February 23, 2011

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
5:00 PM
City Hall, Room 408
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Members Present Staff Present
President Kay Gulbengay Grants Administrator Carol Sacco
Vice President Julie Soo Commission Secretary Cynthia Vasquez
Commissioner Rebecca Prowda
Commissioner Katherine Munter
Commissioner Stephanie Simmons

Excused: Commissioner Andrea Shorter

I. CALL TO ORDER/ AGENDA CHANGES
President Gulbengay called the meeting to order at 5:08 pm and gave welcoming remarks. She announced that Executive Director was in New York attending the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women meeting and the NGO Parallel Sessions and would provide a report at the March Commission meeting. President Gulbengay requested that the Consent Agenda item recognizing Laura Marshall and the report on the Eugene, Oregon training be carried over to the March meeting.
Action: To approve the amended meeting agenda.
m/s/c (Soo/Prowda/Unanimous)
No public comment.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
President Gulbengay asked Commissioners to review the minutes from January 26, 2011.
Action: Approve minutes from January 26, 2011.
m/s/c (Prowda/Soo/Unanimous)
No public comment.

III. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

A. Executive Director's Report
President Gulbengay directed Commissioners to Dr. Murase's written report. Grants Administrator Carol Sacco, serving as Acting Department Head, was available to answer any questions. President Gulbengay announced that the Department and Commission will partner with the members of the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor to celebrate Women’s History Month on March 15 at 3:30 pm at the Board Chambers.

IV. 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.

Recognizing the 2011 Women’s History Month Honorees
A. Resolution Recognizing N’Tanya Lee of Coleman Advocates
B. Resolution Recognizing the Life of Bob Zimmerman
C. Resolution Recognizing Shelley Bradford-Bell on the Occasion of International Women’s Day
D. Resolution Recognizing Nancy Goldberg, Recipient of the Lantos Humanitarian Award
E. Resolution Recognizing the Life of Carolene Marks

Action: To approve the Consent Agenda.
m/s/c (Soo/Simmons/Unanimous).

Darian Heyman expressed his gratitude to the Commission for acknowledging the work of Bob Zimmerman. Mr. Heyman explained that Bob Zimmerman helped further many individuals and organizations in their goals and helped raise funds for many non-profits

N’Tanya Lee of Coleman Advocates thanked the Commission for acknowledging her work with Coleman Advocates. Ms. Lee explained how important and vital services are for the Southeast Sector of the City.

Commissioners expressed their sorrow for the loss of Commissioner Marks, stating that she was a prominent influence in San Francisco and will be greatly missed.

V. NEW BUSINESS

A. Welcome to New Partner Agency Executive Directors

1. Holly Pederson, Dream House
Holly Pederson, thanked the Commission for their continued support and explained that Dream House helps single mothers transition from a shelter to self-sufficiency. Dream House has a 12-18 month program that currently serves 8 women survivors of violence.

2. Monica Walters, Cameron House
Monica Walters, Executive Director of Cameron House explained that Donaldina Cameron House is a muti-service agency located in Chinatown serving the Asian communities in the City. The agency provides leadership development, education, and advocacy to fully empower their clients. Ms. Pederson invited Yulanda Kwong, Social Service Department Director, to provide an overview of the various programs Cameron House currently provides. Ms. Kwong gave a historical overview of Cameron House and explained how Ms. Cameron established Cameron House to rescue women form domestic slavery. Ms. Walters welcomed the Commission to visit the organization

Commissioners stated that they will join forces with the Partner Agencies to ensure that the vital services they are providing remain fully funded. The Commissioners will be meeting with members of the Board of Supervisors in the next few weeks.

Beverly Upton, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Consortium, Sally Al-Daher, Executive Director of the Arab Cultural Center, Yulanda Kwong with Donaldina Cameron House, Monica Chavez with the Reilly Center, and Emberly Cross with the Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic thanked the Commission and presented the Commission with flowers and a card of appreciation for their support.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

A. Commissioner Roles and Duties

1. Ethics Commission Presentation
John St. Croix, Executive Director of the Ethics Commission, provided an overview of Commissioner roles and responsibilities. Mr. St. Croix reviewed the following:

• Conflicts of Interest and Governmental Ethics
-Political Reform Act
• Ethics Rules Governing City Officers and Employees
-California Government Code § 1090
- San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code (C&GCC)
• Statement of Incompatible Activities
• Obligations, Enforcement, and Penalties

Mr. St. Croix explained that Commissioners are responsible for taking the Ethics training every 2 years and submitting a Statement of Economic Interest Forms each year that are due on Friday, April 1.

Commissioners asked if they receive a ticket to a luncheon, it is considered a gift. Mr. St. Croix explained that the nominal value of the meal is the actual value of the gift. Mr. St. Croix also explained that some elected officials may have to attend events as a part of their responsibilities.

Commissioners requested clarification on departments that have a fundraising arm, what the relationship is between the two. Mr. St. Croix explained that staff is allowed to assist in the further cause of the Department and if the fundraising arm supports those efforts, then staff can participate or assist with that progress. Also, if the Department is given a gift from that fundraising arm, it is solely at discretion of the Executive Director of how those funds are used.

Commissioners thanked Mr. St. Croix for providing the training and insightful information to the Commission.

2. President Gulbengay led a discussion about Commissioner duties. President Gulbengay explained that in the past, Commissioners have reported on various projects they oversee and would like to recommend reinstating reports.

Action: To include Commissioner reports at Commission meetings on a regular basis.
m/s/c (Munter/Soo/Unanimous).

VII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrea with Mujeres Unidas y Activas thanked the Commissioners for their support.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Action: Motion to adjourn in the memory of Bob Zimmerman, the late husband of Policy Director Ann Lehman and in memory of the late Commissioner Marks.
m/s/c (Munter/Soo/Unanimous)
The meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm





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