San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes
Monday, February 6, 2012
5:15-8:00pm
City Hall, Room 416

There will be public comment on each item.

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Chair Leah LaCroix called the meeting to order at 5:17pm.

Commissioners present: Sarah Armstrong, Jonathan Baer, Robin Bonner, Rachel Brodwin, Angel Carrion, Leah LaCroix, Hillary Liang, Lily Marshall-Fricker, Mia Tu Mutch, Rene Ontiveros, Nicholas Persky, Mia Shackelford, Joyce Sun. Commissioners tardy: Javonte Holloway (arrived at 5:21 p.m.), Betty Huey (arrived at 5:25 p.m.). Commissioners absent: Happy Yang. Staff present: Mario Yedidia, Phimy Truong.

2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)

There was no public comment or discussion on this item.

Commissioner Baer, seconded by Commissioner Carrion, moved to approve the agenda. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

3. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)

A. Monday, January 9, 2012 (Document A)

There was no public comment or discussion on this item.

Commissioner Tu Mutch, seconded by Commissioner Marshall-Fricker, moved to approve the minutes to the full Youth Commission meeting of January 9, 2012. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

B. Saturday, January 21, 2012 (Document B)

There was no public comment or discussion on this item.

Commissioner Brodwin, seconded by Commissioner Baer, moved to approve the minutes to the Youth Commission’s mid-year retreat of January 21, 2012. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

C. Sunday, January 22, 2012 (Document C)

There was no public comment or discussion on this item.

Commissioner Persky, seconded by Commissioner Liang, moved to approve the minutes to the Youth Commission’s mid-year retreat of January 22, 2012. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

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

David Pilpel made the following suggestions to improve the Youth Commission’s meeting minutes: to include both first and last names in the first reference to all individuals and commissioners, to spell out all acronyms, and to be as clear as possible. Mr. Pilpel also asked Youth Commission staff to look over the dates of the retreat in the application that was included in the meeting agenda packet. Mr. Pilpel also shared with commissioners that he is currently serving on the city’s redistricting task force and have noticed that there has not been a lot of youth voice during public comment at these meetings. Mr. Pilpel then invited commissioners to become more involved in the redistricting task force, and would gladly give a presentation on redistricting to the Youth Commission at a future meeting.

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

There was none.

6. Presentations

A. Overview of Youth Vote Student Survey’s Interactive Data Website (Discussion Only)
Presenter: Peter Lauterborn, Youth Vote Student Survey Coordinator
http://yefsf.org/youthvote.html

This item was tabled.

7. Youth Commission Business

A. [First Reading] Resolution 1112—06—Urging Access to the Juvenile Justice Center Large Outdoor Recreation Area (Discussion and Possible Action) (Document D)
Sponsors and Presenters: Commissioners Ontiveros, Carrion, Holloway

Commissioner Ontiveros introduced this item by commending the work of the Youth Justice Committee, whose commitment to working on this resolution stemmed from personal experiences and recognizing the need to focus on this issue. He then welcomed and thanked William Siffermann, Chief Probation Officer of Juvenile Probation Department for being at the meeting. Ontiveros then laid out the format of this item, which is to start with a first reading of the resolution into the public record, then Chief Siffermann will give a short presentation answering questions the Youth Justice Committee had prepared, then there will be time for public comment, and clarifying questions from Youth Commissioners after.

Commissioners Carrion and Holloway then read the resolution into the public record.

After the resolution was read into the public record, Commissioner Ontiveros briefed members of the public on what a resolution is, and reminded his peers on the commission that this was only a first reading, amendments would not be taken at the meeting, and a second reading would take place at the next full Youth Commission meeting. Ontiveros then invited Chief Probation Officer, William Siffermann to present his answers to questions the Youth Justice Committee asked.

Chief Siffermann, introduced himself as Chief Probation Officer of the Juvenile Probation Department, and provided background information on his support of youth voice in government; and his former work and experiences in the creation of a juvenile advisory council (JAC) in Chicago, which became a model for other JACs across the nation, including the San Francisco Juvenile Advisory Council (SF JAC). Chief Siffermann voiced his support in the partnership between the Youth Commission and the Juvenile Probation Department, and the spirit and the goal behind this resolution. However, there are certain parts of the present form of the resolution which he cannot fully support. Mr. Siffermann noted the challenge the department faces in not being included during the design phase of the outdoor recreation area, and as such there are various nuances in the accessibility of the outdoor recreation area.

Chief Siffermann noted that his meeting with Youth Commission Director Mario Yedidia on January 31, 201 was unfortunately not attended by Youth Justice Committee members because they were in school; and expressed that he would have liked to discuss the resolution more in depth with them at the meeting. In response to the resolution’s focus of looking into greater use of the outdoor recreation area facility, Mr. Siffermann stated that it is not a matter of will, but a matter of resources, capacity, safety, and security that has prevented the department to move into this direction.

In response to the question of large muscle activity in Title 15, Mr. Siffermann stated that the department currently provides 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours a day of large muscle exercise when combined with physical education in the gym. There are also very many competing recreational activities offered to youth in facilities. In response to staffing issue, Mr. Siffermann shared that staffing is also a key issue in preventing accessibility to the outdoor recreation area. Currently, there is not enough staff to assume post position in the large recreation facility while youth are out.

Chief Siffermann shared with commissioners that he had redirected his staff to come up with a pilot program design where the large outdoor recreational area will be used to implement sometime in March. This will be a more proactive approach in looking into the use of the outdoor recreational area with current staffing. Mr. Siffermann then thanked the commission for their time, and looked forward to meeting with Youth Justice Committee members.

Public Comment:

Nadiyah Shereff, introduced herself as a Transitional Age Youth Initiative Young Adult Advocate, member of the Juvenile Advisory Council, and a board member of the Center for Young Women’s Development, and a formerly incarcerated youth. Ms. Shereff spoke about her experience as a formerly incarcerated youth ten years ago and the importance of rehabilitation for incarcerated youth. When Ms. Shereff was incarcerated, ten years ago, there was access to the outdoor recreation area and it helped her lot to be outdoors. Ms. Shereff encouraged the commissioners to continue their work in urging access of the outdoor recreation facility, as is expressed in the resolution, having outdoor exercise is necessary in curbing depression and anxiety for young people at the juvenile justice center.

Twyrina Lang, a participant at the Center for Young Womens Development, spoke about her personal experience at juvenile hall and not being able to have access to the outdoor space. When Ms. Lang was incarcerated, she had only been outside twice. Ms. Lang had thoughts of hurting herself and felt she had no options for recreational activity. Ms. Lang urged commissioners to work towards providing access to the outdoor space for youth in the hall.

Renecia Threadgill, a participant of the Sisters Rising program at the Center for Young Womens Development, spoke about her personal experiences of being in juvenile hall sharing that youth are still energetic even after participating in recreational activities. During quiet time at night, the indoor facility felt very lonely and depressing to her. Ms. Threadgill said that the need for physical education and outdoor physical activity is important as it is also therapeutic.

Rycki Ambeau, a participant of the Center for Young Women’s Development, suggested that the department try different staff to youth ratio in trying to schedule outdoor recreation area time for youth in the hall. Ms. Ambeau spoke about stories she had heard from peers who had been previously incarcerated who suffered from depression while being inside juvenile hall.

Byron Rodriguez, a formerly incarcerated youth, spoke about his personal experiences at juvenile hall. During his time at the hall, he was only allowed access to the outdoor recreation area about 4-5 times. He felt that department staff only allowed youth to be outdoors only when staff felt like going out or if they were in a good mood. It was also usually youth on good behavior who were able to go outside. Mr. Rodriguez felt all youth in the hall, should have regular access to the outdoor recreation area, regardless if staff were in the mood.

Brittany Shaw, a participant at the Center for Young Women’s Development, stated that during her time at juvenile hall, a majority of the day was spent in her room. When there was time to access the little patio, she felt very happy. She felt that being indoors for a long period of time would make a young person get more anxious. She does not understand why a lot of time and energy went into building a large outdoor recreation area, when youth are not able to go out and enjoy it. She asked commissioners to continue to look into use of the large outdoor recreation area.

Ashley, a Sisters Rising Program Associate at the Center for Young Women’s Development, asked why $47.7 million was invested in building the large outdoor recreation area with no one making sure the space was going to be accessible. If there was money for building the recreation area, there should also be money for staff and resources to bring youth out to the recreation area.

Jasmine Hawkins, a Sisters Rising Program Coordinator at the Center for Young Women’s Development, spoke about her experience in leading workshops for youth incarcerated at juvenile hall every Friday. She said that when youth are participating in the activities and workshops provided by Sisters Rising, they become happier and feel more engaged. She feels that the large outdoor recreation area should be accessible to all. Ms. Hawkins commended the Youth Justice Committee for their work and dedication to meet the unmet needs of youth in Juvenile Hall.

Chair LaCroix asked commissioners to now take the time to ask technical and clarifying questions.

Commissioner Ontiveros thanked all the youth who provided feedback to the first reading of the resolution, and asked his peers on the commission to continue the discussion.

Commissioner Carrion spoke about his personal experience of being in juvenile hall for two years. He clarified that only 4-5 youth are allowed to visit the small court yard currently used for outdoor recreation. He also clarified the different schedules youth had for recreational purposes, and asked commissioners to think about the limited number of youth who can even utilize the small court yard per day. He then acknowledged and thanked the Chief for his time and presentation at the Youth Commission meeting.

Commissioner Bonner suggested to the authors of the resolution to look into the effects of not having adequate exercise and nutrition when youth are institutionalized in juvenile probation for a period of time.

Commissioner Ontiveros asked the Chief about the current dimensions of the courtyard that are adjacent to the unit and to further explain how the current staff to youth ratio is a challenge to allow youth access to the outdoor recreation area.

Chief Siffermann replied that he does not currently have the dimensions of the courtyard facility. He said that the outdoor recreation area, for as large as it is, needs additional staff to supervise youth when outdoors. Currently, there is a reduced number of staff qualified to supervise, as well as a short period of time during the day when youth are allowed out, due to the other mandated programs and recreational activities, making it very difficult to allow access to the outdoor recreation area.

Commissioner Ontiveros and Brodwin asked clarifying questions about the budget, the fence in the outdoor recreation area, and current staffing issues.

Chief Siffermann welcomed further discussion about the outdoor recreation area in a committee setting. He then went on to explain that when staff transferred from the old, smaller facility to the new, larger facility, there was not an increase in staff to help. Chief Siffermann stated that he would need at least 6 additional staff to allow youth to have access to the large outdoor recreation area, while also providing safety and security. In response to the question about building the fence higher in the large outdoor recreation area, Mr. Siffermann stated that he did not advocate for redesigning the fence, before looking at how to use existing staff, as there are other capital needs within the department that has more of a priority than just fixing the design flaw. Chief Siffermann added that the greatest amount of collaboration between Juvenile Probation Department and the Youth Commission would be to urge the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor to provide the department with the resources it needs in order to make the large outdoor recreation area available for all youth detainees to use.


Commissioner Ontiveros stated that he would like to move forward and work on a resolution that would ultimately include feedback and satisfy the Youth Commission, Juvenile Probation Department, Chief Siffermann, the community, and youth detainees. Ontiveros thanked Chief Siffermann for his time and work.

B. Memo from Executive Committee to Youth Commissioners, “Instructions and checklists for remaining 2011-2012 Youth Commission term” (Discussion Only) (Document E)
Sponsors and Presenters: Commissioners LaCroix, Yang, Brodwin, Tu Mutch, Bonner

There was no public comment on this item.

Chair LaCroix gave some contextual background on how the Executive Committee put together the instructions and checklist document for the remaining months of the 2011-2012 Youth Commission term. Commissioners LaCroix and Brodwin took turns going through the document with their peers. They encouraged commissioners to carry out their goals set at the mid year retreat, work on at least one more resolution for the rest of the year, speak in public comment at public meetings, and to be very specific when aligning their goals with a timeline.

Commissioner Bonner volunteered to take the lead on item 5 of Document E “Collaboration & Sharing Knowledge”.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions. Commissioner LaCroix thanked her peers for their time, hard work, and dedication in moving forward.

No official action was taken.

C. 1112—M2—Sponsoring a Community Youth Budget Town Hall/Training (Discussion and Possible Action) (Document F)
Sponsors and Presenters: Commissioners LaCroix, Yang, Brodwin, Tu Mutch, Bonner

There was no public comment on this item.

Commissioners LaCroix and Brodwin introduced this item by providing some context on how the Executive Committee came to the idea of putting on a Youth Budget Town Hall/Training. Commissioners LaCroix explained that commissioners are in a unique position with access to their appointing supervisors and understanding the city’s budget process. As such, commissioners should invest time to train young people who are out in the community and do not understand or are not even engaged in the budget process.
LaCroix explained that if approved, the Youth Budget Town Hall/Training, will be an “all hands on deck” event, all commissioners will be erquired to attend and participate in the town hall and training.

Commissioner Brodwin explained the timeline that she had put together to get commissioners schedule and availability on when they can commit to working on the youth budget town hall. Brodwin explained that she and LaCroix will be in the office regularly to help with the planning of the town hall.

Commissioners Bonner, Marshall-Fricker, Ontiveros, Shackelford, and Liang had clarifying questions about the outreach, location, and agenda of the youth budget town hall.

Commissioner Bonner, seconded by Commissioner LaCroix, moved to amend line 4 and 5 to allow the youth budget town hall/training to be held in a facility in the community outside of City Hall “and/or” at City Hall on March 5, 2012.

The motion to amend the motion to sponsor the community youth budget town hall/training passed unanimously by the following roll call vote: Ayes (15) – Armstrong, Baer, Bonner, Brodwin, Carrion, Huey, Holloway, LaCroix, Liang, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Ontiveros, Persky, Shackelford, Sun.

Commissioner Carrion shared with commissioners that his mother works at the Mission YMCA and would look into using the space at a reduced rate to hold the youth budget town hall and training. Commissioners Bonner, Ontiveros, and Shackelford discussed the target population of this town hall, the training to be offered at the town hall, and the possibilities of hosting the budget town hall at two different locations.

Commissioner Ontiveros, seconded by Commissioner Baer, moved to substitute the motion to have a town hall training on March 5, 2012 and/or on a second date and time.
The substitute motion was approved by the following unanimous roll call vote: Ayes (15) – Armstrong, Baer, Bonner, Brodwin, Carrion, Huey, Holloway, LaCroix, Liang, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Ontiveros, Persky, Shackelford, Sun.

D. Youth Commission Application for 2012-2013 Term (Discussion and Possible Action) (Document G)
Presenters: Youth Commission Staff

Phimy Truong, the Youth Commission’s Coordinator of Youth Development and Administration, took the podium to present before the Commission. She explained that staff was seeking something very simple: approving the publication of this application, such that staff and Commissioners can do outreach with this

Commissioner Bonner, seconded by Commissioner Holloway, moved to approve the Youth Commission application for 2012-2013 term. The motion passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes (13) – Armstrong, Baer, Carrion, Huey, Holloway, LaCroix, Liang, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Ontiveros, Persky, Shackelford, Sun; Nayes (1) - Bonner. Absent for this vote (1) – Brodwin.

8. Staff Report (Discussion Only)

Mr. Yedidia informed commissioners that as of Saturday, January 28, 2012, Commissioner Rochelle Chan had resigned from her appointment on the Youth Commission. The Youth Commission sends her all the best of luck as she moves forward in her life. Commissioner Chan will be outreaching to some commissioners on specific LGBTQ and housing issues. He also introduced Commissioner Betty Huey to her first full Youth Commission meeting. He reminded commissioners of the following important dates and took names down of commissioners who volunteered to attend the events:
-on February 14, 2012 there will be a free muni for youth event to send Valentine’s to SFMTA Board. Commissioners Ontiveros, Holloway, Carrion, and Baer all volunteered to attend this event;
-on March 5, 2012 there will be a Youth Commission budget town hall hearing; this is on a regularly scheduled Youth Commission meeting date so all commissioners are required to attend;
-on March 6, 2012 there will be an MTA Board of Directors meeting where there will be a vote to approve free muni for youth. Commissioners LaCroix, Persky, Baer, Bonner, Ontiveros, Carrion, Holloway, Armstrong, and Shackelford all volunteered to attend this meeting.
-on March 7, 2012 there will be a joint hearing between the Youth Justice Commitete and San Francisco Police Commission at the Board of Supervisors Legislative Chamber at 5 p.m. Commissioners Brodwin, Bonner, and Shackelford said they will participate at this event.
- on March 12, 2012 the Youth City Services committee will be having a hearing on youth housing and homelessness at 5:30p.m.Commissioners Bonner and Ontiveros said they will attend this hearing.

Mr. Yedidia then shared an email from Coleman Advocates about their upcoming budget hearing during the week of March 12, 2012. He also passed out mid year retreat evaluation sheets to commissioners to fill out.

9. Committee Reports (Discussion Only)

A. Executive Committee; next meeting: Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 4:00pm-6:00pm, City Hall, room 345A

Chair LaCroix gave a brief update on the planning for the budget town hall hearing. Commissioner Tu Mutch reminded commissioners that the Media and Public Relations contribution plan from each commissioner is due to Tu Mutch on February 14, 2012.

B. Youth Justice Committee; next meeting: Thursday, February 9, 2012 4:30-6:15pm, City Hall, room 345

Commissioner Ontiveros added that the Youth Justice Committee will be meeting aain on Thursday, February 9, 2012 to prepare for their upcoming joint hearing with the San Francisco Police Commission. Ontiveros and Carrion informed their peers about a possible field trip to the San Bruno Jail and asked commissioners to email them if anyone is interested in visiting.

C. Youth Immigration Committee; next meeting: Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 3:30-5:00pm, City Hall, room 345

Commissioner Ontiveros shared that the next meeting will take place on February 22, 2012 and they will be planning on working with the youth employment committee.

D. Youth City Services Committee (Housing, Transportation and Recreation); next meeting, Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 4:30-6:30pm, City Hall, room 345

Commissioner Baer explained that the upcoming committee meeting will be focused on planning and preparing for the upcoming housing hearing.

E. Youth Employment Committee; next meeting, Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 5:15pm, City Hall, room 345.

Commissioner Armstrong explained that the committee has been working on several different resolutions and invited everyone to provide input and feedback by attending an upcoming committee meeting.

F. Student Support, Health and Facilities Committee

Commissioner Bonner shared that she has been meeting with Student Advisory Council coordinator Judson Steele and the committee will be meeting an hour before SAC meetings on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.

G. Youth Advisory Council

Commissioner Persky shared the perks from the Youth Leaders Weekend and informed commissioners that about 35-40 young people from 14 different youth groups were at the event.

10. Attendance Review (Action Item)

A. Commissioner Bonner, Monday, January 9, 2012

Commissioner Bonner explained that she had personal reasons for being absent at this meeting.

Commissioner Shackelford, seconded by Commissioner Holloway, moved to excuse this absence. This motion was adopted unanimously by acclamation.

B. Commissioner Carrion, Monday, January 9, 2012

Commissioner Carrion explained that he had personal family reasons for missing the meeting of January 9, 2012. He had to pick up his sister who was arriving at the airport alone.

Commisioner Baer, seconded by Commissioner Tu Mutch, moved to excuse this absence. This motion was adopted unanimously by acclamation.

C. Commissioner Tu Mutch, Monday, January 9, 2012

Commissioner Tu Mutch explained that she was very sick and was unable to attend the meeting of January 9, 2012.

Commissioner Bonner, seconded by Commissioner Holloway, moved to excuse this absence. This motion was adopted unanimously by acclamation.

D. Commissioner Yang, Monday, January 9, 2012

This item was tabled, as Commissioner Yang was absent from the meeting.

E. Commissioner Baer, Saturday, January 21, 2012

Commissioner Baer explained that he had basketball practice on Saturday morning and apologized for being a few hours tardy to the midyear retreat on January 21, 2012.

Commissioner Bonner, seconded by Commissioner Marshall-Fricker, moved to excuse this absence. This motion was adopted unanimously by acclamation.

F. Commissioner Carrion, Sunday, January 22, 2012

Commissioner Carrion stated that he would not be asking to have this absence authorized.

11. Announcements (This Includes Community Events)

Commissioner Tu Mutch informed commissioners of upcoming weekly workshops at LYRIC (Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center) and invited everyone to pass the news along to their friends and family members.

Commissioner Shackelford encouraged everyone to attend an upcoming Open Mic night event to be held at the Seabiscut café on March 9, 2012, that she will be a part of.

Commissioner Ontiveros reminded his peers of Youth Advocacy Day, which will be taking place on Thursday, March 15, 2012. If commissioners were interested in helping to facilitate workshops at the event, there will be a training session on February 21, 2012 at DCYF. Commissioners Bonner, Brodwin, Carrion, Shackelford, Ontiveros, and LaCroix all volunteered to help out with Youth Advocacy Day. Mr. Yedidia informed commissioners that they will be asked to alert their appointing supervisors of YAD.

Commissioner Ontiveros shared with his peers that the Transitional Age Youth San Francisco Advisory Board is now looking for a new member and to ensure that the board covers all demographics of the city, they are looking to recruit an African American male to join the advisory board.

12. Adjournment

Chair LaCroix adjourned the meeting at 8:04 pm.

Any materials distributed to the members of the Youth Commission within 72 hours of the meeting or after the agenda packet has been delivered to the members are available for inspection—along with minutes of previous Youth Commission meetings and all supplementary information—at the Youth Commission office during regular office hours (9am to 6pm, Monday—Friday). The Youth Commission office is located at:
City Hall, Room 345
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-6446, Fax: (415) 554-6140
Email: youthcom@sfgov.org
www.sfgov.org/yc

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 decisions in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This 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 THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE TASK FORCE, please contact:
Sunshine Ordinance Task Force
City Hall, Room 244
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102‐4689
Phone: (415) 554‐7724, Fax: (415) 554‐5784
E‐mail: sotf@sfgov.org
Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can be obtained from the Clerk of the Sunshine Ordinance
Task Force, at the San Francisco Public Library, and on the City’s website at
http://www.sfgov.org.

The ringing and use of cell phones, pagers, and similar sound‐producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. The Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound‐producing electronic device.

In order to assist the City’s efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity, or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical‐based products. Please help the City accommodate these individuals.

To obtain a disability‐related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the meeting, please contact Mario Yedidia, Youth Commission Director [phone: 415-554 6254; email: mario.yedidia@sfgov.org] at least 48 hours before the meeting, except for Monday meetings, for which the deadline is 4:00 p.m. the previous Friday.