HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-14 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, March 14, 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.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
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.February 8, 2024
2.March 6, 2024
BUSINESS ITEMS
3.Update from the Palo Alto Mediation Program on their programs and services. – Project
Sentinel and Palo Alto Mediation Program (PAMP) volunteers – Discussion (40 minutes)
4.Presentation of the updated survey results from the Asian American, Native Hawaiian,
Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Lived Experience Survey and AANHPI Community Listening
Session. – Stimmler – 30 minutes (Action)
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
Commissioner Reports
Council Liaison Report
Staff Liaison Report
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC DOCUMENTS
Public Comments
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, March 14, 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.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
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.February 8, 2024
2.March 6, 2024
BUSINESS ITEMS
3.Update from the Palo Alto Mediation Program on their programs and services. – Project
Sentinel and Palo Alto Mediation Program (PAMP) volunteers – Discussion (40 minutes)
4.Presentation of the updated survey results from the Asian American, Native Hawaiian,
Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Lived Experience Survey and AANHPI Community Listening
Session. – Stimmler – 30 minutes (Action)
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
Commissioner Reports
Council Liaison Report
Staff Liaison Report
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC DOCUMENTS
Public Comments
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, March 14, 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.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.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.February 8, 20242.March 6, 2024BUSINESS ITEMS3.Update from the Palo Alto Mediation Program on their programs and services. – ProjectSentinel and Palo Alto Mediation Program (PAMP) volunteers – Discussion (40 minutes)4.Presentation of the updated survey results from the Asian American, Native Hawaiian,Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Lived Experience Survey and AANHPI Community ListeningSession. – Stimmler – 30 minutes (Action)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)ADJOURNMENTPUBLIC DOCUMENTS
Public Comments
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, February 8, 2024
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Causey, Hsieh, Kraus, Savage, Stimmler
Absent: Eberle, Smith
Staff: Minka Van Der Zwaag, Alayna Cruz
I. ROLL CALL
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
III. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. January 11, 2024
MOTION: Commissioner Savage moved, seconded by Commissioner Stimmler, to approve
the minutes of January 11, 2024.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0 (2 absent)
V. 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
MOTION: Commissioner Savage moved, seconded by Commissioner Causey, that the HRC
recommends City Council approve the Community Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG CARES Act
(CDBG-CV) Draft Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan (Attachment B) and accepts the
HRC sub-committee’s recommendation on the contingency plan for funding.
VOTE: 5-0 (2 absent)
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. ‐ Vice Chair Kraus – Action
MOTION: Commissioner Savage moved, seconded by Commissioner Hsieh, to use the existing
subcommittees of Inclusion & Belonging and Public Safety to discuss the recommendations from
the Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions on local experience of Islamophobia and Anti-
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ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access
City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code
section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
Semitism.
VOTE: 5-0 (2 absent)
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access
City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code
section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
DRAFT
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING ACTION MINUTES
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Eberle, Causey, Hsieh, Kraus, Savage, Stimmler
Absent: Smith
Staff: Minka Van Der Zwaag, Alayna Cruz
I. ROLL CALL
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
III. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS
IV. BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Discussion and consideration of recommendations from the ad‐hoc subcommittees
reviewing community input from the Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions on
Local Experiences of Islamophobia/Anti‐Arab Hate and Anti‐Semitism. – Chair Eberle –
Action
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Stimmler, that the HRC recommends
that the City Council direct staff to implement training increasing religious tolerance and decreasing
discrimination based on ethnicity and nationality as part of its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
(DEIB) training for city employees, boards and commissions.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Stimmler, that the HRC recommends
that the City Council direct staff to implement a social media campaign on the “Palo Alto Way”
highlighting the City’s Equity Mission Statement. This campaign would highlight City’s resources such as
the “Know Your Neighbors” grants.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Commissioner Hsieh moved, seconded by Commissioner Savage, that the HRC recommends
that the City Council direct staff to consider adding more major holidays of the faith communities
represented in Palo Alto to the community calendars.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
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ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access
City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code
section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Stimmler, that the HRC recommends
that the City Council direct the City Attorney to look into the legality of sponsoring religious holiday
celebrations. This recommendation might be added to the work that the City is already doing regarding the
holiday framework the HRC previously recommended.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Commissioner Stimmler moved, seconded by Commissioner Hsieh, that the HRC recommends
City Council to direct city staff to research the formation of an interfaith community advisory group to
build bridges within the Palo Alto community, including schools and libraries. The interfaith community
advisory group would include a liaison from the HRC.
VOTE: 5-1 (1 absent)
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Causey, that the HRC recommends that
the City Council direct staff to designate a member of the Palo Alto police department to serve as the
liaison and point of contact for issues faced by faith-based communities.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Savage, that the HRC recommends City
Council direct staff to work with the HRC to convene a meeting to discuss hate crimes in 2024 with
representatives of law enforcement, city leadership, and experts in the field.
VOTE: 6-0 (1 absent)
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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