June 26, 2013 Southeast Community Facility Commission
(REVISED) APPROVED MINUTES
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY FACILITY COMMISSION
Wednesday, June 26, 2013, 6:00 P.M.
1800 Oakdale Avenue, Alex Pitcher Community Room
San Francisco, CA 94124
1.0 CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCEMENT
Commission President Willie B. Kennedy called the Wednesday, June 26, 2013 meeting to order at 6:17 p.m. and announced the 3 minute Public Comment time frame as well as the Sunshine Ordinance.
2.0 ROLL CALL AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUNSHINE AUDIO RECORDING POLICY
Ms. Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary called roll at 6:18 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Willie B. Kennedy/ Bobbrie Brown /Karen Chung /Brigette R. LeBlanc /Al Norman
Staff Present: Toye Moses, Executive Director / Carla Vaughn, Commission Executive Secretary II / Marilyn Ramos, Secretary II
3.0 CONSENT CALENDAR
Commission President Willie B. Kennedy read the Consent Calendar.
3.1 PROPOSED ACTION
Commissioner Brigette R. LeBlanc moved to approve the Thursday, June 13, 2013 Commission meeting minutes with one correction to page 4 removing former Commissioner Armina Brown.
Commissioner Karen Chung seconded the motion to approve the June 13, 2013 Commission meeting minutes with one correction.
The minutes of the Southeast Community Facility Commission meeting of Thursday, June 13, 2013 were adopted with one correction.
4.0 PUBLIC COMMENT IS LIMITED TO 3 MINUTES
There was no public comment.
5.0 COMMUNICATION
Ms. Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary announced the communication, correspondence and announcement files:
Press Release: Mayor Lee & New York City Mayor Bloomberg To Co-Host Second Annual Bloomberg Technology Summit
Press Release: San Francisco Releases Updated “People Plan” for 34th America’s Cup
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces Illumina Opening New Offices In San Francisco’s Mission Bay
Press Release: Mayor Lee & Supervisor Kim Announce New Food Emporium To Open On Central Market
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces New Standard For Housing Data Reporting & Advancing City’s Commitment To Open Data & Transparency
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces San Francisco To Host 2015 U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting
Statement: Mayor Lee’s Statement On President Obama’s Plan To Cut Carbon Pollution
Statement: Mayor Lee’s Statement On Board Of Supervisors’ Support Of CPMC Rebuild
Statement: Mayor Lee’s Statement On U.S. Supreme Court Decision Supporting Marriage Equality In California
Press Release: Mayor Lee & Supervisor Cohen Celebrate Historic Beginning Of Home Construction At The Shipyard
5.1 CORRESPONDENCE
Letter to Harlan Kelly, General Manager, SFPUC and Dr. Thelma Scott-Skillman, Interim Chancellor, City College of San Francisco suggesting the President of the SECFC, Willie B. Kennedy or her representative attend future meetings held with City College of San Francisco when discussing City College Southeast Campus issues.
6.0 ANNOUNCEMENTS
-The next meeting of the Southeast Community Facility Commission will be Thursday, July 11, 2013.
-Residents of 94124 receive FREE vaccines for your dog every 2nd Saturday of every month through December 2013.
-Residents of 94124 can enter SPCA drawing to win a share of $6,500 in prizes.
-Presidio Trust presents “Pasados del Presidio” Commemorating the Presidio’s Past Through Music, Dance & Lore – Afternoon Fun for Kids – Friday, June 28, Noon to 3pm
-Invitation from Empowered Communities Program to attend “Resilient Bayview Action Plan Launch Event” Friday, June 28th 10 am to Noon at the Bayview Opera House to help launch the creation of an action plan to ensure the resilience of the Bayview Community in times of stress.
-Flyer from the SFPUC providing updates on the Sewer System Improvement Program.
-Job Announcement: 1402 Junior Clerk
-Letter from John Roddy, Deputy City Attorney to the SECFC Commissioners regarding jurisdiction of E.P. Mills Auditorium.
-Resolution to be read by Commission President Kennedy regarding our support of the SSIP Program.
President Kennedy moved the agenda to Item #8.0 and introduced Mr. William Sifferman, Chief Probation Officer, City and County of San Francisco, Juvenile Probation and Mr. Allan Nance, Assistant Chief Probation Officer.
8.0 PRESENTER
Mr. Sifferman thanked Commission President Kennedy for the opportunity to appear before the Commission with Mr. Allan Nance, Assistant Chief Probation Officer. He said it was their pleasure to present not only information relative to youth and families from the 94124 zip code but to also share items that they are proud of.
After 43 years of service Mr. Sifferman noted that he submitted his letter of retirement to Mayor Ed Lee and to the Commissioners of the Juvenile Probation Commission two weeks ago. He noted the SECFC was the first Commission he provided a formal presentation to over 8 years ago and now he was providing his last presentation to the same body.
Mr. Sifferman noted the graciousness of the Commission for allowing his department use of the Alex Pitcher, Jr. Community room to provide a one day all department wide staff training on the values and principals of restorative justice and the Detention Alternatives Initiative that was advanced during his tenure. This changed the way the service model was viewed and strategies were identified that would rely on better long term interventions and treatment opportunities that do not compromise public safety. The foundation of our approach over the past 8 years was to end the use of detention as a catch all standard response to the slightest violation of probation.
During Mr. Sifferman’s tenure the juvenile justice center was rebuilt.
Mr. Sifferman introduced Allen Nance, Assistant Chief Probation Officer who spoke regarding Mr. Sifferman’s modesty in describing the accomplishments of the department. These accomplishments included but were not limited to developing a stronger collaboration with the community and the commitment to continue to develop relationships.
Mr. Nance noted the many accomplishments of the department spearheaded by Mr. Sifferman and modeled by other juvenile departments throughout the United States.
Two years ago the department was contacted by Mayor Lee and asked to find a way to provide youth from 94124 an opportunity to visit Camp Mather, a city run campsite located in the High Sierra near the Hetch-Hetchy reservoir. Many of the youth had never traveled outside of their home environment, now every August youth from the 94124 have the opportunity to visit Camp Mather and socialize with youth from other parts of the city. This wonderful outdoor experience has also been used to link these youth with employment opportunities when they return to the city.
Mr. Nance said there is concern about the disproportionate nature of young people of color who are represented in our juvenile justice system. There has been a 50% reduction in referrals to juvenile court and detentions in juvenile hall over the past 5 years. There is a commitment to carry forward Chief Sifferman’s vision and to carry forward the vision of the City to continue the resolve to make sure young people get the very best that is possible from our Juvenile Probation Department.
In closing Mr. Nance thanked the Commission for the opportunity to address the body and offered to answer questions or receive comments.
Commission President Kennedy offered comments regarding the changes taking place and thanked the presenters for their work and concern for the community.
Commissioner Brigette LeBlanc requested clarity on statistical sheets provided by the presenters which offered the following information regarding youth in the 94124 zip code:
-Active Cases on Probation on 6/25/13 by Geographical Residence of Youth
-Duplicated Count of Referrals by Geographical Residence of Youth 1/1/13 – 6/25/13
Commissioner LeBlanc had questions regarding the high rate of incidences and the number of youth receiving referrals.
Mr. Sifferman said 133 individuals received 188 referrals which meant some of the youth received more than one referral. The department has received two grants, one from the federal government and one from the state government to address Disproportionate Minority Contact. One initiative was to partner with the Bayview Police Station in establishing a way of approaching youth in the early stages before there is a need to arrest the youth. Another initiative is to create a campaign to educate youth regarding the serious consequences of engaging in criminal activities that are crimes of opportunity such as grabbing cell phones and purses which can lead to felony convictions. The DMC Initiative helped to examine the practices of the police and probation to determine if there is any unintended or intended bias that would disproportionately bring young people of color into the system.
Commissioner LeBlanc requested a written summary be provided to the Commission Secretary to further explain the numbers in the statistical sheet.
Mr. Sifferman said a summary could be provided.
Mr. Nance added when young people are brought to the attention of the Juvenile Probation Department they along with their families are assessed and referred to community agencies such as Aggression Replacement Therapy or involving young people with substance abuse treatment programs as funded by the Department of Public Health. Parents are engaged and referred to family counseling so they can deal with some of these issues. The challenges of juvenile delinquency in San Francisco are broader than the symptoms of a child being referred to juvenile court. As a result there is a need for a more comprehensive strategy to deal with the delinquency. There are issues relative to housing, health, substance abuse and economic development. The problem is not necessarily that kids are committing crimes. The problem is that there is a much larger systemic challenge for communities of color in San Francisco and we must collectively look at the issue in order to find the best solution to reduce the numbers. The department is doing the best that it can and is committed to doing more. In order to have a deep impact there must be a comprehensive strategy that is multifaceted and involves all of the described elements.
Toye Moses asked the following questions:
When the youth return to the community have they learned any skills such as computer technology?
What happens to youth over the age of 17?
Mr. Sifferman offered the following response.
Youth with police issues occurring prior to their 18th birthday remain on probation and receive continued supervision. After the age of 18 they cannot be in custody at the Juvenile Department. If they receive more charges after the age of 18 they are forwarded to 850 Bryant.
Some youth from this district are in out of home placement out of state or at Log Cabin Ranch. The emphasis on the reentry program has a very clear description of what should occur. At the Log Cabin Ranch the SF Conservation Corps offers a curriculum in conjunction with the SF Unified School District.
Commission President Willie B. Kennedy noted the discrepancy in charges against minority youth that usually resulted in overcharging felony cases.
Mr. Sifferman agreed and noted the positive changes put in place by Chief Suhr.
Jocelyn Norman, community member addressed Mr. Sifferman and expressed an interest in pursuing a career in juvenile justice. She provided her resume.
Torrance Bynum, Interim Dean of City College, had questions regarding students from the criminal justice classes who were interested in internship programs within the juvenile justice system but were turned down because of minor infractions that happened prior to them turning their lives around.
Commissioner Brigette LeBlanc said there should be a preference of internships in the juvenile justice department for qualified applicants from the 94124 area.
Commission President Kennedy thanked Mr. Sifferman and Mr. Nance for their presentation.
7.0 ADVISORY COMMITTEES REPORTS
Governance Ad-Hoc Committee, (Chair, Commission President Willie B. Kennedy, Co-Chair, Commissioner Brigette R. LeBlanc, Member: Commissioner Al Norman, Community Members: Alma Robinson, Siri Datta S. Khalsa, Alternates: Dr. Harrison Parker, Greg Doxey)
No report.
Joint PUC/SECFC Ad-Hoc Committee, (Chair, Commissioner Bobbrie Brown, Co-Chair, (Vacant), PUC Representative, and Ex-Officio: Commission President, Willie B. Kennedy)
No report.
Health, Housing and Public Safety Advisory Committee, (Chair, Commissioner Bobbrie Brown, Co-Chair, (Vacant), and Community Members <see Commission Secretary for List> Ex-Officio: Commission President Willie B. Kennedy)
President Willie B. Kennedy announced the following dates for the Health Fair planning meetings as follows:
July 18, August 15, September 12 & 26, October 3, 10, 17 & 24. The public is cordially invited to attend.
The Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Economic Development Advisory Committee (Chair, Commissioner Karen Chung, Co-Chair, Commissioner Al Norman, and Ex-Officio: Commission President Willie B. Kennedy)
Commissioner Karen A. Chung announced the barrels for the Food Drive for Christmas hosted by the SECFC would be available at the next Commission meeting and everyone was encouraged to bring canned goods to help those in need.
Facility Advisory Committee, (Chair, Commissioner Brigette R. LeBlanc, Co-Chair, (Vacant) and Ex-Officio: Commission President Willie B. Kennedy)
Commissioner LeBlanc announced the next Facility Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for July 10 at 4:00 p.m. as well as the 4th Tuesday, July 23rd. There will be no meeting in August.
9.0 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Kennedy noted the correspondence from Deputy City Attorney John Roddy regarding the jurisdiction of the Earl P. Mills Community Center.
9.1 UPDATE ON THE 9910 STATIONARY ENGINEER INTERN PROGRAM
No report.
10.0 STAFF/DIRECTOR REPORT (Discussion)
Director Moses reported a successful meeting was held with the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Steve Kawa, who was provided with an update regarding the Commission. The Mayor has been invited to the upcoming Health Fair.
11.0 SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT & UPDATES
Sam Murray, SFPUC Public Relations Officer, Communications, reminded everyone the SFPUC would be going before the Board of Supervisors on July 10th to address the issue of the potential hiring of consultants to design the digesters. He requested support of the Commissioners.
In closing, Mr. Murray reported the repair work at the treatment facility was progressing.
12.0 ONGOING BUSINESS (Discussion)
Commission President Kennedy announced and read the resolution to endorse the Sewer System Improvement Program as presented by Katherine Kubick at a previous Commission meeting.
It was moved by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Commissioner Chung to accept the resolution. The resolution was unanimously accepted.
Commissioner LeBlanc moved to invite one presenter per month either on the 2nd Thursday or 4th Wednesday of each month. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Chung. The motion was unanimously accepted.
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary read a letter addressed to the SFPUC in support of the Southeast Plant Biosolids Digester Facilities Project.
13.0 NEW BUSINESS REQUESTS for Future Agenda Items (Discussion and Possible Action)
(This item is to allow Commissioners & Staff to suggest/introduce agenda items for future consideration)
Commissioner Brigette LeBlanc requested a discussion supporting the suggestion to have one regular Commission meeting per month.
14.0 PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
15.0 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________
Carla Vaughn, Commission Executive Secretary II
Southeast Community Facility Commission
