$10/person, free to Museum members {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 229 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 230 Each year we bring together hundreds of community residents, dynamic Bay Area youths, local faith-based organizations, civic leaders, and local business owners dedicated to fulfilling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s goal of equality and social justice for all. RSVP Sponsor Donate To mail donations, you can send them to: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rally Committee P.O. Box 14993, Oakland, CA 94614 All donations are tax deductible. After Claudine {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 231 Gay’s Resignation, Who and What Will Colleges Defend? The ousting of the former Harvard president helps doesn’t fight plagiarism and does nothing to help college students. by José Luis Vilso Claudine Gay was the first Black president in Harvard University’s history and, as such, stewarded the work of the world’s most prestigious university over a six-month tenure. I’ve read dozens of opinions, and no one has any illusions about the nature of working for a university like Harvard. Creating a space where intellect and fierce debate flourish while keeping funders, academics, and policymakers happy is no small feat, even less so when the leader embraces her Black heritage. High-level jobs of this nature already look difficult without layering international conflicts, fascism, and growing social stratification across the board, but here we are. READ MORE Harvard is a joke. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 232 And the punchline of that cruel and tired joke is the malicious defenestration of Dr. Claudine Gay. I will say this: Harvard University is perhaps the most American thing there is: cruel, vapid and for sale to anyone with enough money and power to sway things in their favor. 36% of the Class of 2022 were legacy admissions compared to 12-16% for other Ivy League schools. 70% of those legacy admissions at Harvard are white. Stunning, I know. The school is literally a trust fund for trust fund babies. So, why do we keep holding it up as THE beacon of American higher education? It’s not an institution of higher education. It’s an institution of access for people who already have it. Think of it as a country club that happens to hold classes and has better merch. In its latest professional mobbing of Dr. Gay, Harvard has shown its true colors, or lack thereof. When mega-donor Bill Ackman and his crew couldn’t get Dr. Gay on anti-Semitism, they created another narrative: plagiarism. Never mind the fact that Dr. Canon and several of the other academics from whom Dr. Gay had allegedly plagiarized insist she did nothing wrong. Never mind the fact that a conservative “activist,” Christopher Rufo is behind the plagiarism allegations against Dr. Gay. And never mind the fact that one conservative talk show host (Josh Hammer) said that taking down Dr. Gay was a “a huge scalp” in the “fight for civilizational sanity.” Nah. This wasn’t a classic case of whiteballing at all. (*that's sarcasm* I refuse to call it blackballing because we white people invented the practice). What hurts most is that this is yet another case of a Black woman being mobbed in a predominantly white, toxic workplace. Like virtually all of these situations, the Black woman is exceptional, and that doesn’t matter. All that matters is she’s in the way and needs to be removed – whatever it takes. I have no witty words of advice, but I do know those of us intent on social justice have to stop lauding institutions like Harvard who care not one whit about social justice. If you have kids or influence, stop using Harvard as the standard for higher education. Maybe substitute it with MIT? Massachusetts Institute of Technology doesn’t take {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 233 legacy admissions and hasn’t since 2006. Their president, Sally Kornbluth, testified next to Drs. Gay and Magill in those congressional hearings and still has her job. For the record, all of these women should still have their jobs. That may not be for long, though. As soon as Dr. Gay’s resignation was announced, Bill Ackman took to X to start his campaign against Dr. Kornbluth. Will he accuse her of being a diversity hire as well? Should be interesting, as Dr. Kornbluth is Jewish in addition to being highly qualified for her job. Denise Conroy McCarthyism anyone? hashtag #leadership hashtag #highereducation hashtag #antiracism hashtag #DEI {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 234 Caltrain's MLK Celebration Train Caltrain’s MLK Celebration Train will be making the trip up the Peninsula on Monday, January 15, and we want you to be a part of it! The Celebration Train provides free train service to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day March in San Francisco, organized in partnership with the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation. Sign up today! Attendees who RSVP will receive a complimentary ticket worth a free return trip after 1 p.m. on the 15th. Find more information about MLK Day events in San Francisco at https://norcalmlkfoundation.org/events/ Departure Schedule: San Jose Diridon: 9:30 a.m. Palo Alto: 9:50 a.m. San Mateo: 10:10 a.m. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 235 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 236 Community leaders, Pastors, and Labor leaders Groundswell for Water Justice cordially invites you to participate in our “Let’s take thefight to the Capitol”. Special Rally at the Capitol 9am and meeting with ourlegislators on Tuesday January 16th, 2024.Rally speakers invited Rick Callender NAACP Delores Huerta, James Bryant A. Philip Randolf Institute. Please RSVP to Tony Alexander -talexander283@gmail.com to attend the Rally. If you would like to ride with me, please let me know ASAP. I will have parking and more information regarding talking points for our meetings with our legislators next week. FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHT! To Clean, Affordable Water Low-income communities of color throughout the state who have concerns about their future ability to access clean, affordable water have reached a crossroads that demand immediate action by policy leaders. In too many policy discussions, the impact on rural, isolated people of color is neglected or dismissed entirely. Groundswell, a project of Community Build, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 public charity, is grassroots organizing campaign to ensure that marginalized communities have a voice in California’s policy debate concerning the current and future water crisis. The Groundswell coalition is represented by national civil rights leaders, community-based organizations, religious and spiritual leaders, corporate and small businesses, organized labor, and environmental justice advocates. Groundswell’s production partner, Bridge Street Inc., has a wealth of experience with events of this nature and stands ready to execute a production plan. Any questions please call me 408 504-7902 cell or email talexander283@gmail.com Thanks Tony Alexander, Groundswell for Water Organizer 408 504-7902 cell {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 237 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 238 Elon Musk criticized by civil rights groups over claim that diversity efforts make flying less safe In several posts on X, Musk claimed without evidence that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives put airline customers in danger. By David Ingram Tech billionaire Elon Musk drew a swift rebuke from two of the nation’s best known civil rights organizations Wednesday, after he criticized efforts by United Airlines and Boeing to hire nonwhite pilots and factory workers. The criticism came after Musk claimed in a series of posts on X that efforts to {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 239 diversify workforces at those companies have made air travel less safe. He offered no evidence for the claim, and one of his replies directed attention to a post by someone else speculating about the IQ of Black airline employees. Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said Musk’s statements were “abhorrent and pathetic.” He noted that Tesla, where Musk is CEO, is being sued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for alleged abuse of Black employees, including claims of racial slurs and nooses found in the workplace. READ MORE National Journal: Menthol ban divides health, criminal-justice advocates Jamal Watkins, the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement at the NAACP, said the issue is “a matter of life and death.” “When we think about the connectivity to this broader health-equity fight, we want to really nip things in the bud at the root causes,” he {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 240 said. “And if the root cause is an industry that’s using millions of dollars to profit in the billions by peddling a harmful product that is disproportionately affecting us and killing us, then we have to stop that workflow, if you will.” {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 241 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 242 University AME Zion Church isn't just a place of worship; it's a beacon of history and resilience. As the oldest Black Church in Palo Alto and Silicon Valley, our church has been a pillar of support, compassion, and spiritual growth. Over the decades, we've reached out and touched the lives of countless individuals in our community, embodying the values of care, outreach, and unwavering faith. This year, our anniversary coincides with the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. What better way to honor his memory than to gather in a place that has lived the principles he championed. Our anniversary service is more than a commemoration; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, justice, and love that Dr. King represented. We welcome everyone to this exceptional Worship Service, celebrating history, community, and faith. It's not just an event; it's the thing to do in Palo Alto this MLK weekend. Let's come together to rejoice in the legacy and continue supporting an institution that has been a cornerstone of our community. We can't wait to see you there and share this joyous occasion. Your presence will make this celebration even more special. Blessings and Peace, Rev. Kaloma A. Smith University AME Zion Church {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 243 THE BITTER IRONY OF MLK DAY BY ADAM RUSSELL TAYLOR No Christian leader has influenced my faith and activism as much as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. — but the day we devote to his legacy often leaves me frustrated. There’s a bitter irony in a nation that takes a day off to celebrate King’s life and work while that same nation is experiencing a deep backlash against racial justice. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 244 Much of this backlash, I believe, is the result of our nation’s rapidly diversifying racial demographics, which some have used to stoke racial anxiety and grievance. I see evidence of this backlash in the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in higher education, efforts to sanction teaching the full history of the United States, and attempts to rewrite recent history about what happened on Jan. 6, 2021. READ MORE Quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: “the time is always right to do the right thing” I was born after the tragic passing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; so I learned about him from the generation before me and those before them. This led me to research the role he played in the civil rights movement. His dedication, perseverance, resolve, and commitment to overcoming resistance to achieving equality set a pathway for generations to come. Dr. King's vision of a world of equality for all of man mankind became a goal for the majority. It ultimately changed the landscape of this country and the world took notice of the words of the minority. This impacted my path in life by showing me that confronting racism, LGBTQTI+ hate and masagony is the responsibility of all and I must do my part. I have done so through my life and I will continue to do so with the understanding that it will not be free of resistance. Dr. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 245 Kings left his footsteps on a pathway to equity and inclusion. It's up to us to follow the light and continue where his footsteps stopped. Sean Allen 3rd Vice President, Legal Redress Chair The Struggle for the People’s King: How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement Hajar Yazdiha How the misuses of Martin Luther King’s legacy divide us and undermine democracy {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 246 In the post–civil rights era, wide-ranging groups have made civil rights claims that echo those made by Black civil rights activists of the 1960s, from people with disabilities to women’s rights activists and LGBTQ coalitions. Increasingly since the 1980s, white, right-wing social movements, from family values coalitions to the alt-right, now claim the collective memory of civil rights to portray themselves as the newly oppressed minorities. The Struggle for the People’s King reveals how, as these powerful groups remake collective memory toward competing political ends, they generate offshoots of remembrance that distort history and threaten the very foundations of multicultural democracy. In the revisionist memories of white conservatives, gun rights activists are the new Rosa Parks, antiabortion activists are freedom riders, and antigay groups are the defenders of Martin Luther King’s Christian vision. Drawing on a wealth of evidence ranging from newspaper articles and organizational documents to television transcripts, press releases, and focus groups, Hajar Yazdiha documents the consequential reimagining of the civil rights movement in American political culture from 1980 to today. She shows how the public memory of King and civil rights has transformed into a vacated, sanitized collective memory that evades social reality and perpetuates racial inequality. Powerful and persuasive, The Struggle for the People’s King demonstrates that these oppositional uses of memory fracture our collective understanding of who we are, how we got here, and where we go next. Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. NEW REPORT: WEAPONIZING DOGS – THE BRUTAL AND OUTDATED PRACTICE OF POLICE ATTACK DOGS ACLU California Action released a new, first-of-its- kind report examining the outdated and dangerous police practice of using attack dogs to bite and maim members of the public. Download the report (PDF) Based on our analysis of official data, policies, and public records obtained from {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 247 37 police agencies across California, the report details: How police are using attack dogs to inflict serious injuries on people who do not pose a danger to officers or others; How police are using attack dogs to bite and threaten people experiencing a behavioral health crisis; How police use attack dogs to perpetrate racialized violence; How police cannot adequately control their attack dogs, who regularly maul bystandersand fail to stop attacking when recalled; and How state law and police policies fail to provide accountability when individuals are harmed by their indiscriminate and unnecessary use. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 248 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 249 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 250 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 251 During the 55th NAACP Image Awards — which airs on March 16, 2024 — we will honor the hard work and dedication of an outstanding NAACP member along with Black Hollywood’s most talented actors, writers, and musicians. Which of your fellow advocates should take the stage? The deadline for nominations is January 26, 2024, so get yours submitted today. We’re looking for NAACP members, 26 years old or older, who have demonstrated a fierce commitment to activism and staunch leadership in the fight for equity and justice over the past year. Whether it's through organizing protests, lobbying for policy change, or creating impactful art and media, there are countless ways our activists make a difference. Let’s uplift these outstanding members and recognize their dedicated advocacy and achievements on a national stage alongside other NAACP Image Awards winners. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 252 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 253 Please don’t act like everyone loved my father. He was assassinated. A 1967 poll reflected that he was one of the most hated men in America. Most hated. Many who quote him now and evoke him to deter justice today would likely hate, and may already hate, the authentic King. — Rev. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 254 Lawsuit Reveals Details of LASD Deputy Shooting Off Colleague’s Tattoo A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. This story was published in partnership with Los Angeles Public Press. CONTENT WARNING: The following article includes a graphic photo of an open wound on the leg of a Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputy. Please exercise extreme caution and self-care if you choose to view this image. Internal investigatory files from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department obtained through a lawsuit filed by Knock LA reveal more details surrounding an incident where a {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 255 deputy shot off another deputy’s gang tattoo during a camping trip. In the early hours of Sunday October 18, 2015, Wyatt Waldron shot Travis Jonsen during a group overnight at the Dove Springs desert campground area in Kern County, according to the released internal records. The records confirm at least 22 other men, all who were then-current or former Palmdale station deputy sheriffs, were also on the trip. Neither Waldron nor Jonsen responded to a request for comment. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 256 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 257 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 258 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 259 Images in the news, social media, advertisements, memes, websites, and selfies shape how we understand ourselves, our society, and our world. Even the images we don’t see have an impact on our daily lives. But images are not innocent. And we don’t have to be passive consumers. Our racial identities, assumptions, histories, and biases filter the images we absorb and affect how we interpret them. Are they problematic? How can you tell? Why should you care? Situated at the intersection of critical whiteness theory and visual culture, Through the Lens of Whiteness: Challenging Racialized Imagery in Pop Culture teaches readers visual literacy tools that expose racist messages, conventions, and symbols in images. Authors Diane S. Grimes and Liz Cooney help readers understand these patterns more deeply with detailed analysis of vivid image examples and personal stories to dismantle existing biases and develop an antiracist perspective. Grimes and Cooney are guided by the principle that white people bear the responsibility for dismantling racist structures and so primarily address white readers, but also offer this book in the hope that it will be a powerful tool of resistance for all readers. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 260 FBI and US government did. They called him 'the most dangerous man in America.' The radical King was a democratic socialist who sided with poor and working people in the class struggle taking place in capitalist societies. . . . The response of the radical King to our catastrophic moment can be put in one word: revolution--a revolution in our priorities, a reevaluation of our values, a reinvigoration of our public life, and a fundamental transformation of our way of thinking and living that promotes a transfer of power from oligarchs and plutocrats to everyday people and ordinary citizens. . . . Could it be that we know so little of the radical King {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 261 because such courage defies our market-driven world?" --Cornel West, Every year, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is celebrated as one of the greatest orators in US history, an ambassador for nonviolence who became perhaps the most recognizable leader of the civil rights movement. But after more than forty years, few people appreciate how truly radical he was. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 262 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 263 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 264 Register at https://sdpconference.info/2024-conference/ The 2024 conference will be convened at the Palmer House Hotel, Monday, February 19 – Thursday, February 22, 2024, in Chicago, IL. The Annual Clergy and Lay Leadership Conference through the power of prophetic preaching, informed teaching and social activism, clergy and laity work together on behalf of the disenfranchised, vulnerable, and those most marginalized in the world. The 2024 Conference will include… Opening conference worship service at the Palmer House hotel Renowned African American preachers, theologians, and activists Informed teaching and educational opportunities through various breakout sessions including Connecting the Dots: Racism, Ecojustice and the Wealth Gap General Secretary's Luncheon & Ella Jo Baker Awards {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 265 “Beautiful Are The Feet” Honoree Signature Event “Where Legacy Meets Future: ReImagine, ReThink, and ReInvent” {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 266 Website History Events Youth {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 267 Drop Us A Line Address: 205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112 Telephone: +1 (408) 898-6985 San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP | 1313 N Milpitas Blvd #163, Milpitas, CA 95035 Unsubscribe hrc@cityofpaloalto.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by moore2j@att.net powered by Try email marketing for free today! {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 268 From:Sheriff Transparency To:Jethroe Moore Cc:Aram James; Bott Michael (NBCUniversal); Robert Salonga; newstips@foxtv.com; LaMonica Peters; News Nearby; Jesse Gary; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Dave Price; DuJuan Green; Emily Mibach; Jensen, Eric; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian; Jose Valle; KEVIN JENSEN; Mata, Anthony; Raj Jayadev; Reifschneider, James; Rosen, Jeff; Sean Allen; Lee, Craig; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; kenneth.binder@shf.sccgov.org; Foley, Michael; walter wilson; dave.cortese@icloud.com; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; supervisor.lee@bos.sccgov.org; ceo.admin@ceo.sccgov.org; Rick Callender; Cerise Castle; editor@paweekly.com Subject:Re: Subject: Inquiry on the Associations and Activities of Sheriff Bob Jonsen Date:Friday, January 12, 2024 2:20:35 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Thank you Rev. Moore and the NAACP! On behalf of the SCCSTG, comprised of mostly retired and active LE Officers from throughout Santa Clara County, and on behalf of ALL Officers and Sheriffs Deputies of Santa Clara County who commit to transparency and addressing civil rights as part of their duties to protect all community members, we appreciate your letter for action. "Action": To acknowledge THE issues which require more than just 'knowledge' of any ongoing issues. We formed this group after we immediately discovered allegations made against Bob Jonsen, 1st one from a percipient witness and subsequent ones from a published podcast (Oct2022)by journalist Cerise Castle, mentioning Bob Jonsen's involvement in those some of those allegations. In addition, there was a 2013 DOJ Civil Rights violations report issued against the LASD Lancaster/Palmdale Station Deputies for which Bob Jonsen was one of the Commanders. That was a investigation over a few years in which LA agreed to changes in policing and millions of dollars in lawsuits settled. This was the same timeframe that LASD Sheriff Lee Baca was being investigated for allegations of corruption. Yet, Bob Jonsen left LASD in 2013 to quitely pursue and continue his career in Santa Clara County=Menlo Park and Palo Alto PD and with controversy at both of those agencies. In October 2022 there should have been an inquiry into allegations brought forth, yet it was ignored by all County entities we had approached. A County Supv even went so far as to 'chastise' our members during a County BOS hearing (for early approval to swear in Bob Jonsen in Dec2022) that those allegations should have been brought up before (at community meetings) to ask Bob Jonsen himself. In addition to an insinuation by the same County Supv about members of our group trying to delay who the public voted for. There was no intention of a 'delay' because the hearing was held in Dec long before Bob Jonsen was scheduled to be sworn in. So, the delay was for the County to look into these very serious allegations and request for the proper agencies to inquire and investigate. None of that occurred. The hearing ended with the need to instill the new Sheriff quickly to start the 'healing process' from what former Sheriff Smith left behind. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 269 Not even a request to have the Santa Clara County DA investigations look into an allegation of harrassing phone calls to a journalist who feared for their safety. Those calls occurred between Aug. 20 and Dec 1st during the campaign and election for Sheriff. That discussion was brought to the Chief of DA investigations, Mo Reyes and he failed to review the evidence for a determination on an investigation. Mr. Reyes no longer works for the DA, so hopefully the new, incoming Chief Anthony Mata will be more diligent to consider the seriousness of any allegations brought forth and not discount it as a political causation. LE Officers have an uphill battle challenging misconduct and violations on their own without the risk retaliation and/or delays from LE leaders, to investigate any allegation. It should NOT ever be an uphill battle with those we elect or appoint in public office. There are LE Officers who, retired, are willing to take on that challenge in the interest of continuing their strong beliefs of community protection and carry on the respect of civil rights from the thousands of LE who perform their duties with integrity, trust and transparency. Our group is not a formal agency, we are not a part of any govt community reporting, etc. We are a group who collects the information and should be able to report it without reprisal. We explained to Mr. Walter Wilson of CCLEM, when he inquired about our group that we do not 'have a leader' to publicly pursue allegations when we have no authority to do so. What we do have is our ability to report something just like any other community member, with the expectation that someone with authority will follow up. With our background and experience as retired and active in LE, it gives us credibility to sort out what could be fact or fiction and provide that as an additional component. In addition, we are and always have been on the forefront of transparency but at times, it has come at a cost of retaliation or fear for our safety. We do not need to become publicly known. We work for ourselves to contribute to dismantling the systemic problems that plague LE. Established community groups, such as the NAACP and politicians calling for agencies with authority to follow up, is tantamount for change. Calling attention to generations of problems is a must. We wholeheartedly thank the NAACP for stepping up as they always have, to call into question serious issues with police misconduct. These issues contribute to continuance of civil rights violations of not only of people of color but an entire community affected by police violating the civil rights of the community they are sworn to protect. SCCSTG On Fri, Jan 12, 2024, 5:42 AM Jethroe Moore <moore2j@att.net> wrote: January 11, 2024 Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors East Wing, 10th Floor {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 270 San Jose, Ca 95110 Re: Inquiry on the Associations and Activities of Sheriff Bob Jonsen Dear Members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I am Rev. Jethroe Moore II, President of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP. this letter concerning contentment, impelled by pressing matters pertaining to law enforcement integrity and community trust. The motivations for reaching out stem from another worrisome news report that has recently come to light involving a Los Angeles County sheriff deputy incident. The report described a shooting tied to a broader issue of troubling conduct by law enforcement entities, involvement in internal groups or so-called “deputy gangs” with distinctive tattoos. The central figure carrying uneasiness is a Sheriff identified by the surname 'Jonson,' recognized as part of a sheriff gang or club. Given the intrinsic severity of such affiliations, it is necessitous to inquire about any potential connections between this 'Jonson' and our Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen. I respectfully request clarification from you, as our elected oversight body, to ascertain: 1. Has Sheriff Bob Jonson ever been involved/member or attended any Sheriff Gang/Club activities. 2, Whether there exists any familial, professional, or other forms of relationship between the aforementioned 'Jonson' and Sheriff Bob Jonsen. 3.. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has ever engaged in activities similar to the reported overnight trips to Dove Springs, in the company of any individual among the group of 22 sheriffs named in association with the LA deputy incident. The gravity of these concerns bears heavily upon our advocacy for a transparent, accountable, and equitable law enforcement system. Any association, however marginal, if overlooked, stands to blemish the trust the community vests in our protectors of justice. It is important to acknowledge that the mere existence of past interactions or relationships need not indicate current misconduct. However, thorough insight is imperative for informed community relationships and for sustaining the esteem of our enforcement institutions. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 271 As public scrutiny of law enforcement practices continues to heighten, the need for clear and transparent communication from our leaders is ever more critical. Knowing the county's stance and the facts at its disposal will assist in guiding our own efforts as we strive to foster justice and to nurture trust among the populace we mutually serve. We hope for, and anticipate, your prompt and comprehensive response to these concerns so that we may continue collaboratively ensuring Santa Clara County remains a standard-bearer for lawful and ethical law enforcement. Thank you for your time and immediate attention to this matter. We look forward to your reply. Warm regards, Rev. Jethroe Moore II, President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Branch See attached https://knock-la.com/villanueva-deputy-gang-promotion/ REV. JETHROE MOORE II On Friday, January 12, 2024 at 12:08:27 AM EST, Sheriff Transparency <sccsherifftransparencyinfo@gmail.com> wrote: Finally more clarity... We are positive that Villanueva will deny despite this update. And, his statement in reference that for a Dept as large as the LASD, he wouldn't know all who are promoted. Our group of LE collectively of over 250yrs knows that is bullshit! Glad he is going to testify on Jan 12th (tomorrow) but that's only because he is a candidate for the LA County BOS. Otherwise, he continues to rate amongst the top Law Enforcement leaders who keeps the civil rights violations systemic problems in LE alive and well. Disgusting! As far as Bob Jonsen's son Travis, hummm, like Grandfather, like Father, like Son. We hope that anyone who voted for Bob Jonsen are cringing. Not only at this incident but at all the situations Bob Jonsen was associated, involved with and never held to answer for. Perhaps crooked politicians and dirty cops go hand in hand. The fact that our own Santa Clara County BOS, OCLEM, CCLEM, etc ignored these issues presented to them, well, tells us they are very comfortable with an 'alleged' criminal running the Sheriff's Office. We hope that we will find that one very small group of politicians that will also work to amend SB2 to INCLUDE Sheriffs and Chiefs of police to be held accountable no matter at what time in their career they committed their misconduct and/or violated the law. Once we get rid of the LE tyrants, you will see a huge shift in how LE not only treats our public but how they handle their business and misconduct and restore full transparency and trust. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 272 Travis Jonsen collects a disability pension because of this shooting. Why? That remains to be answered. And those with bleeding hearts who say Bob Jonsen shouldn't be held responsible for his son's actions? You have no clue. Many LE have sons or daughters in LE and make no mistake, all of them KNOW exactly what their kid is doing in his LE career and many even involved with decisions during their career, on and off duty. We have information that Dad knows a lot more about this incident and others that he never disclosed because he was never asked and of course would lie about it, given what we know and hope those with the evidence steps forward. If you think that is OK, especially for a LE leader, then you are part of the problem. Sit back and do nothing because you are not condoning the information you were given. We know an investigation is the first step to bring out those facts yet many of you listed in this email refuse to think it has anything to do with your duty to demand transparency. But for this issue and many more with the Jonsen duo, we can say a lot more, but we want everyone to focus on the very issues in this article because its the mainstay of how many LE leaders run their Depts. SCCSTG On Thu, Jan 11, 2024, 4:46 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Lawsuit Reveals Details of LASD Deputy Shooting Lawsuit Reveals Details of LASD Deputy Shooting Cerise Castle A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex ... {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 273 From:Jethroe Moore To:Aram James; Sheriff Transparency; Bott Michael (NBCUniversal); Robert Salonga; newstips@foxtv.com; LaMonica Peters; News Nearby; Jesse Gary Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Dave Price; DuJuan Green; Emily Mibach; Jensen, Eric; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian; Jose Valle; KEVIN JENSEN; Mata, Anthony; Raj Jayadev; Reifschneider, James; Rosen, Jeff; Sean Allen; Lee, Craig; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; kenneth.binder@shf.sccgov.org; Foley, Michael; walter wilson; dave.cortese@icloud.com; Sue Dremann; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; supervisor.lee@bos.sccgov.org; ceo.admin@ceo.sccgov.org; Rick Callender Subject:Subject: Inquiry on the Associations and Activities of Sheriff Bob Jonsen Date:Friday, January 12, 2024 5:42:55 AM Attachments:Subject_ Inquiry on the Associations and Activities of Sheriff Bob Jonsen.pdf You don't often get email from moore2j@att.net. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. January 11, 2024 Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors East Wing, 10th Floor San Jose, Ca 95110 Re: Inquiry on the Associations and Activities of Sheriff Bob Jonsen Dear Members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I am Rev. Jethroe Moore II, President of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP. this letter concerning contentment, impelled by pressing matters pertaining to law enforcement integrity and community trust. The motivations for reaching out stem from another worrisome news report that has recently come to light involving a Los Angeles County sheriff deputy incident. The report described a shooting tied to a broader issue of troubling conduct by law enforcement entities, involvement in internal groups or so-called “deputy gangs” with distinctive tattoos. The central figure carrying uneasiness is a Sheriff identified by the surname 'Jonson,' recognized as part of a sheriff gang or club. Given the intrinsic severity of such affiliations, it is necessitous to inquire about any potential connections between this 'Jonson' and our Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen. I respectfully request clarification from you, as our elected oversight body, to ascertain: 1. Has Sheriff Bob Jonson ever been involved/member or attended any Sheriff Gang/Club activities. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 274 2, Whether there exists any familial, professional, or other forms of relationship between the aforementioned 'Jonson' and Sheriff Bob Jonsen. 3.. Sheriff Bob Jonsen has ever engaged in activities similar to the reported overnight trips to Dove Springs, in the company of any individual among the group of 22 sheriffs named in association with the LA deputy incident. The gravity of these concerns bears heavily upon our advocacy for a transparent, accountable, and equitable law enforcement system. Any association, however marginal, if overlooked, stands to blemish the trust the community vests in our protectors of justice. It is important to acknowledge that the mere existence of past interactions or relationships need not indicate current misconduct. However, thorough insight is imperative for informed community relationships and for sustaining the esteem of our enforcement institutions. As public scrutiny of law enforcement practices continues to heighten, the need for clear and transparent communication from our leaders is ever more critical. Knowing the county's stance and the facts at its disposal will assist in guiding our own efforts as we strive to foster justice and to nurture trust among the populace we mutually serve. We hope for, and anticipate, your prompt and comprehensive response to these concerns so that we may continue collaboratively ensuring Santa Clara County remains a standard-bearer for lawful and ethical law enforcement. Thank you for your time and immediate attention to this matter. We look forward to your reply. Warm regards, Rev. Jethroe Moore II, President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Branch See attached https://knock-la.com/villanueva-deputy-gang-promotion/ REV. JETHROE MOORE II On Friday, January 12, 2024 at 12:08:27 AM EST, Sheriff Transparency <sccsherifftransparencyinfo@gmail.com> wrote: Finally more clarity... {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 275 We are positive that Villanueva will deny despite this update. And, his statement in reference that for a Dept as large as the LASD, he wouldn't know all who are promoted. Our group of LE collectively of over 250yrs knows that is bullshit! Glad he is going to testify on Jan 12th (tomorrow) but that's only because he is a candidate for the LA County BOS. Otherwise, he continues to rate amongst the top Law Enforcement leaders who keeps the civil rights violations systemic problems in LE alive and well. Disgusting! As far as Bob Jonsen's son Travis, hummm, like Grandfather, like Father, like Son. We hope that anyone who voted for Bob Jonsen are cringing. Not only at this incident but at all the situations Bob Jonsen was associated, involved with and never held to answer for. Perhaps crooked politicians and dirty cops go hand in hand. The fact that our own Santa Clara County BOS, OCLEM, CCLEM, etc ignored these issues presented to them, well, tells us they are very comfortable with an 'alleged' criminal running the Sheriff's Office. We hope that we will find that one very small group of politicians that will also work to amend SB2 to INCLUDE Sheriffs and Chiefs of police to be held accountable no matter at what time in their career they committed their misconduct and/or violated the law. Once we get rid of the LE tyrants, you will see a huge shift in how LE not only treats our public but how they handle their business and misconduct and restore full transparency and trust. Travis Jonsen collects a disability pension because of this shooting. Why? That remains to be answered. And those with bleeding hearts who say Bob Jonsen shouldn't be held responsible for his son's actions? You have no clue. Many LE have sons or daughters in LE and make no mistake, all of them KNOW exactly what their kid is doing in his LE career and many even involved with decisions during their career, on and off duty. We have information that Dad knows a lot more about this incident and others that he never disclosed because he was never asked and of course would lie about it, given what we know and hope those with the evidence steps forward. If you think that is OK, especially for a LE leader, then you are part of the problem. Sit back and do nothing because you are not condoning the information you were given. We know an investigation is the first step to bring out those facts yet many of you listed in this email refuse to think it has anything to do with your duty to demand transparency. But for this issue and many more with the Jonsen duo, we can say a lot more, but we want everyone to focus on the very issues in this article because its the mainstay of how many LE leaders run their Depts. SCCSTG On Thu, Jan 11, 2024, 4:46 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Lawsuit Reveals Details of LASD Deputy Shooting {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 276 Lawsuit Reveals Details of LASD Deputy Shooting Cerise Castle A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoooff was promoted under former Sheriff Alex ... {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 277 From:Deborah Goldeen To:Human Relations Commission Cc:Lythcott-Haims, Julie Subject:Anti-Semitism in Palo Alto Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 9:29:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear Commissioners - Thank you for taking up this important topic. To understand the nature of anti-semitic attacks that Jews have been subjected to since the Hamas attack, it's important to understand that IN THE CONTEXT OF THE HAMAS ATTACK, Free Gaza! and Stop The Genocide! are anti-semitic (Arab Muslims who live in Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, ect... all identify as Arabs who live in The Levant). I showed up to the farmers market on Cal Ave at 10am October 22 to find the entire street - every rock, tree, news stand and pole - plastered with "Free Gaza/Stop the Genocide" posters, did I feel threatened? You bet. Even more chilling is that these posters, probably fifty all told, and all posted illegally, had been left in place - the shoppers and workers carrying on as if it was nothing. I set about taking them down and had several Jewish people come up and whisper to me as I was doing so, "thank you!" Being blond haired and blue eyed, I'm almost never identified as Jewish so I could get away with that. But they couldn't. When the anti-semtitic Zoom bombers at city council meetings interrupt proceedings again and again and again - people who are doing so anonymously while wearing face masks with their "Free Gaza/ Stop the Genocide" rants, that is an attack on Jews. To my horry Mayor Kou failed to shut them down. As soon as they start, turn them off. This is not the time and place to be polite. At the peace vigil in front of city hall, I was standing behind a group of Arab immigrants - one from Iraq, one from Libya and one from Emirates - while they discussed plans for protesting in San Francisco the next day. They had shown up at the peace vigil for the express purpose of speaking to the assembled people about how "this war is genocide agains the Palestinians" and how "the Istaeli's are responsible for everything." Two of them left after hearing they wouldn't speak, but the third one stayed and explained to me that they coordinate groups like that to show up at all gatherings like this. This same person told me that "there is no rape in Muslim world." As in Muslim men don't rape so none of the Israeli hostages could have been raped. The purpose of the Hamas attack was to provoke a response so brutal from Israel that the Arab world would rise up and obliterate Israel. Through more covert social media means, anti-semitic Arab Muslims - as differntiated from Arab Muslims who are NOT anti-semtic - are taking this effort to a world level, which means bringing it home, here to Palo Alto. In regards to Councilmember Lythcott-Haims's well intentioned comments mentioning the distress that Arab Muslims are feeling, I was surprised by this. ShOf all people I would have expected her to understand what a false equivalency is. What is happening right now is Arab Muslims are leading the anti-semitic charge against the Jews. Jews are NOT lobbing Islamaphobic attacks at Arab Muslims. It's white Americans who are persecuting the Arab Muslims. Anti-semtic attacks are coming from Asian people I know - all my woke white friends - pretty much anyone who's on a college campus. Heck, you cannot compare the two for the simple fact that there are 15 million Jews on the planet and over A BILLION Arab Muslims. I understand the intent behind her comments, but they were extraordinarily inappropriate. Deborah Goldeen, 2130 Birch, 94306, (650)799-3652 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 278 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 279 From:Aram James To:Cecilia Taylor; Council, City; Ed Lauing; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott- Haims; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Lydia Kou; Zelkha, Mila; citycouncil@mountainview.gov Subject:South Africa tells the U.N. top court Israel is committing genocide in Gaza Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 9:28:37 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. South Africa tells the U.N. top court Israel is committing genocide in Gaza https://www.npr.org/2024/01/11/1224126552/court-hearings-genocide-charges-israel {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 280 From:Aram James To:Al Morales; Angel, David; Baker, Rob; Council, City; Damon Silver; Don Austin; Human Relations Commission; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Lydia Kou; Michelle; O"Neal, Molly; Sheriff Transparency; Stump, Molly; Vicki Veenker; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; ladoris cordell Subject:Re: A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 9:22:16 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Thank you! Aram On Thu, Jan 11, 2024 at 9:08 PM Sheriff Transparency <sccsherifftransparencyinfo@gmail.com> wrote: Finally more clarity... We are positive that Villanueva will deny despite this update. And, his statement in reference that for a Dept as large as the LASD, he wouldn't know all who are promoted. Our group of LE collectively of over 250yrs knows that is bullshit! Glad he is going to testify on Jan 12th (tomorrow) but that's only because he is a candidate for the LA County BOS. Otherwise, he continues to rate amongst the top Law Enforcement leaders who keeps the civil rights violations systemic problems in LE alive and well. Disgusting! As far as Bob Jonsen's son Travis, hummm, like Grandfather, like Father, like Son. We hope that anyone who voted for Bob Jonsen are cringing. Not only at this incident but at all the situations Bob Jonsen was associated, involved with and never held to answer for. Perhaps crooked politicians and dirty cops go hand in hand. The fact that our own Santa Clara County BOS, OCLEM, CCLEM, etc ignored these issues presented to them, well, tells us they are very comfortable with an 'alleged' criminal running the Sheriff's Office. We hope that we will find that one very small group of politicians that will also work to amend SB2 to INCLUDE Sheriffs and Chiefs of police to be held accountable no matter at what time in their career they committed their misconduct and/or violated the law. Once we get rid of the LE tyrants, you will see a huge shift in how LE not only treats our public but how they handle their business and misconduct and restore full transparency and trust. Travis Jonsen collects a disability pension because of this shooting. Why? That remains to be answered. And those with bleeding hearts who say Bob Jonsen shouldn't be held responsible for his son's actions? You have no clue. Many LE have sons or daughters in LE and make no mistake, all of them KNOW exactly what their kid is doing in his LE career and many even involved with decisions during their career, on and off duty. We have information that Dad knows a lot more about this incident and others that he never disclosed because he was never asked and of course would lie about it, given what we know and hope those with the evidence steps forward. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 281 If you think that is OK, especially for a LE leader, then you are part of the problem. Sit back and do nothing because you are not condoning the information you were given. We know an investigation is the first step to bring out those facts yet many of you listed in this email refuse to think it has anything to do with your duty to demand transparency. But for this issue and many more with the Jonsen duo, we can say a lot more, but we want everyone to focus on the very issues in this article because its the mainstay of how many LE leaders run their Depts. SCCSTG On Thu, Jan 11, 2024, 4:46 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. https://knock-la.com/villanueva-deputy-gang-promotion/ {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 282 From:Sheriff Transparency To:Aram James Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Dave Price; DuJuan Green; Emily Mibach; Jensen, Eric; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Jose Valle; KEVIN JENSEN; Mata, Anthony; Raj Jayadev; Reifschneider, James; Rosen, Jeff; Sean Allen; Lee, Craig; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Foley, Michael; walter wilson; dave.cortese@icloud.com; Sue Dremann; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; supervisor.lee@bos.sccgov.org; ceo.admin@ceo.sccgov.org Subject:Re: A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 9:08:29 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Finally more clarity... We are positive that Villanueva will deny despite this update. And, his statement in reference that for a Dept as large as the LASD, he wouldn't know all who are promoted. Our group of LE collectively of over 250yrs knows that is bullshit! Glad he is going to testify on Jan 12th (tomorrow) but that's only because he is a candidate for the LA County BOS. Otherwise, he continues to rate amongst the top Law Enforcement leaders who keeps the civil rights violations systemic problems in LE alive and well. Disgusting! As far as Bob Jonsen's son Travis, hummm, like Grandfather, like Father, like Son. We hope that anyone who voted for Bob Jonsen are cringing. Not only at this incident but at all the situations Bob Jonsen was associated, involved with and never held to answer for. Perhaps crooked politicians and dirty cops go hand in hand. The fact that our own Santa Clara County BOS, OCLEM, CCLEM, etc ignored these issues presented to them, well, tells us they are very comfortable with an 'alleged' criminal running the Sheriff's Office. We hope that we will find that one very small group of politicians that will also work to amend SB2 to INCLUDE Sheriffs and Chiefs of police to be held accountable no matter at what time in their career they committed their misconduct and/or violated the law. Once we get rid of the LE tyrants, you will see a huge shift in how LE not only treats our public but how they handle their business and misconduct and restore full transparency and trust. Travis Jonsen collects a disability pension because of this shooting. Why? That remains to be answered. And those with bleeding hearts who say Bob Jonsen shouldn't be held responsible for his son's actions? You have no clue. Many LE have sons or daughters in LE and make no mistake, all of them KNOW exactly what their kid is doing in his LE career and many even involved with decisions during their career, on and off duty. We have information that Dad knows a lot more about this incident and others that he never disclosed because he was never asked and of course would lie about it, given what we know and hope those with the evidence steps forward. If you think that is OK, especially for a LE leader, then you are part of the problem. Sit back {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 283 and do nothing because you are not condoning the information you were given. We know an investigation is the first step to bring out those facts yet many of you listed in this email refuse to think it has anything to do with your duty to demand transparency. But for this issue and many more with the Jonsen duo, we can say a lot more, but we want everyone to focus on the very issues in this article because its the mainstay of how many LE leaders run their Depts. SCCSTG On Thu, Jan 11, 2024, 4:46 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. https://knock-la.com/villanueva-deputy-gang-promotion/ {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 284 From:Mo Budak To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Re: Requesting public comment on antisemitism Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 7:30:21 PM Attachments:image006.png image005.png image002.png image004.png image001.png image007.png You don't often get email from mobudak@gmail.com. Learn why this is important Please withdraw my name from participation. Thank you, Mo Budak Dr. Mo Budak Cell 1(650) 678-3567 UCLA School of Dentistry Co-Chair Apollonian Society University of California Alumni Association Board of Directors Faculty Member, Section of Restorative Dentistry, UCLA School of Dentistry On Thu, Jan 11, 2024 at 6:24 PM Human Relations Commission <hrc@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Hello Mo Budak, If you would like to speak during public comment, please join the Zoom. You can join by following this link: VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91994548701) Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833 Best regards, Alayna Cruz Human Services Management Assistant (650) 463-4906 | alayna.cruz@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 285 You don't often get email from mobudak@gmail.com. Learn why this is important From: Mo Budak <mobudak@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2024 6:07 PM To: Human Relations Commission <hrc@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Requesting public comment on antisemitism CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Thank you, Dr. Mo Budak Dr. Mo Budak Cell 1(650) 678-3567 UCLA School of Dentistry Co-Chair Apollonian Society University of California Alumni Association Board of Directors Faculty Member, Section of Restorative Dentistry, UCLA School of Dentistry {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 286 From:Mo Budak To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Requesting public comment on antisemitism Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 6:07:12 PM You don't often get email from mobudak@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Thank you, Dr. Mo Budak Dr. Mo Budak Cell 1(650) 678-3567 UCLA School of Dentistry Co-Chair Apollonian Society University of California Alumni Association Board of Directors Faculty Member, Section of Restorative Dentistry, UCLA School of Dentistry {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 287 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angel, David; Baker, Rob; Binder, Andrew; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Bryan Gobin; Cerise Castle; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Dave Price; David S. Norris; District1@bos.sccgov.org; DuJuan Green; Emily Mibach; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Jose Valle; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Linda Jolley; Mata, Anthony; Raj Jayadev; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Sheriff Transparency; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vicki Veenker; Barberini, Christopher; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; ladoris cordell; Foley, Michael Subject:Re: A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 5:14:02 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Thu, Jan 11, 2024 at 4:46 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. https://knock-la.com/villanueva-deputy-gang-promotion/ {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 288 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Dave Price; DuJuan Green; Emily Mibach; Jensen, Eric; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Jose Valle; KEVIN JENSEN; Mata, Anthony; Raj Jayadev; Reifschneider, James; Rosen, Jeff; Sean Allen; Sheriff Transparency; Lee, Craig; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Foley, Michael; walter wilson Subject:A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 4:46:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. https://knock-la.com/villanueva-deputy-gang-promotion/ {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 289 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angel, David; Baker, Rob; Binder, Andrew; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Bryan Gobin; Cerise Castle; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Dave Price; David S. Norris; District1@bos.sccgov.org; DuJuan Green; Emily Mibach; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Jose Valle; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Linda Jolley; Mata, Anthony; Raj Jayadev; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Sheriff Transparency; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vicki Veenker; Barberini, Christopher; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; ladoris cordell; Foley, Michael Subject:A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 4:46:40 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. A deputy sheriff who lied about shooting his colleague’s gang tattoo off was promoted under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva. https://knock-la.com/villanueva-deputy-gang-promotion/ {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 290 From:Debbie Mukamal To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Statement Date:Thursday, January 11, 2024 3:51:35 PM You don't often get email from ailahm@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. To the Human Relations Committee for the City of Palo Alto: My name is Debbie Mukamal. My daughter, a 10th grader at Gunn, and I have lived in Palo Alto since 2010. I work at Stanford Law School, and we are active members of Congregation Beth Am, the Reform synagogue in Los Altos Hills. I am in my 6th year of service on Beth Am's Board of Directors, and my daughter is actively involved in teen programming there. I want to share my experience of being at the synagogue on Friday, September 8. The temple was packed with people who had come to pray on the Sabbath and to hear from two guest speakers - Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and Jeremy Ben Ami, the President of J Street, a progressive American-Israel organization. We expected to be together for a catered reception after the service. A group of teens were there to gather for a “chill night”, an opportunity to decompress from the stress of school. Just as Sabbath services were ending and people were flowing into the reception, one of our rabbis returned to the front of the sanctuary and announced that we all needed to immediately leave the building as the synagogue had received a bomb threat. The Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department, represented by many officers wearing bulletproof vests and bomb-sniffing dogs, was there to evacuate the premises and to sweep the entire campus. Being on the Board, I immediately called our President to make sure she was aware of the situation. Everyone exited the building and returned to their cars quickly and orderly, even though they were nervous and concerned. As we were driving away, my daughter, who was visibly shaken, questioned why anyone would try to blow up a bunch of people at a synagogue. She didn’t understand why Jews would be targeted. I didn’t have a great answer to offer her. Fortunately the bomb threat was later confirmed to be a hoax, that was replicated in several other synagogues throughout the country. But my daughter’s concern didn’t end. She was rattled all weekend, worried that the Sheriff’s Department officers (or dogs) could have missed a bomb, and that when she was there to work as a teacher’s aide in our Sunday School, she would accidentally step on something that would explode. Why are Jews targeted? It’s a good question. Do you have an answer? Best, Debbie Mukamal 818 Clark Way Palo Alto, CA 94304 ailahm@yahoo.com {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 291 From:Palo Alto Forward To:Human Relations Commission; Planning Commission; Architectural Review Board; Council, City Subject:Palo Alto Forward Events & Survey Date:Tuesday, January 9, 2024 4:59:33 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from palo.alto.fwd@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable Council, Commission, and Board Members, We wanted to update you on a few upcoming events and provide our annual survey for you to complete - details follow. Coffee with the Stanford Housing Justice Working Group (HJWG) - 1/20 The HJWG is a coalition of students, clubs, faculty, and community partners dedicated to creating a more equitable housing system. Join us for an exciting discussion to learn more about what they are up to and how we can all work together to advocate for change in our community. RSVP here. Note that the group is organizing a housing conference for March 2, 2024 - we will keep you informed of the details on that event. Survey What can we do to make saying YES TO MUCH-NEEDED HOUSING an easy choice? What should our focus be? What events move the bar? Take our survey here and let us know what you think. A Big 2024 We are looking forward to great things in 2024. From the Ped/Bike Plan update to the visioning workshop for the San Antonio area, this is going to be fun! Warm regards, -- Amie Ashton Executive Director, Palo Alto Forward 650-793-1585 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 292 From:Aram James To:Angel, David; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Binder, Andrew; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Damon Silver; Dave Price; David S. Norris; District1@bos.sccgov.org; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Emily Mibach; Friends of Cubberley; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lait, Jonathan; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Michelle; O"Neal, Molly; Palo Alto Free Press; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins; Reifschneider, James; Roberta Ahlquist; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan; Veenker, Vicki; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Zelkha, Mila; alisa mallari tu; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Foley, Michael Subject:Re: Is Congress an Israeli-Occupied Territory? Date:Tuesday, January 9, 2024 11:31:47 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Tue, Jan 9, 2024 at 11:22 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Is Congress anIsraeli-OccupiedTerritory? https://www.wrmea.org/1995-july-august/other-peoples-mail-is-congress-an-israeli- occupied-territory.html {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 293 From:Aram James To:Angel, David; Binder, Andrew; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Damon Silver; Dave Price; David S. Norris; District1@bos.sccgov.org; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Emily Mibach; Friends of Cubberley; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lait, Jonathan; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Michelle; O"Neal, Molly; Palo Alto Free Press; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins; Roberta Ahlquist; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan; Veenker, Vicki; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Zelkha, Mila; alisa mallari tu; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Foley, Michael Subject:Is Congress an Israeli-Occupied Territory? Date:Tuesday, January 9, 2024 11:22:55 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Is Congress anIsraeli-OccupiedTerritory? https://www.wrmea.org/1995-july-august/other-peoples-mail-is-congress-an-israeli-occupied- territory.html {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 294 From:Aram James To:Cindy Chavez; Council, City; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Ed Lauing; Emily Mibach; Friends of Cubberley; GRP-City Council; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; JIM MINKLER1; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Michelle; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; O"Neal, Molly; Palo Alto Free Press; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Rose Lynn; Rosemary McCarthy; Rosen, Jeff; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Stump, Molly; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan; Vicki Veenker; chuck jagoda; ladoris cordell Subject:Claudine Gay Date:Tuesday, January 9, 2024 9:23:21 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Claudine Gay https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/04/claudine-gay-harvard-resignation {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 295 From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP To:Human Relations Commission Subject:"In the Words of Martin Luther King," in Martin Kramer, The War on Error: Israel, Islam, and the Middle East Date:Monday, January 8, 2024 7:24:40 AM You don't often get email from moore2j+att.net@ccsend.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Unashamedly Black, Unapologetically Beautiful!!!! The Oldest, Largest And Strongest Civil Rights Organization In The United States. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 296 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 297 What Kwanzaa means for Black Americans By Frank Dobson The Conversation On Dec. 26, millions throughout the world’s African community will start weeklong celebrations of Kwanzaa. There will be daily ceremonies with food, decorations and other cultural objects, such as the kinara, which holds seven candles. At many Kwanzaa ceremonies, there is also African drumming and dancing. It is a time of communal self-affirmation – when famous Black heroes and heroines, as well as late family members – are celebrated. As a scholar who has written about racially motivated violence against Blacks, directed Black cultural centers on college campuses and sponsored numerous Kwanzaa celebrations, I understand the importance of this holiday. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 298 As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we come before you with hearts full of hope and gratitude. We thank you for the gift of time, for the opportunities that lie ahead, and for the chance to embrace transformation and renewal. Help us, O God, to enter this new year with quiet minds and thoughtful hearts. Grant us the wisdom to understand ourselves, to recognize our strengths and weaknesses, and to navigate our paths with clarity and purpose. May we be a source of light and love in our community, inspiring others with our words and actions. Give us the courage to stand tall in the face of adversity, to speak up for justice and compassion, and to lend our voices to those in need. As the first light of the new year dawns, we offer thanks for the blessings we hold dear— our health, our families, and our friends. In this moment, we release the burdens of {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 299 grudges, anger, and pain, freeing ourselves from the chains that bind us and opening our hearts to forgiveness and healing. In this new year, may we be the embodiment of your work on earth. Help us to welcome the refugee, to heal the wounds of our planet, to feed the hungry, and to build bridges of trust that overcome the walls of fear. Grant us the generosity to share our gifts and the commitment to seek justice and peace for all people. Lord, you are the creator of all things, and in you, we find hope and renewal. You make all things new, igniting our spirits with the promise of a fresh beginning. Thank you for the potential that this new year holds, and for the opportunities it brings for growth and transformation. Kindle in us a mighty flame, O God, so that in our time, many will witness the wonders of your love and glory. Let this year be a testament to your grace and a reflection of your boundless compassion. May we live every day in a way that honors your name, bringing light and love to those we encounter and spreading hope to all corners of the world. As we embark on this new journey, let us carry the spirit of this prayer in our hearts, guiding us towards a year of purpose, compassion, and positive impact. Amen. Rev. Jethroe Moore II, President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 300 For many American families, Medicaid serves as a crucial lifeline, providing access to essential healthcare services year after year. Unfortunately, when pandemic protections for Medicaid expired on April 1, 2023, this vital access was put in serious jeopardy. As a result, millions of adults and children faced the termination of their Medicaid coverage, with communities of color disproportionately bearing the brunt of this crisis. We joined a coalition of human and civil rights organizations to develop state-focused Medicaid scorecards designed to track this crisis, hold our elected officials accountable, and advocate for health care for ALL. Each governor has been graded based on their protection of our communities following the end of PHE. Grade Structure: A = Passing I = Incomplete F = Failing {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 301 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 302 San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP, San Francisco 49ers, and 49ers 408 Club Collaborate to Address Racial Incident San Jose, California - The San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP would like to extend its gratitude to Elijah Lefkow, Public Affairs representative for the San Francisco 49ers, and Christina Jefferson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, for facilitating a constructive and important meeting between the San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP branch, San Francisco 49ers, and the 49ers 408 club to address the recent incident at the 49ers' home game against Seattle. During the meeting, the San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP expressed the profound significance of the noose as a symbol that has come to represent a deplorable act of brutality, along with unbounded fear and hatred towards African Americans. It's a reminder of America's dark history of racial violence. The NAACP emphasized the necessity of recognizing and addressing the impact of such symbols in today's society. The 49ers 408 club listened earnestly and provided a clear explanation that the incident was not intended to convey anything racist. The club also extended a heartfelt apology and initiated a discussion on how the two organizations can collaborate in educating younger generations about hate symbols and their historical context. The discussion also involved planning to bring youth from the greater Santa Clara County area who have not attended a 49ers game to promote inclusivity and diversity. The San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP, San Francisco 49ers, and the 49ers 408 club are committed to addressing this incident and working together to foster a more inclusive community. The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and proactive measures to address the implications of such incidents, collectively aiming to build a better future for all members of the community. Going forward, the parties involved have committed to ongoing dialogue, education, and collaboration to foster an environment that upholds diversity, equity, and inclusion. This collaboration will include practical steps to educate, engage, and support the community to ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, feel safe, welcomed, and valued. The San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP looks forward to a continued partnership with the San Francisco 49ers and the 49ers 408 club in their common commitment to understanding, addressing, and preventing incidents that can affect the community and reinforcing their shared dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity. For media inquiries, please contact: San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Rev Jethroe Moore II, President San Francisco 49ers 49ers 408 Club {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 303 Honoring Dr. King A Talk With Dr. Joe Canton This year, the BFSA Network will host Dr. Joe Canton as the speaker for this annual event honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Join us for an engaging discussion on justice ahead of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 Noon-1 p.m. Conference Rooms A&B (Upper level of the Campus Center) Please register to attend by completing the form below {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 304 Martin Kramer, "In the Words of Martin Luther King," in Martin Kramer, The War on Error: Israel, Islam, and the Middle East (New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction, 2016), 253- 67. In the Words of Martin Luther King As the veneration of Martin Luther King, Jr. has deepened in America, he has been recruited posthumously to more causes. This is encouraged by his memorial in Washington. Inscribed on the pedestal of King’s statue, and on the walls of the surrounding enclosure, are quotations attributed to King. Although he spoke all of these words in specific contexts, they are assembled as though they convey eternal verities, much like the biblical passages which King himself quoted. What would King think about this or that matter in the present? Just conjure up a quote from King in the past. Both Israelis and Palestinians (and their supporters) are avid recruiters of King, presuming that something he once said more than half a century ago justifies this claim or that policy today. This appropriation is done piecemeal, perhaps because there is no com- prehensive study of King’s views on the Middle East. As a result, not a few errors and omissions of fact mar most efforts to press King’s ghost into service. Many of these surround the events of 1967, the year before King’s assassination. The Six-Day War fully mobilized many of the American Jews who had embraced the civil rights struggle and who marched with King. They now looked to King in the expectation that he would show his support for the cause of Israel. At the same time, the war broke out at a time when King’s leadership was being challenged by the militant Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). SNCC strongly sympathized with the Arabs, and took a stand against Israel in the war’s aftermath. King, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a pacifist, found himself caught between these antagonistic forces, and torn by the war and its consequences.1 READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 305 AB 2773 – Imposes Procedural Requirements For Police Stops AB 2773 imposes a new restriction on peace officers making a traffic stop or pedestrian stop, effective January 1, 2024. Before engaging in questioning related to a criminal investigation or traffic violation, the officer must state the reason for the stop. The officer must also document the reason for the stop on any citation or police report resulting from the stop. These requirements do not apply where the officer reasonably believes that withholding {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 306 the reason for the stop is necessary to protect life or property from imminent threat, such as in cases of terrorism or kidnapping. AB 2773 also revises the annual report that law enforcement agencies must make to the Attorney General regarding stops conducted by that agency’s peace officers. Effective January 1, 2024, the annual report must include, for each stop, the reason given to the person stopped at the time of the stop. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to include information about these new requirements in the California Driver’s Handbook. As with other bills imposing restrictions and requirements on police officer procedure, law enforcement agencies should ensure these changes are communicated to peace officers and incorporated in administrative policies. (AB 2774 amends Section 12525.5 of the Government Code, amends Section 1656.3 of the Vehicle Code, and adds Section 2806.5 to the Vehicle Code.) {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 307 In Loving Memory of Officer Tuan Le It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Officer Tuan Le, a dedicated public servant, loving husband, and a cherished member of the Oakland community. Officer Le was killed in the line of duty today, December 29, 2023, at 8:44 a.m. Officer Le was surrounded by his wife, mother, and members of his OPD family when he died. On June 1, 1987, Officer Le was born in Saigon Vietnam, before later moving to Oakland and being naturalized on September 11, 2001. On February 21, 2020, Officer Le graduated from the 183rd Police Academy, beginning a journey of public service to his community that lasted nearly four years. For the past two years, Officer Le served as the Community Resource Officer (CRO) in West Oakland, where he devoted himself to strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the residents of Oakland. His tireless efforts in fostering positive relationships made a lasting impact. Officer Le was a devoted husband to his wife. His passing leaves a void in the law enforcement community, the city of Oakland, and in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his smile, and the positive change he brought to the lives of those around him. He is a true hero who dedicated his life to making our community safer. Officer Le is the 54th Oakland Police Officer killed in the line of duty serving the residents of Oakland. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 308 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 309 Conversations andReflections: The AfricanAmerican Experience inSanta Clara County Jan 18, 20245:30 pm - 7:00 pmLos Altos History Museum51 So. San Antonio RoadLos Altos, CA 94022 We are pleased to present a panel discussion with renowned historians Jan Batiste Adkins, author of African Americans of San Jose and Santa Clara County, and Kathy Cotton, producer of the documentary “A Place at the Table” for the Silicon Valley Black Project. They will be joined by Dr. Perlita Dicochea, chair of the Museum’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. About the Program The panelists will share insights on strategies used by African Americans to overcome discrimination in Santa Clara County, particularly in areas including housing, job opportunities, and community building. They will spotlight leaders that have made significant contributions to their respective fields, even in the face of intentional obstacles to advancement, offering a source of reflection and inspiration. Refreshments will be served.Registration is required$10/person, free to Museum members {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 310 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 311 Each year we bring together hundreds of community residents, dynamic Bay Area youths, local faith-based organizations, civic leaders, and local business owners dedicated to fulfilling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s goal of equality and social justice for all. RSVP Sponsor Donate To mail donations, you can send them to: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rally Committee P.O. Box 14993, Oakland, CA 94614 All donations are tax deductible. Byron Allen makes a $3.5 billion bid to acquire BET Media {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 312 Group, cementing legacy in Black media ownership By Ebony JJ Curry Senior Reporter New Pittsburgh Courier Making a bold move that underscores the importance of Black ownership in media, Byron Allen, the founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, has placed a substantial $3.5 billion bid to acquire BET Media Group. This marks Allen’s second attempt to secure the media properties that have been pivotal in shaping Black culture and entertainment. The Significance of BET in the Black Community BET Media Group, a cornerstone in Black entertainment, encompasses the BET network channel, VH1, BET Studios and the streaming service BET+. For years, BET has been at the forefront of providing a platform for Black voices, showcasing talent and delivering content that resonates deeply with the Black community. Its significance goes beyond entertainment; it’s a beacon of representation and cultural pride. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 313 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 314 Caltrain's MLK Celebration Train Caltrain’s MLK Celebration Train will be making the trip up the Peninsula on Monday, January 15, and we want you to be a part of it! The Celebration Train provides free train service to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day March in San Francisco, organized in partnership with the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation. Sign up today! Attendees who RSVP will receive a complimentary ticket worth a free return trip after 1 p.m. on the 15th. Find more information about MLK Day events in San Francisco at https://norcalmlkfoundation.org/events/ Departure Schedule: San Jose Diridon: 9:30 a.m. Palo Alto: 9:50 a.m. San Mateo: 10:10 a.m. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 315 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 316 Community leaders, Pastors, and Labor leaders Groundswell for Water Justice cordially invites you to participate in our “Let’s take thefight to the Capitol”. Special Rally at the Capitol 9am and meeting with ourlegislators on Tuesday January 16th, 2024.Rally speakers invited Rick Callender NAACP Delores Huerta, James Bryant A. Philip Randolf Institute. Please RSVP to Tony Alexander -talexander283@gmail.com to attend the Rally. If you would like to ride with me, please let me know ASAP. I will have parking and more information regarding talking points for our meetings with our legislators next week. FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHT! To Clean, Affordable Water Low-income communities of color throughout the state who have concerns about their future ability to access clean, affordable water have reached a crossroads that demand immediate action by policy leaders. In too many policy discussions, the impact on rural, isolated people of color is neglected or dismissed entirely. Groundswell, a project of Community Build, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 public charity, is grassroots organizing campaign to ensure that marginalized communities have a voice in California’s policy debate concerning the current and future water crisis. The Groundswell coalition is represented by national civil rights leaders, community-based organizations, religious and spiritual leaders, corporate and small businesses, organized labor, and environmental justice advocates. Groundswell’s production partner, Bridge Street Inc., has a wealth of experience with events of this nature and stands ready to execute a production plan. Any questions please call me 408 504-7902 cell or email talexander283@gmail.com Thanks Tony Alexander, Groundswell for Water Organizer 408 504-7902 cell {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 317 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 318 The Promise and Risk of South Africa’s Case Against Israel The war in Gaza has now reached the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In the closing days of 2023, South Africa filed an applicationinstituting proceedings against Israel before the ICJ. South Africa alleges that Israel’s conduct in Gaza violates its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide both by committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and by failing to prevent it, including by failing to hold senior Israeli officials and others accountable for their direct and public incitement to genocide. The application concludes by requesting a series of “provisional measures,” including that Israel immediately suspend its military operations in Gaza. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 319 Harvard Put President Gay in the Crosshairs of a Culture War without a Shield Ivory Toldson Director, Education Innovation and Research at NAACP, Professor, Howard University, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Negro Education President Claudine Gay’s resignation is a thunderclap echoing from the halls of Harvard, leaving a bitter taste of injustice and a deafening silence from those who should be howling in outrage. The President, the first Black woman to lead the institution, stands cast aside, not by her own hand, but by the very forces Harvard claims to oppose: prejudice, cowardice, and a grotesque disregard for basic fairness. President Gay, a woman of singular brilliance and grace, was thrown into a political firestorm without a shield. Three presidents called to testify, all women in a field dominated by men, dragged into a partisan spectacle disguised as a congressional hearing. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 320 President Gay faced the partisan gauntlet without a subpoena, and without the full armor of the most prominent university in the nation. Let us be clear: the accusations against President Gay are a farce, a cynical ploy by those who thrive on division and seek to undermine the progress of novel voices. Plagiarism, in its true form, is an act of theft, a deliberate attempt to claim another’s work as one’s own. Yet, the flimsy charges leveled against her were nothing but a web of nitpicking, fueled by cherry-picked quotes and twisted interpretations. To call this anything but slander is a disservice to the truth. Yet, Harvard stood silent, its resources and influence strangely unavailable to defend its president. However, this is not about President Gay’s specific case; it is about the larger canvas it paints – A chilling tableau where anti-Blackness and misogyny find fertile ground even in the progressive halls of academia. Where whispers can become weapons, and accusations, however baseless, can topple giants. Where the burden of proof seems to shift depending on melanin and chromosomes. Harvard, and by extension, the entire higher education community, needs to do more than issue platitudinous statements. Harvard, and the higher education community, must confront the ugly truth laid bare by this debacle – our rhetoric does not protect us from the insidious structures that perpetuate prejudice. We must demand accountability, not only from those who spew hate and misinformation, but also from those who stand idly by while it happens. President Gay’s resignation is not just a loss for the university; it is a public indictment. It is a stark reminder that even in the hallowed halls of learning, the path for a Black woman, however accomplished, is still paved with barbed wire. It is about every woman who aspires to lead and every scholar of color who dares to challenge the status quo. It is about the very soul of higher education and its professed commitment to truth, justice, and the unfettered pursuit of knowledge. Let President Gay’s departure be the catalyst for a seismic shift, a revolution of conscience that shakes the very foundations of academia and forces it to confront its uncomfortable truths. Let it be the spark that ignites a fire of inclusivity and equity, so bright that it banishes the shadows of discrimination. Because silence, in the face of such injustice, is not neutrality; it is complicity. And Harvard, and the entire academic community, can no longer afford to be complicit. As Elie Wiesel noted, 'Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 321 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 322 University AME Zion Church isn't just a place of worship; it's a beacon of history and resilience. As the oldest Black Church in Palo Alto and Silicon Valley, our church has been a pillar of support, compassion, and spiritual growth. Over the decades, we've reached out and touched the lives of countless individuals in our community, embodying the values of care, outreach, and unwavering faith. This year, our anniversary coincides with the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. What better way to honor his memory than to gather in a place that has lived the principles he championed. Our anniversary service is more than a commemoration; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, justice, and love that Dr. King represented. We welcome everyone to this exceptional Worship Service, celebrating history, community, and faith. It's not just an event; it's the thing to do in Palo Alto this MLK weekend. Let's come together to rejoice in the legacy and continue supporting an institution that has been a cornerstone of our community. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 323 We can't wait to see you there and share this joyous occasion. Your presence will make this celebration even more special. Blessings and Peace, Rev. Kaloma A. Smith University AME Zion Church Stop Turning Your Head: Black Cops Speak Out Against ‘Blanket of Racism’ BY ISIDORO RODRIGUEZ {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 324 Even as states and municipalities around the country rush to respond to calls for better training and greater accountability in response to police killings of African- Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, African-American cops warn that little will change unless their agencies confront the internalized racism that continues to distort American policing. Interviews with former and current police officers, as well as police chiefs and criminal justice professionals, revealed that despite the rising profile of Black police leaders, many are concerned that a systemically racist police culture has actively excluded and persecuted Black officers who speak out against practices that began with the origins of American policing. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 325 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 326 Kappa Alpha Psi®, a college fraternity, was born in an environment saturated with racism. The state of Indiana became the 19th state of the Union in 1816, and it founded Indiana University in Bloomington four years later. This city was largely populated by settlers from below the Mason-Dixon line and, therefore, found many sympathizers of the Southern cause. Consequently, the few Blacks who took up residence in Bloomington in those early years were socially ostracized and encountered extreme acts of prejudice and discrimination. The state of Indiana became a stronghold for the Ku Klux Klan. Their intolerance toward Blacks fueled the negative mindset of other Whites residing there. Vigilante lynchings of Blacks were commonplace. This environment made day-to-day life for Blacks an arduous task and attempts to achieve in school nearly impossible. Despite the growing hostility of Whites toward Blacks in Indiana, some Black students sought a college education at Indiana University, as it was a tuition-free university of the highest quality. However, few Blacks could remain longer than a year or so without having to withdraw in search of employment. READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 327 California police show severe racial bias in stops and searches, data finds Black residents were stopped the most, while Native Americans were searched most frequently compared to all racial groups Law enforcement in California handcuffed and detained Black and Indigenous residents during traffic stops at significantly higher rates than white people in 2022, according to data released on Wednesday. The annual racial profiling report from a state board analyzed 4.5m vehicle and pedestrian stops conducted by 535 law enforcement agencies, the first time departments from across the state contributed data. The findings suggest there are persistent and severe racial disparities in overall stops and {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 328 searches; transgender Californians are disproportionately impacted; and youth of color are heavily policed and frequently stopped in schools. Some key findings: READ MORE {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 329 HOW IT WORKS: 1. California and Hawaii citizens submit a signed "Civil & Human Rights Complaint" (CHRC) Form to their local NAACP Branch. 2. The local Branch submits the received CHRC form to their Legal Redress committee upon seeing "Racial Discrimination" or "Racial Harassment" triggers on the form. 3. The local Branch's Legal Redress Committee conducts an investigation and determines whether or not an attorney needs to be consulted. a. If it is determined that an attorney does not need to be involved, the Branch's Legal Redress Committee shall resolve the issue internally. b. If it is determined that an attorney should be consulted, the Branch's Legal Redress Committee shall refer the Complainant to the State Conference by filling out an NAACP CA/HI Stop the Hate Case Synopsis Form. The State will then refer the Complainant to a contracted law firm and pay for the consultation between the Complainant and the firm. After a referral has been made and consultation has taken place, the decision to take on the Complainant's case rests solely {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 330 with the firm. WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Currently, Californians who are/were the victims of racial harassment or discrimination in employment, housing, and other situations that violate their civil rights. We are actively looking for law firms in additional areas of practice, and we welcome recommendations from Branches on new law practice areas that could be included. This information can also be found on the State Conference's website under the "Legal Redress" tab. Please feel free to get in touch with me with any questions or concerns. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 331 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 332 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 333 During the 55th NAACP Image Awards — which airs on March 16, 2024 — we will honor the hard work and dedication of an outstanding NAACP member along with Black Hollywood’s most talented actors, writers, and musicians. Which of your fellow advocates should take the stage? The deadline for nominations is January 26, 2024, so get yours submitted today. We’re looking for NAACP members, 26 years old or older, who have demonstrated a fierce commitment to activism and staunch leadership in the fight for equity and justice over the past year. Whether it's through organizing protests, lobbying for policy change, or creating impactful art and media, there are countless ways our activists make a difference. Let’s uplift these outstanding members and recognize their dedicated advocacy and achievements on a national stage alongside other NAACP Image Awards winners. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 334 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 335 Black Community I Urged you Unite and Focus on Larger Issues Beyond Hollywood Distractions In recent news, the focus is on Hollywood's entertainment controversies involving prominent Black comedians and a movie from over 20 years ago. While the entertainment industry plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and influencing culture, it is crucial to maintain a broader perspective on the challenges faced by the African diaspora. Amidst the chatter surrounding the feud between Kat Williams and Rickey Smiley, as well as the resurfacing of a movie depicting men wearing dresses to succeed in Hollywood, an unimportant discussions have emerged about the various cliques and groupings within the Black community. This has shed light on long-standing issues such as the brown paper bag test, historical injustices, and the existence of gatekeepers at companies, raising awareness {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 336 about the need for unity and collective action. Calls for unity within the community should be amplified, emphasizing the importance of addressing historical injustices and pursuing cooperative repair. The African diaspora, on both sides of the Atlantic, has endured centuries of exploitation, racism, disenfranchisement, and marginalization. It is clear that the fractured state of the community requires a unified approach to overcome these challenges. Moreover, recent statements from African leaders highlighting the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Palestinians have underscored the need for solidarity. South Africa's vocal stance on the issue exemplifies the interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of standing together in pursuit of justice and equality. Amidst these discussions, there is a growing call for the United States to engage with African nations in mutually beneficial partnerships, moving away from extractive engagements and recognizing Africa as a source of formidable talents and capacity. Additionally, it is emphasized that the US should value Black Americans as a competitive advantage, particularly in light of increasing roles played by China and Russia in Africa. The relationship between the US and Africa predates the founding of the country, and it is time to reshape misconceptions and evolve the engagement with the continent. By recognizing Africa as a growing economic and cultural force and demonstrating respect and reciprocity in cooperation, the US can foster a meaningful partnership that benefits both parties. As the spotlight on Hollywood continues to captivate attention, the reminder to focus on larger issues facing the Black community resonates strongly. It is a call for unity, resilience, and a concerted effort to confront historical injustices and pursue a shared vision of empowerment and progress. In the spirit of Ubuntu enlightenment, the Black community is urged to galvanize efforts towards greater solidarity and meaningful change. Ceasefire in Israel now. Trix are for kids silly Rabbits. Rev. Jethroe Moore II San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 337 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 338 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 339 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 340 And as award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi argues in Stamped from the Beginning, if we have any hope of grappling with this stark reality, we must first understand how racist ideas were developed, disseminated, and enshrined in American society. In this deeply researched and fast- moving narrative, Ibram X. Kendi chronicles the entire story of anti-Black racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history. Stamped from the Beginning uses the life stories of five major American intellectuals to offer a window into the contentious debates between assimilationists and segregationists and between racists and antiracists. From Puritan minister Cotton Mather to Thomas Jefferson, {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 341 from fiery abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison to brilliant scholar W.E.B. Du Bois to legendary anti-prison activist Angela Davis, Kendi shows how and why some of our leading proslavery and pro-civil rights thinkers have challenged or helped cement racist ideas in America. BLACK PEOPLE BREATHE A thoughtful, inclusive, and vividly illustrated guide to help Black people— and all people of color—heal from racial trauma using vital tools from an expert in mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork. It is your right to survive. It is your {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 342 right to thrive. Mindfulness and breathwork will help you do just that. Racism is more than just an interpersonal experience. It is a systemic injustice that affects the lives of Black people, and all people of color, in countless ways. Doctors and psychologists have discovered the wide-ranging—and often devastating— effects of racism on one’s emotional, physical, and mental health, from high blood pressure and heart problems to anxiety and depression. Yet studies show that mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork can significantly reduce these issues. This is where Zee Clarke comes in. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 343 2024 King Holiday Observance Calendar of Events The 2024 King Holiday Observance Calendar of Events encompasses experiences to remind global citizens of our capacity to create the Beloved Community, and to help us develop strategies for shifting the cultural climate in key areas of our lives. Share the schedule on social media using the hashtags #KHO2024 #MLKDay2024 #TheKingCenter Detailed Schedule {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 344 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 345 Register at https://sdpconference.info/2024-conference/ The 2024 conference will be convened at the Palmer House Hotel, Monday, February 19 – Thursday, February 22, 2024, in Chicago, IL. The Annual Clergy and Lay Leadership Conference through the power of prophetic preaching, informed teaching and social activism, clergy and laity work together on behalf of the disenfranchised, vulnerable, and those most marginalized in the world. The 2024 Conference will include… Opening conference worship service at the Palmer House hotel Renowned African American preachers, theologians, and activists Informed teaching and educational opportunities through various breakout sessions including Connecting the Dots: Racism, Ecojustice and the Wealth Gap General Secretary's Luncheon & Ella Jo Baker Awards {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 346 “Beautiful Are The Feet” Honoree Signature Event “Where Legacy Meets Future: ReImagine, ReThink, and ReInvent” {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 347 Website History Events Youth {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 348 Drop Us A Line Address: 205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112 Telephone: +1 (408) 898-6985 San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP | 1313 N Milpitas Blvd #163, Milpitas, CA 95035 Unsubscribe hrc@cityofpaloalto.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by moore2j@att.net powered by Try email marketing for free today! {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 349 From:Aram James To:Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Lotus Fong; Lydia Kou; Roberta Ahlquist; Rose Lynn; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Vicki Veenker; ladoris cordell Subject:Plagued prison seeking overseer Date:Sunday, January 7, 2024 2:40:42 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Plagued prison seeking overseer https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=d1ddd9f2-2ae4- 4fe3-87ee-c1cdf0c60d5b&appcode=SAN252&eguid=7d497308-6bd0-4009-8f68- bdd3f29388e5&pnum=3# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 350 From:Aram James To:Angel, David; Baker, Rob; Council, City; Human Relations Commission; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Kaloma Smith; Rosen, Jeff; Sean Allen Subject:California Attorney General Introduces Race-Blind Charging Guidelines to Prosecutors Date:Sunday, January 7, 2024 2:37:10 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I found this on NewsBreak: California Attorney General Introduces Race-Blind Charging Guidelines to Prosecutors https://share.newsbreak.com/5ue9wtz3 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 351 From:Lorraine Brown To:Council, City; Human Relations Commission Subject:Antisemitism in Palo Alto Date:Sunday, January 7, 2024 11:14:32 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from lobrown170@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Human Relations Commission and City Council - Thank you all for your continued leadership in our city. First, I want to thank the HRC for their upcoming January 11 agenda item focusing on the rise of antisemitism in our community. The spike in threats is terribly disturbing, and I think it's really important for you - and all of us in Palo Alto - to hear from our residents about their experiences. With that, I hope your commission will also consider how to make Jews, Muslims, and Arabs all feel safer in Palo Alto. Second, I understand that City Council is considering a discussion/vote on a ceasefire resolution. I adamantly oppose this idea and implore you to avoid such a discussion for two primary reasons: it will be terribly divisive for our community, and the debate will only sharpen and increase antisemitism in Palo Alto. This has been seen in other cities that have considered such resolutions, and would serve only to fray relations in our city - when you've all worked so hard to improve senses of belonging and inclusion. resolutions regarding outcomes for foreign wars is far beyond the scope of what you were elected. Your attention should be focused on Palo Alto issues - and there are plenty - rather than on outcomes for wars across the globe. In other words, there is nothing to gain whatsoever by engaging in a debate about a ceasefire, a topic which sparks deep, emotional debate, and won't do anything to help the people of Israel or Gaza. I urge you to decline considering a ceasefire resolution. Thank you for considering my feedback, and again, thank you for your leadership. Lorraine Brown Walter Hays Drive {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 352 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; Council, City; D Martell; Dave Price; David S. Norris; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Ed Lauing; Friends of Cubberley; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Michelle; Zelkha, Mila; Palo Alto Free Press; ParkRec Commission; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins; Reifschneider, James; Roberta Ahlquist; Rosen, Jeff; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Stump, Molly; Vara Ramakrishnan; Vicki Veenker; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; Zelkha, Mila; Lee, Craig; dennis burns; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; ladoris cordell; Foley, Michael Subject:Re: Stop Turning Your Head: Black Cops Speak Out Against ‘Blanket of Racism’ - The Crime Report Date:Saturday, January 6, 2024 10:17:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Sat, Jan 6, 2024 at 9:23 PM Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: https://thecrimereport.org/2021/03/02/stop-turning-your-head-black-cops-speak-out-against- blanket-of-racism/ Sent from my iPhone {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 353 From:Jack Ajluni To:Aram James Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Binder, Andrew; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Council, City; Damon Silver; David S. Norris; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Ed Lauing; Friends of Cubberley; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Michelle; Zelkha, Mila; Palo Alto Free Press; Palo Alto Renters" Association; ParkRec Commission; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Roberta Ahlquist; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Stump, Molly; Vara Ramakrishnan; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; walter wilson Subject:Re: Disgusting White Jewish Supremacist propaganda Date:Saturday, January 6, 2024 11:19:00 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from jaxpolo@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Zionist have a corner on the "I'M A VICTIM" market. Lets not continue to buy that shit people, open your eyes and wake up! All the Best, Jack On Fri, Jan 5, 2024 at 11:06 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Disgusting White Jewish Supremacist propaganda guaranteed to generate, to exacerbate, the very antisemitism it claims to want extinguished. A thinly veiled attempt to weaponize antisemitism as a tool to cut off free speech and robust debate on the war crimes being committed daily by the terrorist state of Israel with billions of dollars in U.S. Aid. Don’t buy this vile zionist propaganda for even a minute. Aram “End Genocide In Palestine Now” James {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 354 From:Jethroe Moore To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Binder, Andrew; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Council, City; Damon Silver; David S. Norris; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Ed Lauing; Friends of Cubberley; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Michelle; Zelkha, Mila; Palo Alto Free Press; Palo Alto Renters" Association; ParkRec Commission; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Roberta Ahlquist; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Stump, Molly; Vara Ramakrishnan; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; kenneth.binder@shf.sccgov.org; walter wilson; Aram James Subject:Re: Disgusting White Jewish Supremacist propaganda Date:Saturday, January 6, 2024 4:54:23 AM You don't often get email from moore2j@att.net. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ITS very saddening, it feels abusive unless I believe like you means that I'm against you.my wife and I have been married for 20 years and not always agreed upon everything did not mean I was against her. REV. JETHROE MOORE II On Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 02:06:24 AM EST, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Disgusting White Jewish Supremacist propaganda guaranteed to generate, to exacerbate, the very antisemitism it claims to want extinguished. A thinly veiled attempt to weaponize antisemitism as a tool to cut off free speech and robust debate on the war crimes being committed daily by the terrorist state of Israel with billions of dollars in U.S. Aid. Don’t buy this vile zionist propaganda for even a minute. Aram “End Genocide In Palestine Now” James {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 355 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Binder, Andrew; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Council, City; Damon Silver; David S. Norris; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Ed Lauing; Friends of Cubberley; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Michelle; Zelkha, Mila; Palo Alto Free Press; Palo Alto Renters" Association; ParkRec Commission; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Roberta Ahlquist; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shana Segal; Stump, Molly; Vara Ramakrishnan; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; walter wilson Subject:Disgusting White Jewish Supremacist propaganda Date:Friday, January 5, 2024 11:06:55 PM Attachments:January-2024-Dear-Colleague-Letter-1.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Disgusting White Jewish Supremacist propaganda guaranteed to generate, to exacerbate, the very antisemitism it claims to want extinguished. A thinly veiled attempt to weaponize antisemitism as a tool to cut off free speech and robust debate on the war crimes being committed daily by the terrorist state of Israel with billions of dollars in U.S. Aid. Don’t buy this vile zionist propaganda for even a minute. Aram “End Genocide In Palestine Now” James {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 356 From:Chuck Jagoda To:Roberta Ahlquist Cc:Gerry Gras; Aram James; Cherrill Spencer; Rebecca Eisenberg; Henry Etzkowitz; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Anne Hudson; Palo Alto Renters" Association; paul bundy; Marni Barnes; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; Sally Clark; Human Relations Commission; Sunita de Tourreil; Debbie Mytels; EPA Today; Emer Martin; friendsofcubberley94303@gmail.com; Fred Balin; Gardener, Liz; SILKE GURLICH; Paul George @ PPJC; Eugenia (Genie) Njolito; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Sandy Perry-HCA; HRW Silicon Valley; Helen Young Subject:Re: Palo Alto Vigil 4 Children of Gaza next Sunday (Jan 7) Date:Thursday, January 4, 2024 7:18:02 PM You don't often get email from jagodachuck@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Thanks for including me. I don't have a car anymore and can't get there. But I support you and thank you for making this statement and for doing it in Granny Gear. Chuck Jagoda On Thu, Jan 4, 2024 at 1:08 PM Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu> wrote: ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Raging Grannies of the Peninsula <peninsula_raging_grannies@yahoo.com> Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2024 at 4:00 PM Subject: Palo Alto Vigil 4 Children of Gaza next Sunday (Jan 7) To: Raging Grannies of the Peninsula <peninsula_raging_grannies@yahoo.com> Next Sunday Jan 7 3:30 to 5pm town and country (corner Embarcadero/El Camino) in Palo Alto. Please wear Granny costume, photographer coming. We will sing as our performance was much appreciated last time! Palo Alto resident Grannies, please see info below about city council meeting. Granny Ruth Dear Friends in Solidarity with Gaza, {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 357 We have now held three Vigils for the Children of Gaza over the past three weeks, including on both Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It has been an honor to stand with you all and encouraging to see more and more people showing up each week. Let’s do it again! Join us for our 4th Vigil for the Children of Gaza this coming Sunday, January 7th from 3:30 to 5:00PM on the corner of Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. Bring your signs, your hearts, and invite family & friends. We hope you will also be able to join us on Monday, January 8th to ask the City of Palo Alto Council to urgently agendize and pass a Ceasefire Resolution. The meeting starts at 5:30PM at 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto. (It’s difficult to predict but we recommend showing up or logging in online by around 6PM to be in time for Public Comment). Comments can be made in person or via Zoom and the time limit on comments is ONE MINUTE. You do not have to be a Palo Alto resident to speak. TWENTY-SEVEN community members made statements in favor of a Ceasefire Resolution at the last City Council meeting of 2023. Let’s grow that number for the 1st meeting of 2024!! For inspiration and talking points, skip to 1:21:00 to hear our community speaking up for a ceasefire at the December 18 city council meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/1iRU-RDDqMg? si=84GlyaMJgqNMtPQt A special shoutout to the amazing Stanford sit-in students whose commitment and courage is an inspiration! This is the longest running sit-in in Stanford history. Visitors are welcome at the sit-in, located on campus at White Plaza. We are grateful so many members of the Stanford community joined the NYE Vigil. If you would like to support the sit-in they ask that donations be directed to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Thank you all for showing up in solidarity with the people of Palestine, with so much heart and in so many ways. It takes courage, especially when the real world consequences for speaking up have led so many to choose silence. With gratitude and in solidarity, Michelle with Palo Alto community members organizing for human rights, peace and justice {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 358 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 359 From:Roberta Ahlquist To:Gerry Gras; Aram James; Cherrill Spencer; Rebecca Eisenberg; Henry Etzkowitz; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Anne Hudson; Palo Alto Renters" Association; paul bundy; Marni Barnes; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; Sally Clark; Human Relations Commission; Chuck Jagoda; Sunita de Tourreil; Debbie Mytels; EPA Today; Emer Martin; friendsofcubberley94303@gmail.com; Fred Balin; Gardener, Liz; SILKE GURLICH; Paul George @ PPJC; Eugenia (Genie) Njolito; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Sandy Perry-HCA; HRW Silicon Valley; Helen Young Subject:Fwd: Palo Alto Vigil 4 Children of Gaza next Sunday (Jan 7) Date:Thursday, January 4, 2024 1:08:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Raging Grannies of the Peninsula <peninsula_raging_grannies@yahoo.com> Date: Wed, Jan 3, 2024 at 4:00 PM Subject: Palo Alto Vigil 4 Children of Gaza next Sunday (Jan 7) To: Raging Grannies of the Peninsula <peninsula_raging_grannies@yahoo.com> Next Sunday Jan 7 3:30 to 5pm town and country (corner Embarcadero/El Camino) in Palo Alto. Please wear Granny costume, photographer coming. We will sing as our performance was much appreciated last time! Palo Alto resident Grannies, please see info below about city council meeting. Granny Ruth Dear Friends in Solidarity with Gaza, We have now held three Vigils for the Children of Gaza over the past three weeks, including on both Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It has been an honor to stand with you all and encouraging to see more and more people showing up each week. Let’s do it again! Join us for our 4th Vigil for the Children of Gaza this coming Sunday, January 7th from 3:30 to 5:00PM on the corner of Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. Bring your signs, your hearts, and invite family & friends. {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 360 We hope you will also be able to join us on Monday, January 8th to ask the City of Palo Alto Council to urgently agendize and pass a Ceasefire Resolution. The meeting starts at 5:30PM at 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto. (It’s difficult to predict but we recommend showing up or logging in online by around 6PM to be in time for Public Comment). Comments can be made in person or via Zoom and the time limit on comments is ONE MINUTE. You do not have to be a Palo Alto resident to speak. TWENTY-SEVEN community members made statements in favor of a Ceasefire Resolution at the last City Council meeting of 2023. Let’s grow that number for the 1st meeting of 2024!! For inspiration and talking points, skip to 1:21:00 to hear our community speaking up for a ceasefire at the December 18 city council meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/1iRU-RDDqMg? si=84GlyaMJgqNMtPQt A special shoutout to the amazing Stanford sit-in students whose commitment and courage is an inspiration! This is the longest running sit-in in Stanford history. Visitors are welcome at the sit-in, located on campus at White Plaza. We are grateful so many members of the Stanford community joined the NYE Vigil. If you would like to support the sit-in they ask that donations be directed to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Thank you all for showing up in solidarity with the people of Palestine, with so much heart and in so many ways. It takes courage, especially when the real world consequences for speaking up have led so many to choose silence. With gratitude and in solidarity, Michelle with Palo Alto community members organizing for human rights, peace and justice {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 361 {{item.number}} Packet Pg. 362