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2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
City and County of San Francisco
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
5:00 P.M.
City Hall, Room 263
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
(DRAFT)

          MEMBERS PRESENT                                        STAFF PRESENT
          President Dorka Keehn                                        Belle Taylor-McGhee, Executive Director
          Vice President Emily Murase                                        Rosario Navarrette, Deputy Director
          Commissioner Carolene Marks                              Ann Lehman, Policy Analyst
          Commissioner Juanita Miles                                        Winnie Xie, Grants Administrator
          Commissioner Andrea Shorter                              Carol Sacco, Policy Analyst
          Commissioner Valerie Tulier                              Angela Martin, Executive Secretary
                                                  Justine McGonagle, Department Assistant
                                                                                          Edward Olsen, Deputy City Attorney


1.          CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

President Dorka Keehn called the meeting to order at 5:13 p.m.
Commissioner Julie Burton was excused.
Commissioner Shorter arrived at 5:15 p.m.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT
2.           ADOPTION OF AGENDA

m/s/c/ Murase/Marks /Unanimous) To amend and adopt the agenda for the Wednesday, November 20, 2002, Regular Commission meeting with the revision that La Casa de las Madres will be the first item discussed under Old Business.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

3.           APPROVAL OF MINUTES

m/s/c (Murase/MilesUnanimous) To approve the minutes for the Wednesday, October 23, 2002, Regular Commission Meeting.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

4.          PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Justice and Courage Oversight Panel: President Keehn reported that the Oversight Panel held its second meeting on November 19, 2002. She commented that there was strong representation from all of the departments outlined in the Justice and Courage Report. She stated that the departments were asked to respond to questions presented to them in a letter from the Mayor on behalf of the Department. The questions were regarding the recommendations outlined in the Justice and Courage Report. President Keehn added that if any of the Commissioners were interested in reviewing the reports they could receive copies from the Department on the Status of Women (DOSW).

President Keehn commented that DOSW reported on the data collection component of the JUSTIS system. She reported that she has received favorable feedback from other departments thanking DOSW for its efforts to include a domestic violence component in the system. She added that the Oversight Panel approved the four sub-committees that will address the recommendations outlined in the Justice and Courage Report. The work of the committees will be managed by the Oversight Panel and will be scheduled to report to the Panel on a monthly basis. President Keehn stated that the Panel is still seeking community representation for the committees and asked the Commissioners to inform her of any recommendations. She stated that the Panel was scheduled to meet on a quarterly basis; however, because of the magnitude of the work to be done, the Panel has decided to meet monthly.

President Keehn stated that the Panel is concerned that the Courts have currently chosen not to participate in the process. A letter has been sent to the presiding judge regarding these concerns and a meeting will be set at a later date.

President Keehn asked the Spanish speaking Interpreter to inform the public of his presence.

Commissioner Tulier asked if a description and a schedule of the committees meeting times were available.

President Keehn stated that she would forward a description of the committees to Commissioner Tulier and would inform her of the meeting schedule.

Vice President Murase stated that she would like to continue to receive copies of the Oversight Panel minutes.

5.           EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

DOSW Budget Update: Belle Taylor-McGhee reported that she attended a department head meeting regarding the budget and the news continues to be dismal from the City. The City has a $170 million shortfall and each department is being asked to absorb a three percent decrease in fiscal year 2002-2003. The plans are due to the Mayor's Budget Office by December 9. The Department is in the process of exploring possible areas that could be cut.

She stated that she has set up meetings with Ben Rosenfield of the Mayor's Budget Office to discuss the cuts.

Commissioner Murase asked if the size of the department was being considered in the cuts.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that no consideration was given relative to size at that particular meeting; however, she will address that issue at the upcoming meeting with the Budget Office.

•          DOSW Justice and Courage Report: Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated the Department's JUSTIS data collection report was released to the Panel at its November 19, 2002, meeting. The report is a comprehensive look at data collection within the City and County of San Francisco's Criminal Justice system. She stated that the Panel had full support and participation from all the departments with the exception of the Courts.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that she is scheduled to make a report before the JUSIS committee at its December 5, 2002 meeting.

•          DOSW Staffing Update: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that she has two excellent candidates for the Senior Policy Analyst position and will be make a decision shortly. She reported that the Department was recently notified that the VAWA grant had been approved by the Board of Supervisors, which will allow the Department to hire an Oversight Panel Coordinator for the Justice and Courage Panel.

•          Status of Girls Report: Ms. Taylor-McGhee reported that the Girls Report is near completion and that the Commissioners have been given a copy of the Report Summary. She stated that she is in the process of reviewing the Report and welcomed any feedback from the Commissioners. She added that she and Deputy Director Rosario Navarrette would like to thank Policy Analysts Ann Lehman and Carol Sacco for their hard work.

•          End Exploitation of Youth Task Force: Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the Task Force is charged with investigating ways to provide services for a targeted youth population in San Francisco who are sexually exploited.

Commissioner Tulier asked if the Pedophilia resolution was forwarded to the Task Force.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee responded affirmatively.

•          La Casa de las Madres: Ms. Taylor-McGhee commented that the Department has completed its findings regarding La Casa de las Madres. The Commission agreed to discuss the item under Old Business.

6.           OLD BUSINESS

•          La Casa de las Madres:

Ms Taylor-McGhee stated that she wanted to acknowledge that the process has been long and difficult for everyone involved and provided background information pertaining to the nature of the Report. She stated that based on the analysis of the information that the Department received, DOSW targeted its review to look at the complaints that were brought before the Commission and tried to narrow the focus based on resources, and whether information could be verified and substantiated. Ms. Taylor-McGhee gave an explanation of the nature of the complaints the Department received and acknowledged that all alleged Public Health and Housing code violations had been abated, and that La Casa's Executive Director Kathy Black was instrumental in ensuring that these problems were corrected. Ms. Taylor-McGhee also stated that La Casa has a long history of supporting women in need and that should be noted.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee commented that La Casa's marketing materials clearly states that it is an English/Spanish agency. Moreover, members of the community believe that it is an English/Spanish agency. Additionally, La Casa's client population and demographics indicate that La Casa serves a predominately Hispanic and Latino population. Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that because of this fact, it is imperative that La Casa's services are culturally sensitive and relevant to its population. Ms. Taylor-McGhee announced the statistics relevant to La Casa's organizational structure and staff and commented that staff support does not seem adequate to accommodate the needs of its client population, particularly regarding adequate Spanish speaking services. This issue was clearly stated as a problem for many of the women who brought forth complaints. Ms. Taylor-McGhee encouraged La Casa to establish a program tailored for Latina women to ensure that there is language access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ms Taylor-McGhee stated that the Report also focused on complaints that stated that there was an environment of intimidation, threats and retaliation that existed if women complained regarding areas that did not meet their needs. She stated that women complained of being threatened with being reported to the INS. Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that although the complaints could not be substantiated, La Casa must avoid any perception that anyone that complains will be threatened in anyway. She stated that La Casa's Board of Directors, along with its Executive Director, should adopt the City's Sanctuary Policy. She stated that DOSW is encouraging all of the domestic violence agencies to adopt the City's Sanctuary Policy.

Ms Taylor-McGhee stated that when women are asked to leave the shelter for violating a policy, La Casa must ensure that they are not being released without their safety being considered.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee also gave statistics regarding La Casa's exit interview forms.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that although La Casa has cooperated fully in the process of the Department's investigation, there was a lack of acknowledgement on La Casa behalf. She stated that the Department highly recommends that La Casa's Board of Directors, staff and volunteers participate in anti-racism workshops.

In closing, Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the Department looked at ways to develop a set of recommendations that would be inclusive for all of the funded agencies. Listed below are those recommendations:

1.          Develop and adopt a written Client Bill of Rights to ensure that all programs funded by the Department on the Status of Women inform the people whom they serve of their rights to services, principles and standards by which the agency operates, where and how to file a complaint, including the internal complaint process and external process to the Human Rights Commission and the Department on the Status of Women. The Client Bill of Rights should also include the policy on sexual harassment and any other law that provides the client with an understanding of rights understood and guaranteed.

2.          Adopt a policy that acknowledges San Francisco as a City and County of Refuge prohibiting the "requesting information about, or disseminating information regarding, the immigration status of any individual, or conditioning the provision of services or benefits by the City and County of San Francisco upon immigration status." This policy must be posted in a prominent location and provided and explained as part of a Client Bill of Rights.

3.          The Board of Directors of all DOSW funded programs shall adopt the City's Grievance Policy and Procedures. This policy must be posted in a prominent place, provided in writing to every client and explained as part of a Client Bill of Rights.

4.          All DOSW funded programs must establish and adopt a clear and unencumbered grievance (complaint) procedure that ensures a fair and unbiased review.

5.          Work with DOSW staff to develop plans to diversify the composition of agency boards, staff and volunteers, so as to reflect the client population and demographics, including language(s) spoken.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that a conference on domestic violence and cultural sensitivity and awareness would benefit the entire domestic violence community. The Department proposed that the domestic violence community partner with DOSW to coordinate a conference for 2003 or 2004. She stated that it would benefit everyone involved and the offer an opportunity for learning.

President Keehn thanked everyone who participated in the La Casa investigation.

Commissioner Marks suggested that the Commission approve the report and asked that La Casa adhere to the recommendations outlined in the Report. She thanked the Department for the Report and stated that at this juncture, the investigation should conclude.

President Keehn stated that the Commission can accept the recommendations and approve the report at this meeting.

Commissioner Tulier stated that she had recently received the report and hasn't had the opportunity to review it. She stated that she would like to accept the report for review.

Commissioner Miles thanked the Department for a thorough and well thought out report. She also thanked the women for their courage in bringing the complaints before the Commission. She stated that she agreed with Commissioner Marks that this should be the conclusion to the investigation, and the Commission will follow up with La Casa in 60 days as outlined in the Report.

Vice President Murase thanked everyone for participating in the process. She stated that she wanted the language relative to the recommendations for expulsions to reflect a stronger statement. She stated that the language should be strengthened to say: "releasing a resident during the day is crucial and that evening and late night expulsions are not an acceptable option." She stated that not under any circumstance is it acceptable to ask someone to leave a shelter in the middle of the night. Vice President Murase also stated that under the recommendations to the entire community under sections one, two, and three she wanted it stated that the "Client Bill of Rights" and the City and County Refuge statements should be available in a multitude of languages.

Commissioner Miles stated that unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary for shelters to release someone in the late hours of the evening. She stated that the power to release individuals should not be taken from La Casa.

Commissioner Tulier stated that under the recommendation for La Casa to receive diversity training she would instead like it to state the La Casa should receive anti-racist training.

President Keehn stated that Senior Management should be made to attend anti-racist training.

Commissioner Tulier stated that it should be stipulated that the "Client Bill of Rights" will be translated in various languages; particularly in Spanish, Chinese, Mandarin and Tagalong.

Commissioner Tulier stated that the language should be stronger regarding the request for La Casa to make a progress report in 60 days. She stated that the language should reflect that "the Commission needs to have a report in 60 days." She asked if there were measures in place to ensure that La Casa complies with the Report's recommendations.

Commissioner Miles stated that she would like to give La Casa additional time to provide a report to the Commission.

President Keehn stated that the Commission is only asking for a report, not for La Casa to implement all of the recommendations.

Commissioner Tulier stated that the Commission can decide after the 60 day period is up whether to extend the time for La Casa.

Commissioner Marks stated that she was in agreement with Commissioner Miles and would like to see the time for La Casa to respond extended to 90 days.

Commissioner Tulier stated that La Casa should investigate hiring Latina or Latinos who are bilingual and bi-cultural.

President Keehn asked if the Department of Public Health was responsible for inspecting the shelter facilities.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee answered affirmatively.

President Keehn asked that DOSW forward to the Commissioners a copy of the City's grievance policy and procedures.

Commissioner Marks asked how DOSW will ensure that the other funded agencies comply with the recommendations outlined in the Report.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the Department will send out a letter to all of its funded agencies outlining the recommendations. Also, an evaluation model exists within the contract of each agency and some of these recommendations are outlined in those contracts. She stated that the Department will be hosting a one day reapplication workshop for the funded agencies.

Public Comment: Sonia Malera of Arriba Juntos gave recommendation and comments regarding the La Casa report; Elizabeth Contras presented recommendations from the women who brought forth the initial complaints; Kathy Black, the Executive Director of La Casa de las Madres, ensured the Commission that the allegations made against La Casa are being taken very seriously. She stated that she has attended the monthly Commission meetings and has worked with DOSW's Executive and Deputy Directors Belle Taylor McGhee and Rosario Navarrette to provide any information necessary to come to a resolution. She stated that she will review the recommendations thoroughly. Daisy spoke regarding holding La Casa accountable for the complaints brought forth to the Commission. Beverly Upton asked that the Commission take time to review the recommendations and allow some time for input from the domestic violence shelters.

Commissioner Tulier stated that she would like to see a copy of La Casa's policies and procedures for the removal of children by authorities. She stated that she would like to see the item regarding Family Law Courts and children placed on the agenda.

m/s/c (Murase/Tulier/Majority) To adopt the Report with the noted 60 day time period with the exception of the recommendations for all DOSW funded agencies and the stipulation that La Casa staff participate in anti-racist training.

President Keehn and Commission Miles were excused at 6:35 p.m.

•          Women and Girls Health Advisory Committee of the Department of Public Health

Maria Koura spoke regarding the Women and Girls Health Advisory Committee and stated that the Committee will present its Strategic Report to the Health Commission in March of 2003.

Commissioner Marks recommended that someone from DOSW attend the Committee meetings.

Maria Koura stated that the Commission or Department can communicate with her via email or phone to get status reports relative to the Committee meetings.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that the Department is understaffed and cannot participate in the Committee meetings at this time.

Commissioner Shorter asked if the Committee had any plans to discuss health issues or programs for women involved in the criminal justice system.

Ms. Koura stated that those issues are being addressed by various task forces.

•          COSW December 7 Retreat Agenda

Vice President Murase and the Commissioners reviewed the draft agenda and outlined the areas that each DOSW staff person and Commissioner will be responsible for addressing.

Linda Alexander, Director of Victims Services for the District Attorney's Office clarified that the Adult Sexual Task Force is still in progress.

m/s/c/ (Tulier/Mursae/Unanimous) To move the work of the Adult Sexual Assault Task Force under the heading for Justice and Courage Task Force; to move the Employment and Economics piece under CEDAW; and remove the Housing item from the agenda.

Vice President Murase stated that the public is also involved in the strategic planning process and that anyone with additional agenda items should contact DOSW.

Commissioner Tulier stated that the public is invited to attend.

Commissioner Marks asked if the Friends had been notified of the Retreat.

Ms. Taylor-McGhee stated that DOSW will notify the Friends of the Retreat.

•          Mayor's Summit for Women

Ms. Belle Taylor-McGhee stated that she will be attending a luncheon for the Women's Summit and she will update the Commission at the next meeting regarding the Summit's theme.

Commissioner Marks stated that she spoke to Caroline Carpeneti and the perimeters for the committees have changed. She stated that she was informed that each committee member would be asked to raise $25,000. She asked Ms. Taylor-McGhee to report back on the role of the Commission.

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

8.          REPORTS

•          Convention to Eliminate all Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Vice President Murase reported that the Art Commission and the Adult Probation Department gave an update on the status of their department's implementation of the recommendations outlined in the CEDAW report. The Art Commission reported that they are being forced to investigate job sharing and telecommunicating as options due to budgetary cuts. Vice President Murase stated that in some ways, the budgetary cuts are helping to promote flexibility in the workplace. The Adult Probation Department gave a very impressive report. APD initiated the expansion of telecommunicating from one unit to include another. APD continues to fund programs that support women in the probation system. Vice President Murase stated that the committee was disturbed to find that domestic violence probation officers were each responsible for 108 cases.

Ann Lehman stated that the Adult Probation Department is currently in the process of preparing its strategic plan and will include a gender category into the plan.

          NO PUBLIC COMMENT

9.          PUBLIC COMMENT

Mari of the San Francisco Youth Commission stated that she wrote legislation to asking the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to declare San Francisco an "Abuse Free Zone." The legislation was passed by the Youth Commission and Board of Supervisors with Tom Ammiano and Chris Daly as the sponsors. The legislation has been sent to the Mayor's Office.

Commissioner Tulier stated that the Pedophilia Resolution should be forwarded to the Youth Commission and she would like to receive a copy of the "Abuse Free Zone" legislation.

10.          ANNOUNCEMENTS

11. ADJOURNMENT

m/s/c (Keehn/Miles/Unanimous) The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 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/.

Meeting Information