June 26, 2013
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
5:00 PM
City Hall, Room 408
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Members Present Staff Present
President Julie Soo Executive Director Emily M. Murase, PhD
Vice President Nancy Kirshner- Media & Community Affairs Director Aimee Allison
Rodriguez Outreach and Development Manager Stacey Hoang
Commissioner Alicia Gamez Women’s Policy Director Minouche Kandel
Commissioner Kay Gulbengay Senior Grants Administrator Carol Sacco
Commission Secretary Cynthia Vasquez
Public Policy Fellow Elizabeth Laferriere
Department Policy Fellow Stephanie Nguyen
Department Policy Fellow Ali Skewes-Cox
Department Policy Intern Emma Brenner-Bryant
Graduate Policy Intern Christine Wagner
Excused: Commissioner Andrea Shorter
I. Welcome
President Julie Soo called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm. Commissioners reviewed the agenda.
Action: Approve agenda.
m/s/c (Kirshner-Rodriguez/Unanimous)
No public comment.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Action: Approve minutes from April 24, 2013.
m/s/c (Gulbengayl/Kirshner-Rodriguez/Unanimous)
No public comment.
III. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Dr. Emily Murase directed Commissioners to her written report. Dr. Murase introduced domestic violence policy expert Minouche Kandel as the new Women's Policy Director with the Department. Ms. Kandel was previously with Bay Area Legal Aid for over 15 years. Ms. Kandel expressed how thrilled she was to be at the Department. Dr. Murase also introduced the Department’s summer fellows and interns.
Emma Brenner-Bryant, an undergraduate student at Tufts University, has been working closely with Women’s Human Rights Specialist Ann Lehman on the Gender Equality Principals Challenge.
Christine Wagner a Master’s student at the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, has been focusing on the gender analysis of our Department. We will hear from her later on the agenda.
Stephanie Nguyen, a recent graduate from University of California, Berkeley with a BA in Social Welfare and Psychology, has been providing support to Senior Grants Administrator Carol Sacco on the Violence Against Women Prevention and Intervention Grants (VAW) Program, the Family Violence Council, and the Justice and Courage Oversight Panel.
Ali Skewes-Cox, a junior at the University of Colorado at Boulder studying Economics with a Political Science minor, and is supporting Media Affairs Director Aimee Allison on social media and the anti-trafficking conference.
Dr. Murase also highlighted the annual Mother’s Day press conference convened by Supervisor Malia Cohen and the Domestic Violence Consortium to send an anti-violence message, celebrate the agencies working with survivors, and urge the City to continue its commitment to end domestic violence in relationships and families. Commission President Julie Soo and Vice President Nancy Kirshner-Rodriguez also participated in the press conference.
The Family Violence Council met in May and the Justice & Courage Oversight Panel met in June. Reports will be provided later on the agenda.
On May 1, Dr. Murase attended the Women and Girls Summit convened by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group to bring executive women to Bessie Carmichael Middle School for a day of panel discussions and networking with middle school girls. Dr. Murase gave opening remarks and Ms. Lehman and GEP Project Manager Elizabeth Laferriere participated in the Summit, informing other participants about the Gender Equality Challenge.
Dr. Murase announced that the Departments budget was increased by 30%, a $1.4 million increase from this fiscal year’s budget. New VAW Program grant dollars will be allocated to fight violence against transgender women, increase services to victims of human trafficking, and greatly expand training programs.
Commissioner Gamez asked what the VAW levels were compared to pre-recession levels. Dr. Murase explained that, with great advocacy from the Commissioners and Partner Agencies, funding for the VAW Program has never been decreased. Commissioner Gamez also asked what the Department levels were before recession levels. Dr. Murase stated that the funding is somewhat below its pre-recession levels particularly in staffing.
Finally Dr. Murase reported that over 40,000 Peace at Home postcards were distributed to elementary and middle school students of the San Francisco public school system during the last week of the school year. These postcards included resource information for families experiencing domestic violence.
1. Healthy Mother’s Workplace Update
Julia Parrish from the Legal Aid Society provided an overview of the Healthy Mother's Workplace (HMW) Initiative and the new awards program. Ms. Parrish explained that the Healthy Mothers Workplace Coalition is a collaboration of non-profit organizations, government agencies, and employers created to improve the working conditions and health of new parents. Partners include: SF Breastfeeding Promotion Coalition, SF Department on the Status of Women, SF Department of Public Health, SF Small Business Commission, the local Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center, UCSF, and more. The Initiative works with employer policies related to lactation accommodation, pregnancy and parental leave, work-life balance, and other gender equality issues that can affect critical health outcomes for women and infants.
San Francisco employers can complete a new self-assessment of their policies related to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work-family balance. The pilot assessment asks employers whether their workplace has adopted certain policies identified by the Collaborative as integral for the health and equity of women in the workplace. To apply, please visit the website: www.healthymothersworkplace.org and complete the 1 page assessment by August 7, 2013. There will be a workshop to discuss the assessment and ask questions on Thursday, July 25 at 2 pm at 101 Grove Street, Room 220. All award-winners will be honored at a ceremony on September 9, 2013.
President Soo noted that Supervisor Mar has declared 2013 the Year of the Child and expressed her wish that San Francisco would pursue a local ordinance reflecting the principles of the UN Convention on the Child. Ms. Parrish and Dr. Murase both acknowledged GEP Fellow Lizzie Laferriere for her work on the HMW Initiative.
Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez suggested contacting the City Treasurer as he will preside over the League of
California Cities. President Soo suggested bringing this subject and other women issues to the Conference of Mayors that will be held in San Francisco in 2015. Dr. Murase suggested having a presentation at Mills College in 2015 at the Women in Public Service Project Conference.
2. Gender Analysis of the Department on the Status of Women
Graduate Policy Fellow Christine Wagner provided a brief presentation on the 2013 Gender Analysis of the Department on the Status of Women. Ms. Wagner reported that the last gender analysis of the Department was completed in 2006 for the Fiscal Years 2005-2006 and tonight’s report is for 2011-2012. Ms. Wagner compared the total population, clients served by ethnicity, funding comparison, and the Gender Analysis vs. Gender Equality Principles. This reported reviewed VAW Grants Program clients. Ms. Wagner reported the following key findings:
• While the Hispanic population of the City and County of San Francisco increased by 1% over the last 10 years, VAW Grants Program Hispanic clientele increased by 14%.
• A 19% budget increase from FY04-05 to FY11-12 allowed DOSW to serve over 18,000 more people.
• New data will be collected on trafficked victims, women who have served in the military, and transgendered individuals.
Commissioner Gamez asked why was there an increase in Hispanics which Ms. Wagner explained was due to better data gathering.
Commissioner Soo requested absolute numbers for data, indicating that percentages can be misleading for a small data pool.
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.
Action: To approve the Consent Agenda.
m/s/c (Kirshner-Rodriguez/Gamez/Unanimous)
A. Resolution Recognizing Ellen Schumer
B. Resolution Recognizing Diana Reyes Baughman
C. Resolution Recognizing Karen Schwindt
D. Resolution Recognizing Commissioner Kay Gulbengay
E. Resolution Recognizing Commissioner Becca Prowda
F. Resolution Recognizing the Necessity of Family Friendly Workplaces
Ms. Schumer expressed appreciation for the recognition. She explained that City Hall was built with the medallion of equality prominently featured on the ceiling of the rotunda. She expressed what a pleasure it has been to also serve as the Chair of the City Hall Preservation Committee. Deputy City Administrator Linda Yeung expressed what a true treasure Ms. Schumer has and continues to be, stating that Ms. Schumer was a “City Gem.” Deputy Director of the Art Commission Rebekah Krell expressed what an incredible presence Ms. Schumer has at City Hall and thanked her for her service. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez expressed how Ms. Schumer has opened the door of City Hall to all and how Ms. Schumer represents the best of City Hall.
Diana Reyes Baughman of Chevron, former Board member of the Friends of the Commission on the Status of Women and of Chevron, thanked the Commission for the acknowledgement and expressed appreciation for the great opportunity to work with the Friends and to support the work of the Department/Commission. Ms. Reyes Baughman stated that it was great to hear that the Departments budget is increasing by 30%. She concluded that the Commission has much work to be done to continue to serve women and girls, particularly in the area of economic empowerment. The work that has been done and continues to be done needs to continue to be acknowledged as serving women and girls is economically imperative locally and throughout the county.
Greg Vino, husband of Karen Schwindt, thanked the Commission for recognizing his wife and accepted the honor on behalf. Ms. Vino expressed how passionate his wife was about gender equality as a mother, citizen and business person.
Dr. Murase acknowledged former Commissioner Becca Prowda for her exceptional support while on the Commission. President Soo thanked Commissioner Prowda for her leadership and contributions to the Girl Up Conference last spring.
Dr. Murase explained that Board of Supervisors President David Chiu has proposed a Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance. The Ordinance would give people who work in the City the ability to request a flexible schedule. The Commission resolution would urges the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to take bold steps to make it easier for San Francisco families to achieve work-life balance, and commends Board President David Chiu and Legislative Aide Catherine Rauschuber for their leadership on this important issue.
Dr. Murase recognized Commissioner Kay Gulbengay who was attending her last meeting this evening. Dr. Murase thanked Commissioner Gulbengay for her leadership as past president of the Commission. Commissioner Gulbengay worked on a variety of issues including recognizing the Benioff family for their contribution to a homeless shelter for families. Commissioners expressed their appreciation to Commissioner Gulbengay for her leadership and many contributions.
Commissioner Gulbengay thanked everyone for their kind acknowledgments and expressed how touched she has been to work on behlf of women and their families. She found it especially rewarding interacting with the VAW Program Partner Agencies who are providing the vital services to the women and girls of San Francisco.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Women Veterans
1. Local Services and Support
Iraq War veteran Star Lara with Swords to Plowshare provided an overview of the unique needs of women veterans and available services. Ms. Lara highlighted the problem of limited career and training opportunities for women in the military. She was hopeful that these problems would be resolved by 2016 when women are expected to have no restrictions on assignments. Ms. Lara applauded the change to the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy which enables LGBT personnel full participation in the military.
Ms. Lara serves as the Women Veterans Program Manager at Swords to Ploughshares. She reported that women make up 8% of all veterans. Only 1% of the US population are veterans. San Francisco and San Diego lead California cities in the numbers of women veterans. Key issues women veterans face include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sexual trauma, and homelessness. Ms. Lara observed that women tend to put their needs in the back seat, and that this tendency is even more pronounced among women in the military. These women do not seek formal care available from the Veterans Administration and other government agencies. Swords to Ploughshares has embarked on an aggressive effort to educate service providers on strategies to identify women veterans among their clients. Regarding the veterans’ healthcare system, Ms. Lara reported that each Veterans Hospital has a Women's Clinic. Recent attention focused on the healthcare system has resulted in important gains in addressing women's health issues.
Commissioner Gamez expressed surprise and disappointment that employers did not more readily hire veterans and she urged employers to be more proactive in hiring veterans. Commissioner Gulbengay thanked Ms. Lara for her service and tonight's presentation. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez asked about the census of women's veterans in San Francisco. Ms. Lara reported that, in San Francisco, there are 27,677 veterans of which 1,522 are women. President Soo asked about training for personnel involved in healthcare delivery. Ms. Lara explained that the current VA system requires women veterans to retell their trauma experiences multiple times, resulting in re-traumatization and negative outcomes.
2. Veteran’s Affairs Commission
Dottie Guy, Chair of the Women’s Caucus for the San Francisco Veteran’s Affairs Commission and the Women Veterans Outreach Coordinator for the Oakland Veterans Center, presented an overview of the Commission’s work as it related to women veterans. Dr. Guy served in Iraq in 2003 as a member of the National Guard. While there are 37 Veterans Centers in California, she is just one of two women coordinators in the state. The Veterans Administration has introduced a new hotline for women veterans. Dr. Guy served in Iraq in 2003 as a member of the National Guard.
President Soo asked if the military academies have adopted gender sensitive curriculum. Commissioner Guy stated that she would research this item.
Dr. Murase pointed out that in her 15+ years of experience with the Commission, this is the first time that the issue of women veterans has been addressed as part of the agenda and she thanked Ms. Lara and Dr. Guy for their informative presentation.
B. Nomination of Officers for 2013-2014
President Soo entertained nominations for President and Vice President of the Commission for 2013-2014. President Soo announced that the election will take place at the July 24 Commission meeting.
President Soo nominated Vice President Nancy Kirshner-Rodriguez for Vice President who accepted. Vice President Nancy Kirshner-Rodriguez nominated President Soo for President who accepted. Commissioner Gulbengay nominated Commissioner Gamez for Vice President who accepted. Commissioners discussed holding over this agenda item when all current Commissioners are available to vote.
Action: Commissioner Gulbengay moved continuance of the nominations to the next meeting.
Action: To continue the nomination of candidates for President and Vice President for 2013-2014 until the July 24, 2003 meeting.
m/s/c (Gulbengay/Gamez/Unanimous)
In public comment, Nancy Cross expressed her opinion that public notice of meetings was inadequate. Commission Secretary Cynthia Vasquez reported that all posting requirements were being followed however; she would follow up with the San Francisco Public Library to ensure that all agendas and minutes were available to the public.
VI. REPORTS
Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez acknowledged the work of the domestic violence community and the Domestic Violence Consortium for their tireless work and efforts and congratulated them on their budget increases and encouraged them to continue to request funding for their life saving work. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez reported that she has been working and attending meetings with the Alliance 4 Girls and will be looking forward to a presentation on Monday. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez highlighted the recent funding cuts to girl service providers from the Department of Children, Youth, and their Families. Vice President Kirshner-Rodrigues continues to take a leadership role at the National Council on Jewish Women, which started with 6 organizations and now has a total of 60 partners. Vice President Kirshner-Rodriguez also attended the annual event for Shalom Bayit, which provides domestic violence intervention services to Jewish women.
Commissioner Gulbengay acknowledged the Department and Commission for their continued work and expressed her hope that the Commission would continue to present the vital issues facing women and girls to the Board of Supervisors.
Commissioner Gamez reported that she is participating with the newly formed Progressive Women Rising and attended a panel on the topic of the Quest for Peace and Justice on May 16. The panel was of San Francisco Women who have been personally affected by youth homicides in San Francisco and what they are doing to find solutions for the epidemic of youth homicides.
President Soo reported on Lenora Lee’s dance performances that will take place again in November which includes stories of trafficked women. President Soo has been involved with Supervisor Eric Mar and the Department on denouncing the Osaka Mayor's comments regarding Korean comfort women as a military necessity during World War II. President Soo thanked the Department for nominating her for the Asian Women's Resource Center Outstanding Community Service Award to be conferred on August 16.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Robin Brasso expressed concern about sexual assault in the military. She attended the Democratic Women's Forum luncheon to recognize former Assemblymember Fiona Ma who has taken up the cause of incarcerated domestic violence victims. She invited Commissioners to attend the July 2 National Day of Action to fight cuts to Social Security, 4 pm at the Federal Building. Ms. Brasso expressed outrage at the Supreme Court's action to strike down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. She thanked the Commission for adjourning in memory of retired teacher Marjorie Stern.
Betty Tillman thanked the Commission for its work. She explained that she is a retired teacher (Wallenberg 1985-2003; Oakland public schools) and former actress with the Lorraine Hansberry Theater. She listed the many ways in which she has experienced violent crime and theft.
Nancy Cross urged the Commission to object to the $19 million tax exemption for a boys school, an agenda item on the Board of Supervisors Government Audit Committee agenda tomorrow.
Beverly Upton, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Consortium, expressed her appreciation to the Commission for its partnership in the budget process. She thanked Commissioner Gulbengay for her collegial leadership.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn the meeting in memory of Marjorie Stern, a distinguished educator and labor leader in San Francisco.
m/s/c (Gulbengay/Gamez/Unanimous).
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