February 01, 1999

Francisco Castillo, Chair reported that Supervisor Medina has officially stepped down from his position and is being replace by Alicia Becerril.

Saturday, February 6 is the Bridge to Understanding our City event which the Youth Commission voted to support. All youth Commissioners are welcome to attend and help staff our table.

Joshua Todd reported that a teacher from Balboa high school has requested that we come to speak to her government class. Any Commissioner’s interested should see Josh.

Susan Kim, Director reported that the Youth Commission will be sponsoring a budget hearing with Supervisor Leland Yee and the date will be Wednesday, March 3^rd from 4-7pm in Room 263 of City Hall.

Legislative Action- They have been working on the outreach packet for the Gun Control Lobby Day. They are planning on sending the packets out to Beacon Center’s, Boy’s and Girls Clubs and other Youth Commissions.

Community Outreach and Input- Meetings to plan the Youth Empowerment Conference are held on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 at MOCYF. The Conference will be from 8am-5:30pm, May 22nd and will reconvene for a party from 8pm-12am. Youth Commissioners are needed to work on the resource fair, help work out the format and plan a closing event to honor young people.

Sexual Assault Task Force- The Task Force will be attending a 3 day conference, sponsored by California Child Youth and Family Coalition, and will present on preventing sexual assault. They have also been approached to present at the For Girls conference at the end of April.

LGBTQQ Youth Task Force- The Task Force has been working on developing an emergency shelter for LGBTQQ youth and has submitted a budget proposal for a permanent shelter for next year’s budget. They are also drafting legislation to mandate sensitivity training for all youth workers and will be holding a retreat on February 7, 1999. The legislation which the Youth Commission voted to support which would change the Administrative Code of SF was passed by the Board and is at the Mayor’s desk awaiting his signature.

2. Discussion and possible action re: Presentation by Karen Gilbert on behalf of Maternal Child and Adolescent Health. Ms. Gilbert needed input about access to health care for young people. Youth Commissioners gave the following comments.

   -Talk with the SF Unified School District about health clinics in high schools.

   -Mobile Health Units which set up at a site, like a Beacon Center, and provide services on a specific day would help youth access health care.

   -Hold clinic on the same day every week and announce those clinics in high school health classes.

   -Do street outreach to get to youth.

   -Confidentiality is a big issue that needs to be addressed so youth feel safe.

   -Contact the Center for Young Women’s development to do a focus group with the youth they serve, 487.8662.

   -Do outreach to parents to inform them.

   -Contact Health Initiatives for Youth and do a focus group there.

   -Use pictures, languages and outreach techniques that speak directly to the demographic you are outreaching to.

   -Diversify your outreach, no one way will get everyone.

   -Create a clearinghouse for health information where people can call with health questions.

   -Talk lines which target specific demographics are popular, LYRIC’s talkline receives over 14,000 calls per year. There should be more talklines geared to specific demographics.

3. Discussion and possible action re: Presentation by Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Gloria Young. Ms. Young discussed the Brown Act and Sunshine Ordinance as well as posting requirements and special considerations for Youth Commissioners. She handed out packets of information which are available from the Clerk’s office.

4. Discussion and possible action re: Requesting that future Youth Commission meetings be televised on City Watch, Channel 54. Members of the public requested that our meetings be televised but the Commission needs to vote to televise meetings, discussion followed. Commissioner Anderson moved to televise Youth Commission meetings, seconded with an objection by Commissioner Isner. Commissioner Isner objected to ending discussion. Roll Call vote was taken Commissioners in favor of televising Youth Commission meetings: Aliga, Anderson, Barraza, Blake, Castillo, Cottonham, Crane, DeVries, Eliapo, Joun, Mak, Ramlochan, Siu, Turner; those opposed: Isner, absent: Castro and Lugo. The motion passes.

1. Discussion and possible action re: Western addition Beacon Center. Commissioner Castillo has been involved in the development of a Western Addition Beacon Center and would like the Youth Commission to vote to support the development of such a center. Commissioners had questions regarding the level or our involvement, Castillo replied that the Commission would write a letter of support for the opening of a Western Addition Beacon Center. Commissioner Siu motioned to support the development of a Western Addition Beacon Center and to write a letter of support for the idea. Seconded by Turner with no objections the motion passes.