HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-10 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
6:00 PM
AMENDED AGENDA
Amended agenda items appear below in Red
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.September 12, 2024
BUSINESS ITEMS
2 Public Hearing: Initial public discussion of Fair Chance Housing Policy approaches
regarding use of criminal history information in Palo Alto rental housing decisions. – Staff
– Discussion Action – 45 minutes
BREAK (15 minutes)
3.Discussion of the Proposed 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule and the draft
citywide list of holidays and dates of significance. – Staff – Discussion – 40 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, October 10, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMAMENDED AGENDAAmended agenda items appear below in RedHuman 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.September 12, 2024
BUSINESS ITEMS
2 Public Hearing: Initial public discussion of Fair Chance Housing Policy approaches
regarding use of criminal history information in Palo Alto rental housing decisions. – Staff
– Discussion Action – 45 minutes
BREAK (15 minutes)
3.Discussion of the Proposed 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule and the draft
citywide list of holidays and dates of significance. – Staff – Discussion – 40 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, October 10, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMAMENDED AGENDAAmended agenda items appear below in RedHuman 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.September 12, 2024BUSINESS ITEMS2Public Hearing: Initial public discussion of Fair Chance Housing Policy approachesregarding use of criminal history information in Palo Alto rental housing decisions. – Staff– Discussion Action – 45 minutesBREAK (15 minutes)3.Discussion of the Proposed 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule and the draftcitywide list of holidays and dates of significance. – Staff – Discussion – 40 minutesCITY OFFICIAL REPORTSMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s)Commissioner ReportsCouncil Liaison ReportStaff Liaison ReportCOMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDASMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s)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, October 10, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMAMENDED AGENDAAmended agenda items appear below in RedHuman 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.September 12, 2024BUSINESS ITEMS2Public Hearing: Initial public discussion of Fair Chance Housing Policy approachesregarding use of criminal history information in Palo Alto rental housing decisions. – Staff– Discussion Action – 45 minutesBREAK (15 minutes)3.Discussion of the Proposed 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule and the draftcitywide list of holidays and dates of significance. – Staff – Discussion – 40 minutesCITY OFFICIAL REPORTSMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s)Commissioner ReportsCouncil Liaison ReportStaff Liaison ReportCOMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDASMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s)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, September 12, 2024
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Barr, Causey, Eberle, Stimmler, Smith
Absent: Hsieh, Kraus
Council Liaison: Council Member Julie Lythcott-Haims
Staff: Minka Van Der Zwaag, Alayna Cruz
I) ROLL CALL
II) PUBLIC COMMENT
III) AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS
IV) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. August 8, 2024
MOTION: Commissioner Stimmler moved, seconded by Commissioner Causey, to approve
the minutes of August 8, 2024.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0-3 (Commissioner Smith arrived after the motion)
V) BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Public Hearing: Summary of Fiscal Year 2023‐2024 (HUD CDBG Program Year 2023) Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Accomplishments ‐ Review of the Draft Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). – Discussion
NO ACTION TAKEN
3. Consideration of next steps and recommendations stemming from the 2023 Older Adults Learning
Series. - Action
MOTION: Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Stimmler, that based on the
listening session for seniors, the Human Relations Commission have the following actions:
1. Housing, Economic Justice and Development adhoc sub-committee create a senior summit
event with local senior services providers.
2. Interface with the City’s office of transportation to look at existing transportation options for
seniors in Palo Alto and surrounding communities as a first step to a broader conversation
about senior transportation options.
3. Housing, Economic Justice and Development adhoc sub-committee will work with staff on
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.
possibly organizing joint meeting with the Planning and Transportation Commission and
Architectural and Review Board.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0-2
4. Report from adhoc subcommittees on next steps identified for items listed on the FY2024‐ 25 HRC
Workplan. – Action
NO ACTION TAKEN
VI) REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS
VII) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
1
Packet Pg. 6
Human Relations Commission
Staff Report
From: Coleman Frick, Manager of Long Range Planning Division
Meeting Date: October 10, 2024
Report #: 2408-3355
TITLE
Initial Public Discussion of Fair Chance Housing Policy Considerations, Components and Approach
Options Regarding the Use of Criminal History Information in Palo Alto Rental Housing Decisions
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Human Relations Commission review, discuss, and receive public
comments on Fair Chance Housing policy considerations, components, and approach options,
and recommend to City Council the consideration of Fair Chance Housing policies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Fair Chance Housing policies advance fair housing, anti-discrimination, and renter’s rights by
specifying how and when criminal history information can be used in rental housing decisions.
Local governments in California and elsewhere in the US employ Fair Chance Housing Ordinances
to offer some local protections from housing discrimination to renters with a criminal history.
This staff report is designed to support Human Relations Commission (HRC) review, discussion,
and receipt of public comments on the development of Fair Chance Housing policies for Palo Alto.
BACKGROUND
On November 29, 2021, City Council directed staff to study or implement a package of rental
protection policies to add more certainty, stability, and fairness in the Palo Alto rental market for
both renters and landlords.1 This included the evaluation of a potential Fair Chance Housing
Ordinance including any consequences, both intended and unintended.
Housing Element Policy, Programs, and Implementation
Staff’s work on this topic advances the City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element Program 6.6: Fair
Housing, which directs pursuit of renter protections, including a proposed Fair Chance Housing
Ordinance.2
1 City Council Meeting Minutes, 11/29/21 and City Council City Manager Report ID # 13786, 11/29/21:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Meeting-Groups/Meeting-Agendas-and-Minutes
City Renter Protection Policy Development Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-
Development-Services/Housing-Policies-Projects/Renter-Protection-Policy-Development
2 City of Palo Alto Housing Element, Certified August 20, 2024: https://paloaltohousingelement.com/wp-
content/uploads/2024/08/Palo-Alto-Housing-Element.pdf.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 7
2024 City Council Priorities and Objectives
The City Council approved a series of priorities and objectives for the City.3 One objective (#54)
is for City Council to discuss a possible Ordinance related to Fair Chance Housing policy. Staff
research is in progress to identify the policy implications from a legal, policy, and anticipated
resource demand perspective.
Human Relations Commission (HRC) Recommendations
On February 9, 2023, the HRC recommended that City Council proceed with a Fair Chance
Housing Ordinance, citing agreement with a previous 2021 Planning & Transportation
Commission recommendation for an Ordinance that limits a landlord’s ability to inquire about an
applicant’s criminal history.
Housing Ad Hoc (HAH) Discussion
Staff informally discussed Fair Chance Housing policies with the HAH committee in August 2024.
The HAH recommended that the HRC consider potential policy approaches prior to City Council
discussion. The committee members also discussed policy approach options, establishment of
lookback periods for convictions that could be considered as directly related to housing, and City
Council review and discussion.
Legal Context
Federal and State fair housing laws prohibit discrimination in housing decisions based on various
protected characteristics, such as race, national origin, and disability.4 Having a criminal history
is not a protected characteristic under State or Federal law. However, a landlord’s practice or
policy regarding criminal history information can violate fair housing law when it amounts to
discrimination based on a protected characteristic, including when it has an unjustified
discriminatory effect on members of a protected class, even if the landlord has no intent to
discriminate. A landlord violates the law when it adopts a practice that has a discriminatory effect
on members of a protected class unless the landlord can show that the practice is necessary to
achieve a substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory purpose, the practice effectively carries out
the identified purpose, and there is no feasible alternative practice that would equally or better
accomplish the identified purpose with a less discriminatory effect.5
State regulations implementing California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provide
some baseline requirements for the use of criminal history information in housing decisions.6
Most notably, a landlord may only consider a “directly related conviction,” meaning a criminal
conviction that has a direct and specific negative bearing on a substantial, legitimate, and
nondiscriminatory purpose of the landlord, such as the safety of other residents, the housing
provider’s employees, or the property. They may not consider other criminal history information,
3 City of Palo Alto City Council Priorities Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/City-
Council/City-Council-Priorities.
4 See, e.g., Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.; Unruh Civil Rights Act, Cal. Civ. Code § 51; California Fair
Employment and Housing Act, Cal. Gov. Code §§ 12900 et seq.
5 2 CCR § 12266.
6 2 CCR §§ 12264-12271.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 8
like arrests that did not lead to a conviction, or convictions that have been sealed, dismissed, or
expunged. State law encourages (but does not require) landlords who consider criminal history
information to adopt certain procedural protections for renters, including:
•Providing written notice of the policy and an opportunity for the renter to present
mitigating information;
•Considering the factual accuracy of the criminal history information; and
•Delaying seeking out criminal history information until after an individual’s other
qualifications are verified.
Efforts to pass Fair Chance Housing legislation at the State level in California have so far been
unsuccessful. Nevertheless, local jurisdictions may adopt Fair Chance Housing policies that are
more protective than existing State requirements, including by further restricting the criminal
history information a landlord may consider. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth
Circuit has held that a Fair Chance Housing Ordinance that banned all inquiry into a prospective
renter’s criminal history was an unconstitutional restriction of landlords’ right to free speech
under the First Amendment.7 The court reasoned that Seattle’s ordinance, which included a
blanket ban on inquiring about a renter’s criminal history information except where required by
law, was not “narrowly drawn” to serve the city’s stated interests. Though it did not rule on the
constitutionality of any other local ordinance, the court cited with approval local ordinances from
around the country that allow landlords to consider some criminal history information under
some circumstances.
Commercially Available Criminal History Databases
While widely used and accessible, there are some challenges with the commercially available
criminal history databases often used in housing decisions. These databases may be inaccurate
or incomplete. For example, from one study that analyzed criminal records for 101 persons
comparing official state reports, qualitative interviews, and private sector background reports
(one regulated and one unregulated), the authors found that up to sixty percent of these persons
had a private sector criminal background report with an incident that did not appear in an official
government record and nearly all persons had private sector criminal background report that
failed to report an incident shown in an official government record.8 Further, these databases
don’t necessarily have important search filters, they often have different levels of detail or
inconsistent classification of crimes, and may incorrectly attribute records from someone else to
the person for which the history information is solicited.
7 Yim v. City of Seattle, 63 F.4th 783 (9th Cir. 2023).
8 Sarah Lageson and Robert Stewart, Criminology, The problem with criminal records: Discrepancies between state
reports and private-sector background checks, February 9, 2024:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1745-9125.12359; https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/problem-
criminal-records-discrepancies-between-state-reports-and-private. Funding was provided by the U.S. Department
of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice, under Award 2017-IJ-CX-0036.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 9
Local Information
Staff conducted basic initial interviews with Project Sentinel and Alta Housing. Both hold
contracts with the City and provide services pertaining to rental housing in Palo Alto. From these
interviews, staff discovered that neither organization frequently interfaces with renters
regarding criminal history information — instead, individual landlords and housing providers
follow their own procedures for renting units in Palo Alto. However, in the few instances when
Project Sentinel did advocate for renters with criminal history, these instances mostly pertained
to criminal history related to underlying mental health issues, and the history could include
misdemeanors or felonies.
DISCUSSION
Staff seeks feedback from the HRC and the public on the Fair Chance Housing policy
considerations, components, and approach options outlined in this section.
Fair Chance Housing Policy Considerations and Purpose
The purpose of local Fair Chance Housing policies that limit the use of criminal history information
in renter selection is to give previously incarcerated persons or other persons with a criminal
history a fair opportunity to compete for rental housing, thus putting them in a better position
to reintegrate into the community, obtain gainful employment, and access health and other
services.9 Fair Chance Housing policies also seek to reduce the incidence of homelessness for
persons with a criminal history and reduce the risk of recidivism through housing stability.10
Standard Fair Chance Housing Policy Components
Local Fair Chance Housing policies have the following standard components, at a minimum.
Definitions
Fair Chance Housing policies include key definitions. As an example, Fair Chance Housing policies
prohibiting landlords from taking adverse action against a renter because of their criminal history
would include a broad definition of “adverse action,” which is consistent with State law. Examples
of “adverse action” toward a renter could include but not be limited to the following:
▪Failing or refusing to rent or lease housing to a person;
▪Failing or refusing to continue to rent or lease housing to a person;
▪Reducing the amount or term of any person’s subsidy for housing;
9 Center for American Progress, Strengthening Access to Housing for People With Criminal Records Is Key to
Successful Reentry, April 17, 2023: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/strengthening-access-to-housing-
for-people-with-criminal-records-is-key-to-successful-reentry/.
10 California Health Policy Strategies, LLC, Criminal Justice System Involvement and Mental Illness among
Unsheltered Homeless in California, November 2018: https://calhps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/policy-
brief-unsheltered-homelessness-11.20.2018.pdf.
Prison Policy Initiative, Nowhere to Go: Homelessness among formerly incarcerated people; August 2018:
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/housing.html.
Leah Jacobs and Aaron Gottlieb, Criminal Justice Behavior, The Effect of Housing Circumstances on Recidivism,
September 2020 47(9): 1097-115, Published Online August 6, 2020:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8496894/.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 10
▪Treating an applicant or renter differently from other applicants or renters, including
but not limited to taking such actions as requiring higher security deposit or rent;
▪Treating a person as ineligible for a renter-based rental assistance program; or
▪Failing to permit a renter’s close family member11 to occupy a rental unit while the
occupying renter remains in occupancy.
Applicability & Exemptions
Fair Chance Housing policies need to outline applicability parameters, such as which persons and
rental units are subject to the policy. Unless otherwise informed by the HRC’s feedback, staff
would include applicability parameters in any draft Ordinance that extends Fair Chance Housing
policy protections to both primary renters and subtenants.
Fair Chance Housing policies usually include some clarifications regarding what rental
circumstances are exempt from the policies. Most rental units would be subject to Fair Chance
Housing policies; exemptions typically pertain to when a landlord lives on a property that has
only one or a few rental units or when a renter is trying to replace a roommate or sublet. Unless
otherwise informed by the HRC’s feedback, staff would include at least the following exemptions
for the following rental circumstances in any draft Ordinance:
▪Single family dwellings, including condos, townhomes and detached single-family
homes, where one or more landlords occupies the dwelling as their principal residence;
▪Single family dwellings with accessory dwelling units where either the main or an
accessory dwelling unit is occupied by one or more landlords as their principal
residence;
▪Duplexes or triplexes where one of the units is occupied by one or more landlords as
their principal residence; and
▪Renter-occupied units where an occupying renter seeks to replace an existing co-
renter, add an additional co-renter, or sublet the unit, provided that the occupying
renter remains in occupancy.
Exceptions
It is necessary for Fair Chance Housing policies to include exceptions for landlord and/or housing
provider compliance with existing State or Federal law. As examples:
•Some affordable housing providers are required to consider certain types of criminal
history in determining an applicant’s eligibility.
•A landlord may consider a conviction that leads to an applicant becoming a lifetime
registered sex offender in order to protect persons at risk.
Staff would include exceptions pertaining to compliance with State or Federal law in any draft
Ordinance.
11 “Close Family Member" means a spouse, registered domestic partner, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or
grandchild.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 11
Remedies
Fair Chance Housing policies should specify the remedy for a violation of the policy. Consistent
with existing rental policies in the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC), staff recommends that any
Fair Chance Housing Ordinance be enforceable through a private right of action, meaning that a
person aggrieved by a violation of the ordinance may sue the alleged violator in civil court. As
noted in the resources considerations section, currently there are insufficient resources for staff
to take on enforcement action.
Waiver
Fair Chance Housing policy should allow a landlord or housing provider to request a waiver or
adjustment of requirements if it could be shown that strict application would effectuate an
unconstitutional taking of property or otherwise have an unconstitutional application to the
landlord, or is necessary to avoid an imminent risk of harm to the landlord, landlord’s agents, or
other renters. Staff would include this waiver provision in any draft Ordinance.
Fair Chance Housing Policy Approach Options
In tandem with the standard Fair Chance Housing policy components discussed above, there are
two primary policy approach options for Fair Chance Housing policy implementation.
Under Option 1, a draft Fair Chance Housing Ordinance would present substantive restrictions
on the criminal history information that landlords may consider in their rental housing decisions,
coupled with offering certain procedural protections for renters.
▪Option 1 would be consistent with State law that already prohibits landlords from
considering criminal history other than “directly related convictions.”
▪Option 1 could include further restrictions on the criminal history information that
may be considered by establishing “lookback periods.” Lookback periods specify a
time period after which certain convictions may no longer be considered (e.g., no
misdemeanors or felonies older than three (3) years from the date of sentencing).
▪Option 1 would require a landlord to take certain procedural steps before taking an
adverse action against a renter based on their reviewable criminal history including:
•Giving an otherwise qualified renter a conditional housing offer before checking
the renter’s criminal history;
•Allowing a renter to present evidence of inaccuracy, rehabilitation, or other
mitigating factors regarding their criminal history;
•Providing the renter with a copy of their background check and written statement
of the reasons for taking adverse action, such as denial of their rental application,
based on the renter’s criminal history; and
•Other landlord notice and recordkeeping protocols.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 12
Option 2 would prohibit discrimination based on criminal history in housing decisions except
when required by law. To clarify, Option 2 would not prevent housing providers from inquiring
about criminal history information but would ban discrimination based upon that potential
history.12
See Table 1 for an initial staff analysis of the pros and cons of these options.
Table 1: Fair Chance in Housing Policy Approaches Pros and Cons
Option 1 Pros:Cons:
Landlords might prefer overall because
the approach leaves landlords with
remaining authority to decide renter
fitness
Affords opportunity for renter to
present mitigating information and
provides other tools for
renters/advocates
Similar to other cities
Limit use of
criminal
history in
housing
decisions with
additional
procedural
protections for
renters Might be easier to enforce due to the
records created in each step of the
process
Procedurally heavy for landlords
Option 2 Pros:Cons:
Procedurally clear for landlords Landlords might not prefer this
approach because it leaves
landlords with no remaining
authority to decide renter fitness
More straightforward and similar to
PAMC regarding other types of
discrimination
Does not afford opportunity for
renter to present mitigating
information or provide other
tools for renters/advocates
Blanket
prohibition on
discrimination
based on
criminal
history in
housing
decisions,
unless
required by
law
Might be more difficult to enforce
Consistent with what is proposed in Option 1, Project Sentinel expressed a perspective during
their interview that it was important for Fair Chance Housing policies to allow a renter the
opportunity to present mitigating information to prospective landlords, which could make a
difference in housing decisions.
12 In Yim v. City of Seattle, the Ninth Circuit held that a fair chance ordinance that prohibited all inquiry about a
prospective renter’s criminal history violated the First Amendment.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 13
Regarding lookback periods that could be included as part of Option 1, more recent Clean Slate
and Fair Chance Housing policy related work discusses establishment of shorter lookback periods
than those generally instituted or discussed in the past. The following list presents a few
examples of lookback periods for HRC consideration:
•The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently issued a
proposed rule that would require lookback periods for HUD-assisted housing and would
treat lookback periods longer than three (3) years as presumptively unreasonable.
However, the proposed rule would permit a landlord and/or housing provider to
determine a longer lookback period for certain crimes if they are able to provide empirical
evidence justifying such longer period. HUD sought public comments on the lookback
periods as part of their rulemaking process through June 10, 2024;13
•HUD compiled a list of other lookback periods contained in state laws, including:
o State of New Jersey, Fair Chance in Housing Act - certain types of conviction
records require a longer lookback period than others. For example, a six (6) year
lookback period is in place for a first-degree indictable offense; that decreases to
four (4) years for a second- or third-degree indictable offense;
o State of Colorado, Rental Application Fairness Act - landlords may not consider
arrest records or criminal conviction records more than five (5) years before the
date of housing application, though exceptions are made for certain crimes
including crimes related to methamphetamine, crimes requiring registration to
the sex offender registry, and homicides; and
o State of Illinois, Public Housing Access Bill - lookback periods for criminal activity
are six (6) months prior to a rental housing application date with exceptions for
federal requirements.14
•In California, the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agency Act (ICRAA) prohibits
investigative consumer reports from including records of arrest, indictment, information,
misdemeanor complaint, or conviction of a crime more than seven (7) years old, with
some exceptions;15
13 Federal Register, Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing A Proposed Rule by the Housing and Urban
Development Department, April 10, 2023: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/10/2024-
06218/reducing-barriers-to-hud-assisted-housing; https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/10/2024-
06218/reducing-barriers-to-hud-assisted-housing#citation-95-p25345; https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-
2024-04-10/pdf/2024-06218.pdf
14 Federal Register, Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing A Proposed Rule by the Housing and Urban
Development Department, April 10, 2023: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/10/2024-
06218/reducing-barriers-to-hud-assisted-housing.
15 CA Civ Code § 1786.18 (2023), Justica Webpage: https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-civ/division-
3/part-4/title-1-6a/article-2/section-1786-
18/#:~:text=(c)%20Except%20as%20otherwise%20provided,tax%20lien%2C%20or%20outstanding%20judgment%2
C
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 14
•City of San Francisco Fair Chance Housing policies specify that a conviction cannot be
considered in housing decisions if it is more than seven (7) years old from the date of
sentencing;16
•City of Richmond Fair Chance Housing policies specify that a conviction cannot be
considered if it is more than two (2) years old from the date of sentencing;17
•The Housing Ad Hoc committee discussed lookback periods for misdemeanors and
felonies and considered if lookback periods for misdemeanors might be shorter than for
felonies, such as three (3) years for misdemeanors and five (5) years for felonies.
Potential Implementation Impacts/Unintended Consequences
City Council requested an analysis of potential Fair Chance Housing implementation
consequences, both intended and unintended.
Currently, Palo Alto landlords and housing providers utilize their own policies regarding the use
of criminal history information in housing decisions. An intended consequence of City
implementation of Fair Chance Housing policies would be to have a codified, consistent, and clear
anti-discrimination, anti-displacement, and housing stability policy for all housing providers.
Although it could not actually be directly measured, another intended consequence would be to
reduce the potential for housing discrimination against renters with a criminal history.
Unintended consequences could possibly pertain to:
•Potential changes in the public perceptions of public safety, regardless of being founded
or unfounded;
•Potential controversy based on differing public opinions on Fair Chance Housing policy
content, applicability, exceptions, and exemptions; and
•Potential implementation difficulty for housing providers if their existing procedures
conflict with any new Palo Alto Fair Chance Housing policies.
Requested Feedback
Staff seeks general feedback from the HRC and members of the public on the Fair Chance Housing
policy components, approach options, and policy considerations outlined in this staff report.
Specifically, staff seeks HRC recommendations on the following:
1. Support for one of the discussed Fair Chance Housing policy approach options; and
2. Support for City Council consideration of Fair Chance Housing policies.
16 City of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49 Section 4906: Procedures for Considering Arrests and Convictions
and Related Information in Employment and Housing Decisions:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_police/0-0-0-8616
17 City of Richmond, Ordinance No. 20-16 N.S., Chapter 7.110 Fair Chance Access to Affordable Housing:
https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/49090/20-16-NSChapter-7110-Fair-Chance-Access-to-
Affordable-Housing
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 15
The HRC and members of the public might also raise additional Fair Chance Housing policy
considerations and additional potential intended/unintended consequences of Fair Chance
Housing policy implementation.
TIMELINE
Staff will incorporate feedback received at the HRC meeting into materials presented to City
Council. Given City Council’s stated 2024 objective to discuss a possible Ordinance related to Fair
Chance Housing policy, next steps in later 2024/early 2025 could include staff taking these
materials to City Council to receive further policy direction or staff taking a draft Fair Chance
Housing Ordinance to City Council for a first reading.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Initial Fair Chance Housing policy exploration utilized existing City staffing resources which would
also be used for any forthcoming public engagement, public hearings, and draft Ordinance
preparation. No additional staff or budget resources are necessary to bring a draft Fair Chance
Housing Ordinance to City Council, though existing staffing resources are limited. If City Council
adopted a Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, additional staff and other resources might be needed
in the future, especially if the final ordinance contains an administrative enforcement provision.
Staff currently provides Palo Alto residents with code interpretations of existing rental and other
policies contained in PAMC as part of standard staff work. Project Sentinel provides fair housing
services and consultation to Palo Alto residents for any specific circumstances, as funded through
the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Pursuing renter protection policy work is consistent with the goals in the City’s 2030
Comprehensive Plan to provide adequate housing for all. Additionally, this Fair Chance Housing
policy work is consistent with Program 6.6: Fair Housing in the Council adopted 2023-2031
Housing Element. This and other rental policy topics are considered a means to affirmatively
further fair housing within Palo Alto, as well as a means by which to promote certainty, stability,
and fairness in the rental market.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff proposes this initial public hearing with the HRC and members of the public to receive
preliminary feedback, as well as future public outreach efforts and forthcoming public hearings.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 16
Human Relations Commission
Staff Report
From: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Meeting Date: October 10, 2024
Report #: 2409-3515
TITLE
Discussion of the Proposed 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule and the draft citywide
list of holidays and dates of significance
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Human Relations Commission (HRC), with input provided by the
community during the meeting, review, discuss, and provide feedback to the City Council on:
1. The Proposed 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule in context of dates to avoid,
and
2. The draft citywide list of holidays and dates of significance to increase awareness.
BACKGROUND
City Council Meeting Schedule
Every December, the City Council adopts a schedule of City Council meetings for the upcoming
calendar year. An adopted calendar allows the City Council to more efficiently conduct the City’s
business and offer the City Council, staff, and community stakeholders the opportunity to better
plan for meetings as well as other obligations.
Municipal Code Section 2.04.010 sets regular City Council meetings on the first three Mondays
of each month at 5:30pm and requires the City Council to schedule its vacations for the year.
Staff, in partnership with the Mayor and Vice Mayor, has also modified the City Council calendar
to add additional Special meetings should they be necessary for conducting City Council business.
In previous years, modifications to Regular City Council meeting dates have been based on dates
to avoid scheduling a meeting, which included:
1. City Holidays
2. Local election days in even numbered years which fall on the first Tuesday of November
(this typically impacts Council Committee meetings that fall on Palo Alto election night)
3. A religious or cultural date of significance per Council direction
Citywide List of Holidays and Dates of Significance
In addition to the Regular City Council meeting schedule, the City Council began an exploration
of ways to expand the list of dates of significance with the intention of increasing inclusivity as
3
Packet Pg. 17
part of the City’s equity goals. The expanded list of holidays and dates of significance can be used
for general awareness, recognition, or sometimes, proclamations. This process has been and will
continue to be iterative, with staff continuing to progress this effort with the intention of refining
the list as appropriate each year. In the 2024-2025 Equity Action Plan, Action Item 1.3 states:
Create a process that includes the HRC for annual calendar setting related to holidays and
heritage months
This Equity Action Plan item is intended to help the City organization review these two lists
annually including public feedback about the dates to avoid for the City Council calendar as well
as the list of holidays and dates of significance. It is not assumed that the HRC would be experts
on the details of every observance included on the list, but instead that the HRC could review the
list, provide insight, and welcome public feedback about the list at this HRC meeting.
ANALYSIS
City Council Meeting Schedule
The proposed 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule is:
•January 6, 2025 Regular Meeting
•January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting
•January 21, 2025 Special Meeting
•January 27, 2025 Special Meeting – Annual Priority Setting Meeting
•February 3, 2025 Regular Meeting
•February 10, 2025 Regular Meeting
•February 24, 2025 Special Meeting
•March 3, 2025 Regular Meeting
•March 10, 2025 Regular Meeting
•March 17, 2025 Regular Meeting
•March 24, 2025 Additional Special Meeting, if needed
•March 31, 2025 Additional Special Meeting, if needed
•April 7, 2025 Regular Meeting
•April 14, 2025 Regular Meeting
•April 21, 2025 Regular Meeting
•April 28, 2025 Additional Special Meeting, if needed
•May 5, 2025 Regular Meeting
•May 12, 2025 Regular Meeting
•May 19, 2025 Regular Meeting
•June 2, 2025 Regular Meeting
•June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting
•June 16, 2025 Regular Meeting
•June 17, 2025 Additional Special Meeting, if needed
3
Packet Pg. 18
•August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting
•August 11, 2025 Regular Meeting
•August 18, 2025 Regular Meeting
•August 25, 2025 Additional Special Meeting, if needed
•September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting
•September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
•September 29, 2025 Special Meeting
•October 6, 2025 Regular Meeting
•October 20, 2025 Regular Meeting
•October 27, 2025 Special Meeting
•November 3, 2025 Regular Meeting
•November 10, 2025 Regular Meeting
•November 17, 2025 Regular Meeting
•December 1, 2025 Regular Meeting
•December 8, 2025 Regular Meeting
•December 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
The proposed City Council Summer and Winter Recesses are:
June 20, 2025 – August 3, 2025 – Summer Recess
December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026 – Winter Recess
The proposed list of days to avoid for meetings is listed below. This list includes days that the City
has recognized as holidays and days that City administrative offices and facilities are closed in
observances of holidays. It also includes some religious or cultural days of significance where
celebrations begin in the evenings and could conflict with regularly scheduled meetings. The
dates related to some religious or cultural days of significance have varied in previous years. This
draft list is open for feedback.
•New Year’s Day
•Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
•President’s Day
•Eid al-Fitr
•Passover
•Memorial Day
•Eid Al-Adha
•Juneteenth
•The Fourth of July (Independence Day)
•Rosh Hashanah
•Yom Kippur
•Indigenous Peoples’ Day
3
Packet Pg. 19
•Veterans Day
•Thanksgiving Day
•Day after Thanksgiving
•Christmas Day
•New Year’s Day
Staff would like feedback from the HRC and the community on the draft list of dates to avoid for
meetings.
Citywide List of Holidays and Dates of Significance
As referenced in the Background section of this report, staff is implementing Equity Action Plan
Item 1.3 in bringing this discussion to the HRC. It is really important that there is a public
discussion about the list of dates to avoid and the list of holidays and dates of significance. This
provides the community with the opportunity to engage with the City to help expand awareness
about the many observances significant to members of the Palo Alto community. The Action Plan
item is intended to firm up this process by making this an annual discussion with the HRC and
continuing to refine it over the years as needed. Similarly, the list of dates of significance is an
iterative process and will continue to be refined over the years. Staff welcomes feedback on the
list.
The purpose of the list of holidays and dates of significance is to increase awareness and expand
visibility of dates that are important to members of the Palo Alto community. The list of dates
may be used for general recognition or sometimes proclamations. It also includes themed
months that the City Council has previously recognized. Attachment A contains the list of
holidays and dates of significance for review.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff in multiple departments including the City Manager’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, and
Community Services Department collaborated on this report. The Human Relations Commission
discussion is an opportunity to hear from the community about the two items proposed in this
report. Staff also informed members of the Palo Alto faith community that it has contacts for of
this discussion opportunity at the HRC and invited them to provide feedback.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Action on this item is a continuing administrative activity and therefore is not a project as defined
by CEQA. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Holidays and Dates of Significance
3
Packet Pg. 20
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
3
Packet Pg. 21
Holidays & Dates of Significance
1
Holidays and Dates of Significance – Chronological Order
The curation of this list is an iterative process. It is not exhaustive and will evolve over time based
on input from the City Council, Human Relations Commission, and community members.
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Lunar New Year
Black History Month
President’s Day
Ramadan
Women’s History Month
American Red Cross Month
International Women’s Day
Eid al-Fitr
International Transgender Day of Visibility
Cesar Chavez Day
Autism Awareness Month
Palo Alto Day
Dolores Huerta Day
National Day of Silence (LGBTQI+)
Passover
Earth Day
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
Arbor Day
AAPI Heritage Month
Older Americans Month
Affordable Housing Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Cinco de Mayo
Shavout
Memorial Day
Pride Month
Immigrant Heritage Month
Juneteenth
Eid al-Adha
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Emergency Preparedness Month
Hispanic Heritage Month
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Indigenous Peoples' Day
3
Packet Pg. 22
Holidays & Dates of Significance
2
Diwali
National Native American Heritage Month
Veterans Day
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Thanksgiving
Day after Thanksgiving
Hanukkah
Las Posadas
Christmas
Kwanzaa
3
Packet Pg. 23
From:Jethroe Moore
To:abjpd1@gmail.com; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sean Allen; Templeton, Cari; Josh Becker; Ed Lauing; Zelkha,Mila; Henry Etzkowitz; Council, City; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Cribbs, Anne; Vicki Veenker; Sally Lieber
Cc:gtanaka@cityofpaloalto.org; Greer Stone; Jeff Conrad; EPA Today; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Human Relations
Commission; Roberta Ahlquist; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Tom DuBois
Subject:Re: Watch "Ta-Nehisi Coates ROCKS CBS Host On Israel" on YouTube
Date:Wednesday, October 2, 2024 3:35:29 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Plain and simple, apartheid or genocide anywhere is not acceptable. no to ethno States.
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android
On Wed, Oct 2, 2024 at 5:57 PM, Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
https://youtu.be/zReZQReuGl0?si=DRIbJ6G8Srv1fu14
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 24
From:Aram James
To:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sean Allen; Templeton, Cari; Josh Becker; Ed Lauing; Zelkha, Mila; Henry Etzkowitz;Council, City; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Cribbs, Anne; Vicki Veenker; Sally Lieber
Cc:gtanaka@cityofpaloalto.org; Greer Stone; Jeff Conrad; EPA Today; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Human Relations
Commission; Roberta Ahlquist; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Tom DuBois; Jeff Moore
Subject:Watch "Ta-Nehisi Coates ROCKS CBS Host On Israel" on YouTube
Date:Wednesday, October 2, 2024 2:58:01 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://youtu.be/zReZQReuGl0?si=DRIbJ6G8Srv1fu14
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 25
From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:The Unconscionable Death of Marcellus Williams
Date:Tuesday, October 1, 2024 5:54:05 PM
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. 26
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 27
Return to Sender: Slavery and the War on Drugs
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 from 6-7:30 PM
To join through zoom: click this link below or scan the QR code in the flier attached:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8YNqzY5LS-
O3ChYBDI46OQ
To join the forum in person: come to Silicon Valley De-Bug, 701 Lenzen Ave. San
Jose, CA 95126
More on Prop 36: Prop 36 expands on the misleading claim that California is
experiencing an increase in crime and is funded by conservatives and corporations. It
will lock up Black and Brown communities, criminalize unhoused loved ones, and
divert millions of dollars from reentry, mental health, substance abuse, and victim
reentry programs to build more prisons.
More on Prop 6: Prop 6 would ban forced prison labor, prohibit prisons from
punishing incarcerated people who seek rehabilitation over forced labor, and amend
the State Constitution to read "Slavery and Involuntary Servitude are Prohibited”.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 28
My Pro-Choice Perspective
In the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights, I
firmly stand on the side of pro-choice. At the heart ofthis advocacy is the belief that every individual
possesses the fundamental human right to decidewhen and whether to have children. This principle is not
only a matter of personal freedom but is also echoed inthe teachings of the Bible, which emphasizes the
power of human agency in making choices.
Scripture reinforces the notion that humans have been endowed with the ability tomake decisions for themselves, rather than allowing fate or divine predetermination to
govern their lives. Verses such as Matthew 23:37 and Revelation 22:17 highlight thesignificance of choice in our relationship with the God. Moreover, in Acts 4:28,
Romans 8:29-30, 1 Corinthians 2:7, and Ephesians 1:5-11, we find confirmation ofour autonomy and responsibility in shaping our destinies.
The concept of choice is not confined to the New Testament. Even in the Old
Testament, under the Old Covenant, individuals were consistently presented withchoices that defined their service and commitment. This inherent freedom to choose
is vital, particularly when it comes to matters affecting one’s own body and future.
For women, the right to exercise agency over their bodies is paramount. Statisticsreveal that Black women, in particular, face higher health risks, such as cervical
insufficiency (CI) during pregnancy. Research indicates that Black women experiencea 3.2% rate of CI compared to 0.9% for their White counterparts. This disparity
underscores the importance of protecting reproductive rights and ensuring thatwomen have access to the necessary healthcare and support to make informed
choices about their reproductive health.
While the primary focus of Christ’s ministry is spiritual regeneration and the salvationof souls, the implications of this message extend into all areas of life, including
personal health and reproductive choices. When we embrace the principles of choiceand agency, we extend the hope and compassion of Christ into the practical realities
that individuals face.
It is crucial that we advocate for policies and protections that uphold the right tochoose, ensuring that every woman, regardless of race or circumstance, can make
empowered decisions about her own body and future. In doing so, we not only honorindividual autonomy but also affirm the dignity and worth of each person’s unique
journey. In a society that values freedom and justice, the pro-choice stance is notmerely a position; it is a movement towards a more equitable world for all.
Rev. Jethroe Moorre II
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 29
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 30
Greetings, Leaders,
I hope this email finds you well. As you all may know, we are less than 40 days away
from the November 5th Election. As we gear up for election day, we ask that you join
the Civic Engagement Team in our series of upcoming training and activations.
You may register for all events here.
Upcoming Training and Activations
Civic Engagement Messaging, Research, and Activations Launch
Tuesday, October 1st at 8 PM ET
o Join the NAACP for an important call as we unveil our Messaging and
Research for the 2024 Election Year! We’ll be diving into the data and polling
we've gathered to boost Black Voter Turnout and discuss the impactful strategies
that will emerge from this research. We will also launch our Civic Engagement
Messaging and Research Toolkit with scripts, talking points, and graphics for
the upcoming election. Your voice matters, and together we can shape a
powerful narrative for this election cycle!
Voter Challenges and Purges Training
Wednesday, October 2nd at 7 PM ET
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 31
o Join "Empower Your Vote: Defending Voter Challenges" and learn how to
tackle common voting obstacles! Discover how to navigate third-party voting
challenges, understand their impacts, and prevent voter intimidation. Empower
voters with knowledge of their rights, manage provisional ballots, and access
real-time assistance. Participate in a live Q&A with our expert panel. Register
now and be prepared to defend your vote!
Biweekly GOTV Activation
Join us for our biweekly GOTV activations as we prepare for the upcoming
election and work to enhance Black voter participation! During each Biweekly
Activation, we will phone into our Battleground states to ensure that community
members have registered, made a plan to vote, and have access to the
information on key issues.
o Thursday, October 3rd at 8 PM ET
o Thursday, October 17th at 8 PM ET
o Thursday, October 31st at 8 PM ET
Become a Canvassing Board Monitor Training
Thursday, October 10th at 7 PM ET
o Join "Empower Your Vote: Become A Canvassing Board Monitor" and help
ensure election integrity! Learn how to attend and observe Canvassing Board
and Election Board meetings and report any issues. Work with the NAACP
Election Protection Team and local advocates to keep elections transparent and
accountable. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference—register now and help
ensure every vote counts!
Addressing Voter Intimidation in 2024
Wednesday, October 16th at 8 PM ET
o Join "Empower Your Vote: Addressing Voter Intimidation in 2024" to learn
how to keep voting safe and fair. Discover how to spot and report voter
intimidation, de-escalate tense situations, and help vulnerable communities vote
safely. Collaborate with election officials and community leaders to ensure
peaceful voting. Get practical tools and insights from our expert panel and
participate in an interactive Q&A. Don’t let intimidation silence voters—register
now and stand up for fair and safe voting!
National Election Protection Training
Saturday, October 19th at 10 AM ET
As we approach the 2024 election, your role as an NAACP member is more
crucial than ever. Empowering voters with the knowledge and confidence they
need to cast their ballots is essential. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to
our National Election Protection Training Webinar—an uplifting and
informative session designed to equip you with the tools to help voters take
charge of their voting experience. Why You Should Attend: -- Learn from
Experts: Gain insights from civic engagement leaders, voting rights specialists,
and attorneys. -- Empower Voters: Discover the best ways to inform and inspire
voters to participate with confidence. -- Use Practical Tools: Access the latest
tools and strategies to support your efforts on the ground. Make a Difference:
Join a community dedicated to ensuring every voter’s voice is heard. PS. Share
this invitation with other NAACP members. Together, we can ensure every voter
is confident, ready to participate in our democracy, and that every vote counts!
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 32
Canvass Board Monitor Training
Tuesday, October 22nd at 8 PM ET
Join "Empower Your Vote: Become A Canvassing Board Monitor" and help
ensure election integrity! Learn how to attend and observe Canvassing Board
and Election Board meetings and report any issues. Work with the NAACP
Election Protection Team and local advocates to keep elections transparent and
accountable. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference—register now and help
make sure every vote counts!
Ballot Curing: Mistake with Your Ballot? Let's Cure It!
Thursday, October 24th at 8 PM ET
Join "Empower Your Vote: Mistake with Your Ballot? Let’s Cure It!" and learn
how to fix mistakes with your in-person, mail-in, or absentee ballot to ensure
your vote counts. Discover the importance of provisional ballots and safeguards
for voters with registration or eligibility issues. We’ll guide you through curing
ballot issues so administrative errors don’t prevent your vote from being
counted. Don’t miss this chance to make sure your voice is heard—register now!
Defending Voter Challenge and Purges
Monday, October 28th at 8 PM ET
Join "Empower Your Vote: Defending Voter Challenges" and learn how to tackle
common voting obstacles! Discover how to navigate third-party voting
challenges, understand their impacts, and prevent voter intimidation. Empower
voters with knowledge of their rights, manage provisional ballots, and access
real-time assistance. Participate in a live Q&A with our expert panel. Register
now and be prepared to defend your vote!
In Black Girl Magic,
Amari Fennoy
National Mobilization Director Campaigns, Civic Engagement
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 33
The Unconscionable Death of Marcellus Williams
The Quattrone Center exists to learn from and prevent errors in the criminal
justice system — particularly errors in the assessment of guilt or innocence in
criminal cases. Most days, I’m able to report that everyone in the system
believes in the concept that people are innocent of crimes until proven guilty
beyond a reasonable doubt. Today, I can’t say that. I can’t say that becauseyesterday, the state of Missouri executed Marcellus Williams for a murderdespite the existence of not just reasonable, but substantial doubt of his guilt. Infact, the local prosecution office that originally secured his conviction petitioned
the court to reverse it on the grounds that they were certain beyond a reasonable
doubt that Mr. Williams was innocent, only to be rebuffed by state officials.
The Attorney General of Missouri — a fervent supporter of “pro life” politics —
actively fought to prevent a factual review of Mr. Williams’ innocence, and the
Governor of Missouri, similarly “pro life,” refused to commute Mr. Williams'
sentence to life without parole. Worse, an important argument in favor of his
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 34
innocence is the absence of physical evidence linking him to the murder scene,
including the absence of his DNA on the murder weapon. This claim evaporatedwhen it was learned that the murder weapon had been contaminated BYPROSECUTORS AT HIS TRIAL. Here's the logic: "Mr. Williams says his DNAisn't on the murder weapon, but we mishandled the evidence, so maybe his DNA
was wiped off, so we still think he's guilty, and we're so certain about it we'll fight
to execute him." Never mind that this is not evidence of guilt either, and never
mind that the contamination was state-created, or that we're allowingprosecutors to strengthen their cases through mishandling of evidence.
Other procedural claims often used by courts to reach a just result when factual
assessments are barred were brushed aside by state prosecutors and appellatejudges. Missouri’s highest court and the U.S. Supreme Court denied Williams’appeals and he was executed.
Williams’ attorney at the Midwest Innocence Project, Tricia Rojo Bushnell said toCNN last night just before he was killed: “We have a system that values finalityover fairness, and this is the result that we will get from that.”
What’s particularly devastating about Mr. Williams’ execution is the obviouspursuit of cruelty by the State of Missouri in the face of uncertainty. At any time,the state could have agreed to life without parole. Instead, it fought for hisexecution in a case where no one could credibly say they were certain of his guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt.
Here's what is certain: Marcellus Williams is dead. Other options existed to
protect the community and serve justice. Our elected officials chose to execute
Mr. Williams instead of using them. And we can never take that back. John
Hollway
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 35
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 36
WHY DID KENDRICK LAMAR MENTION LECRAEAND DEE-1 ON NEW SINGLE?
BY MITCHELL ATENCIO
Following up his overwhelming victory in a rap battle with Drake earlier this year, and
the news that he would perform at Super Bowl LIX next February, Kendrick Lamar
dropped a surprise single last night, mentioning Christian rappers Lecrae and Dee-1
in the song.
The song, which was released to Instagram at 8 p.m. EST, coinciding with the start of
the MTV Video Music Awards, was posted without a caption and with an obscure
photo of black Nike Air Force 1s as the cover. On the music app Genius, the song was
tentatively titled “Watch the Party Die.”
In the chorus, Lamar prays to God.
God, give me life, dear God, please give me peace
Dear God, please keep these lame n----s away from me
Dear God, keep me shining, the f--- do they really think?
Pocket-watching, you must be the police
God, bless these words, dear God, bless how I think
Dear God, draw the line, they tryna confuse 'em with me
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 37
Dear God, please, forgive me, you knowin' how hard I tried
I think it's time for me to watch the party die
READ MORE
Project 2025’s Anti-Voter Agenda
The conservative policy plan aims to abuse a 150-year-old law to target political enemies andundermine voting rights and elections.
Sean Morales-DoyleLauren Miller Karalunas
Can Voter Suppression Hand The 2024 Election
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 38
to Trump?by Thom Hartmannfor The Hartmann ReportJune 20, 2024New York Times bestselling investigative reporter Greg Palast, on my radio/TVprogram, laid out the dimensions of the problem, particularly since ClarenceThomas was the tie-breaking vote in Shelby County v Holder to gut the protections ofthe 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Palast started in Georgia, looking into 2018 voter purges done by then-Secretary ofState (the state’s top elections official) Brian Kemp in the runup to his challenge toStacey Abrams for that state’s governorship. Kemp purged roughly a half-millionGeorgia voters from the rolls that year, and Palast obtained the complete list.
The Palast Investigative Fund hired a contractor that verifies names and addresses forAmazon — which has a multi-billion-dollar interest in making sure their delivery listsare clean — to examine each and every one of those roughly half-million voters.While over 150,000 of them were people who’d legitimately moved out of state inrecent years, fully 340,134 were mostly Black people who lived in the state andhad not moved from their voting address. READ MORE
VIRTUAL EVENT: Latinos and the Far Right
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 39
Thursday, October 10, 3–4 p.m. ET
A white supremacist of color seems like a contradiction. Yet recent years have brought
to light unsettling examples, including an Afro-Latino leader of the Proud Boys and a
Latino mass shooter with neo-Nazi sympathies. These men are among a small but
growing number of Latinos who gravitate toward the far right and adopt radical views
on race, Christian nationalism, and immigration. Join us for this virtual discussion
about the complexities of the Latino community, which is growing in importance with
each election.
RSVP TODAY
Here's how you can get involved today:
EDUCATE:
Spread the word about the dangers of Project 2025. Use the following resources to
engage your family, friends, neighbors, and community:
1. Social Media Toolkit
2. Our 2025 Webpage
3. All-Units Call Recording
4. Talking points and Our 2025 policy positions, for additional information
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 40
please reach out to your local branch.
VOLUNTEER:
Increased Black voter turnout will ultimately stop Project 2025. Sign up to call or text
potential voters to make sure they’re ready for Election Day. Visit here
to Volunteer or text VOLUNTEER to 20707 to volunteer this fall.
VOTE:
Our collective voice has the power to protect our rights and shape our
future.Visit A Vote for Democracy to check your voter registration, make
a plan for Election Day, and report any voting-related issues you run into.
Let's stay united, informed, and committed to protecting our community and the
progress we've made. Your involvement is crucial, and together, we can make a
difference.
All In,
During the 1968 Olympic Games, SJSU athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos made
a powerful statement by raising their fists on the medal stand in Mexico City. Their
protest against racial inequality not only captured global attention but also
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 41
highlighted the Olympic Project for Human Rights and the broader struggle for social
justice.
Join us on October 8th and October 16th as we honor these trail blazers during Smith
Carlos Day! This is a unique opportunity to hear their inspiring stories, engage in
meaningful discussions, and reflect on the ongoing impact of their activism. Don’t
miss out!
Tuesday, October 8: John Carlos
Fireside Chat: John Carlos RSVP HERE
Tuesday, October 8
11:00am-12:00pm
Student Union Theater
Tommie Smith and John Carlos City Proclamation at City Hall
Tuesday, October 8th
1:30-2:00pm (estimate)
San Jose City Hall
Wednesday, October 16, 2024: Tommie Smith
Smith & Carlos Day of Action Ceremony & Reception RSVP HERE
Wednesday, October 16
10:00am-11:30am
Smith and Carlos Lawn
Sports, Activism and the Legacy of the 1968 Olympic Victory Salute RSVP HERE
October 16, 2024
1:30-2:45
MLK 225
Fireside Chat: Tommie Smith RSVP HERE
Organizer: Diana Victa/CCCAC
Wednesday, October 16
3:30-4:30pm
Meeting Room 4A
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 42
How Christians Can Counter Christian Nationalism
Scholars, pastors, and activists on hopeful action to undo
this heretical belief system.
WEAPONIZED CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM seeks a “Christian” government
that would erode civil rights and undercut election integrity and democratic
principles. It endorses the use of violence to obtain or maintain power; embraces
white supremacy; and distorts Christian language, symbols, and identity into tools for
political manipulation and gain.
At the same time, beliefs about “God and country” exist on a wide spectrum. White
Christian nationalism is sometimes supported by people who are not white. And
stifling all participation by people of faith in public life is not a suitable alternative to
nationalism.
In other words: It’s complicated. You’re not alone if you are confused, concerned, or
dismayed by these topics. But hopeful action is possible. The following short essays by
scholars, pastors, and activists offer insights on Christian nationalism and how to
dismantle it. —The Editors READ MORE
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 43
Your headline read (9/12/24): City rescinds
support for vigil after CAIR joins as co-
sponsor. The headline could just as well have
been: The Palo Alto Jewish lobby strikes
another blow in its relentless campaign to
censor and intimidate anyone or any
organization that even in the mildest manner
criticizes the state of Israel.
Congratulations are due to the long-time
organizer of the vigil, Samina Sundas, for
refusing to succumb to the demands of the
powerful Jewish lobby and for refusing to
remove one of the longest co-sponsors of the
event, the Council on American Islamic
Relations (CAIR), for the crime of daring to have a different opinion on the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict than the Jewish lobby. Samina Sundas deserves a Nobel
Peace Prize for her courage in facing down the lobby and for organizing a peaceful,
multi-racial, multi-religious vigil for more than twenty years.
Palo Alto City Council Member Julie Lythcott-Haims deserves an honorable mention
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 44
for not drinking the Zionist Kool-Aid and instead attending the vigil on behalf of all
the peace-loving people of this community. I am proud to have Julie Lythcott-Haims
on our city council.
Sincerely,
Aram James
Now more than ever, it’s important to wear your activism on your sleeve
(literally). We are thrilled to announce that new NAACP t-shirts are
available for order (and pre-order) in the NAACP Store. Show your support
by wearing these statement T-shirts:
“Our Black Job Is Voting” T-shirt — Pre-Order here.
“Political As Hell” T-shirt — Order here.
"All In” T-shirt — Order here.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 45
Celebrating civic holidays is a crucial part of strengthening our democracy. At the
NAACP, we believe these holidays provide an essential platform for uplifting and
empowering our communities. By participating in these events, we can highlight
the importance of voter registration, education, and participation.National
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 46
Voter Registration Day and National Black Voter Day emphasize the
importance of registering to vote.
National Voter Education Week is focused on informing citizens about
their rights and the voting process, enabling them to make informed
decisions.
Vote Early Day encourages early participation in elections.
On Election Hero Day, we honor the dedication and hard work of poll
workers and election officials who uphold the integrity of our electoral
system.
On Election Day… we head to the polls!
Together, these civic holidays serve as a reminder and call to action for all of us
to engage actively in the democratic process. By doing so, we not only honor our
right to vote but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative
government.
P.S. Are you an NAACP member? Through September 20, we are challenging
each unit to register 50-100 voters. Visit our site to learn more.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 47
b95ea229-2988-4a2b-920a-fe11ccea97a6 image
Register to Vote
Registering to vote can take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Exercise your right to defend democracy by registering to participate
in upcoming elections.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 48
Absentee Voting
Being away from home is no excuse for not voting! If you are unable
to vote at your designated polling place, request your absentee
ballot.
Verify Your Voter Registration Status
Confirm your voter registration status to ensure you are ready to go
once the polls open!
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 49
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 50
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 51
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 52
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 53
9604d5b9-2b65-45a4-b0d0-6b96bc579349 image
Our democracy stands at a crossroads. With the right to vote facing unprecedented
challenges, it’s more important than ever to amplify the voices of Black voters andensure every vote is counted. This is where you come in.
Our volunteers help drive the NAACP mission forward by dedicating their time to
empowering voters to make it to the ballot box. Imagine the impact of your efforts —every call you make or text you send encourages an infrequent voter to exercise their
right and participate in shaping our collective future.
Sign up to volunteer with the NAACP and be part of a movement that championsequity and justice for all. Together, let’s make history by ensuring every Black voter
has their say in the upcoming election.
Your voice matters, and so does your action. Join us in making a lasting impact.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 54
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 55
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 56
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 57
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 58
Wealthier Members of Congress Have Family Linksto SlaveryU.S. Senators and Representatives whose family had a history ofenslaving others have greater present-day wealthBY ALLISON PARSHALL
Members of the U.S. congress whose ancestors enslaved people have had a highermedian net worth than those whose ancestors did not, according to a newanalysis published on Wednesday in PLOS ONE.
The analysis used genealogical data published last year by an investigative team atReuters, which found that in 2021, at least 100 members of Congress weredescended from enslavers. This included 8 percent of Democrats and 28 percentof Republicans.
This reporting caught the eye of Neil K. R. Sehgal, a Ph.D. student and computationalsocial science researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. He wondered what this
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 59
unique genealogical data might reveal when combined with other publicly availableinformation about members of Congress—particularly their financial disclosureforms.
“Just the fact that this was available—this detailed genealogical data and thesefinancial disclosures for members of Congress—allowed us to explore this link,”Sehgal says. READ MORE
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 60
fa848cbb-01af-4e43-8ad0-7d8bc07568b5 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 61
b567685d-b8a4-474a-911a-0a391ac543c6 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 62
Green The Church National Summit, taking place October 6th and 7th in
Shreveport, Louisiana! This year’s theme, “Homecoming,” is a call for us to return to
our roots, reconnect with our spiritual community, and rejuvenate our commitment to
environmental and social justice.
What Awaits You at the Summit?
This event promises to be a transformative experience, filled with dynamic worship
services, engaging panels, and hands-on workshops designed to empower you with
the tools and knowledge to make a real difference. Whether you’re a church leader,
community advocate, student, or just passionate about sustainability, there’s
something here for everyone.
Key Highlights Include:
Inspiring Worship Services: Begin your journey with Worship Service #1 at St.
Mark on Sunday, October 6th at 9:00 AM, led by the powerful Pastor Jimme
Gibson. End the day with Worship Service #2 at Morning Star at 6:00 PM,
where Bishop Jerry Macklin will bring a message that will resonate deeply with
all who attend.
Dynamic Panels and Workshops: Monday, October 7th, will be a full day
dedicated to exploring the intersections of green liberation theology, sustainable
practices, and strategies for building political and economic power. Learn from
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 63
thought leaders and practitioners who are leading the charge for change in their
communities.
Exclusive Bus Tour: Enhance your summit experience with our special bus tour
through Holly, Louisiana, where you’ll visit key historic sites such as St. Mark
Baptist Church, St. Mark Graveyard, and more. This tour offers a unique
opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
Register Today and join us in Shreveport for an unforgettable time of inspiration,
connection, and action.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
Green The Church
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 64
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 65
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 66
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 67
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 68
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 69
f769d49b-5ddc-46b5-a2fb-206f58e1842a image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 70
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 71
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 72
2024 Branch Election Manual
Election date and time (Saturday 11.23.24 - 9am-1pm) Good Morning Freedom Fighters,
You will find the New Branch Election Manual below. Let me know if you haveany questions about any of the information provided. The manual includes thenew election rules effective June 1, 2024. Thanks!
2024 Branch ElectionsWe are approaching Branch Election time, and we are dedicated to providingthe best information to assist you in this effort. There will be three webinars tocover the election manual and the election process.
Click Here: 2024 New Branch Election Manual
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 73
Ta-Nehisi Coates originally set out to write a book about writing, in the tradition of
Orwell’s classic “Politics and the English Language,”but found himself grappling with
deeper questions about how our stories—our reporting and imaginative narratives and
mythmaking—expose and distort our realities.
In the first of the book’s three intertwining essays, Coates, on his first trip to Africa,
finds himself in two places at once: in Dakar, a modern city in Senegal, and in a
mythic kingdom in his mind. Then he takes listeners along with him to Columbia,
South Carolina, where he reports on his own book’s banning, but also explores the
larger backlash to the nation’s recent reckoning with history and the deeply rooted
American mythology so visible in that city—a capital of the Confederacy with statues
of segregationists looming over its public squares. Finally, in the book’s longest
section, Coates travels to Palestine, where he sees with devastating clarity how easily
we are misled by nationalist narratives, and the tragedy that lies in the clash between
the stories we tell and the reality of life on the ground.
Written at a dramatic moment in American and global life, this work from one of the
country’s most important writers is about the urgent need to untangle ourselves from
the destructive myths that shape our world—and our own souls—and embrace the
liberating power of even the most difficult truths.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 74
fa848cbb-01af-4e43-8ad0-7d8bc07568b5 image
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
South to Black Power
In the documentary South to Black Power,
Charles M. Blow, New York
Times columnist and best-selling author
of The Devil You Know: A Black Power
Manifesto, sets off across the country on a
personal journey. Along the way, he meets
with politicians, historians, community
activists, colleagues, friends, and family
members to test his theory on Black
Liberation, which involves a daring
strategy for Black Americans to move to
southern states to control legislatures and
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 75
gain greater political power.
HBO Documentary Films presents a This
Machine production (part of Sony Pictures
Television) South to Black Power.
Directors, Sam Pollard and Llewellyn M.
Smith; producers, Sam Pollard, Kelly
Thomson, R.J. Cutler, and Elise Pearlstein;
executive producers, Trevor Smith and
Charles Blow. For Aevitas Entertainment:
David Kuhn and Todd Shuster. For HBO:
executive producers, Nancy Abraham, Lisa
Heller, and Sara Rodriguez.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 76
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 77
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 78
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
Website History Events Youth
Address:
205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112
Telephone:+1 (408) 898-6985
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 79
Drop Us A Line
San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP | 1313 N Milpitas Blvd #163 | Milpitas, CA 95035 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 80
From:Aram James
To:Bill Newell; Lewis james; Donette Gamblin; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Sean Allen; Jeff Moore; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vicki Veenker; Salem Ajluni; Jack Ajluni; Keith Reckdahl; Henry Etzkowitz; Lotus Fong; Linda Jolley; RajJayadev; EPA Today; Vara Ramakrishnan
Cc:Sally Lieber; Sarah Wright; Karen Holman; Sheriff Transparency; Tom DuBois; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto;
Roberta Ahlquist; walter wilson; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; district1@bos.sccgov.org
Subject:NO on Prop 36 // Yes on Prop 6 forum (Wed Oct 2nd 6-7:30pm)
Date:Tuesday, October 1, 2024 9:55:17 AM
Attachments:No on 36 Forum Flier (1).png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Join us on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 6PM for a community forum (in-person andzoom) on why we must vote YES on Prop 6 and NO on Prop 36. When we say “protect
your people”, we also mean our future generations - from further criminalization
and mass incarceration. And voting YES on Prop 6 and NO on Prop 36 will do just
that.
Hear from trusted community leaders and direct lived experiences on how and why
we must win!
(Conversation starters include: Yvonne Maxwell of Ujima Adult and Family
Services, Raymond Goins of SV De-Bug and NAACP, Sandy Perry of the Affordable
Housing Network, J. Vasquez of CURYJ, Cecilia Chavez of SV De-Bug)
Return to Sender: Slavery and the War on Drugs
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 from 6-7:30 PM
To join through zoom: click this link below or scan the QR code in the flier
attached:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8YNqzY5LS-O3ChYBDI46OQ
To join the forum in person: come to Silicon Valley De-Bug, 701 Lenzen Ave. San
Jose, CA 95126
More on Prop 36: Prop 36 expands on the misleading claim that California is
experiencing an increase in crime and is funded by conservatives and
corporations. It will lock up Black and Brown communities, criminalize unhoused
loved ones, and divert millions of dollars from reentry, mental health, substance
abuse, and victim reentry programs to build more prisons.
More on Prop 6: Prop 6 would ban forced prison labor, prohibit prisons from
punishing incarcerated people who seek rehabilitation over forced labor, and
amend the State Constitution to read "Slavery and Involuntary Servitude are
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 81
Prohibited”.
This forum is co-sponsored by:
Silicon Valley De-Bug • Asian Law Alliance • Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet •
Coalition for Justice and Accountability • Concrete Rose Coalition • Council on
American-Islamic (CAIR) California • NAACP: San Jose / Silicon Valley Branch •
Pangea Legal Services • San Jose State University Human Rights Institute •
Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN) • Showing Up For
Racial Justice (SURJ) • Silicon Valley Rising Action • South Bay Community Land
Trust • Ujima Adult and Family Services • Wage Theft Coalition Santa Clara County
• Young Women’s Freedom Center
je
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 82
-- Raj Jayadev Silicon Valley De-Bug // National Participatory Defense Networkwww.siliconvalleydebug.com // www.participatorydefense.org408.971.4965Check out our newly release book: Protect Your People -- How Ordinary Families areUsing Participatory Defense to Challenge Mass Incarceration (Published by New Press inAugust 2024)
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 83
From:Aram James
To:Templeton, Cari; Henry Etzkowitz; Ed Lauing; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Jeff Moore;Sean Allen; Raymond Goins; Raj Jayadev; Supervisor Otto Lee; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vicki Veenker
Cc:Lotus Fong; Lewis james; Tim James; Cait James; Marina Lopez; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Jack
Ajluni; Salem Ajluni; Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Palo Alto Free Press; Jose Valle
Subject:***
Date:Monday, September 30, 2024 10:52:06 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
***
Source: Haaretz.comIsraelis Must Ask Themselves if They're Willing to Live in a Country That Lives on Blood -
Opinion - Haaretz.com
https://search.app/HCQZA83bJtHXCfXr7
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 84
From:Aram James
To:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Ed Lauing; Shikada, Ed; Jeff Conrad; Josh Becker; Henry Etzkowitz; RobertaAhlquist; Foley, Michael; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Zelkha, Mila
Cc:Tom DuBois; Kaloma Smith; Human Relations Commission; Keith Reckdahl; Cribbs, Anne; ParkRec Commission;
Council, City; Greer Stone; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Binder, Andrew; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org
Subject:US college in spotlight after Jewish prof. claims she was fired over pro-Palestinian posts | The Times of Israel
Date:Sunday, September 29, 2024 8:50:31 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious
of opening attachments and clicking on links.
US college in spotlight after Jewish prof.claims she was fired over pro-Palestinianposts
US college in spotlight after Jewish prof. claims she was fired over pro-Palestinian posts | TheTimes of Israel
https://search.app/oKp32fMeSGc8kkX2A
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 85
From:Aram James
To:Lotus Fong; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss; Cecilia Taylor; walter wilson; Vara Ramakrishnan; Josh Becker;Human Relations Commission; yolanda; Palo Alto Free Press; Reifschneider, James; Van Der Zwaag, Minka
Date:Sunday, September 29, 2024 8:19:48 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 86
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 87
From:Aram James
To:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Josh Becker; Templeton, Cari; Cribbs, Anne; Zelkha, Mila; Human RelationsCommission; Sally Lieber; Raymond Goins; Council, City; Greg Tanaka; GRP-City Council; Bill Newell; VaraRamakrishnan; Raj Jayadev
Subject:Re: Thank you, vigil organizers, by Aram James ( Palo Alto Weekly, September 27, 2024)
Date:Friday, September 27, 2024 6:22:28 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 6:18 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 88
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 89
From:Aram James
To:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Josh Becker; Templeton, Cari; Cribbs, Anne; Zelkha, Mila; Human RelationsCommission; Sally Lieber; Raymond Goins; Council, City; Greg Tanaka; GRP-City Council; Bill Newell; VaraRamakrishnan; Raj Jayadev
Subject:Re: Thank you, vigil organizers, by Aram James ( Palo Alto Weekly, September 27, 2024)
Date:Friday, September 27, 2024 6:19:19 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 90
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 91
From:Michelle Higgins
To:Human Relations Commission; Council, City
Subject:Invitation to fundraiser for children’s charity this Saturday in Palo Alto
Date:Friday, September 27, 2024 5:25:06 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council and HRC Members,
This Saturday our Palo Alto-based community group Vigil4Gaza is hosting a fundraiser for
HEAL Palestine. We warmly invite you to attend with your families. The event is from 1pm to3pm at King Plaza.
HEAL Palestine launched on Jan 1st of this year to address the specific and critical needs of
Palestinian children in Gaza. This work includes coordinating and funding medicalevacuations out of Gaza for children who have suffered catastrophic injuries, most commonly
amputations.
One of these children is Ahmed, a 15-year-old boy from Gaza who is a triple amputee, havinglost both his legs and part of his left hand in a bomb blast. He is currently in the Bay Area
being fitted with prosthetics and receiving rehabilitation services. Ahmed, along with hismother, will be our special guests of honor at the fundraiser. We first met Ahmed when we
were part of the Bay Area welcome on his arrival at SFO and are truly in awe of his resilienceand spirit. Dr. Subeh, the Bay Area doctor who operated on Ahmed while on a medical
mission to Gaza, did not expect Ahmed to survive his injuries.
Here is one of many news stories covering Ahmed’s journey: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/double-amputee-gaza-explosion-treatment/3601321/
Co-founders of HEAL Palestine, Steve Sosebee and Dr. Zeena Salman, will be attending and
speaking on Saturday. Steve co-founded the highly regarded Palestinian Children’s ReliefFund 33 years ago and remained there until Dec 31, 2023. He left to launch and lead as HEAL
Palestine’s Executive Director on Jan 1st, 2024. Vigil4Gaza is extremely proud to besupporting the work of HEAL and has to date raised over $50,000 for the organization through
previous fundraising efforts.
You can learn more about HEAL Palestine here:
https://www.healpalestine.org/about-us/
The event itself is free to attend and open to all. We are excited to have live music by awardwinning Palestinian-American oud musician and composer Clarissa Bitar, Palestinian food
provided by local grocer Real Produce, a tatreeze demonstration, a children’s book corner,Henna artists, and art activities.
Please be in touch if you have questions. If you cannot attend but would like to make a
contribution you can donate here. Thank you in advance for your interest in this
event and we look forward to hopefully welcoming you on Saturday.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 92
Sincerely,Michelle Higgins on behalf of the Vigil4Gaza community
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 93
From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Wealthier Members of Congress Have Family Links to Slavery
Date:Wednesday, September 25, 2024 10:43:41 AM
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. 94
Freedom Fighters,
In accordance with the 2024 branch election manual, the following steps are
necessary to run for an office. The consent form for candidates and the different
positions per the Bylaws for Units with descriptions are attached for your review.
1. Identify an office that you would like to hold
2. Complete the attached consent form (one must have been an Active member of
the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP branch from May 1st until the election which
will be November 14th)
3. Submit the completed form to the Secretary of the Nominating Committee
which is Sarah Wright sarahw0003@outlook.com by Thursday, October 10th at
7pm. Click Here
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 95
2024 Branch Election Manual
Election date and time (Saturday 11.23.24 - 9am-1pm)
Good Morning Freedom Fighters,
You will find the New Branch Election Manual below. Let me know if you have any
questions about any of the information provided. The manual includes the newelection rules effective June 1, 2024. Thanks!
2024 Branch Elections
We are approaching Branch Election time, and we are dedicated to providing the bestinformation to assist you in this effort. There will be three webinars to cover the
election manual and the election process.
Click Here: 2024 New Branch Election Manual
Why I Vote: A Personal Journey
Through History and Civic Duty
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 96
Voting is not just a civic duty for me; it's a deeply
personal reflection of my family's history and the
struggles of my ancestors. My connection to this act is
woven into the fabric of my lineage, each thread
representing a story of resilience and hope.
One of my ancestors faced the harrowing journey of the
Trail of Tears. Whether they were enslaved or free
remains uncertain, but their experience embodies the profound challenges that many
in our community endured. This historical trauma fuels my passion for voting, a
means to honor their legacy and ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.
My great uncle, Hunter, was a sharecropper, toiling tirelessly to make ends meet in a
system designed to exploit his labor. His struggles remind me of the importance of
participating in a system that has the power to bring about change. Voting is my way
of expressing gratitude for the hard work and perseverance of those who came before
me.
I think of my grandparents and parents, who lived under Birmingham, Alabama's
racial segregation ordinances. They confronted the daily reality of discrimination and
injustice, often with their dignity and spirit under siege. Their stories are woven into
my own, and I carry them with me each time I cast my vote. It is a tribute to their
strength, a testament to their hope for a better future.
In the eighth grade, I met a man who could not sign his name, instead using an "X" as
his signature, and another who could not read. Their circumstances were stark
reminders of the barriers that still exist in our society. Voting is my way of advocating
for educational access and equality, ensuring that future generations have the
opportunities that were often denied to those before them.
My father dedicated 25 years to the United States Navy, serving with honor and
sacrificing for the freedoms that many take for granted. Today, I have two nephews
deployed somewhere in the world, continuing the family tradition of service. I vote to
uphold the values they fought for, to protect our democracy, and to amplify the voices
of those who have defended our rights.
This year, I was aggravated and inspired by Ali Alexander's assertion that the battle is
more spiritual than cultural, more spiritual than political. Voting transcends the act
itself; it becomes an even more pressing civic duty to engage in the ongoing struggle
for justice and equity. It is about standing up for the marginalized and ensuring that
our shared humanity guides our decisions.
Thus, my reasons for voting are deeply rooted in a legacy of struggle, resilience, and
hope. I vote to honor my ancestors, to uplift my family, and to advocate for a future
that embraces equality for all. It is a small but significant way to honor the battles
fought by those who came before me and a commitment to fighting for those yet to
come. Rev. Jethroe Moorre II
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 97
Dear San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Family,
I am delighted to announce the induction of our new secretary, Sarah Wright, into our
esteemed organization. Sarah is currently pursuing a Master's degree in InstructionalScience and Technology, coupled with her role as an employee in the Governor's
Office.
Sarah's commitment to philanthropy and social infrastructure development iscommendable. She has actively contributed to the community by coaching young
athletes, serving our Armed Forces as a caseworker with the American Red Cross,and ensuring the safety of our Santa Clara County parks. Her dedication to
empowering others and fostering a safer, more inclusive environment aligns perfectlywith the values we uphold within the NAACP.
We are excited to welcome Sarah to our leadership team, where her skills, passion,
and experience will undoubtedly enhance our efforts in promoting justice and equality.Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Sarah as she embarks on this
important role.
Sincerely,
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 98
Op-Ed: Proposition 36 is a backward mass
incarceration plan that solves nothing
As leaders of organizations and agencies that support those impacted by mass
incarceration, poverty and substance use, we have a loud and urgent call to stop
Proposition 36 and the irrevocable damage it will bring to our entire community if
passed.
The proposition is falsely guised as an attempt to reduce crime, homelessness and
substance use. In reality, the proposition will only exacerbate the issues it claims to
address.
Proposition 36 is literally a proposal to go backward. It aims to overturn the advances
in public safety secured through the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014. That
proposition, which was overwhelmingly supported by voters, reclassified six low level
felony offenses to misdemeanors and earmarked the savings secured through cost
reductions in prison sentences to actual solutions: drug and mental health treatment,
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 99
housing, re-entry services and more.
The initiative worked: it significantly lowered the prison population, providing
millions to fund needed programs to get people back on their feet and out of a cycle of
addiction, and reduced recidivism, meaning less people re-offending once released. So
despite the sensational, fear-stoking propaganda of the Yes on Proposition 36
campaign, crime rates have gone down since the passage of Proposition 47.
This holds true today. The latest California Department of Justice data revealed a
decrease in crime in 2023, including violent and property crime. These statistics were
ironically recently shared by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan as he celebrated San
Jose being the “safest big city” in the Bay Area, even as he makes false claims of crime
spikes to argue for Proposition 36.
This truism isn’t to discount the reality that our communities are still struggling and
deserve support. Our people are suffering with trying to survive in the most expensive
place to live in the country, with a lack of treatment and mental health supports, and
with jails and prisons being the most significantly invested “answer” to public health,
housing and economic needs. It’s why in 2022, Santa Clara County declared substance
use and mental health a public health crisis rather than a reactionary demand for
more incarceration.
That is why Proposition 36 being promoted as the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction,
and Theft Reduction Act” is so dangerously disingenuous. Punishing someone with a
felony for a low level retail charge does not magically give them housing. Incarcerating
someone with a substance abuse issue does not solve an addiction. Sending someone
to prison makes them less economically stable and less likely to find employment
upon return to our community saddled with a prison record.
The reality is Proposition 36’s plan to essentially vanish and warehouse homeless and
poor people in prisons is as shortsighted as it is sinister. Our people will come back to
us after being incarcerated, just worse off.
Tellingly, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen — someone we have often
been at odds with when debating the criminal legal system — is also against
Proposition 36. He rightfully pointed out that Proposition 36’s claim that it will result
in “court ordered treatment” was a fool’s promise. In a Mercury News article he
states, “What this initiative doesn’t do is provide more funding for drug treatment… If
there’s not a bed available, you’re not addressing it.” He goes on to say, “We’re not
going to punish our way out of drug addiction. We’ve tried it and it didn’t work.”
The only certain impact Proposition 36 will have is greatly expanding the prison
population and depleting California of what the Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates
will be hundreds of millions of dollars annually. We don’t need to go back to prison
overcrowding, the failed war on drugs that decimated communities of color or
criminalizing public health issues. We need to say no to Proposition 36, and yes to real
solutions.
Molly O’Neal is chief public defender for Santa Clara County, the Rev. Jeff
Moore is president of the NAACP San Jose/Silicon Valley and Raj Jayadev
is founder of Silicon Valley De-Bug.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 100
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 101
WHY DID KENDRICK LAMAR MENTION LECRAEAND DEE-1 ON NEW SINGLE?
BY MITCHELL ATENCIO
Following up his overwhelming victory in a rap battle with Drake earlier this year, and
the news that he would perform at Super Bowl LIX next February, Kendrick Lamar
dropped a surprise single last night, mentioning Christian rappers Lecrae and Dee-1
in the song.
The song, which was released to Instagram at 8 p.m. EST, coinciding with the start of
the MTV Video Music Awards, was posted without a caption and with an obscure
photo of black Nike Air Force 1s as the cover. On the music app Genius, the song was
tentatively titled “Watch the Party Die.”
In the chorus, Lamar prays to God.
God, give me life, dear God, please give me peace
Dear God, please keep these lame n----s away from me
Dear God, keep me shining, the f--- do they really think?
Pocket-watching, you must be the police
God, bless these words, dear God, bless how I think
Dear God, draw the line, they tryna confuse 'em with me
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 102
Dear God, please, forgive me, you knowin' how hard I tried
I think it's time for me to watch the party die
READ MORE
Can Voter Suppression Hand The 2024 Electionto Trump?by Thom Hartmannfor The Hartmann ReportJune 20, 2024New York Times bestselling investigative reporter Greg Palast, on my radio/TVprogram, laid out the dimensions of the problem, particularly since ClarenceThomas was the tie-breaking vote in Shelby County v Holder to gut the protections ofthe 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Palast started in Georgia, looking into 2018 voter purges done by then-Secretary ofState (the state’s top elections official) Brian Kemp in the runup to his challenge to
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 103
Stacey Abrams for that state’s governorship. Kemp purged roughly a half-millionGeorgia voters from the rolls that year, and Palast obtained the complete list.
The Palast Investigative Fund hired a contractor that verifies names and addresses forAmazon — which has a multi-billion-dollar interest in making sure their delivery listsare clean — to examine each and every one of those roughly half-million voters.While over 150,000 of them were people who’d legitimately moved out of state inrecent years, fully 340,134 were mostly Black people who lived in the state andhad not moved from their voting address. READ MORE
VIGILANTES INC. OUT NOW!! CLICK
Get the signed DVD or the FREE Stream
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 104
Here's how you can get involved today:
EDUCATE:
Spread the word about the dangers of Project 2025. Use the following resources to
engage your family, friends, neighbors, and community:
1. Social Media Toolkit
2. Our 2025 Webpage
3. All-Units Call Recording
4. Talking points and Our 2025 policy positions, for additional information
please reach out to your local branch.
VOLUNTEER:
Increased Black voter turnout will ultimately stop Project 2025. Sign up to call or text
potential voters to make sure they’re ready for Election Day. Visit here
to Volunteer or text VOLUNTEER to 20707 to volunteer this fall.
VOTE:
Our collective voice has the power to protect our rights and shape our
future.Visit A Vote for Democracy to check your voter registration, make
a plan for Election Day, and report any voting-related issues you run into.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 105
Let's stay united, informed, and committed to protecting our community and the
progress we've made. Your involvement is crucial, and together, we can make a
difference.
All In,
LATINO CHURCHES AND THE RISE OF RIGHT-
WING POLITICS
Is “miraculous meritocracy” driving some believers towards a gospel of entitlement?
BY TONY TIAN-REN LIN
ALL THE SUNDAY School classes were gathered at a plaza in Buenos Aires. After
months of preparation, we were there for the churchwide tournament. Participation
was mandatory; the competition was public. Glory or shame for all to see. Our task
was to recite by memory an arbitrary list created by the teachers — the Lord’s Prayer,
Psalm 23, names of all twelve apostles, the books of the New Testament and, for extra
credit, the Old Testament ... in order. A church elder stood ready to score children in
each category.
My arrogant 9-year-old self stepped up first. Everyone knew I was going to be a
pastor. My parents had helped me. My sister and I had practiced. I had to know this
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 106
stuff. The elder at the “Lord’s Prayer station” nodded for me to begin.
“Padre nuestro que estas ... .” He began to shake his head. “En los cielos, santificado
sea tu nombre ... .” He made a noise with his tongue; his face looked like he had
sucked a lemon. “No” he commanded, waving his hands. “In Taiwanese!”
READ MORE
How Christians Can Counter Christian Nationalism
Scholars, pastors, and activists on hopeful action to undo
this heretical belief system.
WEAPONIZED CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM seeks a “Christian” government
that would erode civil rights and undercut election integrity and democratic
principles. It endorses the use of violence to obtain or maintain power; embraces
white supremacy; and distorts Christian language, symbols, and identity into tools for
political manipulation and gain.
At the same time, beliefs about “God and country” exist on a wide spectrum. White
Christian nationalism is sometimes supported by people who are not white. And
stifling all participation by people of faith in public life is not a suitable alternative to
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 107
nationalism.
In other words: It’s complicated. You’re not alone if you are confused, concerned, or
dismayed by these topics. But hopeful action is possible. The following short essays by
scholars, pastors, and activists offer insights on Christian nationalism and how to
dismantle it. —The Editors READ MORE
In this critical election year, it is imperative that we work together to safeguard
voters’ rights and fair access to the polls.
With that in mind, we are excited to invite you to an important and timely
training session hosted by the Council of Presidents of the National Pan-Hellenic
Council, Inc. and NAACP Legal Defense Fund, where we will explore the ways
you can volunteer your time, talent, and resources to voters’ rights and election
protection efforts leading up to, on, and after election day. During this session,
LDF will also shed light on the voter intimidation trends and tactics we saw in
the 2020 and 2022 election cycles and the tactics voters may encounter in this
upcoming election.
Training attendees will be able to take this vital knowledge back to their
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 108
communities, chapters, family, and friends and will have a clear path forward on
how they can activate and mobilize in the voters’ rights and election protection
space.
We welcome anyone passionate about protecting the integrity of our electoral
process. Your participation can make a direct impact on preserving our
constitutional right to vote.
Training Details:
Date: September 25, 2024
Time: 8:00pm ET
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rpkb1bSeSAGvif
JQY360Og
Now more than ever, it’s important to wear your activism on your sleeve
(literally). We are thrilled to announce that new NAACP t-shirts are
available for order (and pre-order) in the NAACP Store. Show your support
by wearing these statement T-shirts:
“Our Black Job Is Voting” T-shirt — Pre-Order here.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 109
“Political As Hell” T-shirt — Order here.
"All In” T-shirt — Order here.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 110
Celebrating civic holidays is a crucial part of strengthening our democracy. At the
NAACP, we believe these holidays provide an essential platform for uplifting and
empowering our communities. By participating in these events, we can highlight
the importance of voter registration, education, and participation.National
Voter Registration Day and National Black Voter Day emphasize the
importance of registering to vote.
National Voter Education Week is focused on informing citizens about
their rights and the voting process, enabling them to make informed
decisions.
Vote Early Day encourages early participation in elections.
On Election Hero Day, we honor the dedication and hard work of poll
workers and election officials who uphold the integrity of our electoral
system.
On Election Day… we head to the polls!
Together, these civic holidays serve as a reminder and call to action for all of us
to engage actively in the democratic process. By doing so, we not only honor our
right to vote but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative
government.
P.S. Are you an NAACP member? Through September 20, we are challenging
each unit to register 50-100 voters. Visit our site to learn more.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 111
b95ea229-2988-4a2b-920a-fe11ccea97a6 image
Register to Vote
Registering to vote can take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Exercise your right to defend democracy by registering to participate
in upcoming elections.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 112
Absentee Voting
Being away from home is no excuse for not voting! If you are unable
to vote at your designated polling place, request your absentee
ballot.
Verify Your Voter Registration Status
Confirm your voter registration status to ensure you are ready to go
once the polls open!
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 113
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 114
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 115
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 116
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 117
9604d5b9-2b65-45a4-b0d0-6b96bc579349 image
Our democracy stands at a crossroads. With the right to vote facing unprecedented
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 118
challenges, it’s more important than ever to amplify the voices of Black voters and
ensure every vote is counted. This is where you come in.
Our volunteers help drive the NAACP mission forward by dedicating their time to
empowering voters to make it to the ballot box. Imagine the impact of your efforts —every call you make or text you send encourages an infrequent voter to exercise their
right and participate in shaping our collective future.
Sign up to volunteer with the NAACP and be part of a movement that championsequity and justice for all. Together, let’s make history by ensuring every Black voter
has their say in the upcoming election.
Your voice matters, and so does your action. Join us in making a lasting impact.
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 119
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 120
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 121
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 122
Wealthier Members of Congress Have Family Linksto SlaveryU.S. Senators and Representatives whose family had a history ofenslaving others have greater present-day wealthBY ALLISON PARSHALL
Members of the U.S. congress whose ancestors enslaved people have had a highermedian net worth than those whose ancestors did not, according to a newanalysis published on Wednesday in PLOS ONE.
The analysis used genealogical data published last year by an investigative team atReuters, which found that in 2021, at least 100 members of Congress weredescended from enslavers. This included 8 percent of Democrats and 28 percentof Republicans.
This reporting caught the eye of Neil K. R. Sehgal, a Ph.D. student and computationalsocial science researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. He wondered what this
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 123
unique genealogical data might reveal when combined with other publicly availableinformation about members of Congress—particularly their financial disclosureforms.
“Just the fact that this was available—this detailed genealogical data and thesefinancial disclosures for members of Congress—allowed us to explore this link,”Sehgal says. READ MORE
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 124
fa848cbb-01af-4e43-8ad0-7d8bc07568b5 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 125
b567685d-b8a4-474a-911a-0a391ac543c6 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 126
Green The Church National Summit, taking place October 6th and 7th in
Shreveport, Louisiana! This year’s theme, “Homecoming,” is a call for us to return to
our roots, reconnect with our spiritual community, and rejuvenate our commitment to
environmental and social justice.
What Awaits You at the Summit?
This event promises to be a transformative experience, filled with dynamic worship
services, engaging panels, and hands-on workshops designed to empower you with
the tools and knowledge to make a real difference. Whether you’re a church leader,
community advocate, student, or just passionate about sustainability, there’s
something here for everyone.
Key Highlights Include:
Inspiring Worship Services: Begin your journey with Worship Service #1 at St.
Mark on Sunday, October 6th at 9:00 AM, led by the powerful Pastor Jimme
Gibson. End the day with Worship Service #2 at Morning Star at 6:00 PM,
where Bishop Jerry Macklin will bring a message that will resonate deeply with
all who attend.
Dynamic Panels and Workshops: Monday, October 7th, will be a full day
dedicated to exploring the intersections of green liberation theology, sustainable
practices, and strategies for building political and economic power. Learn from
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 127
thought leaders and practitioners who are leading the charge for change in their
communities.
Exclusive Bus Tour: Enhance your summit experience with our special bus tour
through Holly, Louisiana, where you’ll visit key historic sites such as St. Mark
Baptist Church, St. Mark Graveyard, and more. This tour offers a unique
opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
Register Today and join us in Shreveport for an unforgettable time of inspiration,
connection, and action.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
Green The Church
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 128
RSVP NAACP Inclusive Economy September
Forum Call w/ CFPB-Thursday, September
26th, from 6:00 PM—7:00 PM EST, we will host our
bimonthly Inclusive Economy Forum Call. This will be a webinar format, providing an
interactive platform for NAACP members, such as yourself, to connect, hear updates
from the NAACP Inclusive Economy team, and learn about ways to engage in work
related to housing and economic development.
We are excited to announce part two of our three-part series with our special guests,
the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agency
dedicated to ensuring banks, lenders, and other financial institutions treat you fairly.
This September webinar will be a follow-up opportunity for our members to learn
more about what the CFPB is doing. CFPB staff will provide us with an overview of
crucial policy updates, including those related to student lending, and a brief Q+A
session at the end of the event.
You do not want to miss this critical webinar and your chance to interact directly with
the CFPB. Please be sure to RSVP here no later than Monday, 9/23. We will
send additional meeting information to registrants alongside the meeting Zoom link.
Your participation is what makes these calls successful, and we are grateful for your
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 129
commitment to our cause.
Warm Regards,
Lindsey Walker
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 130
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 131
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 132
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 133
f769d49b-5ddc-46b5-a2fb-206f58e1842a image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 134
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 135
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 136
2024 Branch Election Manual
Election date and time (Saturday 11.23.24 - 9am-1pm) Good Morning Freedom Fighters,
You will find the New Branch Election Manual below. Let me know if you haveany questions about any of the information provided. The manual includes thenew election rules effective June 1, 2024. Thanks!
2024 Branch ElectionsWe are approaching Branch Election time, and we are dedicated to providingthe best information to assist you in this effort. There will be three webinars tocover the election manual and the election process.
Click Here: 2024 New Branch Election Manual
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 137
Negroes and the Gun: The early NAACPchampioned armed self-defense
By Prof. Nicholas Johnson,
When W.E.B. Dubois patrolled his home with a shotgun after the 1906 Atlanta
race riot, he was an aberration. But not how you think. Dubois reports that he
was unusual among his contemporaries because until that point he did not own a
gun.
Dubois’s gun purchase and his aggressive statements following the riot were not
passion-of-the-moment things that he would regret. They were part of a
continuing engagement of the practice and philosophy of armed self-defense. As
editor of the NAACP’s flagship magazine TheCrisis, Dubois continued to
champion armed self-defense as a core private interest. Indeed, in some
instances, Dubois seemed to cast self-defense as a duty. After a lynching in
Gainesville, Fla., he wrote: “No Colored man can read an account of the recent
lynching in Gainesville without being ashamed of his people. Without resistance
they let a white mob whom they outnumbered two to one, torture, harry and
murder. In the last analysis lynching of Negroes is going to stop when the
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 138
cowardly mob is faced by effective guns in the hands of people determined to sell
their souls dearly.” READ MORE
fa848cbb-01af-4e43-8ad0-7d8bc07568b5 image
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
South to Black Power
In the documentary South to Black Power,
Charles M. Blow, New York
Times columnist and best-selling author
of The Devil You Know: A Black Power
Manifesto, sets off across the country on a
personal journey. Along the way, he meets
with politicians, historians, community
activists, colleagues, friends, and family
members to test his theory on Black
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 139
Liberation, which involves a daring
strategy for Black Americans to move to
southern states to control legislatures and
gain greater political power.
HBO Documentary Films presents a This
Machine production (part of Sony Pictures
Television) South to Black Power.
Directors, Sam Pollard and Llewellyn M.
Smith; producers, Sam Pollard, Kelly
Thomson, R.J. Cutler, and Elise Pearlstein;
executive producers, Trevor Smith and
Charles Blow. For Aevitas Entertainment:
David Kuhn and Todd Shuster. For HBO:
executive producers, Nancy Abraham, Lisa
Heller, and Sara Rodriguez.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 140
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 141
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 142
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
Website History Events Youth
Address:
205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112
Telephone:+1 (408) 898-6985
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 143
Drop Us A Line
San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP | 1313 N Milpitas Blvd #163 | Milpitas, CA 95035 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 144
From:Aram James
To:Henry Etzkowitz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Human Relations Commission; Cribbs, Anne;planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.irg; ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Zelkha, Mila; Emily Mibach
Subject:Disorganization and city-county feuds interfere with state’s efforts
Date:Wednesday, September 25, 2024 12:27:28 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Disorganization and city-county feuds interfere with state’s efforts
Disorganization and city-county feuds interfere with state’s effortshttps://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=0cf5c8b5-61a9-4bbb-b684-81ed1287e5e8&appcode=SAN252&eguid=7dace024-c799-4d21-9d2e-351bcc24ea85&pnum=31#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 145
From:Aram JamesTo:Ed Lauing; Cribbs, Anne; Henry Etzkowitz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Council, City; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Human Relations Commission; ParkRec Commission; Josh Becker; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sally Lieber
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Greer StoneSubject:Re: AnneDate:Tuesday, September 24, 2024 10:39:54 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 10:31 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:Anne
Source: Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of FameAnne Warner Cribbs - Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
Is this accurate? Gold in 1960 Olympics?
https://search.app/?link=https%3A%2F%2Fncjshof%2Eorg%2Fann%2Dwarner%2Dcribbs%2F&utm_campaign=57165%2Dor%2Digacx%2Dweb%2Dshrbtn%2Diga%2Dsharing&utm_source=igadl%2Cigatpdl%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F5
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 146
From:Aram James
To:Henry Etzkowitz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; rowena.chiu@gmail.com; Human Relations Commission; ParkRecCommission; Planning Commission; Shikada, Ed; Ed Lauing; Greg Tanaka; Greer Stone; dennis burns; DavePrice; Braden Cartwright; Diana Diamond
Subject:Disorganization and city-county feuds interfere with state’s efforts
Date:Tuesday, September 24, 2024 10:25:48 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Disorganization and city-county
feuds interfere with state’s efforts
Disorganization and city-county feuds interfere with state’s effortshttps://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=0cf5c8b5-61a9-
4bbb-b684-81ed1287e5e8&appcode=SAN252&eguid=7dace024-c799-4d21-9d2e-351bcc24ea85&pnum=31#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 147
From:Roberta Ahlquist
To:linda lopez-otero; Gerry Gras; Henry Etzkowitz; paul bundy; Cherrill Spencer; Sally Clark; Sandy Perry-HCA; AramJames; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Brian; Donna Bender; Joyce Beattie; Bill Cane; Chuck Jagoda; HumanRelations Commission; Friends of Cubberley; Representative Anna G. Eshoo; Sunita de Tourreil; WinterDellenbach; EPA Today; Emer Martin; Rebecca Eisenberg; Eugenia (Genie) Njolito; Gerry jurgensen; Gardener,Liz; Paul George @ PPJC; Raging Grannies of the Peninsula; Julie Lythcott-Haims; HRW Silicon Valley; HelenYoung; Iza Predmdore; Joe Simitian; Jacqueline W Stewart; Jeanne Rogers; Pastor Kaloma Smith; Shelly Kosak;Lenny S. via Mobilize; Marni Barnes; Rep. Zoe Lofgren; Supervisor Otto Lee; margaret spak; RosalindaQuintanar; Robin; SILKE GURLICH; Ruth Robertson; Tatiana Bliss; Rita Vrhel; Wendy Peikes; Lotus Yee FongWILPFUSA
Subject:Fwd: Montana’s Kamala Harris ballot snafu explained
Date:Tuesday, September 24, 2024 3:13:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
How often is this 'mistake' re foreign-related voters, going to occur---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Montana Free Press <news@montanafreepress.org>Date: Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 5:25 AM
Subject: Montana’s Kamala Harris ballot snafu explainedTo: Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>
Your daily newsletter from
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 148
full flag gold
Dear Roberta,
At our inaugural Free Press Fest event earlier this month, one of the attendees
raised their hand during a discussion to say: “I came here as a young person
feeling burnt and looking for hope – and my hope is restored. I wanted to be in
a room full of people that believes in democracy and who wanted to know the
truth no matter how hard it hurts. I do believe that you’re allowing for hope to
grow and to prosper.” — Kelsen, Helena MT
Our strength comes from members like these who believe in the power of the
press and the value of protecting it. These are the people who make MTFP
possible. And if you give $1 or more this year, you’re a member, too.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 149
Our fall membership campaign runs now through September 30, and we need to
raise $25,000 as a critical piece of our community-supported fundraising this
year. Will you pitch in to help ensure our future?
Yes, count me in!
PS — A generous MTFP supporter has offered to match up to $3,000 in
donations to our fall campaign. Don’t miss your chance – give now to
double your gift and make twice the impact!
Kamala Harris back on Montana’s overseas ballot
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 150
Montana citizens living or serving in the armed forces overseas have long been
able to cast their ballots from afar. But an error in that system reportedly left
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris off those digital ballots briefly
on Friday — an error Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says is now fixed. By
Alex Sakariassen
sausage
Sausage season 2024: spicy Italian
A year ago we launched Wide Open Table with the introductory offering of a
uniquely Montanan huckleberry sage sausage recipe. On the year anniversary of
this column, I’m offering a second recipe for your homemade sausage arsenal
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 151
that just happens to be the most popular at my household: spicy Italian. By Jon
Bennion
Nonprofit founder, Amy Adams, left, looks over donated food with Helena High teacher Erin Cleveland.
Helena resident creates nonprofit continuing her mission to
feed students, families
After learning about homeless students within the Helena school district, Amy
Adams asked how she could help. When she was directed by school officials to
donate to local organizations that provide services for the unhoused, Adams
didn’t feel that was enough. By JoVonne Wagner
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 152
Fall Campaign-newletter-CTA-I
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 153
MTFP Fire Report –1920x1080 –Underlined
Keep tabs on Montana’s 2024 fire season with MTFP stories and maps showing
up-to-date information on air quality and active wildfires.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 154
MTFP-Great-Falls-logo
The Great Falls news you need to start your week.
Sign up for the free Great Falls This Week newsletter and stay in the loop on
Great Falls city government, public school meetings, business news and
upcoming entertainment and events.
Sign up now!
Had our newsletter shared with you? Sign up for free!
Unsubscribe
Montana Free Press, PO Box 1425, Helena, MT 59624, United States
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 155
From:CAHRO
To:hrc.info@sfgov.org; hrc@sandiego.gov; contact.center@calcivilrights.ca.gov; hhr@co.humboldt.ca.us;info@hrc.lacounty.gov; Jay.Virata@palmspringsca.gov; city_clerk@riversideca.gov; hrc@mountainview.gov;ntolentino@fremont.gov; sbassi@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us; adhernandez@chulavistaca.gov; chr@sonoma-county.org;losborne@cityofpasadena.net; hrc@cityofvallejo.net; olivia.byron-cooper@edcgov.us;aandrews@co.shasta.ca.us; BoardClerk@saccounty.net; Human Relations Commission; 108-EqualOpportunity@co.monterey.ca.us; lbengochia@gmail.com; mklotthor@countyofsb.org;kortiz@modestogov.com; DSSPersonnel@fresnocountyca.gov; ovance-dozier@berkeleyca.gov;cccwomenscommission@gmail.com; HRC@sdcounty.ca.gov; Adam.Spickler@santacruzcountyca.gov;civilandhumanrights@lacity.org; Cristina@hrcla.net; chelsea@womensvoicesnow.org; info@uhri.ngo;info@opendoorsus.org; info@voices4freedom.org; info@justdetention.org; ImpactPersonalSafety@gmail.com;info@ncjwla.org; webmaster@lalgbtcenter.org; tony@eqca.org; info@maldef.org; info@lwvlosangeles.org;info@laul.org; info@relationalcenter.org; info@laclj.org; info@powercalifornia.org; info@tickettodream.org;la@hrw.org; info@wrrap.org; mariemendez@efs-corp.com; hola@translatinacoalition.org; info@cacej.org;info@caimmigrant.org; info@wearegroundswell.org; info@lgbtqcenteroc.org; info@itgetsbetter.org;info@nationaldiversitycoalition.org; lexi@transcanwork.org; info@blackpowernetwork.org; info@mowsf.org;info@ebac.org; info@homeboyindustries.org; hello@outandequal.org; info@eff.org; info@forwardtogether.org;info@dralegal.org; info@horizonsfoundation.org; center4justice@cja.org; info@tgijp.org;dpnorg@dignityandpowernow.org; info@accountabilitycounsel.org; info@mediajustice.org; info@a21.org;latinas@latinas.org; info@speakupnow.org; sabrina.parra-garcia@sanjoseca.gov; Veloz-Passalacqua, Nestor;info@futureswithoutviolence.org; cc: noel@noelworkplaceconsulting.com; justin.lock@gmail.com;rtoma@hrc.lacounty.gov; gbrown@sandiego.gov; Dr. Curtiss Takada Rooks; Brian Levin;equalibria@yahoo.comlowenberg; Grace; Jacqueline; marisela.venolia.483@my.csun.edu;freddie.sanchez@csun.edu; Mann , Perrine; Executive Director; carmen.chandler@csun.edu;danell@danellscarborough.com; norma@wearegroundswell.org
Subject:CAHRO Convening on Wednesday, Oct. 2
Date:Tuesday, September 24, 2024 2:53:26 PM
Attachments:CAHRO official invite.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi everyone:
Just a reminder that we have a convention on Oct. 2, on building"Dialogue Across Divides." Ifyou have not already done so, please register and we'll send you the Zoom link to the event.
Join us Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. for a virtual convening on "Dialogue Across
Divide."
Presenters Marquez Equalibria, Assistant Deputy Director of Community Conflict Resolutionin California's Dept. of Civil Rights, and researcher Marisela Venolia, a graduate student in
history at California State University, Northridge, will discuss resources listed onCAHRO's website that can help you craft clear statements and conduct productive dialogue.
To RSVP, email CAHRO.Official@gmail.com. The Zoom link will be sent upon registration.
Join usPresenters Marquez
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 156
From:Aram James
To:Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Emily Mibach; Council, City; Josh Becker; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; HenryEtzkowitz; Ed Lauing; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Greg Tanaka; ParkRec Commission; Planning Commission; Zelkha,Mila; GRP-City Council; Human Relations Commission
Subject:An ethics panel found that Cribbs misrepresented her status as a gold medal winner.
Date:Sunday, September 22, 2024 2:20:21 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
An ethics panel found that Cribbs misrepresented her status as a gold medal winner.
Source: The Mercury News
USA Olympics: Anne Cribbs deemed ineligible for alumni post
https://search.app/16Nvvw69jm7goDUP6
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 157
From:Aram James
To:Henry Etzkowitz; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; Afanasiev, Alex; Lee, Craig; Cribbs, Anne; Council,City; Human Relations Commission; keith@keithforcouncil.com; rowena.chiu@gmail.com; Raymond Goins; SeanAllen
Cc:Roberta Ahlquist; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Ed Lauing; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Josh Becker; Foley, Michael;
Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Re: Los Angeles Sheriff"s Dept cracking down on deputy gangs - YouTube
Date:Saturday, September 21, 2024 10:12:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
9/21/2024
Hi Henry,Law enforcement in this country has a long history of systemic racism and violence against
African Americans and people of color. The Palo Alto Police Department is no exception.Anyone who runs for office or holds office in Palo Alto who refuses to acknowledge this fact
doesn't deserve to hold office. Vile law enforcement in this country is much like the super vileIDF in Israel.
We should sit down and discuss these issues before election day. Aram
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AB1O2-P2Rw
Sent from my iPhone
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 158
From:Roberta Ahlquist
To:Aram James; paul bundy; Marni Barnes; Donna Bender; Chuck Jagoda; Cherrill Spencer; Sally Clark; HumanRelations Commission; Debbie Mytels; Sunita de Tourreil; Winter Dellenbach; Friends of Cubberley; Drekmeier,Peter; Henry Etzkowitz; EPA Today; Emer Martin; Eugenia (Genie) Njolito; Rebecca Eisenberg; RepresentativeAnna G. Eshoo; Lotus Yee Fong WILPFUSA; Gerry Gras; Gardener, Liz; Gerry jurgensen; Raging Grannies of thePeninsula; Sandy Perry-HCA; HRW Silicon Valley; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Helen Young; Iza Predmdore; Palo AltoRenters" Association; Joe Simitian; Jacqueline W Stewart; Pastor Kaloma Smith; Shelly Kosak; Lenny S. viaMobilize; Rep. Zoe Lofgren; Wendy Peikes; Paul George @ PPJC; Rosalinda Quintanar; Robin; Ruth Robertson;sandra weiss; Rita Vrhel; Richard Waldinger; Van Der Zwaag, Minka
Subject:Fwd: Protest: 9/20/2024 -Genocide in Palestine and Congo – Hold Apple Accountable for the Part it Plays
Date:Tuesday, September 17, 2024 7:03:02 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: linda lopez-otero <pasionaria@gmail.com>Date: Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 12:07 PM
Subject: Protest: 9/20/2024 -Genocide in Palestine and Congo – Hold Apple Accountable forthe Part it Plays
To: dhttps://peaceandjustice.org/stec_event/protest-genocide-in-palestine-and-congo-hold-apple-accountable-for-the-part-it-plays/
PLEASE SHARE!!
--
Linda & Roberta
" Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Oscar Wilde
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 159
From:Aram James
To:Human Relations Commission; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Tom DuBois; Lotus Fong; Linda Jolley; RobertaAhlquist; Baker, Rob; Jay Boyarsky; ladoris cordell; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Sean Allen; Bill Newell
Cc:KEVIN JENSEN; keith@keithforcouncil.com; Dave Price; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg;
district1@bos.sccgov.org; Diana Diamond; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker
Subject:The Angst and Sorrow of Jewish Currents
Date:Sunday, September 15, 2024 10:35:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
The Angst and Sorrow of Jewish Currents
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/09/16/the-angst-and-sorrow-of-jewish-currents
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 160
From:Marquez Equalibria
To:Marquez Equalibria
Cc:Ann Noel; Chandler, Carmen R
Subject:HRCs Can Join the CA Association for HRCs: CAHRO
Date:Sunday, September 15, 2024 2:56:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Human Relation Commissioners we need you as a board member on the only state-wide association for human
relation commissions in California!
The California Association of Human Relations Organizations (CAHRO) is seeking new board members to represent
the rich diverse landscape of human relations in California. CAHRO is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Its board
members include scholars and leaders from major California-based universities, human relations commissions in the
state, and experts in conflict resolution from both the state and the federal government.
Human Relations Commissions (HRCs) play a vital role in responding to community-wide conflict and hate.
Understanding that role CAHRO recently prepared resource guides to help new and old commissioners perform their
duties on commissions across the state. CAHRO also functions as a clearinghouse of useful information for
commissions seeking relevant information in response to their local priorities. CAHRO’s main responsibilities have
been educational leading the organization to pursue development of conferences and virtual convenings with panels
composed of experts in their field.
If you are interested in potentially joining our organization, please send us an email with your name, resume, and a
short description of your interest. Ann Noel, one of our members on the board will reach out to you to discuss next
steps. Please send your material and any questions you may have to noel@noelworkplaceconsulting.com and
copy marquez@equalibria.org
Thank you!
Marquez Equalibria
Board Member
California Association of Human Relations Organizations
Calhro.org
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 161
From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:America Founded as a Christian Nation?
Date:Saturday, September 14, 2024 9:06:34 AM
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. 162
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 163
Let's Wear White After Labor Day!!!
America Founded as a
Christian Nation
The United States of America often finds itself at the
crossroads of faith and governance, a tension that has
driven heated debates for centuries. Amidst this
discourse, the assertion that America is a “Christian
nation” remains a powerful yet misleading narrative.
The reality, however, is that the founding fathers were
primarily deists, and their vision for the nation was
rooted in Enlightenment ideals rather than a strictly Christian doctrine.
To understand this complex interplay between religion and governance, we must first
challenge the notion of America as a Christian nation. The founding fathers, including
figures like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington, espoused
a belief system informed by Enlightenment thinking. They valued reason, science, and
individual rights, which starkly contrasted with the dogmatic perspectives often
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 164
associated with traditional Christianity. Their writings — from the Federalist Papers
to the Declaration of Independence — reflect a commitment to principles of liberty
and the separation of church and state, founding ideals that were intended to foster a
pluralistic society.
The desire among some evangelical groups to frame America as a Christian nation can
be seen as a reaction to the increasing secularization of society. This perspective seeks
to reinforce a particular cultural identity that aligns with their religious doctrine. By
claiming a historical Christian foundation, they aim to legitimize their viewpoints,
influence policy, and restore what they perceive as moral decay. This aligns with a
broader trend where religious groups seek to reclaim authority in an evolving
sociocultural landscape.
However, this narrative often overlooks the diversity of beliefs that characterized early
America. The nation was founded by individuals from various religious backgrounds,
including Catholics, Quakers, and Jews, as well as those who identified as agnostic or
atheist. The First Amendment of the Constitution explicitly prohibits the
establishment of religion, ensuring that no single faith could dominate the public
sphere. This foundational principle was intended to protect both religious freedom
and the integrity of governance from sectarian influence.
Moreover, the documents that define the nation’s prevailing tendency reflect a
commitment to pluralism and secularism. The Treaty of Tripoli, ratified in 1797,
famously states that “the government of the United States is not, in any sense,
founded on the Christian religion.” Such declarations underscore the founders'
intention to create a society where religion could thrive without imposing itself on
governance.
While Christianity has undeniably played a significant role in shaping American
culture, the assertion that the United States was founded as a Christian nation is more
myth than fact. The founding fathers' commitment to deism and Enlightenment
principles provided a framework for a secular government that values individual
rights and religious diversity. As we navigate contemporary societal challenges, it is
crucial to honor this legacy by recognizing and preserving the secular foundations
upon which America was built. Doing so not only respects the original vision of the
nation but also fosters an inclusive environment where all beliefs can coexist.
Rev. Jethroe Moore II, President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 165
For decades, hair relaxers have been marketed to Black women, despite
growing evidence linking them to serious health risks. The National
Institutes of Health’s 2022 “Sister Study” revealed an increased risk of
uterine cancer, especially for frequent users.
The NAACP is partnering with Singleton Schriber to challenge these harmful
practices and seek justice for those affected. Sign our petition and add
your voice to this important fight for industry reforms that prioritize
women’s health.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 166
Op-Ed: Proposition 36 is a backward mass
incarceration plan that solves nothing
by Vicente VeraSEPTEMBER 10, 2024
A coalition of elected officials that Gov. Gavin Newsom dismissed as “just a
couple mayors,” is raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in an effort to reverse
lenient rules on retail and drug crimes.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced the “Yes on 36” ballot measure
committee with Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and Sacramento County
District Attorney Thien Ho on Aug. 14 to call for tighter laws and jail
sentences on retail theft and drug crimes. But supporters of the criminal
justice reforms that 2014’s Proposition 47 brought to California, said Proposition
36 will only increase the jail population and roll back funds for mental health and
drug treatment programs.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 167
Silicon Valley De-Bug founder Raj Jayadev said Proposition 36 would only
ensure mass incarceration and expansion of prisons.
“Prop 36 turns back the clock to a time of failed law on drug policies, racialized
criminalization of communities of color and poor people, and in the most
practical ways,” Jayadev told San José Spotlight. “It is designed to incarcerate
vulnerable people.”
If California voters pass Proposition 36 on the Nov. 5 ballot, the total prison
population could increase by a few thousand people, according to
the Legislative Analyst’s Office. About 90,000 people are incarcerated across
the state.
Known as the Increase Drug and Theft Penalties and Reduce Homelessness
Initiative, Proposition 36 would bring back felony charges for thefts of money or
property worth less than $950, along with felony charges for people possessing
fentanyl. READ MORE
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 168
In an effort to develop knowledge and awareness of the Department of Justice (DOJ)resources and programs, Attorney General Rob Bonta’s Office of CommunityAwareness, Response, and Engagement (CARE) hosts quarterly virtualpresentations that are open to the public. These webinar presentations areopportunities to hear, learn, and ask questions directly with DOJ staff regarding theDOJ’s various divisions, sections, bureaus, and offices. We invite you to join our next Demystifying the DOJ webinar event which willhighlight the Racial Justice Bureau (RJB). Please see below for more information onhow to register and attend: Demystifying the Department of Justice Racial Justice Bureau (RJB) Wednesday, September 18, 2024 10:00 AM -11:00 AM Virtual Presentation REGISTER HERE
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 169
The Racial Justice Bureau (RJB) was established by AG Bonta to increase focus onracial and social justice issues across DOJ's civil rights work and support new andongoing efforts to protect all Californians. RJB helps the DOJ advance racial justicethrough investigations, litigation, amicus briefs, public reports, and otherpublications.
Big Lies on the National Stage
In Tuesday’s presidential debate, former President Trump reiterated the Big Lie that
the 2020 election was stolen, a claim rejected by more than 60 courts. He also
repeated falsehoods about a “migrant crime wave” and noncitizen voting — myths
thoroughly debunked by a comprehensive collection of research the Brennan
Center has compiled in recent months. With such rumors seemingly aimed at
undercutting the credibility of the upcoming election, we remain committed
to fighting fear with facts as the campaign progresses.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 170
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 171
Project 2025 threatens to undo decades of progress for our
communities, stripping away our rights and silencing our voices.
This extremist, right-wing agenda seeks to take us back, but
NAACP is fighting forward with Our 2025 — a bold vision that
champions higher wages, quality education, and justice for all.
We refuse to let this radical manifesto dictate our future. We
must fight, we must advocate - we must vote - to ensure that Our
2025 becomes our reality.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 172
The president of the NAACP’s South Dade branch said he’ll request a meeting with
the mayor and police director over the treatment of Miami Dolphins star wide receiver
Tyreek Hill during a traffic stop.
“I’m aware of other incidents similar to this in the community, where a traffic stop
was escalated to something that it didn’t necessarily have to. And so this is a common
pattern of behavior,” said Harold Ford, president of the NAACP chapter.
“I don’t know what in their training says it has to go there, but when egos and
attitudes get in the way, people can seriously, seriously get hurt, if not worse.”
Hill’s treatment – witnessed by teammates, captured on social media and then shown
on officers’ body camera video – once again put a lens on police use of force against
unarmed black men. The bodycam, released Monday, showed the officers aggressive
interactions with Hill. READ MORE
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 173
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 174
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 175
Nearly Half of Renter Households Are Cost-
Burdened, Proportions Differ by Race
Over 21 million renter households spent more than 30% of their income onhousing costs in 2023, representing nearly half (49.7%) of the 42.5 million renterhouseholds in the United States for whom rent burden is calculated. Althoughthe median ratio of income-to-housing costs for renters remained unchanged
from 2022 at 31%, there are differences in the income-to-housing cost ratio
when comparing across householder’s race. That’s according to newly available
data tables released today from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS),1-year estimates."Housing costs rose between 2022 and 2023 for both homeowners and renters.The median cost of housing for renters rose from $1,354 to $1,406 (after
adjusting for inflation)," said Molly Ross, a survey statistician with the U.S.
Census Bureau. "And new data from the 2023 ACS, 1-year estimates show that
the share of a rented household’s income that goes towards these housing costsdiffers by householder race.”Read More
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 176
Now more than ever, it’s important to wear your activism on your sleeve
(literally). We are thrilled to announce that new NAACP t-shirts are
available for order (and pre-order) in the NAACP Store. Show your support
by wearing these statement T-shirts:
“Our Black Job Is Voting” T-shirt — Pre-Order here.
“Political As Hell” T-shirt — Order here.
"All In” T-shirt — Order here.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 177
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 178
Celebrating civic holidays is a crucial part of strengthening our democracy. At the
NAACP, we believe these holidays provide an essential platform for uplifting and
empowering our communities. By participating in these events, we can highlight
the importance of voter registration, education, and participation.National
Voter Registration Day and National Black Voter Day emphasize the
importance of registering to vote.
National Voter Education Week is focused on informing citizens about
their rights and the voting process, enabling them to make informed
decisions.
Vote Early Day encourages early participation in elections.
On Election Hero Day, we honor the dedication and hard work of poll
workers and election officials who uphold the integrity of our electoral
system.
On Election Day… we head to the polls!
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 179
Together, these civic holidays serve as a reminder and call to action for all of us
to engage actively in the democratic process. By doing so, we not only honor our
right to vote but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative
government.
P.S. Are you an NAACP member? Through September 20, we are challenging
each unit to register 50-100 voters. Visit our site to learn more.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 180
Topic: NAACP ASVA STATE/STATE CONFERENCE CHAIRPERSONS COMMITTEE
MEETING
Time: Sep 16, 2024 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
NAACP ASVA WEBINAR - PRESENTATIONS
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 181
1. BENEFITS EQUITY FOR VETERANS, FAMILIES & SURVIVORS; CHERYL
RAWLS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , OFFICE OF EQUITY ASSISTANCE U.S. DEPT.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
2. THE IMPACT OF PROJECT 2025 ON ACTIVE MILITARY, VETERANS &
FAMILIES; CEDRIC C. HAYNES V.P. POLICY & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, NAACP
Join Zoom Meeting
https://naacpheadquarters.zoom.us/j/89510267572?
pwd=HxJksDpSF347NmBzGnIznAQpxMVF54.1
b95ea229-2988-4a2b-920a-fe11ccea97a6 image
Register to Vote
Registering to vote can take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Exercise your right to defend democracy by registering to participate
in upcoming elections.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 182
Absentee Voting
Being away from home is no excuse for not voting! If you are unable
to vote at your designated polling place, request your absentee
ballot.
Verify Your Voter Registration Status
Confirm your voter registration status to ensure you are ready to go
once the polls open!
Greetings, Leaders,
9/16 - Join us for We Fight! You Vote: Voter Education, Engagement, and Protection,
a webinar designed to provide essential information and tools to empower voters in
North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Texas, and South Carolina. With voting laws
constantly changing, staying informed is our strongest defense. Register today to learn
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 183
strategies that help voters navigate the process with confidence and take control of
their vote.
Register here.
Sign up to:
This is the most important election of our lifetime. From now until election
season, we need your help to turn out as many voters as possible. Sign up to
volunteer and contact voters within your community. Sign up here!
Help us increase Black voter turnout
For Culture. For Community
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 184
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 185
The Experts’ Guide to
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 186
Free and Fair Elections
Sep. 19// 3–4 p.m. ET
Virtual Event
Election workers are unsung heroes, ensuring behind the scenes that our
elections run smoothly and securely. Yet many people don’t fully grasp what
their job entails, leaving room for election deniers to spread misinformation.
This lack of understanding has fueled a disturbing rise in threats,
intimidation, and abuse against election officials since 2020. As we
approach another critical election marked by rampant misinformation and
attacks on our democracy, it’s more important than ever to know the facts
about election administration.
Join us for a live event at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 19, that will
spotlight these essential but often overlooked professionals. The discussion
will offer a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the people who make
our elections possible as they share their day-to-day challenges and the vital
role that they play in protecting democracy.
Panelists:
Adrian Fontes, Secretary of State, Arizona
Brenda Cabrera, Former Director of Elections, Fairfax, Virginia
Brianna Lennon, County Clerk, Boone County, Missouri
Moderator: Natalie Tennant, Former Secretary of State, West Virginia
Click To Registar
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 187
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 188
9604d5b9-2b65-45a4-b0d0-6b96bc579349 image
Our democracy stands at a crossroads. With the right to vote facing unprecedented
challenges, it’s more important than ever to amplify the voices of Black voters andensure every vote is counted. This is where you come in.
Our volunteers help drive the NAACP mission forward by dedicating their time to
empowering voters to make it to the ballot box. Imagine the impact of your efforts —every call you make or text you send encourages an infrequent voter to exercise their
right and participate in shaping our collective future.
Sign up to volunteer with the NAACP and be part of a movement that championsequity and justice for all. Together, let’s make history by ensuring every Black voter
has their say in the upcoming election.
Your voice matters, and so does your action. Join us in making a lasting impact.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 189
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 190
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 191
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 192
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 193
NAMI Virtual Town Hall Presents:Mental Health Equity: Building Strategic Partnerships to Improve Access toMental Health Care and Reduce Suicide Risk in Black/African AncestryCommunities Thursday, September 26| 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. ETAs we recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month, it’s important to addressthat our nation is facing an alarming rise in suicide rates among Black/Africanancestry men. Despite the essential role of mental health in overall wellbeing,members of Black/African ancestry communities often encounter significant barriersto accessing care, from stigma to a lack of culturally relevant services.Join the Community Health Equity Alliance initiative for a powerful Virtual TownHall where our panel of mental health champions explore how strategic partnershipsand community-driven solutions can help improve access to care and reduce theserising suicide rates. Moderated by Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. Chief Executive Officer, NAMI, our panelists willalso:
Explore the importance of promoting 988.Learn how you can help ensure crisis response equity.Discover policy solutions that address this urgent public health crisis.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 194
Panelists:
Rev. Dr. Que English, Director, Center for Faith-Based and NeighborhoodPartnerships, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Victor Armstrong, Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, AmericanFoundation for Suicide Prevention
Together, we can all make a positive difference in our communities because thisCRISIS CAN’T WAIT. ACT NOW AND REGISTER
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 195
fa848cbb-01af-4e43-8ad0-7d8bc07568b5 image
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 196
b567685d-b8a4-474a-911a-0a391ac543c6 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 197
Tainted Trials and Stolen Justice
Carlos R. Harris Story
Carlos R. Harris was wrongfully convicted for the attempted murder of Robert
“Bobby” Carr, assault with a deadly weapon and robbery in concert on August 23,
2005. Santa Clara County is filled with occurrences of tainted trials and stolen justice.
Carlos has maintained his innocence in the planning and attack of Robert a.k.a. Bobby
Carr to date.
Carlos co-hosted a BBQ at a friends apartment complex labor day weekend in 2004.
He invited his family and friends to join him and celebrate the holiday at a close
friend’s home. Carlos left the BBQ at the apartment complex early to meet up with a
friend he ran into earlier that day. On the evening of the BBQ in the laundry room of
Carlos friend’s apartment complex Robert Bobby Carr was robbed and attacked by
Carlos’s co-defendants. Carlos was not aware of the attack until much later that
evening when he was picked up down the street from the apartment complex by his
wife and several associates (so-called friends) who confessed to the setup, robbery and
attempted murder of Robert Bobby Carr which Carlos was not apart of. Robert Bobby
Carr recovered the attack and eventually submitted a written statement identifying his
attackers and Carlos does not fit the description. The victim stated he never met or
saw Carlos before. READ MORE
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 198
RSVP NAACP Inclusive Economy September
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 199
Forum Call w/ CFPB-Thursday, September
26th, from 6:00 PM—7:00 PM EST, we will host our
bimonthly Inclusive Economy Forum Call. This will be a webinar format, providing an
interactive platform for NAACP members, such as yourself, to connect, hear updates
from the NAACP Inclusive Economy team, and learn about ways to engage in work
related to housing and economic development.
We are excited to announce part two of our three-part series with our special guests,
the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agency
dedicated to ensuring banks, lenders, and other financial institutions treat you fairly.
This September webinar will be a follow-up opportunity for our members to learn
more about what the CFPB is doing. CFPB staff will provide us with an overview of
crucial policy updates, including those related to student lending, and a brief Q+A
session at the end of the event.
You do not want to miss this critical webinar and your chance to interact directly with
the CFPB. Please be sure to RSVP here no later than Monday, 9/23. We will
send additional meeting information to registrants alongside the meeting Zoom link.
Your participation is what makes these calls successful, and we are grateful for your
commitment to our cause.
Warm Regards,
Lindsey Walker
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 200
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 201
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 202
7de4a6cc-eee6-4d59-96f2-7ed59a2e2a9b image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 203
f769d49b-5ddc-46b5-a2fb-206f58e1842a image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 204
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 205
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 206
2024 Branch Election Manual
Election date and time (Saturday 11.23.24 - 9am-1pm) Good Morning Freedom Fighters,
You will find the New Branch Election Manual below. Let me know if you haveany questions about any of the information provided. The manual includes thenew election rules effective June 1, 2024. Thanks!
2024 Branch ElectionsWe are approaching Branch Election time, and we are dedicated to providingthe best information to assist you in this effort. There will be three webinars tocover the election manual and the election process.
Click Here: 2024 New Branch Election Manual
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 207
Negroes and the Gun: The early NAACPchampioned armed self-defense
By Prof. Nicholas Johnson,
When W.E.B. Dubois patrolled his home with a shotgun after the 1906 Atlanta
race riot, he was an aberration. But not how you think. Dubois reports that he
was unusual among his contemporaries because until that point he did not own a
gun.
Dubois’s gun purchase and his aggressive statements following the riot were not
passion-of-the-moment things that he would regret. They were part of a
continuing engagement of the practice and philosophy of armed self-defense. As
editor of the NAACP’s flagship magazine TheCrisis, Dubois continued to
champion armed self-defense as a core private interest. Indeed, in some
instances, Dubois seemed to cast self-defense as a duty. After a lynching in
Gainesville, Fla., he wrote: “No Colored man can read an account of the recent
lynching in Gainesville without being ashamed of his people. Without resistance
they let a white mob whom they outnumbered two to one, torture, harry and
murder. In the last analysis lynching of Negroes is going to stop when the
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 208
cowardly mob is faced by effective guns in the hands of people determined to sell
their souls dearly.” READ MORE
fa848cbb-01af-4e43-8ad0-7d8bc07568b5 image
8b4144e6-fa69-444c-a20b-5973f650bff0 image
Florida's Negro War: Black
Seminoles and the Second
Seminole War 1835-
1842 Paperback – Software
Key Card, April 1, 2014
by Anthony E Dixon (Author)
From 1817 to 1858, the United States
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 209
government engaged in a bitter conflict with the
Seminole Nation. This conflict would result in
three distinct wars. The Second Seminole War
(1835-1842) was conducted under the IndianRemoval Policy of the 1830’s. This war was a
result of the American plantation societies’relentless efforts to enslave the Black Seminole
population. The United States government’sobjective became to return as many Black
Seminoles, if not all, to slavery. Evidence proves
that the efforts of the U.S. military to place
Blacks in bondage were not only a major
underlying theme throughout the War, but at
various points, the primary goal. It is clear that
from the onset of the war, the United States
government, military, and state militias grossly
underestimated both the determination and the
willingness of the Black Seminole to resist at all
cost. Thus, this book will not only make theargument that the Second Seminole War was
indeed a slave rebellion, but perhaps the mostsuccessful one in United States’ history.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 210
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 211
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 212
2a343a8c-a9f3-4e10-b8d8-b1e1a4540213 image
Website History Events Youth
Address:
205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112
Telephone:+1 (408) 898-6985
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 213
Drop Us A Line
San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP | 1313 N Milpitas Blvd #163 | Milpitas, CA 95035 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 214
From:Aram James
To:Ed Lauing; Greer Stone; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Josh Becker; Henry Etzkowitz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; HumanRelations Commission; Kaloma Smith; Sean Allen; Raymond Goins; Jeff Moore; Jeff Rosen; Stump, Molly;Shikada, Ed; Templeton, Cari
Subject:Such utter dreck (AIPAC)
Date:Friday, September 13, 2024 12:46:29 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
VILE MAGA WHITE WING JEWISH SUPREMISISTS ZIONIST PROPAGANDA
https://www.aipacpac.org/
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 215
From:Syed Husaini
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Request for Investigation into the City’s Withdrawal of Support for the Multi-Faith Peace Picnic
Date:Thursday, September 12, 2024 5:08:48 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Members of the Human Rights Commission
I am writing as a concerned citizen to bring to your attention a recent incident involving the
City of Palo Alto’s withdrawal of support for the annual Multi-Faith Peace Picnic. This eventhas been a cornerstone of our community for years, fostering unity, understanding, and peace
among people of diverse faiths and backgrounds. One of the main purposes of the Multi-FaithPeace Picnic is to honor the victims of the tragic events of 9/11. The event pays tribute to
those who lost their lives and to the first responders who heroically served that day. Bycoming together in remembrance, we aim to build bridges of understanding and promote a
message of peace to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
The picnic consistently provides a platform for residents to unite in the spirit of harmony andmutual respect. It features prayers, poems, songs, and messages of peace from various
religious and cultural groups, promoting a sense of belonging and solidarity within ourcommunity.
Recently, the city rescinded its support for the event due to the inclusion of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a co-sponsor. CAIR is the largest Muslim civil rightsand advocacy organization in the United States, dedicated to enhancing the understanding of
Islam, protecting civil liberties, and building coalitions that promote justice and mutualunderstanding. By including CAIR as a co-sponsor, the event aimed to further its mission of
inclusivity and representation of all faiths and cultures within our community.
This action raises serious concerns about potential discrimination, as it appears to beinfluenced by Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiments. Such a decision not only
undermines the spirit of inclusivity that the picnic embodies but also marginalizes members ofour community based on their religious and cultural affiliations. Islamophobia and anti-
Palestinian bias have no place in our diverse and welcoming city.
The withdrawal of support under these circumstances sends a troubling message thatcontradicts our shared values of equality, respect, and mutual understanding. It is essential that
all community events promoting peace and unity receive equitable support, regardless of theparticipating organizations’ backgrounds.
I respectfully request that the Human Rights Commission investigate this matter to ensure that
all community members are treated fairly and that the principles of diversity and inclusion areupheld. An impartial review could help clarify the reasons behind the city’s decision and
address any misunderstandings or biases that may have influenced it. The positive impact ofthe Multi-Faith Peace Picnic on our community cannot be overstated. By honoring the victims
of 9/11 and promoting dialogue among different faiths, it has been instrumental in reducingprejudices and fostering a culture of peace and mutual respect. Preserving such events is
essential for the continued growth and harmony of our community.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 216
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
I trust that the Commission will take appropriate steps to investigate and address theseconcerns for the betterment of our city.
Sincerely,
Syed Husaini
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 217
From:Aram James
To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Henry Etzkowitz; Jeff Moore; Sean Allen; Raymond Goins; Council, City; Rose Lynn; VickiVeenker; Daniel Kottke; Stephen Le; Human Relations Commission
Subject:The number of new households becoming homeless is rapidly rising in Santa Clara County, with one in five or
21% being families with children. From 2022 to the e…
Date:Thursday, September 12, 2024 3:09:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
The number of new households becoming homeless is rapidly rising in Santa Clara County,
with one in five or 21% being families with children. From 2022 to the e…
Source: San José SpotlightSanta Clara County sees 24% spike in homeless residents - San José Spotlight
https://search.app/sgpzvAq6KqRNHQbF9
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 218
From:Aram James
To:Ed Lauing; Shikada, Ed; Greer Stone; Stump, Molly; O"Neal, Molly; Daniel Kottke; D Martell; Human RelationsCommission; Vicki Veenker; Palo Alto Free Press; Burt, Patrick; Braden Cartwright; Dave Price;district1@bos.sccgov.org
Cc:Jose Valle; Hornung, Joel; Joe Simitian; Figueroa, Eric; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Friends of
Cubberley; Lewis james
Subject:Why so many true Americans despise law enforcement
Date:Wednesday, September 11, 2024 8:58:12 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
How police treated Tyreek Hill should
frighten everyone with car keys
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/09/10/tyreek-hill-police-misconduct/
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 219
From:Aram James
To:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; district1@bos.sccgov.org; Cindy Chavez; Joe Simitian
Cc:dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Kaloma Smith; Human Relations Commission
Subject:Re: OIG Newsletter #7, September 2024
Date:Monday, September 9, 2024 3:20:19 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
On Mon, Sep 9, 2024 at 2:12 PM Office of the Inspector General <sfoig@sfgov.org> wrote:
OIG Newsletter #7 / September / 2024
A Message from the Inspector General, Terry Wiley
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 220
Dear San Francisco,
What an extraordinary month it has been,
witnessing the prosecutor I began my career withover 30 years ago at the Alameda District
Attorney's Office make history by accepting the
nomination to become the 47th President of theUnited States. I hope that Vice-President Kamala
Harris energizes and inspires all of you to fight
for the rights and freedoms promised to you byour Constitution.
Fittingly, this month, we commemorate our
constitution during Constitution Week, beginningwith Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on
September 17th. September 17, 1787, marks the
day when the members of the ConstitutionalConvention signed the United States
Constitution, establishing and safeguarding the
rights and freedoms to which we are entitled.This sacred document empowers us to hold our
government and law enforcement officials
accountable when they overstep their bounds. Asyour Inspector General, I am committed toensuring constitutional policing by our Sheriff’s
Office and constitutional conditions in our jails.
I intend to organize town hall meetings
throughout the city to engage, listen to, and
connect with as many interested stakeholders aspossible. Your input is important to me. Our next
town hall meeting will be in the Mission District
on September 13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at 292919th Street, SF, CA 94110. I want to expressspecial thanks to Joanna Hernandez for helping
us secure the meeting space, promoting theevent, and tirelessly advocating on behalf ofinmates. I aim to meet with all the communities
we serve in this work. Please reach out if you
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 221
would like me to come out for a town hallmeeting in your neighborhood.
Congratulations to the Sheriff's Department
Oversight Board for selecting excellent officersfor the 2024-2025 term by re-electing Julie Soo
as president and electing Dion-Jay (DJ) Brookter
as vice president. I look forward to a productiveyear ahead and would like to express my sincere
gratitude to both the re-elected president and
former Vice President Xochitl Carrion for theirexceptional leadership during the previous term.
Thank you for your continued support.
-Terry
National Night Out
I want to share how great it was to see manycommunity members and law enforcement
officers at National Night Out on August 6th. It
was heartening to see neighbors and lawenforcement getting to know each other in a
friendly and supportive atmosphere. Building
mutual understanding and respect helps to fostertrust in our law enforcement, making our
communities safer for everyone.
I had the chance to attend two National Night Outevents: one at Boeddeker Park in the Tenderloin,
where I saw Mayor Breed, and another at EllaHill Hutch Center in the Western Addition. I wantto give a special thank-you to the investigators
from the Department of Police Accountability -
Vince Villa, Joseph Lazzareschi, and KarenMoore - for staffing the booths and providing
information about the DPA and the OIG.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 222
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 223
Association of Inspectors General Certification
To stay current on the
latest in oversight and
to incorporate bestpractices into my work
and the establishment
of this new agency, Iattended theAssociation of
Inspector GeneralInstitute at John JayCollege of Criminal
Justice in New YorkCity, from August 12thto August 16th. This
intensive five-day
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 224
program covered allfacets of conductingoversight according to
national standards,from caseinvestigations to
departmentmanagement.
It was an amazing
experience learningfrom impressiveinstructors and getting
to know otherInspector Generalsfrom around the
country. I am proudand excited toannounce that I have
met the qualifications,successfully completedthis rigorous program,
and passed the examto become yourCertified Inspector
General.
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 225
In response to concerns from the community andreports from the San Francisco Nursing Unionabout frequent assaults on the job, Board
Member Brookter and I visited Zuckerberg SanFrancisco General Hospital (ZSFGH) on August22nd to learn more about the role of the San
Francisco Sheriff's Office (SFSO) there. Weexamined the conditions where the mostvulnerable inmates receive care under the
SFSO's authority, the areas under the SFSO'scontrol, and the services the SFSO provides. Iwant to thank SFSO Chief of Staff Richard Jue,
Chief Deputy Kevin McConnell, and CaptainBrian Krol for facilitating the visit and showing usaround.
ZSFGH is a sprawling and bustling campus thatis much more than just a hospital and trauma
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 226
center, providing many critical services, including
mental health and addiction treatment, forensicexaminations, rehabilitation services, inmate
care, and specialized care and treatment. A
diverse array of people arrives at the ZSFGHdaily around the clock.
The SFSO is contracted to provide security forthe hospital. This location also serves as anoperational hub for the SFSO to monitor different
health service facilities throughout the city.
Additionally, the SFSO regularly deploysdeputies to the surrounding areas when a law
enforcement response is needed. It is an
extremely busy post with 500-600 calls forservice a month.
From our visit, it was clear that the SFSO is
short-staffed at this station and reliant onoutdated technology to monitor many locations.SFSO's command staff at the ZSFGH depend on
volunteered overtime to keep operations afloatand must assess staffing levels every morning tomake the difficult decision of prioritizing which
posts they can staff and which they cannot.
Those seeking care, those visiting loved ones,
and those dedicated to providing care in service
to others should not feel unsafe or be subjectedto violence without adequate protection. If theSFSO is going to provide security at the ZSFGH,
I'll advocate for them to have the necessary toolsto do it right.
Upcoming Plans
To keep you informed about our ongoing activities and projects, below is a preview of what to expect
in the next few months.
Regular visits to the County Jails to hear input from the inmates and staff about the jailconditions. We will be alternating between the jail facilities in San Francisco and San Bruno.
Regular town hall meetings to inform the community about the role of the OIG and availableservices and to engage the community in a dialog about where to prioritize our efforts.
Using this newsletter to amplify the voices of the most impacted community members by
creating a section for community perspectives and opinions. We want to thank Board Member
Afuhaamango for assisting with this effort.
About
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 227
In 2020, San Francisco voters passed Supervisor Walton's Proposition D, which resulted in theformation of the Sheriff's Department Oversight Board and the Office of the Inspector General. Theprimary function of these entities is to provide independent oversight for the Sheriff's Office. On
December 20, 2023, the board appointed Inspector General Wiley, who officially assumed his role onJanuary 8, 2024.
We appreciate your patience and support as Inspector General Wiley builds the Office of the
Inspector General to become operational. While the Inspector General seeks funds through thebudget process to serve the people of San Francisco and deliver on the promise of Proposition D, the
Department of Police Accountability will continue to provide independent investigations into
complaints of serious misconduct against San Francisco Sheriff deputies and in-custody deathspursuant to existing agreements.
Please stay tuned for updates about the transition of this work.
San Francisco Office of the Inspector General website: Office of the Inspector General | SanFrancisco (sf.gov)
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.View this email online.
1 South Van Ness Ave 2nd Floor None | San Francisco, CA 94103 US
This email was sent to abjpd1@gmail.com.To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 228
From:Aram James
To:Ed Lauing; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Templeton, Cari; Josh Becker; Henry Etzkowitz; Jeff Rosen
Cc:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Council, City; GRP-City Council; Bill Newell; Raymond Goins; Raj Jayadev; Jose Valle;
Roberta Ahlquist; Sean Allen; Jeff Moore; Human Relations Commission; Greer Stone
Subject:Thoughtcrimes In San Anselmo: SF JCRC Cohort’s Attack On A Library Turns Up Ties To Jeffrey Epstein-linkedWexner Foundation; A Powerful State Prosecutor; And A School Board Candidate
Date:Monday, September 9, 2024 10:59:29 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Thoughtcrimes In San Anselmo: SF JCRC
Cohort’s Attack On A Library Turns Up
Ties To Jeffrey Epstein-linked Wexner
Foundation; A Powerful State Prosecutor;
And A School Board Candidate
https://open.substack.com/pub/marincountyconfidential/p/thoughtcrimes-in-san-anselmo-sf-
jcrc?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 229
From:Roberta Ahlquist
To:Lotus Yee Fong WILPFUSA; linda lopez-otero; Henry Etzkowitz; Cherrill Spencer; Brian; paul bundy; Gardener, Liz;
Aram James; Marie-Louise Starling-Bell; Jasmina Bojic; Chuck Jagoda; Sally Clark; Human Relations Commission;
Debbie Mytels; EPA Today; Gerry Gras; Raging Grannies of the Peninsula; Gerry jurgensen; Sandy Perry-HCA;
Pastor Kaloma Smith; Shelly Kosak; Emer Martin; Iza Predmdore; Robin; sandra weiss; Wendy Peikes
Subject:Fwd: Prof. Joel Beinin Speaks About Gaza • Vigils for Peace & Planet • Electrify Yourself!
Date:Thursday, September 5, 2024 3:32:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
fyi
---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Peninsula Peace and Justice Center<paul@peninsulapeaceandjusticecenter.ccsend.com>Date: Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 3:09 PMSubject: Prof. Joel Beinin Speaks About Gaza • Vigils for Peace & Planet • Electrify Yourself!To: <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>
Coming up from PPJC!
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 230
beinin-sept-21-logo-1080-compatible image
Renowned Middle East historian Joel Beinin speaks on the Israel-Palestine conflict
Saturday, September 21, 2:00 PMFirst Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, Outdoor Courtyard1140 Cowper Street, Palo Alto ~ Or on Zoom
Please join us after the talk for a social reception with light refreshments
• Your RSVP for In-Person Attendance Would be Greatly Appreciated •
• Advance Registration Required for Zoom Attendance •
There can be no way to know what the situation my be when this talk takesplace, but there is one fact that will not be changed, regardless of the status: ThePalestinian people will have been living under illegal Israeli occupation for fifty-seven years.
Peninsula Peace and Justice Center is honored to welcome renowned Middle Easthistorian Prof. Joel Beinin for his first in-person talk for us since his retirement.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 231
ov-eelectrify-logo image
Joel Beinin is the Donald J. McLachlan Professor ofHistory and Professor of Middle East History,Emeritus at Stanford University. He received hisPh.D. from the University of Michigan in 1982 beforecoming to Stanford in 1983. From 2006 to 2008 heserved as Director of Middle East Studies andProfessor of History at the American University inCairo. In 2002 he served as president of the MiddleEast Studies Association of North America.
Beinin’s research and writing focus on the social andcultural history and political economy of modernEgypt, Palestine, and Israel and on US policy in the Middle East. He has written oredited twelve books, most recently A Critical Political Economy of the Middle Eastand North Africa (Stanford University Press, 2020). More...
Volunteers needed! We could use a few folks to help with set up, servingrefreshments, and clean up. If you're interested, please contact Paul George formore details. Thank you!
• Your RSVP for In-Person Attendance Would be Greatly Appreciated •
• Advance Registration Required for Zoom Attendance •
Also coming up from PPJC!
Electrify Yourself! A Practical Guide to Getting Ridof Greenhouse Gases in Your HomeWednesday, September 25, 7:00 PMZoom Webinar - Advance Registration Required
A workshop with Aimee Gotway Bailey, a PhDphysicist working at the intersection oftechnology, policy and business to catalyze cleanenergy deployment and combat global climatechange. There is a powerful and practical waythat each of us can pursue to help confrontclimate change: electrify our homes and turn offthe natural gas. This workshop will show you howto do it. More...
WILPF's Silent Vigil for Ceasefire and Peace in Ukraine andPalestine/GazaFriday, September 6, 12:00 NoonEl Camino Real & Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto
Women's Int'l League for Peace & Freedom's silent vigilsstand on the corner to Say No to Nukes and ICBMmissiles. We seek the ratification of the Treaty on theProhibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) which can serveto free funds used for war, destruction and death for
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 232
peaceful use. More...
Fridays For Future Climate VigilFriday, September 6, 12:00 NoonPalo Alto Civic Center, King Plaza, 250 Hamilton Avenue,Palo Alto
How are you feeling about climate change? In associationand solidarity with the global Fridays for Futuremovement, Fridays For Future Palo Alto conducts a climatestrike every Friday in front of Palo Alto City Hall. More...
Vigil for the Children of GazaSunday, September 8, 5:30 - 7:00 PMEl Camino & Embarcadero, Palo Alto
Rain or shine, Vigil4Gaza gathers for a peaceful vigil for thechildren of Gaza. We have banners and pre-made signs tohold and sign making material on hand if you are feelingcreative. This is a family friendly event. Everyone welcome.Join us! More...
9/11 Multifaith Peace Picnic & PrayersWednesday, September 11, 5:30-7:45 PMKing Plaza, 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto
Let Us Move from Fear to Friendship! Join together for thisannual community gathering. We unite to honor the victimsof 9/11/01, their families and first responders and to striveto transform this tragic day into one of peace andcommunity. Sponsored by Multifaith Voices for Peace andJustice. More...
Ecological Pathways in the Climate EmergencyTuesday, September 17, 7:00 PMOn Zoom - Advance Registration Required
Discussion with Clare Westwood, Global Climate ChangeActivist. Ms. Westwood is the Regional Director,Commission for Climate Justice, Malaysia, Singapore andBrunei. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of PaloAlto. More...
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 233
Please support our work with a contribution.
To contribute by mail with check or credit card, click here.
Peninsula Peace and Justice Centerppjc@peaceandjustice.org
peaceandjustice.org | facebook.com/penin.pjc
youtube.com/ppjcvideo
(650) 326-8837
Peninsula Peace and Justice Center | 4546 El Camino Real B10-335 | Los Altos, CA 94022US
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 234
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 235