Note: As authorized by California Government Code Section 54953(e) and the Mayor’s 45th Supplement to her February 25, 2020 emergency proclamation, this meeting will be held remotely without providing a physical location. Members of the Immigrant Rights Commission will participate and vote by video. Members of the public may observe the meeting and provide public comment online. View instructions for providing public comment.

1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Vice Chair Paz called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.
Present: Vice Chair Paz, Commissioners Latt, Ricarte, Souza (5:46 p.m.), Wang.
Not present: Chair Kennelly (excused), Commissioners Enssani (excused), Fujii (excused), Gaime (excused), Khojasteh (excused), Obregon, Rahimi, Ruiz (excused).
OCEIA staff present: Acting Director Whipple, Commission Clerk Shore, Operations and Grants Administrator Chan, Policy and Civic Engagement Officer Noonan.

2. Ramaytush Ohlone Land Acknowledgment
Vice Chair Paz read the land acknowledgement statement.

3. Recognition of Director Pon (Chair Kennelly)
(Information/Discussion)
Vice Chair Paz thanked Adrienne Pon for her leadership as director of OCEIA and secretary of the Immigrant Rights Commission. Commissioners and OCEIA staff expressed their gratitude for her guidance and years of service. Adrienne Pon thanked the Commission and expressed her appreciation for the Commission’s work on behalf of immigrant communities

4. Public Comment
There was no public comment.

5. Action Item: Resolution to Allow Teleconferenced Meetings
(Information/Discussion/Action)
a. Adoption of resolution making findings to allow teleconferenced meetings under California Government Code Section 54953(e)
This item was deferred due to lack of quorum.

6. Action Item: Approval of previous minutes
a. Approval of April 11, 2022 Full Commission Meeting Minutes
This item was deferred due to lack of quorum.

7. Chair and Vice Chair Reports
(Information/Discussion)
a. Proposed Letter in Support of City College of San Francisco’s Cantonese Program
Acting Director Whipple stated that OCEIA staff can help draft the letter. As discussed, the letter would be broader than the Cantonese program and include support for English as a Second Language (ESL). Commissioner Wang provided an update on proposed layoffs at City College. Vice Chair Paz said the Executive Committee would discuss the letter at their next meeting.

b. Debrief on IRC Annual Strategic Planning Retreat
Vice Chair Paz provided an overview of the action steps discussed during the IRC retreat. Commissioners prioritized two items for the coming year: COVID-19 recovery and addressing anti-Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) and anti-immigrant hate. The Commission discussed supporting a local Universal Basic Income program as a way to ensure the inclusion of immigrants in COVID-19 recovery efforts. Vice Chair Paz discussed efforts by the Human Rights Commission to launch a pilot project and efforts by community members to propose a ballot measure. He suggested inviting community members to an upcoming Commission meeting to present an outline of their plans. The Executive Committee will work with Commissioner Khojasteh on next steps for the Commission’s work addressing anti-AAPI and anti-immigrant hate.

8. Committee Reports
(Information/Discussion)
a. Executive Committee
Vice Chair Paz thanked OCEIA staff for inviting Deputy City Attorney Alicia Cabrera to the Commission’s retreat. The Executive Committee discussed the Deputy City Attorney’s presentation and agreed to close the discussion on Chartering the Commission for now. Vice Chair Paz noted the obstacles and questions, and said the Commission would focus on the priorities it had identified: anti-AAPI and anti-immigrant hate, and COVID-19 recovery efforts including a Universal Basic Income program.

b. Awards Committee
Commissioner Ricarte provided an update on the Awards Committee’s work planning for the virtual Immigrant Leadership Awards on June 13, 2022. All Commissioners are encouraged to submit nominations.

c. Language Access Committee
Vice Chair Paz noted that the Board of Supervisors has not yet scheduled its hearing. Commissioners interested in joining the Language Access Committee can inform the Chair, Vice Chair, or Commission Clerk.

d. Newcomer Working Group
This item was deferred until Commissioner Obregon is present.

9. Staff Reports
(Information/Discussion)
a. Staff Updates
Acting Director Whipple provided an update on OCEIA’s core work. OCEIA held a San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship workshop on April 9, 2022 at City College of San Francisco, and honored City College partners. OCEIA’s language access unit provided interpretation for the Redistricting Task Force meetings. The DreamSF fellowship program is selecting its next cohort of fellows, and the Community Ambassadors Program is expanding into new neighborhoods across the city.

b. Reappointment of Commissioners
Five Board-appointed seats and four Mayoral-appointed seats are up for appointment or reappointment in June 2022. Commissioners whose seats are expiring are encouraged to reapply. Commissioners can contact OCEIA staff if they have questions or need assistance.

c. Immigrant Leadership Awards Dress Rehearsal and Virtual Event
Acting Director Whipple encouraged all Commissioners to submit nominations for the Immigrant Leadership Awards. The virtual dress rehearsal will be held on June 6, 2022 and the virtual event will take place on June 13, 2022.

d. IRC Website Updates
Senior Communications Specialist Richardson provided an overview of the new Immigrant Rights Commission website. Commissioners can submit updated bios and photos to Clerk Shore for inclusion on the new site.

10. Old Business
There was no old business.

11. New Business
There was no new business.

12. Adjournment
Vice Chair Paz adjourned the meeting at 6:27 p.m.