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Human Relations Commission

Minutes of Regular Meeting
April 3, 2003
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The Human Relations Commission of the City of Los Angeles met for its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2003, at 10:15 a.m., 200 N. Spring St., City Hall Room 1050, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 3, 2003

Minutes were not approved to lack of quorum

2. COMMISSION ROLL CALL

Commissioners introduced themselves

3. PRESIDENT’S REPORT (LORRAINE BRADLEY)

President Bradley reported on the March 24th Hate Crimes Press Conference, which she attended along with Commissioners Hussain and Steinberg plus Rabbi Freehling, who spoke. Also, participating were the Mayor, several Council members and a group of religious leaders. President Bradley indicated that the purpose of the event was to denounce hate crimes provoked by the conflict in Iraq.

Commissioner Muskin noted that a press conference is taking place at his synagogue in light of a shooting incident, which occurred a week before. A number of calls were placed to 911; however, there was no response from the police. Commissioner Muskin stated that the incident might have been motivated by hate, since the building has a big sign indicating that it is a synagogue.

Rabbi Freehling explained to Commissioner Muskin that part of the relationship between the Human Relations Commission and the Los Angeles Police Department is to improve rapid response. Had we been informed at the time, calls would have been made to the appropriate LAPD contacts to expedite the response. Rabbi Freehling stated that a system is in place and should be used to assist people in situations such as this one. Commissioner Muskin said that he was not sure why there was no response. The conference was called by Councilman Weiss to clarify the 911 lack of response. Commissioner Muskin is hosting the conference at 9317 west Pico. Rabbi Freehling requested for a Human Relations Staff member to attend the conference.

4. PROJECT OVERVIEW OF “PICTURING RACE” PROGRAM AND DISTRIBUTION OF PHOTO BOOKS

Michelle spoke about the “Picturing Race” project that began almost two years ago with the Venice Arts organization in Council District Eleven. The project took a group of young photographers from Venice Arts to attend the United Nations conference on Racism in South Africa. The purpose was to get tangible manifestations of racial inequality and injustice in South African society as well as in Los Angeles. Some of the photographs documented exactly what happened at the conference, such as ANC, Palestinian and Israeli protesters, as well as Delhi’s the Untouchable of India protests. Other pictures showed the ethnic and cultural side of Los Angeles. The idea is to allow readers to compare and contrast of the similarities and differences between the pictures.

There are a number of books available for distribution at no charge. The goal is to get them to as many people as possible. Michelle indicated that while some of the pictures were inflammatory, they reflected the events of the conference and exactly what the kids saw through their cameras. She further stated that some of the photographs speak on different levels, and looked at a contrast of people in cultures.

Rabbi Freehling announced that Michelle would terminate her relationship with the Commission around the fifteenth of July. Michelle stated that her fiancé was accepted to MIT and they will be moving to Boston.

Commissioner Muskin inquired about the distribution of the book and the number of printed books available.

Michelle replied that the Commissioners are the first to receive the book. It will be sent to Administrators of public and private high schools throughout Los Angles, Council Offices, General Managers of city departments, Human Relations Office for the County of Los Angeles and other Human Relations offices throughout the state, as well as other contacts in the Human Relations Database. There are around 2,500 to 2,700 copies of the book.

Rabbi Freehling added that a number of these books have been given to Venice Arts for distribution. Also, the books will be available at the Human Relations table at the Neighborhood Congress on Saturday. Moreover, Rabbi Freehling indicated that there were talks of a public event; however, in light of the recent events in Iraq it was deemed inappropriate. There may be a public event in May to wrap up this year and more books will be distributed during the event. As time goes on people will be requesting the book.

In addition, Michelle stated that the pictures were used as a discussion point for a number of community dialogues including the 2002 Martin Luther King celebration and a number of presentations at USC and UCLA. She also asked the Commissioners to refer any organizations that they feel can benefit from a dialogue or open discussion on the subject. Rabbi Freehling also presented the idea or possibility of distributing the book to public libraries to allow for a wider spread.

In response to questions regarding the cost and publication of the book, Michelle indicated that the Human Relations Office put out the book. The cost was between $6-$7 per book. The books were printed at the city print shop. There was also a $20,000 grant to Venice Arts, which included half the cost of the yearlong program and the trip cost of the young photographers to South Africa and all the follow up exhibitions. Commissioner Muskin asked whom to contact to facilitate open dialogue on the topic?

Michelle stated that she is the contact until the middle of July. She also stated that Henrietta Williams is another Staff member that can be contacted. She was the only African American in the U.S delegation that monitored the first all race elections in South Africa in 1994. She has extensive experience in South Africa and has contributed extensively to this project.

In reply to questions regarding the number of young people on the U.S delegation to the United Nations Racism Conference, Michelle indicated that there were seven children between the ages of eight and seventeen. The eight-year-old girl got the best photos. She was able to approach kids in South Africa and take their pictures. Michelle also stated that she shared a room with one of the participants and was able to have a lot of discussions with the youth. Moreover, there was a good deal of preparatory work with the assistance of Henrietta Williams. From her extensive experience in South Africa, she was able to prepare the kids on the historical, geographical and political aspects. She was also able to explain why South Africa was selected to host the conference. In addition, Michelle indicated that in light of their trip to South Africa, the kids had a different perspective on the events of September 11th. The trip provided them with a much more global perspective of the events and allowed them to establish friendships with kids from other cultures. Michelle gave an example of one of the kids on the delegation that developed a great friendship with a Sikh kid from Canada.

Rabbi Freehling pointed out that with reference to the field team vacancy after Michelle leaves, there is a question of filling the position due to the hiring freeze. The hard hiring freeze made it impossible to replace Ruby Turner, which left the position of Director of Administrative Services vacant. Although the funds are available to bring in a new field team member, the hiring freeze made it difficult to get permission for a seventh field team member. Rabbi Freehling stated if there is a difficulty in getting approval to fill the vacancy, it may be requested that the Commissioner draft and adopt a resolution, which can be delivered to the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer asking for an exemption for these positions to be filled. While Ellie Sears has been assuming the extra work from Ruby’s vacant position, we can not expect her to do it forever. Moreover, Rabbi Freehling pointed out that even though we have been limping along with the absence of Ruby, we could be paralyzed if the two vacant field team positions were left unfilled.

5. EXECUTIVES DIRECTOR’S REPORT

First, Rabbi Freehling began by asking the Commissioners to read the Human Relations Commission’s monthly reports submitted to the Mayor’s Office. It is important for the Commissioners to absorb each text and share its contents with other people. This will help to keep the Commissioners informed of what is being done, especially since there is a tremendous amount of activities.

Rabbi Freehling stated that because of the military actions in Iraq, the work of our department has been intensified in a number of ways. Our Council of Government Representatives has the city and county with the means to be ready to address the needs of any individual or group targeted by perpetrators of hate crime or hate language. Also, we are deeply dependent on our Human Relations Network to help us monitor any incidents of hate crime and language so that appropriate responsive actions are taken.

In addition, our Faith Leaders Advisory Board is being asked to join the Mayor, members of City Council, Chief of Police and other city officials to let any potential hatemongers know that attempts to initiate wrongdoing will not be tolerated.

Members of the Human Relations Field Team have been asked to measure and weigh this community’s emotional condition, so as to become aware of and to report any hate-prompted occurrences brought to their attention. Rabbi Freehling indicated that, in all likelihood, we will be offering citizens of Los Angeles the opportunity to gain insights regarding the phenomenon of discriminatory hate and to consider ways to remedy this societal illness in a series of sessions, which may occur throughout the city as early as May.

In addition to overseeing all of these activities, Rabbi Freehling explained that he is also spending some time communicating in the following areas:

Assisting in preparations of statements being articulated at public events that we are helping to organize.

Providing assistance when press releases are being written in advance of certain happenings.

Speaking on the origins of hate at a number of public gatherings and to the media.

Talking and writing to worried Angelenos, who make us aware of their own special needs as they experience anxieties and fears in anticipation of possibly being singled out as targets of hate, bias, oppression and prejudices.

Rabbi Freehling assured the Commissioners that, while the challenges of the moment are many and vary, they are never daunting. Rather, they energize us to address them one by one for the benefit of the community, which is increasingly depending on our presence as a group of caring, compassionate and experienced professionals, who are deeply committed to safeguarding the emotional and physical wellbeing of Angelenos. We are taking our work very seriously and carrying it off with a great deal of success.

Commissioner Steinberg pointed to a published newspaper article written by Dr. Cliff Cheng, a Former Commissioner. It addressed the issues of hate crime against Arab groups. Commissioner Steinberg stated that the article was thought- provoking and he provided a copy of it for everyone to review. He also indicated that such articles will help everyone to stay informed, and that it is the responsibility of each commissioner to share articles that they feel are significant to the work of this department.

Also, Commissioner Steinberg suggested that his colleagues call the office to confirm their attendance at our monthly meetings. This will help us to know if there is going to be a quorum present. Commissioner Muskin agreed with Commissioner Steinberg. Moreover, he asked if there is a purpose for having a meeting if there is no quorum? Rabbi Freehling, replied that this was the point of Commissioner Steinberg’s request, so that, if there is not going to be a quorum there is no need to have the meeting. He asked Kendra to maintain a list of Commissioners who will be attending the meeting ahead of time. This will give us an opportunity to alert Commissioners in the event there is not going to be a quorum available.

In reply, Kendra stated that she needs a 48-hour notice ahead of time if someone is not going to attend. Reminders will be sent to Commissioners a week in advance.

President Bradley announced that on May 1st John Miller from LAPD would attend to discus Anti- Terrorism issues and that Paula Pettrota (the Executive Director of The Commission on Status of Women) will discuss efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against all women.

Commissioner Steinberg suggested that there be established a management team composed of current officers, the Executive Directors and previous Presidents now serving on the Commission to meet between meeting if there were things that needed to be decided. President Bradley stated that there have not been any problems, which require such action. The presence of cellular phones, e-mails, etc… has made it easy to get a quick response.

Commissioner Steinberg noted the need to avoid violating the Brown Act. Rabbi Muskin suggested that Rabbi Freehling use the telephone to contact Commissioners in cases where urgent actions are needed.

Commissioner Boorstin acknowledged Rabbi Muskin’s request to use the telephone as a contact for urgent matters, but also added that it is nice to have e-mail responses, as well.

Rabbi Freehling announced that there would be seven major public events, which will occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the month of May. They will occur in each of the seven sectors of the city, where testimony will be provided to people who have been targeted by hate crime and hate language.

Panels of experts will then suggest ways to rid this community of bias prejudice and hate. Commissioners will be notified about dates and venues, so they may attend these events.

Commissioner Steinberg asked for a list of Advisors and their contact numbers. Rabbi Freehling agreed to provide the list. Commissioner Steinberg distributed an article focusing on Affirmative Action. He explained that it was a summary of the criteria that are used by Michigan in order to admit students to its universities, including race, geographical area and SAT exam scores. Commissioner Steinberg requested the matter of affirmative action be added to our next meeting’s agenda for discussion. He stated that this is certainly a Human Relations issue. In response, Rabbi Freehling stated that there are negotiations underway to hold a public forum that will discuss a state –wide proposition regarding this topic. Moreover, he asked Commissioner Steinberg to clarify if it is his intent to discuss the issue amongst Commissioners, or if there is any expectation that staff will bring advocates and adversaries of affirmative actions to a meeting to provide testimony before the Commissioners take action.

Commissioner Muskin asked why the Commission is discussing a national issue? Rabbi Freehling noted that it would become a state issue, if it appears on the ballot. Commissioner Steinberg added that either way a Supreme Court ruling goes; it will impact admission to schools in California.

The Commission can discuss the issue and take a stand on the matter. Commissioner Muskin questioned how the Commission can affect the matter and what role Commissioners can play? President Bradley said that the Commission cannot affect the issue until it is to appear on a ballot. Regarding Commissioner Steinberg’s suggestion, are we to put the matter on the next meeting’s agenda?

Rabbi Freehling suggested that, if there is a discussion and a consensus on the issue, the sentiments of the Board of Commissioner can affect to some extent the public discussion that will take place subsequent to the court’s decision and before California’s vote on this issue.

Commissioner Bartenetti explained that, at this point, every Director of Admissions at every college is going to look at how to address their institution’s concerns given the perameters of the decision. President Bradley said that the Commission can indirectly affect a change. Commissioner Steinberg gave the example of the Commission’s ability to affect the number of students applying to universities. Further, he stated that there are actions that the Commission can take by facilitating discussions to generate actions with respect to education. Commissioner Boorstin asked Rabbi Freehling if he would take a position or speak to the press on the issue once the court’s ruling is handed down. Rabbi Freehling stated that he would be doing that as an individual, unless the Commission takes a position and he needs to reflect on it. Furthermore, Rabbi Freehing asked the Commissioners if they will be discussing the issue on their own, or if they preferred to have experts speak at the subject?

Commissioners preferred having an expert discuss the matter. It was suggested that we have an Admission Director from one of the local universities come and give the Commission an idea of the impact of both sides of the argument. Rabbi Freehling indicated that an Admissions Director could come and present to the Commission the consequences of each side of the Supreme Court’s ruling. He asked if this is the format that the Commissioners are seeking. The Commissioners agreed that this would be most informative. Rabbi Freehling asked if the speaker should be scheduled for May or at June’s meeting.

The Commissioners agreed to put the matter on the agenda in June. Commissioner Steinberg suggested Winston Doby from the University of California be asked by him for a recommendation regarding a guest speaker on this. Commissioner Steinberg said that he would gladly contact him. The Commissioners agreed to meet on the first Thursday of every month for the balance of 2003, with the exception of July, when they will convene on the second Thursday of July, because of the Fourth of July holiday.

6. DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF ITEMS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

This item was tabled for the next meeting due to lack of a quorum

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment was given

8. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 am