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Home My WebLink About2023-02-23 HRC Agenda Packet Date:Thursday, February 23, 2023 Time:6:00 p.m. Location:Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA Welcome to your Human Relations Commission Meeting Public Comments: Public comments may be submitted to the Human Relations Commission in the following ways: In-Person comments during the meeting. Join us for the Human Relations Commission meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Please visit www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings for current mask requirements and other safety protocols. • Submit an eComment. Visit www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings, locate this meeting, and click on the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on, and then click on "Leave Comment." The commenting period will close one hour before the meeting. All comments will be made available to the Commission and the public. • Mail or email comments. Submit comments via email to HRC@chulavistaca.gov or by mail to Human Relations Commission, 276 Fourth Ave, Chula Vista, CA. Please send comments early; written comments received within one hour of the meeting may not be distributed until the following day. • ACCESSIBILITY: Individuals with disabilities are invited to request reasonable modifications or accommodations in order to access and/or participate in a Human Relations Commission meeting by contacting the Human Relations Commission at HRC@chulavistaca.gov (California Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired by dialing 711) at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.ROLL CALL Commissioners Custodio-Tan, Felix, Godinez, Lake, Olaoye, Pajanor, Ratner, Vice- Chair Kean-Ayub, Chair Branch 3.PRESENTATIONS The following item(s) will be presentations given to the Commission. Action on these item(s) is typically limited to the Commission receiving the presentation and providing direction or feedback to staff, as appropriate. If you wish to speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit it to the Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the instructions on page one of this agenda. 3.1 Presentation and Introduction of City Community Engagement Specialist, Karla Mendez Recommended Action: Commission hear presentation and provide feedback as appropriate. 4.PUBLIC COMMENTS Persons may address the Commission on any subject matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction that is not listed as an item on the agenda. State law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking action on any issue not included on the agenda, but, if appropriate, the Commission may schedule the topic for future discussion or refer the matter to staff. If you wish to speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit it to the Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the instructions on page one of this agenda. 5.ACTION ITEMS The Item(s) listed in this section of the agenda will be considered individually by the Commission and are expected to elicit discussion and deliberation. If you wish to speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit it to the Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the instructions on page one of this agenda. 5.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes 4 Approval of minutes from October 27, 2022. Recommended Action: Commission approve minutes. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 2 of 8 5.2 Report and Discussion on Welcoming City and the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative 7 Recommended Action: Commission hear report and provide feedback as appropriate. 5.3 Updates, Discussion, and Potential Action Regarding Ad-Hoc Subcommittees Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Members Data Sharing Technologies/ALPR Branch, Custodio-Tan Community Survey Custodio-Tan, Kean-Ayub, Lake, Olaoye Recommended Action: Commission discuss, make recommendations as appropriate and possibly disband certain Ad-Hoc Subcommittees. OTHER BUSINESS 6.STAFF COMMENTS 7.CHAIR'S COMMENTS 8.COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS 9.ADJOURNMENT to the regular meeting on March 23, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Materials provided to the Human Relations Commission related to any open- session item on this agenda are available for public review by contacting Human Relations Commission staff at hrc@chulavistaca.gov 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 3 of 8 1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Meeting Minutes October 27, 2022, 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA Present: Commissioner Lake, Commissioner Olaoye, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Ratner, Vice Chair Kean-Ayub, Chair Branch Absent: Commissioner Baber, Commissioner Custodio-Tan, Commissioner Felix, Commissioner Godinez, Commissioner Medina Also Present: Secretary Adrianna Hernandez, Marketing and Communications Manager Anne Steinberger _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:17 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. 2. ROLL CALL Secretary Hernandez called the roll. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR Moved by Vice Chair Kean-Ayub Seconded by Commissioner Olaoye Commission approve consent calendar. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 4 of 8 2 Yes (6): Commissioner Lake, Commissioner Olaoye, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Ratner, Vice Chair Kean-Ayub, Chair Branch Result:Carried (6 to 0) 3.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes Commission approve minutes. 3.2 Written Communications Commission approve requests for excused absences. 4. PRESENTATIONS 4.1 Presentation by Senior Librarian Alyson Hamlin Regarding the Chula Vista Public Library’s “Library of Us” Program Principal Librarian and Cultural Arts Manager, Erwin Magbanua and Librarian Taylor Ytuarte presented on the program and responded to inquiries from Commissioners. 4.2 Presentation by Marketing and Communications Manager Anne Steinberger on Community Survey Responses Marketing and Communications Manager, Anne Steinberger presented the findings from the community survey and discussion ensued. Community Survey Ad-Hoc Subcommittee will analyze the responses further. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comment. 6. ACTION ITEMS 6.1 Updates, Discussion and Potential Action Regarding Ad-Hoc Subcommittees Chair Branch shared the final actions of the Technology and Privacy Advisory Task Force. Vice Chair Kean-Ayub shared an update on the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration as well as an update on the work of the Columbus Task Force. Moved by Commissioner Ratner Seconded by Vice Chair Kean-Ayub 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 5 of 8 3 Disband the Indigenous Peoples Day Flag Raising Planning Ad -Hoc Subcommittee for having fulfilled its duties. Yes (6): Commissioner Lake, Commissioner Olaoye, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Ratner, Vice Chair Kean-Ayub, Chair Branch Result:Carried (6 to 0) OTHER BUSINESS 7. STAFF COMMENTS Secretary Hernandez provided several updates related to t he disposition of the Columbus Statue and the work of the Columbus Statue and Discovery Park Task Force, and the consolidation of several Boards and Commissions and other changes including adding of a youth member to the Human Relations Commission. Secretary Hernandez responded to questions from Commissioners. 8. CHAIR'S COMMENTS Chair Branch wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Happy New Years and Happy Holidays! 9. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Commissioner Lake shared she participated in Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) feedback session and it was a nice experience to hear from others. It was a welcoming space even in disagreement with others. It would be interesting to see the results of the comments from those sessions. Lake requested information about the charter amendments proposed in Measure K and requested further information. Commissioner Lake requested information regarding the City Attorney race and special election. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Minutes prepared by: Adrianna Hernandez Secretary _________________________ Adrianna Hernandez, Secretary 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 6 of 8 City of Chula Vista Statement As the end of the three-year Welcoming City certification period was approaching, City Manager Maria V. Kachadoorian, in consultation with the previous Mayor, Mary Casillas Salas, made the decision not to pursue Welcoming City re-certification because of staff priorities to launch development of the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) program and the effort to create the City’s Privacy Protection and Technology Transparency Policy. The City’s ongoing immigrant inclusion activities will be incorporated into the JEDI program which will reflect City and community priorities. The City did not “lose” certification, it chose not to re-certify at this time. What’s important to note is the City received Welcoming City Certification because of the programs and partnerships already in place that support our immigrant communities. Our partnerships with schools, health care, business and community groups go back decades. These efforts did not begin and do not end with Welcoming City certification. The City continues to implement priorities outlined in the Welcoming Chula Vista Implementation Plan. This Plan will inform immigrant inclusion priorities in the future JEDI Strategic Action Plan and its City-wide implementation. After the City completes development of the JEDI Strategic Action Plan and begins implementation, establishes the Privacy and Technology Advisory Commission and the Police Advisory Commission, the City may consider whether to seek re-certification with Welcoming America. Background Information Privacy Protection and Technology Transparency Policy At the December 8, 2020, City Council meeting, then-Mayor Mary Casillas Salas confirmed that the Chula Vista Police Department had blocked data sharing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On April 20, 2021, the City Council unanimously authorized an agreement with Vigilant/Motorola for the continuation of the ALPR program. The action also affirmed that the Chula Vista Police Department only shares data with other California Law Enforcement Agencies that are bound by SB 54, the California Values Act. The Council action maintained the practice that no ALPR data will be shared with any Federal Agency. In 2022, the City Manager established the Technology & Privacy Advisory Task Force, a group of 12 residents and subject matter experts convened to develop a comprehensive set of policy recommendations. After consideration of those recommendations, on November 8, 2022, the City Manager presented, and City Council approved a Privacy Protection and Technology Transparency Policy. The Policy, guides decision-making on new and existing technology programs and serves to address concerns regarding ALPR and other privacy and technology issues. The Policy includes the following elements: • Prohibiting the sale or unauthorized access to sensitive personal information. • Requiring City staff to create written use policies that limit access to certain technology systems, limit how those systems can be used, and specify how the system collects and protects data. • Creating a special acquisition process for surveillance technology that includes community review and City Council approval. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 7 of 8 • Studying the potential impacts of surveillance technologies, identifying specific measures to mitigate any impacts, and providing regular reports on how surveillance technologies have been used. • Establishing a Privacy and Technology Advisory Commission • Ensuring City decisions are informed by both privacy experts and community members, including a community advisory commission. • Providing additional training and resources to City staff to ensure they are equipped to recognize and manage potential data privacy issues. JEDI Strategic Action Plan and City-Wide JEDI Journey In July 2022, the City took its first steps on a JEDI journey following City Council approval of an RFP to select a consultant to develop a JEDI Strategic Action Plan. As part of the effort, the City, in consultation with the selected consultant team, is working to create the following: • A cultural assessment of the organization (analysis of dynamics of employee culture) • A structural assessment of the organization (analysis of policies, procedures and systems in place) • A Community Impact Assessment • Creation of a City-wide JEDI Guidance Council • Creation of a Five-Year JEDI Strategic Action Plan o Includes training opportunities o Includes establishment of Key Performance Indicators for each department to operate through a “JEDI lens” Through the creation of the Five-Year JEDI Strategic Action Plan, there will be opportunities to evaluate and assess the key initiatives outlined within the Welcoming Chula Vista Implementation Plan including the areas of: government leadership, equitable access, civic engagement, connected communities, education and economic development, and to integrate those efforts into the implementation of the JEDI Strategic Action Plan. As announced during the JEDI presentation at the February 7, 2023 City Council Workshop, there will be an opportunity for the City Council to be further briefed by the JEDI consultant on this process. Welcoming City Certification Effort When the City Council voted to reestablish the Human Relations Commission in 2017, one of the tasks asked of the commission was to pursue Welcoming City certification from Welcoming America. Welcoming City certification requires a City to demonstrate effective implementation and commitment to programs and partnerships that welcome and support immigrant communities. The certification requires demonstrated actions in these core areas: Government Leadership, Equitable Access, Civic Engagement, Connected Communities, Educational Partnerships, Economic Development, and Safe Communities Chula Vista submitted an application for Welcoming City certification in the fall 2018. Following review of the application, a three-person team from Welcoming America visited Chula Vista in January 2019 to conduct an “audit” to determine if the City met the requirements for certification. Following the audit, the City was compliant in 37 of the 45, or 82%, of the core criteria; the minimum threshold for certification is meeting 90% of the core criteria. The City submitted additional information and a required Action Plan to meet threshold criteria and be certified. In November 2019, the City received Welcoming City Certification. The certification covered a three-year period from November 2019 to December 2022. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 8 of 8 ; ; **POST-MEETING AGENDA** Date:Thursday, February 23, 2023 Time:6:00 p.m. Location:Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA Welcome to your Human Relations Commission Meeting Public Comments: Public comments may be submitted to the Human Relations Commission in the following ways: In-Person comments during the meeting. Join us for the Human Relations Commission meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Please visit www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings for current mask requirements and other safety protocols. • Submit an eComment. Visit www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings, locate this meeting, and click on the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on, and then click on "Leave Comment." The commenting period will close one hour before the meeting. All comments will be made available to the Commission and the public. • Mail or email comments. Submit comments via email to HRC@chulavistaca.gov or by mail to Human Relations Commission, 276 Fourth Ave, Chula Vista, CA. Please send comments early; written comments received within one hour of the meeting may not be distributed until the following day. • ACCESSIBILITY: Individuals with disabilities are invited to request reasonable modifications or accommodations in order to access and/or participate in a Human Relations Commission meeting by contacting the Human Relations Commission at HRC@chulavistaca.gov (California Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired by dialing 711) at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.ROLL CALL Commissioners Custodio-Tan, Felix, Godinez, Lake, Olaoye, Pajanor, Ratner, Vice- Chair Kean-Ayub, Chair Branch 3.PRESENTATIONS The following item(s) will be presentations given to the Commission. Action on these item(s) is typically limited to the Commission receiving the presentation and providing direction or feedback to staff, as appropriate. If you wish to speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit it to the Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the instructions on page one of this agenda. 3.1 Presentation and Introduction of City Community Engagement Specialist, Karla Mendez Recommended Action: Commission hear presentation and provide feedback as appropriate. 4.PUBLIC COMMENTS Persons may address the Commission on any subject matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction that is not listed as an item on the agenda. State law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking action on any issue not included on the agenda, but, if appropriate, the Commission may schedule the topic for future discussion or refer the matter to staff. If you wish to speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit it to the Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the instructions on page one of this agenda. 5.ACTION ITEMS The Item(s) listed in this section of the agenda will be considered individually by the Commission and are expected to elicit discussion and deliberation. If you wish to speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form and submit it to the Secretary prior to the meeting or submit an electronic comment per the instructions on page one of this agenda. 5.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes 4 Approval of minutes from October 27, 2022. Recommended Action: Commission approve minutes. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 2 of 68 5.2 Report and Discussion on Welcoming City and the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative 7 Recommended Action: Commission hear report and provide feedback as appropriate. 5.3 Updates, Discussion, and Potential Action Regarding Ad-Hoc Subcommittees Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Members Data Sharing Technologies/ALPR Branch, Custodio-Tan Community Survey Custodio-Tan, Kean-Ayub, Lake, Olaoye Recommended Action: Commission discuss, make recommendations as appropriate and possibly disband certain Ad-Hoc Subcommittees. OTHER BUSINESS 6.STAFF COMMENTS 7.CHAIR'S COMMENTS 8.COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS 9.ADJOURNMENT to the regular meeting on March 23, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Materials provided to the Human Relations Commission related to any open- session item on this agenda are available for public review by contacting Human Relations Commission staff at hrc@chulavistaca.gov 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 3 of 68 1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Meeting Minutes October 27, 2022, 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA Present: Commissioner Lake, Commissioner Olaoye, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Ratner, Vice Chair Kean-Ayub, Chair Branch Absent: Commissioner Baber, Commissioner Custodio-Tan, Commissioner Felix, Commissioner Godinez, Commissioner Medina Also Present: Secretary Adrianna Hernandez, Marketing and Communications Manager Anne Steinberger _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:17 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. 2. ROLL CALL Secretary Hernandez called the roll. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR Moved by Vice Chair Kean-Ayub Seconded by Commissioner Olaoye Commission approve consent calendar. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 4 of 68 2 Yes (6): Commissioner Lake, Commissioner Olaoye, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Ratner, Vice Chair Kean-Ayub, Chair Branch Result:Carried (6 to 0) 3.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes Commission approve minutes. 3.2 Written Communications Commission approve requests for excused absences. 4. PRESENTATIONS 4.1 Presentation by Senior Librarian Alyson Hamlin Regarding the Chula Vista Public Library’s “Library of Us” Program Principal Librarian and Cultural Arts Manager, Erwin Magbanua and Librarian Taylor Ytuarte presented on the program and responded to inquiries from Commissioners. 4.2 Presentation by Marketing and Communications Manager Anne Steinberger on Community Survey Responses Marketing and Communications Manager, Anne Steinberger presented the findings from the community survey and discussion ensued. Community Survey Ad-Hoc Subcommittee will analyze the responses further. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comment. 6. ACTION ITEMS 6.1 Updates, Discussion and Potential Action Regarding Ad-Hoc Subcommittees Chair Branch shared the final actions of the Technology and Privacy Advisory Task Force. Vice Chair Kean-Ayub shared an update on the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration as well as an update on the work of the Columbus Task Force. Moved by Commissioner Ratner Seconded by Vice Chair Kean-Ayub 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 5 of 68 3 Disband the Indigenous Peoples Day Flag Raising Planning Ad -Hoc Subcommittee for having fulfilled its duties. Yes (6): Commissioner Lake, Commissioner Olaoye, Commissioner Pajanor, Commissioner Ratner, Vice Chair Kean-Ayub, Chair Branch Result:Carried (6 to 0) OTHER BUSINESS 7. STAFF COMMENTS Secretary Hernandez provided several updates related to t he disposition of the Columbus Statue and the work of the Columbus Statue and Discovery Park Task Force, and the consolidation of several Boards and Commissions and other changes including adding of a youth member to the Human Relations Commission. Secretary Hernandez responded to questions from Commissioners. 8. CHAIR'S COMMENTS Chair Branch wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Happy New Years and Happy Holidays! 9. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Commissioner Lake shared she participated in Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) feedback session and it was a nice experience to hear from others. It was a welcoming space even in disagreement with others. It would be interesting to see the results of the comments from those sessions. Lake requested information about the charter amendments proposed in Measure K and requested further information. Commissioner Lake requested information regarding the City Attorney race and special election. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Minutes prepared by: Adrianna Hernandez Secretary _________________________ Adrianna Hernandez, Secretary 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 6 of 68 City of Chula Vista Statement As the end of the three-year Welcoming City certification period was approaching, City Manager Maria V. Kachadoorian, in consultation with the previous Mayor, Mary Casillas Salas, made the decision not to pursue Welcoming City re-certification because of staff priorities to launch development of the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) program and the effort to create the City’s Privacy Protection and Technology Transparency Policy. The City’s ongoing immigrant inclusion activities will be incorporated into the JEDI program which will reflect City and community priorities. The City did not “lose” certification, it chose not to re-certify at this time. What’s important to note is the City received Welcoming City Certification because of the programs and partnerships already in place that support our immigrant communities. Our partnerships with schools, health care, business and community groups go back decades. These efforts did not begin and do not end with Welcoming City certification. The City continues to implement priorities outlined in the Welcoming Chula Vista Implementation Plan. This Plan will inform immigrant inclusion priorities in the future JEDI Strategic Action Plan and its City-wide implementation. After the City completes development of the JEDI Strategic Action Plan and begins implementation, establishes the Privacy and Technology Advisory Commission and the Police Advisory Commission, the City may consider whether to seek re-certification with Welcoming America. Background Information Privacy Protection and Technology Transparency Policy At the December 8, 2020, City Council meeting, then-Mayor Mary Casillas Salas confirmed that the Chula Vista Police Department had blocked data sharing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On April 20, 2021, the City Council unanimously authorized an agreement with Vigilant/Motorola for the continuation of the ALPR program. The action also affirmed that the Chula Vista Police Department only shares data with other California Law Enforcement Agencies that are bound by SB 54, the California Values Act. The Council action maintained the practice that no ALPR data will be shared with any Federal Agency. In 2022, the City Manager established the Technology & Privacy Advisory Task Force, a group of 12 residents and subject matter experts convened to develop a comprehensive set of policy recommendations. After consideration of those recommendations, on November 8, 2022, the City Manager presented, and City Council approved a Privacy Protection and Technology Transparency Policy. The Policy, guides decision-making on new and existing technology programs and serves to address concerns regarding ALPR and other privacy and technology issues. The Policy includes the following elements: • Prohibiting the sale or unauthorized access to sensitive personal information. • Requiring City staff to create written use policies that limit access to certain technology systems, limit how those systems can be used, and specify how the system collects and protects data. • Creating a special acquisition process for surveillance technology that includes community review and City Council approval. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 7 of 68 • Studying the potential impacts of surveillance technologies, identifying specific measures to mitigate any impacts, and providing regular reports on how surveillance technologies have been used. • Establishing a Privacy and Technology Advisory Commission • Ensuring City decisions are informed by both privacy experts and community members, including a community advisory commission. • Providing additional training and resources to City staff to ensure they are equipped to recognize and manage potential data privacy issues. JEDI Strategic Action Plan and City-Wide JEDI Journey In July 2022, the City took its first steps on a JEDI journey following City Council approval of an RFP to select a consultant to develop a JEDI Strategic Action Plan. As part of the effort, the City, in consultation with the selected consultant team, is working to create the following: • A cultural assessment of the organization (analysis of dynamics of employee culture) • A structural assessment of the organization (analysis of policies, procedures and systems in place) • A Community Impact Assessment • Creation of a City-wide JEDI Guidance Council • Creation of a Five-Year JEDI Strategic Action Plan o Includes training opportunities o Includes establishment of Key Performance Indicators for each department to operate through a “JEDI lens” Through the creation of the Five-Year JEDI Strategic Action Plan, there will be opportunities to evaluate and assess the key initiatives outlined within the Welcoming Chula Vista Implementation Plan including the areas of: government leadership, equitable access, civic engagement, connected communities, education and economic development, and to integrate those efforts into the implementation of the JEDI Strategic Action Plan. As announced during the JEDI presentation at the February 7, 2023 City Council Workshop, there will be an opportunity for the City Council to be further briefed by the JEDI consultant on this process. Welcoming City Certification Effort When the City Council voted to reestablish the Human Relations Commission in 2017, one of the tasks asked of the commission was to pursue Welcoming City certification from Welcoming America. Welcoming City certification requires a City to demonstrate effective implementation and commitment to programs and partnerships that welcome and support immigrant communities. The certification requires demonstrated actions in these core areas: Government Leadership, Equitable Access, Civic Engagement, Connected Communities, Educational Partnerships, Economic Development, and Safe Communities Chula Vista submitted an application for Welcoming City certification in the fall 2018. Following review of the application, a three-person team from Welcoming America visited Chula Vista in January 2019 to conduct an “audit” to determine if the City met the requirements for certification. Following the audit, the City was compliant in 37 of the 45, or 82%, of the core criteria; the minimum threshold for certification is meeting 90% of the core criteria. The City submitted additional information and a required Action Plan to meet threshold criteria and be certified. In November 2019, the City received Welcoming City Certification. The certification covered a three-year period from November 2019 to December 2022. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 8 of 68 Welcoming City Update Human Relations Commission Meeting February 23, 2023 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 9 of 68 Update •In 2022, HRC liaison staff were working on the Privacy & Technology Task Force, Columbus Statue Task Force and participating in launch of new Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion JEDI program •HRC liaison staff also were considering options related to Welcoming City re-certification •To ensure task force assignments were completed on time, the City Manager consulted with Mayor Mary Casillas Salas about recommended priorities •The decision was made not to pursue Welcoming City re-certification 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 10 of 68 Considering HRC in Process •HRC meetings are not held in November and December •Staff planned to include an update and report on Welcoming City at the January HRC meeting –unfortunately that meeting was cancelled due to lack of a quorum 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 11 of 68 Background •Welcoming City initial assignment for HRC •Under the guidance of HRC, staff collaborated internally and externally to gather information to demonstrate how City was meeting criteria included in Welcoming Standard •Application submitted fall 2018 •Welcoming America audit team visited Chula Vista in January 2019 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 12 of 68 Assessing Welcoming Standard Criteria 1.Government Leadership 2.Equitable Access 3.Civic Engagement 4.Connected Communities 5.Education Requirements 6.Economic Development 7.Safe Communities 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 13 of 68 Compliance with Welcoming Standard •City was compliant in 37 of the 45 (82%) core criteria •Minimum threshold for certification is meeting 90% of core criteria •City submitted additional information including the Welcoming Chula Vista Implementation Plan to meet threshold criteria and be certified •In November 2019 City received Welcoming City certification •The certification period covered November 2019 to December 2022 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 14 of 68 Welcoming Chula Vista Implementation Plan •The City continues to meet goals of the Implementation Plan that focuses on the Welcoming Standard criteria 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 15 of 68 Government Leadership Provide information on resources and services •During the COVID-19 pandemic, information and outreach to promote small business resources was provided throughout the City •Promotion and outreach was conducted in English, Spanish and Tagalog/Filipino •Public Health information was provided in English, Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino and other languages at sandiegocounty.gov •The latest information on the Public Health emergency was on the City website so residents could access in the language of their choice 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 16 of 68 Equitable Access Implement Language Access Program; Collaborate to ensure information and resources are available and promoted •All City Council Meetings provide Spanish- language interpretation services in Chambers and the meeting is simultaneously webcast in Spanish •City social media is posted in English and Spanish on all platforms •Spanish language speakers are included on the PIO team for Emergency Operations •$40 million in Emergency Rental and/or Utility Assistance was provided to local residents 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 17 of 68 Civic Engagement Update Charter to allow residents to apply to serve on commissions •HRC asked Charter Review Commission to include language in Charter Update to drop requirement that commission members be “qualified electors” (registered voters) and allow all residents over 18 years to apply •Language was included in Measure K to update the Charter •Measure K passed November 8, 2022 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 18 of 68 Connected Communities Enhance connections with immigrants and other residents •Human Library program to share diverse lived experiences •Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration •Removal of Christopher Columbus statue •Juneteenth Celebration •Pride Flag Raising Celebration •El Grito Celebration •Filipino American History Month celebrated in October with “Filipino Artists of South Bay” art exhibit 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 19 of 68 Education Advance access to school programs and services (K-12) •Provided WiFi hotspots to CVESD families during pandemic for access to online learning •Promoted COVID testing and vaccine access through education partnerships •Celebrated Día del Niño April 14 that promotes literacy, culture, language, and books in our multicultural/multilingual community. Two bilingual story times held in Spanish/English and Tagalog/English 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 20 of 68 Economic Development Support immigrant business owners in starting, building and growing companies •During the COVID-19 pandemic, information and outreach to promote small business resources was provided throughout the City •More than $4 million in funds distributed to small businesses •City expanded permit opportunities for businesses to move seating outside to attract customers during COVID-19 pandemic 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 21 of 68 Safe Communities Educate immigrants on their legal rights •HRC representation on City Manager Privacy & Technology Task force •City enacted moratorium on evictions during COVID-19 pandemic •Developed Tenant Protection Ordinance that goes into effect March 1, 2023 •City established Department of Housing & Homeless Services 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 22 of 68 City Council Referral February 21 •Deputy Mayor Jose Preciado requested consensus to establish a Council ad hoc subcommittee to “consider matters related to the Welcoming City program” •Formation of ad hoc subcommittee to be considered at March 7 City Council meeting •Information on ad hoc subcommittee to be shared at March HRC meeting 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 23 of 68 JEDI Workshops in April •City in collaboration with Tribesy Consulting will host four community workshops in April •The format includes facilitated breakout discussions to obtain additional community input on JEDI program development •City Council and community will continue to be updated 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 24 of 68 Questions/ Comments www.chulavistaca.gov/welcoming 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 25 of 68 October 2019 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 26 of 68 s the state with the largest immigrant population in the country, California has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to create an environment of inclusion. California cities are following suit, instituting local and regional actions that serve to better the lives and opportunities for immigrants in their communities. The City of Chula Vista is proud to be one of the cities leading the charge and setting the standard for embracing immigrants and refugees. Chula Vista is located at the center of one of the richest cultural, ethnically diverse, and multilingual communities in the United States. The strength and well-being of our immigrant community is important to residents and leaders of Chula Vista, which is why our City Council unanimously supported a resolution to join the “Welcoming America” network. Welcoming America provides tools and resources to help cities and partners reduce the barriers that immigrants face to fully participate in the economic and social fabric of the community and to build bridges between newcomers and long-time residents. The decision put in motion a new approach to develop and implement a program for better communication of our policies and services to the immigrant community and provide a framework for considering how to acknowledge and address the immigrant experience in Chula Vista. The decision also initiated the application process for Welcoming City Certification. This Plan is a key component for certification. The development and ongoing implementation of this plan is one of the initiatives guided by Chula Vista Human Relations Commission in collaboration with city staff, partner agencies, and other groups and organizations who will contribute to the implementation of the plan. In addition, Chula Vista will continue to actively seek input and feedback to ensure the program is enhanced and expanded to reflect the desires of our elected officials, residents and immigrant community. The commitment from the community is an important element to ensure the success of immigrant inclusion. The subject of immigration – whether on a local, national, or international level – can be sensitive; armed with misconceptions, stereotypes, and resistance. Chula Vista is committed to addressing these issues while maintaining appropriate public safety policies, to ultimately nurture an environment where all can feel welcomed and represented. The City of Chula Vista has a commitment to recognizing its diverse population and has reflected that commitment in essential City planning documents including the Marketing and Communications Plan, Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan, Age Friendly Action Plan, Cultural Arts Master Plan, Chula Vista Library Strategic Vision Plan, Age Friendly Plan, Economic Development Workplan, and other efforts. For example, the Marketing and A 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 27 of 68 Communications Plan recognizes the need for providing information and materials in English, Spanish and other languages so more residents can engage in civic, business, and community activities. The Cultural Arts Master Plan emphasizes our binational location geographically and culturally and identifies opportunities for more collaboration, more binational voices, more authentic stories. The Economic Development Workplan has a strong focus on inclusive economic development. The Welcoming City Implementation Plan further extends immigrant inclusion in all facets of city life. The Plan was developed with input and collaboration from a variety of groups, outreach activities and meetings: • Outreach and input from various stakeholders and City Council members in 2017 at City Council Meetings, community meetings, outreach meetings • Input from Community as the Human Relations Commission was reestablished in 2017 • Input from Human Relations Commission members as Welcoming City Certification application was prepared • Input and engagement from internal partners including staff in library, recreation, cultural arts, housing, and Healthy Chula Vista • Input and engagement from external partners including South Bay Community Services, Chula Vista Collaborative, San Ysidro Health Center, Chula Vista Elementary School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, South County Economic Development Council and others • Review of City documents including Marketing and Communications Plan, Welcoming City Communications Plan, Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan, Cultural Arts Master Plan, Chula Vista Police Department policies, and Language Access policies • Participation in community engagement activities such as Districting Commission in 2014-2015, Infrastructure Assessment meetings and outreach, partnership with Alliance for Californians for Community Empowerment to improve neighborhood infrastructure The City engages with a variety of stakeholders, partners, community members, commission members and others to accomplish many of the goals and efforts detailed in this Plan. Below are descriptions of these entities for the purposes of this plan. Some of these groups overlap and intersect. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 28 of 68 Stakeholders Internal: Elected officials, department heads, staff, members of City Board or Commission External: Residents, business owners, employers, non-profit organizations, government agencies, education districts, and others Partners An organization, agency or business that collaborates with the city to deliver services or programs to Chula Vista residents such as Chula Vista Elementary School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, Southwestern College, Republic Services, San Diego Gas & Electric, South Bay Community Services, South County Economic Development Council, and others 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 29 of 68 Acting as the framework for Chula Vista’s immigrant-inclusion plan, our City leadership ensures the program resonates in various settings to succeed throughout the community. Chula Vista established an 11-member Human Relations Commission including the City Human Resources Director, City Attorney, Communications Manager, and other staff to engage cross-sector and diverse stakeholders in the maintenance and implementation of the plan. The Commission not only actively and purposefully supports the cause of the plan but includes multi-sector representation and reflects the diversity of the immigrant community and the receiving community. The Human Relations Commission is a diverse group with members from education, government, community, business, advocacy and other organizations. Diversity isn’t just limited to representation on the Commission. Chula Vista’s local governing workforce truly reflects the diversity of our community and addresses barriers to inclusive hiring and employee retention. Using a variety of distribution methods, the City and its departments promote employment opportunities through digital, social, and printed avenues. Chula Vista’s advancement opportunities are open to both new hires and existing employees. The Commission has several duties to advance immigrant inclusion in the community. A core activity for the Commission is engaging with non- profit and community organizations, government and education agencies, and other entities to advance immigrant inclusion. In addition to progressing the local and minority, immigrant- owned businesses in the region, Chula Vista seeks out Community Based Organizations and groups working on immigrant inclusion to enhance our network of likeminded partners. The Human Relations Commission also oversees the progress and success of the plan by regularly assessing the needs and priorities of the local immigrant community in each of the categories of the Welcoming Cites standard and use that feedback to strengthen the plan. This is achieved by not only measuring the success of the plan against our own high standards but by engaging cross-sector and diverse stakeholders in the maintenance of the plan. Chula Vista is committed to embracing accountability and implementing learning mechanisms to make changes as needs arise. Chula Vista immigrants and refugees have readily available access to the resources we provide. The City's Housing, Library, and Communications divisions provide information on community services and events such as ESL and citizenship/naturalization classes, Know Your Rights classes, public benefits, economic development and entrepreneurship 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 30 of 68 resources, and other information. These initiatives are heavily promoted on the City calendar, newsletter, social media, and other channels. The City is committed to fostering and advancing immigrant inclusion with the support and efforts of the Human Relations Commission. Government Leadership Initiatives • Engage Human Relations Commission as an advisory body to the Mayor and City Council to provide input on how the community welcomes and embraces diversity and safeguards opportunities for all residents that helps to support a healthy community, strong and secure neighborhoods and a connected community • Engage with non-profit and community organizations, government and education agencies, and other entities to advance immigrant inclusion including but not limited to: o South Bay Community Services o San Ysidro Health District o Chula Vista Collaborative o Chula Vista Elementary School District o Sweetwater Union High School District o Southwestern College • Coordinate with internal and external partners to provide information on community services • Provide information on government resources, such as local government services and public benefits, English language learning opportunities, naturalization, economic development opportunities, education and other resources • Coordinate with internal and external partners to implement inclusive economic development efforts and provide information on workforce and economic development services, starting or expanding a business, to ensure residents benefit from the community’s economic vitality • Engage Human Relations Commission and other stakeholders to review Welcoming City efforts and initiatives and review annually and consider updates, enhancements, and new initiatives needed 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 31 of 68 Creating an environment where immigrants are welcome is important, but we also want to create a community where they can thrive. Ensuring that equitable access is available to the immigrant and refugee population is a key aspect to the success of our plan. Chula Vista is dedicated to addressing social and economic issues and responding with policies and practices that advance opportunities. Chula Vista’s Human Relations Commission isn’t alone in putting the work in toward equitable access. The City benefits from a number of strong partners and innovative programs including South Bay Community Services (SBCS), the Promise Neighborhood program, Family Resource Centers, and the Promotora Model used by a number of local organizations. With these partners, we work together to identify barriers to equitable access in our programs and services by making regular audits and improvements as needed. One of the improvements Chula Vista recently implemented was to strengthen language access amongst our City and in our communications to residents. Chula Vista coordinates across departments, especially with staff who interact with the public, to respond in native languages relevant to our immigrant and refugee communities. We want to be sure that these communities can easily access and understand important messages coming from the City, especially when it comes to emergency safety information and alerts. As such, Chula Vista collaborates with San Diego County Office of Emergency Services to ensure access to emergency information in a variety of languages and across platforms. The County distributes emergency messages via text, email and phone and recipients can view/hear messages in English and Spanish. In addition, we post emergency messages via various social media platforms that allow for customization of language preferences. To continue the promotion and support of language access, the City provides bilingual pay incentive and collaborates with Southwestern College to offer free Spanish classes to employees. A key element to achieving equitable access involves closing the gaps where immigrant and refugee communities are vulnerable. In a multi-faceted partnership between Chula Vista and other entities, the City provides information to residents regarding potential fraud and scams, in addition to arresting any individuals who may be involved in these activities. Chula Vista understands that the immigrant community faces anxiety and fear when seeking medical and healthcare options and treatment. We have several ways for immigrants to learn about the insurance options available to them – whether it’s at our libraries’ workshops on the Affordable Care Act or through our partner agencies. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 32 of 68 Chula Vista is proud of our Healthy Chula Vista program, which promotes immigrant access to services, testing, preventative health, mental health, and more. Housing is also a source of uncertainty for immigrants. The Chula Vista Housing Program coordinates an affordable housing program, while creating and sustaining decent, safe and affordable living environments. Our Housing Division offers a rent stabilization process for eligible residents to foster stability in the home and the neighborhood. Lastly, it’s important for the immigrant and refugee community to have access to justice services without feeling threatened regarding their citizenship status. Chula Vista’s Civic Center Branch Library offers weekly Law Librarian office hours for people who need assistance with legal information, including immigrants. Equitable access isn’t just a goal or a mission statement. It requires daily action to level the playing field for disadvantaged communities, and Chula Vista is committed to putting in the work to do so for all residents, including immigrant and refugee residents. Equitable Access Initiatives • Engage the Human Relations Commission to ensure the protection and strengthening of the rights of all groups to ensure the enjoyment of their constitutional privileges and the elimination thereby of prejudice, discrimination or bigotry in the City of Chula Vista • Implement Language Access Program to ensure customers and stakeholders can successfully engage in civic, community and business endeavors • Coordinate implementation of existing language access efforts meets required state and federal mandates for providing resources in other languages • Collaborate with internal partners (City Manager, City Clerk) to identify opportunities to provide translation services as needed for City Council and other public meetings, including providing translation service information on agendas • Coordinate with partners and programs to implement best practices to provide services that are responsive to diverse cultural practices, languages, and literacy levels • Coordinate implementation of existing language access processes to ensure broad internal and external implementation o Develop process for staff to request translation services with identified and certified bilingual city staff o Develop process to secure translation services as needed through the Voiance program (used by CVPD) so all languages are accessible to internal and external stakeholders • Collaborate across government agencies to ensure equitable language access to programs, services, and activities, including safety services and emergency and alert systems 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 33 of 68 • Collaborate externally across government agencies and internally across departments to ensure information and resources are available and promoted for immigrants to access housing, transportation planning and services, courts and legal services • Engage Human Relations Commission and other stakeholders to review equitable access efforts and consider updates, enhancements, and new initiatives needed 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 34 of 68 Chula Vista’s tactics for immigrant inclusion wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners. The City works with numerous entities to collaborate and create an environment that not only welcomes immigrants but seeks to support and propel them to success. The Human Relations Commission members also represent their communities and stakeholders that help bolster Chula Vista’s leadership in civic engagement. The City currently has 22 active commissions that residents join to participate in Chula Vista’s government processes. By opening the door to get immigrants involved in shaping and influencing public policy, our City benefits from a more diverse point of view. There are ample opportunities for immigrants to join the City for candidate forums, bu dget, transportation, infrastructure workshops, and more at events hosted by the Chula Vista Library. The City promotes and encourages participation in City Council meetings, Boards and Commissions, hearings and other public meetings and events hosted by the City or our partners. We’ve also implemented a robust media outreach and social media program to promote participation and attendance at meetings and events. One of Chula Vista’s goals is to encourage immigrants to participate in community activities. One of our most recent successes took place in October when more than 1,000 volunteers fanned out across the City to clean up and spruce up our parks and other common areas. A number of community-based organizations and programs work with us to advance these initiatives and more. Three partners of note are the Chula Vista Library, Chula Vista Community Collaborative and Southwestern College, who are active participants in supporting the naturalization efforts of immigrants and asylum seekers. Chula Vista is also an innovative leader when it comes to establishing voting practices that will benefit immigrants. Election information and polling centers are readily available for residents. Civic Engagement Initiatives • Engage Chula Vista residents in the decision-making process by promoting participation in one of 22 Boards and Commissions, which helps shape and influence public policy and provide diverse viewpoints for the City Council to consider • Collaborate with Charter Review Commission to request City Council consider change in policy for most City Commissioners to be registered voters (which requires U.S. citizenship), such as broadening the requirements to allow residents with certain designations (e.g., Lawful Permanent Resident, Student Visas, etc.) to apply to serve on Commissions 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 35 of 68 • Engage internal and external stakeholders such as Library, City Commissions, education providers, civic and community groups and others to promote civic engagement opportunities • Use City website, social media, signage/kiosks, newsletter and other media outlets to promote civic engagement opportunities, general information on the responsibilities of local government, City Council meetings, budget workshops, public meetings and forums, community surveys, and other input opportunities for decision making • Collaborate internally and externally to implement the Welcoming City Communications Plan to promote and secure civic engagement and participation in activities and events such as Census 2000, regional transportation planning, city planning, budget development, infrastructure planning, development projects, elections, and other activities • Maintain a robust website for residents to access information on city services, as well as information on other County of San Diego services (birth certificates, District Attorney, Court System, etc.), public safety information, traffic and transit information, legal services, and more • Engage Human Relations Commission and other stakeholders to review civic engagement efforts and consider updates, enhancements, and new initiatives needed 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 36 of 68 It can be an overwhelming and isolating feeling for immigrants and refugees to settle in communities that are completely unfamiliar. Whatever the circumstances that led to immigrants coming to Chula Vista, we want to create a synergy that makes their new home a comfortable place to live, work, and play, providing a smoother transition for all. Chula Vista’s Human Relations Commission has been leading efforts to enhance connections between immigrants and the receiving community. To promote regular interaction and communication between our leaders and leaders in the immigrant community, we host many citywide events that serve to meld our groups, such as Neighbor Day and the Multicultural Festival. Chula Vista is committed to keeping the gates of communication open, which is why the Human Relations Commission and other stakeholders often collaborate with the immigrant community to work on issues of common concern. Chula Vista has been successful in building relationships with the immigrant community and instituting programs specifically geared toward immigrant youth. Through City programs in housing, health, our libraries, school districts, and more, Chula Vista is nurturing connections that will improve the relationships between the immigrant community and receiving community for years to come. Chula Vista seeks to consistently invite the immigrant community to the table. By tapping into diverse media and communications platforms, Chula Vista distributes newsletters, social media posts, media articles, and more to promote the City as a welcoming community in the channels that count. All these efforts have culminated into an impressive designation from New American Economy – Chula Vista is one of the top cities in the country for integrating immigrants into the economy and community. Connected Communities Initiatives • Promote City Council actions and ongoing activities that support immigrant inclusion and the City’s welcoming culture for all residents • Enhance connections with immigrants and other residents through events and activities held at City libraries, parks, recreation centers schools, and other locations • Collaborate with partners to hold or promote events that celebrate community connections such as HarborFest, Mariachi Festival, ChulaFest, Bonita Fest, Neighbor Day, Beautify Chula Vista, Music in the Park, and Movies in the Park at City libraries, parks, recreation centers schools, and other locations 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 37 of 68 • Enhance collaboration with partners to promote a welcoming culture with activities that strengthen community bonds among immigrants and residents including youth; support immigrants in building diverse personal networks; and create more synergy among all communities in Chula Vista • Implement Welcoming City Communications Plan to promote City’s welcoming culture through communications activities across various media and communications platforms including social media, city website and newsletters, press releases, and other media outlets • Participate in annual Welcoming Week in September to promote milestones, celebrate accomplishments, and build awareness for City’s welcoming culture • Engage Human Relations Commission and other stakeholders to review connected communities’ efforts and consider updates, enhancements, and new initiatives needed 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 38 of 68 Chula Vista has a reputation of unparalleled education systems and academic prestige. That standard extends to all our student groups, and the immigrant community is no exception. Particularly of note are the programs at Chula Vista Elementary School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, and Southwestern College, which have a history of successful outcomes for immigrant and refugee students and have become models for other communities. The Chula Vista Elementary School District has programs that start as early as pre-K, with early learning, primary school readiness and Kindergarten Bootcamp available to immigrant students. The City makes dedicated efforts to promote equitable outcomes for all students, but also understands the importance of parents’ participation in our schools. Chula Vista’s South Bay Community Services ‘Promise Neighborhoods’ program helps immigrant parents navigate the education system and assist with tasks such as enrollment support. We can’t forget the other important player in the classroom: the teacher. The City partners with several school entities to establish training and support for educators who teach diverse student populations. Immigrant students have a wealth of extracurricular and enrichment activities available to them. Both Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) and Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) provide access to supplementary activities to students in their districts. Other services that Chula Vista facilitates for immigrant students include college readiness preparation, such as counseling, financial assistance, and in-state tuition. Southwestern College provides extensive services, including free tuition to qualifying individuals, to more than 20,000 students every semester. Chula Vista’s support of immigrant students even extends post-graduation. Southwestern College and the South County Career Center in Chula Vista provide career readiness support and professional development opportunities for both immigrant students and adults. They also help with the facilitation of technical degrees, certification programs, professional licensing, and credentialing for immigrants. Education Initiatives • Collaborate with education partners at CVESD and SUHSD and other stakeholders to promote and implement programs that advance equitable outcomes for all students including children in immigrant families 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 39 of 68 • Collaborate with education partners at CVESD and SUHSD and other stakeholders such as South Bay Community Services to reach immigrants and first-generation families and promote parent engagement in schools and support parents in navigating the education system • Collaborate with education partners at SUHSD and Southwestern College to provide information on services, such as counseling, financial assistance, and free or in-state tuition options to increase immigrant student access to higher education • Collaborate with education partners at CVESD and SUHSD and through the Chula Vista Public Library to address early learning and primary school readiness for children including immigrant children • Collaborate with education partners at Southwestern College, South County Economic Development Council, San Diego Workforce Partnership and South County Career Center in Chula Vista to provide career readiness support for students • Disseminate via social media, website, newsletter and other media outlets information on City and partner events that promote educational opportunities such as ASL Sign Language, Kindergarten Bootcamp, Innovation Station, Hydration Station, Adult Literacy, and others • Engage Human Relations Commission, education providers and other stakeholders to review education efforts and consider updates, enhancements, and new initiatives needed 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 40 of 68 With only seven miles between Chula Vista and busiest land border crossing in the country, the City is at the epicenter of an international trade region. As a result, our economy is fierce and growing stronger year after year. With quality infrastructure, an educated workforce, and business-friendly policy, Chula Vista makes calculated efforts to nurture the vitality of our economy among both the immigrant community and the receiving community. Chula Vista’s economic development agencies have a strong commitment to supporting and engaging the diverse workforce, businesses, and entrepreneurs in the region. The City avidly seeks to identify opportunities for immigrants, as employers or employees, through workshops, training, and other events. For immigrants and refugees looking to establish their own enterprise in Chula Vista, the City partners with South County Economic Development Council, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center in South County to advance immigrant opportunities to start, build and grow businesses. The City’s partnership with the South County Small Business Development Center provides a number of free classes and one-on-one coaching to entrepreneurs regardless of immigration status. Chula Vista wants to equip immigrant entrepreneurs with all the tools they need for business success. The City’s program to strengthen immigrants’ knowledge of the financial system extend to all business owners, and also coaches them on the risk of predatory services. Chula Vista regularly assesses barriers for immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners and works with partners to identify and include immigrant parties in the City's economic development approach. For immigrant job seekers, Chula Vista’s offerings are just as robust. Immigrants can utilize our collaboration with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, the South County Economic Development Council, Southwestern College, and the South County Career Center to connect with employer networks, partake in professional networking and mentorship opportunities, get assistance in their search for jobs that provide a living wage, and identify relevant internships and apprenticeships. Because many immigrants come into Chula Vista with varied work experience, programs are in place to create workforce development solutions that meet the needs of both business owners and job seekers. To ensure immigrants can easily integrate into their new jobs, Chula Vista promotes workplace language learning opportunities for Spanish speakers. One of the issues facing immigrant employees are hazardous work conditions and weakened workers’ rights. Chula Vista promotes transparency and just practices by advocating for immigrants to know their rights in the workplace. Southwestern College 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 41 of 68 offers a variety of workplace classes through its Continuing Education Program. The South County Small Business Development Center also offers training and workshops on workplace issues and human resources. The City recently enhanced collaborations to address education on workers' rights, workplace safety, predatory practices, and improved access to legal advice. Economic Development Initiatives • Engage workforce development agencies, local employers, chambers of commerce, and other employer networks to promote inclusive economic development and immigrant inclusion • Engage with Southwestern College, South County Economic Development Council, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center in South County to advance immigrant opportunities to start, build and grow businesses • Engage with partners to identify economic development needs and opportunities for South County businesses including those run by immigrants by providing informational workshops, training and other resources to address contracting, financing, networking, technical assistance, workplace conditions and culture, discriminatory practices in hiring and employment, and other workplace issues • Disseminate via social media, website, newsletter and other media outlets information on City and partner events that promote workforce and economic development opportunities, training and resources Chula Vista businesses including immigrant owned businesses • Engage Human Relations Commission, economic development representatives, and other stakeholders to review efforts and consider updates, enhancements, and new initiatives needed 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 42 of 68 Recently ranked the third safest city in California, Chula Vista’s safety personnel are highly skilled, progressive, and committed to prevention. The Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) maintains a close partnership with community organizations to improve immigrant relations. The Police Department places a high priority on providing training to aid the knowledge and capability of first responder personnel to interact and assist diverse communities. CVPD regularly hosts programs and events specifically intended to build relationships, enhance communication, and break down barriers between law enforcement and diverse communities, including the immigrant community. They also collaborate with community organizations on homelessness prevention and intervention, domestic violence intervention, and emergency response for immigrants. To ensure immigrants have the knowledge of the City’s regulations and their own rights and responsibilities, Chula Vista partnered with the ACLU to hold workshops at our libraries to educate immigrants. In addition to the Police and Fire Departments, Code Enforcement is also under the jurisdiction of the City. Programs are in place to strengthen relationships and promote regular communication between law and code enforcement agencies and the immigrant community. The City endeavors to protect the health, safety, and quality of life for our communities and Code Enforcement is a key part of that effort. Chula Vista’s Code Enforcement Division works to provide education of applicable codes and rules and work with residents to achieve code compliance, so Chula Vista will be a more livable city. Safe Communities Initiatives • Collaborate with Chula Vista Police and Fire Departments to ensure training and resources are dedicated to preparing and supporting first responder personnel to interact and communicate in diverse communities (see Language Access above) • Promote collaboration among CVPD, CVFD, and Code enforcement to protect the health, safety, and quality of life for our communities • Engage internally and externally to educate residents and immigrants about their rights and responsibilities under the law • Communicate City policies regarding immigration including Chula Vista Police Department Policy 428 that outlines long-standing policies in place that are reflective of core values that focus on public safety – not immigration 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 43 of 68 • Participate and/or host programs and events intended to build relationships, enhance communication, and break down barriers between law enforcement and diverse communities, including the immigrant community • Provide support for victims (crime, trauma, fire, etc.) through the Citizens Adversity Response Team (CAST) program • Provide support for victims of domestic violence through collaboration with South Bay Community Services to respond 24/7 with an emergency response unit • Engage with Code Enforcement Division to educate community on City codes and ordinances that have been created to protect the health, safety, and quality of life for residents of Chula Vista and work with residents and business owners to achieve code compliance • Engage public safety and code enforcement representatives, Human Relations Commission and other stakeholders to review safe communities’ efforts and consider updates, enhancements, and new initiatives needed 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 44 of 68 Evaluating the Welcoming Chula Vista Implementation Plan provides the opportunity to report on completed efforts and to review, revise and expand initiatives and priorities as needed. The process will be implemented through Human Relations Commission and will engage a diverse stakeholder group from the local immigrant community and receiving community. The Plan will be evaluated annually with an initial discussion at the Human Relations Commission in October, input from stakeholders and partners, followed by a report and recommendations from staff in January. The assessment process will include inviting internal and external stakeholders to provide input and feedback on what’s working, what could be improved, and what new initiatives should be considered. For more information, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/welcoming. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 45 of 68 RFP P10-22/23 Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 46 of 68 Today's Presentation Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Action Plan Equity & Inclusion Efforts Our Why Goals & Scope of Work February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager RFP Process & Selected Consultant City Council Workshop Next Steps 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 47 of 68 Chula Vista February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager Certified Welcoming City Adopted Digital Equity and Inclusion Plan Developed Climate Equity Index Veteran's Park inclusive playspace Additional efforts (e.g., inclusive economic development work with Harvard Bloomberg and elimination of library fines) ARPA Spending Plan allocated funds for this effort Examples of Our Equity & Inclusion Efforts 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 48 of 68 Our Why Foster an inclusive workforce to create an environment where all employees are welcomed and comfortable in who they uniquely are Leads to better collaboration, engagement, morale, diverse perspectives for improved outcomes, increased productivity resulting in better service to the community and all customers working with the City Internal: Operational External: Community-serving Understand the diverse needs and perspectives of all members of our community so that we are better able to serve them, leading to better relationships/trust and improved quality of life Inequities are addressed and responded to in order to improve outcomes and quality of life for underrepresented populations February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 49 of 68 Our Why Budgeting and resource allocation Communication and civic engagement Digital equity and inclusion Education Employment Health Housing and land use Inclusive economic development Internal practices Mobility and transportation Public safety Racial and social justice Sustainability and environmental justice February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 50 of 68 Short Term Goals Baseline report Cultural Assessment Structural Assessment Community outreach Develop an internal JEDI Guidance Council Collaborate to create a statement of intent and unifying definitions Identification of appropriate metrics & KPIs Develop a five-year JEDI Action Plan February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 51 of 68 Long Term Goals Organization-wide commitment to sustain the JEDI strategy Develop a sustainable training strategy Implementation of training strategies Long term monitoring and evaluation measures February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 52 of 68 RFP Process CVMC Section 2.56.110 R F P a d v e r t i s e d o n P l a n e t B i d s F E B R U A R Y 2 1 , 2 0 2 2 M a n d a t o r y p r e - s u b m i t t a l c o n f e r e n c e S u b m i t t a l d e a d l i n e I n t e r v i e w s N o t i c e o f i n t e n t t o a w a r d C i t y C o u n c i l a w a r d M A R C H 1 4 , 2 0 2 2 M A R C H 2 1 , 2 0 2 2 M A Y 3 1 , 2 0 2 2 J U N E 2 2 , 2 0 2 2 J U L Y 1 9 , 2 0 2 2 February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 53 of 68 Selected Consultant Tribesy is a women-owned general partnership firm with Reena Doyle and Gail Watts as co-founders and the firm’s primary consultants. 30 years experience in diversity, equity and inclusion working for city governments and nonprofits Tribesy has impacted 20 million people through their work with government agencies, the education industry and nonprofits February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 54 of 68 Scope of Work 1 Organizational Assessment 2 Community & External Stakeholder Assessment 3 Training & Coaching 4 Analyze Policies & Systems 5 Strategic Action Plan Key Deliverables February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 55 of 68 Scope of Work 1 Foundation Assessment Phase 2 Foundation Development Phase: Roadmap Creation 3 Foundation Development Phase: JEDI Lens Implementation 4 Ongoing Implementation Phase: Bridge and Align OPTIONAL August 2022 - March 2023 April 2023 - August 2023 Project Phases September 2023 - February 2024 February 2024 - February 2025 February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 56 of 68 Next Steps Cultural Assessment Structural Assessment Additional Community Outreach 1:1s with new Councilmembers JEDI Guidance Council February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 57 of 68 Developing the City of Chula Vista JEDI Lens Soliciting input from colleagues Various JEDI presentations to key stakeholders Developing the City of Chula Vista's Strategic Plan February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager JEDI Guidance Council 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 58 of 68 Questions? Thank you! February 7, 2023City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Manager 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 59 of 68 1 Adrianna Hernandez From:Nancy Relaford Sent:Thursday, February 23, 2023 4:48 AM To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Welcoming America letter attached- please add to HRC Feb. 23, 2023 agenda packet Attachments:WA Letter 2021-12-06 HRC Agenda Packet - Special.pdf Hello, I'm attaching a copy of Welcoming America's letter and report on their investigation of Chula Vista's Welcoming City compliance in 2021. Please include this file in the HRC agenda packet for tonight's meeting so the commissioners can refer to it.This letter was copied from the 12.06.2021 HRC agenda packet; the full packet is at https://cvapps.chulavistaca.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=241543&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk Please include this file in the HRC agenda packet for tonight's meeting so the commissioners can refer to it during discussion. Many thanks, Nancy Nancy Relaford (she/her) Warning: External Email 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 60 of 68 II 'i1 W 1 1,4 1=_ 1)1- 11 :71`'I AVl `,I1 "i0 l fu 'iCJ i,il',} 4i i4 6 rl F ,,., cea Ufiedwwa Oeoutr7ong.orr i "W& Anne Steinberger City of Chula Vista 276 Fourth Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910 Dear Ms. Steinberger: Welcoming America received a complaint against the City of Chula Vista for non-compliance with two criteria in the Welcoming Standard: A1.2: No locally-mandated government policies exist where the primary purpose of the policy is to increase the rate of immigrant detention or deportation. C 2: A partnership program(s) is in place to strengthen relationships and promote regular communication between law and code enforcement agencies and the immigrant community. First, Welcoming America acknowledges that the initial assessment of compliance with EA 1.2 in 2019 was incorrect. When Welcoming America conducted its audit and certification of the City of Chula Vista as Certified Welcoming, our team was not aware that the City of Chula Vista was sharing automatic license plate reader(ALPR) data with federal immigration agencies. Had we known that this information was being shared,the assessment would have been non-compliant. We apologize for this error and have added additional search queries and stakeholder interview questions to our certification assessment. After an extensive review and investigation of compliance with the two criteria listed, Welcoming America has determined that the City of Chula Vista remains compliant with the Welcoming Standard with observations that must be addressed for the City of Chula Vista to be recertified as Certified Welcoming in November 2022. You can review our findings on the following page. If you have any questions about our analysis or findings, please do not hesitate to contact me at Sincerely, Melissa Bertolo Certified Welcoming Director 12/6/2021 HRC Agenda Page 12 of 142023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 61 of 68 C0 t4k EA1.2: No locally-mandated government policies exist where the primary purpose of the policy is to increase the rate of immigrant detention or deportation. Status: Compliant Evidence: The City of Chula Vista has officially ended its information sharing with federal immigration authorities by April 2021. Observations: While the City of Chula Vista has ended its information sharing with federal immigration enforcement agencies, other public agencies within the state of California have continued to share this sensitive data (see the recent....laws.u u::ll..... ..g .g.n.s::ll....::ll.lh. .....lMad.n..... .a u.n.:lly Sheriff°s fii.ce.). The City of Chula Vista is expected to address data ownership, retention, and management to ensure that the data it is collecting is not inadvertently shared for the purpose of immigrant detention or deportation. Additionally, concerns with the ALPR and other surveillance technology exist beyond data management and information sharing. Surveillance technology can disproportionately impact certain communities, including immigrants. The City of Chula Vista is expected to have a process to ensure that the surveillance equipment it utilizes does not have a disparate impact on any members of its community. Additional Comments: We appreciate the City's request for an audit of its license plate reader program by the California Department of Justice and look forward to learning of the audit's findings and how the City of Chula Vista responds. The City of Chula Vista has an opportunity to develop formal processes that require transparency, oversight, and meaningful community engagement for surveillance technology usage. C 2: A partnership program(s) is in place to strengthen relationships and promote regular communication between law and code enforcement agencies and the immigrant community. Status: Compliant Evidence: The Human Relations Commission (HRC) and the Community Advisory Committee CAC) have defined roles that meet this criteria. Observation(s): While the City of Chula Vista is compliant with this criteria,there is clear mistrust between community members and the Chula Vista Police Department as a result of the contract with Vigilant Solutions. A plan to rebuild this trust, developed with community members at large, is expected prior to recertification. Additional Comments: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial challenges for communities across the country to provide meaningful and accessible opportunities for residents to engage with their local governments. Chula Vista was not immune to these challenges,which unfortunately have only exacerbated the loss of trust between residents and 12/6/2021 HRC Agenda Page 13 of 142023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 62 of 68 C0 t4k law enforcement. While in-person meetings have resumed, creating accessible virtual civic engagement opportunities for individuals with limited English proficiency and limited digital literacy is an opportunity for the City of Chula Vista. Furthermore,there is a real opportunity to fully engage residents on the topic of mass surveillance technology. Additionally, it is our understanding that the Chula Vista city council is currently considering creating a commission to act as an oversight agency of the police department and that the Community Advisory Committee is currently working on updating the ALPR usage policy. Engaging the public in these processes is an opportunity to maintain transparency and ensure community feedback and expertise is considered. 12/6/2021 HRC Agenda Page 14 of 142023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 63 of 68 1 Adrianna Hernandez From:Margaret Baker Sent:Thursday, February 23, 2023 1:05 AM To:Human Relations Commission Subject:Public Comments regarding Welcoming City I have “cut and pasted” the Public Comments (for Agenda Item 6) submiƩed to the City Council meeƟng on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. They are relevant to the discussion for Agent Item 5.2 at the Human RelaƟons Commission meeƟng on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Please distribute to all Commissioners. Thank you. Kathy Cappos-Hardy: This is Chula? I was excited to be one of the community members who was interviewed by the Welcoming America commiƩee as Chula Vista sought “Welcoming City” status. I was proud when we “passed the test” and became cerƟfied. I was there when the flag was liŌed on the pole outside of City Hall leƫng the community know we were commiƩed to being more inclusive of all people. LiƩle did I know that it was all a mirage! We later learned that CVPD had a contract with Vigilant SoluƟons who was sharing collected data with ICE. Is that the criteria of a Welcoming City? I think NOT! We have recently learned that the City decided to ignore recerƟficaƟon without public input! The City conƟnues to tout the now “empty Ɵtle” of a Welcoming City when it’s been proven that we failed the test. “This is Chula” is an embarrassment! Lois Klepin: Chula Vista is no longer a cerƟfied Welcoming City. The message this sends to the San Diego community is that Chula Vista does not consider it important to be explicit about welcoming those targeted by anƟ-immigrant policies. It says Chula Vista will silently sit by rather than lead on issues of civil and human rights. I find this disgraceful. That the decerƟficaƟon occurred behind closed doors, and Chula Vistans are only learning about it through reporter alerts, is suggesƟve of decepƟon. I expect beƩer from my City Council representaƟves. Andrea Beth Damsky: Good evening, Mayor and Council Members. Warning: External Email 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 64 of 68 2 It is deeply concerning to me to learn that the City of Chula Vista has lost its status as a Welcoming City, without any announcement or official decision to do so. I am one of many community acƟvists who lobbied City Council to urge it to pursue Welcoming City status iniƟally. It was a proud thing for Chula Vista to be the first Welcoming City in California, and it is a shameful thing to also be the first City to lose this status. It is even more shameful that this status was lost as a result of a unilateral decision by your City Manager, without input from City Council. Welcoming City status has meaning and value to Chula Vista residents. I implore you to invest Ɵme, care, and treasure in re-establishing Chula Vista as a Welcoming City. Pedro Rios: As a representaƟve of the American Friends Service CommiƩee and a 19-year resident of Chula Vista's District 4, I’m concerned that Chula Vista is not seeking to recer Ɵfy itself as a Welcoming City. When ciƟes openly declare themselves to be in favor of policies that protect and welcome immigrants, it means that immigrants and their families feel safer to parƟcipate in City events. It means that immigrant families can reach out to City officials for support. To not seek out a Welcoming City status designaƟon effecƟvely sends the wrong message to immigrant families - that they no longer are valued and insƟtuƟonal barriers should remain in place to shut them out of parƟcipaƟng in the make-up of their city. Chula Vista must reconsider its decision-making processes and it should strive for accountability. City officials must recommit to welcoming immigrants, and it must be explicit in how it supports its immigrant community members. Wendy Galernter: Regarding Chula Vista's "Welcoming City" cerƟficaƟon: * The CIty must stop claiming the Ɵtle of Welcoming City; * The City must provide a full and honest accounƟng of the decision not to apply for Welcoming City recerƟficaƟon and the failure to seek input or communicate regarding this major change in direcƟon * The City must make a public commitment to set enforceable policies and program criteria to protect the rights, safety and well-being of immigrants. Jose Lopez: ACCE members in Chula Vista helped advocate for the city to be cerƟfied as a welcoming city. We were proud that Chula Vista was the first Welcoming City in California during a Ɵme when anƟ- immigrant senƟment was shaping public policy. Then, we found out that Chula Vista PD was sharing ALPR data with federal immigraƟon agencies. Now, it appears that the City Manager has unilaterally chosen to not comply with the City Council mandate to pursue cerƟficaƟon as a Welcoming City. All of this is shameful. We need accountability to ensure that Chula Vista stands for values that uphold basic rights and welcomes ALL to our city. We ask that you stop claimi ng the Ɵtle of Welcoming City. Provide a full and honest accounƟng of the decision not to apply for Welcoming City recerƟficaƟon and the failure to seek input or communicate regarding this major 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 65 of 68 3 change in direcƟon. Make a public commitment to set enforceable policies and program criteria to protect the rights, safety and well-being of immigrants. PaƟ Ruiz: I was surprised to hear in a recent KPBS story that Chula Vista is no longer a cerƟfied welcoming city because the city lost its cerƟficaƟon in December 2022. As a Chula Vista resident, I did not read or hear anything from the city about abandoning this program and I would like to understand how this decision was made and the reasoning behind this decision-making process. Also, how was the community informed of this decision? How does Chula Vista support its immigrant community members and how will we, the city, conƟnue to commit to welcoming the immigrants who make us such a strong community? Margaret Baker: In 2017, South Bay People Power supported Chula Vista becoming a Welcoming City. We were actively involved with establishment of the Human Relations Commission & completing the steps to become “certified.” We naively assumed the City would heed our input at meetings & protect the rights of immigrants. We were shocked & spoke up when we learned from reporters that CVPD has contracts with companies (Vigilant & Motorola) that put immigrants & other vulnerable members of our community at risk of disparate & harmful law enforcement & continues to expand these programs without civilian oversight or accountability. Last week reporters alerted us to the City’s lack of commitment to the Welcoming America Standard, & glaring lack of transparency. We are again stunned! It seems “Welcoming” was just window dressing & a PR ploy. We demand that the City immediately: 1. Stop claiming the title of Welcoming City; 2. Provide a full & honest accounting of the decision not to apply for recertification & not to seek community input, take up the question before City Council or the HRC or communicate about this major change in direction; 3. Make a serious commitment to repair the breaches of trust, to set enforceable policies & program criteria to protect the rights, safety & well-being of immigrants, & to waste no time in establishing independent civilian oversight & mechanisms of public accountability regarding city policies & programs. Ian Seruelo: I am Ian M Seruelo, a member of Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) and a resident of San Diego. Chula Vista should either be true to its declaraƟon that it is a "Welcoming City" or stop the charade and be transparent to the public. Notwithstanding the recent about-face of the City, we are calling on Chula Vista to reconsider and make a public commitment to set enforceable policies and program criteria to protect the rights, safety and well-being of immigrants. Carolyn Scofield: Good Evening, Mayor McCann and Councilmembers Preciado, Cardenas, Chavez, and Gonzalez, 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 66 of 68 4 Welcoming City was a valuable program to everyone in Chula Vista. It provided tools and resources to help our city and partners “reduce the barriers that immigrants face to fully par ƟcipaƟng and build bridges between newcomers and long-Ɵme residents.” Now, due lack of transparency and communicaƟon in our city, public news sources have revealed that the program no longer exists. The needs for Welcoming City will conƟnue to exist. I urge you to provide Ɵmely and relevant opportuniƟes for our residents to learn the facts about how and why the program ended, and give input and parƟcipate in next steps moving forward. Thank you. Nancy Relaford: When we found out in December 2020 that Chula Vista had been sharing surveillance data with ICE, people asked “How could a Welcoming City share data with immigra Ɵon enforcement and put our immigrant community at risk?” As we worked to change the city’s reckless and secre Ɵve surveillance pracƟces, people came to understand that Chula Vista’s commitment to Welcoming America standards was all talk and no acƟon. CerƟficaƟon was just a trophy to point to, not guidelines for decision making. Now the City has made its choice crystal clear: when Welcoming America told Chula Vista to fix concerns related to surveillance in order to gain recerƟficaƟon, the City Manager chose surveillance over immigrants. She unilaterally decided not even to a Ʃempt recerƟficaƟon - and then kept the decision secret for months while sƟll claiming Welcoming City status! The nonsensical excuse that JEDI is a higher priority just weakens the JEDI iniƟaƟve with the same cynical poison. We need transparency, honesty, and a real commitment to immigrant safety, privacy, and inclusion. No more window dressing. No more secrecy and lies. DO BETTER! Kathy Tell: I saw the recent segment on PBS by Gustavo Solis about Chula Vista claiming it is a Welcoming City even though it is no longer one. That is very dishonest. Apparently, the city of Chula Vista should never had had that Ɵtle since they were releasing police surveillance informaƟon to ICE. Chula Vista needs to stop using the Ɵtle of a Welcoming City and provide a full accounƟng of the decision not to apply for Welcoming City recerƟficaƟon. Chula Vista needs to make a public commitment to protect the rights, safety and well-being of immigrants. Rev. Tania Y. Marquez: I was one of the faith leaders present when Chula Vista was cerƟfied as a welcoming city in 2019. This also happened aŌer some of the most difficult years of blatant public racism and discriminaƟon towards immigrants. We were proud of the city and its leaderships. We were proud of the values this cerƟficaƟon represented. I urge you to reconsider both your pracƟces and your decision to not seek recerƟficaƟon. Undocumented immigrants already bear the burden of living in the shadows and of facing the uncertainty, fear, and anguish that comes with this. I urge you to reconsider and to make the commitment to be a safe city for those who are already vulnerable. Francis X. Riley: 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 67 of 68 5 As I put in my comment about this item for the last regular Council MeeƟng, this item in not on the Agenda but it is in the News and being talked about in the community, namely: the City Manager's unilateral decision not to proceed with process for the Welcoming City designaƟon for the City of Chula Vista. While some might contend that the Welcoming City DesignaƟon is more symbolic than substanƟve, percepƟon maƩers especially when a non-elected city official overrides the intent an ordinance passed by the former City Council. I urge the members of the current City Council to review this and approve acƟons needed to make Chula Vista a Welcoming City actually, as well as symbolically. Paƫ Huffman: Several years ago I worked hard encouraging the city to become a Welcoming City. I have lived in Chula Vista for 92 years and was so proud that we had done this. Now I hear, with no input from the residents and in secret, you have not renewed. Please stop using this as though you had renewed, and tell us why this has happened. 2023/02/23 HRC Agenda Page 68 of 68