HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - April 25, 2006 - HRC .NW
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Azusa Human Relations Commission
Minutes from April 25, 2006 Meeting
I. Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m. Minutes taken by Diana Williams
II. Commissioners in attendance: Diana Williams, Heath Burke Hamilton,Nancy
Gibson, Paul Naccachian (Chair), Marti Villanueva, Ilean A, Ochoa, Christina
Valdez. Absent: Logan Westbrooks and Terry Franson
Gustavo Guerra Vasquez, LA County Human Relations Commission was in
attendance.
III. Public Comment - There were no public comments
IV. Scheduled Items
1) Youth Conference—See item 3 below
2) Addressing youth and tolerance within School district—Lalisa Morgan,Azusa
resident, discussed racial issues involving her two boys that attend Hodge
Elementary and Slauson Middle School. As a result of these issues and others
that have been ongoing, she read a list of suggestions for the HRC. This
included ideas to further the awareness in the community of the HRC's
mission and how we might help others with similar issues.
• Discussed and recommended a survey to determine who are the members
that work and live in the community.
• HRC website is not updated, nor does it include the Hotline number.
• Suggested using flyers and outreach to inform community of HRC's
existence to schools and the general community. (Lalisa said she would
send the commission her notes)
• Make HRC's presence known at Back to School Nights, Community
Meetings, etc.
• Suggested a model UN Conference starting at the 4th grade level where
each student represents a country to encourage discussion and awareness
of the diversity of cultures.
• Lalisa asked if our police officers are trained in"cultural competency".
• Can the HRC offer brochures at the City Library and City Hall?
After Lalisa's presentation Commissioners provided feedback. Paul
Naccachian (Chairperson) commented on the efforts HRC is making to
address the concerns and encouraged her involvement and volunteerism.
Diana Williams discussed the issues pertaining to the website and agreed it
needed to be updated. Ilean Ochoa discussed AUSD policy, zero tolerance in
place and availability of statistics that would provide a good idea on what the
breakdown of race is in the city.
Ilean also gave Lalisa the name of the person to contact to further her goal in
obtaining statistical information. Gustavo Vasquez discussed the American
Community Survey/Census that would also provide an update on
demographic breakdown and statistics.
3) Paul did the"HRC Mission, Events and Recent Accomplishments"
Presentation review from the HRC/City Council Special Meeting of April 24,
2006 . There was a unanimous agreement by Commissioners that it was an
excellent presentation. Paul discussed the upcoming Youth Conference and
the AUSD School Board/HRC Study Session and encouraged Commissioner
attendance and support. Meeting will occur on May 2, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
4) Student Recognition Dinner(for all students who participated in the art project
of MLK/Hands Across Azusa '06)will occur on Thursday, May 25 at 6:30
p.m. at Faith Temple (Commissioner Westbrook's church) located at 6th
Street and Cerritos. Paul discussed the agenda for that day and asked for
support from Commissioners to set up and help with the event
5) Marti Villanueva will arrange for the students to receive an invitation and a
certificate from the City Council for their participation in Hands Across Azusa.
Teachers and one parent/guardian per student will also be invited to attend.
V. Adjournment - Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Next meeting will occur on
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 7:00 p.m., Azusa Light& Water Department, 1st floor
Conference room.