Southeast Community Facility Commission - April 23, 2014 - Meeting Minutes
APPROVED MINUTES
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY FACILITY COMMISSION
Wednesday, April 23, 2014, 6:00 P.M.
1800 Oakdale Avenue, Alex Pitcher Community Room
San Francisco, CA 94124
- CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Karen Chung called the Wednesday, April 23, 2014 meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Ms. Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary read the Mission Statement and announced the Sunshine Ordinance rule at 6:06 p.m.
2.0 ROLL CALL AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUNSHINE AUDIO RECORDING POLICY
Ms. Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary called roll at 6:07 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Karen Chung/ LaVaughn K. King/ Bobbrie Brown/ Janine Greer/ Brigette R. LeBlanc / Al Norman/ Eddy Zheng
Staff Present: Toye Moses, Executive Director/ Francis Starr, Management Assistant/ Carla Vaughn, Commission Executive Secretary II/ John Roddy, Deputy City Attorney
- CONSENT CALENDAR
Ms. Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary read the Consent Calendar.
3.1 PROPOSED ACTION
Commissioner LaVaughn King moved to adopt the commission meeting minutes of Wednesday, April 9, 2014 as submitted.
Commissioner Bobbrie Brown provided the second for the motion.
The minutes of the April 9, 2014 meeting were adopted.
- PUBLIC COMMENT IS LIMITED TO 3 MINUTES
Ms. Yolanda Lewis, representative of BEE Coalition Urban Techies Initiative spoke regarding the purpose of the mitigation and provided the dictionary meaning as “the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.” Ms. Lewis’ comments continued as follows:
“The purpose of this center being built according to the language provided by the California State Resources Board is the construction of a commercial greenhouse and skills training center as a reasonable, necessary and appropriate means of mitigation of social and economic impacts associated with the proposed Southeast Plant expansion, and the cost therefore is grant eligible. Such proposed construction shall be certified to the EPA as a part of the eligible project subject to the following conditions:
That the City shall provide for the costs of continued operation and maintenance of the greenhouse and skills training center in its revenue program for its combined wastewater treatment system.” Ms. Lewis noted she had not seen a budget for the facility provided by the SFPUC or the City and she wanted to know why? Ms. Lewis stated an order by the Water Resource Board in 1981, “It was understood by all parties that any change in the mitigation measures would have to be approved by the State Board.” Ms. Lewis noted the community has not seen anything authorized by the State Board take effect. Ms. Lewis continued quoting the Board orders, ”The success of this mitigation effort depends on the full support of the City of San Francisco. While studies show that the new facilities will be self-supporting, we and the residents of the Bayview-Hunter’s Point community need some guarantee that the City will assure continued operation and maintenance of the greenhouse and skills training center.” In closing Ms. Lewis commented these were excuses and the community needed to see a budget that would support the activities of the facility. She requested that the Commission immediately begin to look at what the actual orders are.
Brandon Baines, (14 years old) member of BEE Coalition Urban Techies Initiative said, “We request that you review all of the documents that the justification for building this center was based on. This is important as it should be the basis for the agenda and your purpose as a Commissioner. The State of California Water Resource Board in 1981 stated that the complaints of the Bayview Hunters Point community had merit, yet the problems still exist in 2014. From 1981 to 2014 is 33 years. Today the community is still seeking jobs and vocational skills so that they can afford to live in San Francisco.
The community needs this Commission to ensure that the order issued by the State Water Resource Board is followed and that revenue is generated to support the meaningful operations of this facility. The State Resource Board ruled that revenue should be generated by the City to fund these costs in the same manner that revenues are generated for the other administrative and operational costs of the City’s wastewater treatment system.
Jordan Baines, (14 years old) member of BEE Coalition Urban Techies Initiative said, “Please begin to provide all of the information related to this commission and this facility online. The information currently posted on the commission website is incomplete. Please do not follow the same steps as we have seen historically supporting fake leaders and those who have no commitment to community or sell out the community. We want this Commission to focus on revitalization of the current community members. We want accountability and to eliminate funds being granted to those who continue in the legacy of continued lack of results and lack of accountability.”
Jalen Lewis, (14 years old) member of BEE Coalition Urban Techies Initiative said, “The Bayview Hunter’s Point community has become a representation of the living dead. The community has been for decades slowly poisoned by the toxins from the sewage plant and shipyard. Blacks have been removed from our communities in the name of mixed income housing or urban renewal. These are code names for removing the Blacks. We are always seeking possible job opportunities to escape the exodus from the community and poverty. We are fighting policies that put Blacks in prison at rates that make apartheid South Africa seem like a summer vacation. We want to make sure that the resources are used in the best interest of the community. We want to see a job fair that will lead to community members and not people from other communities gaining employment. Please do not fill the community with more false hopes.”
Javon Sturns, (14 years old) member of BEE Coalition Urban Techies Initiative said, “The community must be considered the key stakeholders in the decisions made by this Commission. This Commission’s work should be focused on the people who have historically been a part of the community, Blacks and people of color. This City is notorious for actions that promote oppression and segregation with code names like Annex which means designated for Blacks. The many press releases issued by the City highlighting continuing revitalization and new jobs should be followed by a subtitle ‘Except for Blacks and the underserved populations of Bayview Hunter’s Point’. Where is the revitalization that supports jobs, contracts and homeownership in the community? More important, where is the revitalization that prevents homelessness? The actions of this Commission must be focused on revitalization of the people who are in the community today. We are tired of watching rebuilding and revitalization take place in support of the new people that you want to move into the community. We are tired of watching others benefit from the blood, sweat and tears of many generations of members of our community whose children are being kicked out of the community.”
Mekhi Blackmon, (15 years old), member of BEE Coalition Urban Techies Initiative said, “The community would like to see this Commission take another look and reevaluate what has been planned for the changes at this facility. What we have seen so far does not appear to be connected to the original intent of this facility or lead to community benefits. We do not want to see a café built that will only benefit whomever it has been carved out or set aside for because we see no community benefit. We want to see a technology center built with a state of the art media center so that young people can begin to become familiar with technology. We want to grow up and have an opportunity to work in our country, the United States and this requires technology skills. We do not want to watch technology firms import employees from other countries. We want to be prepared for jobs in our own communities. We want this Commission to take an active role in listening to the needs and desires of the community. Please stop taking orders from those who do not represent the best interest of our community.
Chairperson Chung thanked each member of the public for their comments.
Dr. Espanola Jackson, community member offered an historical overview of the facility and stated the SFPUC has nothing to do with the programs offered at the facility.
- COMMUNICATION
Ms. Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary announced the following communication, correspondence and announcement files:
Press Release: Mayor Lee Highlights Three Years of Continuing Revitalization, New Jobs & $8.4 Million in New City Revenues on Central Market
Statement: Mayor Lee’s Statement on Reinstating Free Sunday Parking in San Francisco
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces Funding For Critical Elevator Modernization & Repairs at San Francisco Public Housing
Press Release: Mayor Lee and Board President Chiu Launch Ellis Act Housing Preference Program
Statement: Mayor Lee’s Statement on Golden State Warriors Arena in Mission Bay
Press Release: Mayor Lee & Tishman Speyer Announce Major San Francisco Expansion for LinkedIn
Save-The-Date: Sun Reporter 70th Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, June 7th
5.1 CORRESPONDENCE
Letter of invitation to Ken Nim, Economic and Workforce Development to provide information regarding employment/hiring in the Bayview community.
Letter of invitation to Ron Batiste, owner, Eagle Environmental Construction to provide information regarding services provided by his company and efforts to secure contracts.
Letter of invitation to Captain Robert Sullivan to provide information regarding racial profiling in the Bayview District.
- ANNOUNCEMENTS
-The next meeting of the Southeast Community Facility Commission will be Wednesday May 14, 2014.
-The 2014 Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, May 21st in the Alex Pitcher, Jr. Community Room.
-The 2014 Southeast Community Facility Commission Annual Health Fair will be held on Saturday, October 4th in the Alex Pitcher, Jr. Community Room from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Commissioner Eddy Zheng announced the 3rd Annual Bayview Youth Summit to be held on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the College Track office which is located between Jerrold and Kirkwood Streets.
Dr. Espanola Jackson, community member announced Earth Day in the Bayview.
- ADVISORY COMMITTEES REPORTS
Governance Ad-Hoc Committee, (Chair, Commissioner Karen Chung, Commission Member, Commissioner Brigette LeBlanc, Alternate, Commissioner LaVaughn King, Community Members, Alma Robinson, Siri Datta Khalsa, Greg Doxey)
No report.
Health, Housing and Public Safety Advisory Committee, (Chair, Commissioner LaVaughn King, Commission Member, Commissioner Janine Greer, Alternate, Commissioner Karen Chung, Community Members, Dan Goldman, Michele Davis, Veronica Shepard, Lyslynn LaCoste, Harrison Parker, Onika Shabazz
Commissioner LaVaughn King, Chair, Health, Housing and Public Safety Advisory Committee provided a summary of the committee meeting held on Monday, April 14th. The 7th Annual Health Fair will be held on Saturday, October 4th in the Alex Pitcher Jr., community room from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Kaiser Permanente is interested in supporting this year’s Health Fair and will provide a healthy cooking demonstration. Three demonstrations provided will reflect Asian, Latino and African-American culture. For the full report please contact the Commission Secretary. You are invited to attend the next committee meeting scheduled for Monday, May 12th.
Economic Development Advisory Committee, (Chair, (Vacant), Commission Member, Commissioner Eddy Zheng, Alternate, Commissioner Karen Chung, Community Members, Dan Goldman, Tempe Priestly, Lyslynn LaCoste, ShamannWalton)
Commissioner Al Norman, Chair of the Committee provided a brief report from the Tuesday, April 22nd meeting. Currently the committee is focused on the upcoming Job/Career Fair scheduled for May 21st. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6.
Toye Moses, Executive Director, thanked Chairperson Chung for her financial contribution to the Job Fair.
Facility Advisory Committee, (Chair, Commissioner Brigette R. LeBlanc, Commission Member, (Vacant), Alternate, Commissioner Bobbrie Brown, Community Members, Steve Good, Siri Datta Khalsa, Robert Woods)
No report.
Outreach and Diversity Advisory Committee, (Chair, Commissioner Eddy Zheng, Commission Member, Commissioner LaVaughn King, Alternate, Commissioner Bobbrie Brown, Community Members, Lance Burton, Gina Fromer, Barbara Ockel, Pastor Carl Alexander)
Commissioner Eddy Zheng announced the next committee meeting would be held on Thursday, May 8th and he invited every to attend and participate.
8.0 PRESENTER
Chairperson Karen Chung welcomed Mr. Torrance Bynum, Dean, City College of San Francisco, Southeast and Evans Campuses.
Dean Bynum thanked the Commissioners for the opportunity to address the Commission and announced the beginning of a Student Ambassador Program where he will mentor 5 male students who are currently enrolled in City College. He introduced Jeremiah, his intern who grew up in the Alice Griffith Projects and now he has an opportunity to attend Yale, Princeton, Columbia or the University of Nevada. He noted the Southeast campus was the only campus that did not have a Student Ambassador Program so he is very pleased to have received funding for the program.
Accredited classes are now being offered in the San Bruno County Jail which Dean Bynum advocated for.
Dean Bynum offered a brief history on how the programs that are offered at the Southeast Campus were chosen. Data provided from the City College Office of Instructions has given feedback on what programs should be offered to the community. There are four areas of programming that we feel will benefit the community. The programs that will be offered beginning the summer of 2014 are Administration of Justice, Child Development, Health Education and Nursing. These programs will benefit the community and allow them to receive employment, transfer to a four year institution, receive an AA or AS degree, or receive a certificate. All transferable general education classes will now be available at the Southeast Campus.
37% of the students that attend college credit classes at the Southeast Campus are not from this community. The focus is now on attracting the community to the courses at the campus by enhancing student services. Currently we are the only center in the district that does not have a financial aid counselor or new student counselors to help students design their educational plan. Currently there is no matriculation process at this campus so the testing that is needed to help determine what classes a student needs is not available.
The Southeast Campus will be relocating to the Evans Campus temporarily during the redesigning of the building.
Chairperson Chung thanked Dean Bynum for his presentation and opened the floor to the Commissioners for questions.
Commissioner Zheng had a question regarding the Second Chance program that is offered at the Ocean Campus and wanted to know if similar programs would be offered at Southeast.
Dean Bynum responded the Second Chance program was available throughout the district and 75% of those enrolled in the program are from this district, however the program is not available at the Southeast Campus.
Commissioner Zheng said more outreach is needed.
Dean Bynum said enrollment has been a challenge because the courses have not been offered that are of interest to the community. Information is being provided to the community through an enrollment campaign and when classes are offered that will benefit the community and lead to employment the community will show more interest.
Commissioner Zheng congratulated Dean Bynum on the Student Ambassador Program.
There was more discussion regarding programming with Commissioner Greer and she asked if the Commission could assist in any way.
Dean Bynum said word of mouth was the best way to advocate for the college and let the community know the college is available to address their educational needs.
Commissioner Zheng said outreach was still the number one focus that is needed.
Dean Bynum suggested contacting Peter Annings, Director of the City College Public Relations Department to find out how to support the college and let the community know what classes are available.
Commissioner Zheng commented regarding the computer classes offered by City College and said outreach again is important.
Commissioner King offered statements of support.
Ms. Onika Shabazz, community member and alumni of Columbia University addressed Jeremiah of the Student Ambassador Program and recommended Columbia University as well as recommending that the school provide a space for peer services.
Dean Bynum responded that an area had been set aside for peer services.
Dr. Espanola Jackson, community leader provided a brief history of the college and commented regarding the need for a budget. She requested a budget be provided.
Sam Murray, SFPUC Interim Facility Manager/Community Outreach Liaison, reminded those present of the Disabilities Student Program which provides help for students diagnosed with disabilities.
Commissioner Greer stated she was a graduate of City College and she discussed the benefits of the learning community.
In closing Dean Bynum said there were a lot of ideas and the College wanted to do more for the community. He said Dr. Tyler, Chancellor City College was aware of the challenges that would be faced during the move to the Evans Campus however he wanted to assure the community the College would be returning to the Southeast Campus.
9.0 CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
Chairperson Chung thanked Dean Bynum for the presentation and welcomed back Commissioner Norman who had recently been reinstated as Commissioner at the end of his previous term. She announced her reappointment of Commissioner Norman as the Chair of the SECFC Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Chairperson Chung reminded the Commissioners the 2014 Job Fair will be held on May 21st and she encouraged everyone to attend.
10.0 STAFF/DIRECTOR REPORT
Executive Director Toye Moses welcomed Commissioner Norman and said plans were moving forward with the 2014 Job Fair. He asked Francis Starr to provide an update on the upcoming Retreat.
Francis Starr, Management Assistant said June 19th is the date of the Retreat which will be held here at 1800 Oakdale. He reported the project to update the portraits of the Commissioners is moving forward.
Commissioner LeBlanc asked if the Commissioners would be given an opportunity to address the Retreat agenda and stated she appreciated the fact that the Retreat would be held at 1800 Oakdale on a weekday.
Dr. Espanola Jackson commented regarding the plan to have the Retreat on June 19th which is recognized as “Juneteenth” in the community.
10.1 SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT & GENERAL UPDATE
Sam Murray, SFPUC Interim Facility Manager/Community Outreach Liaison, reported cards were now available for Commissioners to enter the parking gate and after receiving their signatures they would be available for their use. In closing Mr. Murray advised updates would be provided on an on-going basis regarding the building improvements.
- ON-GOING BUSINESS
Chairperson Chung opened discussion regarding finalization of June 19th as the date of the 2014 Retreat as well as the location at 1800 Oakdale Avenue, in the Alex Pitcher, Jr. Community Room.
The discussion continued with comments from Director Toye Moses regarding the participation of staff.
Dr. Espanola Jackson said one day was not enough time to provide the Commissioners with all of the information they needed to guide the community. She also had comments regarding items on the Retreat agenda.
Director Toye Moses advised the Commissioners would be contacted by the Retreat facilitators and encouraged them to provide input for the agenda.
Commissioner LeBlanc said there should be a follow-up after the Retreat.
Director Toye Moses suggested the Commissioners mention their desire for a follow-up to the facilitators.
- NEW BUSINESS REQUESTS
Commissioner LaVaughn King requested forwarding a letter of invitation to Dr. Barbara Garcia, Executive Director, and Commissioner Belle Taylor-McGhee, Department of Public Health Commission to provide an update on the healthcare disparities in the Bayview community.
Commissioner Brigette LeBlanc requested forwarding a letter of invitation to Ms. Barbara Smith, Interim Director of the SF Housing Commission regarding the housing issues facing the Bayview community.
There were more comments from Dr. Espanola Jackson, Commissioner Eddy Zheng, Commissioner LeBlanc and Chairperson Chung.
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary said the requested letters would be provided.
Commissioner Janine Greer requested copies of an operational budget for the Commission.
Director Toye Moses said it would be provided.
- PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
- ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Karen Chung adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________________
Carla Vaughn, Commission Executive Secretary II
Southeast Community Facility Commission
