2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
5:00 PM
City Hall, Room 408
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Members Present
President Andrea Shorter
Vice President Williams
Commissioner Andrea Evans
Commissioner Dorka Keehn
Commissioner Jing Xu Lee
Commissioner Carolene Marks
Commissioner Katherine Munter
Staff Present
Executive Director Emily Murase, PhD
Department Secretary Jennifer Baker
CEDAW Analyst Kim-Shree Maufas
Justice & Courage Analyst Colleen Montoya
CEDAW Analyst Carol Sacco
I. CALL TO ORDER / AGENDA CHANGES
President Shorter called the meeting to order at 5:07 pm. No public comment.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Action: Approved draft minutes from April 26, 2006 with minor changes. m/s/c (Williams/Shorter/Unanimous). No public comment.
III. PRESIDENT”S REPORT
President Andrea Shorter thanked the Commissioners for their attendance at the April Community Meeting in Visitacion Valley, noting the importance of meetings that address community concerns – specifically, of great concern in Visitacion Valley, is the scarcity of nutritional food choices available in the area. She urged the Commission to follow-through on the concerns expressed at the meeting and reported that Kriztina Palone of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services will present at a future Commission meeting regarding the safety survey discussed at the April Community Meeting.
President Shorter reported that information on the Girls Committee, the Commission’s effort to address the recommendations outlined in the Girls Report, would be available following the meeting for those interested. She directed all questions about the Committee to Policy Analyst Kim-Shree Maufas.
III. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
A. Executive Director
Executive Director Murase reported that the next CEDAW Committee meeting will be held June 8, at which time the Department on the Status of Women (Department) will present a draft of the Gender Analysis Report. Dr. Murase reported that the Department of the Environment and the Department of Public Works were both very helpful in drafting the report and have agreed to assist in the gender analysis of other departments.
Dr. Murase recommended the formation of a Legislative Committee to help the Department and the Commission become more proactive with pending legislation. She asked that the Commission consider this proposal at the July Strategic Planning Retreat.
Dr. Murase noted that FY06-07 VAW Intervention, Prevention and Education Grant Renewals and Supplemental Appropriations have been prepared for partner agencies and will result in faster processing of funding, a huge accomplishment for Commission. She thanked Grants Administrator Richard Eijima for his hard work with the process over the last month.
Dr. Murase acknowledged Department intern Ken Mai for his hard work over the past year and a half, and wished him well in his future endeavors. She directed the Commission to her Executive Director’s report for an article Mr. Mai wrote about his experiences with the Department that appeared in the YouthWorks Newsletter.
Dr. Murase recommended the Community Meeting originally scheduled for August be moved to October so that the Commission could meet in the community during Domestic Violence Month. President Shorter agreed and asked that the Commission calendar be changed.
Commissioner Dorka Keehn asked Dr. Murase for clarification on item 1C in her Report, concerning Policy Analyst Ann Lehman’s research on legislation. Dr. Murase responded that Ms. Lehman occasionally acts as an individual by sending position statements on legislation, but does not use department resources during this time. Commissioner Keehn also asked about the status of the $800,000 Violence Prevention supplemental and requested any materials that have been distributed since the April Community Meeting.
B. Staff Report – Department Secretary Jennifer Baker
Ms. Baker reported on the City’s new campaign for Emergency Preparedness following the centennial of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake in April. Ms. Baker distributed a comprehensive memo incorporating all of the City’s recommendations. President Shorter asked Ms. Baker to conduct additional research concerning mothers and emergency preparedness and asked her to present to the Commission at a future date.
C. Agency Partner Profile – San Francisco Women Against Rape
Executive Director Janelle White reported to the Commission on the work of San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR). Ms. White spoke specifically about two annual events that raise funds for SFWAR’s programs, Artists Against Rape and Walk Against Rape, a new event started this year. In addition, Ms. White briefed the Commission on the work of the Community Initiatives Program and spoke briefly about the responsibilities and organization of SFWAR’s staff. President Shorter thanked Ms. White for her presentation and her commitment to fighting violence against women in San Francisco.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Agenda and are considered to be routine by the Commission on the Status of Women. They will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Commission. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Commission so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as a separate item. Members of the public may speak on each item listed on the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Murase asked that Commissioners contact Department Secretary Baker if they are interested in attending any upcoming Community events, especially those for which a resolution has been drafted.
Action: Approved Consent Agenda following request for minor clarification on some items. m/s/c (Keehn/Shorter/Unanimous)
A. Res. 2006-025: Resolution in Commemoration of Mother’s Day Origin and Support of the Family Workplace Balancing Act (HR 1589)
B. Res. 2006-026: Resolution Honoring the 33rd Anniversary of the Arab Cultural & Community Center
C. Res. 2006-027: Resolution in Honor of Community Youth Center’s “Festival of Youth Gala” 36th Annual Event
D. Res. 2006-028: Resolution Recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning Pride Month
E. Res. 2006-029: Resolution Recognizing the Visitacion Valley Community Senior Center’s celebration of mothers and grandmothers on June 4, 2006
F. Res. 2006-030: Resolution Recognizing Equal Rights Advocates’ 32nd Anniversary Luncheon on June 6, 2006
G. Res. 2006-031: Resolution Recognizing the Women’s Initiative’s 2006 Gala Honoring Women’s Commitment to Community
H. Cert. 2006-001: Certificate of Appreciation to the members of the Justice and Courage Project Protocols Committee
I. Cert. 2006-002: Certificate of Appreciation to the members of the Justice and Courage Project Resources Committee
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Impact of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act on Service Provision (HIPAA)
The Commission discussed the impact of HIPAA’s privacy regulations on service provision to sexual assault victims in response to limitations placed on direct service agencies funded by the Department. Ms. White, Executive Director at SFWAR, reported on SFWAR’s work with sexual assault survivors at San Francisco General Hospital, noting that some restrictions of HIPAA do not apply to the initial response team at hospitals, such as the Rape Treatment Center at San Francisco General Hospital. The Commission discussed the lack of protocol on the language used and steps taken by nursing staff in these initial response teams and agreed to explore the issue further as part of the July Strategic Planning Meeting to be held in the Richmond District.
B. Economic Status of Women in San Francisco
Julie Abrams, Chief Executive Officer at Women’s Initiative, reported on the economic status of women in San Francisco. She noted that economic independence is every woman’s initiative and explained that her organization invests in women who are in pursuit of self-sufficiency in business. Ms. Abrams asked the Commission to help Women’s Initiative further the connection between women’s safety in relationships and violence against women to their lack of economic independence. She also asked the Commission to urge various City departments, including the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the Small Business Commission, to continue to invest in women. President Shorter asked Ms. Abrams to forward to the Department any communication that Women’s Initiative has had with the Mayor and/or City departments and agreed that the Commission would address next steps at the July Planning Retreat.
Commissioner Katherine Munter left the meeting at 6:35 pm.
C. Upwardly Global
Camille Ramani, Deputy Director and Chief Technology Director at Upwardly Global (UpGlo), discussed the work of her organization and its impact on immigrants in the Bay Area. She reported that she is eager for feedback from the Commission on increasing UpGlo’s visibility as they continue to help immigrant women who are underemployed in San Francisco. The Commission suggested Ms. Ramani schedule a time to meet with the Immigrant Commission and Commissioner Marks agreed to follow-up with Ms. Ramani regarding any next steps.
D. Strategic Plan
The Commission discussed planning specifics for the July 28, 2006 Commission Planning Retreat in the Richmond District. Vice President Angela Williams agreed to spearhead the planning effort. Commissioner Marks agreed to work with Department Secretary Baker on logistics for the meeting, including location and community outreach. Commissioner Marks asked that any venue suggestions be forwarded to her in the next week.
Vice President Angela Williams left the meeting at 6:45 pm.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Labor Conditions of Exotic Dancers
Commissioner Andrea Evans suggested that approval of the Exotic Dancer legislation be postponed until the June Commission meeting. m/s/c (Evans/Marks/unanimous).
Deputy City Attorney Dorji Roberts provided the Commission with an updated draft of the legislation in which the Department’s recommendation of a private right of action by any employee/tax payer was incorporated, including a provision for attorney’s fees.
Public Comment:
Daisy Anarchy urged the Commission to reconsider the private right of action as written in the draft legislation. Because workers already have the right to file a complaint with the Labor Commission, Ms. Anarchy felt an additional right to private action would only make the enforcement process longer. Ms. Anarchy also expressed concern with the language regarding private booths, especially as it deviates from the language in 1060.10 of the Police Code. Finally, Ms. Anarchy opposed any legislation that gives the Entertainment Commission power over the permitting process, as she believes a conflict of interest exists between the Commission and the Late Night Dance Coalition.
Maxine Doogan requested that the Commission consider a provision regarding past offenses as grounds for denial of a place of entertainment permit from the Entertainment Commission. Ms. Doogan felt strongly that warnings without penalty should not be given to noncompliant club owners, as is currently written into the legislation.
Commissioner Marks left the meeting at 7:25 pm.
With her departure, quorum was lost and the meeting adjourned.
X. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.
American Sign Language interpreters and a Sound Amplification System provided upon request with 48-hour advance notice to
415-252-2570. Translation into languages other than English is also available with 48-hour notice. Limited accessible street parking available. Accessible MUNI Metro station in the Van Ness Station and lines are J, K, L, M and N. Accessible MUNI Lines are the 6, 7, 9, 42, 47, 49, and 71 lines. Accessible seating for persons with disabilities (including those using wheelchairs) will be available. Meeting proceedings available in alternative formats. In order to assist the City's efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical based products. Please help the City to accommodate these individuals. To obtain a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the meeting, please contact the Department on the Status of Women at least two business days before the meeting at 415-252-2570 (Voice) or 415-252-2550 (TTD). The Board of Supervisors has amended the Sunshine Ordinance by adding provision 67A.1. The provision is effective as of January 21, 2001.
The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers, and similar sound producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager or other similar sound-producing electronic devices.
Explanatory documents: For copies of explanatory documents listed in this agenda, and other related materials received by COSW, please contact the Department on the Status of Women at 25 Van Ness Ave, Suite 130, San Francisco, CA 94102; phone: 415-252-2570, fax: 415-252-2575. Also, to the extent possible, documents will be available on the COSW website at http://www.sfgov.org/cosw.
Know Your Rights under the Sunshine Ordinance(Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code)
Government’s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people’s review. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance, or to report a violation of the Ordinance, contact the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force at 415-554-7724. To obtain a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance contact the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, City Hall, Room 244, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102-4689, phone: 415-554-7724, fax: 415-554-7854. Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can also be obtained from the San Francisco Public Library and on the City’s website at www.sfgov.org.
Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Requirements
Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code § 2.100] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the San Francisco Ethics Commission at 30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 581-2300; fax (415) 581-2317; web site: sfgov.org/ethics.
