San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes to Meeting of Monday, May 17, 2010
5:30-8:00pm
City Hall, Room 416
There will be public comment on each item.
1. Call to Order
Chair Quesada called the meeting to order at 5:33pm.
Commissioners Present: Deng, Marshall-Fricker, Liang, J. Chan, Jones, A. Chan, Hirano, Vasquez, LaCroix, Davidson, Quesada, Ellington, Sanders
Commissioners Absent: Carlson, Williams
Commissioner noted present moments after roll call: Quintero
Staff present: Julia Sabory, Mario Yedidia, Peter Lauterborn
2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)
Commissioner Marshall-Fricker moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Hirano. The agenda was approved unanimously by acclamation.
3. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)
Commissioner Jones moved to approve the minutes to the meeting of May 3, 2010, seconded by Marshall-Fricker. However, seeing a member of the public come forward to speak on this item, Chair Quesada and commissioners Jones and Marshall-Fricker tabled this motion.
Peter Warfield, Executive Director of the Library Users Association suggested that the word “agreement” on the first full paragraph of the second page of the minutes implied a kind of legal commitment on the part of the Library, when, though the Library had made a commitment, it was not legal or contractual in nature. He suggested the Youth Commission consider deleting this word in favor of another that better reflects the character of the Library’s claims vis-à-vis which branch libraries would be closed (and when) .
Commissioner Jones moved to amend the minutes as per Mr. Warfield’s suggestion by deleting the word “agreement” on page 2 and finding another word that did not imply such a legal or contractual agreement. This motion was seconded by commissioner Deng and approved unanimously by acclamation.
Commissioner Marshall-Fricker then moved to adopt the minutes as amended, seconded by Jones. The minutes as amended were approved unanimously by acclamation.
4. Public Comment on Items not on Agenda
Mr. Warfield, Executive Director of the Library Users Association, spoke. In his comments he thanked the Youth Commission for allowing him to present on the issue of interim services at branch libraries at the commission’s prior meeting of May 3, 2010. Mr. Warfield encouraged the Youth Commission to follow up—through the passage of a resolution or otherwise—on this issue with the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor; he also reminded commissioners that the critical issue-in-question is the plain fact that 6 of San Francisco’s 27 public libraries have only minimal bookmobile service.
5. Staff Report
Mario Yedidia, Youth Commission staff, reminded commissioners that the application for the 2010-2011 Youth Commission term is due Friday, June 4, 2010. He encouraged commissioners to distribute the application far and wide.
6. New Business
A. Discussion and Possible Action: Resolutions of Commendation Recognizing the Outstanding Work of Karla Ramos and Armani Doss, YouthWorks Interns at the Youth Commission (Commissioner Jones)
Presenter: Commissioner Jones
Commissioner Jones presented Resolutions of Commendation to Karla Ramos and Armani Doss in recognition of their outstanding work as interns at the Youth Commission through the YouthWorks program.
B. Discussion and Possible Action: Presentation on the San Francisco Public Library’s Youth & Teen Services
San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) Head Librarian Luis Herrera led a PowerPoint presentation concerning the San Francisco Branch Library Improvement Program, a massive renovation program of the SFPL’s branch libraries, financed by a bond measure passed by San Francisco voters in 2000 with the express aim “to create 21st century libraries.” Mr. Herrera distributed brochures explaining the variety of interim library services that the SFPL is currently offering in the vicinity of those branch libraries that are currently closed for renovation.
Subsequently, Jennifer Collins, SFPL Teen Services Specialist, discussed the (completely free-of-cost) teen programming currently being offered by the SFPL, some of which is academic in nature (e.g. SAT courses, Writers Corps and Youth Speaks writing and media literacy workshops).
Commissioners Jones, Ellington, Sanders and Quesada asked clarifying questions concerning a number of issues, including the SFPL’s timeline for the completion of its bond-financed renovation program, the nature of public input in the renovation and bond-expenditure process, and the location and duration of bookmobile services. These questions were addressed by Mr. Herrera and Ms. Collins.
Public Comment:
An anonymous man individual spoke, describing himself as a “dissident voice” in the discussion concerning the renovation of SFPL branch libraries and characterizing the members of the Youth Commission as part of a “lost generation” of library users.
Peter Warfield, Executive Director of the Library Users Association, spoke of what he characterized as the sunshine violations committed by the SFPL’s BLIP program; he also expressed frustration with what he characterized as the many decisions the Library has made prior to public meetings.
Annie Yu, a former Teenquake program intern, spoke highly of the SFPL’s free teen programming, including, especially, those provided by Writers’ Corps; she also argued that despite the difficulty of waiting, the renovated branch libraries are vastly improved spaces, which are better organized and more spacious.
Tony Bernardi, SFPL Head of Teen Services said that when she began working at the Library in 1972, despite the fact that there were children’s services, teen services were nonexistent; Ms. Bernardi said that the library’s bond-financed renovation project is an immense undertaking thus, regrettably, it will almost inevitably involve slip-ups and mistakes; finally, she invited Youth Commission to take a more active role in the youth- and teen-related policy questions at the SFPL.
After some further discussion, with no official action taken, Chair Quesada closed this item.
C. Discussion and Possible Action: Legislation Referred from the Board of Supervisors: File no. 100543 [Requesting the Controller’s Office to Conduct a Review and Analysis of the Funding Recommendations of the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families for FY2010-2011 through FY2012-2013] Adopted (Supervisor Dufty; Campos, Maxwell and Chiu)
Presenters: Boe Hayward, Legislative Aide to Supervisor Dufty; Peg Stevenson, Office of the Controller, City Service Auditor
In Boe Hayward’s absence, Alex Randolph, also an aide to Supervisor Dufty, explained the basics of this adopted resolution. In brief, it asks the Controller’s Office to prepare the Board of Supervisors with an analytically sound roadmap to the so-called “add back” process in June, wherein the Board of Supervisors allocates monies to particular service and geographical areas, which the Mayor’s Proposed Budget and the results DCYF RFP have eliminated.
Commissioner Hirano remarked that, as per the Youth Commission’s Budget Priorities for FY 2010-2011, it would be helpful to take into account the Police Department’s Zone Strategy in DCYF’s allocation plan.
Peg Stevenson of the City Services Auditor division of the Controller’s Office explained her office’s Chartered role, to provide fiscal and performance analyses that improve “effectiveness and efficiency in City government.”
Chair Quesada asked about the target date for finishing this Controller’s report. Ms. Stevenson said that, as per Mr. Randolph’s comments, the Board of Supervisors has requested that it be done before the budget for FY 10-11 is decided, that is, by the second or third week in June. She also noted that DCYF, with its Charter-mandated public three-year funding cycle which involves a need assessment and allocation plan before the issuing of any RRP, is considered to employ some of the best practices of all City departments that issue grants.
Public Comment:
Peter Warfield remarked that given the Youth Commission’s purview, he did not understand why this resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors prior to being referred to the Youth Commission.
Chair Quesada explained that the Board acted without Youth Commission input because the resolution was introduced without committee reference.
D. Discussion and Possible Action: Legislation Referred from the Board of Supervisors: File no. 100571 [Hearing to consider how we are providing safe routes to schools and ensuring safe conditions for our children and youth on MUNI] Requested
Alex Randolph explained that this hearing was the result of Board of Education President Jane Kim’s request to Supervisor Dufty that the issue of violence on Muni—especially those lines that are heavily used by students to get to and from school—be addressed in the City & School Committee.
Commissioner Marshall-Fricker moved to support this hearing, seconded by Jones. Commissioners Sanders, LaCroix, Ellington, Liang and Quesada expressed their commitment to attend.
E. Discussion and Possible Action: Legislation Referred from the Board of Supervisors: File no. 100508 [Motion directing the Budget and Legislative Analyst to audit the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families] Proposed
(Supervisor Alioto-Pier)
Presenters: Bill Barnes, Legislative Aide to Supervisor Alioto-Pier; Severin Campbell, Budget Analyst’s Office
Bill Barnes provided the background to this audit by explaining that DCYF is pretty big department—its budget is about $130 million this year. The rules of the Board of Supervisors require that each department be regularly audited; however, this has not occurred in the case of DCYF. Thus, the proposed audit—which authorizes the Youth Commission to suggest particular service areas and/or strategies which the Budget Analyst should focus on—is an attempt to remedy this.
Commissioners Quesada, Liang and LaCroix asked clarifying questions fielded by Mr. Barnes.
Seeing no public comment, Commissioner Jones offered a motion to support this proposed audit, seconded by Marshall-Fricker. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.
F. Discussion and Possible Action: Resolution 09-10 AL 13: Resolution Urging the San Francisco Board of Education to Create a Task Force Charged with Improving Health Education Curriculum in High School and to Propose Possible Improvements in Health Education Throughout K-12
(Commissioner Davidson)
Presenter: Commissioner Davidson
Commissioner Davidson read the proposed resolution into the record.
After some discussion concerning the considerable length and format of the resolution, commissioner Davidson moved to delete the specific community-based organizations to be included in the proposed Task Force. This motion was seconded by Marshall Fricker and passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes—Deng, Marshall-Fricker, Liang, J. Chan, Jones, A. Chan, Hirano, Quintero, LaCroix Davidson, Quesada, Ellington; No’s—Vasquez, Sanders.
Public Comment:
Peter Warfield commended the Youth Commission on the detail-oriented, well-sourced draft resolution.
G. Discussion and Possible Action: Ingleside District Youth Summit
Presenter: Nayad Abrahamian, Youth Commission Staff
Nayad Abrahamian of the Youth Commission staff explained the character of the planned Ingleside District Youth Summit, a peaceful, recreational community-building event slated for the final week of May.
Commissioner Jones moved to endorse the event, seconded by Sanders. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.
H. Discussion and Possible Action: 2010 Ecofest
Presenter: Commissioner Jones
Commissioner Jones explained the character of Ecofest 2010: set for May 22, this will be a youth-friendly, all-ages music and visual arts event that will emphasize the importance of environmental conversation.
Commissioner Liang moved to endorse Ecofest 2010, seconded by Sanders. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.
I. Discussion and Possible Action: Review of Youth Commissioner Attendance Records & Potential Authorization of Absences
Presenter: Julia Sabory, Youth Commission Director
Julia Sabory explained the Youth Commission’s somewhat intricate attendance policy, as it is outlined in both the City Charter and the Youth Commission’s Bylaws. Under both rubrics, commissioners Carlson and Williams are currently considered resigned from the Youth Commission because of their multiple unexcused absences. However, to follow the spirit of the Charter, the commission as a whole should vote to certify their resignations—or, conversely, authorize their unexcused absences and keep them on the commission.
After some passionate discussion wherein numerous commissioners expressed regret at seeing two of their colleagues leave, commissioner Ellington moved to certify the resignation of commissioner Carlson, seconded by Sanders. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes—Deng, Marshall-Fricker, Liang, J. Chan, A. Chan, Hirano, LaCroix, Davidson, Quesada, Ellington, Sanders; No’s: Jones, Vasquez, Quintero.
Commissioner Jones then moved motion to certify the resignation of commissioner Williams, seconded by Hirano. This motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes—Deng, Marshall-Fricker, Liang, J. Chan, Jones, A. Chan, Hirano, Vasquez, Quintero, LaCroix, Davidson, Quesada, Ellington; No—Sanders.
7. Announcements (This includes Community Events)
Nayad Abrahamian encouraged Youth Commissioners to attend the upcoming Lobby Day on Thursday, May 20.
8. Adjournment
Chair Quesada adjourned the meeting at 8:13pm.
Supplemental documents for agenda items are available for review at City Hall Room 345. Minutes are also available on the Youth Commission Website at www.sfgov.org/youth_commission
ACCESSIBLE MEETING POLICY
The Youth Commission meeting will be held in City Hall Room 416. The formal address of City Hall is 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA. The closest accessible BART station is the Civic Center Station at the United Nations Plaza and Market Street. Accessible MUNI lines serving this location are: MUNI Metro Lines J-Church, K-Ingleside, L-Taraval, M-Oceanview, N-Judah, and T-Third Street at Van Ness and Civic Center Stations; 9-San Bruno, 19-Polk, 47-VanNess, and 71-Haight Noriega. For information about MUNI accessible services call 923-6142.
The Commission meeting room is wheelchair accessible. Accessible curbside parking spaces have been designated on the corners of McAllister and Polk, and Grove and Polk. There is accessible parking available within the Civic Center Underground Parking Garage at the corner of McAllister and Polk Streets, and within the Performing Arts Parking Garage at Grove and Franklin Streets.
If you require the use of an American sign language interpreter, a sound enhancement system, or a reader during the meeting, calendars and minutes of the meeting in alternative formats; such arrangements can be made by calling Mario Yedidia at (415) 554-6446, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.
Individuals with severe allergies, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities should call our accessibility hotline at (415) 554-8925 to discuss meeting accessibility. In order to assist the City’s efforts to accommodate such people, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical based products. Please help the City to accommodate these individuals.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE
(Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code)
Government’s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. The Ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City Operations are open to the people’s review.
For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance, or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact by mail: Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, City Hall Room 224, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102; by phone at (415) 554-7724; by fax at (415) 554-7854; or by e-mail at sotf@sfgov.org.
Citizens interested in obtaining a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance can request a copy from the Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force or by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the internet, at http://www.sfgov.org/bdsupvrs/sunshine.htm.