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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-12 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, February 12, 2026 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. 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 January 8, 2026 Human Relations Commission Draft Action Minutes. – Chair – Action – 5 minutes BUSINESS ITEMS   2.Presentations on existing LGBTQ+ events in Palo Alto that are led by the City of Palo Alto Library and Community Service Departments. – Staff – Discussion – 30 minutes 3.Review and approval of the 2026 Human Relations Commission Draft Workplan. – Chair – Action – 60 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 2/9/26 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 section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting. DRAFT HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING ACTION MINUTES Thursday, January 8, 2026 6:00 PM Commissioners Present: Ansari, Barr, Causey, Hsieh, Karnam, Kraus Commissioners Absent: Stimmler Council Liaison: Vice Mayor Stone Staff: Sophie Pigman, Alayna Cruz I) ROLL CALL II) PUBLIC COMMENT III) AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS IV) APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the December 11, 2025, Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Draft Action Minutes. MOTION: Commissioner Karnam moved, seconded by Commissioner Barr, to approve the minutes of December 11, 2025. MOTION PASSED: 6-0-1 (Stimmler absent) V) BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Overview of Core Responsibilities, Liaisons, and Buddies. – Chair Kraus – Discussion NO ACTION TAKEN 3. Development of Workplan. – Chair Kraus and Vice Chair Causey - Action NO ACTION TAKEN VI) REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS VII) ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. 1     Packet Pg. 5     Human Relations Commission DRAFT 2026 Workplan Staff Liaison: Sophie Pigman, Human Services Manager Lead Department: City Manager About the Commission This updated workplan covers the calendar year 2026 for the Human Relations Commission (HRC). The Commission is composed of 7 members who are residents of Palo Alto. Terms are for 3 years. See Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Sections 2.16 and 2.22. For more information about the HRC please visit our http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/hrc Current Commissioners ● Michelle Kraus, Chair ● Katie Causey, Vice Chair ● Salwa Ansari ● Don Barr ● Amy Hsieh ● Sridhar Karnam ● Mary Kate Stimmler Mission Statement HRC Mission: To promote the just and fair treatment of all people in Palo Alto, particularly our most vulnerable populations. By promoting awareness of issues and enabling conversations that enhance inclusion, the HRC strives to create a community where civility, respect and responsible actions are the 2.22.050 rly or differently treated due to factors of concern to (1) Public or private opportunities or resources in the community include, but are not limited to, those 3     Packet Pg. 6     (2) Factors of concern to the commission include, but are not limited to, socioeconomic class or status, race, cultural characteristics, ethnic background, ancestry, (b) The commission shall conduct such studies and undertake such responsibilities as the council may Prior Year Accomplishments (April 2024-December 2025) – Core Responsibilities: Discussed the findings of the Human Services Needs Assessment and -27 Human Services Resource Allocation Process -year RAP grants totaling $941,735 to fund critical needs in the community for FY 2026-27 (March and April Emerging Needs Fund. In Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024-June 2025), a total of 6 grants totaling $50,000 was -26 (May 2025). Hosted the Planning and Development Department’s public hearing on the summary -25 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Accomplishments and ER), (September 2025). Goal #2 – Inclusion & Belonging: Conducted a Listening Session with local faith leaders to better -Ul-Adha (June 2024). Made mmendations for actions stemming from the 2023 Older Adults Learning Series (September 2024). ’s Alto Annual Community Ramadan Iftar dinner (February 2025). Adopted a policy on public requests for ’s list (October 2025). Approved support for the Mitchell Park Library “Know Your Rights: Information for the Immigrant Community” program (November 2025). Approved a procedure for city staff to request HRC 3     Packet Pg. 7     Goal #3 - Public Safety: Conducted the “Creating a Safer Community: Understanding and Defining Hate Crimes” event for the public (October 2024). Approved a resolution stating that the HRC condemns all hate crimes and hate incidents (November 2024). Conducted a “Fraud Prevention” event for the public (April Goal #4 – Public Health: Provided feedback on the draft Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan Goal #5 – Housing, Economic Justice and Development: Hosted the Planning and Development Know Your Rights: Information for Palo Alto’s Immigrant Community” event for the public (February 2025). Conducted a learning session to hear from Early Childhood Education (ECE) providers and professionals on the current childcare landscape locally and regionally (May 2025). Presentation by the City Manager’s Office on the Local Housing and Homelessness Services Gap Analysis Report. Provided input relating to housing and services for the unhoused as feedback to the City Council (June 2025). Conducted a Learning Session on alternative pathways to home ownership (September 2025). e Golden State Opportunity Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and how it may provide cash support to qualifying unhoused, low- 2025). Presentation by the Palo Alto Mediation Program staff and Mediation -chairs on their programs and services (November 2025). Goal #6 – Climate Change: Presentation by Heart and Home Collaborative and City staff on City services Goal #7 – Learning Sessions (items are also listed under the goals above): Conducted locally and regionally (HEJD, May 2025). Conducted a learning session on alternative pathways Goal #8 – Emerging Issues: Received an update on the Public Art Program King Artist Residency (May 3     Packet Pg. 8     GOAL 1: Core Responsibilities Funding Programs - Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and isting th the HSRAP application process for the FY28 funding cycle. ), the R.V. Dweller Service Provider Meeting. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- The funding programs provide human services organizations with essential monetary support to serve vulnerable and underserved residents of Palo Alto. Ad hoc HRC subcommittee and staff time for the funding decisions. Moderate level of staff and ad hoc subcommittee time. During each applicable funding cycle, HRC produces funding recommendations to City Council for HSRAP, CDBG, and the Emerging Needs Fund, as well as any relevant context to current community needs. Each commissioner serving as a liaison to a partner agency provides at least one update quarterly to the Commission summarizing engagement with the assigned agency, including identified needs, challenges, and opportunities relevant to the Commission’s work. N/A HIGH LOWER PRIORITY POLICY UPDATE Provide funding recommendations for HSRAP, CDBG and the Emerging Needs Fund as needed. N/A 3     Packet Pg. 9     GOAL 2: Community Mental Health Support current efforts to address mental health issues in the community with a focus on youth and LGBTQ+. ● Learning session on youth mental health and suicide prevention by Project Safety Net, allcove Palo Alto agencies. ● Receive an update/determine current status of any initiatives for a North County LGBTQ+ resource center. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- Increase community awareness of the mental health challenges faced by youth, adults and veterans; and the services available to them and their families. Foster an ongoing community dialogue on how to prevent suicides and overdoses. -Summer 2026 Ad hoc HRC subcommittee and staff time Moderate level of staff and ad hoc subcommittee time. Coordinate with city stakeholders and other non-government organization’s to amplify their workshops, outreach, and messaging. HIGH LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Conduct the learning session with Project Safety Net, allcove Palo Alto, N/A 3     Packet Pg. 10     GOAL 3: Community Safety Explore and implement avenues to decrease incidences of crimes in the community. ● Continue to convene community presentations on fraud prevention. ● Continue to convene faith leader meetings on community safety. ● Provide a space for residents to voice their concerns about the safety conditions around the Escondido Elementary School neighborhood and identify any ways that the HRC can address those concerns. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED All individuals who live, work or worship in Palo Alto have the right to do so without fear of verbal or physical abuse or attack. -Fall 2026 Ad hoc subcommittee and staff time. Space and marketing for educational programming. Moderate level of staff and ad hoc subcommittee time. Convene another faith leader’s summit on community safety. Convene another community meeting presentation ongoing fraud prevention. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Convene another community meeting presentation on fraud prevention. 3     Packet Pg. 11     GOAL 4: Community Engagement Foster a sense of inclusion, belonging, and civic engagement in the community. ● Invite Palo Alto youth advocates to present to the Human Relations Commission regarding their proposed initiative to lower the voting age to 16 in City of Palo Alto elections. ● Host an LGBTQ+ youth and allies leadership day at City Hall showing LGBTQ+ youth and allies not only different resources, but different paths in public service they can take. ● Convene one public input/brainstorming session with local LGBTQ+ nonprofits and advocates to assess what type of pride event the community is interested in, what nonprofits would have capacity to support, what would be needed to make that a reality. ● Implement an annual community nonprofit service provider convening. ● Identify ways to increase community engagement with the HRC, both during and between meetings. ● AI for Belonging - a ‘transparency baseline’ for city-used algorithms, and a ‘Procurement Guardrail’ policy to ensure city vendors meet our equity standards. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- All individuals who live, work or worship in Palo Alto have the right to feel included and valued as members of the community. Ad hoc subcommittee and staff time. Space and marketing for programming. Moderate level of staff and ad hoc subcommittee time. Increased community awareness -- both HIGH LOWER COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE N/A 3     Packet Pg. 12     GOAL 5: Housing, Economic Recovery and Development (HERD) Housing, Economic Recovery and Development - ● Continue to identify roles the HRC can play to provide an equity perspective in ongoing housing initiatives such as meeting housing element goals, Stanford GUP, and the potential shift from the downtown housing advisory group to an SB79 advisory group. ● Hold a joint meeting with the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) if ADU “condoization” comes forward. ● Continue to support efforts for increased renter protections and access to affordable housing, with a particular focus on seniors. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED Providing active HRC participation in actions to positively affect the lives of unhoused members of the community. Staff and HRC commissioner time Lower level of staff and adhoc subcommittee time. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Research and identify housing programs that could best address equity and access needs in the community (cross sectional senior, families, low income.). 3     Packet Pg. 13     GOAL 6: Climate Resilience Explore ways in which climate change may disproportionately affect specific populations in the community. ● Learning session from the Palo Alto Fire Department about current environmental disaster mitigation workshops. ● Conduct events, in partnership with the Fire Department and other relevant city departments, to help prepare vulnerable populations for climate events (fire, flooding, drought, etc.). ● Identify ways to mitigate the impact of environmental disasters on vulnerable populations. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- Climate change is a priority for the State of California and the City of Palo Alto. Climate awareness and changes in habits help everyone thrive and special attention should be paid to vulnerable populations. -Fall 2026 Moderate level of staff and ad hoc subcommittee time. Space and marketing for programming. Complete two workshops on climate disaster mitigation. HIGH LOWER COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE 3     Packet Pg. 14     GOAL 7: Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Respond to the referral from the Policy and Services Committee (12/9/25) to the HRC for consideration of strategies and policies to implement the City’s CEDAW ordinance, contingent upon Council’s adoption of the ordinance. The Policy and Services Committee requests both immediate and long-term recommendations. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- By adopting a CEDAW ordinance, the City provides a legal framework for the protection and support of women in the community. Spring-Summer 2026. Present recommendations by November 2026. Moderate level of staff and ad hoc subcommittee time. Forward recommendations to the City Council. HIGH LOWER COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Develop strategies and policies to present to Council. 3     Packet Pg. 15     GOAL 8: Rapid Response The HRC will identify emerging issues in the community, prioritize those that need further attention and elevate any major ponsive to BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- The HRC has the discretion to act with respect to any human relations matter when the commission finds that any person or group does not benefit fully from public or private opportunities or resources in the community or is unfairly or differently treated due to factors of as needed. relations concerns arise, HRC leadership initiates timely outreach, as appropriate, to impacted community leaders or organizations for the purpose of listening, expressing support, and understanding community- identified concerns. Information gathered is used to inform Commission awareness and, items or referrals. In addition, the HRC will determine emerging funding needs as appropriate. HIGH LOWER COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE TBD 3     Packet Pg. 16     2026 HRC Liaisons and Subcommittees Agency Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Council Member Commissioner Subcommitees TBD 3     Packet Pg. 17     From:Samina Sundas To:Minka Van Der Zwaag; Council, City; Clerk, City; City of Mountain View; Human Relations Commission Subject:Honoring the children of Palestine Date:Monday, February 9, 2026 11:06:58 AM Attachments:image1.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Please join us on Wednesday February 11th at noon for the reception and brief program. Lunch would be provided. Warm regards, Samina Sundas Here’s link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/honoring-the-children-of-palestine-exhibit-reception-santa- clara-county-tickets-1982008693356 A     Packet Pg. 18     From:Uzma Minhas To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Invitation: Palo Alto Community Ramadan Iftar Dinner – February 28th Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 4:37:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear HRC Commissioners, On behalf of the organizers, I would like to formally invite you to Palo Alto’s Ramadan Iftar dinner on Saturday, February 28th. We want to ensure all Commissioners have the opportunity to join us for this evening of community and reflection. If the invitation hasn't reached your inbox yet, you can find the event details via the link below: https://evite.me/4kHgtwrGWX We would be honored to have your presence there. May you please let me know who from HRC plans to attend? That will allow us to update our guest count appropriately. Best, Uzma A     Packet Pg. 19     From:Deborah Goldeen To:Human Relations Commission Subject:HRC Priorities Date:Monday, February 2, 2026 1:08:42 PM Two thumbs up for Katie Causie's suggestion to change name to Human RIGHTS Comission and to a Palo Alto Pride Day (Duh!). Ten fingers up for Salwa Ansari's proposal for a non-profit coordination event. Sridgar Karnam nailed it with "there needs to be some kind of accommodation/infrastructure that will allow for expression of passionate feelings - something better than just lining up along El Camino." The original street scape/urban design of Palo Alto was created by high end, speculative real estate developers. Civic engagemnet was not on their radar. Deborah Goldeen, Birch St., 94306 A     Packet Pg. 20     From:Iftar Organizing Committee To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Hrc, RSVP to Palo Alto"s Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner Date:Thursday, January 15, 2026 1:59:06 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. evite Palo Alto's Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner Hrc, you're invited! RSVP by January 26 at 6:00 PM View & RSVP This email was sent to hrc@cityofpaloalto.org because you have been invited to an event by Iftar Organizing Committee . Even if you have opted-out of receiving Evite marketing communications, you may still receive emails with relevant information based on your upcoming Invitation events or recent activity. Evite® and Life's Better Together® are the registered trademarks of Evite, Inc. © 2026, Evite, Inc. All rights reserved. Evite invitations and services may include other trademarks of their respective owners. Privacy Policy | Event Notification Settings | Block this Host | Do Not Sell My Info Evite 310 E. Colorado St. Glendale, CA 91205 A     Packet Pg. 21     From:Devi Ramanan To:Human Relations Commission Subject:prioritize suicide awareness and prevention Date:Thursday, January 8, 2026 8:14:14 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Madam/Sir, Please help to save our kids! 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 talking 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. Many Thanks Devi A     Packet Pg. 22