1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
President Dorka Keehn called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m.
Commissioner Andrea Shorter arrived at 5:12 p.m.
Commissioner Julie Burton arrived at 5:14 p.m.
Commissioner Valerie Tulier arrived at 6:10 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
m/s/c/ (Murase/Marks/Unanimous) To adopt the amended agenda for the Wednesday, January 29, 2003, Regular Commission Meeting with the elimination of the "Closed Session" item.
NO PUBLIC COMMENT
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
m/s/c (Shorter/Marks/Unanimous) To approve the amended minutes for the Wednesday, December 18, 2002, Regular Commission Meeting with the stipulated addition under the COSW Staff Retreat item.
NO PUBLIC COMMENT
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Justice and Courage Oversight Panel: President Keehn reported
that the Justice and Courage Oversight Panel met on January 28, 2003. She
stated that three of the four sub-committees have met at least once, the
Data Collection Committee has met twice, and that each of the committees
has presented before the Panel. She added that the Panel is concerned about
the City's budget issues, particularly relating to the JUSTIS program. President
Keehn stated that Greg Lowder of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice
informed the Panel that a budget for the 2003-2004 fiscal year has not yet
been established for the JUSTIS project. However, a budget should be completed
by next month.
President Keehn also reported that she, Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee,
and Treasurer Susan Leal met with Judge Donna Hitchens to discuss the Court's
involvement with the Justice and Courage Project. President Keehn stated
that Judge Hitchens informed them that the Courts are not permitted to participate
in any policy-making decisions; therefore, they are unable to participate
on the Panel. She stated that Judge Hitchens is very interested in the work
of the Panel and would like her staff to work with the Panel in some capacity
- either by reviewing the materials or participating on a committee. The
Judge is investigating this possibility.
President Keehn also commented that Judge Hitchens is having her technology
department investigate the funding issues relative to the Courts being linked
to JUSTIS. She reported that, due to the budget issues, the panel has decided
to meet on a monthly basis and will continue to meet with the various department
heads to ensure that domestic violence is a priority for each department
in light of proposed budget cuts.
Commissioner Marks asked about the Panel's timetable.
President Keehn stated that the Panel would like to have the evaluation
process begin in 2004-2005 and added that each component will have its own
evaluation mechanism. She mentioned that, to begin the evaluation process,
the funds must be available for each department to implement the recommendations.
Commissioner Marks asked who will pay the salary for the Oversight Panel
Coordinator.
President Keehn reported that the Department was awarded a federal grant
from VAWA to fund a two-year position for the Oversight Panel.
Commissioner Marks asked about the salary for the position.
Executive Director Belle-Taylor-McGhee stated that the salary is approximately
$61,000 plus benefits.
President Keehn asked that the Coordinator Position posting be forwarded
to the Commissioners via email.
President Keehn reported that Commissioner Burton will coordinate the
evaluation process of the Executive Director. President Keehn suggested
that Commissioner Burton contact Ann Courtright, the Department's Human
Resources Representative. She also stated that any Commissioner who wanted
to work on the coordination of the Executive Director's evaluation should
contact Commissioner Burton.
Department on the Status of Women (DOSW) 2002-2003 Budget Update: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that DOSW submitted a three-percent (3%) reduction plan to the Mayor per his budget instructions to all City departments. The cuts totaled more than $72,000, with minimal effect on the Violence Against Women (VAWA) programs. She added that the Mayor is asking that the reductions be sustained for the next fiscal year, in addition to a four-percent (4%) budget reduction. Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the Mayor has scheduled a meeting for January 30, 2003, with department heads to clarify the cuts. She also reported that the budget deficit is estimated to be $350 million and added that there is no official word regarding lay-offs in the City. She will give a follow-up report at the Commission Retreat regarding the meeting with the Mayor.
DOSW Staffing Update: Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the Department will retain the funds for the Oversight Coordinator position. She added that the closing date for the Coordinator's position is February 10, 2003.
Ms. Taylor-McGhee also reported that DOSW no longer has an accountant on staff. The previous accountant, Peter Huynh, graduated from the Controller's 1649 Internship Program. This unfortunately leaves the department without accounting services. Ms. Taylor-McGhee added that she is working with the Controller's office to find an interim solution. She is contemplating using Peter Huynh or another accounting staff person on a temporary basis to process payroll, invoices, etc. and that it is uncertain if the department will continue to participate in the 1649 Internship Program.
Ms. Taylor-McGhee added that the Department hopes to hire an accountant in an 1822 position to assist Senior Administrative Analyst Winnie Xie with the Violence Against Women Programs. However, due to a citywide hiring freeze, no additional staff can be hired. She added that DOSW is considering its options and may share an accountant with another Department.
Ms. Taylor-McGhee also stated that she and Rosario Navarrette are working with staff to review job descriptions and will set-up staff evaluations in accordance with the employee's anniversary date.
DOSW Media: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that DOSW sent out a press release on the 30th Anniversary of
Roe v. Wade to highlight the landmark decision's significance and the status of women's reproductive health and rights.
Ms. Taylor-McGhee also reported that on January 21, 2003, she served on a panel titled "Shaping the Future of Women's Health in California" at the Coalition for Reproductive Freedom's (CCRF) annual Roe v. Wade celebration in Sacramento. Nearly 150 participants were in attendance. She added that CCRF is proposing to advance new sex education legislation that will be sponsored by Senator Sheila Kuehl. Ms. Taylor-McGhee concluded by saying this legislation will consolidate all of California's sex education laws and administrative codes.
La Casa de las Madres: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that she and Commissioner Keehn have a February 3, 2003, meeting scheduled with Kathy Black to follow-up on La Casa's response to the recommendations of DOSW.
Commissioner Marks asked if La Casa had submitted a report to the Department relative to DOSW's recommendations.
Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that DOSW recently received a report from La Casa; however, it has not yet been reviewed.
Commissioner Miles asked if a representative from La Casa would be in attendance at the February 26, 2003, meeting.
President Keehn stated that she will inquire about La Casa's attendance at its February 3, 2003, meeting.
Status of Girls Report: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that the Girls Report is being reviewed by a copy editor. She added that DOSW hopes to present the Report to the Commission at its February meeting. Ms. Taylor-McGhee added that she, Commissioner Shorter, Ann Lehman and Carol Sacco had a productive meeting on January 24, 2003, to discuss the plan to unveil the report, convening a public hearing, and garnering public feedback.
President Keehn asked if funding for the Report was in last year's budget.
Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that she didn't believe so; however, DOSW is anticipating using funds from the Friends of the Commission.
End Exploitation of Youth Task Force: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that the Task Force will shortly end its work and is scheduled to present a report to the Board of Supervisors in February.
Women's Leadership Alliance: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that she and DOSW Policy Analyst Carol Sacco attended the Women's Leadership Alliance retreat on Janaury 9, 2003. She stated that there was representation from the office of the Democratic Minority Whip Nancy Pelosi. Ms. Taylor-McGhee added that priority items on the agenda included the Bush Administration's nomination of anti-choice judges, health care access, and building broad alliances for the protection of civil liberties.
Public Comment: Elizabeth Contreras, Reyna Alcala, Anjelica Lorenzana, Claudia Ramirez (age 13), and an anonymous woman spoke to voice their complaints about the conditions and treatment at La Casa de las Madres. These complaints included alleged mistreatment, mishandling of funds, and unsanitary conditions.
President Keehn informed the public that the Commission will take action on the La Casa recommendations at its February Commission meeting.
6. OLD BUSINESS
Impact of the 2003 State and City Budgets: Ms. Debbie Lerman of the San Francisco Human Service Network gave a presentation informing the Commission that the Network is an association that has been in existence for approximately five years and consists of over ninety (90) San Francisco Health and Human Service agencies. She stated that the struggle for funds is at the State level where the deficit is estimated to be approximately $30 to $35 billion. She reported that some of the key items that are being discussed are the realignment of health and social service programs from the state to the counties. She said that these realignments will be funded by increases in the sales tax, upper level income taxes, and the tobacco tax. She stated that these proposed cuts include several children and youth programs, including child welfare services, adoption assistance, and foster care programs. She commented that the food and cash assistance for legal immigrants and some CalWORKs costs will also be affected. The Network is unsure if the funding will be adequate. Ms. Lerman further stated that even if the sales tax legislation passes, there is not going to be sufficient monies to fund these programs in the future because there is not an escalator formula in place for caseload increase or population growth. Ms. Lerman added that some of the other state budget cuts include CalWorks and SSI benefits of about six point two percent (6.2%) and that there has also been a discussion regarding cutting stage-three childcare services. She explained that stage-three childcare services amounted to about 1,200 slots in San Francisco and that fifty-seven percent (57%) of the stage-three families earn less than fifty-nine percent (59%) of the poverty level. Also, there are approximately 1,000 stage-two children in childcare whose time will expire in the next year. She stated that these cuts in childcare will have a tremendous impact on the ability for single parents to continue working. She added that there are significant amounts of healthcare cuts, especially involving MediCal programs. She added that these cuts will make fewer families eligible for MediCal. Under the proposed provisions, in order to qualify for MediCal an individual will be required to be below sixty-percent (60%) of the poverty level. Also under the provisions, benefits and service providers will decrease. She added that there has been a discussion to cut eighteen-percent (18%) of the optional benefits (dental, optometry, physical therapy, etc.) These cuts would also cut the provider rate by ten-percent (10%) now and an additional five-percent (5%) by July 1, 2003. She added that unless the City backfills that amount, MediCal providers will receive fifteen-percent (15% ) less for their services. She stated that many community clinics rely on MediCal payments to operate.
Ms. Lerman also stated that one of the items to be aware of is the Vehicle License Fee that the State was backfilling to San Francisco. The State is looking to no longer backfill the money to San Francisco. The California Assembly is looking at restoring that fee, which could bring $104 million in to San Francisco; however, the Governor does not want to sign that bill. Ms. Lerman suggested that the Commission advocate against realignment and for the vehicle license fee. Ms. Lerman commented that the Mayor and Board of Supervisors are trying to minimize cuts to direct services and added that the Network gives the Mayor credit for prioritizing direct services in his budget instructions to the departments. The first $82 million in cuts did not involve any service cuts; however, the City must find another $280 million.
Ms. Lerman stated that some of the services that will be cut include:
The Aids Drug Assistance Program - this program usually receives $20 million from the State. This year it will only receive $9.2 million.
Huckleberry Youth Programs and Bernal Heights Neighborhood Centers both have State grants for gang and violence prevention programs. The Programs were recently informed that they will receive funding for year one; however, they will not receive funding for years two, three, or four. These cuts will affect Huckleberry's widely recognized VIP Girls Program.
Ms. Lerman ended her presentation by stating that the agencies are seeing an increase in their caseloads while funding for the programs decrease She added that the agencies will advocate for the most vulnerable residents in the City.
President Keehn asked Ms. Lerman for her recommendation regarding areas the Commission should focus on.
Ms. Lerman responded by saying that the Commission should focus on the State level.
Commissioner Burton asked if it would be helpful to write a letter to Senator Burton.
Ms. Lerman stated that a letter to Senator Burton would be valuable. She stated that the Senator has played a major role in advocating for funds on the State level. She also recommended speaking to the Board of Supervisors budget committee members to inform them of the importance of the programs.
Commissioner Shorter stated that she would like to be well informed when meeting with her appointed Supervisor regarding the position the City is taking on needs of children.
Ms. Lerman stated that the Edgewood Center for Children Kinship program will not be funded.
She recommended that the Commission contact Margaret Brodkin of Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth to get information regarding children's issues. She added that the Governor is decreasing the education budget while at the same time increasing the budget for prisons.
Public Comment: Ken Theisen of Bay Area Legal Aid stated that he is a member of the California Coalition of Battered Women. He added that several million dollars could easily be saved if the Governor would cease to veto the parole of women who are incarcerated for killing their abusers (it is estimated that approximately 200 women are incarcerated for killing their abusers.) He added that the fastest growing prison population in California is women and that vast amounts are incarcerated for non-violent crimes. About ninety-percent (90%) of the women prisoners are victims of domestic violence.
President Keehn asked Mr. Theisen if he would please keep the Commission abreast of the California Coalition of Battered Women's activities.
Mr. Theisen stated that he will include the members of the Commission on the Coalition's list serve database to inform them of the initiatives and activities of the Coalition.
Vice President Murase stated that the Commission should write a letter to Senator John Burton informing him of the Commission's support, and also a letter to Governor Davis to advocate for the release of women incarcerated for killing their abusers, and to ask that the women's facility remain open.
Vice President Mursase will draft the letter to Governor Davis.
Belle Taylor-McGhee reminded Commissioner Murase that the Commission previously sent a letter to Governor Davis urging that he release several women who are incarcerated for killing their abusers, and were up for parole. She suggested that Commissioner Murase review the letter sent by the Commission as well as the Governor's response.
Commissioner Marks remarked that it may be helpful to establish a personal relationship with someone in the Governor's office.
Commissioners Keehn and Shorter as well as Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee responded by stating that the do have a relationship with the Governor's office.
Commissioner Shorter stated that she would be happy to review the letter sent to the Governor.
Commissioner Marks commented that copies of the letters addressed to the Senator and Governor should be sent to legislators in the California Assembly and the Senate.
Commissioner Burton stated that she would review the draft letter prepared by DOSW to Senator Burton.
· Commissioners Meeting with Board of Supervisors
7. NEW BUSINESS
· Roles of COSW and DOSW - Presentation by Deputy City Attorney Paula Jesson
Deputy City Attorney Paula Jesson explained the roles and duties of the Commission and the Department.
Commissioner Marks asked if the Commission has the authority to appoint the Executive Secretary.
The Deputy City Attorney answered affirmatively; however the Commission does not have an Executive Secretary. President Keehn stated that Angela Martin is Belle Taylor-McGhee's Executive Assistant and shares the responsibility of working with the Commission.
Commissioner Miles asked if the Executive Director was responsible for managing the administration of the Department.
The Deputy City Attorney stated that the Commission sets the policy for the Department and that the Executive Director implements the policy. She stated that the Commission as a whole directs the Executive Director.
Vice President Murase asked if the Commission functions as an advisory body or a Board of Directors.
The Deputy City Attorney stated that the Commission is not an advisory body - it sets policy. She also stated the no individual Commissioner can set policy for the Department and that policy must be set by the entire Commission.
Commissioner Shorter explained the difference between a Commission and a Board of Directors.
Vice President Muarse asked if the Commission wanted to have a closed session at the next meeting.
Several Commissioners will not be able to attend the February 26, 2003, Commission meeting; therefore, they will discuss the possibility of holding a special meeting at the Retreat.
· Verizon Wireless' Public Education Campaign Budget
President Keehn asked if the Department employed a part-time Coordinator for the Verizon's Public Education Campaign.
Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee stated that the Department does not employ a Coordinator; however, $6,000 has been allotted for the Verizon Project.
Commissioner Keehn asked how the $6,000 will be used.
Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the money will be used to advance the project.
Commissioner Tulier stated that she and Commissioner Marks have met to discuss how to maximize the funds.
· Draft congratulatory letter to newly elected Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez
Vice President Murase would like to include the following language in the letter to Board President Matt Gonzalez: "As we enter a difficult budget environment, we look forward to participating in a dialogue with you on ways to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, especially women and girls."
Commissioner Burton stated that Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee's name should be added to the letter.
Action: To approve the congratulatory letter to Matt Gonzalez.
m/s/c (Marks/Tulier/Unanimous) To approve the congratulatory letter to Board President Matt Gonzalez with the recommended changes and additions.
· Draft congratulatory letter to newly re-elected Supervisor Sophie Maxwell
Vice President Murase would like to include the following language in the letter to newly re-elected Supervisor Sophie Maxwell: "You have been a tireless advocate for improving the lives of women and girls. You can count on our support in your continuing efforts. We look forward to working with you closely as we grapple with a difficult budget environment."
Commissioner Burton stated that Executive Director Belle Taylor-McGhee's name should also be added to this letter.
m/s/c (Marks/Burton/Unanimous) To approve the congratulatory letter to newly re-elected Supervisor Sophie Maxwell with the recommended changes and additions.
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commissioner Shorter stated that she circulated special invitations to each of the Commissioners to attend the Center for Young Women's Development 10th Year Anniversary Celebration on February 2, 2003.
President Keehn stated that she will be re-sworn to the Commission on January 31, 2003, at 4:30 p.m.
9. ADJOURNMENT
m/s/c (Keehn/Miles/Unanimous) The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
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/.
