HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-23 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Special Meeting
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
6:00 PM
Human Relations Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to
attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still
maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate
from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the
meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in
person. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o n
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and
reports are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City‐Hall/Boards‐Commissions/Human‐
Relations‐Commission.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91994548701)
Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
HRC@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the
City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject
line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to HRC@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the
Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.October 10, 2024
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Presentation and Discussion on the findings of the 2024 Human Services Needs
Assessment and Determination of the Priority of Needs for the FY26/27 Human Services
Resource Allocation Program. – RDA Consulting and Staff – Action – 2 hours
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.
1 Special Meeting October 23, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSIONSpecial MeetingWednesday, October 23, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMHuman Relations Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andreports are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City‐Hall/Boards‐Commissions/Human‐Relations‐Commission. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91994548701)Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toHRC@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on theCity’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subjectline.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to HRC@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.October 10, 2024
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Presentation and Discussion on the findings of the 2024 Human Services Needs
Assessment and Determination of the Priority of Needs for the FY26/27 Human Services
Resource Allocation Program. – RDA Consulting and Staff – Action – 2 hours
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.
2 Special Meeting October 23, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSIONSpecial MeetingWednesday, October 23, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMHuman Relations Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andreports are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City‐Hall/Boards‐Commissions/Human‐Relations‐Commission. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91994548701)Meeting ID: 919 9454 8701 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toHRC@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on theCity’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subjectline.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to HRC@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALLPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThe Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.APPROVAL OF MINUTES1.October 10, 2024BUSINESS ITEMS2.Presentation and Discussion on the findings of the 2024 Human Services NeedsAssessment and Determination of the Priority of Needs for the FY26/27 Human ServicesResource Allocation Program. – RDA Consulting and Staff – Action – 2 hoursCITY 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.
3 Special Meeting October 23, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
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, October 12, 2024
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Barr, Causey, Eberle, Hsieh, Kraus, Stimmler
Absent: Smith
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. September 12, 2024
MOTION: Commissioner Stimmler moved, seconded by Commissioner Barr, to approve the
minutes of August 8, 2024.
MOTION PASSED: 6-0-1
V) 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 – Action
MOTION: Commissioner Barr moves, seconded by Vice Chair Kraus, that the HRC recommends
support for Fair Chance Housing policy approach option 1 as per the staff report with a 2-year
lookback period and support for the City Council consideration of Fair Chance Housing policies.
MOTION PASSED: 5-1-1
3. Discussion of the Proposed 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule and the draft citywide list of
holidays and dates of significance. – Staff – Discussion
NO ACTION TAKEN
VI) REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS
VII) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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TO: Human Relations Commission
FROM: Minka van der Zwaag, Manager
Office of Human Services
DATE: October 18, 2024
SUBJECT: Presentation and Discussion on the Findings of the 2024 Human Services
Needs Assessment and Determination of the Priority of Needs for the
FY26/27 Human Services Resource Allocation Process – Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION AT THIS MEETING
Staff recommends that the Human Relations Commission:
1) Receive, review and discuss the 2024 Human Services Needs Assessment; and
2) Approve RDA’s proposed Priority of Needs for the Human Services Resource
Allocation Process for FY26/27.
• Homelessness services & housing
• Services for individuals who are disabled
• Services for older adults
• Food & nutrition services
• Mental health services
BACKGROUND
The Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) is the established mechanism by
which the City solicits, reviews, and allocates general fund dollars to human service
organizations in the community; the process has been in place since 1984. One of the first
steps in the process is to establish the Priority of Needs (i.e. allowable funding categories)
Community Services Department Memorandum
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Packet Pg. 5
for each funding period. The Human Relations Commission (HRC) has historically done so
by identifying human services needs through information provided by the community at its
monthly meetings and from the findings of a biennial Needs Assessments conducted in
advance of every HSRAP application period. These biennial Needs Assessments were
limited in scope and included a survey of Palo Alto human services providers and local
demographic information.
Since the last full-scale Human Services Needs Assessment (HSNA) was conducted in 2012,
Office of Human Services (OHS) staff determined that there was a need for a more
thorough examination into local human service needs and issued a Request for Proposal
(RFP) in late 2023 for a consultant to conduct an assessment. A contract was awarded to
RDA Consulting in early 2024.
The key aim of the HSNA was to identify the needs, gaps, barriers and challenges faced by
Palo Altans seeking human services, provide an understanding of local service needs, and
help guide future grant making priorities. Together RDA and OHS identified three
overarching questions for the HSNA: (1) What human services needs are Palo Alto
residents experiencing? (2) What are the strengths and gaps in existing services available to
Palo Alto residents? (3) What are the opportunities for HSRAP to better fill gaps in
services?
OHS worked in tandem with the HRC’s HSRAP Adhoc subcommittee members Vice Chair
Kraus and Commissioner Hsieh on key touch points in the assessment.
ANALYSIS
RDA commenced their work in the spring of 2024. Key aspects of RDA’s work included:
• Qualitative Research - Focus Groups & Interviews
• Survey Research - Community & Provider Survey
• Secondary Data Analysis – Data on services provided by HSRAP Grantees and other
service providers in the County of Santa Clara
Assessment results indicated the following areas of greatest need:
(A) Essential services for high needs groups–including, primarily,
(1) services for individuals experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness,
(2) services for individuals with disabilities, and
(3) service for older adults; as well as
(B) Community connection, isolation, and inclusion.
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Packet Pg. 6
A near final version HSNA is now available and is included in this report as Attachment A.
The HRC is asked to review the Assessment and bring any questions about the process,
results and recommendations to discuss with RDA staff.
The priority for the HRC at this meeting is to review and make a recommendation on RDA’s
proposed framing of funding priorities for the next HSRAP cycle. In the future, the HRC will
address the other “best practices recommendations” included in the HSNA. For reference,
the funding priorities (Priority of Needs) for the FY24/25 HSRAP process is found in
Attachment B.
RDA’s recommendation on future HSRAP funding priorities:
• Homelessness services & housing
• Services for individuals who are disabled
• Services for older adults
• Food & nutrition services
• Mental health services
Is should be noted that these recommended categories are inclusive of the services
provided by current HSRAP grantees. The Priority of Needs must to be determined before
the RFP for the FY26/27 HSRAP is issued in December of 2024. If the Commission prefers,
this decision can be deferred to the November 14, 2024 HRC meeting.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
There was significant outreach to the community for the HSNA. This included outreach to
area Human Services providers that provide services to Palo Alto resident and several
touchpoints with current HSRAP grantees to encourage them, as well as their clients, to
complete the needs assessment survey and participate in focus groups opportunities as
well as targeted outreach to providers of services to vulnerable populations. Outreach was
also done to local communities of faith, Palo Alto Unified School District, Child Care
providers, local service group, City website/social media channels, County services
representatives, flyers in local libraries/community centers, OHS list serv, paid ads in the
Palo Alto Daily Post and Palo Alto Online, County-wide Human Service provider list serv,
key stakeholder interviews and in-person interviews with community members at local
libraries, among other outreach efforts.
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A: 2024 Human Services Needs Assessment
Attachment B: FY24/25 HSRAP Priority of Needs
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hum
Human Services Needs Assessment
City of Palo Alto Office of Human Services
ATTACHMENT A 2
Packet Pg. 8
Human Services
Needs Assessment 2024
City of Palo Alto Office of Human Services
Near Final: October 18, 2024
This report was developed by RDA Consulting
under contract with the City of Palo Alto Office
of Human Services.
RDA Consulting, 2024
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary 2
Introduction & Methodology Overview 3
Limitations 5
Definitions 6
Profile of HSNA Participants 7
Community Needs & Existing Services 11
Barriers to Service Participation 13
Essential Services for High Needs Groups 14
Community Connection, Isolation, & Inclusion 22
HSRAP Funding Alignment with Needs & Recommendations 25
Areas for Further Consideration 29
Appendix A: Community Member Snapshot 33
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City of Palo Alto OHS: Human Services Needs Assessment 2024 – Near Final – 10.18.24| 2
Executive Summary
Introduction & Methodology
In early 2024, the City of Palo Alto Office of Human Services
(OHS) engaged RDA Consulting to conduct a Human
Services Needs Assessment (HSNA) to identify and prioritize
human service needs, gaps, barriers, challenges, and
resources to guide future funding priorities and service grant
allocations, with specific emphasis on the Human Services
Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP), through which the City
has been allocating human services funds since 1983.1
To guide the 2024 HSNA, RDA—in partnership with OHS—developed a community
engagement and assessment plan to assess human service needs, existing services, and gaps.
To this end, RDA and OHS identified three overarching questions: (1) What human services
needs are Palo Alto residents experiencing? (2) What are the strengths and gaps in existing
services available to Palo Alto residents? (3) What are the opportunities for HSRAP to better fill
gaps in services? Primary and secondary qualitative and quantitative data gathering activities
conducted between May and July 2024 included focus groups, surveys, and interviews as well
as secondary data gathering and review.
Profile of HSNA Participants
HSNA community survey participants reflected diverse demographic characteristics that align
with those of the City of Palo Alto with respect to age and to some degree race/ethnicity.
Community Needs & Existing Services
Overall, the areas of greatest need resulting from this mixed methods assessment include
(A) essential services for high needs groups–including, primarily,
(1) services for individuals experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness,
(2) services for individuals with disabilities, and
(3) service for older adults; as well as
(B) community connection, isolation, and inclusion.
Barriers to Service Participation
The most common barriers to service participation involve limitations or inaccessibility of
services, waitlists or lack of capacity, long or confusing application processes, and service
costs. Additional barriers identified include location and transportation to services as well as
not knowing where to learn about services/resources.
HSRAP Alignment & Recommendations for Funding Priorities
Overall, based on the findings from this needs assessment and human services best practices,
we recommend that OHS sustain and narrow HSRAP funding priorities to primarily include
1. Homelessness services & housing
2. Services for individuals who are disabled
3. Services for older adults
4. Food & nutrition services
5. Mental health services
1 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Human-Services
The FY24 HSRAP budget
is just over $850,000 and
distributed amongst
twenty-two service
programs run by twenty-
one community-based
organizations (CBOs).
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City of Palo Alto OHS: Human Services Needs Assessment 2024 – Near Final – 10.18.24| 3
Introduction
The City of Palo Alto Office of Human Services (OHS) assists with providing a safety net of
services, and works toward enhancing the quality of life in Palo Alto in a variety of ways.2 The
OHS team oversees the Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP), a Human
Services grant program open to organizations who deliver direct safety net services to Palo
Alto residents, through which the City has been allocating human services funds since 1983.3
The 2024 HSRAP fiscal year budget is just over $850,000 distributed amongst twenty-two service
programs run by twenty-one community-based organizations (CBOs).
In early 2024, OHS engaged RDA Consulting to conduct a Human Services Needs Assessment
(HSNA) to identify and prioritize human service needs, gaps, barriers, challenges, and
resources to guide future funding priorities and service grant allocations, with specific
emphasis on the HSRAP program. RDA collaborated with OHS to carry out a variety of robust
community engagement, research, and analysis activities. Data gathered via these activities,
which took place throughout the spring and summer of 2024, directly inform this report’s
findings and recommendations.
Methodology Overview
To guide the 2024 HSNA, RDA—in partnership with OHS—developed a community
engagement and assessment plan to assess human services needs, existing services, and
gaps. To this end, RDA and OHS identified three overarching questions:
1
What human services needs are Palo Alto residents experiencing?
a. What are the most pressing human services needs in Palo Alto?
b. Which needs are being met? Which needs are not being met?
c. Whose needs are being met? Whose needs are not being met?
2
What are the strengths and gaps in existing services available to Palo Alto residents?
a. In what ways do services meet community needs?
b. In what ways are services not meeting needs?
c. To what extent does HSRAP funding align with community needs?
3
What are the opportunities for HSRAP to better fill gaps in services?
a. What potential service improvements may be needed (e.g., refinements, additions)?
b. Which population subgroups would benefit from more investment (e.g., more or expanded services)? In which specific areas of need?
c. Where can HSRAP funds have the most impact?
2 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Human-Services
3 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Human-Services
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City of Palo Alto OHS: Human Services Needs Assessment 2024 – Near Final – 10.18.24| 4
The community engagement and assessment plan identified and informed the development
and implementation of multiple primary and secondary qualitative and quantitative data
gathering activities:
●Qualitative Research (Focus Groups & Interviews): A total of four focus groups with
21 participants, interviews with four community stakeholders, and 26 intercept
interviews were conducted virtually and in person between June and July 2024, with a
combined total of 51 community participants.4 Topics covered by the in-depth one-
on-one and small group interviews and focus groups included consumer needs and
service strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement to better meet
needs of community members. These qualitative data gathering activities allowed for
deeper dive discussions and exploration of questions relating to the objectives of the
HSNA. Note: All 453 community members and service providers who completed a
survey (see below) were invited to participate in a focus group with RDA. Only 21 of
these individuals both (a) volunteered to participate and (b)ultimately showed up to
participate in one of the virtual focus groups held by RDA staff.
●Survey Research (Community & Provider Survey):
To learn about community needs and experiences in
services, a survey was administered electronically via
Alchemer (an online survey platform) and via paper form
between May 28, 2024, and July 9, 2024. Altogether we
received 419 unique survey responses from 385
community members and 34 service providers. Overall,
the number or community member respondents provides
a statistically representative sample of the broader
population of Palo Alto residents.5 Furthermore, the
sample population of community members is generally
representative of the broader population of Palo Alto
residents with respect to age and to some degree race
(see ‘Profile’ sections below).
●Secondary Data: In addition to the primary data gathered for the 2024 HSNA, RDA
partnered with the Office of Human Services to gather data on HSRAP grantees and
on service providers in the City of Palo Alto and the County of Santa Clara more
broadly. This data included agency names, service areas and descriptions, and
HSRAP award allocations (if applicable). RDA also utilized data from the 2020 Palo Alto
Census to assess the representativeness of the HSNA community survey sample.
4 Includes duplicate participants (e.g., community members and providers who participated in a focus
group and completed a community survey).
5 The community member survey sample of n=385 is considered statistically representative of the overall
population of Palo Alto, 68,572, given a 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error.
To ensure equitable
access to the
community member
survey, RDA partnered
with JR Language
Translation Services to
translate the survey into
a total of five languages:
English, Spanish, Russian,
Traditional Chinese, and
Simplified Chinese.
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Limitations
RDA leveraged varied data sources to prepare this report in alignment with best practices for
rigorous community research and analytical methodologies. Key limitations include (1)
overrepresentation of perspectives from more service-aware and engaged consumers; (2)
overrepresentation of viewpoints from HSNA participants who shared feedback via more than
one method (e.g., community survey and focus group) as well as those who received the
survey via a specific service provider who directly administered the survey to clients; (3)
limitations in number of HSRAP grantees that participated in this research (only six of 21 FY24
HSRAP grantees completed a survey); and (4) limitations with respect to community member
demographic data—(a) nearly one-in-five (19%) community member respondents did not
report their race/ethnicity and a similar proportion did not report their household income and
other important demographic variables; (b) certain demographic groups were
overrepresented (e.g., individuals 75 and over, females) while others were underrepresented
(e.g., Asian only residents), (b) the community survey included the new Middle Eastern and
North African (MENA) category introduced by the U.S. Census in April of 20246, but failed to
provide specific subcategories that would allow participants to self-identify with one or more
of the diverse and more nuanced racial categories included within the broader MENA
category (e.g., Egyptian, Iranian, Iraqi, Israeli/Jewish, Lebanese, Syrian), which is particularly
important given the current socio-political climate.
6https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2024/04/updates-race-ethnicity-
standards.html
Nonresponse Bias & Steps Taken to Minimize Bias
Multiple forms of nonresponse bias may be present with a voluntary community survey,
including community members who are unwilling or unable to respond to the survey as a
whole or unwilling or unable to respond to specific survey questions.* Individuals may
choose not to answer a specific question because it feels too personal (e.g., income,
race/ethnicity), because they are unsure how to answer, or because of some other reason.
In developing and administering the community and provider survey, RDA took multiple
steps to minimize nonresponse bias including but not limited to:
• Avoiding simple ‘yes’/ ‘no’ questions and including a wider range of response options
• Including ‘not listed – please specify:’, ‘unknown’, ‘prefer not to state’ and ‘N/A’ options
• Leaving demographic questions to the end of the survey to minimize stereotype threat**
• Ensuring all open-ended questions were optional (vs. required)
• Providing assurance that all information shared will remain confidential
• Multiple communications and reminders to complete the survey
• Providing an incentive to complete the survey
Sources:
*https://www.qualtrics.com/experience-management/research/response-
bias/#:~:text=Voluntary%20response%20biases%20in%20surveys,have%20a%20highly%20opinionated%20sample.
** https://isotl.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2019/03/eio-general_guidelines.pdf
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Definitions
● Accessible: Resources, facilities, or services that consider and are responsive to the
needs of people with disabilities (e.g., facilities or services that are built or modified so
that they can be used by people of all abilities). 7
● Endorsed Needs: For the purposes of this report, “endorsed” needs including any needs
identified by community members or service providers as an area of need (including
“top” area of need as well as additional areas of need).
● Essential Services: Programs or facilities intended to meet the basic health, welfare, and
other needs of community members with the goal of promoting self-sufficiency and
well-being.8
● High Needs: For the purposes of this report, “high needs” refers to individuals who fall
into demographic categories that have higher rates of unmet need (e.g., unhoused
individuals, older adults, individuals with disabilities) relative to other demographic
subgroups.
● Human Services Recipient: For the purposes of this report, “human services recipient”
includes any individual who identified as a human services recipient or a behavioral
health recipient per the HSNA Community Survey.
7 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability-strategies.html
8 https://www.dictionary.com/browse/human-services#google_vignette;
https://www.humanservicesedu.org/definition-human-services/
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Profile of HSNA Participants
HSNA community survey participants reflected diverse demographic characteristics that
largely align with those of the City of Palo Alto with respect to age and race, however Asian
only residents are slightly underrepresented and female residents are overrepresented within
the survey (see Table 1). With respect to age, survey respondents generally mirror the
population of Palo Alto, apart from individuals 75 and older who are overrepresented (see
Table 1). Additionally, as with the overall population of Palo Alto, approximately half of all
survey respondents identified as White (48%; 149 out of 312). Hispanic / Latino/a/x residents are
also proportionally represented (6% vs. 7%). In contrast, Asian residents are slightly
underrepresented (28% vs. 35%) while other minority subgroups including Black / African
American residents (6% vs. 2%) are overrepresented (see Table 1).
Dissimilar to the overall population of Palo Alto, which is nearly evenly split by sex (male,
female), approximately two-thirds of survey respondents (66%) identified as female.
Respondent household income varied; over half of respondents reported a household income
of $120,000 or less per year (54%; 209 out of 385) and approximately two-in-five reported a
household income of $60,000 or less per year (21%, 81 out of 385).
Beyond these demographic characteristics, most community survey respondents resided in
the following three Palo Alto zip codes: 94306 (25%; 96 out of 385), 94303 (20%; 78 out of 385),
and 94301 (17%; 67 out of 385).
Approximately one-third of community survey respondents identified as a human services
recipient (36%; 139 out of 385) and a similar proportion identified as a parent (37%; 142 out of
385). A minority of survey respondents identified themselves as an individual with a disability
(9%; 34 out of 385), and a small proportion identified as an individual experiencing
homelessness (4%; 17 out of 385) (see Appendix A for a more detailed demographic
breakdown).9
9 https://data.census.gov/profile/Palo_Alto_city,_California
NOTE: For the purposes of this report, we examined trends for those reporting a
household income of $120,000 and below, given that the American Community Survey
indicates about 25% of households in Palo Alto have an annual income of $100,000 or
less. Additionally, we examined trends for those reporting a household income of
$60,000 and below, particularly with respect to rates of unmet need.1
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Table 1. Palo Alto HSNA Community Survey & Census Demographics10
Highlighted rows indicate demographic groups that are proportionally representative of
(i.e., not statistically different from) the overall Palo Alto population.
Category Community Survey Count
Community Survey Percentage
Palo Alto 2020 Census Percentage9
Age (n=331)
44 and younger 165 50% 53%
45-59 55 17% 21%
60-74 50 15% 14%
75 and older 61 18% 11%
Sex / Gender (n=320)
Female 203 63% 51%
Male 105 33% 49%
Another Gender Identity11 12 4% N/a
Race/Ethnicity12 (n=312)
White only 149 48% 49%
Asian only 88 28% 35%
Hispanic or Latinx (of any race) 20 6% 7%
Native American or Alaska Native only 19 6% 0.1%
Black or African American only 18 6% 2%
Another Race13 18 6% N/a
10 Palo Alto 2020 Census: https://data.census.gov/profile/Palo_Alto_city,_California?g=160XX00US0655282. These data are
inclusive of American Community Survey (ACS) updates.
11 Census data could not be retrieved for comparison because Community Survey respondents selected gender
identity categories that were not available in the 2020 census data.
12 In the Community Survey, respondents were able to select all categories that applied. For the purpose of
comparison to the census data, RDA recoded data to determine who identified as ‘White only,’ ‘Asian only,’ etc.
13 This category includes race/ethnic groups representing fewer than 11 respondents in each of the following
groups: Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander only (Not Hispanic or Latinx), Multiracial (Not Hispanic or Latinx),
Jewish only (Not Hispanic or Latinx), Middle Eastern or North African only (Not Hispanic or Latinx). Census data could
not be retrieved for comparison because Community Survey respondents selected racial categories that were not
available in the 2020 census data (i.e., Jewish, Middle Eastern or North African)
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Table 2. Community Survey: Frequency of Respondent Race/Ethnicity by Household
Income
Race/Ethnicity Unknown Income $0-$30k $31-$60k $61-$90k $91k+ TOTAL
White only
(Not Hispanic or Latinx)
20 11 21 25 72 149
Non-White* (Including Hispanic or Latinx) 40 27 14 45 37 163
TOTAL** 60 38 35 70 109 312
*Non-White Race/Ethnicity categories include Asian, Native American or Alaska Native, Black or African
American, Hispanic or Latinx, or another unspecified race.
** Race/Ethnicity: Unknown/Not Reported not included given n <11 for multiple income categories.
Table 3. Community Survey: Frequency of Respondent Primary Language by
Household Income
Primary Language Unknown
Income
$0-120k $121k+ TOTAL
English 29 172 43 244
Non-English* 28 35 12 75
TOTAL** 57 207 55 319
*Non-English language categories include Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, American Sign Language,
Hebrew, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, and another unspecified language.
** Primary Language: Unknown/Not Reported not included given n <11 for multiple income categories.
Table 4. Community Survey: Frequency of Respondent Age by Household Income
** Age Group: Unknown/Not Reported not included given n <11 for multiple income categories.
Age Group Unknown
Income
$0-$30k $31-$60k $61-$90k $91-$120k $121k+ TOTAL
44 and younger 14 9 16 57 47 22 165
45 and older 53 35 21 13 11 33 166
TOTAL** 67 44 37 70 58 55 331
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Provider Snapshot
A total of 34 providers, completed the Provider Survey. Additionally, nine providers
participated in one of two focus groups with RDA staff. Overall, providers perspectives’ on
pressing community needs aligned largely with community members, with slightly greater
emphasis on mental health needs.
Areas of greatest need (i.e., top needs):
• Mental health supports for adults (15 of 29)
• Housing assistance (13 of 25)
• Food and nutrition services (11 of 24)
• Homelessness outreach and services (11 of 25)
• Older adult services (11 of 19)
• Community engagement/connection (13 of 22)
o However, most providers indicated this need was mostly or completely met.
Areas of greatest unmet* need:
*“not meeting or only “somewhat” meeting
• Housing assistance (20 of 27)
• Homelessness outreach & services (18 of 27)
• Mental health supports for adults (18 of 27)
• Transportation assistance (18 of 26)
• Emergency financial assistance (16 of 26)
• Supports for individuals with disabilities (15 of 26)
• In-home care (assistance with daily living) (15 of 26)
• Older adult services (14 of 26)
• Medical/physical health care (14 of 26)
In their own words:
Reflection on housing assistance needs & services
“There is currently a lack of shelter and affordable housing for Palo Alto residents.”
“Temporary housing for those working towards permanent placement is not available.”
Reflection on mental health needs & services
“In the context of mental health of youth, 50% are receiving support. Stress and academic
progress are impacting the mental health of students. There are not enough resources.
Families who are receiving basic needs support are unable to advocate for their children.”
Reflections on needs & services for adults & individuals with disabilities
“Senior services are not adequate for seniors with developmental disabilities.”
“Individuals with developmental disabilities are not fully included in services and activities.”
"Many disabled people need direct support from trained professionals, like support workers
who are trained specifically on how to support the medical diagnosis and disabilities."
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Community Needs & Existing Services
Overall, the areas of greatest need identified from the
triangulated results of this mixed method (qualitative
and quantitative needs assessment include
(A)essential services for high needs groups–primarily,
(1)services for individuals experiencing housing
insecurity and homelessness,
(2)services for individuals with disabilities, and
(3)service for older adults; as well as
(B)community connection, isolation, and inclusion.
Figure 1. Community Member Survey: Most Important Areas of Need (N=298-338)
The most common barriers to
service participation identified
by community survey
respondents include limitations
to or inaccessibility of services
themselves (e.g., eligibility,
capacity, cost) as well as
location, transportation, and
awareness of services.
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While needs for community connection, isolation, and inclusion are largely met, essential
services for high needs groups are largely unmet. This is especially true for: (a) individuals
experiencing homelessness, (b), adults with disabilities, and (c) those who identified as
Hispanic or Latino/a/x, another race (including multiracial), and those who did not share their
race/ethnicity.
Figure 2. Community Member Survey: Unmet Need (N=165-295)
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Barriers to Service Participation
Community survey respondents who need services experience a variety of barriers to service
participation. The most common barriers to service participation involve limitations or
inaccessibility of services themselves. Specifically, ineligibility (or uncertainty regarding
eligibility), waitlists or lack of capacity, long or confusing application processes, service costs,
as well as location and transportation to services.
Additionally, most community members indicated that they “do not know where to learn
about services/resources to help meet their needs” at least some of the time. Throughout
qualitative activities, providers and community members alike noted a need for greater
awareness and knowledge of existing services in Palo Alto and surrounding areas. Multiple
stakeholders note that greater marketing of available services and resources would be a
valuable resource to the community.
"Spreading
the word
about
available
services
needs some
work. It's
definitely a
priority for us
to get more
exposure so
that the
community
knows we
are here
and what
services we
are
providing or
need to
provide."
– Service
Provider
Figure 3. Community Survey: Barriers to Service Participation
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Essential Services for High Needs Groups
While high needs groups, such as unhoused individuals, adults with disabilities, and older
adults, benefit in part from existing services within Palo Alto and neighboring cities within the
County, they still lack comprehensive safety net services. Additionally, long waitlists for critical
services and resources including shelter, along with the high demand for mental health
services, remain pressing issues. Individuals who are currently unhoused, have a disability, or
both, had the highest rates of unmet need overall.
Housing Assistance & Homelessness Services
The most pressing need identified by participants across community engagement activities for
this assessment was accessible housing and shelter. Individuals experiencing homelessness,
low-income individuals, and more affluent community members alike consistently named
affordable housing and safe and accessible shelter as one of the most pressing needs facing
Palo Altans. The complex housing challenges in the Bay Area, driven by various economic and
social factors, have a significant impact on the Palo Alto community members–particularly
unhoused individuals, adults with disabilities, and individuals identifying as human service
recipients.
Most respondents endorsed housing assistance as an important area of need (68%; 219 out of
320 who responded), and nearly half endorsed homelessness outreach and services as an
important area of need (49%; 154 out of 312 who responded). Overall, however, most
community survey respondents indicated that they personally could access and/or afford
housing or rent, while more than one third of respondents indicated that they can only
sometimes or rarely if ever are able to (see Figure 4). In contrast, only a small proportion of
survey respondents (4%) identified as experiencing homelessness.
Figure 4. Community Survey Wellness Indicators: Housing
While housing and homelessness related services were common needs among survey
respondents overall, specific subgroups endorsed these needs more frequently than others.
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Most notably, all respondents who were currently experiencing homelessness endorsed
housing assistance and homelessness outreach and services as needs (16 out of 16 each).
Additionally, most respondents identifying as human service recipients endorsed housing
assistance (81%; 107 out of 132 who responded) and homelessness outreach and services
(71%; 88 out of 124 who responded) as needs. Additionally, most individuals experiencing
homelessness indicated their needs for housing assistance (9 out of 13 surveyed) as well as
“homelessness outreach and services” (7 out of 12 surveyed) were unmet. Qualitative data
illuminated that these individuals have experienced long wait times and short stays at shelters.
Additionally, some individuals interviewed indicated that they feel unsafe at local shelters,
including those who identify as LGBTQ+.
“I was on the (shelter) waitlist for two months. Usually, you can only stay 90 days.” “The overnight shelter doesn't work for me because I am perceived as gay —
(the other guests) will start harassing me.”
- Community Members Experiencing Homelessness
Other specific subgroups, including individuals who identified as having a disability or being an
older adult also reported higher rates of unmet needs with respect to housing assistance
(disabled: 60%, older adult: 47%) compared to full sample of community members surveyed
(30%). Individuals who did not report their race/ethnicity, those who identified as “another
race” (including multiracial), and those who identified as Hispanic or Latinx also reported
higher rates of unmet needs with respect to housing assistance (unknown race: 71%; another
race: 50%; Hispanic or Latinx: 50%).
Additionally, most provider survey respondents endorsed housing assistance (80%; 20 out of 25
who responded) and homelessness outreach and services (80%; 20 out of 25 who responded)
as needs among their client populations. Additionally, most respondents who were disabled
indicated services did not meet their needs for housing assistance (60%; 9 out of 15 who
responded). Additionally, disabled community members encounter difficulties accessing in-
person services from providers who could support them within the community.
“The unhoused can't do anything. Waitlists are long. Everything is difficult to
navigate including the city website.”
- Service Provider
The limited availability of below-market multifamily units and diverse housing options
exacerbates needs for not only unhoused individuals but also low-income Palo Altans, making
it increasingly difficult for young families, working professionals, and essential workers to secure
housing within the community. The lack of affordable housing forces essential workers into long
commutes, complicating employer efforts to retain talent, while families struggle to find
suitable living arrangements.
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Families and other community members who can't afford traditional housing increasingly turn
to alternative living arrangements, such as RV homes or residing in neighboring cities. These
realities further highlight the urgent need for more comprehensive and accessible housing
solutions within the community.
While projects like Mitchell Park Place, an affordable housing complex with plans for inclusive
community spaces, offer a promising step toward addressing housing needs, these are not
enough to meet the full scope of the need. Moreover, the affordable housing shortage poses
a critical barrier to individuals living and participating in their community.
Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Services for adults with disabilities were identified as a personal need by more than half of
participants (57%, 180 of 315). Overall, this is fewer endorsements relative to other areas of
need. However, adults with disabilities reported higher rates of unmet need in several
categories relative to most other community members (apart from unhoused adults). Notably,
approximately two-thirds (65%) of individuals with a disability indicated that their emergency
financial assistance needs are unmet and a similar proportion reported that their needs with
respect to elder abuse prevention (60%) and housing assistance (60%) are unmet—
highlighted the intersectionality of needs among adults with disabilities, older adults, and
individuals who are low-income. This subset of the population also identified unmet needs
around sexual and reproductive healthcare (57%), mental supports for children/youth (57%),
maternal and infant health care (50%), services for adults with adults with disabilities, and legal
aid support (47%) at higher rates than their counterparts who did not identify as having a
disability (apart from unhoused adults). Additionally, among human services recipients, a
greater proportion identified services for adults with disabilities as an unmet need (30%)
compared to all other areas of unmet need (14-27%), indicating that of those who do access
relevant services, there may be a greater gap in services in this area.
"Many disabled people need support from trained professionals, but it's really
hard to find the personnel to support those disabled members, including
children and adults."
-Service Provider
For many disabled individuals in the community, accessing consistent, affordable support from
trained professionals is difficult in Palo Alto and the Bay Area overall. Both children and adults,
require professional support workers trained to address specific medical diagnoses and
disabilities. However, finding such specialized disability support staff locally is often challenging.
The high cost of living in Palo Alto has led to a shortage of healthcare providers, therapists,
and direct support workers within the city. As a result, individuals with disabilities find that they
must travel long distances to receive services. Relatedly, multiple HSNA participants noted that
there are limited transportation options for individuals with disabilities (as well as older adults).
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Older Adult Services
A significant proportion of service providers and community members named the sustainability
of older adult services as an area in critical need of additional funding, resources, and
attention countywide. Older adults feel increasingly isolated and find it harder to access
essential services
A majority of those who responded to the community member survey endorsed older adult
services as an important area of need (76%; 244 out of 320 who responded). Further, most
service provider survey respondents (79%; 15 out of 19 who responded) endorsed older adult
services as a need among their client populations. Despite the pervasiveness of the need for
older adult services, there were no respondent subgroups for which the majority of
respondents indicated that this need was completely/mostly met or unmet by existing
services14 with one exception: the majority of respondents whose racial identity was not
reported (or unknown) indicated their older adult service needs were unmet (54%; 8 out of 15
who responded).
However, many respondents who participate in activities at the Avenidas Chinese Community
Center reported that it has played an essential role in meeting their needs. Other older adults
surveyed appreciate recreational opportunities including Pickleball Club and YMCA.
“Avenidas provides classes and activities which are part of ancestral heritage.
These experiences are important support for my emotional and mental health.”
- Community Member
Some older adults who do not have family nearby and are not aware of where to access
support, turn to their local library for support with relatively minor needs, including support with
various tasks or challenges related to technology. This phenomenon may be due to libraries
being more accessible and familiar, the helpfulness of individual staff at local libraries, a lack
of awareness or familiarity with the senior center, or some combination of these factors (and
possibly others).
“A lot of seniors need five minutes of help from someone. Usually with tech stuff
but a large range of tech stuff. Like the only way to pay for a ticket was
online or calling from a phone….”
- Service Provider
Service providers expressed concerns about the growing population of older adults outpacing
allocated resources, leading to longer wait times and other barriers to participation. Providers
note that there are significant limits to what local agencies can provide with respect to
transportation, social activities, medical services, and counseling for older adults.
14 For all Community Survey respondent subgroups, responses for this specific need was distributed evenly across “not met”, “somewhat met”, and “mostly or completely met”, such that no single
category constituted the majority of responses.
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"Adequate funding for senior services countywide is the biggest challenge for
us. We cannot charge fees for services under the Older Americans Act. Our
level of staffing and availability of services is directly related to grant support we
receive."
- Service Provider
Adding to these concerns, a community member highlighted the precarious situation many
older adults face in Palo Alto, emphasizing the critical role of safety net services such as
affordable housing, income programs like Social Security and SSI, healthcare, and case
management. This perspective underscores the broader challenge of aging in Palo Alto,
where a sudden change in circumstances can lead to a crisis, further straining the already
limited support systems available.
Mental Health Supports for Adults & Youth
Nearly all provider survey respondents (86%; 25 out of 29 who responded) endorsed adult
mental health support as a need among their client populations and a majority of those who
responded to the community member survey endorsed adult mental health support as an
important area of need (75%; 236 out of 316 who responded).
More specifically approximately one-in-ten survey respondents (9%) indicated that they are
rarely if ever (9%) able to access the mental health supports they need while nearly one third
reported that can personally access the mental health support they need only “sometimes”
(31%) (see Figure 5).
Figure 5. Community Survey Wellness Indicators: Mental Health Service Access
Some community survey respondent subgroups indicated that adult mental health support
was unmet by existing services more often than other subgroups. Namely, most respondents
who were experiencing homelessness indicated their needs for adult mental health support
were unmet (67%; 8 out of 12 who responded). Additionally, more than half of respondents
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who identified as “another race” (including multiracial15) indicated their needs for adult
mental health support were unmet (53%; 9 out of 17 who responded).
Community members highlighted that existing mental health services are in high demand
while simultaneously services are limited and difficult to access, leaving many community
members without proper support and resources.
Youth mental health was also identified as a specific area of need by many community
members and some service providers as well. The extent of this need may be
underrepresented in the quantitative survey findings given the community survey was not
administered directly to school age youth (under the age of 18). Several participants who
engaged with the qualitative research indicated that the stress associated with academic
performance and other pressures is impacting many students from a young age, yet resources
often remain insufficient to meet this growing demand particularly for lower income families
who are impacted by the disparity in access to resources. These accounts underscore the
need for a more comprehensive and accessible (geographically, financially) mental health
support system that spans all stages of youth development in Palo Alto, from early childhood
through adolescence.
"Youth and teen mental health [services and supports] will definitely be needed
in this community. It connects directly with some of the tragic suicides and the
high pressure in the education system."
-Community Member
“When we think of mental health, we think of adults and teens. We need to think
about elementary students. And then we also need to think about 0 through 5.”
-Community Member
Food & Nutrition Services
A majority of those who responded to the community member survey endorsed food and
nutrition services as an area of need (71%; 228 out of 320 who responded). Although this need
was common among survey respondents overall, specific subgroups endorsed it more
frequently than others. Most notably, all respondents who identified as Native American or
Alaska Native only (Not Hispanic or Latinx) (100%; 19 out of 19 who responded) and nearly all
who identified as Black or African American only (Not Hispanic or Latinx) (95%; 18 out of 19
who responded) endorsed food and nutrition services as a need. Further, most provider survey
respondents (71%; 17 out of 24 who responded) endorsed food and nutrition services as a
need among their client populations.
15 For this analysis, “another race” included: Middle Eastern or North African only (Not Hispanic or Latinx), Jewish only (Not Hispanic or Latinx), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander only (Not Hispanic or
Latinx), and Multiracial (Not Hispanic or Latinx).
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Despite the pervasiveness of the need for food and nutrition assistance, there were no
respondent subgroups for which the majority of respondents indicated that this need was
completely/mostly met or completely/mostly unmet by existing services.16 However, a
statistically significant larger proportion of individuals with a household income of $60,000 or
less indicate their food and nutrition needs are either not met or only somewhat met relative
to those with a higher income (74% vs. 60%). Additionally, among human services recipients, a
greater proportion identified food and nutrition services as an unmet need relative to other
areas of need (apart from services for adults with disabilities), indicating that of those who do
access relevant services, there may be a greater gap in services that meet the need in this
area.
“The [food bank] is only open Monday to Friday.”
- Community Member
Some unhoused community members reported traveling outside of the City of Palo Alto for
higher quality and quantity of food, as well as the ability to access free food on Saturdays and
Sundays when local Palo Alto based food and nutrition services are closed. Other community
members noted a lack of transportation to food pantries.
16 For all Community Survey respondent subgroups, responses for this specific need was distributed evenly across “not met”, “somewhat met”, and “mostly or completely met”, such that no single
category constituted the majority of responses.
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Additional Areas of Unmet Need for Specific Demographic Subgroups
Medical and Physical Health Care
A majority of Palo Alto residents who responded to the community member survey
endorsed medical/physical health care as an important area of need (78%; 245 out of
315 who responded), however medical/physical health care needs are somewhat or
mostly met for nearly all respondents (88%), with one exception: the majority of
respondents who were experiencing homelessness indicated their needs for
medical/physical health care were unmet (58%; 7 out of 12 who responded).
"Palo Alto citizens cannot get the appropriate medical therapeutic
services, or they have to commute too far away."
- Community Member
Immigrant populations reported facing further challenges in accessing medical care,
particularly when language barriers are involved. One participant highlighted, "If you
speak a language outside of just Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin, it can be really hard
to navigate the healthcare system." This adds another layer of difficulty for non-English
speaking residents in obtaining the care they need.
Emergency Financial Assistance
A majority of those who responded to the community member survey endorsed
emergency financial assistance as an important area of need (73%; 229 out of 316 who
responded), however specific subgroups endorsed this need more frequently than
others. Most notably, the majority of respondents who identified as Black or African
American only (Not Hispanic or Latinx) (100%; 19 out of 19 who responded) or Native
American or Alaska Native only (Not Hispanic or Latinx) (100%; 19 out of 19 who
responded) endorsed emergency financial assistance as a need. Most respondents with
a household income of $120,000 or less (72%; 200 out of 279 who responded) also
endorsed this need. Additionally, most service provider survey respondents (70%; 16 out
of 23 who responded) endorsed emergency financial assistance as a need among their
client populations.
Some community survey respondent subgroups indicated that emergency financial
assistance was unmet by existing services more often than other subgroups. Namely, the
majority of respondents who were experiencing homelessness indicated their needs for
emergency financial assistance were unmet (64%; 9 out of 14 who responded).
Additionally, approximately two-thirds of respondents who were disabled indicated their
needs for emergency financial assistance were unmet (65%; 11 out of 17 who
responded).
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Emergency financial assistance was not identified explicitly as a need by qualitative
research participants, however the need for (non-emergency) financial support was
implied in community members’ reflections on the wealth gap and affordable housing
issues plaguing the community.
Intersectionality of Identity & Needs:
Unhoused Individuals, Individuals with Disabilities, & Older Adults Additional findings specific to needs and services for Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults
can be found in the sections that follow; in contrast, additional findings for individuals
experiencing homelessness can be found in the section above.
Elder abuse prevention
Most respondents experiencing homelessness and the majority of respondents who
identified as disabled indicated that elder abuse prevention is an area of unmet need
(63% and 60% respectively). This area of need was not mentioned in qualitative research
activities nor open-ended responses in the community survey and would benefit from
further exploration in subsequent assessments.
In-home care assistance
Overall, individuals who identified a need for in-home care assistance had greater rates
of unmet need relevant to all other categories of need. Individuals experiencing
homelessness had the highest rates of unmet need in this area (63%) followed by older
adults (40%).
Community Connection, Isolation, and Inclusion
Community connection and engagement, along with leisure/recreation, and cultural services
or affinity spaces were the most widely shared needs identified by needs assessment
participants, crosscutting all demographic subgroups. However overall levels of unmet need
with respect to these service areas were relatively low.
Nearly half of survey respondents indicated that they sometimes or almost always feel isolated
and/or lonely (48%; 175 out of 365 who responded). Nearly half also indicated that they
sometimes or rarely/never feel included and welcome in their community (45%; 166 out of 366
who responded) (see Figure 6). However, overall, this need is relatively well met across most
subpopulations, apart from individuals experiencing homelessness and individuals with a
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disability who experience the greatest rates of unmet need around community connection
and belonging (30% and 24% respectively).
Figure 6. Community Survey Wellness Indicators: Connection & Belonging
A vast majority of community member survey respondents endorsed community engagement
and connection as an area of need (87%; 295 out of 338 who responded). Similar proportions
of respondents endorsed other engagement-related needs, including leisure and recreation
(85%; 271 out of 319 who responded) as well as cultural services or affinity spaces (81%; 269 out
of 331 who responded). These respondents reflected varying background characteristics (e.g.,
income, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, zip code), suggesting that community
engagement and connection may be a broad and common need. This finding is further
substantiated by the fact that an overwhelming majority of provider survey respondents also
endorsed community engagement and connection as a need among their client populations
(20 out of 22 providers who answered this question).
“It feels like the community is not engaged with each other. Very individualistic
and it can be very lonely. We are closed in our little, small groups- religious,
cultural, or other affiliation, rather than having neighborhood connection.”
– Community Member
Many qualitative research participants expressed appreciation for Palo Alto’s local amenities,
finding it a good place to raise a family, with high quality libraries and parks, however, many
others also felt that opportunities for community connection and engagement were limited.
High needs groups such as unhoused individuals, individuals with disabilities, and their
caregivers as well as immigrants and those who work but do not live in Palo Alto (because
they cannot afford to)—stated that they have limited opportunities to engage with other
community members. The significant disparity between community members impacts not only
the well-being of those whose needs are not met but also plays a role in undermining the
community's overall sense of belonging and connection.
Despite the pervasiveness of the need for community connection and engagement, more
than half of respondents (51%) indicated that these needs were “somewhat met” by existing
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services17. This was largely true for most subpopulations, with one exception: nearly all
respondents identifying as Native American or Alaska Native (Not Hispanic or Latinx) indicated
that their cultural service or affinity space needs were “mostly or completely met” by existing
services (95%; 18 out of 19 who responded).
Qualitative research activities provided some insight into specific ways in which specific
subgroups with the community experience needs pertaining to community engagement.
Some adults with disabilities, for example, stated that they struggle with isolation and limited
community engagement due to a lack of recreational programs, trained support staff, and
reliable transportation. Caregivers for disabled adults in the community often face significant
challenges due to the lack of support services. This absence of adequate support can quietly
contribute to feelings of isolation, which might make it more difficult for these families to feel
fully connected to the broader community.
This sense of isolation also affects immigrants and working adults who encounter barriers in
accessing essential services. For many immigrants, limited language support and a lack of
resources tailored to their needs present significant challenges. One participant shared, "In the
communities that I have served, there are no resources to help immigrants if they're not in the
school district." This issue is particularly pronounced for immigrant groups who face additional
difficulties due to limited English proficiency and the need for affordable housing.
“Outside of the school districts there are no services catering towards
immigrants. There are many Latino/a/x centric services, but the community is
divided along lines of disparities in race.”
– Service Provider
Working adults, especially those in lower-paying jobs, experience similar challenges due to
the high cost of living and lack of affordable housing. Multiple services providers noted that
they themselves and their employees cannot afford to live in Palo Alto.
"We do not live in Palo Alto. We cannot afford to live in Palo Alto. We're
spending an hour to two hours driving to work and home. Some of us are up to
four hours a day in cars. The amount of commute required for low-paying jobs is
ridiculous, and without housing solutions, we are just going to continue to
struggle to have employees come to Palo Alto."
– Service Provider
These accounts illustrate the interconnected challenges faced by different groups within the
community, highlighting the compounded impact of limited services and resources, and
affordable housing on the feasibility of low-income and high-needs community members and
service providers alike to remain connected and supported.
17 For all Community Survey respondent subgroups, responses for these specific needs were distributed evenly across “not met”, “somewhat met”, and “mostly or completely met”, such that no single
category constituted the majority of responses.
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HSRAP Funding Alignment with Needs &
Recommendations for Future Funding Priorities
Approximately three-quarters of all
current HSRAP funding (FY24) goes
toward services for individuals
experiencing homelessness, children
and youth services, and services for
disabilities and special needs. There is
significant alignment between FY24
HSRAP funding and some areas of
greatest need identified by this
assessment, including
homelessness/housing and services
for individuals with disabilities, and to
a slightly lesser extent the need for
services for older adults as well as
food and nutrition services. However,
some areas of need identified by this
assessment including food and
nutrition services would benefit from
greater prioritization.
Some areas of need identified by
community members as part of this
assessment are available in Palo Alto,
in other North County cities (Mountain
View, or Los Altos), or both. This is
especially seen for those who have
housing and emergency financial aid
needs as well as food and nutrition
needs. However, those who need to
access physical health or mental
health services often must travel to
outside of the City Palo Alto to find
the nearest provider. Additionally,
there are very few providers offering
services to older adults and
individuals with disabilities in the Palo
Alto Area. For this reason, greater
emphasis on funding for these three
areas—older adults, individuals with
disabilities, and individuals with
mental health—is strongly suggested
in the coming year.
Human Services Best Practices
Recommendations
Limit priority areas of funding to four or five.
Develop guiding values*, **. Specifically,
• Improving Accessibility
• Focus on Equity
• Cultural responsivity & centering those most impacted
• Strength in partnership & communication
• Sustainability
Lean into—and align funding—with key frameworks.
Specifically,
• Social Determinants of Health***:
Economic Stability (e.g., housing instability, food insecurity, poverty),
Neighborhood & Built Environment (e.g., access to
food, quality of housing),
Health Care Access & Quality
Social & Community Context (e.g., social cohesion)
Education Access & Quality
• Consider also: Community Engagement, Power Sharing, & Capacity Building****
Identify overarching strategic priorities. Specifically,
• Health & wellbeing of the most vulnerable individuals
(e.g., ensuring food, shelter, healthcare, supportive services & community connection; especially services for older adults and/or people with disabilities *, **, ***;
• Equitable, inclusive, & accessible services (e.g., services
encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion in marginalized communities, including access to language services) *, ***;
• Sustainability of grantee organizations****;
• System Collaboration, Communication & Integration: promote effective practice, advance collaboration &
reduce the number of silos*, **.
“Fully sustaining systems [require] significant collaboration…. Ongoing trust and communication…are key to successful human service contracts and implementation.43,44”***
Sources: *https://www.sfhsa.org/partnering-sfhsa
**https://www.chhs.ca.gov/guiding-principles-strategic-priorities/ ***https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health **** https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6816239/ *****https://kresge.org/sites/default/ files/Strengthening-the-Human-Services-Sector.pdf
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Overall, based on the findings from this mixed method analysis as well as human services best
practices (including tailored recommendations pertaining to guiding values, frameworks of
relevance, and strategic priorities), we recommend that OHS emphasizing the following five
service areas in the coming year:
1. Homelessness services & housing
2. Services for individuals who are disabled
3. Services for older adults18
4. Food & nutrition services
5. Mental health services
A brief rationale for these recommendations can be found in the ‘Recommended Areas for
Sustained or Additional HSRAP Funding’ below (far right column in Table 5), along with a
snapshot of the total number of HSRAP grantees and total dollar amount awarded to each
service area. For additional insight regarding these recommendations, please reference the
findings corresponding to each service area in the ‘Community Needs & Existing Services’
section of this report (e.g., Figure 2 and narrative discussion of unmet needs). Additionally,
areas for further consideration with respect to each of the priority service areas identified can
be found in the following section of this report.
Table 5. Frequency of Existing Service Programs by Service Area & Recommendations
Service Area Total # of Local, City, and/or County Programs
Total # of HSRAP Grantees
(FY24)
Total $ HSRAP Funding
(FY24)
Level of Unmet Need Overall
(2024
HSNA)
Recommended Area for Sustained or Additional HSRAP Funding
(2024 HSNA)
Homeless- ness/ Housing
12 7 $392,306 High High: Overall homelessness services (including shelter)
and access to affordable housing is the most significant
area of need for Palo Altans – and individuals
experiencing homelessness
have the greatest rates of
unmet need in all other
service areas. As such, this
service area could very
much benefit from sustained
if not increased funding from
HSRAP.
18 It is important to note that while services for older adults appear to be less resourced based on HSRAP
funding alone, older adults receive the more funding from the City of Palo Alto than any other demographic subgroup. The City of Palo Alto has long been funding Avenidas at approximately $550,000 per year as a professional services contract for a variety of programs that is decided upon by
the City and Avenidas.
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Children, Youth, Family, & Community Services
12 6 $175,975 Medium Low: This is an area of
proportionally lower rates of unmet need relative to other
areas—across all population subgroups
Older Adults 5 5 $159,309 High High: Given concerns about
the growing population of
older adults outpacing
allocated resources and
higher rates of unmet need
(e.g., housing assistance),
services and supports for
older adults could be a
service area where HSRAP
could have a more
significant impact in the
future
Disability 13 419 $187,654
High High: The rate of unmet need
with respect to services for
individuals with disabilities is
higher than any other service
area; this is an area where
HSRAP could play a greater
role in supporting high needs
community members
Food & Nutrition
9 320 $174,493 High High: Individuals who access
services identified this as their
second greatest unmet
need, only surpassed by
services with adults with
disabilities; there is
opportunity for HSRAP
funding to make a greater
impact in this service area
Mental Health 13 321 $43,216 Medium Medium: Additional
targeted, investment in this
area would be appropriate to ensure that community
members can readily access
19 Vista Center for the Blind is a program for the visionally impaired and is also counted under services for Older Adults.
20 La Comida is a senior nutrition program, and the Health Trust runs the Meals on Wheels program; both
programs are also counted under services for Older Adults.
21 Adolescent Counseling Services ASAT is a program for youth addiction counseling and the Children’s Health Council is a mental health program for youth; both programs are also counted under services for
Children, Youth, Family, & Community Services.
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services locally
Medical/ Physical Health
15 222 $113,759 Medium Low to Medium: Although
there is substantial unmet
need in this area, this is an
area that is seemingly largely
beyond HSRAP’s sphere of
influence and one in which
there are numerous providers
(including large institutions
like Stanford) where service
improvements would make the greatest difference–
including improvements to wait times and affordability
of care
Emergency Financial Assistance
14 0 N/a Medium Low to Medium: While there is certainly need in this area,
there are numerous service providers in the area and
there many other areas
where HSRAP would have a
greater impact by providing
sustained funding; if nothing
else, OHS’ could help raise
awareness of existing
services (vs. direct
investment in this area)
Community Engagement Unclear
(depends
on how
this
category
is
concept
ualized)
0 N/a Low Low to Medium: Although this
is the most common area of
need, overall needs are
largely met and intensity of
need is lower than in other
areas. However, it may be
worth considering tailored
resources and funding for
low-income families and
older adults
Legal 11 123 $20,500 Low Low: This need is mostly met
22 Peninsula Healthcare Connection and Ravenswood help low-income/homeless individuals with Medical/Physical healthcare needs.
23 Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA), also counted under services for Older Adults.
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Services and was not identified as a
need in qualitative data gathering activities
Employment 6 124 $38,473 Low Low: This need is mostly met
and was not identified as a need in qualitative data
gathering activities
Areas for Further Consideration
This section highlights service improvements needed pertaining to the main findings of this
report and is paired with considerations for OHS, HRC, the City of Palo Alto, service providers,
nonprofit partners, community members, and other stakeholders. These considerations are
informed by evidence gathered and presented in this report as well as values of improving
accessibility, cultural responsivity, and strength in partnership and communication.
Barriers to Service Participation
Service improvements needed: Overall, there is a need for a greater number of free services
with minimal eligibility requirements and barriers to participation. In addition to greater
capacity, greater visibility and awareness of local services—including types of services offered,
eligibility requirements, application processes, location, and hours—is broadly needed.
Additionally, there is a need for more culturally responsive and inclusive services that meet the
needs of subgroups living and/or working within the City of Palo Alto, particularly unhoused
and low-income individuals and families in need of human services, individuals with disabilities,
older adults, immigrants, individuals who identify as Hispanic or Latino/a/x and multiracial,
LGBTQ+ and those who identify as more than one of the previously mentioned.
For consideration: Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships, connectivity, and
messaging regarding available services. Specifically, leverage and strengthen partnerships
amongst service providers within the City of Palo Alto and across the County to expand the online resource directory25 with additional information about service offerings and program
eligibility for each service. Additionally, consider opportunities to strengthen or more creatively leverage partnerships with private or philanthropic entities to extend the network
of resources and support within the community. Furthermore, diversify modes of
communication regarding available services to meet various populations and consider
ways to strengthen partnerships that can provide a foundation for stronger messaging,
awareness-building, and in turn service connection (e.g., a formalized partnership with
local libraries).
Additionally, strengthen service provider capacity to deliver culturally responsive, intersectional, and inclusive services that better meet the needs of diverse consumers with intersectional identities and needs—especially unhoused and low-income individuals who
24 Downtown Streets Team (also included under Homelessness Services)
25 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Human-Services/Information-and-Referral
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are also older adults, individuals with disabilities, or both, as well as those who identify an immigrant, Hispanic/Latino/a/x, LGBTQ+, or some combination.
“We often work in silos but there are many challenges that are similar.”
“In larger cities there are point people to bridge resources/ideas and so on to create a more robust safety net. A convener or a system that makes convening
more appetizing is a great opportunity for the city.” “It would be fabulous if the Office of Human Services was located at the Library.
[The Downtown Library] is the end of line for two counties — San Mateo and Santa Clara County. It would be great if we advertised services and places where folks could access services. Advertising regionally would be easier than each city… all the services besides housing could be better coordinated.”
“Public private partnerships are critical, there is a lot of capital/influence in the tech community, and it would be important to align the siloes to move collectively to solve the problem."
– City of Palo Alto Stakeholders & Service Providers
Housing Assistance & Homelessness Services
Service improvements needed: While some needs are addressed through local resources for
the unhoused food pantries, and other community assets that support those at risk of
homelessness, these efforts are unable to meet the broader demand for services and supports
relating to housing assistance and homelessness. Improvements are specifically needed with
respect to affordable housing and more consistent shelter to meet the basic needs of
individuals experiencing homelessness.
Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Service improvements needed: Greater quantity and improved capacity of services is needed
to better meet the needs of adults and youth with disabilities. Specifically, improvements are
needed in the following areas: housing, health care, transportation, as well as recreation and
after-school care for youth with disabilities, among others.
For consideration: Increase resources and training (e.g., disability competency training) for
providers working across the areas noted above (e.g., health care, transportation,
recreation, etc.) to strengthen the capacity and quality of services for individuals with
disabilities.
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Older Adult Services
Service improvements needed: Generally, funding for essential services for low-income older
adults and those that live alone or do not have family nearby are limited and do not meet the
extent nor breadth of need.
For consideration: Expand access and capacity for service opportunities for older adults
and improve service connections for consumers who live alone. This may include, but is not
limited to, expanding access (physical space and financial accessibility) for older adults to connect. Additionally, provide resources to formal and informal community groups to
facilitate creative ways to engage people (e.g., outdoor classes, group walks in a park), coordinate and implement wellness checks and outreach activities, and increase
awareness of existing relevant services. Consider investing in peer support programs (where older adults can provide support to one another) as well as intergenerational socialization
activities.
Mental Health Supports for Adults &Youth
Service improvements needed: An increase in the availability of free or otherwise affordable
mental health support for all Palo Altans is the primary improvement needed in this area, along
with increased supply (and accessibility) of services to meet the significant demand.
For consideration: Revisit resources and funding as well as communication strategies to
ensure those with the greatest need and greatest barriers (financial, transportation, etc.)
can more easily access and receive mental health services within the City Palo Alto.
Food & Nutrition Services
Service improvements needed: Greater and more consistent availability of food and nutrition
services within Palo Alto.
For consideration: Extend hours to include at least one weekend day (e.g., Saturday) and
increase funding to specifically improve accessibility and availability of food and nutrition
services within the City of Palo Alto.
Areas of Unmet Need for Specific Subgroups
● Emergency Financial Assistance for Unhoused & Low-Income Individuals
Service improvements needed: Additional services and resources needed to support
Palo Altans in need of emergency financial assistance.
● Medical/Physical Health Care for Unhoused & Low-Income Individuals
Service improvements needed: More timely (shorter or no waitlist), affordable,
accessible (local) and comprehensive care.
For consideration: Increase the availability and capacity of programs that support
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people’s ability to access and maintain safe and affordable housing. Consider expanding support to unhoused and low-income community members with shelter and housing search
and application processes as well as search processes for identifying needed medical/physical health care. ·
Community Connection, Isolation, & Inclusion
While this assessment illuminated a variety of needs and gaps unique to specific subgroups of
the community, it also highlighted that the most common need–although largely met–is a
sense of community connection among community members from all backgrounds.
Opportunities for inclusive and accessible community connection and engagement that
attract and bring together a broad cross section of community members would lend itself to
strengthening the social fabric and sense of community within Palo Alto.
For consideration:
•Identify new, localized, and culturally relevant opportunities for community members
to connect and socialize. Given the lack of awareness of services, a well-publicized
community fair hosted by the Office of Human Services in partnership with providers
and perhaps the City Manager’s office could be uniquely helpful in bringing a broad
swath of community members together. Such opportunities could simultaneously
encourage community volunteerism, raise awareness, and provide ways for
community members in need to identify and seek needed services and resources
available in Palo Alto and in Santa Clara County.
•Leverage and further expand opportunities and resources connected with the local
library would maximize a local and known community hub. Qualitative research
highlighted the local libraries and library staff as a strength and key resource for the
community as well as older adults who seek community and support from libraries in
the absence of other options.
•Expand affordable and accessible offerings for low-income families, caregivers, and
youth with disabilities to fill specific community engagement needs of the community.
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Appendix A: Community Member Snapshot
Table A1. Palo Alto HSNA Community Survey & Census Demographics
Category Community Survey Count Community Survey Percentage
Palo Alto 2020 Census Percentage26
Age (years)
44 and younger 165 43% 32%
45-59 55 14% 21%
60-74 50 13% 14%
75 and older 61 16% 11%
Unknown/Not Reported 54 14% N/a
Gender
Female 203 53% 51%
Male 105 27% 49%
Another Gender Identity27 12 3% N/a
Unknown/Not Reported 65 17% N/a
Race/Ethnicity
White only 149 39% 49%
Asian only 88 23% 35%
Hispanic or Latinx (of any race) 20 5% 7%
Native American or Alaska Native
only
19 5% 0.1%
Black or African American only 18 5% 2%
Another Race28 18 5% N/a
26 Palo Alto 2020 Census: https://data.census.gov/profile/Palo_Alto_city,_California?g=160XX00US0655282
27 Census data could not be retrieved for comparison because Community Survey respondents selected gender
identity categories that were not available in the 2020 census data.
28 This category includes race/ethnic groups representing fewer than 11 respondents in each of the following
groups: Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander only (Not Hispanic or Latinx), Multiracial (Not Hispanic or Latinx),
Jewish only (Not Hispanic or Latinx), Middle Eastern or North African only (Not Hispanic or Latinx). Census data could
not be retrieved for comparison because Community Survey respondents selected racial categories that were not
available in the 2020 census data (i.e., Jewish, Middle Eastern or North African)
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Unknown/Not Reported 73 19% N/a
Primary Language
English 244 63% N/a
Unknown/Not Reported 66 17% N/a
Mandarin 34 9% N/a
Another Language 16 4% N/a
Cantonese 14 4% N/a
Spanish 11 3% N/a
Sexual Orientation
Straight/Heterosexual 270 70% N/a
Unknown/Not Reported 97 25% N/a
Another Sexual Orientation 18 5% N/a
Zip Code
94306 96 25% N/a
94303 78 20% N/a
94301 67 17% N/a
Unknown/Not Reported 45 12% N/a
94304 31 8% N/a
Another Zip Code 29 8% N/a
94302 18 5% N/a
94305 21 6% N/a
Household Income
Unknown/Not Reported 121 31% N/a
$0-$30k 44 11% N/a
$31-$60k 37 10% N/a
$61-$90k 70 18% N/a
$91-$120k 58 15% N/a
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$121-$200k 22 6% N/a
$201k 33 9% N/a
Other Roles/Identities (not mutually exclusive)
Parent 142 37%
Human Services Recipient 139 36% N/a
Behavioral Health Services Recipient 106 28% N/a
Caregiver 73 19% N/a
Disabled 34 9% N/a
Homeless 17 4% N/a
TOTAL 385 100
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FY24-25 HSRAP Priority of Needs
The following list delineates the funding priorities for Fiscal year 2024-25. Services
listed in the identified areas of need will be considered for funding. Services listed
under basic needs may be requested for any demographic.
Basic Needs
•Food/Nutrition
•Housing
•Mental Health
•Emergency Assistance
•Health Care (Physical and Dental Care)
•Transportation
•Digital Inclusion
LGBTQ + issues including gender identity and expression
Homelessness
•Outreach
•Day Services
•Case Management
•Social Services
Seniors
•Social Service
•Legal Assistance
•Elder Abuse Prevention
Special Needs
Children: Early Intervention
Respite Care
Recreational Activities
Adults: Day Programs
Mentoring Programs
Recreation Programs
Children & Youth Programs & Services
•Early Care & Education
•Youth Well-being
•Counseling
•Children/Youth Programs
•Tutoring
Social Services Coordination
Encourage collaboration, coordination, and exchange of ideas among agencies
ATTACHMENT B 2
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From:Aram James
To:George for Palo Alto; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Henry Etzkowitz; Human Relations Commission; Binder, Andrew;Templeton, Cari; Keith Reckdahl; Jeff Moore; Sean Allen; Foley, Michael; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>
Cc:dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Tom DuBois; Reifschneider, James; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Sally Lieber;
Raymond Goins
Subject:Watch "Charges dismissed after violent Phoenix PD arrest" on YouTube
Date:Thursday, October 17, 2024 10:33:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oOs34ExjbE
Mhttps://youtu.be/6oOs34ExjbE?si=Vrg--Cj7a-ZIouH6
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From:Aram JamesTo:Sally Lieber; Raymond Goins; Jeff Moore; Sean Allen; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Josh Becker; Ed Lauing; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Zelkha, Mila; Shikada, Ed; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Otto Lee;Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Zelkha, Mila; Vicki Veenker
Cc:Greer Stone; Greg Tanaka; Templeton, Cari; George for Palo Alto; Henry Etzkowitz; Keith Reckdahl; Cribbs, Anne; Kou, Lydia; Rowena Chiu; rowena.chiu@gmail.com; Cecilia Taylor; HumanRelations CommissionSubject:Are the US and Israel creating a ‘new world order’Date:Thursday, October 17, 2024 7:07:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking onlinks.
Are the US and Israel creating a ‘new world order
Eliminate the State of Israel Now!
https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=israel%20a%20war%20crimes%20state%20by%20aram%20james&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:038c97b5,vid:B7V5N_t9IXE,st:0
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From:Aram James
To:Henry Etzkowitz; Keith Reckdahl; Templeton, Cari; Ed Lauing; Josh Becker; Binder, Andrew; Robert. Jonsen;George for Palo Alto; Julie Lythcott-Haims; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Foley, Michael; Enberg, Nicholas;Cribbs, Anne
Cc:Jeff Moore; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Sally Lieber; Raymond Goins; Bill Newell; Figueroa, Eric; Human
Relations Commission
Subject:New America Media, News Analysis, Paul Kleyman, Posted: Dec 11, 2015 SAN FRANCISCO--In the wake of publicoutcry over the latest police shooting of an unarmed A…
Date:Thursday, October 17, 2024 4:55:39 PM
C A U T I O N : T h i s e m a i l o r i g i n a t e d f r o m o u t s i d e o f t h e
o r g a n i z a t i o n . B e c a u t i o u s o f o p e n i n g a t t a c h m e n t s a n d c l i c k i n g
o n l i n k s .
Expert: Stun-Guns Far From ‘Nonlethal’
Alternative to Bullets
New America Media, News Analysis, Paul Kleyman, Posted: Dec 11, 2015 SANFRANCISCO--In the wake of public outcry over the latest police shooting of an unarmed A…
Source: The Contra Costa Pulse | Community news and youth voices for Contra Costa County
Expert: Stun-Guns Far From ‘Nonlethal’ Alternative to Bullets | The Contra Costa Pulse
https://search.app/JCghShU1Toq9HbuN8
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From:Aram James
To:Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Moore; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; George for Palo Alto; Keith Reckdahl;Henry Etzkowitz; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sally Lieber; Stump, Molly; Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew;Templeton, Cari; Cribbs, Anne
Cc:Reifschneider, James; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; Afanasiev, Alex; Vicki Veenker; Foley, Michael;
Zelkha, Mila; Human Relations Commission; Figueroa, Eric; Dave Price; Perron, Zachary
Subject:The Coalition for Justice and Accountability (CJA) came into existence in 2003 after Bich Cau Thi Tran was shotand killed by San Jose police Officer Chad Marsh…
Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2024 6:15:11 PM
CAUTION: THIS EMAIL ORIGINATED FROM OUTSIDE OF THE ORGANIZATION. BE CAUTIOUS
OF OPENING ATTACHMENTS AND CLICKING ON LINKS.
JAMES AND KONDA: THE TIME HAS COME FOR A
POLICE CRIMES UNIT
MThe Coalition for Justice and Accountability (CJA) came into existence in 2003 after Bich
Cau Thi Tran was shot and killed by San Jose police Officer Chad Marsh…
James and Konda: The Time Has Come for a Police Crimes Unit
https://search.app/8ZodnJmSzHwQhgoRA
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From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Jewish-Led Protesters Storm Wall Street, Demanding Arms Embargo on Israel
Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2024 5:16:04 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.
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The Persistent Shadows of Racial Injustice
Moreover, violence loomed as a constant threat
throughout history, apartheid is an institutionalized
regime of oppression and domination by one racial
group over another with movement restrictions, denial
of nationality and citizenship, beatings, and racial
terror served as brutal tools to uphold
white/IDF/Zionist supremacy.
The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak
Rabin occurred after he signed a Declaration of
Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, referred to as the “Oslo
Accord,” following a mass peace rally on November 4, 1995. Rabin was killed by a
Jewish extremist, Yigal Amir, who was a right-wing Zionist. At that time, right-wing
rhetoric against Rabin played a role in inciting his killing. We see a similar situation
today in America, where hateful rhetoric empowers hate crimes.
Nathan Mileikowsky was a Zionist political activist, rabbi, and writer. Mileikowsky's
son was the scholar and academic Benzion Netanyahu, and his grandson is the current
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Revisionists sought to revise the
boundaries of Jewish territorial aspirations and claims beyond Palestine to include
areas east of the Jordan River. They believed that an armed force would be necessary
to establish such a state. In the early 20th century, prior to the rise of Adolf Hitler in
Germany and the implementation of the institution's “Final Solution” to exterminate
world Jewry, most Jews were not Zionists.
Most Orthodox Jews were anti-Zionist. They believed that only God should reunite
Jews in the Promised Land and regarded Zionism as a violation of God’s will. What is
happening in Israel is hard for me to fathom. People who faced the Holocaust— the
genocide of European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, which
systematically murdered six million Jew should understand why the mass killing of
Palestinians is wrong. This situation is no different from the Indian Wars, during
which the US carried out massacres and forced relocations of Indigenous peoples
many considered genocide. This systematic destruction and forced removal of Native
Americans through violence, disease, forced relocation, cultural assimilation policies,
and land seizure by Europeans resulted in the eradication of many tribes, essentially
constituting genocide.
The parallels between the experiences of Black Americans and those of other
oppressed groups worldwide, such as the Palestinian people and Black South Africans
during apartheid, cannot be overlooked. The Legacy of the Klan has a haunting echo
in the systemic injustices faced by these communities, reflecting a universal struggle
against racial and ethnic oppression.
The inhumane treatment historically endured by Black Americans resonates with the
darkest chapters of apartheid—an oppressive regime designed to disenfranchise and
dehumanize entire populations. Despite the strides made during the civil rights
movement, the remnants of this cruel system remain deeply embedded in our society.
Structural inequalities persist in various sectors, including education, housing, and
employment, serving as stark reminders that the fight against segregation and
discrimination is far from over.
As we continue to confront these injustices, it is imperative to recognize that the
struggle for equality and human rights transcends borders and histories. The
resilience of marginalized communities, both past and present, fuels a collective call to
action—demanding justice, equality, and a future where discrimination is a relic of
history, not a living reality. The path forward necessitates unwavering commitment
and solidarity in dismantling the systems that perpetuate racial violence and
inequality, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past guide us towards a more
equitable society for all. Israeli military action has resulted in over 40,000
confirmedPalestinian deaths. Genocide must stop. Rev. Jethroe Moore II
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/30/religious-zionism-israel-far-right-
different/
https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/cmenas-assets/cmenas-
documents/unit-of-israel-palestine/Section1_Zionism.pdfoslo
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Greetings, Leaders,
The NAACP Campaigns Team is excited to invite you and your units to our upcoming
training and activations.
You may register for all events and trainings at naacp.org/events.
Biweekly Activations (Phonebank and SMS Power Hour)Description: 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 the key
issues. Dates:
Thursday, October 17th at 8 PM ETThursday, October 31st at 8 PM ET
Addressing Voter Intimidation in 2024!
Description: 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 ensurepeaceful voting. Get practical tools and insights from our expert panel and
participate in an interactive Q&A.
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Date: Wednesday, October 16th at 8 PM ET
National Election Protection Training Description: As we approach the 2024 election, your role as an NAACPmember is more crucial than ever. Empowering voters with the knowledgeand confidence they need to cast their ballots is essential. That’s whywe’re excited to invite you to our National Election Protection TrainingWebinar—an uplifting and informative session designed to equip you withthe tools to help voters take charge of their voting experience.Dates:
Saturday, October 19th at 10 AM ETSaturday, October 19th at 1 PM ET
Become Canvass Board Monitors Training Description: Learn how to attend and observe Canvassing Board andElection Board meetings, and report any issues. Work with the NAACPElection Protection Team and local advocates to keep electionstransparent and accountable.
Date: Tuesday, October 22nd at 8 PM ET
Mistake on Your Ballot? Let's Cure it!: Ballot Curing TrainingDescription: Mistake with Your Ballot? Let’s Cure It! Learn how to fix
mistakes with your in-person, mail-in, or absentee ballot to ensure yourvote counts. Discover the importance of provisional ballots and
safeguards for voters with registration or eligibility issues. We’ll guide youthrough curing ballot issues so administrative errors don’t prevent your
vote from being counted.Date: Thursday, October 24th at 8:00 PM ET
Defending Voter Challenges and Purges
Description: Discover how to navigate third-party voter challenges,understand their impacts, and prevent voter intimidation. Empower voters
with knowledge of their rights, manage provisional ballots, and accessreal-time assistance. Participate in a live Q&A with our expert panel.
Register now and be prepared to defend your vote! Date: Monday, October 28th at 8 PM ET
In Black Girl Magic,
Amari Fennoy
National Mobilization Director Campaigns, Civic Engagement
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According to the 2024 Black Students and STEM Report “Black students have a
high aptitude for STEM-related careers but lack interest, likely in part due to a lack ofBlack individuals currently represented in these careers.” This is heartbreaking, especially as Black representation in STEM continues to
decline. Not only does this lack of diversity stifle innovation that comes from multipleperspectives, it means fewer opportunities to close the wage gap between Black and
white professionals.
At The Wade Institute of Technology (WIT), we’re taking steps toward a solution:the Wade Scholarship Program.
Who are we? A Palo Alto-based engineering college focused on mitigating theacute underrepresentation of all students of African descent globally in STEM
professions. We have already awarded nearly 30 scholarships over the past 4years and we’re seeking applicants for 2025.
The scholarship helps students who have earned a STEM undergraduate degree
pursue a STEM master's degree. Tuition, housing, fees, and more are covered up to$50,000. School requirements and program and application details can be
found here.
I’m sure you’d agree that increasing representation has a ripple effect that benefits us
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all. We’re doing our part to help balance the scales, and I thank you in advance for
doing your part by sharing this scholarship opportunity within your community. Regards,
Lorna JonesWade Scholarship ProgramWade Institute of Technology
By: Dr. Ivory A. Toldson
Asking the Right QuestionsIn the realm of education, we often find ourselves searching for definitive answers,
concrete solutions to complex problems that plague our academic institutions. Butwhat if I told you that the key to unlocking true academic equity and excellence lies
not in having the right answers, but in asking the right questions?
Smart people don't possess an arsenal of correct responses. Instead, they wield thepower of inquiry, using thought-provoking questions to challenge the status quo and
inspire innovative thinking. It's time we shift our focus from being answer-oriented to
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becoming question-driven in our pursuit of educational transformation.
The Art: Leveraging Hypotheticals
Great educators are more than just instructors; they are influencers and dreamers
who understand the art of leveraging hypotheticals. This skill is rooted in wisdom andstorytelling, allowing them to paint vivid pictures of possibility in the minds of their
students and colleagues. By mastering the use of "What if?" scenarios, theseeducational visionaries can inspire others to imagine and work towards a more
equitable and excellent academic landscape.
The Science: From Inferential to Inquisitional StatisticsIn my book, "No BS (Bad Stats)," I delve into the dangers of misusing statistics,
particularly when they're employed to judge – and often prejudge – individuals orgroups. Much of this problem stems from our training in inferential statistics, which
can lead us to draw conclusions based on limited data. It's time for a paradigm shift:from inferential statistics to what I call "inquisitional statistics."
Inquisitional statistics is an approach that uses data not to make definitive judgments,but to spark curiosity and drive deeper investigation. It's about using statistics to begin
conversations, not end them. We should be using people to understand statistics, notstatistics to understand people. This approach encourages us to look beyond the
numbers and explore the human stories and contexts behind them.
The Two Types of Educational LeadersFundamentally, there are two types of educational leaders. The first type frequently
begins statements with "The reality is..." – a phrase that often serves to shut downdialogue and reinforce existing power structures. The second type, however, opens
conversations with "What if?" – inviting collaboration, creativity, and the exploration ofnew possibilities.
Similarly, we encounter leaders who preface their questions with the condescending "I
don't understand..." – a phrase that can make others feel inadequate or defensive. Incontrast, truly inspiring leaders approach discussions with the compassionate "Help
me understand..." – creating a safe space for open dialogue and mutual learning.Which of these leaders do you believe will truly inspire you? Which approach
resonates with your desire for growth, innovation, and positive change in education?
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Embracing the Love Language of Academic Equity
The love language of academic equity and excellence is not spoken through harshjudgments or rigid adherence to the status quo. It's expressed through open-ended
questions, through the willingness to dream and explore hypotheticals, and throughthe compassionate desire to understand rather than to be understood.
As we move forward in our quest for a more equitable and excellent educationsystem, let us embrace the power of "What if?" Let us become comfortable with
uncertainty and view it not as a weakness, but as an opportunity for growth anddiscovery. By adopting this mindset, we can create learning environments that nurture
curiosity, foster innovation, and ultimately lead to authentic academic equity andexcellence.
What if we all began to speak this love language of academic equity? What
possibilities might unfold? What transformations might we witness in our schools, ourcommunities, and ourselves? The journey towards educational excellence begins with
these questions.Are you ready to ask them?
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How NAACP’s Walter White
Risked His Life to InvestigateLynchings
Walter White leveraged his fair complexion to investigatesome of the country’s worst attacks against AfricanAmericans.
For Walter White, growing up Black and being able to
“pass” as white empowered him to take on two
identities that aided his work with
the NAACP exposing racial injustice in the United States.
White was born blonde-haired and blue-eyed in 1893 in Atlanta, Georgia, to a family
descended from enslaved Black people and white plantation owners. He grew up in an
era in which the “one-drop” rule was enforced—a law that categorized anyone with
one drop of Black blood in the family line as a Black person regardless of having a far
greater percentage of European ancestry. Despite his European lineage, the future
civil rights activist grew up as an African American man. His mother and father, both
born enslaved, became middle class, earning degrees and working as a teacher and
postal worker, respectively.
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White came to understand that, despite his pale skin, he was “a Negro, a human being
with an invisible pigmentation which marked me a person to be hunted, hanged,
abused, discriminated against, kept in poverty and ignorance in order that those
whose skin was white would have readily at hand a proof of their superiority,” as he
wrote in his 1948 autobiography, A Man Called White. READ MORE
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Jewish-Led Protesters Storm Wall Street,Demanding Arms Embargo on Israel
“Stocks are rising while children are dying,” said one memberof Jewish Voice for Peace. By Chris Walker ,
On Monday morning, hundreds of American Jews and their allies descended upon thesteps of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street, disrupting business as usual todemand an end to the U.S.’s support for Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.The action was led by Jewish Voice for Peace, an organization that describesitself as “the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world.”According to that group, about 500 American Jews and their supporters took part inthe demonstration on Monday, making it the “largest act of civil disobedience” ever atthe New York Stock Exchange.
Demonstrators rushed to the entrance of the stock exchange in a surpriseaction just moments before the opening bell rang. There, they called for an end to theU.S.’s material support for the genocide, for the imposition of an arms embargo onIsrael, and for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. READ MORE
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NAACP- Inclusive Economy October Forum featuringCFPB (Financial Planning Month)
Please RSVP for part three of our three-part series with our special guests, theConsumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agencydedicated to ensuring banks, lenders, and other financial institutions treat youfairly. This webinar will be a follow-up opportunity for our members to learnmore about what the CFPB is doing. CFPB staff will provide us with an update onsmall business lending let us know how we can help identify discriminatorylending patterns, and offer a brief Q+A session at the end of the event.
This call will be held at 6 pm EST on Wednesday, October 30th.Please RSVP here by Monday, October 28th.
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I want to thank all of you for your continued support for Carlos. The journeyhas been long and justice never comes easy, but this is the moment ofvictory we have all been waiting for. We are so grateful that the judgeruled in favor of Carlos being resentenced on 9/26/24. Our prayer is that he
would be released from the county jail this Thursday at the hearing. Carlos
is eager to get his life back and be reunited with his family. He has waited
20 years for this moment so please come out and show your support andlove for Carlos. Carlos thanks all of you for your letters of support that wereinstrumental in showing the court we care. Thank you again for your timeand dedication and I hope to see you at court this Thursday!
BIG THANK YOU TO THE NAACP (SJ BRANCH), DEBUG and THE MILITANT SUPPORTERS!!!
Prayerfully,
Aisha and Rachel Hampton
c/o The Hampton and Harris Family
Read more about the Carlos Harris Story
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at https://freecarlosharris.wixsite.com/2020
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.
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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,
Vice President Harris Will Deliver for Black Men
She Will Provide the Tools to Black Men to Build Wealth, Support Their
Families, and Lead in Their Communities
Vice President Harris will build an Opportunity Economy where everyone has the
opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead. She knows that Black men have long
felt that too often their voice in our political process has gone unheard and that there
is so much untapped ambition and leadership within the Black male community.
Black men and boys deserve a president who will provide the opportunity to unleash
this talent and potential by removing historic barriers to wealth creation, education,
employment, earnings, health, and improving the criminal justice system. Black men
deserve a president who will deliver on promises and equip them with the tools and
resources to make their aspirations a reality.
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This year, Vice President Harris launched a first-of-its-kind, nationwide Economic
Opportunity Tour to help entrepreneurs access the capital and resources they need to
launch and grow their businesses, build wealth, and strengthen their communities—
especially Black male entrepreneurs. While traveling across the country to cities like
Atlanta, Detroit, and Charlotte, she heard powerful stories from Black men about the
biggest hurdles that still make it too difficult for them to get their businesses off the
ground and grow them to meet their full ambitions and discussed policies that can
help break down remaining barriers to success. READ MORE
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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John Brown's black raiders 1859
On October 16, 1859, John Brown led 21 men on an assault at Harpers Ferry -- anevent that shook the nation and [nudged it even closer toward civil war]. Among theseraiders were five black men: two of these men would die at Harpers Ferry, two wouldbe captured and executed, and one would escape to Canada.
Dangerfield Newby, a strong, 6'2" African American, was the first ofBrown's men to die in the fighting. Born a slave in 1815 but later freed byhis white, Scottish father, Newby married a slave who was still in bondagein Virginia. A letter found on his dead body revealed his motive for joiningBrown. . .
Dear Husband: I want you to buy me as soon as possible, for if you do notget me somebody else will. The servants are very disagreeable; they do allthey can to set my mistress against me. Dear Husband,. . . the last twoyears have been like a troubled dream to me. It is said Master is in want ofmoney. If so, I know not what time he may sell me, and then all my brighthopes of the future are blasted, for there has been one bright hope to cheer
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me in all my troubles, that is to be with you, for if I thought I should neversee you, this earth would have no charms fo me. Do all you can for me,which I have no doubt you will. I want to see you so much.
Newby's wife was sold after the raid and moved farther to the south.
Lewis Sheridan Leary also died at Harpers Ferry, although he didsurvive for eight hours after receiving his wounds. Originally from NorthCarolina, Leary moved to Oberlin, Ohio, where he married Mary S.Patterson. She did not know Leary's plans when he left her and their six-month-old child to rendezvous with Brown. Leary did, however, manage tosend his family messages before he died.
A fugitive slave of pure African ancestry, Shields Green accompaniedFrederick Douglass to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where the greatabolitionist spoke to John Brown for the last time. Brown was unsuccessfulin convincing Douglass to join him in the raid; he did, however, recruit theyoung Green. Green was captured at Harpers Ferry and later executed. Hewas reportedly only 23 years old.
Born free in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1834, John Anthony Copeland,Jr. moved to Oberlin, Ohio, in 1842, where he later attended OberlinCollege. In September of 1859 he was recruited to John Brown's army byhis uncle and fellow black raider, Lewis Sheridan Leary. Copeland's role inthe assault was to seize control of Hall's Rifle Works, along with John Kagi,a white raider. Kagi was killed while trying to escape from the factory.Copeland was captured alive. During his trial, in which he was convictedand sentenced to death, he managed to impress many of those with whomhe came in contact. Speaking of Copeland, the trial's prosecuting attorneysaid. . .
From my intercourse with him I regard him as one of the most respectablepersons we had. . . . He was a copper-colored Negro, behaved himself withas much firmness as any of them, and with far more dignity. If it had beenpossible to recommend a pardon for any of them it would have been thisman Copeland as I regretted as much if not more, at seeing him executedthan any other of the party."
This dignity continued to be evident. On his way to the gallows he washeard to say, "If I am dying for freedom, I could not die for a better cause -- I had rather die than be a slave!"
Of the five black raiders, only Osborn Perry Anderson would escapeand remain free. He fled to Canada, but came back to the U.S. and enlistedwith the Union army in 1864. Anderson would write the only eye-witnessaccount of the raid, which was published two years after the raid. He diedin 1872.
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Registration for
the 2025 Clergy and Lay Leadership Conference CONTINUES!
The 2025 Conference will be hosted in Little Rock, Arkansas at the Statehouse
Convention Center, Monday, February 17 - Thursday, February 20,
2025! Pre-conference events begin Sunday, February 16th.
2025 theme is
"There is No End to Our Rising:
Restoring Our Glory in the Age of Erasure"
(Deuteronomy 4:9, CEB)
We are at a perilous time in which the presumption of democracy in America, and
indeed, the world is at stake. For many, the claim to “justice for all” is not a given, and
efforts to foster greater equity and support the diversity of America are being thwarted
or reversed. We only need to examine Project 2025 to get a sense of the
growing divide in this nation. The process of experiential, educational and
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cultural erasure is of special significance for people of African descent in the United
States. Considering all the challenges confronting this nation at this point
in time, we thought it most fitting to descend upon Little Rock, Arkansas,
and be reminded of the transformative history of the area represented by
the Central High School Little Rock Nine and the 1919 Elaine Arkansas
massacre.
Once and again, our programs and workshops speak to these times to offer the
framing and tools for emerging and seasoned faith leaders to navigate the issues of
this present moment. We are engaged in reconstituting a Nation where
justice is truly for all! We are stronger with a unified agenda, especially
peer-to-peer engagement and exchange.
YOUR presence at our 21st Annual Clergy and Lay Leaders Conference matters!
Join us in Little Rock, Arkansas!
Visit https://sdpconference.info/2025-conference for more information
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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
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Black resistance to white supremacy is often reduced to a simple binary, between
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolence and Malcolm X’s “by any means
necessary.” In We Refuse, historian Kellie Carter Jackson urges us to move past
this false choice, offering an unflinching examination of the breadth of Black
responses to white oppression, particularly those pioneered by Black women.
The dismissal of “Black violence” as an illegitimate form of resistance is itself a
manifestation of white supremacy, a distraction from the insidious, unrelenting
violence of structural racism. Force—from work stoppages and property
destruction to armed revolt—has played a pivotal part in securing freedom and
justice for Black people since the days of the American and Haitian Revolutions.
But violence is only one tool among many. Carter Jackson examines other, no
less vital tactics that have shaped the Black struggle, from the restorative power
of finding joy in the face of suffering to the quiet strength of simply walking
away.
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In August 1955, two men, Roy Bryant andJ.W. Milam, were charged with the tortureand murder of the 14-year-old Emmett Tillin Money, Mississippi. After their inevitableacquittal in a mockery of justice, they gavea false confession to a journalist, whichwas misleading about where the long nightof hell took place and who was involved. Infact, Wright Thompson reveals, at leasteight people can be placed at the scene,which was inside the barn of one of thekillers, on a plot of land within the six-square-mile grid whose official name isTownship 22 North, Range 4 West,Section 2, West Half, fabled in the Delta ofmyth as the birthplace of the blues on
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nearby Dockery Plantation.Even in the context of the racist casteregime of the time, the four-hour tortureand murder of a Black boy barely in histeens for whistling at a young whitewoman was acutely depraved; Till’smother Mamie Till-Mobley’s decision tokeep the casket open seared the crimeindelibly into American consciousness.Wright Thompson has a deepunderstanding of this story—the world ofthe families of both Emmett Till and hiskillers, and all the forces that aligned toplace them together on that spot on themap. As he shows, the full horror of thecrime was its inevitability, and how muchabout it we still need to understand.Ultimately this is a story about property,and money, and power, and whitesupremacy. It implicates all of us. In TheBarn, Thompson brings to life the smallgroup of dedicated people who have beenengaged in the hard, fearful business ofbringing the truth to light. Putting the killingfloor of the barn on the map of Township22 North, Range 4 West, Section 2, WestHalf, and the Delta, and America, is a wayof mapping the road this country musttravel if we are to heal our oldest, deepestwound.
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Website History Events Youth
Address:
205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112
Telephone:+1 (408) 898-6985
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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
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From:Aram JamesTo:Robert. Jonsen; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Binder, Andrew; Jay Boyarsky; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Shikada, Ed; Josh Becker; Barberini, Christopher; Afanasiev, Alex; Enberg, Nicholas; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>Cc:dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Sean Allen; Henry Etzkowitz; Keith Reckdahl; George for Palo Alto; Templeton, Cari; Human Relations Commission; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Raymond GoinsSubject:Jamey Noel could spend upwards of a decade in prison after a judge accepted his guilty plea to more than a dozen felony charges.Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2024 3:56:57 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Former Indiana sheriff Jamey Noel sentenced to 15 years in prison as part of plea deal
Jamey Noel could spend upwards of a decade in prison after a judge accepted his guilty plea to more than a dozen felony charges.
Source: Indiana Capital ChronicleFormer Indiana sheriff Jamey Noel sentenced to 15 years in prison as part of plea deal • Indiana Capital Chronicle
https://search.app/?link=https%3A%2F%2Findianacapitalchronicle%2Ecom%2F2024%2F10%2F14%2Fformer%2Dindiana%2Dsheriff%2Djamey%2Dnoel%2Dsentenced%2Dto%2D15%2Dyears%2Din%2Dprison%2Das%2Dpart%2Dof%2Dplea%2Ddeal%2F&utm_campaign=57165%2Dor%2Digacx%2Dweb%2Dshrbtn%2Diga%2Dsharing&utm_source=igadl%2Cigatpdl%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F5
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From:Aram James
To:Henry Etzkowitz; George for Palo Alto; Templeton, Cari; Keith Reckdahl; Josh Becker; Human RelationsCommission; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Robert. Jonsen; Jay Boyarsky;Foley, Michael; Ed Lauing; Figueroa, Eric
Subject:Aram Byer James - Wikipedia
Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2024 2:55:53 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Aram Byer James - Wikipedia
https://search.app/n7d4DdDonYZgpM8Q7
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From:Aram James
To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Sally Lieber; Raymond Goins; Jeff Moore; Templeton, Cari; Sean Allen; Keith Reckdahl;George for Palo Alto; Henry Etzkowitz; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg
Cc:Linda Jolley; Josh Becker; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Zelkha, Mila; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Joshua
Ta; DuJuan Green; dennis burns; Human Relations Commission; Friends of Cubberley; Supervisor Otto Lee; Vicki
Veenker; Ed Lauing
Subject:The most difficult, consequential, and dangerous reporting we’ve ever done
Date:Tuesday, October 15, 2024 6:19:38 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious
of opening attachments and clicking on links.
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Aram–
This week, the Biden administration announced that, for the first time since the war
began, U.S. troops will be deployed to Israel to fight alongside the Israeli
military in anticipation of what appears to be an imminent attack on Iran.
You might have thought that putting U.S. boots on the ground in this war would
spark a major debate in the U.S. media.
But most outlets barely mentioned it. The New York Times buried it on Page
8.
In the face of this rapidly escalating crisis, The Intercept is expanding our coverage
by partnering with reporters on the ground in Palestine and beefing up our team in
Washington, D.C.
To continue providing this essential reporting, The Intercept urgently needs
your renewed support. Will you donate $10?
If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through
immediately:
DONATE $15 →
DONATE $25 →
DONATE $50 →
DONATE $100 →
DONATE ANOTHER AMOUNT →
Over the last 12 months, the United States has sent a stunning $17.9 billion of
bullets, bombs, shells, and other military aid to Israel, enabling Israel’s war on Gaza
and invasion of Lebanon.
An estimated 114,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and more than 3 million
people have been displaced in Gaza and Lebanon.
Now, with U.S. boots on the ground and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
preparing to attack Iran, the crisis is threatening to spiral even further out of control.
The Intercept is one of the only news outlets aggressively challenging the Biden
administration’s unconditional support for Israel as we step closer to the brink of a
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catastrophic war that would engulf the entire region.
This is some of the most difficult, consequential, and dangerous reporting
The Intercept has ever been a part of, and reader donations are absolutely
crucial to make it possible.
Will you donate $10 to help support our ongoing coverage of Israel’s rapidlyescalating wars on Gaza and Lebanon and imminent attack on Iran?
STAND WITH THE INTERCEPT →
Thank you,
The Intercept team
The Intercept is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Intercept’s mailing address is:
P.O. Box 9201
New York, NY 10008
The Intercept is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to holding the powerful
accountable through fearless, adversarial journalism. Our in-depth investigations and unflinching
analysis focus on surveillance, war, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media
and more. Email is an important way for us to communicate with The Intercept’s readers, but if you’d like
to stop hearing from us, click here to unsubscribe from all communications. Protecting freedom of the
press has never been more important. Contribute now to support our independent journalism.
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From:Aram James
To:George for Palo Alto; Keith Reckdahl; Templeton, Cari; rowena.chiu@gmail.com; Henry Etzkowitz; Greer Stone;Burt, Patrick; Kaloma Smith; Holman, Karen (external); Tom DuBois; Ed Lauing; Shikada, Ed; Human RelationsCommission
Cc:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vicki Veenker; Stump, Molly
Subject:Before retiring as a public defender, Aram James handled thousands of probation violations. In his essay, hewrites that to fully evaluate Judge Persky’s senten…
Date:Tuesday, October 15, 2024 12:14:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Before retiring as a public defender, Aram James handled thousands of probation violations.In his essay, he writes that to fully evaluate Judge Persky’s senten…
Source: Albert Cobarrubias Justice Project
Don’t Judge Persky Decision, or Any Sentence, in a Vacuum — by Aram James | AlbertCobarrubias Justice Project
https://search.app/EVSgHTYeRndyrP2GA
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From:Aram James
To:Templeton, Cari; Josh Becker; Henry Etzkowitz; Cribbs, Anne; Keith Reckdahl; georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com;Human Relations Commission; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; Zelkha, Mila; Foley, Michael
Cc:Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; Lee, Craig; Afanasiev, Alex; Tom DuBois; Karen Holman; Kaloma Smith; EPA Today;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Joe Simitian
Subject:Mauled: When Police Dogs Are Weapons Oct 15, 2020 — A series on the damage police dogs inflict onAmericans, published in collaboration with AL.com, IndySta
Date:Saturday, October 12, 2024 4:55:33 PM
Oct 15, 2020 — A series on the damage police dogs inflict on
Americans, published in collaboration with AL.com, IndySta
https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=mauled%20marshall%20project&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Mauled: When Police Dogs Are Weapons
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From:Aram James
To:Barberini, Christopher; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Binder, Andrew; Foley, Michael;GRP-City Council; Perron, Zachary; Stump, Molly; O"Neal, Molly; Shikada, Ed; Rose Lynn
Cc:Kaloma Smith; Greer Stone; dennis burns; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian;
Henry Etzkowitz; Templeton, Cari; rowena.chiu@gmail.com; Vicki Veenker
Subject:Cop who faked race data in traffic stops kills himself
Date:Saturday, October 12, 2024 11:38:08 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization.Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Oct 12, 2024, at 8:53 AM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Cop who faked race data in traffic
stops kills himself
SFPD Sgt. Rene Nielsen ticketed more than 1,000 people over a three-yearperiod and said all but six were white.
Cop who faked race data in traffic stops kills himself
https://share.newsbreak.com/99iul589?s=i0
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From:Aram James
To:Human Relations Commission; Julie Lythcott-Haims
Subject:ORGANIZATIONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SIGN ON LETTER - Investigation Into Racist and Hateful Statements Made By San Mateo County Private DefenderAttorneys Towards Community Members of Color
Date:Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:55:58 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links.
ORGANIZATIONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SIGN ON
LETTER - Investigation Into Racist and Hateful
Statements Made By San Mateo County Private
Defender Attorneys Towards Community Members of
Color
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpCNQ5kkf_BT2ytGlyX6QxDBJdQL9Zxwtm4MIKL3Bul6pRmQ/viewform?usp=send_form
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From:Aram James
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:After San Mateo Court complaint, civil rights group is profanely assailed in secret — by their supposed allies
Date:Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:47:30 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
After San Mateo Court complaint, civil
rights group is profanely assailed in
secret — by their supposed allies
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/09/23/after-san-mateo-court-complaint-civil-rights-
group-is-profanely-assailed-in-secret-by-their-supposed-allies/
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From:Amy Zucker Morgenstern
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Fair Chance Housing item
Date:Thursday, October 10, 2024 6:45:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Commissioners,
I spoke at the public comment time on the Fair Chance Housing ordinance this evening. I
would like to add one concern about which I did not speak, which Commissioner Eberlementioned in your discussion: that of remedies. The proposed remedy, while understandable
given budget limitations, is completely inadequate.
An example: as anyone who has been illegally excluded from a public accommodationbecause of a disability can tell us, the Americans with Disabilities Act has no provision for
enforcement. The remedy available to them is to take the establishment to civil court. This isextremely burdensome, slow, and expensive, and has led to an unfair perception of people
with disabilities as "litigation happy" among a public that does not understand that litigation istheir only recourse. The federal government should be responsible for enforcement, but that
provision was quite deliberately omitted from the law when it was passed.
The vast majority of people with criminal convictions are poor and at a great disadvantagecompared to a potential landlord. Now we are saying that they, not the city, are responsible for
enforcing this ordinance. That is an unjust burden, and the consequence will be that violatorswill seldom be held to account, and will continue to violate the ordinance.
Passing the ordinance without a provision for a remedy by the city is better than nothing.
However, I hope the HRC will press for enforcement by the city, now and in each budgetcycle, until the city accepts responsibility for enforcing its ordinance.
Sincerely yours,
Amy Morgenstern
---Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern (she or they) (why share your pronouns?)
Parish Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto
parishmin@uucpa.org ~ (650) 494-0541 x26
Schedule a meeting with me here.In case of an urgent pastoral need, please don't wait: call (650) 494-0541 x25
Blogging at Sermons in Stones
Offering advice to the spiritually perplexed or vexed at Ask Isabel
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Find the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto on the web, Facebook, and YouTube
We gather,
our different paths entwined,
to deepen our spiritual lives:
nourishing connection,
learning from each other,
caring for each other,
tending to our world.
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From:Kristi Iverson
To:Human Relations Commission
Cc:Kristi Iverson
Subject:Comment RE: Proposed Fair Chance Housing Ordinance
Date:Thursday, October 10, 2024 2:39:54 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto Human Relations Commission,
I have been a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto for 33 years and am aformer resident of Palo Alto. I strongly support a Fair Chance Housing ordinance for the City
of Palo Alto. As the Palo Alto community has been actively working in recent years toaddress historical and structural racism in the city, these efforts need to include fair housing
policies for those who have been previously incarcerated, which is most often black or brownmembers of our community. If people are to rebuild their lives after paying their debt to
society, they need stable housing. Our criminal justice system leaves too many people who arenot dangerous to others with a stigma from which it is difficult to recover and rebuild their
lives once their debt to society has been paid. A Fair Chance Housing ordinance would helpaddress this issue.
I take this stance because of my religious values as a Unitarian Universalist, and my
commitment to ending white supremacy and to ensuring housing for everyone. I hope theHRC will recommend this ordinance, I trust that your discussions this evening will guide you
to a recommendation for one of the proposed options.
Respectfully,
Kristi Iverson, Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto
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From:Aram James
To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Human Relations Commission; Henry Etzkowitz; Ed Lauing; Josh Becker; Jeff Rosen
Cc:Burt, Patrick; Karen Holman; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Roberta Ahlquist; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Binder, Andrew; Keith Reckdahl;georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com; Vicki Veenker
Subject:Re: The Unconscionable Death of Marcellus Williams
Date:Thursday, October 10, 2024 1:47:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
On Thu, Oct 10, 2024 at 1:11 PM San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP<jethroe@sanjosesiliconvalleynaacp.ccsend.com> wrote:
Unashamedly Black, Unapologetically
Beautiful!!!!
The Oldest, Largest And Strongest
Civil Rights Organization In The United States.
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The Persistent Shadows of Racial Injustice
Moreover, violence loomed as a constant threat
throughout history, apartheid is an institutionalized
regime of oppression and domination by one racial
group over another with movement restrictions, denial
of nationality and citizenship, beatings, and racial
terror served as brutal tools to uphold
white/IDF/Zionist supremacy.
The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak
Rabin occurred after he signed a Declaration of
Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, referred to as the “Oslo
Accord,” following a mass peace rally on November 4, 1995. Rabin was killed by a
Jewish extremist, Yigal Amir, who was a right-wing Zionist. At that time, right-wing
rhetoric against Rabin played a role in inciting his killing. We see a similar situation
today in America, where hateful rhetoric empowers hate crimes.
Nathan Mileikowsky was a Zionist political activist, rabbi, and writer. Mileikowsky's
son was the scholar and academic Benzion Netanyahu, and his grandson is the current
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Revisionists sought to revise the
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boundaries of Jewish territorial aspirations and claims beyond Palestine to include
areas east of the Jordan River. They believed that an armed force would be necessary
to establish such a state. In the early 20th century, prior to the rise of Adolf Hitler in
Germany and the implementation of the institution's “Final Solution” to exterminate
world Jewry, most Jews were not Zionists.
Most Orthodox Jews were anti-Zionist. They believed that only God should reunite
Jews in the Promised Land and regarded Zionism as a violation of God’s will. What is
happening in Israel is hard for me to fathom. People who faced the Holocaust— the
genocide of European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, which
systematically murdered six million Jew should understand why the mass killing of
Palestinians is wrong. This situation is no different from the Indian Wars, during
which the US carried out massacres and forced relocations of Indigenous peoples
many considered genocide. This systematic destruction and forced removal of Native
Americans through violence, disease, forced relocation, cultural assimilation policies,
and land seizure by Europeans resulted in the eradication of many tribes, essentially
constituting genocide.
The parallels between the experiences of Black Americans and those of other
oppressed groups worldwide, such as the Palestinian people and Black South Africans
during apartheid, cannot be overlooked. The Legacy of the Klan has a haunting echo
in the systemic injustices faced by these communities, reflecting a universal struggle
against racial and ethnic oppression.
The inhumane treatment historically endured by Black Americans resonates with the
darkest chapters of apartheid—an oppressive regime designed to disenfranchise and
dehumanize entire populations. Despite the strides made during the civil rights
movement, the remnants of this cruel system remain deeply embedded in our society.
Structural inequalities persist in various sectors, including education, housing, and
employment, serving as stark reminders that the fight against segregation and
discrimination is far from over.
As we continue to confront these injustices, it is imperative to recognize that the
struggle for equality and human rights transcends borders and histories. The
resilience of marginalized communities, both past and present, fuels a collective call to
action—demanding justice, equality, and a future where discrimination is a relic of
history, not a living reality. The path forward necessitates unwavering commitment
and solidarity in dismantling the systems that perpetuate racial violence and
inequality, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past guide us towards a more
equitable society for all. Israeli military action has resulted in over 40,000
confirmedPalestinian deaths. Genocide must stop. Rev. Jethroe Moore II
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/30/religious-zionism-israel-far-right-
different/
https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/cmenas-assets/cmenas-
documents/unit-of-israel-palestine/Section1_Zionism.pdfoslo
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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
o Join "Empower Your Vote: Defending Voter Challenges" and learn how to
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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!
Canvass Board Monitor Training
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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
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Our Bodies, Our Votes: Defending Reproductive
Justice Webinar
Date & Time
Oct 9, 2024 08:00 PM Eastern
Description
As reproductive healthcare faces unprecedented threats across the country, this
session will focus on how we can protect and expand these rights through civic
engagement and community mobilization. With the 2024 election quickly
approaching, it’s more critical than ever to understand how reproductive justice
intersects with racial, economic, and healthcare access—and how we can use our
collective power to drive meaningful change.
Bringing together thought leaders, advocates, and organizers, the session will delve
into the most urgent legislative threats to reproductive rights and what’s at stake for
Black and marginalized communities. During National Voter Education Week, this
session will highlight the vital role of voter education in shaping the future of
reproductive justice, ensuring that communities are empowered with the knowledge
and tools they need to make informed decisions at the polls.
Resignation
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How NAACP’s Walter White
Risked His Life to Investigate
Lynchings
Walter White leveraged his fair complexion to investigatesome of the country’s worst attacks against AfricanAmericans.
For Walter White, growing up Black and being able to
“pass” as white empowered him to take on two
identities that aided his work with
the NAACP exposing racial injustice in the United States.
White was born blonde-haired and blue-eyed in 1893 in Atlanta, Georgia, to a family
descended from enslaved Black people and white plantation owners. He grew up in an
era in which the “one-drop” rule was enforced—a law that categorized anyone with
one drop of Black blood in the family line as a Black person regardless of having a far
greater percentage of European ancestry. Despite his European lineage, the future
civil rights activist grew up as an African American man. His mother and father, both
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born enslaved, became middle class, earning degrees and working as a teacher and
postal worker, respectively.
White came to understand that, despite his pale skin, he was “a Negro, a human being
with an invisible pigmentation which marked me a person to be hunted, hanged,
abused, discriminated against, kept in poverty and ignorance in order that those
whose skin was white would have readily at hand a proof of their superiority,” as he
wrote in his 1948 autobiography, A Man Called White. READ MORE
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WHY DID KENDRICK LAMAR MENTION LECRAE
AND 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
Dear God, please, forgive me, you knowin' how hard I tried
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I think it's time for me to watch the party die
READ MORE
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Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc.With Vision... By Faith... Through Action
Beloved Family,
We are happy to announce that the toolkit we prepared on Project 2025 and what itmeans for the Black church and community IS IS READY!!!! We held “critical conversations” to highlight parts of the document that we felt wouldbe most impactful to the Black community, followed by a toolkit to be used by allpeople – especially Black and POC pastors and lay leaders – to explain the documentto their congregations. In addition to breaking down of some of the plan, we have included talking points wehope will be helpful to pastors if and when their congregations ask about Project2025. Also included is a wealth of resources, including articles, videos and news clipsthat we hope will help answer questions you may have. We thank you for your enthusiastic response to our webinar series of CriticalConversations. Your attendance and continued viewing have been inspiring andinvigorating!
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We hope this is helpful. We know it is necessary.
We are marching to the polls, armed with knowledge of the election process, pitfallsand issues that concern our everyday lives!
Please share it all: the knowledge, the videos and the toolkit. Access to allCritical Conversations has been linked below in this email and also ontoolkit webpage.
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VIRTUAL EVENT: Latinos and the Far Right
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
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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.
Let's stay united, informed, and committed to protecting our community and the
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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
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
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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
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In this election year, I’ve been alarmed to see examples of Christian nationalism on
full display. This toxic ideology weaponizes our faith, distorting Christian language,
symbols, and identity into tools for political manipulation and gain.
How do we recognize this harmful belief system and — critically — help end it?
I invite you to join me as I moderate an online conversation with several faith leaders
who are deeply engaged in the movement against Christian nationalism as they share
stories, strategies, and practical advice they’ve learned in this important work.
In this conversation, we’ll explore the hopeful actions that can counter this deadly set
of beliefs. Panelists will explain what Christian nationalism is (and isn’t), offer
examples of actions to help end it, and articulate a path forward that neither stifles the
participation of people of faith in public life nor threatens a vibrant, democratic, and
just future for all.
Our special guests for this conversation will be:
Bishop William Barber II is president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the
Breach, executive board member of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, and
a professor at Yale Divinity School where he is the founding director of the
Center for Public Theology and Public Policy. He is also co-chair of the Poor
People's Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, a Kettering Foundation
senior fellow, and author of White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race
and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy.
Rev. Caleb E. Campbell is lead pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix,
Ariz. His book, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist
Neighbor, equips Christians to minister to their Christian nationalist neighbors,
explores the reasons so many people are attracted to it and provides a “field
guide” for responding to American Christian nationalist talking points.
Rev. Pamela Cooper White, Ph. D. is emerita professor of psychology and
religion and a former dean and vice president for academic affairs at Union
Theological Seminary. Her most recent book, The Psychology of Christian
Nationalism, was awarded the INDIE independent publishers’ 2022 gold medal
for social and political science.
Adam Russell Taylor is president of Sojourners and author of A More Perfect
Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community. He is ordained in the
American Baptist Church and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. He
is a gifted preacher and lecturer, applying the biblical roots of justice to today’s
most pressing concerns.
You can register for this event and we will email you the details and an event
reminder. We are looking forward to an informative and engaging conversation.
In faith,
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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
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
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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 —
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From:Aram James
To:Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Raymond Goins; Raj Jayadev; district1@bos.sccgov.org; Dave Price; Stump, Molly;O"Neal, Molly; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Roberta Ahlquist; Lotus Fong; Linda Jolley; Tim James; Marina Lopez;Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Daniel Kottke
Cc:georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com; Keith Reckdahl; Cribbs, Anne; Human Relations Commission; Templeton, Cari;
Josh Becker; Karen Holman; Tom DuBois; Henry Etzkowitz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vicki Veenker; Ed Lauing; Sally
Lieber; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Joe Simitian; Shikada, Ed; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Cait James; Lewis
James
Subject:Re: Our most ambitious investigation into AIPAC
Date:Thursday, October 10, 2024 12:51:56 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
10/10/2024
Rev. Moore,
Thank you for this extraordinary article. Once again, you have hit the ball out of the park infurtherance of Justice for All!!
Sincerely,
Aram James, aka Avram “ End The Genocide Now” Finkelstein
On Thu, Oct 10, 2024, at 11:04 AM, Jethroe Moore <moore2j@att.net> wrote:
The Persistent Shadows of Racial Injustice
Moreover, violence loomed as a constant threat throughout history, apartheid is an
institutionalized regime of oppression and domination by one racial group over
another with movement restrictions, denial of nationality and citizenship, beatings,
and racial terror served as brutal tools to uphold white/IDF/Zionist supremacy.
The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin occurred after he signed a
Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, referred to as
the “Oslo Accord,” following a mass peace rally on November 4, 1995. Rabin was
killed by a Jewish extremist, Yigal Amir, who was a right-wing Zionist. At that time,
right-wing rhetoric against Rabin played a role in inciting his killing. We see a
similar situation today in America, where hateful rhetoric empowers hate crimes.
Nathan Mileikowsky was a Zionist political activist, rabbi, and writer. Mileikowsky's
son was the scholar and academic Benzion Netanyahu, and his grandson is the
current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Revisionists sought to
revise the boundaries of Jewish territorial aspirations and claims beyond Palestine
to include areas east of the Jordan River. They believed that an armed force would
be necessary to establish such a state. In the early 20th century, prior to the rise of
Adolf Hitler in Germany and the implementation of the institution's “Final
Solution” to exterminate world Jewry, most Jews were not Zionists.
Most Orthodox Jews were anti-Zionist. They believed that only God should reunite
Jews in the Promised Land and regarded Zionism as a violation of God’s will. What
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Packet Pg. 138
is happening in Israel is hard for me to fathom. People who faced the Holocaust—
the genocide of European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, which
systematically murdered six million Jew should understand why the mass killing of
Palestinians is wrong. This situation is no different from the Indian Wars, during
which the US carried out massacres and forced relocations of Indigenous peoples
many considered genocide. This systematic destruction and forced removal of
Native Americans through violence, disease, forced relocation, cultural assimilation
policies, and land seizure by Europeans resulted in the eradication of many tribes,
essentially constituting genocide.
The parallels between the experiences of Black Americans and those of other
oppressed groups worldwide, such as the Palestinian people and Black South
Africans during apartheid, cannot be overlooked. The Legacy of the Klan has a
haunting echo in the systemic injustices faced by these communities, reflecting a
universal struggle against racial and ethnic oppression.
The inhumane treatment historically endured by Black Americans resonates with
the darkest chapters of apartheid—an oppressive regime designed to disenfranchise
and dehumanize entire populations. Despite the strides made during the civil rights
movement, the remnants of this cruel system remain deeply embedded in our
society. Structural inequalities persist in various sectors, including education,
housing, and employment, serving as stark reminders that the fight against
segregation and discrimination is far from over.
As we continue to confront these injustices, it is imperative to recognize that the
struggle for equality and human rights transcends borders and histories. The
resilience of marginalized communities, both past and present, fuels a collective call
to action—demanding justice, equality, and a future where discrimination is a relic
of history, not a living reality. The path forward necessitates unwavering
commitment and solidarity in dismantling the systems that perpetuate racial
violence and inequality, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past guide us
towards a more equitable society for all. Israeli military action has resulted in over
40,000 confirmed Palestinian deaths. Genocide must stop. Rev. Jethroe Moore II
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/30/religious-zionism-israel-far-right-different/
https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/cmenas-assets/cmenas-documents/unit-of-
israel-palestine/Section1_Zionism.pdf
REV. JETHROE MOORE II
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 11:20:34 AM EDT, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Folks, please contribute liberally to THE Intercept's investigative efforts to determine the impact of
AIPAC's political influence on American politics.
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Best regards,
Aram James aka Avram Finkelstein
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Aram–
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has been on a ruthless campaign
this year, unseating two of the Democrats in Congress brave enough to challenge
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s genocidal war on Gaza.
Your support has enabled us to report doggedly on these primary battles, exposing
how the pro-Israel lobby has used misleading tactics to distract voters from its
increasingly unpopular agenda.
But it’s time for a national reckoning about AIPAC’s poisonous influence on
both political parties. Our senior politics reporter has been hard at workcrunching the numbers on every dollar AIPAC has spent this election cycle
to better understand the scope of its interference.
This is our most ambitious reporting project yet on AIPAC, a subject other outlets
simply won’t touch. We need your help to get it across the finish line — and makesure it gets the attention it deserves, with a visual presentation that will make the
political reality clear to anyone who sees it.
We’re aiming to raise $35,000 for this project now so we can publish our
findings before Election Day — and we still have $15,000 to go. Can youcontribute $10?
If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through
immediately:
DONATE $15 →
DONATE $25 →
DONATE $50 →
DONATE $100 →
DONATE ANOTHER AMOUNT →
Thank you,
The Intercept team
The Intercept is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Intercept’s mailing address is:
P.O. Box 9201
New York, NY 10008
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 141
The Intercept is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to holding the powerful
accountable through fearless, adversarial journalism. Our in-depth investigations and unflinching
analysis focus on surveillance, war, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media
and more. Email is an important way for us to communicate with The Intercept’s readers, but if you’d
like to stop hearing from us, click here to unsubscribe from all communications. Protecting freedom of
the press has never been more important. Contribute now to support our independent journalism.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 142
From:Jethroe Moore
To:georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com; Keith Reckdahl; Cribbs, Anne; Human Relations Commission; Templeton, Cari;Josh Becker; Karen Holman; Tom DuBois; Henry Etzkowitz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vicki Veenker; Aram James
Cc:Ed Lauing; Sally Lieber; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Joe Simitian; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Jeff Rosen; Jay
Boyarsky; Raymond Goins; Cait James; Lewis James
Subject:Re: Our most ambitious investigation into AIPAC
Date:Thursday, October 10, 2024 11:05:09 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
The Persistent Shadows of Racial Injustice
Moreover, violence loomed as a constant threat throughout history, apartheid is an
institutionalized regime of oppression and domination by one racial group over
another with movement restrictions, denial of nationality and citizenship, beatings,
and racial terror served as brutal tools to uphold white/IDF/Zionist supremacy.
The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin occurred after he signed a
Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, referred to as
the “Oslo Accord,” following a mass peace rally on November 4, 1995. Rabin was
killed by a Jewish extremist, Yigal Amir, who was a right-wing Zionist. At that time,
right-wing rhetoric against Rabin played a role in inciting his killing. We see a similar
situation today in America, where hateful rhetoric empowers hate crimes.
Nathan Mileikowsky was a Zionist political activist, rabbi, and writer. Mileikowsky's
son was the scholar and academic Benzion Netanyahu, and his grandson is the
current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Revisionists sought to revise
the boundaries of Jewish territorial aspirations and claims beyond Palestine to
include areas east of the Jordan River. They believed that an armed force would be
necessary to establish such a state. In the early 20th century, prior to the rise of Adolf
Hitler in Germany and the implementation of the institution's “Final Solution” to
exterminate world Jewry, most Jews were not Zionists.
Most Orthodox Jews were anti-Zionist. They believed that only God should reunite
Jews in the Promised Land and regarded Zionism as a violation of God’s will. What is
happening in Israel is hard for me to fathom. People who faced the Holocaust— the
genocide of European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, which
systematically murdered six million Jew should understand why the mass killing of
Palestinians is wrong. This situation is no different from the Indian Wars, during
which the US carried out massacres and forced relocations of Indigenous peoples
many considered genocide. This systematic destruction and forced removal of Native
Americans through violence, disease, forced relocation, cultural assimilation policies,
and land seizure by Europeans resulted in the eradication of many tribes, essentially
constituting genocide.
The parallels between the experiences of Black Americans and those of other
oppressed groups worldwide, such as the Palestinian people and Black South Africans
during apartheid, cannot be overlooked. The Legacy of the Klan has a haunting echo
in the systemic injustices faced by these communities, reflecting a universal struggle
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 143
against racial and ethnic oppression.
The inhumane treatment historically endured by Black Americans resonates with the
darkest chapters of apartheid—an oppressive regime designed to disenfranchise and
dehumanize entire populations. Despite the strides made during the civil rights
movement, the remnants of this cruel system remain deeply embedded in our society.
Structural inequalities persist in various sectors, including education, housing, and
employment, serving as stark reminders that the fight against segregation and
discrimination is far from over.
As we continue to confront these injustices, it is imperative to recognize that the
struggle for equality and human rights transcends borders and histories. The
resilience of marginalized communities, both past and present, fuels a collective call
to action—demanding justice, equality, and a future where discrimination is a relic of
history, not a living reality. The path forward necessitates unwavering commitment
and solidarity in dismantling the systems that perpetuate racial violence and
inequality, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past guide us towards a more
equitable society for all. Israeli military action has resulted in over 40,000 confirmed
Palestinian deaths. Genocide must stop. Rev. Jethroe Moore II
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/30/religious-zionism-israel-far-right-different/
https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/cmenas-assets/cmenas-documents/unit-of-
israel-palestine/Section1_Zionism.pdf
REV. JETHROE MOORE II
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 11:20:34 AM EDT, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Folks, please contribute liberally to THE Intercept's investigative efforts to determine the impact of
AIPAC's political influence on American politics.
Best regards,
Aram James aka Avram Finkelstein
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Packet Pg. 144
Aram–
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has been on a ruthless campaign thisyear, unseating two of the Democrats in Congress brave enough to challenge
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s genocidal war on Gaza.
Your support has enabled us to report doggedly on these primary battles, exposing
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Packet Pg. 145
how the pro-Israel lobby has used misleading tactics to distract voters from its
increasingly unpopular agenda.
But it’s time for a national reckoning about AIPAC’s poisonous influence on
both political parties. Our senior politics reporter has been hard at work
crunching the numbers on every dollar AIPAC has spent this election cycle tobetter understand the scope of its interference.
This is our most ambitious reporting project yet on AIPAC, a subject other outlets
simply won’t touch. We need your help to get it across the finish line — and make
sure it gets the attention it deserves, with a visual presentation that will make thepolitical reality clear to anyone who sees it.
We’re aiming to raise $35,000 for this project now so we can publish our
findings before Election Day — and we still have $15,000 to go. Can you
contribute $10?
If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through
immediately:
DONATE $15 →
DONATE $25 →
DONATE $50 →
DONATE $100 →
DONATE ANOTHER AMOUNT →
Thank you,
The Intercept team
The Intercept is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Intercept’s mailing address is:
P.O. Box 9201
New York, NY 10008
The Intercept is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to holding the powerful
accountable through fearless, adversarial journalism. Our in-depth investigations and unflinching
analysis focus on surveillance, war, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media
and more. Email is an important way for us to communicate with The Intercept’s readers, but if you’d like
to stop hearing from us, click here to unsubscribe from all communications. Protecting freedom of the
press has never been more important. Contribute now to support our independent journalism.
{{item.number}}
Packet Pg. 146
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From:Aram James
To:georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com; Keith Reckdahl; Cribbs, Anne; Human Relations Commission; Templeton, Cari;Josh Becker; Karen Holman; Tom DuBois; Henry Etzkowitz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vicki Veenker
Cc:Ed Lauing; Sally Lieber; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Joe Simitian; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Jeff Moore; Jeff
Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Raymond Goins; Cait James; Lewis James
Subject:Our most ambitious investigation into AIPAC
Date:Wednesday, October 9, 2024 8:20:43 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Folks, please contribute liberally to THE Intercept's investigative efforts to determine theimpact of AIPAC's political influence on American politics.
Best regards,
Aram James aka Avram Finkelstein
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Aram–
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has been on a ruthless campaign this
year, unseating two of the Democrats in Congress brave enough to challenge
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s genocidal war on Gaza.
Your support has enabled us to report doggedly on these primary battles, exposing
how the pro-Israel lobby has used misleading tactics to distract voters from its
increasingly unpopular agenda.
But it’s time for a national reckoning about AIPAC’s poisonous influence on
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both political parties. Our senior politics reporter has been hard at workcrunching the numbers on every dollar AIPAC has spent this election cycle to
better understand the scope of its interference.
This is our most ambitious reporting project yet on AIPAC, a subject other outlets
simply won’t touch. We need your help to get it across the finish line — and make
sure it gets the attention it deserves, with a visual presentation that will make the
political reality clear to anyone who sees it.
We’re aiming to raise $35,000 for this project now so we can publish our
findings before Election Day — and we still have $15,000 to go. Can youcontribute $10?
If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through
immediately:
DONATE $15 →
DONATE $25 →
DONATE $50 →
DONATE $100 →
DONATE ANOTHER AMOUNT →
Thank you,
The Intercept team
The Intercept is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Intercept’s mailing address is:
P.O. Box 9201
New York, NY 10008
The Intercept is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to holding the powerful
accountable through fearless, adversarial journalism. Our in-depth investigations and unflinching
analysis focus on surveillance, war, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media
and more. Email is an important way for us to communicate with The Intercept’s readers, but if you’d like
to stop hearing from us, click here to unsubscribe from all communications. Protecting freedom of the
press has never been more important. Contribute now to support our independent journalism.
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From:Aram James
To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vicki Veenker; Human Relations Commission; Kaloma Smith; georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com;Keith Reckdahl; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Dave Price; Palo Alto Free Press; Burt, Patrick; Greer Stone
Cc:Henry Etzkowitz; Templeton, Cari; Sean Allen; Jeff Moore; Shikada, Ed; Ed Lauing; Stump, Molly;
jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; EPA Today; Diana Diamond
Subject:Appalled’: Backlash over Sunnyvale school board candidate’s anti-LGBTQ views
Date:Wednesday, October 9, 2024 7:06:37 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Appalled’: Backlash over Sunnyvale
school board candidate’s anti-LGBTQ
views
https://sanjosespotlight.com/appalled-backlash-over-sunnyvale-candidates-anti-lgbtq-views/
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From:Aram James
To:Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Sean Allen; Sally Lieber; Lewis James; Ed Lauing; Josh Becker; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen;<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Lotus Fong; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; O"Neal, Molly;jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; EPA Today; Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Kaloma Smith
Cc:Palo Alto Free Press; Baker, Rob; Roberta Ahlquist; Linda Jolley; Zelkha, Mila; Karen Holman; Keith Reckdahl;
Cribbs, Anne; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Raymond Goins; Greer Stone; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia
Subject:Watch "Kamala Harris And Doug Emhoff Mark Anniversary Of Hamas Oct. 7 Attack On Israel, Plant Tree" onYouTube
Date:Monday, October 7, 2024 11:34:29 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Pandering to the Zionist genocidal war criminals!!
https://youtu.be/TT04ToipZbs?si=IFHbVvbvBAEYMQeO
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From:Aram James
To:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Ed Lauing; Josh Becker; Templeton, Cari; Zelkha, Mila; Roberta Ahlquist; Dave Price;Braden Cartwright; EPA Today; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Diana Diamond; Sarah Wright; Shikada, Ed
Cc:Lewis James; Sean Allen; Raymond Goins; Raj Jayadev; Burt, Patrick; georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com; Cribbs,
Anne; rowena.chiu@gmail.com; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; district1@bos.sccgov.org; Linda Jolley; Joe Simitian
Subject:We"ll Come for You Next": Israel Threatened to Kill Teen Journalist in Gaza—Then Did
Date:Monday, October 7, 2024 8:00:25 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of
the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
We'll Come for You Next':
Israel Threatened to Kill
Teen Journalist in Gaza—
Then Did
https://www.commondreams.org/news/journalists-killed-in-gaza-2669341750
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From:Rabbi Levin
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Jewish Holidays - Calendar
Date:Monday, October 7, 2024 2:39:10 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Thank you for the opportunity to offer feedback on the City Council Calendar. I appreciate the fact
that some holidays are being avoided.
Please note that the following days are Jewish holidays when we cannot participate:
June 2 – Shavuot https://www.chabad.org/609663
October 6 – Sukkot https://www.chabad.org/4784 (This article has the dates for 2024.)
(That would also apply to October 13, which does not have a meeting scheduled.
Please feel free to contact me for any more information.
Rabbi Yosef Levin
650-804-8910
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From:Aram James
To:Ed Lauing; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; O"Neal, Molly; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Friends ofCubberley; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Tom DuBois; Karen Holman; Kaloma Smith;Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Enberg, Nicholas; ParkRec Commission
Cc:Figueroa, Eric; Zelkha, Mila; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Foley, Michael; Human Relations Commission;
Lotus Fong; Palo Alto Free Press; Baker, Rob; Roberta Ahlquist; Linda Jolley
Subject:For a good laugh: See page 16 of the Oct 14th Palo Alto Weekly of Jewish lobby members response to my letterto the Weekly of September 27, 2024
Date:Saturday, October 5, 2024 2:42:08 PM
Attachments:FBEB110E-8ADD-453B-A3A1-51C1D4E88962.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
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From:Aram James
To:Josh Becker; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Ed Lauing; Susan Hayase; Supervisor Otto Lee; Raymond Goins; RajJayadev; Roberta Ahlquist; Henry Etzkowitz; Stone, Greer; Kaloma Smith; Jeff Moore; Sean Allen; KeithReckdahl; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Sally Lieber; Dave Price
Cc:Human Relations Commission; Shikada, Ed; Sarah Wright; Braden Cartwright; Lewis james; Jax Ajluni; Salem
Ajluni; Michelle; DuJuan Green; Doug Minkler; Templeton, Cari; Julie Lythcott-Haims
Subject:Berkeley’s Peace and Justice commission calls for cease-fire in Gaza
Date:Saturday, October 5, 2024 11:06:32 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Berkeley’s Peace and Justice commission
calls for cease-fire in Gaza
https://www.dailycal.org/news/city/city-government/peace-and-justice-commission-sends-
ceasefire-resolution-to-city-council/article_de0a3480-8073-11ef-9f5a-87feb9f14c49.html
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From:Aram James
To:Gardener, Liz; Jeff Moore; Sean Allen; Henry Etzkowitz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Keith Reckdahl; Linda Jolley; LotusFong; Council, City; Sally Lieber; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Daniel Kottke; Raymond Goins; Van Der Zwaag,Minka; Human Relations Commission
Subject:Newsom vetos spending accountability bill
Date:Friday, October 4, 2024 9:14:26 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Newsom vetos spending
accountability bill
Newsom vetos spending accountability billhttps://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=b8dc6da4-6414-
4070-b4e3-013b6c4b38ea&appcode=SAN252&eguid=bb7d11b1-b0cd-4b28-beec-123a3ec62202&pnum=2#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
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