HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-14 Human Relations Commission Agenda PacketHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Thursday, May 14, 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 76, 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
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted for up to three minutes
or an amount of time determined by the Chair. In-person comments will be heard at the
beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda. 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
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. In-person
comments will be heard at the beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of 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 April 9, 2026, Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Draft
Action Minutes. – Action – 5 minutes
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Presentation on Pride Event by representatives from event planning committee. –
Discussion – 60 - minutes
3.Consideration of HRC support of a community Pride Event on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at
King Plaza (250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto). – Action – 15 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)
VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. In-person
comments will be heard at the beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda.
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
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, April 9, 2026
6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Ansari, Barr, Causey, Kraus, Mary Kate Stimmler
Commissioners Absent: Karnam, Stimmler
Council Liaison: Vice Mayor Stone
Staff: Sophie Pigman, Nicole Bissel, Chantal Cotton-Gaines, Leif Christensen, Coleman Frick
Others Present: Steven Adelsheim (Stanford Medicine), Mora Oommen (YCS)
I) ROLL CALL
II) PUBLIC COMMENT
III) AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS
IV) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the March 17, 2026, Human Relations Commission Special Meeting Draft
Action Minutes.
MOTION: Commissioner Barr moved, seconded by Vice Chair Causey, to approve
the minutes of March 17, 2026.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0-2 (Karnam, Stimmler absent)
V) BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Discussion on Youth Mental Health with Youth Community Service (YCS), Stanford
Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Health Alliance in Response to
Adolescent Depression (HEARD). Update from City Staff on City Efforts with the Jed
Foundation. – Discussion
NO ACTION TAKEN
3. Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant
Funding Allocations and Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Action Plan. –
Action
MOTION: Commissioner Barr moved, seconded by Chair Kraus, to increase the
allocation to La Comida by the largest allowable amount within the cap, and to have
the balance of available increased funding for use in additional public facilities
1
Packet Pg. 5
ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to access
City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with government code
section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
funding.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0-2 (Karnam, Stimmler Absent)
MOTION: Vice Chair Causey moved, seconded by Chair Kraus to increase the
recommended funding to YWCA to $5,500.00, by proportionally decreasing funding
from Life Moves, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, and Project Sentinel.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0-2 (Karnam, Stimmler Absent)
MOTION: Chair Kraus moved, seconded by Vice Chair Causey, to recommend the
City Council approve the Community Block Grant (CDBG) draft Fiscal Year 2026-27
Annual Action Plan, amended as needed to reflect the HRC’s funding
recommendations.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0-2 (Karnam, Stimmler Absent)
VI) REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS
VII) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
1
Packet Pg. 6
HRC Application to Request Support
Submitted on 19 April 2026, 8:40pm
Receipt number 3
Related form version 10
Name of Applicant (First and Last):Alex Efremova
Organization (if applicable):Palo Alto Pride
Phone Number:
Email:
Type of Request:Other
Description of the Program or Event:The event is on Sunday, June 7th, 2-5 pm, at King Plaza and
Hamilton & Ramona Streets outside of Palo Alto City Hall, in
downtown Palo Alto. We will have a stage program with various
speakers and performers from our community, combining and
mixing different topics and performance mediums (dance, singing,
poetry) for a well-balanced and engaging set. For the entire
duration of the event, local organizations will be tabling around
the plaza.
Organizational Background:We are not a formal organization, but a group of passionate
activists, youth leaders, and community members who came
together to organize Palo Alto's first citywide LGBTQ+ Pride
event.
Alignment with HRC Goals:This is Palo Alto's first LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, and it is
important to have a local event supporting queer people in our
city. Especially in this hard time for queer people, both nationally
and locally, we have a need for the Palo Alto community to step
forward and make a statement of appreciation for our queer
neighbors. Before this, Palo Alto residents had to travel to cities
like Mountain View and San Jose to attend Pride events, but with
our event this can change.
Support Requested:Use of HRC Name as an event supporter, Request that a
Commissioner speak at the event or program, request for funding
Community Impact:In our community, there have recently been numerous tragedies
associated with the negative experience members of the LGBTQ+
community, especially trans people, face. With this event, our goal
is to show that the City of Palo Alto is a welcoming and safe place
1 of 2
3
Packet Pg. 7
for the residents who identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum. With
this inaugural, hopefully first of many, event, we want to make
LGBTQ+ Pride celebration more accessible to the people of our
city, because now they would not have to travel longer distances
to see their identities represented and celebrated.
Other Sponsors or Partners:
Youth Community Service, First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto
I certify that the information contained in the foregoing
application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge
and belief.
2 of 2
3
Packet Pg. 8
From:Human Relations Commission
To:Dylan Kothari
Cc:Human Relations Commission
Subject:RE: Summer Internships (Unpaid) for High School Students
Date:Thursday, April 16, 2026 2:15:30 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
Hello Dylan,
The Human Relations Commission does not have an intern program. You can check to see if
there are any intern positions available within the City of Palo Alto by calling or emailing Human
Resources. (650) 329-2376 | HR@paloalto.gov
Best regards,
Alayna Cruz
Management Assistant, Human Services
(650) 463-4906 | alayna.cruz@paloalto.gov | www.paloalto.gov
From: Dylan Kothari <dylansamirkothari@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2026 10:25 AM
To: Human Relations Commission <hrc@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Summer Internships (Unpaid) for High School Students
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hello, Will you be taking volunteer summerinternsthis summer? I am a Menlo School high school student.By way of background, I enjoy using data tools to identify inequality and inform decisions. I'm particularlyinterested in identifying inequality through the lensof languageand computation. Last
i
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Hello,
Powered by Mimecast
A
Packet Pg. 9
Will you be taking volunteer summer interns this summer? I am a Menlo School high
school student.
By way of background, I enjoy using data tools to identify inequality and inform
decisions. I'm particularly interested in identifying inequality through the lens of
language and computation. Last summer, I took a linguistics class at UC Santa
Barbara and I have taken two years of Computer Science in school.
I would be happy to send my resume or any additional information.
Thank you,
Dylan
A
Packet Pg. 10
From:Dylan Kothari
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:Summer Internships (Unpaid) for High School Students
Date:Thursday, April 16, 2026 10:26:26 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Hello,
Will you be taking volunteer summer interns this summer? I am a Menlo School high
school student.
By way of background, I enjoy using data tools to identify inequality and inform
decisions. I'm particularly interested in identifying inequality through the lens of
language and computation. Last summer, I took a linguistics class at UC Santa
Barbara and I have taken two years of Computer Science in school.
I would be happy to send my resume or any additional information.
Thank you,
Dylan
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
A
Packet Pg. 11
From:Steven Lee on behalf of stevendlee@gmail.com
To:Howard, Adam; akamhi@pausd.org; bbwei99@gmail.com; boussard@stanford.edu; cory.wolbach@gmail.com;
deputyhealthvp@paloaltopta.org; Yoshinaga, D; eileen@fccpa.org; evan.lurie@gmail.com;
georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com; jims@kara-grief.org; kathleen@adascafe.org; kiranfionagaind@gmail.com;
O"Kane, Kristen; me@lythcott-haims.com; mehtanick@gmail.com; nallelygj@gmail.com;
natalie.geise@gmail.com; nathalie@linktr.ee; ngdavids@gmail.com; nickichiu@gmail.com; peying@psnyouth.org;
raggio@jointventure.org; Reckdahl, Keith; robgeorge@philzcoffee.com; sarahccornwell@gmail.com;
sean@seanlavoie.dev; shounak.dharap@gmail.com; uberhub@service-now.com; yoselin@acs-teens.org; Steven
Lee; Human Relations Commission
Subject:Invitation: 4/16 Youth Mental Health Community Gathering (Project Saf... @ Thu Apr 16, 2026 5pm - 6:30pm
(PDT) (hrc@paloalto.gov)
Start:Thursday, April 16, 2026 5:00:00 PM
End:Thursday, April 16, 2026 6:30:00 PM
Location:Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA; https://meet.google.com/tjb-qypk-qkj
Attachments:invite.ics
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
________________________________
4/16 Youth Mental Health Community Gathering (Project Safety Net)Join with Google Meet – You have been invited by stevendlee@gmail.com to attend an event named 4/16 Youth Mental Health Community Gathering
(Project Safety Net) on Thursday Apr 16, 2026 ⋅ 5pm – 6:30pm (Pacific Time - Los Ang
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/NCL1CM7qj8ix5DEPfkhXT8wJvx?domain=meet.google.com>
Join with Google Meet
Meeting link
meet.google.com/tjb-qypk-qkj <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/NCL1CM7qj8ix5DEPfkhXT8wJvx?domain=meet.google.com>
When
Thursday Apr 16, 2026 ⋅ 5pm – 6:30pm (Pacific Time - Los Angeles)
Location
Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
View map <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Br1CCLApg9cNPVEqUBf2TyczIy?domain=google.com>
Guests
stevendlee@gmail.com <mailto:stevendlee@gmail.com>
- organizer
adam.howard@cityofpaloalto.org <mailto:adam.howard@cityofpaloalto.org> akamhi@pausd.org <mailto:akamhi@pausd.org>
bbwei99@gmail.com <mailto:bbwei99@gmail.com>
boussard@stanford.edu <mailto:boussard@stanford.edu>
cory.wolbach@gmail.com <mailto:cory.wolbach@gmail.com>
deputyhealthvp@paloaltopta.org <mailto:deputyhealthvp@paloaltopta.org>
dyoshinaga@pausd.org <mailto:dyoshinaga@pausd.org>
eileen@fccpa.org <mailto:eileen@fccpa.org>
evan.lurie@gmail.com <mailto:evan.lurie@gmail.com> georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com <mailto:georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com>
jims@kara-grief.org <mailto:jims@kara-grief.org>
kathleen@adascafe.org <mailto:kathleen@adascafe.org>
kiranfionagaind@gmail.com <mailto:kiranfionagaind@gmail.com>
kristen.o'kane@paloalto.gov <mailto:kristen.o'kane@paloalto.gov>
me@lythcott-haims.com <mailto:me@lythcott-haims.com>
mehtanick@gmail.com <mailto:mehtanick@gmail.com>
nallelygj@gmail.com <mailto:nallelygj@gmail.com> natalie.geise@gmail.com <mailto:natalie.geise@gmail.com>
nathalie@linktr.ee <mailto:nathalie@linktr.ee>
ngdavids@gmail.com <mailto:ngdavids@gmail.com>
nickichiu@gmail.com <mailto:nickichiu@gmail.com>
peying@psnyouth.org <mailto:peying@psnyouth.org>
raggio@jointventure.org <mailto:raggio@jointventure.org>
reckdahl@yahoo.com <mailto:reckdahl@yahoo.com>
robgeorge@philzcoffee.com <mailto:robgeorge@philzcoffee.com> sarahccornwell@gmail.com <mailto:sarahccornwell@gmail.com>
sean@seanlavoie.dev <mailto:sean@seanlavoie.dev>
shounak.dharap@gmail.com <mailto:shounak.dharap@gmail.com>
uberhub@service-now.com <mailto:uberhub@service-now.com>
yoselin@acs-teens.org <mailto:yoselin@acs-teens.org>
Steven Lee <mailto:stevendlee@uber.com>
hrc@paloalto.gov <mailto:hrc@paloalto.gov>
View all guest info <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nu9TCN7rxkiVNJvLcjilTyMwvh?domain=calendar.google.com>
A
Packet Pg. 12
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ctlzCQAx1WcB6gzVfAu6TGjD_2?domain=calendar.google.com> Yes
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/PxgXCR8yg6Cnro7YhQCRT1h884?domain=calendar.google.com>
No
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/DYhPCVJDmOf0lmOBsEFATEX95Z?domain=calendar.google.com>
Maybe
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nu9TCN7rxkiVNJvLcjilTyMwvh?domain=calendar.google.com>
More options
Invitation from Google Calendar <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/GblkCOJv7Yf5AlqYfrsKTGAyee?domain=calendar.google.com/>
You are receiving this email because you are an attendee on the event.
Forwarding this invitation could allow any recipient to send a response to the organizer, be added to the guest list, invite others regardless of their own
invitation status, or modify your RSVP. Learn more <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/5qv9CP6w1Ntv49ygs6tmTxOtGU?
domain=support.google.com>
A
Packet Pg. 13
From:Tanacea, Kendra@CalCivilRights
To:Human Relations Commission
Subject:RE: Introduction to California Community Conflict Unit
Date:Wednesday, April 8, 2026 4:34:25 AM
Attachments:CCRU Flyer Template-5.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Good morning! Here’s the event flyer for the June 8 Peacemakers Gathering with registration
instructions. Hope you can join us. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Best, Kendra
From: Tanacea, Kendra@CalCivilRights
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2026 6:06 AM
To: 'hrc@cityofpaloalto.org' <hrc@cityofpaloalto.org>
Subject: RE: Introduction to California Community Conflict Unit
Hello! I’m writing to let you know about CCRU’s June 8, 2026 convening of peacemakers in Los
Angeles. I’m attaching an overview of the event and a pre-meeting inquiry form if the City of
Palo Alto’s HRC is interested in attending. Happy to have a Zoom meeting to answer your
questions and provide more information.
Hope to talk soon!
Best, Kendra
From: Tanacea, Kendra@CalCivilRights
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:41 PM
To: hrc@cityofpaloalto.org
Subject: Introduction to California Community Conflict Unit
Hello! I’m Kendra Tanacea, a senior mediator with the California Community Conflict Resolution
Unit. I’m writing to provide information about our services and make personal contact with your
organization, the City of Palo Alto Human Relations Commission and explore the possibility for
collaboration.
By way of background, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit (CCRU) within the California Civil
Rights Department (CRD) works with communities and local and state public bodies to
constructively manage or resolve conflict and minimize or eliminate the potential for hate-
motivated violence impacting communities. All CCRU services are free.
A
Packet Pg. 14
We provide assistance when requested or accepted due to a hate- or discrimination-related
community dispute, disagreement, or difficulty. Such community issues may impair the rights of
persons in those communities under the Constitutions and laws of the United States or California
or may appear to threaten peaceful relations among the persons of the community involved.
We provide free customized services to address community disputes, disagreements, or
difficulties:
Design conflict resolution processes;
Facilitate processes to ensure meaningful community engagement;
Mediate conflict (problem-solving conversations managed by a neutral third party);
Provide education and training; and
Provide consultations (answering specific questions and providing information about how to
reduce community conflict related to discrimination and hate).
While we are part of CRD, our services are unique because we are neutral and impartial, which
means we do not assign fault or blame to anyone involved in our services, refer requests to
government agencies for enforcement, or bring any complaints to the court system. Our services
are voluntary, meaning communities and state and local public bodies must decide and agree, on
their own, to participate in our services; neither CCRU nor CRD can force anyone to participate in
CCRU services. Our work and services are also confidential. We do not report the identity of
people participating in our services or other information about a conflict that is shared with us with
the expectation that it will remain confidential unless we receive permission to share it.
We recognize that to meaningfully support public safety and resilience in communities, we must
look beyond the existing criminal and civil legal systems and ensure that communities
experiencing discrimination lead and are centered in working toward solutions. When there is
tension in a community around discrimination—whether it is in the aftermath of a police shooting,
a hate crime or hate incident, or an employment or housing civil rights issue—we may be able to
assist. We recognize that conflict also offers opportunities to help communities address long term
issues, systemic forms of discrimination, develop community-focused solutions and restorative
practices, and enhance communities’ capacity to independently prevent and resolve future
conflict. (For more information, please see Community Conflict Resolution Unit | CRD.)
I would very much like to set up a virtual meeting so that we may discuss the issues facing your
organization and to discuss any assistance CCRU may be able to provide now or in the future. I
look forward to hearing from you.
Best, Kendra
Kendra Tanacea
(she/her)
Sr. Attorney Mediator | Community Conflict Resolution Unit
California Civil Rights Department
Mobile: (213) 505-0378
A
Packet Pg. 15