Full Commission - March 17, 2014 - Minutes
Meeting Date:
March 17, 2014 (All day)
Related Meeting Content:
San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes
Monday, March 17th, 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 5:19 pm.Commissioner present: Persky, Kong, Cardenas, Van Stark, Bae, Bernick, Flores, Gomez, Li, Marshall-Fricker, Sicairos, Webb, E. Wu, J. Wu, Yu
Commissioners absent: Landrum, Edelhart
Staff present: Phimy Truong, Allen Lu, Adele Carpenter
Commissioner Flores left at 6:34 pm.
There was quorum.
2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)
Commissioner Joyce Wu, seconded by Commissioner Bae, moved to approve the agenda. There was no public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.3. Approval of Minutes (Action Item) A. March 3, 2014
(Document A)Commissioner Eric Wu, seconded by Commissioner Yu, moved to approve the minutes from March 3, 2014. There was no public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.
4. Public Comment on Items not on Agenda (Discussion Only)
There was none.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. Referral from the Board of Supervisors, File No. 140120: Building Code – Earthquake Performance Evaluation of Private School Structures
(Documents B and C)
B. Youth Commission Request for Referral on BOS File No. 140123: Resolution urging State Community College Chancellor Brice Harris to restore the voice of San Francisco voters and bring democratic decision-making, transparency, and public accountability back to City College of San Francisco by restoring the duly elected Board of Trustees
(Document D)
There was no public comment. Commissioner Yu, seconded by Commissioner Bernick, moved to approve the items on the consent calendar. The motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.
6. Legislation Referred from the Board of Supervisors (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)
A. [BOS file no. 131208] Ordinance Amending the Health Code to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes where smoking is prohibited; require a tobacco permit for the sale of electronic cigarettes; prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes where the sale of tobacco products is otherwise prohibited; and making environmental findings.Presenter: Office of Supervisor Eric Mar
(Document E)
Peter Lauterborn, legislative aide to Supervisor Eric Mar, explained that this legislation was put forward by community groups, including the Youth Leadership Institute. He explained that this legislation deals with electronic cigarettes, which currently fall into a void with how the city deals with tobacco products. Currently, you can use e-cigs in schools, buses, and the library. The vapors do include nicotine and other harmful compounds. Perhaps more disturbing than people using them around others who may not want to encounter them, is the marketing targeting of youth. They sell a “skittles” flavor and they e-cigs are sold where the tobacco products are not registered to be sold. All this legislation does is put basic controls on e-cigs by saying that they can be used and sold only where cigarettes can be used and sold. There is some concern that this could affect people who are trying to quit smoking. Although a handful of people may have reduced cigarette smoking due to these, on the whole, more people are developing nicotine addiction because of the availability of these. Unlike nicotine gums, no health officials have approved these as part of a regimen to reduce cigarette smoking.
Commissioner Sicairos expressed support for the ordinance. Commissioner Flores asked how much nicotine is emitted from the vapor. Mr. Lauterborn explained that a challenge with determining that is that these products are so unregulated that we do not have those numbers. Commissioner Webb asked whether there is an age restriction on the product. Mr. Lauterborn explained that there was a state law banning use by those under 18, but that it was difficult to enforce because there is no licensing to sell these products. Commissioner Gomez and E. Wu asked clarifying questions. Mr. Lauterborn explained that efforts to curb use e-cigs in schools are difficult to enforce. Commissioner Cardenas asked why public health officials are divided on this issue. Mr. Lauterborn explained that locally there is no division among public health officials. Commissioner Eric Wu asked about whether seniors are targeted by marking of e-cigs. Mr. Lauterborn explained that the marketing strategy in general is that this is a “safe alternative.” Commissioner Flores explained that these e-cigs are widely used by young people leading to addiction. Commissioner Yu asked whether e-cigs lead to respiratory illnesses. Mr. Lauterborn explained that they are so new we do not have long term studies. The greater concern is around re-introducing nicotine in a more accessible fashion leading to addiction. Commissioner Kong asked whether the law targets nicotine-free models. Mr. Lauterborn explained the legislation targets the products meant to emulate smoking, but that he was not sure about the nicotine-free version. Commissioner Sicairos explained that TURF and VYDC did a youth survey on the prevalence of these products. Mr. Lauterborn explained Supervisor Mar’s office had received dozens of emails from young people about the prevalence of these products in young people’s lives.
Michelle and Isis from the Vietnamese Youth Development Center. In a survey of 1,500 high school students, we found that a lot of young people are using these products. In 2013 UC researchers found the aerosols in the products cause respiratory disease. Isis explained her grandparents had passed away from cancer and it really bothers her that people smoke them on the bus around children, teens, and babies.
Jessica Estrada, also from VYDC, expressed support for the legislation and explained the goals of the legislation: to regulate these products like tobacco products are regulated. VYDC youth 16-18 went to buy e-cigs in the Tenderloin and not one of them was asked for ID. The idea with the permitting is to curb sales to minors because stores would be at risk of losing their permits if they sell to a minor. Right now there are no consequences.
Commissioner Sicairos asked whether the legislation addresses advertising of e-cigs. Jessica Estrada confirmed that the legislation was not aimed at advertising.
There was no further public comment.
Commissioner Bernick motioned to support the legislation.
Commissioner Cardenas expressed support because the products are a gateway to nicotine addiction. They are good in theory and bad in practice. He motioned to include the following comment:
“We urge the BOS request that DPH conduct a study on how these products have affected nicotine consumption among young people and how this ordinance can prevent nicotine addiction among young people.”
Commissioner Eric Wu seconded Commissioner Cardenas’ motion. The motion was approved by acclamation.
On the basic motion of support made by Commissioner Bernick, seconded by Commissioner Bae, the motion was approved by acclamation.
7. Presentations (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)
A. Presentation on the Children’s Fund Community Coalition RecommendationsPresenter: Jodi Schwartz, Representative of Children’s Funding Community Coalition
(Document F)
Jessica Mele, explained she was filling in for Jodi Schwartz, who is out sick. She explained that the coalition had been meeting since Fall 2012 and had held a survey, community report back, and townhall. They recently released their final recommendations on the legislation. There was a parallel process being organized by the Mayor and Superintendent’s offices, which included the youth townhall run by Commissioner Eric Wu and Mia Tu Mutch. The two processes ran parallel. The Community Coalition focused on what needed to change in the legislation. The City process focused on what’s working in Children’s Services. Children’s Fund has one more year to be reauthorized,but the PEEF expires in the next year. Supervisors Avalos and Kim have been convening groups on the reauthorization of CF and PEEF. The idea with those meetings is to put out all of the recommendations and find where the consensus is.
With that, Ms. Mele shared the highlights from the coalition’s recommendations. A top recommendation is to increase the fund from .03/$100 to .05/$100. Another is to include disconnected TAY in services. Create a commission for DCYF that would take the place of the CAC, which is currently advisory in nature. Create a mechanism for ongoing service provider input on an ongoing basis, rather than simply every 3 years. Extend the planning processes and allocation plan to 5 years, rather than the current 3 years. This allows time for organizations to develop and for programs to be honed. Another recommendation is to increase service coordination among departments. The final recommendation is to end the sunset of the fund, and to guarantee the CF to allow for long term planning.
She highlighted areas of overlap between the youth commissioners’ proposed recommendations and the coalition’s recommendations: a fund increase, services for TAY, and increased formal youth involvement in oversight and planning.
The ballot language must be submitted to the city attorney by May 20th. Right now we are working on developing combined final legislation.
Commissioner E. Wu asked whether the coalition had discussion about how voters would respond to the increase in the fund. Ms. Mele explained that the fund increase would not just be for TAY, but also technical assistance to grantees in program evaluation. We are optimistic this will be positively received by the community. We did some polling. By 74% margin people were supportive of increasing the fund to 5%. There was no large drop in approval for 5% over 3%. Commissioner E. Wu asked what the meaning was of putting PEEF and CF on the ballot together. Ms. Mele explained that the joint ballot initiative allows for a shared campaign, but the funds will be kept separate and will not be administered differently. Commissioner Gomez asked whether the other $30M that would be generated from a proposed increase would be pulled from other organizations. Ms. Mele explained that the fund would be increased via the general fund. Commissioner Li asked why the coalition recommended the creation of a commission. Ms. Mele explained that the current CAC is not able to provide the level of accountability for this large and important source of funding for children’s services in San Francisco. We need a commission with budget oversight. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the commission. There would be 15 members of the commission, including two youth. Commissioner Flores asked about the provisions concerning allocations toward non-profits. Ms. Mele explained that current practice is to grant out most of the Childrens’ Fund and the legislation should contain provisions to ensure that the fund goes towards programs, and not city staff salaries. Commissioner E. Wu asked about next steps if the Mayor and Superintendent’s office do not support the recommendations. Ms. Mele explained the current process was designed to reach consensus.
There was no public comment.
8. Youth Commission Business (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)
A. [First Reading] Resolution 1314—04 -- Resolution on the Youth Commission’s recommended policies and priorities for the Children’s Fund
Sponsors and Presenter: Commissioners Eric Wu, Michelle Kong
(Document G)
Commissioner E. Wu explained that we are at an important moment for reauthorizing the children’s fund. The intention of the modifications proposed is to ensure that youth with the greatest need have access to this safety net. He highlighted four points: We want to expand the CF to include disconnected TAY. We need greater youth oversight of the Children’s Fund. We need better collaboration between SFUSD, the City, and CBO’s. We support increasing the fund. Commissioners Kong and Wu read the resolution into the public record.
Commissioner Marshall-Fricker and Commissioner Sicairos commended the resolution. Commissioner Kong explained the meeting Wednesday was for committee chairs to discuss unmet needs of young people for possible inclusion in the resolution, as well as for Budget and Policy priorities. Commissioner Li suggested creating TAY seats, in addition to the youth seats.
There was no public comment. Chair Persky reminded his colleagues to work with Commissioners Kong and Wu on edits before the second reading.
B. [Second Reading] Motion 1314—05 -- Request for Board of Supervisors hearing on services and solutions for youth with incarcerated parents
Sponsor and Presenter: Commissioner Joshua Cardenas
(Document H)
Commissioner Cardenas read the motion into the public record. Commissioner Cardenas highlighted changes made since the first reading. Commissioner Cardenas thanked Project WHAT for their inspirational work. Commissioner Cardenas explained that the Police Commission would hear a general order regarding arrest of parents in front of children. He encouraged his colleagues to attend and speak in public comment at that meeting.
Commissioners Yu and Bernick commended the motion.
There was no public comment.
Chair Persky invited a second. Commissioner J. Wu seconded the motion. The motion was passed by acclamation.
Chair Persky called a recess at 6:32 pm. The meeting was called back to order at 6:39 pm.
C. [Second Reading] Resolution 1314—03— Modifying MUNI’s fare structure to make 18-year-olds eligible for youth discounts
Sponsor and Presenter: Commissioner Nicholas Persky
(Document I)
Commissioner Kong took over as chair for this item.
Commissioner Persky confirmed that including 18 year olds in youth fares would cost $1,148.659.00 annually.This is out of a nearly billion dollar budget of SFMTA. Also, Free MUNI for Youth was originally overestimated by several million dollars, so this number is just an estimate. Commissioner Persky read the resolution into the public record.
Commissioner Persky explained that the Board of Education and Student Advisory Council had supported this effort. Staff member, Adele Carpenter, confirmed that commission staff had reached out to SFMTA to inform them about the resolution.
Note: SFMTA’s Local Government Affairs Liaison, Janet Martinsen, submitted the following response from SFMTA on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 10:20 am:
"SFMTA is supportive of ensuring Muni continues to be affordable for all of our customers. With the $6.8 million unprecedented gift to the City and SFMTA from Google, we will be able to continue Free Muni for low income youth for FY 2015-02016.
While we are also supportive of the concept of extending Free Muni for 18 year olds who are still in school, as well as low income seniors and the disabled, we are also interested in improving and increasing Muni services. We hope that we are able to do both. Our budget must be balanced and approved by May 1st pursuant to the Charter requirements so we will know soon what our final budget includes."
D. Motion 1314—06 –Sponsoring the Take a Stand for San Francisco youth art event on April 5, 2014
Sponsor and Presenter: Commissioner Angel VanStark
(Document J)
Commissioner Persky resumed chairing duties. Commissioner Van Stark explained that the motion at hand is meant to support community response to address an issue of police violence at Valencia Gardens. He commended Nina Parks, a member of the public present at the meeting, for working to promote a positive community response to the incident. Commissioner Van Stark read the motion into the public record.
Commissioner E. Wu asked what the Community Policing General Order is.
Nina Parks explained that the Community Policing General Order was approved in 2011. The general order lays out training protocols, guidelines for mutual respect and shared responsibility. Youth from Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center worked on the DGO. Right now this is an unused tool in working towards accountability and change. The goal of Taking a Stand SF is meant to model how we can express “mutual respect” and “understanding” laid out in the DGO. We hope the event brings out intergenerational participation. Commissioner Cardenas asked why the General Order is not being enforced. Nina Parks explained that there needed to be more agitation with the police commission and the police chief to get this enforced. Commissioner Van Stark explained that the General Order does not lay out clear points of accountability or specifics around training. There is also no budget stream dedicated to it. Enforcement would rely on strengthening the language and funding the effort. Commissioner Cardenas asked whether there was an implementation date associated with the DGO. Nina Parks explained that the DGO accompanied a new beat policing initiative in Ingleside. Commissioner Sicairos asked about the training police officers are required to do. Nina Parks explained that there is a citizens training that is meant to be in place, but there are no clear guidelines about who should lead it. Since the issue at Valencia Gardens there has been more public response. Commissioner Van Stark commented that the recent police response to student protests at CCSF highlight a need for this ongoing work.
Commissioner Sicairos seconded Commissioner Van Starks’ motion. There was no further public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.
Commissioners interested in working around the Community Policing DGO: Sicairos, Webb, E. Wu, Cardenas
9. Staff Report (Discussion Only)
Staff thanked commissioners for reading their agenda packets ahead of time. Staff offered updates on: a Resource fair at ISA, a city hall tour for USF students, the SAC summit, a youth-led workshop on City College issues on the 31st, youth commission applications for returning youth commissioners, the YEFAB youth advocacy tour to Sacramento. Phimy Truong reminded commissioners that Budget and Policy priorities would be drafted soon and committees should spend time working on them in their meeting times.10. Committee Reports (Discussion Only)
A. Executive Committee, Chair Michelle Kong
Commissioner Kong updated colleagues on recent outreach and advocacy efforts undertaken by commissioners, as well as recently introduced legislation at the Board of Supervisors that is youth-related.
B. Youth Justice Committee, Chair Sophie EdelhartCommissioner Gomez provided the committee update: The committee decided to support the increase of the Children’s Fund. They are interested in making short video regarding student rights and responsibilities in relation to the police. They prepared to offer comment on the dept. general order on arrest in front of parents. They decided to push back their tour of Juvenile Hall. They will be appearing in a youth-led documentary on youth-police relations.
C. Immigration & Employment Committee, Chair Michel Li
Commissioner Li explained that the committee is continuing to work on a resolution regarding employment opportunities for undocumented youth. We are working on surveys for ELL and ESL students at SFUSD. We followed up with Summer Jobs plus presenters.Commissioner Li updated commissioners on the CAHRO youth-session planning meeting. The two content areas they are considering are 1) youth of color and undocumented youth and 2) school climate. She reminded commissioners the event is April 25th. Youth commissioners gave feedback that more preferred the school climate focus.
D. Education, Health & Wellness Committee, Chair Ariel YuCommissioner Yu provided updates on the resolution on special education inclusion. They are also working on an informal survey regarding special education awareness.
E. TAY, Housing, and LGBT issues Committee, Chair Eric WuCommissioner Wu explained that the week of April 28th the youth housing townhall will be held. The location is being secured.
F. Youth Advisory Council, Representative Joyce WuCommissioner J. Wu explained that the first focus group was held at United Playaz regarding why youth don’t fully participate in DCYF youth programs. There will be a report from that meeting coming out and additional focus groups will be held.
11. Attendance Authorizations (Action Item)
i. Commissioner Angel Van Stark, February 3, 2014 (leaving early)Commissioner Van Stark explained that he had to leave for a Board meeting at the LGBT Center meeting. Motion to approve the absence was made by Commissioner Cardenas, seconded by Commissioner E. Wu. There was no public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.
ii. Commissioner Angel Van Stark, March 3, 2014
Commissioner Van Stark explained he had a work conflict. Commissioner Cardenas motioned to approve the absence, seconded by Commissioner Gomez. There was not public comment. The motion was approved by acclamation.