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COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
City and County of San Francisco
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
5:00 P.M.
City Hall, Room 408
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102


MEMBERS PRESENT                              STAFF PRESENT
President Carolene Marks                              Belle Taylor-McGhee, Executive Director
                    Vice President Dorka Keehn                              Rosario Navarrette, Deputy Director
Commissioner Julie Burton                              Ann Lehman, Senior Policy Analyst
Commissioner Juanita Miles                              Rebecca Rolfe, Senior Policy Analyst
Commissioner Emily Murase                              Carol Sacco, Policy Analyst
Commissioner Valerie Tulier                              Angela Martin, Confidential Secretary
                                                                                Edward Olsen, Deputy City Attorney

1.          CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
President Carolene Marks called the meeting to order at 5:12pm.
Commissioner Andrea Shorter was excused.
Vice President Dorka Keehn arrived at 5:20pm.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

2.          ADOPTION OF AGENDA
m/s/c (Miles/Murase/Unamimous) to adopt the agenda for Wednesday, June 26, 2002 Regular Commission Meeting.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

3.          APPROVAL OF MINUTES

m/s/c (Shorter/Murase/Unanimous) To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held Wednesday, May 22, 2002, with the stipulation that substantive and grammatical corrections will be made. These corrections include a statement from Commissioner Marks regarding a call to the Mayor's office to inquire about his interest in sponsoring a reception for the Department on the Status of Women's new Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee. Also, Commissioner Marks would like to change the statement regarding Rosario Navarrette's dedication and work to reflect the years she has contributed to the Department on the Status of Women.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

4.          PRESIDENT'S REPORT

•          Invitations to the Commission: President Marks commented that she would like all invitations that come to the attention of the Commission sent to the Commissioners. President Marks stated that in order to raise the visibility of the Commission, she would like to see Commissioners participate in more community events and activities.

•          Consent Calendar: President Marks concurred with Commissioner Murase regarding the Commission having a consent calendar so that items can be easily discussed and dismissed. The Department will pursue this matter with the City Attorney's Office.

•          Individual meetings: President Marks commented that the Executive Director of the Department on the Status of Women, Belle Taylor-McGhee, planned to meet with the Commissioners individually. Ms. Taylor-McGhee concurred and stated that she had already begun the process.

•          Relationship between the Commission and Department: President Marks stated that the Commission should be included in all aspects of the Department's business; however, the Executive Director should define the parameters of the Commission's participation so that a satisfactory working relationship is established.

•          Publicity: President Marks would like to see more publicity regarding the work of the Commission on the Status of Women.

•          Commission Agendas: President Marks stated that all Commissioners should receive the Commission agendas prior to them being officially noticed. President Marks remarked that this would allow the Commissioners the opportunity to feel they are participating in what the Commission is attempting to achieve.

•          Other Commissions and Travel: President Marks suggested that when traveling to other cities, Commissioners should attempt to contact that city's Commission on the Status of Women for materials.

•          Friends of the Commission on the Status of Women: President Marks commented that she feels very strongly about the Friends of the Commission on the Status of Women. They are called upon often for financial assistance; however, there is no plan in place for their involvement. She stated that she would like to see a plan for the Friends, as well as a mission.

•          State Commissions Meeting: President Marks stated that she is interested in attending the meeting of State Commissions in Sacramento, California on August 18 - August 20, 2002; however, further investigation is needed regarding how arrangements are made when Commissioners attend conventions.

•          New Confidential Secretary: President Marks welcomed Angela Martin, the new Confidential Secretary for the Department on the Status of Women.

•          National Commission on the Status of Women Convention: Commissioner Miles commented that she is attending the National Commission on the Status of Women convention being held July 15 - July 21, 2002, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Commissioner Miles stated that she is on the Resolution Committee, and although the deadline has passed for submittal of resolutions, she would take to the convention any resolutions the Commission suggests. Commissioner Miles commented that at this time, the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women has submitted one (1) resolution; however, she is confident that the Resolution Committee will extend the time. The Commissioners proposed that Commissioner Miles take CEDAW materials that reflect the work of the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women and a copy of the statement of the U.S. Ratification of CEDAW so that it can be duplicated. Commissioner Miles stated that she believed that a motion for the passage of CEDAW is part of the resolution record for the convention. The Executive Director, Belle Taylor-McGhee, stated that she is also scheduled to attend the National convention.

•          Community Meetings: President Marks commented that sometime during the Commission meeting, she would like to discuss community meetings. Some of the issues up for discussion include the expectations of the meetings and how to make them more productive.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

5.          EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

•          Staffing: Belle Taylor-McGhee welcomed Angela Martin, the new Confidential Secretary.

•          Deputy City Attorney, Edward Olson, interjected asking whether public comment was invited on Item #4. Mr. Olson stated that at any point during the discussion of an item, public comment should be invited.

•          Budget: Belle Taylor-McGhee reported that the Mayor did not propose any cuts to the Department's budget, and the budget analyst for the Board of Supervisors concurred. Additionally, the Department on the Status of Women went before the Board of Supervisors last week with a proposal to upgrade the policy analyst classifications within the Department. These classifications are needed to better reflect the work of the Department and to look prospectively at how policy initiatives will be advanced. Ms. Taylor-McGhee proposed a reclassification of two point five (2.5) 2998 positions to two point five (2.5)1823 positions. The Department was in negotiations with the Department of Human Resources for the past week; however, DHR requested more information and the Department was granted an additional week by the Board of Supervisors to submit the information. The Department went before the Board of Supervisors on June 26, 2002, and against the recommendation of the budget analyst, the Board approved the reclassifications.

Commissioner Murase congratulated Belle Taylor-McGhee on securing the approval for the reclassifications. Belle Taylor-McGhee thanked Commissioner Murase and stated that a lot of work had already begun on the reclassification issue prior to her arrival and thanked Rosario Navarrette and staff for their efforts. She also publicly thanked Supervisor Sophie Maxwell for her support.

•          CEDAW: Belle Taylor-McGhee stated that there was a CEDAW Task Force meeting today, June 26, 2002; however, she did not have the opportunity to attend the full meeting due to budget hearings.

•          U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearings: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that she attended the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings on the ratification of CEDAW in Washington, DC. Ms. Taylor-McGhee commented that Senator Joe Biden is the chair of the Committee; however, he delegated the chair to Senator Barbara Boxer. Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the Bush Administration has not taken any action on the treaty and the only statement coming from the Administration is that "the treaty is generally desirable and should be approved." Furthermore, the Administration did not send any top-level officials from the State Department to testify at the hearing. At the hearing, Senator Biden stated that as far as he was concerned he would proceed with the Administration's earlier assessment that the treaty should be approved. A meeting is possibly scheduled in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for July, and Senator Boxer is hoping to get strong bi-partisan support. If that happens, and it passes out of committee, a vote could come before the full Senate floor sometime in the fall. Ms. Taylor-McGhee also stated that San Francisco is the only municipality in the Nation that has adopted the treaty by legislation. Ms. Taylor-McGhee said she had the opportunity to work with the National Coalition on CEDAW, make new contacts and meet with Senator Boxer's staff.

•          Justice and Courage Report: Ms. Taylor-McGhee commented that a letter facilitated by DOSW via the Mayor went out to those City department heads mentioned in the Justice and Courage Report as having responsibility for domestic violence issues. The Mayor asked those department heads to respond to him by the end of July regarding what they plan to do, and what has been done with the resources available to them. Meetings are currently taking place about other issues regarding the report.

•          Program Development: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that the Status of Girls report is in progress and that Ann Lehman and Carol Sacco are the lead policy analysts on the project. Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that she and Commissioner Shorter have met to talk about the release of the report and Commissioner Shorter will be very much involved in the process. The report will be released in the early fall.

•          Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that the Department continues to partner and coordinate with other departments and organizations. The Department recently became part of a new coalition named the Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Kids (CEEK) led by Deputy City Attorney Kamala Harris. Ms. Taylor-McGhee provided public testimony before the Health and Human Services Committee of the Board of Supervisors. At issue are teens that are sexually exploited, a need for a crisis hotline and a safe house for those teens in San Francisco. Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that Board of Supervisors President Tom Ammiano strongly supports this cause and will take a lead on this issue.

•          24-Hour Multi-lingual Crisis Hotline: Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the Department has received a grant to work with a number of organizations within the domestic violence community on the feasibility and development of a 24-hour multi-language crisis hotline in the City of San Francisco. Commissioner Miles asked if it is feasible for the Department to include organizations, safe houses and other places where teens congregate. Commissioner Miles stated that since the Department's focus is on girls, they should be included.

Deputy Director Rosario Navarrette stated that the development of the 24-hour crisis line is the responsibility of a large group of organizations. One of the groups, La Casa de las Madres has a teen crisis line. Ms. Navarrette commented that the organizations are working to make the planning process inclusive, not exclusive.

Commissioner Miles asked if Huckleberry House and similar organizations had been contacted regarding the 24-hour crisis hotline.

Deputy Director Rosario Navarrette, stated that direct and indirect service providers will be invited to participate in focus groups and that the facilitators and consultants are being very inclusive in their outreach.

Commissioner Tulier stated that Mission Neighborhood Health Center, located in the vicinity of a high teen prostitution area at 16th and Shotwell should be included in the outreach process.

•          Commissioner Murase commented that at the CEDAW Task Force meeting the reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare reform legislation was raised. Commissioner Murase stated that she was pleased to see Ms. Taylor-McGhee play an active role in national legislation and hopes that issues germane to the Commission's strategic plan and mission will be followed with periodic updates reported at Commission meetings.

President Marks thanked Ms. Belle Taylor-McGhee for achieving the classification changes and maintaining the budget items.

          NO PUBLIC COMMENT

6.          NEW BUSINESS (DISCUSSION)

•          Parental/Family Leave Legislation Presentation
Executive Director, Belle Taylor-McGhee requested an amendment and asked if Senior Policy Analyst, Ann Lehman, could speak regarding the issues surrounding the Parental/Family Leave Legislation.

Ann Lehman stated that in 1998, CEDAW legislation was passed in San Francisco, and it called for paid family leave. In 1999, when Supervisor Tom Ammianno held a hearing on the issue, the Commission took a public position to support paid parental leave in concept, but reserved the specifics until the legislation came up. Ms. Lehman also stated that in the year 2000, as a result of the CEDAW focus groups, a work life study was conducted and it was discovered that approximately eight (8) percent of employees had actually taken family medical leave. Supervisor Chris Daly is concerned about the benefits available to his staff when they need to take a parental/family leave, and he contacted the Department to put forth the idea of parental leave as a charter amendment. A key issue relating to the legislation is cost, which is estimated to be $13.5 million annually. If vacation time is added, the amount goes down to $7.8 million annually. Another issue is parental leave vs. family leave. There is pending legislation on the COSW's agenda, SB1661, by Senator Shelia Kuehl, which covers family leave for up to 12 weeks and uses disability insurance to fund the leave.

Commissioner Burton asked if the scope of the Legislation was City government or Citywide.

Ann Lehman stated that it was City government.

Vice President Keehn asked if employees are being asked to reimburse the government for benefits if they do not return to work.

Rachael Redondiez, a member of Supervisor Daly's staff, stated that it was estimated by the Controller that 20% of employees who take a leave do not return to work or stay for six (6) months following their leave. If an employee does not return to work, it becomes a loan. Ms. Redondiez commented that this was another way of minimizing the cost - the details are in the legislation.

Commissioner Murase asked what proposals are being considered as a funding mechanism for the Parental Leave legislation. She stated that she supports paid parental leave; however, one of the concerns raised in the CEDAW task force meeting is the City awarding paid leave to City employees, but at the same time reducing funding to non-profits. These funding cuts may ultimately result in the loss of employment for pregnant women who work for non-profits.

Rachael Redondiez stated that the legislation doesn't address a funding stream, and there are concerns regarding the exclusion of families not employed by the City. She stated that when the economy is healthier, the legislation could be amended to include non-profits or other businesses that contract with the City. Supervisor Daly's office wanted the City to be on record as valuing the responsibility of raising children; but at the same time being sensitive to budget constraints. She also stated that Supervisor Daly's staff met with the Executive Director, Belle Taylor-McGhee, to update her on possible amendments to the legislation.

Commissioner Murase stated that she feels strongly that the legislation should be expanded to include family leave.

Rachael Redondiez stated that Supervisor Daly is interested in including family leave in the legislation. She commented that Supervisor Matt Gonzalez, who wanted to be a co-sponsor of the legislation, wants the charter amendment language to include allowing the Board of Supervisors to include paid family leave at a later time. The City Attorney will draft the language.

President Marks asked what support the legislation had from the Board of Supervisors.

Rachael Rodondiez stated that the legislation was heard for the first time at the June 26, 2002 Rules Committee meeting. Supervisor Matt Gonzalez added his name as a co-sponsor to the legislation, and Supervisors Tony Hall and Gerardo Sandoval were generally supportive.

Commissioner Miles asked if working pregnant women are still allowed to apply for state disability.

Rachael Redondiez stated that disability pays only 55% of the claimant's pay and for only six (6) weeks after delivery. She stated that for eligible employees, the paid leave proposal would be supplemental to disability. Ann Lehman stated that the legislation would stipulate that either gender is eligible and adoption and foster care would also be acceptable.

Commissioner Miles asked how long after the birth would an employee continue to receive a salary before returning to work, and if there were complications, would an extension be allowed.

Rachael Redondiez stated that under federal, state and city Civil Service laws the allowable unpaid leave is 16 weeks; therefore, only 16 weeks of full pay would be allowed. She also stated that if complications occurred, under Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or state law an employee would be eligible to apply for disability. Ann Lehman stated that under City rules, employees are allowed to take up to a year off without pay, and that the legislation allows for only 16 weeks.

Vice President Keehn asked about the state law regarding parental leave.

Ann Lehman stated that under state law parental leave is granted without pay. If the employee qualifies under FMLA they are eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid leave, granted they have been employed for one (1) year.

Belle Taylor-McGhee stated that employers encourage and/or demand that employees take their unpaid leave.

Rachael stated that many employees would have to take their accrued paid leave before taking advantage of the parental leave.

Action Item: To consider supporting the Parental Leave San Francisco Charter Amendment and/or recommended changes proposed by Supervisor Chris Daly.

m/s/c (Murase/Miles, Unanimous) To postpone action until the Commission has had an opportunity to review the finalized amendment changes.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

•          Presentation of Pros and Cons Regarding Affordable Home Ownership Opportunity for Everyone Program (HOPE)

Pro: Cynthia Arnold - Tenants for Home Ownership
Ms. Arnold stated that nationwide, 68% of Americans are homeowners, but in San Francisco the percentage is only 34%. According to a Chamber of Commerce survey, 67% of renters would like to buy a home in San Francisco; however the cost of a single-family home is beyond the reach of most San Franciscans. Ms. Arnold stated that the HOPE ownership program is designed to level the playing field by allowing renters the opportunity to buy their current apartments. The plan requires voluntary participation by renters and landlords and would give non-purchasing renters lifetime leases to the units they currently occupy. She stated that the entire building would be subdivided into condominiums. In buildings of 2-6 units, 40% of the tenants must agree to purchase their units; in buildings of 7-13 units, 33% of the tenants must agree to purchase; and in buildings of 14 units or more, the percentage drops to 25%. In all cases, the non-purchasing renters must be given lifetime leases. Ms. Arnold stated that HOPE is about giving middle-class residents a chance at home ownership.

Commissioner Burton inquired whether this legislation was modeled after legislation implemented in another city; and if so, was it successful.

Ms. Arnold stated that an initiative similar to the San Francisco legislation was instituted in Santa Monica. It was never determined whether the legislation was repealed or if a provision in an ordinance caused it to expire.

President Marks inquired whether similar legislation previously existed in the City of San Francisco.

Ms. Arnold stated that there was previous legislation, which attempted to increase the number of condominium conversions.

President Marks inquired what members of the Board of Supervisors support or oppose the legislation.

Ms. Arnold stated that this is Supervisor Hall's initiative, and has the support of Supervisor Yee and Supervisor Newsom. She stated that none of the other Supervisors have met with Tenants for Home Ownership.

Commissioner Tulier inquired about current legislation stopping tenants from purchasing their units.

Ms. Arnold stated that there is a current cap on condominium conversions as declared in the San Francisco Sub-division Map Act that caps the number of condominium conversions to 200 per year.

Commissioner Miles inquired if the ordinance would do away with the cap to convert to condominiums.

Ms. Arnold stated that the ordinance would increase the condominium conversion cap from 200 per year to roughly 1% of the San Francisco housing market. The rental housing market in San Francisco is estimated to be around 340,000 units; therefore, this would increase the condominium conversions from 200 to 3,400 units per year.

Commissioner Murase asked what criteria would qualify buildings as condominium conversion buildings.

Ms. Arnold stated that purchasing tenants would have to sign intent to purchase forms and other legal documentation.

Commissioner Murase stated that her primary concerns were unintended consequences of these types of ordinances and asked whether any homeowners and landlords were members of her organization, Tenants for Home Ownership.

Ms. Arnold stated that members include renters, TIC owners and a small number of residents who own single-family dwellings.

Commissioner Murase asked whether there were compulsory measures to force people to sell.

Ms. Arnold stated that the plan was voluntary.

Commissioner Miles asked if tenants' rent would increase if they decided not to buy their unit.

Ms. Arnold stated that if a tenant was living in a rent controlled unit at the time, and a lifetime lease was issued, the rent control would still be applicable.

Commissioner Miles asked if a tenant would ever be evicted under a lifetime lease.

Ms. Arnold stated that the fact that a tenant is given a lifetime lease does not negate their responsibility to abide by the rules of a tenancy.

Con: Attorney Karen Hull - Committee to Save Rent Control

Attorney Karen Hull stated that HOPE is a drastic condominium conversion measure that seeks to increase the conversion cap that is currently in place from 400 units per year to 3,400 units per year - a 900% increase. She stated that currently, there is a limit on the size of buildings that can be converted; however, under HOPE legislation there is no limit. Ms. Hull stated that San Francisco would lose 3,400 rent control units per year, at the expense of San Francisco renters, particularly women. According to Hull, renters that qualify for mortgages can purchase their units. Ms Hull stated that under the current Owner Move In legislation, after 3 years of ownership the units can be sold as de-rent controlled units. Furthermore, if a tenant is given a lifetime lease on a unit and decides to move, the unit is decontrolled forever. Ms. Hull also stated that most tenants would not be able to buy their units even if they are discounted. Ms. Hull commented that members of the Board of Supervisors who do not support the HOPE legislation include Supervisors Aaron Peskin, Matt Gonzalez, Gerardo Sandefall, Chris Daly, Sophie Maxwell, and hopefully Mark Leno. Ms. Hull stated that a landlord could still evict a tenant even with a lifetime lease. Ms. Hull ended by saying altruism is not a function of real estate, particularly in a hot market.

Commissioner Miles asked if the lifetime lease was guaranteed to the tenant or the landlord.

Ms. Hull stated that the lifetime lease was guaranteed to the tenant.

Commissioner Miles asked if the building were resold, would the new owner have to honor the lifetime lease.

Ms. Hull stated theoretically the new owner would have to honor the lifetime lease; however, there are many problems with lifetime leases.

Commissioner Murase asked if the supply of properties under rent controlled is ever replenished.

Ms. Hull stated that anything built after 1969 is no longer subject to rent control; therefore, units are not being replenished except through subsidized housing or similar programs.

Commissioner Murase asked what percentage of San Francisco's rental buildings are currently subject to rent control.

Ms. Hull stated that she was uncertain; but, she believed about 60% were rent controlled.

Commissioner Miles asked under the HOPE legislation, would 3,400 units become available every year.

Ms. Hull stated that if the cap is not reached in a particular year, the units available for home ownership could roll over to the following year; therefore, in one year, you could have 4,000 units leaving rent control.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mitchell Omerberg, a volunteer with the Affordable Housing Alliance, stated that from 1979 to 1983 San Francisco had a law that was similar to the HOPE legislation. The law allowed 1000 units to be converted into units for sale if 40% of the tenants agreed to purchase their units. He stated that in 1983, former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein commissioned a study of all units that were converted and found that only 11% of the converted units were owned by the original tenants. Mr. Omerberg stated that the legislation failed 89% of time in turning renters into homeowners. The study also included the racial makeup of tenants who purchased the units and found they were 87% white. Furthermore, only one quarter of the people who bought the units were women; 6% were Asian; 2% were Latino and 1% were African American. Mr. Omerberg stated that he doesn't believe the previous legislation functioned well. He stated that Dianne Feinstein enacted the current law in 1983, which allows conversions in six (6) unit buildings or less and only at a rate of 200 per year. Mr. Omerberg added a lifetime lease would not be binding.

Commissioner Keehn asked in what community was the study conducted.

Mr. Omerberg stated that in was conducted in San Francisco.

Commissioner Miles asked what incentive would a landlord or apartment owner have to sell a condominium for less than $500,000.

Mr. Omerberg stated that he does not see a motivation for landlords or apartment owners to sell the property for less than $500,000.

Commissioner Keehn asked if the staff had conducted analysis on the HOPE legislation.

Ann Lehman stated that the Department had not conducted any analysis.

Vice President Keehn stated that she wanted to wait to get feedback from the Department's analysis of the legislation before making a decision.

Commissioner Tulier stated that she did not believe the staff had the time to conduct an analysis just for a letter of support and that the Department, along with the Commission, had other priorities that needed to be addressed.

Belle Taylor-McGhee concurred with Commissioner Tulier regarding the lack of time the staff had to conduct such analysis.

Vice President Keehn amended the motion to state that the Commission does not oppose nor support the HOPE legislation.

m/s/c (Miles, Burton, Majority) To amend the motion regarding the HOPE legislation to state that the Commission does not oppose nor support the HOPE legislation.

DISCUSSION

Commissioner Murase stated if a consensus has not been reached on the HOPE legislation and if a Commissioner feels strongly about supporting the legislation, they should send an individual letter of support.

m/s/c (Tulier/Miles/ Unanimous) To take action to vote on the agenda item and amend the item to accept that the Commission does not write a letter of support for HOPE - Affordable Home Ownership Opportunity for Everyone Program, but this action does not reflect a decision as to whether the Commission opposes or supports the issue.

Action Item: To consider supporting Senate Bill 1661 Disability Compensation: Family Temporary Disability Insurance sponsored by State Senator Shelia Kuehl.

m/s/c (Murase, Keehn, Unaminous) To write a letter of support for Senate Bill 1661 addressed to Senator Kuehl with both the Executive Director's and the Commission President's signature.

Action item: To consider writing a letter of support for Assembly Bill 400 Community Volunteer Ballot Designation sponsored by Assemblymember S. Joseph Simitian.

m/s/c (Murase/Miles, Unanimous) To write a letter of support for Assembly Bill 400 Community Volunteer Ballot Designation sponsored by Assemblymember S. Joseph Simitian with both the Executive Director's and the Commission President's signature.

7.          OLD BUSINESS

•          Pedophilia and clergy
Review draft resolution clarifying myths about pedophilia

Belle Taylor-McGhee suggested drafting a letter asking Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender organizations to review the resolution for their opinion. Commissioner Murase would like the last paragraph of the resolution to include the language: "but should be condemned, investigated and prosecuted in every case to the fullest extent of the law." Assistant Deputy Attorney, Edward Olsen, suggested looking at the language of Administrative Code 33.4 to ensure that the resolution falls within the jurisdiction of the Commission.

8.          REPORTS

Justice and Courage Oversight Committee: Vice President Keehn reported that there were concerns expressed regarding funding of the Justis System, a centralized database of criminal offenders, and the City's priority to complete the system. She stated that she and the Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee, met with Susan Leal, Gregg Lowder and the new head of the Department of Telecommunications and Information Services (DTIS) and were assured that funding was available for this year. She stated that the Commission would be part of the upcoming discussions with the various department heads to ensure that domestic violence will be a component of the Justis System. She stated that DOSW staff would gather recommendations from the Justice and Courage report that relates to the Justis System and provide them to the head of DTIS. Vice President Keehn stated that the criteria for membership on the Oversight Committee are still being developed.

CEDAW: Commissioner Murase reported that at the June 26, 2002, Task Force meeting the Department of the Environment report included issues that the Commission asked them to review. She reported that the CEDAW training would be held on June 28, 2002 at 25 Van Ness in the lower level from 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. Commissioner Murase thanked Belle Taylor-McGhee for her work at the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

9.          PUBLIC COMMENT

No Public Comment

10.          ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Tulier asked that the meeting be adjourned in the memory of Officer Jon Cook who was killed in a traffic accident responding to a domestic violence call. President Marks suggested writing a letter to the Officer's partner.

m/s/c (Tulier/ ) Motion to adjourn the meeting in memory of Officer Jon Cook.

Vice President Keehn extended an invitation to a reception at her home honoring the manager of the organization Verite'. Verite' monitors the activities of sweat shops around the globe.

Community Meetings: Commissioner Murase expressed her reservations about community meetings and asked if the Commission could refine its strategy and not over extend itself. The Executive Director, Belle Taylor-McGhee suggested strategically looking at the reasons for choosing the community. Commissioner Miles stated the Commission's objective for holding community meetings is to bring attention to the Commission and allow women who would not ordinarily attend a Commission meeting in City Hall the opportunity to have their voices heard.

There will be a discussion at the next Commission meeting regarding community meetings.

Commissioner Burton asked President Marks if potential dates had been discussed to ask the Mayor about the reception to welcome the new Executive Director, Belle Taylor-McGhee.

President Marks stated that the Mayor would not sponsor the reception. She asked about holding the reception in City Hall; however she has not received a response.

Commissioner Burton suggested having the reception during the week of August 26, 2002, which is the anniversary of Women Getting the Vote.

Commissioner Keehn stated that it was discussed that a press release announcing the Executive Director's appointment should be done in conjunction with other issues that the Commission would like to bring to the forefront.

President Marks would like the issue of the new Executive Director's reception to appear on the next agenda.

11.          ADJOURNMENT

m/s/c (Keehn/Tulier/Unanimous) Meeting was adjourned at 7:08 in the memory of Officer
Jon Cook.

Meeting Information