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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-10 HRC MINUTESRelations Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April,10, 2002, 5:15 p.m. Commission Public Services Building, Conf. Room 1 1. Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 1731 hours by Chair Pina with the following Commission members present: Edna Concepcion, Michael Palomo, Virgil Pina, Anthony Jemison and Samuel Avalos. Staff Present: Capt. Leonard Miranda. Guest., Marilyn Mendocino and Andy Trujillo 2. Declaration of excused/unexcused absences None 3. Approval of minutes None 4. Public Remarks The Transit System is celebrating 30 years of service. Andy Trujillo conveyed that MTDB would consider which of five model transit projects would be recommended for further environmental planning. One proposed project being considered is the H Street corridor project, from the Trolley Station out to eastern Chula Vista. 5. Old Business A. Human Relations Essay Contest Update The contest is being advertised in the Star News Newspaper. Commissioner Pina distribute to each commissioner the criteria and application of the contest. The deadline to submit the essay is 05/06/02. B. 30th Annual Robert B. Botterman Humanitarian Award The commission is invited to an award banquet on 05/09/02 at 6:00 pm. The location of the banquet is 85 "L" Street in Chula Vista, The San Diego Country Club. The banquet will be for individuals and companies receiving different awards. _Roy & Aiko Muraoka will be the recipients of the 30th Annual Robert Botterman Humanitarian Award, which will be presented at this banquet. C. South County Diversity Symposium Commissioner Pina received an e-mail from Council member Rindone conveying that the commission needs to develop a well-planned symposium addressing issues of what will be the commission's vision of the symposium; i.e., who will participate; compose a diverse planning committee and what will be the focal point(s); cost; etc. The commissioners, staff member and guest had a roundtable discussion to brainstorm suggestions and ideas of what the symposium should consist of: • Commissioner Jemison would like to see issues discussed regarding the differences and diversity of the community; things that would be a common thread that makes us a community. Do not want the differences to be the total focus, but to collect and pull together and perhaps be a springboard for building an awareness of the community. • Commissioner Avalos agreed that the symposium should be representative of the community. Whatever the community is made up of, not just ethnicity, but religious - issues and awareness issues should be addressed due to the September 11th event. • Commissioner Concepion agreed with Jemison and Avalos. • Commissioner Palomo conveyed issues as to what's going on around us, such as the Priest incident and relative issues. Highlight positive issues; such as what good things are happening as far as diversity, presentations of statistics on how diverse Chula Vista is, issues that art6 proactive in the environment, such as non-discrimination acts, etc. that the City has to implement. Maybe highlighting those issues hand in hand with the problems. • Capt. Miranda suggested that the commission identify the key issues that need to be highlighted and focus on those issues that have the most common interest to the community. He also suggested that the commission identify the speakers and their presentation. • Guest Marilyn Mendocino would like to have a better understanding of what other cultures are like. She would like to see how we could work together for the community. A progression of how the cultures are diverse and how they can work together. • Commissioner Jemison suggested that the symposium consists of presentations, having a breakout section and having a closing session where the groups get back together and report to the larger groups what was discussed. Maybe something published to where there is something tangible the people can walk away with. Jemison conveyed getting a diverse planning committee to address the issues of embracing the similarities and commonalities of the community. Commissioner Pina will prepare a draft agenda for Council member Rindone with the concerns and issues of the commissioners for the symposium. He also suggested for entertainment, maybe the elementary school or junior high school present a play relating to diversity. After composing the draft, the commission will view and critique it, and maybe within the next 30 to 40 days go before the City Council and present it to the City Council. The symposium will encourage harmonious interaction and friendship within the community of Chula Vista. Commissioner Concepion suggested getting a business to sponsor the cost. Civic Award for Volunteers/Organizations Capt. Miranda received a referral from City Council regarding the Civil Award. The City Council would like to see a breakdown as to what the process will be in order to get this award instituted. Some concerns and issues were what was the discussion in the commission's meeting regarding f40 this award, what would be the benefits, why the commission feels it's important to issue this award, how the award is intended to be presented; if there is any fiscal impact, the budget needs to be increased, etc. Need feedback from the commissioners. Commissioner Pina estimated that the cost would be approximately $35 for the. The commissioners will outline the benefits and need for the award. This information will be forwarded to Capt. Miranda to present as an information item to City Council. 6. New Business A. Commendation Letter to Gregg Rogers Elementary School The Commission voted to make recommendations for the City Council to accept and approve a letter of commendation to the Gregg Rogers Elementary School on behalf of the Commission for their Special Education Department. Gregg Rogers Special Education Department has continually provided physical challenged students and their parents with unique services and has been a true help in support for the City. The Department has a highly rated Academic Program and their Physical Development Program instructs more than 60 children throughout the City. B. Commendation Letter to Robert Thomas The Commission voted to make recommendations for the City Council to accept and approve a letter of commendation to Robert Thomas for his many accomplishments throughout the City. 7. Other Business A. Written Correspondence Commissioner Pina distributed a letter from the Human Relations Commission for the City of San Diego reference a presentation dealing with Arabic relations. B. Commissioners Comments ❖ Commissioner Pina asked if the Commission would like to have dinner with the City of ommission agreed to the suggestion. San Diego Human Relations Commission. The c 2 C. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 1911 hours, until the next scheduled meeti g on May 8, 2002. Joyce Scplark HRC Secretary • 3