San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes
Monday, March 16, 2015
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.

Jillian Wu, Lily Marshall-Fricker, Rosa Chen, Emily Guo, Luis Avalos Nuñez, Precious Listana, Joyce Wu, Noah David, Alex Berliner, E’mani Davis, Joshua Cardenas, Michel Li, Anna Bernick, Sophie Edelhart, David Zheng

1. Call to Order and Roll Call for Attendance

The meeting was called to order at 5:44pm. Commissioner Chen had been excused from the meeting. All other commissioners were present. Staff present: Monica Guzman, Allen Lu, Adele Failes-Carpenter.

Commissioner Listana, seconded by Commissioner Bernick, motioned to authorize Commissioners Berliner’s absence request for part of the March 16, 2015 Full YC Meeting. There was no public comment. The motion passed by acclamation.

2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)

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

3. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)

A. March 2, 2015
(Document A)

Commissioner Edelhart, seconded by Commissioner Bernick, 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)

David Cuddihy from the YMCA’s Youth and Government gave public comment in support of Vote 16 and the rally.

There was no additional public comment.

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

A. [BOS File No. 150222] Administrative Code - Membership and Functions of the Our Children, Our Families Council
Sponsor: Supervisor Norman Yee
Presenter: Jen Low, Legislative Aide, Supervisor Norman Yee
(Document B)

Ms. Low thanked commissioners for their time. She clarified that this was passed as part of Proposition C. It establishes a council bringing together the Mayor, Superintendent, and city department heads. Many people brought to the attention of BOS that there was a lack of coordination among city departments. There was more need for data-sharing and work to align services. The council will also address how to keep children and families thriving in San Francisco. The first draft of the legislation includes the composition of the council. It includes city departments and divisions within the school district. It also includes community seats from youth, parents, and community workers. The council will meet three times a year. The legislation also includes appointment process guidelines. The legislation may be amended, with a focus on addressing the possibly unwieldy size.

Commissioner Avalos asked about how the support for the youth seats would look. Ms. Low explained it would involve staffing the seats and supporting them the same way youth commissioners receive support.

Commissioner Edelhart asked a question about parity.

Commissioner Avalos asked if seat 4 could be a youth commissioner. Ms. Low explained she believed it could be a youth commissioner.

Chair Li asked if the council considered including immigrant youth experience, like OCEIA. Ms. Low explained that that could be considered for one of the public seats. Chair Li recommended for the school district side, that someone with experience with ELL programs would be a good idea.

Commissioner Avalos expressed support for the aims of the OCOF youth council. He motioned to support the legislation.

Commissioner David seconded.

Commissioner Cardenas clarified that the council would begin operations in May and he suggested that the EC agenize a discussion about the recommendation process for OCOF. Ms. Low clarified the start date may be moved back.

Commissioner Edelhart suggested that the large size of the body be addressed.

Chair Li asked if the body would meet before or after school. Ms. Low said those details would not be included in the ordinance, but that it would likely be after school.

The general motion of support was passed unanimously by acclamation.



B. [BOS File No. 150233] Hearing - Developments at City College of San Francisco
Sponsors: Supervisors Eric Mar, Jane Kim, and David Campos
Presenter: Peter Lauterborn, Legislative Aide, Supervisor Eric Mar
(Document C)

Mr. Lauterborn congratulated commissioners on Vote16 efforts. Mr. Lauterborn gave an overview of the accreditation threats to CCSF. The last few years have especially threatened English language learner and continuing education programs that enrich the community. There has been a big student, faculty, and alumni movement. We have come a long way. The purpose of the hearing is to air out those issues: what have we won? What is still happening? How do we maintain democratic and local control?

The trustees are supposed to be getting part of their voting power back during summertime. There is another issue of the Civic Center campus being closed Fridays before classes began. This was not a good action by student. There is a perception that the satellite sites are too expensive, but they are part of the system that serves working adults. He explained he was there to ask what they thought should be covered in the hearing.

Commissioner Avalos asked what is happening with the new special trustee. The Board of Trustees will regain the vote in June or July, but their votes can be vetoed by the special trustee. Commissioner Listana asked when the hearing will be held. Mr. Lauterborn said it will tentatively be held May 1st. Commissioner Bernick asked if the hearing would be held during a youth friendly time. Mr. Lauterborn explained that if young people want to come, the committee will try to hold it after school time. Commissioner Avalos asked a clarifying question about the restoration status. Mr. Lauterborn explained that after two years, they could face the same accreditation threats. Commissioner Edelhart asked what changes are being proposed. Mr. Lauterborn explained that the students would like to see it be the college that was the #1 ranked community college in the nation. The administration would like to eliminate non-credit classes and streamline things to make it more like a two-year junior college. There are some changes to the payment policy affecting undocumented students. There are also changes to the faculty contracts.

Athena Waid, organizer from AFT 2121 and president of AFT 2121 thanked commissioners for endorsing the city college bill of rights. The decision about the civic center campus was made undemocratically without consulting students. The resolution being proposed by Supervisor Kim would allow the issue to be subjected to a public hearing. He asked commissioners to speak to their supervisors about the resolution. There is currently no timeline for for the retrofitting of the campus nor plan for resettling those students. These types of decisions further discourage students from enrolling. It means 38M will be lost in state funding.

Ms. Waid said that they need to ensure the Tenderloin community will be served during the three year process the building is retrofitted. The majority of classes at Civic Center were free non-credit classes, especially English Learner classes. The coalition gathered 200 signatures to petition on this. If this decision process had gone through a public board of trustees meeting it would have been subjected to debate and would have been handled differently and more transparently. We need our elected board restored.

There was no further public comment.

Commissioner Avalos recommended including questions regarding a plan for responding to the possibility of accreditation failure after two years, as well as strategies to combat the drop in enrollment.

Commissioner Zheng motioned to inquire about combating decreasing enrollment. Commissioner Listana seconded.

Commissioner Bernick motioned to request that the hearing be held after school hours. Commissioner Cardenas clarified that this would be invoking the youth voice policy. Commissioner Listana seconded.

Chair Li asked to include questions regarding the access for undocumented, immigrant, and disabled students.

Commissioner Edelhart, seconded by Commissioner Joyce Wu, moved to support the hearing request. This motion was passed unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Bernick’s motion regarding afterschool hearing was passed unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Zheng’s motion was passed unanimously by acclamation.


C. [BOS File No. 150251] Urging the Administration of City College of San Francisco to Restore Neighborhood Classes Displaced by the Closure of the Civic Center Campus
Sponsors: Supervisors Jane Kim, Eric Mar, David Campos
Presenter: Peter Lauterborn, Legislative Aide, Supervisor Eric Mar
(Document D)

Mr. Lauterborn explained he is presenting on behalf of Supervisor Kim’s office. This resolution is being voted on tomorrow at the Board of Supervisors.

Commissioner Avalos asked whether other campuses are being subjected to closure. The AFT president clarified that Gough street campus is also affected. The campus was closed two days before classes began, even though plans may have been in the works since summertime. Many students at this campus are English Language Learners which compounded issues around the lack of information from the institution.

Commissioner Edelhart motioned to support the resolution. Commissioner Zheng seconded. There was no public comment. This motion was approved unanimously be acclamation.

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

A. Presentation and Request for Support of TAYSF Undocumented Youth Employment Initiative
Presenters: Jose-Luis Mejia, Associate Director, TAY SF
(Document E)

Mr. Mejia explained TAYSF has been working with the youth commission around increasing workforce opportunities for undocumented youth. Together, we piloted a program for employing undocumented youth. This year, the CTAB launched a working group with the goals of making the pilot year round, doubling the number of opportunities, and hosting a workshop on employing and paying undocumented youth for the rest of the service field. Mr. Mejia asked the youth commission to co-sponsor the training by helping with outreach, encouraging direct service providers to attend, and allow the use of the SFYC logo.

Chair Li asked if the stipends being paid by organizations are using city funds. Mr. Mejia explained that, yes, they are coming from DCYF and United Way. Commissioner Listana asked when the training would be. Mr. Mejia explained the training would be held April 13th. The next planning meeting is happening this Friday from 5-7 in the Mint Room at DCYF. TAYSF is playing more of a convening role, than a content expertise role.

Commissioner Joyce Wu asked about effective methods right now. Mr. Mejia explained that LYRIC’s method is very successful. Every youth participant gets paid the same amount, but not in an hourly wage, in a stipend check that is paid through a group of non-profit partners.

Commissioner Avalos suggested reaching out to CCSF’s Latino students.

Commissioner Avalos motioned to support and co-sponsor. Commissioner Joyce Wu seconded. There was no public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.

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

8. Committee Reports (Discussion Only)

A. Executive Committee

Commissioner Avalos shared committee updates. Then went to Peer Resources Youth Council and got support on Vote16.

B. Housing, Environment, and City Services Committee

Commissioner Bernick updated on the hearing on the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights and discussed next steps.

C. Immigration and Employment Committee

Commissioner Joyce Wu updated their work on Youth Town Hall which will be on June 11th, 2015. The theme is Connection and Empowerment. They are also looking for Youth Speakers.

D. Youth Justice Committee

Commissioner Cardenas updated there was no meeting the past two weeks, but there was a meeting with Sheriff Mirkarimi. Meeting this week will have a special meeting with FCS and next week will have a meeting with domestic violence advocates.

E. Vote 16 Updates

Commissioner Cardenas explained that the first public hearing on Vote16 is expected in May and the youth commissioners will need to be meeting with supervisors.

F. Youth Advisory Council

The March meeting was cancelled.

9. Staff Report (Discussion Only)

Youth Commission staff congratulate the Youth Commission on the great job at the Vote16 rally.

Invitation to April 11th event with 14 Black Poppies at 80 Fresno St from 11-3pm.

Wednesday March 18th is a busy day with -Youth Advocacy Day, a meeting with USF students and KOIT radio interview.

If any commissioners are interested in tabling, there is a June Jordan resource fair on Thursday March 19, 2015.

10. Announcements (This Includes Community Events)

Commissioner Chen invited commissioners to the AAA workathon from 9-12 on March 31st.

Commissioner Listana updated commissioners that the board passed the resolution about the morality clauses. There is a forum today at UCSF about the constitutional rights and limitations of churches. Officer Azin in D6 wants to organize youth sports leagues and wants help from commissioners.

Commissioner Cardenas thanked staff and YC interns for their work on the Vote16 rally.

Chair Li announced about SFUSD’s new plan to implement the common core and invited her colleagues to email her about it if they want to connect with student leaders.

11. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 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 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
Email: 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 Adele Carpenter, Youth Commission Acting Director [phone: 415-554 6464; email: adele.carpenter@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. Full Commission Meetings are held in Room 416 at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place in San Francisco. City Hall is accessible to persons using wheelchairs and other assistive mobility devices. Ramps are available at the Grove, Van Ness and McAllister entrances.

LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS: Requests must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the
meeting to help ensure availability. Contact Peggy Nevin at (415) 554-5184.

AVISO EN ESPAÑOL: La solicitud para un traductor debe recibirse antes de mediodía de el viernes anterior a la reunion. Llame a Derek Evans (415) 554-7702.

Paunawa: Ang mga kahilingan ay kailangang matanggap sa loob ng 48 oras bago mag miting upang matiyak na matutugunan ang mga hiling. Mangyaring tumawag kay Joy Lamug sa (415) 554-7712.