San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes
Monday, July 7th, 2014
5:15pm-8:00pm
City Hall, Room 416
1. Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94102

There will be public comment on each item.

Nicholas Persky, Michelle Kong, Joshua Cardenas, DeAsia Landrum, Angel Van Stark, Jina Bae, Anna Bernick, Sophie Edelhart, Monica Flores, Ramon Gomez, Michel Li, Lily Marshall-Fricker, Luisa Sicairos, Denesia Webb, Eric Wu, Joyce Wu, Ariel Yu

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

The meeting was called to order at 5:22 pm.

Commissioners present: Kong, Cardenas, Landrum, Bernick, Flores, Gomez, Li, Marshall-Fricker, Sicairos, Webb, E. Wu, Yu

Commissioner VanStark joined the meeting at 5:35pm.

Commissioners absent: Persky, Bae, Edelhart, J. Wu

Staff present: Allen Lu

There was quorum.

2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)

Commissioner Sicairos, seconded by Commissioner Yu, moved to approve the agenda. There was no public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.

3. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)

A. June 16th, 2014
(Document A)

Commissioner Sicairos, seconded by Commissioner Landrum, moved to approve the minutes. There was no public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.

4. Public Comment on Items not on Agenda (Discussion Only)

Ms. S. Fairchild commended the Youth Commissioners for their service, and pointed out that the Youth Commission’s Policy and Budget Priorities did not contain any policy recommendations regarding drug or alcohol use. She shared some statistics about marijuana use among youth, and how marijuana big businesses will be targeting the youth population in 2016. She feels that normalizing or legalizing marijuana will do nothing to help youth. She wonders why the Youth Commission stands silent against drug, alcohol, and tobacco use when it threatens the livelihood of youth.

5. Consent Calendar (Action Item)

 

All items hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner so requests. In that event, the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item immediately following the vote on the rest of the items.

 

A. [BOS file no. 140715] Hearing – Initiative Ordinance – Park Code – Children’s Playgrounds, Walking Trails, Athletic Fields
Sponsors: Chiu, Farrell, Mar, Tang, Wiener, Breed
(Document B)

Commissioner Yu, seconded by Commissioner Gomez, moved to approve the consent item. There was no public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.

6. Legislation Referred from the Board of Supervisors (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)

A. [BOS file no. 140687] Initiative Ordinance-Administrative Code-Minimum Wage
Sponsors: Mayor Lee; Supervisors Kim, Chiu, Farrell, Breed, Yee, Wiener, Campos, Cohen, Tang, Mar
Presenters: Jason Elliott, Mayor’s Director of Legislative and Government Affairs; Ugonma Nwankwo and Steven Kite, District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim’s office; Helen Lee, and Alvin Woo from the Youth Employment Coalition
(Document C)

Commissioner Kong passed the presiding officer role to Commissioner Yu to facilitate this item since Commissioner Kong is on the Youth Employment and Immigration Committee and would like to be able to participate more in the discussion.

Ugonma Nwankwo shared about the hard work and effort put in by the District 6 Office to write this measure and is excited for its introduction at the Board of Supervisors the following day. Currently, it wouldn’t be until 2025 that the minimum wage would reach $15/hr and that living in San Francisco is difficult as the cost of living increases. This measure would allow the minimum wage to increase to $15/hr by 2018. The minimum wage would gradually increase the next four years: $12.25 in 2015, $13 in 2016, $14 in 2017, and $15 in 2018. This will impact the youth because 28% of families in San Francisco who are living on minimum wage currently are parents of youth. Having this increase in income will help these families.

Commissioner Cardenas asked if the presenters could speak on the “youth rate” imposed on the legislation. Steven Kite shared that the youth exemption does not apply to all youth, but only those in government-subsidized positions. The reason for this is because that there is only a limited amount of funding from the federal government, unlike a market rate job with companies like Starbucks. For government-subsidized positions come from a government source of funding, which we don’t have the control over, meaning if we raise the wage for these positions, we cut down the number of people we can employ. They did not want to deprive youth of these employment opportunities. Supervisor Kim did not want a carve-out for anyone, but after speaking with non-profit organizations who provide employment opportunities for youth, the District 6 office saw the concrete evidence that they would have to limit the positions available if there wasn’t a carve-out.

Commissioner Cardenas sought clarification about where government subsidies for the measure would come from, and inquired about if higher wages and higher revenue would allow for more opportunities with a higher wage. Mr. Kite shared that it is possible theoretically, but the city provides very little in regards to this the funding that goes to this measure.

Commissioner Yu introduced Jason Elliott, Mayor’s Director on Legislative and Government Affairs. Mr. Elliott provided a brief overview: In December of last year, Mayor Lee announced that he wanted an increase in minimum wage because an increase based on the CPI would not be enough for the families and individuals in this city. In January, at his State of the City Address, there was outpouring support and brought in stakeholders, advocates, and the Board of Supervisors. This measure was brought to the BOS on June 10th.
After July 1st 2018, the minimum wage will increase by predictable raise of CPI set by the state. The Mayor’s office is very proud to have brought together advocates, nonprofit organ-izations, businesses, Board of Supervisors, and others and came together and agrees on one consensus measure.

Commissioner Yu introduced Helen Lee from the Youth Employment Coalition (YEC). YEC is volunteer-organized, made up of about 20 CBO’s that work with youth employment. The coalition had met several times in the last few months. While they are not in a place to put out a policy, Ms. Lee shared that although we are for an increase in minimum wage, most of the CBO’s don’t have the funding to support an increase. It’s difficult to move ahead without discussing the funding that is needed to support the youth in this program. A negative aspect of the measure is that the “youth age” no longer makes the CBO programs competitive with the other jobs out there. In terms of supporting the youth who need a living wage, there are youth who participate who are TAY age. The older you are, the more you might be on your own and would need more. There are also those who are younger who are TAY. YEC is in favour of minimum wage, but are in a difficult position here because they want to support this, but it comes down to funding. They also don’t want this to be a model for businesses to hire youth at a different/lower wage. Most importantly, they don’t want to see the number of youth we support go down.

Commissioner Flores inquired about the increases regarding the youth wage following the increase to $12.25. Mr. Elliott responded that it will remain at $12.25 and is adjusted every year.

Commissioner VanStark shared that regardless of what happens, he feels that if there is a youth rate created, that that is a form of discrimination based on age, especially since youth are the most vulnerable. In addition, they cannot vote on this because they are not of age.

Mr. Alvin Woo, member of the YEC, added that the annual increases that will occur is still going to be a large dollar amount. The Mayor’s Office has offered assistance and support to Youth Employment Organizations. He asks that the Youth Commission keeps their eyes on this and help ensure that the youth in the city are supported.

Commissioner Kong opened up the floor for additional public comment. There was none.

Commissioner Cardenas expressed that he sees the benefits in participating in these youth employment programs. If they were to provide youth the minimum wage, it would limit the employment opportunities to youth. All the skills youth could have gained through these positions would be lost. He expressed his support and reiterated that this measure would not be applied to private sector positions, only government-subsidized public sector. He feels that the Commission should support this.

Commissioner Flores shared that this is not about funding, it is about youth employment jobs. She shared how she has supported herself and as a young person. She shared that if you should get paid less because you are a young person, but you are also doing real work, it sends the message that you are worth less than this dollar amount. That itself could limit the amount of jobs available, because she doesn’t think youth would want to work in these subsidized positions if they can get paid more at McDonalds. In addition, this does not help families and young parents who wish to stay in the city. She feels that the Youth Wage is discriminatory.

Commissioner Kong expressed that we all want to provide the greatest amount of training and experience to the greatest amount of youth in the city. She compared this with youth working in private jobs and coming out with a half baked resume. Coming out of Youth Works and private jobs, she felt Youthworks has taught her a lot more than any private sector jobs she’s worked in. Many of her friends are turned away from positions such as ones offered by Youthworks; and the reality is that the city doesn’t have the necessary funding. Elimination of the “youth wage” would mean turning away more youth.

Commissioner Gomez shared his agreement with the multiple points that have been made: Do we raise the price to minimum to match the rate other youth get? Or do we impose the student wage so that more youth can get the resume skills? He shared his experience with MYEEP, and says that him and his peers get better at their resume skills. Although he would want them to be paid more, even more so, he would want them to gain experiences. He is in support of the Youth Wage.

Commissioner Bernick also expressed that she agree with the various perspectives.

Commissioner Li respects both sides of the discussion. She shared that the Youth Employment and Immigration Committee has been discussing this for a while. Something that is important to keep in mind is that the majority of these programs are not to provide for the living wage, but for the experience they need. For those who need the wage, there are opportunities outside of these subsidized positions. She feels that it is important that the most youth possible have the opportunity to have the experiential and training programs.

Commissioner Flores shared her experience in MYEEP as a participant and Counselor. Though the youth can speak on behalf for most of the youth, there are also youth who are marginalized youth: homeless youth, parenting youth, etc. Sometimes, people apply and go for these positions because they need to get paid. So she feels that all youth should be kept in mind.
Commissioner Kong, seconded by Commissioner Li, motioned to generally support the minimum wage ordinance. The motion was passed. Recommendations to include that a couple commissioners do not support the “youth wage” was requested to be put into the referral re-sponse.

7. Presentations (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)

A. Presentation on AfroSolo’s “The Audacity to Succeed” and Request for Support
Presenter: Thomas R. Simpson, Founder of AfroSolo
(Document D)

Mr. Simpson shared the history and work of AfoSolo, and statistics he found staggering about young black men in detention from across the nation.  He then shared about previous events AfroSolo held throughout the years to inspire young black men and boys so that they feel empowered to overcome their situations.  Mr. Thomas finally requested a general support from the Youth Commission, help with outreach, and any ways to promote it on the Youth Commission’s social media pages.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Sicairos shared her gratitude for Mr. Thomas's presentation and shared her contacts at College Track.  She also recommended Less Brown as a speaker.  Lastly, she suggested that images should be added into the "Letters to My Younger Brother" project.

Commissioner Landrum provided feedback on the fliers, and shared organizations she feels may be interested in helping including BAYCAT.

Commissioner VanStark remarked about the important work AfroSolo is doing and offered his time and services.

Commissioner VanStark, seconded by Commissioner Sicairos, motioned to support AfroSolo’s “The Audacity to Succeed” event. This motion was approved by acclamation.

B. Presentation on Y-PLAN’s 2014 Tomodachi Program and Request for Support
Presenters: Jessie Stewart, Research Specialist & National Y-PLAN Coordinator; Sean Cochrane, Y-PLAN Tomodachi Coordinator
(Document E)

Mr. Chochrane described the Y-PLAN organization in the context of the Tomodachi program.  He also shared  multiple case studies from Queens, Bronx, and Detroit.  A video from DC Neighborhood Initiatives on the Digital Divide was then shown to the Commission. He requested general support, feedback, meeting Tomodachi youth, sitting on panels, or helping with a homestay weekend.

There was no public comment.

Commissioners Landrum, VanStark, and Bernick asked programmatic questions such as being abroad, the relationships between students and mentors, and interpretation needs.

Commissioner Sicairos, seconded by Commissioner Landrum, motioned to support Y-PLAN’s 2014 Tomodachi Program.

8. Staff Report (Discussion Only)

Staff shared programmatic updates including next Full Youth Commission Meeting and upcoming Retreat Planning Committee.

9. Committee Reports (Discussion Only)

A. Executive Committee, Commissioner Joshua Cardenas

Commissioner Cardenas provided updates about committee documents and letters to the following Executive Committee, committee chair meeting, the Children’s Fund Press conference, and the July 24th Rules Committee where they will be hearing Youth Voice.

B. Youth Justice Committee, Commissioner Joshua Cardenas

Commissioner Cardenas shared that the committee will be meeting with Project WHAT! to debrief the hearing. The committee is also setting up meetings with Chief Suhr and Mr. Kevin Truitt about the MOU.

C. Immigration & Employment Committee, Chair Michel Li

Commissioner Li shared that the committee was working on the annual report and their issue briefing document, the DACA grant, and surveys with the School District for incoming newcomer students.

D. Education, Health & Wellness Committee, Commissioner Luisa Sicairos

Commissioner Sicairos shared that they planned to meet with youth from Chinatown Community Development Center and their presentation to the Mayor’s Disability Council on July 18th.

E. TAY, Housing, and LGBT issues Committee, Chair Eric Wu

Commissioner Wu shared his committee’s continued work with the Youth Town Hall report.

F. Youth Advisory Council, Representative Joyce Wu

Commissioner Wu was not present, but Commissioner Landrum updated the Commission that the YAC has ended for the year.

G. Children’s Fund Updates, Commissioners Eric Wu, Michelle Kong

Commissioners Wu and Kong shared about the Press Conference happening on Tuesday.

There was no public comment.

10. Attendance Authorizations (Action Item)

A. Request for authorization of absences

i. Monica Flores, June 16th, 2014

Commissioner Flores explained that she had new math classes to check out.

Commissioner Bernick, seconded by Commissioner Sicairos, motioned to authorize the absence. This was approved by acclamation.

11. Announcements (This Includes Community Events)

Commissioner Landrum shared YEF’s outreach and encouraged organizations to allow her to come and meet with them.

12. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10pm.