San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes
Monday, June 18, 2012
5:15-8:00pm
City Hall, Room 416
1. Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94102

There will be public comment on each item.

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Youth Commission Chairwoman Leah LaCroix called the meeting to order at 5:17 pm.

Commissioners present: Jonathan Baer, Rachel Brodwin (arrived at 5:19pm), Angel Carrion, Betty Huey, Antonia Huneeus, Javonte Holloway, Leah LaCroix, Hillary Liang, Lily Marshall-Fricker, Mia Tu Mutch, Rene Ontiveros, Nicholas Persky, Mia Shackelford, Joyce Sun, and Happy (Huimin) Yang. There was quorum. Staff present: Mario Yedidia, Phimy Truong.

2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)

There was no public comment or discussion on this item.

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

3. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)

A. June 4th, 2012
(Document A)

There was no public comment or discussion on this item.

Commissioner Shackelford, seconded by Commissioner Sun, moved to approve the minutes to the meeting of Monday, June 4th, 2012. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

B. May 7th, 2012
(Document B)

There was no public comment or discussion on this item.

Commissioner Sun, seconded by Commissioner Carrion, moved to approve the minutes to the meeting of Monday, May 7th, 2012. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

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

Peter Lauterborn, Youth Vote Coordinator at the Department of Children, Youth, and their Families, shared that he is very proud of the work the Youth Commission has been involved in throughout the course of the current, soon-to-be-concluded fiscal year. Mr. Lauterborn voiced his praises of this year’s commissioners. He reminded commissioners that they need not have a title to do important work or be active on the commission and/or other parts of local government. He encouraged those commissioners who will not be returning next term to continue to be an active member of their respective communities. Mr. Lauterborn thanked them for their work and time.

Nicholas Enfantino, a Research Assistant for the Culture and Emotion Research Laboratory at San Francisco State University, invited commissioners to participate in a study the Psychology Department is conducting. Mr. Enfantino explained that he is doing research on how group dynamics affects decision making processes and individual responses. He is looking for help from individuals who are members of ideological political groups. The study consisted of questionnaires, standard surveys, a series of images designed to evoke emotion, all modules approved by San Francisco State University. The length of the study is approximately one hour, with participants receiving $10, and a possible $25 bonus in a creativity task .Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate. Mr. Enfantino left his contact information with staff and asked commissioners to get in touch with him if they were interested.

5. Staff Report (Discussion Only)

A. Legislative Report on Youth Commission Items Sent to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors (BOS)
(going back to this item at 6:07pm, after item 7a)

i) Free MUNI for Low-Income Youth

Mr. Yedidia, Director of the Youth Commission, gave a status update on the free MUNI for low income youth campaign. Commissioners LaCroix, Persky, Shackelford, and Tu Mutch joined the free MUNI for youth coalition at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) meeting of Wednesday, June 13th to call on the MTC to provide funds for the 22 month pilot program in San Francisco. MTC members deadlocked in a 3 to 3 vote. This item will be coming back to the MTC on July 11th, 2012.

Commissioners Shackelford, LaCroix, Tu Mutch, and Persky then shared their thoughts on the June 13th MTC meeting, which they attended. Commissioner Persky spoke thoughtfully about the importance of Youth Commissioners continuing work on this campaign, and the necessity not to be discouraged by the MTC’s recent delay.

ii) Recreation Access at Juvenile Hall

Mr. Yedidia prefaced his update on recreation access at Juvenile Hall with a brief refresher on San Francisco’s municipal budget process and the Board of Supervisors’ phase in particular. The Youth Justice committee’s work on getting recreation access at Juvenile Hall will play into the budget hearing process, as members have been working hard on making access to the recreation yard a capital priority for the Juvenile Probation Department.

Mr. Yedidia also shared that the Youth Commission office will be trying to get a third staff position at the office. The Youth Commission has always had three staff since the Youth Commission’s existence, up until FY 2008-2009. With a third staff to help with the community engagement piece, the Youth Commission can be at full capacity and do even more work to bridge the gap between City Hall and youth.

iii) Global Overview of FY 11-12 legislation to-date: 10 resolution adopted (not including 5 calendared for today); 6 prompting BOS action, 2 prompting Mayor’s Office action, 1 at Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors, plus historic connection with Police Commission)

Mr. Yedidia gave a global overview of FY 11-12 Youth Commission legislation to date. On behalf of himself and Youth Commission Program and Policy Coordinator Phimy Truong, Mr. Yedidia commended Commissioners for their hard work and dedication throughout the course of the current term. On the whole, the Commission was relatively productive and active. He emphasized how much he and Ms. Truong were looking forward to working with Commissioners during the summer of 2012.

B. Youth Commission Program Updates & Reminders
i) Calendaring Special Meeting for July: under Chapter 12N of the Administrative Code, approval of Department of Public Health Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth sensitivity training; “comment and recommendation” on proposed Housing Trust Fund legislation

Due to the abundance of work in which Youth Commissioners are engaged, Mr. Yedidia explained that the Executive Committee would almost certainly be scheduling a Special Youth Commission meeting for Monday, July 16th, 2012. Mr. Yedidia urged Commissioners to make time to attend this special meeting as the Commission would likely be discussing Commissioner Tu Mutch’s work on Chapter 12N of the San Francisco Administrative Code, and the Mayor’s proposed “Housing Trust Fund” Charter amendment, which would set aside money for affordable housing development.

ii) Summer Learning Day: Thursday, June 21, 2012 @ 11:30am (City Hall, Polk St. Steps)

Summer Learning Day, a national event to emphasize the importance and value of summer programming, is taking place on Thursday, June 21, 2012. The Youth Commission adopted a motion to support this event at the April 16th full Commission meeting. Commissioners LaCroix and Holloway will be hosting the event, which will start at 11:30 am on the Polk St. steps of City Hall. Commissioners were highly encouraged to attend the event.

Public Comment

Sheryl Davis, Executive Director of Mo’ Magic, gave an overview of Summer Learning Day, and the agenda for the event. Supervisor Christina Olague will be honoring Commissioner Holloway at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, June 19th, 2012. Commissioners were invited to attend the meeting to support their colleague.

iii) Youth Commission Committees and Full Commission will stay active through the Summer

Mr. Yedidia informed commissioners that the YC office will be helping everyone plan for a productive summer. There will be plenty of opportunities for commissioners to stay involved and active during the summer, such as providing feedback, helping to plan the August retreat for incoming 12-13 commissioners, and visiting community based organizations.

iv) Introduction of Summer 2012 Youth Works Interns Michelle Kong & Simon Li

Mr. Yedidia then introduced Michelle Kong and Simon Li, the Youth Commission’s newest Youth Works interns for the summer of 2012. They will officially begin their work on Tuesday, June 19th, 2012.

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

A. [BOS File no. 120573] Hearing — SFUSD Revenue and Additional Support
Sponsor and presenter: Office of Supervisor Eric Mar
Document C

Chairwoman LaCroix welcomed Victor Lim, a Legislative Aide in the Office of Supervisor Eric Mar, to the Youth Commission meeting. Mr. Lim thanked the Youth Commissioners for their work this year. Mr. Lim then started his presentation by explaining why Supervisor Mar’s office was interested in calling for a hearing on SFUSD’s revenue and additional support. SFUSD has had a significant reduction in their budget, he explained, and Supervisor Mar felt it was important to explore ways for the City and County of San Francisco to provide additional funding and support to the school district. Mr. Lim stated that Supervisor Mar is in the beginning of the exploration process, and will return to the Youth Commission with more details on this hearing when appropriate.

Commissioners Holloway and Shackelford asked clarifying questions on how the Youth Commission can be supportive.

Mr. Yedidia then provided additional background information on the public hearing request from Supervisor Mar’s office. The funds requested will be additional funds, over and on top of the Proposition H funds that are already allocated to the district.

There was no public comment.

Commissioners Ontiveros and Shackelford asked clarifying questions on how Supervisor Mar’s office is working with the SFUSD, and especially how and if there will be any outreach for the hearing.

Chairwoman LaCroix then acknowledged and ceded the privilege of the floor to the Mayor’s Education Advisor and elected School Board Commissioner Hydra Mendoza’s.

Ms. Mendoza introduced herself as the Chair of the Budget Committee for the SFUSD, and as the Education Advisor to Mayor Lee. She provided some context on SFUSD’s budget reductions, and remarked that the SFUSD has not officially come to the City and asked for additional revenue support. Ms. Mendoza welcomed any and all comments and recommendations from the Youth Commission, and shared that it would be helpful to hear what the Commission’s priorities would be should additional funds come to the SFUSD from the City.

Commissioner Tu Mutch asked a clarifying question about funds the SFUSD receive from the City. Ms. Mendoza explained that the largest pool of funds comes from Prop H, which flows through the City’s Department of Children, Youth, and their Families (DCYF) to help fund ongoing projects such as the Wellness Centers, Beacons, and other after school programs.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Shackelford, seconded by Commissioner Ontiveros, moved to urge the Board of Supervisors’ to increase the involvement of the SFUSD in this hearing process and to do adequate outreach to all stakeholders, families, and youth and to keep the Youth Commission included in the process. This motion was approved by the following roll call vote: Ayes (15) – Baer, Brodwin, Carrion, Huey, Huneeus, Holloway, LaCroix, Liang, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Ontiveros, Persky, Shackelford, Sun, and Yang.

Commissioner Shackelford, seconded by Commissioner Tu Mutch, moved to approve the basic motion to support the proposed hearing on SFUSD Revenue and Additional Support. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

7. Presentations (Discussion Only)

A. Presentation on Department on the Status of Women-authored report entitled An Update on Girls in San Francisco: A Decade of Success and Challenge
Presenter: Staff, Department on the Status of Women
(Document D)

Commissioner LaCroix provided some contextual, introductory remarks to why she invited the Department on the Status of Women (DOSW) to present to the Youth Commission. Commissioner LaCroix had attended the DOSW’s town hall on the Girls report a few weeks ago, and was compelled to bring the information she learned to the Youth Commission. LaCroix then welcomed Janet Connor, a Graduate Policy Fellow at the DOSW to the Youth Commission.

Ms. Connor thanked the Commission for their time, and then proceeded by giving an overview on the Girls report – a report detailing an update on the success and challenges of Girls in San Francisco. The report looked at the emerging trends in the lives of girls in San Francisco today. Key findings on girls include a decrease in the population of girls, particularly in African American girls, which accounted for only 7% of the total girl population in 2010; a dramatic decrease was also found in teen pregnancy; the percentage of girls who viewed themselves as overweight have increased, with a correlation to the way girls view themselves to the media’s obsession with body image. Other important findings include a decrease in girls participating in physical fights at school or skipping school because they feel unsafe; and a decrease in girls’ enrollment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes. For girls alone, the drop in enrollment for STEM classes has dropped 77% in the last ten years. Ms. Connor expressed that she was only giving a summary of the report, and encouraged commissioners to read through the report in its entirety, and invite commissioners to follow up with questions. Ms. Connor concluded her presentation by inviting the Youth Commission to an upcoming “Hearing on Girls” which will take place on June 27th, at 5:15 pm in room 408, City Hall.

Commissioners asked general questions about the overall report on Girls.

Public Comment

Xiaofan Wu, a student at Lowell High School, asked a clarifying question on how the DOSW decided to work on a report about Girls in San Francisco.

Ms.Connor responded that the report was a follow up to a 2003 report titled, “A Report on Girls in San Francisco, Benchmarks for the Future. She invited Xiaofan to attend the upcoming hearing on June 27th, and encouraged Ms. Wu to continue looking thoroughly at the report.

Chairwoman LaCroix thanked Ms. Connor, and closed the presentation, as there was no additional public comment or discussion.

8. Youth Commission Business (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)

A. [Second Reading] Resolution 1112—AL11—Urging the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors to support the establishment of a statewide Office of the Homeless Youth Advocate (AB 2547)
Sponsor and presenter: Commissioner Mia Tu Mutch
Document E

Commissioner Tu Mutch provided introductory remarks to the resolution, and shared that she took her colleagues’ comments and suggestions from the first reading on June 4th, into consideration and included them in her edits for this version of the resolution. She noted that she was unable to find the estimated cost of a statewide Office of the Homeless Youth Advocate would cost, in the assembly bill she was modeling her resolution after.

Commissioner Tu Mutch then read the resolution into the public record. After the reading, Tu Mutch shared that she was open to take questions and comments from her colleagues.

There was no public comment or discussion on this item.

Commissioner Carrion, seconded by Commissioner Holloway, motioned to adopt the resolution. This motion was adopted unanimously by the following roll call vote: Ayes (15) – Baer, Brodwin, Carrion, Huey, Huneeus, Holloway, LaCroix, Liang, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Ontiveros, Persky, Shackelford, Sun, and Yang.

B. [Second Reading] Resolution 1112—AL12—Resolution urging the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors to support the establishment of required LGBT cultural competency trainings for caregivers of foster youth (AB 1856)
Sponsor and presenter: Commissioner Mia Tu Mutch
Document F

Commissioner Tu Mutch introduced this item by sharing that she took her colleagues’ feedback from the first reading into this version of the resolution. She also noted to staff to change AB 1875 to AB 1856, and to cross out the additional “Mayor” on line 3, page 1 of the resolution.

Commissioner Tu Mutch then read the resolution into the public record.

After the reading, Commissioner Tu Mutch explained further that Assembly Bill 1856, would require caregivers of foster youth to be trained in LGBTQ cultural competency. Tu Mutch shared that it is already difficult to be a foster youth regardless of gender and sexual identity; it is even harder for LGBTQ foster youth because there is an added layer of complexity. Commissioner Tu Mutch urged the support of her peers in approving this resolution to support Assembly Bill 1856.

There was no public comment. There was no discussion on this item.

Commissioner Shackelford, seconded by Commissioner Baer, motioned to adopt the resolution. This motion was approved on the following roll call vote: Ayes (15) – Baer, Brodwin, Carrion, Huey, Huneeus, Holloway, LaCroix, Liang, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Ontiveros, Persky, Shackelford, Sun, and Yang.

C. [Second Reading] Resolution 1112—AL13—Resolution urging the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors to support the ban on ineffective and harmful conversion therapy for persons under 18 (SB 1172)
Sponsor and presenter: Commissioner Mia Tu Mutch
Document G

Commissioner Tu Mutch prefaced the second reading of this resolution, with remarks on taking her colleagues’ suggestions and feedback from the first reading into this version of the resolution. She noted that she took out direct references to the Bible, because she would rather debate about science and facts. She then read the resolution into the public record. Commissioner Tu Mutch provided further explanation on the additional clauses she had added to the resolution, in particular, line 15 through line 23 of page 2 to line 1 of page 3, to show what conversion therapy sessions can look like at different variations.

Commissioner Ontiveros expressed discomfort in lines 19 through 23 on page 2, as he felt it gave a false representation of pastors. He asked for clarification of the lines, and questioned the necessity of providing the word “pastor” in line 19 of page 2. Commissioners Tu Mutch, Shackelford, Holloway, and LaCroix provided supportive remarks on line 19 of page 2, highlighting that the word “pastor” was meant to simply state the occupation of the person in the example. Commissioner Tu Mutch stated that lines 19 through 23 were taken directly from an example of the dangers of conversion therapy in her research for this resolution.

Commissioner Tu Mutch, seconded by Commissioner Shackelford moved to amend the resolution to add clarity to the example by adding a period after “12” in “out at age 12” in line 20; and taking out “after which” in line 20, starting a new sentence with “He was…”.

Commissioner Shackelford commended Commissioner Tu Mutch for her work on the resolutions. Shackelford stated that it was well written and well researched.

There was no public comment on this item.

Commissioner Holloway, seconded by Commissioner Carrion, moved to approve the resolution as amended. This motion was approved on the following roll call vote: Ayes (15) – Baer, Brodwin, Carrion, Huey, Huneeus, Holloway, LaCroix, Liang, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Ontiveros, Persky, Shackelford, Sun, and Yang.

D. [Second Reading] Resolution 1112—AL14— Calling on the City to Set Limits to the Number of Tobacco Retail Permits in All Supervisorial Districts
Sponsor and presenter: Commissioner Leah LaCroix
Document H

Commissioner LaCroix read the resolution into the public record.

Catherine Judge, Programs Associate at the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), thanked the Youth Commission for supporting YLI’s Tobacco Use Reduction Force.

Commissioners Tu Mutch, Shackelford, and Huey asked clarifying questions on the specific goals of the resolution and the percentage of profits stores made from cigarette sales. Ms. Judge explained that currently there were no limits of tobacco retail in San Francisco and TURF’s goal was to create a more equitable and healthy city over all. Mr. Yedidia also added more contextual information on YLI’s work on setting limits to the number of tobacco retail permits in all Supervisorial districts in San Francisco. Ms. Judge added that through there is no way to enforce independent businesses to record accurate profits, TURF’s research found that some stores made up to 10% in profits from cigarette sales. Ms. Judge noted that her colleagues on YLI have also been working on reducing the number of alcohol advertisements in liquor stores. This work is based on the Lee Law, a law introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, to limit the number of alcohol advertisements on storefronts to 33%.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Carrion, seconded by Commissioner LaCroix, motioned to adopt this resolution. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

E. Youth Leadership Evaluation
Document I

Phimy Truong, Youth Commission Coordinator of Youth Development and Administration, provided some brief remarks regarding the evaluation. She explained that the form was developed in collaboration with Peter Lauterborn, Youth Vote Student Survey Coordinator, with the goal of providing meaningful feedback and constructive criticism to improve future terms at the Youth Commission, the Student Advisory Council and the Youth Advisory Council. Ms. Truong then passed out the evaluation form and asked Commissioners to devote the next 10 minutes to completing the evaluation.

9. Committee Reports (Discussion Only)

A. Executive Committee; next meeting TBD

Commissioner Yang shared with her colleagues that the Executive Committee did not have quorum at the last meeting and was unable to meet. Commissioner LaCroix reiterated staff’s remarks earlier about a Special Youth Commission meeting planned for July 16, 2012. She looked forward to seeing her colleagues at this meeting and thanked everyone for their hard work and for an incredible year. LaCroix spoke thoughtfully about the many different ways in which she worked for and with her colleagues, and shared that the 11-12 Youth Commission term has been the most productive term she has ever been on.

B. Youth Justice Committee; next meeting TBD

Commissioner Ontiveros shared that the Youth Justice Committee will be presenting to the Juvenile Justice Commission this week. Committee members will be working to be a part of inspections at juvenile hall and track how youth are getting recreation access. The committee will be staying active through the summer. Commissioner Ontiveros expressed that he will be reaching out to his colleagues for their support and help.

C. Youth Immigration Committee; next meeting TBD

Commissioner Yang shared that she planned on having a close out meeting in first week of July; and has been thinking about how to carry on the work of this committee into the next year.

D. Youth City Services; next meeting: Wednesday, June 20, 2012, 4:30pm-6:00pm, City Hall, room 345

Commissioner Tu Mutch updated her colleagues on the last committee meeting which was focused on 12N and the Housing Trust Fund referral. Commissioner Marshall-Fricker also shared that the committee prepared for the June 13th MTC meeting.

E. Youth Employment Committee; next meeting: TBD

Commissioner Shackelford shared that her committee had reviewed some updates on SF Summer Jobs+ and members have discussed challenges with navigating the website. The committee will be working on following up on Youth Involvement Plans. Commissioner Persky invited commissioners who are interested in youth employment to join the committee.

10. Attendance Review (Action Item)

A. Monday, June 4, 2012
i. Commissioner Armstrong -

Commissioner Armstrong was not present at this meeting to explain the absence.

ii. Commissioner Bonner -

Commissioner Bonner was not present at this meeting to explain the absence.

iii. Commissioner Brodwin– Cannot be authorized

Commissioner Brodwin explained that she was in the middle of finals and had to miss this meeting. She has just returned from West Point camp in New York, and planned on spending the rest of her Summer at the Youth Commission office. She apologized to her colleagues for missing the last Youth Commission meeting.

iv. Commissioner Holloway

Commissioner Holloway explained that he was present at this meeting, but arrived after the roll was called. Commissioner Shackelford, seconded by Commissioner Tu Mutch, moved to authorize this absence. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

B. Monday, May 21, 2012
i. Commissioner Armstrong

Commissioner Armstrong was not present at this meeting to explain the absence.

11. Announcements (This Includes Community Events)

Commissioner Tu Mutch announced that there will be a Trans-March event on Friday, June 22, 2012. This would be an opportunity to participate in the LGBTQ pride. The event takes place at Dolores Park and will be going on from 3:30-6:30pm. Commissioner Tu Mutch invited all of her peers to join her and participate.

Commissioner Shackelford invited her peers to check out Pride events that their appointing officials were connected to. She asked her peers to check out the weekly internal update from staff as it included an invitation to a Pride event by the Mayor.

Mr. Yedidia announced that Summer Learning Day would be taking place on Thursday, June 21st and asked if any Youth Commissioners planned on attending. Commissioners LaCroix, Brodwin, and Holloway said that they would be going.

Commissioner LaCroix suggested that her peers take the time to write a letter to welcome incoming 12-13 Youth Commissioners.

12. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 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.