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Home My WebLink About2026-01-08 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting – Workplan Retreat Thursday, January 08, 2026 Community Meeting Room (City Hall) & 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. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and reports are available at https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Boards-and- Commissions. 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@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Commission and available for inspection on the City’s website three days before the meeting. 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@PaloAlto.gov 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.Approval of the December 11, 2025, Human Relations Commision Draft Action Minutes. – Chair – Action – 5 minutes BUSINESS ITEMS 2.Overview of Core Responsibilities, Liaisons, and Buddies. – Chair – Discussion – 30 minutes 3.Development of Workplan. – Chair and Vice Chair – Action – 90 minutes CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s) •Commissioner Reports •Council Liaison Report •Staff Liaison Report COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s) ADJOURNMENT OTHER INFORMATION The materials below are provided for informational purposes, not for action or discussion during this meeting’s agenda. Written public comments may be submitted in advance and will be provided to the Commission and available for public inspection on the City’s website three days before the meeting. A.Public Comments – posted 1/7/26 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@PaloAlto.gov. 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@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code DRAFT HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING ACTION MINUTES Thursday, December 11, 2025 6:00 PM Commissioners Present: Ansari, Barr, Causey, Hsieh (arrived 6:20 p.m.), Karnam, Kraus, Stimmler Commissioners Absent: none Council Liaison: none Staff: Minka van der Zwaag, Alayna Cruz I) ROLL CALL II) PUBLIC COMMENT III) AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS IV) APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the November 13, 2025, Human Relations Commission Special Meeting Draft Action Minutes. MOTION: Vice Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Karnam, to approve the minutes of November 13, 2025. MOTION PASSED: 6-0-1 (Hsieh absent) V) BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Presentation from local providers on programs and services addressing food insecurity in Palo Alto. – Vice Chair Kraus – Discussion NO ACTION TAKEN 3. Review of Past Year Accomplishments and Framework for Work Plan Retreat. – Chair Stimmler - Discussion NO ACTION TAKEN 4. Election of Human Relations Commission Chair and Vice Chair. – Chair – Action NOMINATIONS FOR CHAIR: Commissioner Hsieh nominated Commissioner Kraus for the Chair position for a term ending in January 2026. MOTION: Commissioner Barr moved, seconded by Commissioner Karnam, to close the nominations for Chair. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 1 Packet Pg. 4 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 NOMINATION FOR COMMISSIONER KRAUS PASSED: 6-0-1 (Ansari abstain) NOMINATIONS FOR VICE CHAIR: Commissioner Stimler nominated Commissioner Causey for the position of Vice Chair for a term ending in January 2026. Chair Kraus nominated Commissioner Karnam for the position of Vice Chair for a term ending in January 2026. MOTION: Commissioner Stimmler moved, seconded by Chair Kraus, to close nomination for Vice Chair. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 NOMINATION FOR COMMISSIONER CAUSEY PASSED: 4-3 (Yea: Ansari, Barr, Causey, Stimmler. Nay: Hsieh, Kraus, Karnam) NOMINATION FOR COMMISSIONER KARNAM FAILED: 3-4 (Yea: Hsieh, Kraus, Karnam. Nay: Ansari, Barr, Causey, Stimmler) 5. Recognition of Service for Staff Liaison Minka van der Zwaag. - Stimmler – Discussion VI) REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS VII) ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. 1 Packet Pg. 5 From:promiserani To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Please prioritize mental health Date:Tuesday, January 6, 2026 6:06:25 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hi, I am writing to ask the Human Resources Commission to choose mental health and suicide prevention as a priority focus for the coming year. Suicide is a serious problem in Palo Alto, and disproportionately affects those who are already marginalized including transgender and LGBTQ youth as well as the elderly, in particular because of access to our local means. Please include efforts to train our community members, have conversations with youth and adults, and help reduce stigma around suicide, along with working with other city efforts including partnerships with the Jed foundation and others. Thank you Prerana Jayakumar Parent and mental health advocate Midtown -- rani Jayakumar she/her/hers I usually check email twice a day - thank you for your patience. If you need to reach me urgently, please call or text. Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you. - L.R.Knost http://www.okachiko.com http://www.karnatik.com http://www.transitionpaloalto.org This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report A Packet Pg. 6 From:Michele Lew To:Human Relations Commission Subject:1/8/26 Agenda, Item #3 Date:Tuesday, January 6, 2026 9:17:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Commissioners, I am writing to encourage you to prioritize youth mental health and suicide prevention in your 2026 workplan. As our community grapples with a third youth suicide cluster in less than 20 years, we need all hands on deck to support youth mental health and well being. The Commission can play an important convening role, helping to highlight the voices and recommendations of young people, educating residents about suicide prevention and programs such as Mental Health First Aid, and pointing folks to helpful resources such as Project Safety Net and the HEARD Alliance website. The Commission can also help amplify the work of the Jed Foundation and other community groups that are focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. With your leadership, we can reduce stigma about mental illness and reach members of our diverse Palo Alto community. Thank you for your consideration, Michele Lew Palo Alto resident This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report A Packet Pg. 7 From:Linda Henigin To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Comment on Agenda Item #3 for January 8 meeting - 2026 Workplan area of focus Date:Tuesday, January 6, 2026 10:31:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Human Relations Commissioners, I am writing to ask the HRC to prioritize suicide awareness and prevention, along with mental health and wellness generally, in the 2026 Workplan. We are in our third suicide cluster, with particular impact on transgender youth. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. We need everyone in our community - adults and youth alike - to know the most basic way to respond to someone who comes to them in distress. And we need to destigmatize conversations about suicide. I ask that the HRC work with the Jed Foundation and community groups on initiatives to destigmatize conversations around suicide, and to disseminate training and support to every member of our community, so that all of us are prepared to respond to anyone in distress. Thank you, Linda Henigin Palo Alto community volunteer and TrackWatch steering committee member This message needs your attention This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast A Packet Pg. 8 From:Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga To:Human Relations Commission Subject:2025 Impact Report: How We’re Delivering Results for Santa Clara County Date:Tuesday, December 30, 2025 4:26:01 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. i Supervisor Abe-Koga's Newsletter Dear Friends, I hope you’ve been able to find moments of rest and peace this holiday week. As this year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on what residents consistently ask for: visible results, measurable improvements, and action that improves daily life in Santa Clara County. The District Five 2025 Impact Report shows exactly that. I invite you to read and see the results we achieved this year in the following areas: Affordable Housing & Homelessness Solutions Behavioral and Emergency Healthcare This message needs your attention This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report A Packet Pg. 9 Public Safety & Community Protection Seamless, Reliable Public Transportation Wildfire Prevention & Environmental Restoration You can read the full Impact Report by clicking any image below or by viewing it here. Next year, I’ll be releasing another Impact Report in December, so if you’d like to receive a printed copy in your mailbox, please send an email to district5@bos.sccgov.org with your U.S. Postal Service mailing address. By subscribing to my newsletter, you will automatically receive the 2026 Impact Report digitally. A Packet Pg. 10 A Packet Pg. 11 Below are snapshots of the places I’ve been this year while out and about chatting with you. A Packet Pg. 12 As always, please feel free to call or email my office with any questions, concerns, or ideas that will enhance the quality of life of Santa Clara County residents. A Packet Pg. 13 I wish you and your loved ones a healthy, joyful start to the New Year! With commitment and care, Stay Informed: Your Guide to Supervisors’ Board Meetings Below are the upcoming meetings that you can join in person at the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110, or virtually. Tuesday, January 14 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 28 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 4 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 25 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting Please email or call our office with any questions at 408-299-5050. How to Participate in Board Meetings Residents are encouraged to get involved in the decision-making process in the following ways: Attend in person at the Board of Supervisors Chambers. Join via Zoom to share public comment. Zoom links for each meeting are available on the Board of A Packet Pg. 14 Supervisors Meetings Resource Page. If you need help using Zoom on your smartphone, instructions are available on the same resource page. Submit written comments by email to BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org. Comments will be shared with the Board as quickly as possible. Please note: It may take up to one business day for documents to appear on the meeting’s agenda outline. Watch via YouTube at the Santa Clara County’s YouTube channel. Community Events in District 5 Vote for the County’s Next Assessor by Tues. Dec. 30 – Find a Ballot Dropoff Box or Voting Booth near You Almaden Valley Community Association Monthly Meeting – Mon., Jan. 12, 2026 Infants and toddlers ages 6 months and older can get vaccinated against flu and COVID at Lenzen Pharmacy in San Jose Apply for a Commission on the Status of Women Mini Grant – Deadline: Fri., Jan. 16 Tech for Seniors Tutoring Program - Sun., Jan. 25 Bay Area Older Adults Hikes in February and March Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga 70 W. Hedding Street San Jose, CA (408) 299-5050 Unsubscribe from future updates A Packet Pg. 15 From:Eden Housing To:Human Relations Commission Subject:There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays Date:Monday, December 22, 2025 11:19:21 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. DONATE NOW Email not displaying correctly? View it on your browser As we wrap up 2025, all of us at Eden Housing want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our team members, partners, supporters, and community members. Your dedication and collaboration have made a profound impact in the lives of the residents and communities we serve. A Packet Pg. 16 We wish you a warm, safe, and happy holiday season. We look forward to reconnecting in 2026 as we continue this important work together. SUPPORT OUR WORK Eden Housing 22645 Grand Street A Packet Pg. 17 United States SUPPORT OUR WORK If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe. Privacy Policy A Packet Pg. 18 From:Deborah Goldeen To:Human Relations Commission Subject:VICTORIA Food Rescue Date:Saturday, December 13, 2025 2:14:20 PM I’m the woman who spoke in public comments at end of Item 2, last Thursday. The name of org ia Victoria Food Resue, NOT Vancouver Food Rescue (VFR). The powerhouse that got that ball rolling is Lorna Curtis. Her emai, which she has given me permission to share, is lcurtis@shaw.com . She is affiliated with Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Victoria BC (Canada). She told me VFR distribute food through seventy-five different partner organizations. They serve 50,000 people, with demand increasing and they are now seeing two income families in need - this is new. Feel free to reach out to her directly. Deborah Goldeen, Birch St., Palo Alto, (650)799-3652 A Packet Pg. 19 From:Aram James To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie Cc:Human Relations Commission; Council, City Subject:Hundreds of Santa Clara County families face displacement - San José Spotlight Date:Wednesday, December 10, 2025 6:15:26 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. https://sanjosespotlight.com/hundreds-of-santa-clara-county-families-face-displacement/ A Packet Pg. 20 From:Eden Housing To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Eden Housing Scholarship Matching Challenge Date:Tuesday, December 9, 2025 10:12:27 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. DONATE NOW Email not displaying correctly? View it on your browser Dear Friend of Eden Housing, A Packet Pg. 21 Every day, residents of Eden Housing work hard to create brighter futures for themselves and their families. Through our Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship Program, we recognize and support students who are reaching higher to achieve their dreams. Please contribute to our scholarship fund today and your gift will be doubled during our matching gift challenge. DONATE NOW In our 33rd year of supporting California students, the Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship program has provided $1,296,783 for a total of 703 scholarships to- date. Last year, thanks to the generosity of Eden’s board members and donors like you, 43 students received scholarships totaling $125,940. These scholarships make a real difference. They support people of all ages enrolled in vocational programs, community colleges, universities, and graduate schools— empowering them to build careers, stability, and lasting independence. A Packet Pg. 22 MATCH MY GIFT Thank you for believing in the power of stable housing, education and opportunity! Sincerely, Linda Mandolini President and CEO Eden Housing P.S. The demand for scholarships is growing every year— your support today can help more students reach their goals. A Packet Pg. 23 Eden Housing 22645 Grand Street Hayward, CA 94541 United States If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe. Privacy Policy A Packet Pg. 24